Passive Seismic Imaging for Mineral Exploration

Abstract

Ambient noise tomography is a new method that does not require an active source to image the subsurface. As a result the method is a low-cost, environmentally friendly technique that can be used to explore mineral deposits. Recent developments in compact autonomous seismic recording stations allow for continuous recording of seismic data for months at a time at low cost, further increasing the attractiveness of the method. In this presentation we show results from a recent experiment where 200 seismic stations were places adjacent to an active mine in order to image the subsurface. By using ambient noise tomography, body-wave travel time and reflection tomography, we were able to create high-resolution images of the subsurface. This in turn could significantly reduce the amount of drilling that is needed in the area to probe potential ore localising structures. The results of the experiment indicate that passive seismic methods are well suited to mineral exploration.