Exploration Services
Exploration of Primary Mineral Deposits
We specialize in geoelectrical methods for the mining industry. For over 20 years, we have been applying Induced Polarization/Resistivity — a powerful dual-method used to investigate the subsurface for economically significant mineral deposits of primary origin.
Induced Polarization (IP) detects subsurface ore bodies by measuring chargeability — the delayed voltage response after current injection. Sulfide-rich zones show high chargeability. Combined with resistivity, IP locates mineralized areas and supports modeling of primary ore deposits.
Ore-bearing formations, including intrusions, metamorphic zones, and volcanic structures, can be directly identified due to their high IP response.
IP defines magnetic Anomaly in 3D: Estimation of lead-rich Ore Deposit
Sonic Drilling-Based Verification and Sampling of Lead Ore Deposit (above), BC 2012
In addition to the indications from Magnetic/IP measurements, the Resistivity profile (below) also provides correlative data on the hypothetical ore zone. This means the electrical data support the IP model analysis, often offering valuable additional insights: Resistivity not only reveals details about the ore-bearing rock itself, but also highlights the surrounding zones, where the host rock may exhibit varying degrees of metamorphic or hydrothermal alteration.
IP provides clear Localization of Ore Zone;
Resistivity delivers weaker but still useful indicative Data.
Resistivity Image highlighting Rock Feature
The Resistivity profile, which supports the interpretation of the IP model, provides useful indications for identifying correlating structures of primary deposits – such as faults, joints, fractures, and cavities.
Measuring dikes and sills using only Resistivity is challenging, but achievable.
Example: Barite (BaSOâ‚„), which is commonly associated with vein-type mineralization, is electrically resistive (non-conductive) and can therefore be distinguished from certain sedimentary and metamorphic host rocks.
Resistivity-Indicated Ores
​Resistivity measurements enable the imaging of sufficiently large-scale intrusive systems, depending on their mineral composition. Finer vein structures, including dikes and sills, can be identified through optimized software processing in correlation with local petrological observations.
​