3-D technology tested in Sudbury

The first 3-dimensional (3-D) seismic experiment for mineral exploration in North America is about to get under way in the Sudbury Basin of Ontario.

The program follows recent studies under the Industrial Partners Program of the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC), which demonstrated that 3-D seismic imaging — a technique similar to medical ultrasound imaging and originally developed for hydrocarbon exploration in sedimentary basins — can be adapted to the hard-rock environment of the Canadian Shield.

A research consortium, consisting of the GSC, Inco Exploration & Technical Services and Falconbridge, will evaluate the use of the technology for deep mineral exploration in the Sudbury Basin.

Under the Lithoprobe program, Canadian researchers from industry and government conducted a series of high-resolution seismic surveys across the Basin in 1990.

In the process, an extensive database of geological mapping information, deep drill holes and core samples was assembled. The surveys were followed by 3-D forward modelling studies that addressed the technological challenges of detecting and delineating ore in a complex geological setting at depths of 1 to 3 km.

Using this information base, the concept of deep-probing, high-resolution, 3-D seismic exploration technology will leave the drawing board and be applied to an area of about 15-20 sq. km in the Sudbury Basin If successful, this project could lead to improved exploration methods in existing base metal mining camps in Canada, resulting in prolonged life for mines in these areas.