Applications of GPR in mineral resource evaluations

Abstract

Since the commercialisation of ground penetrating radar (GPR) in the 1970s, radar technology has been employed for niche applications in the mining industry. Although reliant on electrically resistive environments, GPR has gained acceptance in recent years as a standard exploration method for a number of deposit types, ranging from paleochannel delineation to iron ore mapping and kimberlite imaging. Numerous case studies have been published on GPR's applications to specific mineral exploration projects. Provided herein is an overview of commercialised GPR applications for surface mineral resource evaluations, covering examples of alluvial channels, nickel and bauxitic laterites, iron ore deposits, mineral sands, coal, kimberlite and massive sulphide examples.