3D seismic interferometry: towards the development of a new tool for mineral exploration near an active mine

Summary A test survey to evaluate the suitability of interferometry for mineral exploration was completed in March of 2013. The survey was conducted at an active mine site and where the results can be directly compared to traditional active source seismic reflection data. Receivers (only) were deployed in the test survey at 336 locations along a grid covering one quadrant of the active source survey. Virtual shot gathers have been created at every receiver location. A few of the virtual gathers can be compared against a shot gather from the active source survey. There are differences, but there are similarities. The virtual shot gathers have been processed in two dimensions along a single line and are compared against the 3D active source results extracted along the same line used for the interferometry. Processed 3D cubes from the two surveys will be compared. There are differences in the two results requiring further study however these preliminary results (including the identification of a signature related to the sulphides) indicate the technique is promising and may be a new tool in the arsenal of exploration methods for mineral exploration.