1887

Abstract

Summary

Recent advancements in seismic technologies such as full-waveform inversion (FWI), least-squares Kirchhoff pre-stack depth migration (LS-KirPSDM), and reverse time migration (RTM) hold immense potential for mineral exploration but remain underutilized. These techniques were applied to sparse 3D seismic data from the Oak Dam IOCG deposit in South Australia, delivering transformative insights. The 30Hz FWI model effectively highlighted a regional fault in the cover sequence, aligning with electromagnetic inversion data, while also identifying a low-velocity zone corresponding to the target deposit. This finding was later validated through drilling, demonstrating the accuracy of the FWI model. Furthermore, RTM and LS-KirPSDM provided a significantly enhanced image of the Hardy Hill Fault (HHF), enabling a refined geological model and guiding optimized drilling strategies. Given the deposit’s location beneath 700 meters of cover, the use of these advanced seismic methods presented a cost-effective alternative to extensive drilling while yielding equivalent insights.

© EAGE Publications BV
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/content/papers/10.3997/2214-4609.202510786
2025-06-02
2026-04-21

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References

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Derisking Copper Exploration at Oak Dam IOCG with Advanced Seismic Imaging
Conference Proceedings 2025, 1 (2025); https://doi.org/10.3997/2214-4609.202510786
/content/papers/10.3997/2214-4609.202510786
/content/papers/10.3997/2214-4609.202510786
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