Magnetic Induced Polarization - Using New Technology For Greater Detection Capability Of Deep And Elusive Mineralization

The Magnetic Induced Polarization (MIP) method uses the measurement of magnetic fields to directly detect internal and external current flow from IP-generating targets, rather than the resultant surface currents as with conventional Electric Induced Polarization (EIP). Magnetometric Resistivity (MMR) measures the magnetic field produced by galvanic current flow to detect horizontal variations in resistivity. MIP/MMR is insensitive to horizontal layering, and is especially suitable for regions with highly conductive cover where EIP and resistivity responses are sharply attenuated. Magnetic fields easily propagate through such conditions; therefore MIP/MMR is minimally impacted by conductive cover. The other major advantage of MIP/MMR, over traditional electrical IP and resistivity, is that it completely eliminates the need for measurement electrodes. Hence, it is effective in difficult ground contact conditions such as dry sandy soils, frozen ground, and rocky scree slopes. For inversion purposes, MIP has an additional benefit that magnetic fields can be measured in all three axes simultaneously, which provides significantly more information about target position and attitude. By using SQUID technology and remote referencing, we are able to improve the data quality and extract useful three component MIP and MMR data. We present a number of field trials using both frequency and time domain methods to analyze the MIP and MMR responses from porphyry copper, and unconformity uranium ore bodies.