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New Insights into the Structurally Complex Deep-Seated Gold Deposit from Cost-Effective Reflection Seismic Surveys
- Publisher: European Association of Geoscientists & Engineers
- Source: Conference Proceedings, NSG 2025: 6th Conference on Geophysics for Mineral Exploration and Mining, Sep 2025, Volume 2025, p.1 - 5
Abstract
Summary
High-resolution 2D reflection seismic surveys were conducted in October 2023 at the gold mine site in South Africa to enable informed decisions and planning of the mine development. The purpose of the surveys was to delineate the gold deposit (termed Kimberly Reef) and image complex geological structures, such as faults and dykes, that could jeopardize mine operations and complicate ore extraction. In total, 63 km of high-fold and high-resolution 2D profiles were acquired using a cost-effective nodal recording system for deep and shallow subsurface imaging. The recording comprised one vibrating broadband (4–150 Hz) source spaced at 10–20 m and a combination of nodal recorders connected to 5 Hz and 10 Hz one-component (1C) geophones spaced at 10 m. The final seismic data provide insight into the structural architecture of the orebody at depths greater than 500 m below the ground surface, yielding a better understanding of the interrelationship between fault activity and reef distribution. Several faults are delineated as multi-fault segments that bound unmined blocks, leading to the delineation of additional resources in faulted areas of the mine. The results provide crucial information to assist further decisions and actions related to future mine operations at the mine site.
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