MINING RESEARCH

The targets for geophysical surveying were determined based on the information obtained through topographic and geostructural analysis. Due to mining problems, the geophysical methods mostly  used are borehole logging, seismic reflection surveying, microseismic monitoring, electromagnetic imaging, and electrical surveys. These allow the production of detailed maps of the subsurface geology and to infer the geotechnical properties of the subsurface. Mining  requires high calibre geotechnical information so that the response of the ground to mine can be predicted and controlled. Areas of active research interest include 3D seismic reflection surveying, inversion of seismic reflection results, analysis of geophysical borehole logs to provide geological and geotechnical models, borehole radar surveying in support of reef mining in hard rock environments, data fusion, geological sensing in support of mine automation and regional scale 3D modelling of the ground response to mine. Other important methods used in the geophysical surveying for small scale were those of resistivity and induced polarization. These methods and techniques were chosen based on relatively low cost, ease and speed of mobilization and application, good response to low depths, and efficiency to individualize ore layers.