The detection anf mapping of kaolinitic clay by ground probing radar in the cornish granites of southwest England

The objective of this study was to assess the potential applications of the Ground Probing Radar (GPR) technique to the china clay industry, chiefly through the property of distinguishing variation in degree of argillisation. China clay deposits principally occur in strongly argillised areas of granitic outcrop, where the granite has been totally replaced by kaolinite. The local variations in intensity of kaolinisation of a potential china clay deposit determine the planning, costing and execution of extraction operations. The most intensely kaolinised, highest grade deposits are very soft, and are able to be extracted by ripping and bulldozing, whereas lower grade, harder material is more efficiently mined by drilling and blasting.