1887
Volume 56, Issue 6
  • ISSN: 0812-3985
  • E-ISSN: 1834-7533

Abstract

Abstract

Spectral induced polarisation (SIP) is a valuable geophysical technique for exploring sulfide-bearing metallurgical deposits. Effective application of SIP in mineral exploration requires an understanding of the relationship between SIP parameters – such as chargeability and critical frequency – and sulfide mineral type, content, and particle size. In this study, SIP measurements were performed on artificial samples comprising crushed chalcopyrite, pyrite, and galena mixed with glass beads, as well as on 175 natural rock samples collected from a skarn deposit in Korea. The results demonstrated strong correlations between the chargeability, critical frequency, and sulfide mineral characteristics. The ore-bearing samples exhibited a higher chargeability than the surrounding host rocks, confirming the effectiveness of SIP in identifying sulfide-rich zones. Additionally, large sulfide mineral particles exhibited low critical frequencies, whereas smaller particles exhibited high critical frequencies owing to their increased surface area and enhanced electrochemical interactions. The SIP responses of mixed sulfide mineral samples approximated the average responses of individual mineral components, indicating that SIP anomalies in natural ore deposits reflect the combined effects of multiple sulfide minerals rather than a single dominant phase. Furthermore, SIP results effectively distinguished ore-bearing formations from the surrounding intrusive rocks, enabling more accurate delineation of the mineralised zones. These findings highlight the potential of SIP measurements to optimise mineral exploration strategies, particularly for sulfide-bearing ore deposits.

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2026-02-11

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Spectral induced polarisation (SIP) response characteristics of sulfide minerals: implications for subsurface mineral exploration
Exploration Geophysics 56, 48 (2025); https://doi.org/10.63929/08123985.2025.56.10
/content/journals/10.63929/08123985.2025.56.10
/content/journals/10.63929/08123985.2025.56.10
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  • Article Type: Research Article
Keyword(s): induced polarisation; phase; spectral

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