Identifying Prospective Zones of Mica Mineralization (& associated Quartz & Felspar) using 2D Electrical Resistivity Imaging technique near Sydapuram, Andhra Pradesh
Country:India Region: Nellore, Andhra Pradesh Period: 2017 Commodity: Mica with Quartz & Felspar.
The geophysical investigation was conducted using 2D Electrical Resistivity Imaging in an attempt to delineate zones in sub-surface that may yield resources for Mica mineralization along with quartz & felspar in the pegmatite body within a 33-hectare Mining Lease. Scope of work included,
- 2D Electrical Imaging survey in predetermined 08 alignments for a cumulative of 1.8 LKM targeting a depth of 120 m at 05 m electrode spacing.
- Processing & Interpretation of acquired data in 2D sections to identify disposition of the mineral bearing pegmatite body.
- Prepare a plan showing probable extensions of mineralized zones in the sub-surface & recommend the position for verification drilling.
Several high resistivity zones could be identified in many of the 2D section based on resistivity contrast between the mineralized & host rock zones. Possible pockets of mica mineralization could be suggested within the high resistivity zones. The study also highlighted presence of structural dislocations that may have resulted from regional tectonic effect resulting in discontinuation of the pegmatite bodies present in the area. This holds significance in understanding geological limitations of available resources in the area.
Identifying Prospective Zones of Quartz Mineralization using 2D Electrical Resistivity Imaging technique near Siddavaram, Andhra Pradesh
Country:India Region: Prakasam District Period: 2019 Commodity: Quartz
The program was undertaken in a 12.5-hectare area that is marked with random exposures of quartz across extent of the area. Taking cue of the regional trends, 2D ERI investigation was planned across know observed trend of mineralization. The program entailed the following,
- 2D Electrical Resistivity Imaging survey aimed at delineating potential quartz from the host based on resistivity contrast to a depth of about 40 m.
- Data Processing of field acquired data to generate 2D Resistivity sections depicting geo-electrical behaviour of sub-material & identify the potential mineralization zones.
- Recommend a bore hole plan to evaluate the resources physically such that the mineral presence & its physio-chemical properties could be assessed.
Data acquisition was done using IGIS resistivity meter dissipating 80 W of power, in a multi-electrode setup. A total of 1250 m of survey was undertaken across 04 2D ERI profile lines. The results indicated presence of high resistivity zones in contrast to the host gneissic rock, thus indicating potential enclaves. Based on the comprehensive assessment of the resistivity zones in the 2D section, a plan has been generated indicating the trend of potential mineralization and a drill hole plan has been recommended to assess presence of mineral & estimate resources.
Geo-scientific assessment of tentative Pegmatite (Quartz & Felspar) Resources in a Mining Lease area near Nellore, Andhra Pradesh
Country:India Region: Nellore, Andhra Pradesh Period: 2019 Commodity: Quartz & Felspar.
The work involved initial assessment of pegmatite deposit dimension in sub-surface based on planned 2D Electrical Resistivity Imaging across the known trends of mineralization in a 83 hectare lease area, subsequently to be evaluated by verification drilling. The program entailed,
- 2D Electrical Resistivity Imaging survey aimed at delineating the potential pegmatitic body from the host Peninsular Gneissic Complex based on resistivity contrast to a depth of about 50 m below surface.
- Data Processing of field acquired data to generate 2D Resistivity sections depicting geo-electrical behaviour of sub-material.
- A bore hole plan to verify physical nature of the material vis-à-vis interpretation of the 2D ERI sections.
Data acquisition was done using FlashRES UNIVERSAL 96 Full Channel Resistivity/IP data acquisition system in a multi-electrode setup. A total of 2000 m of survey was undertaken across 05 2D ERI profiles. The results indicated presence of high resistivity zones in the 2D sections in varied dimensions demarcated by observing resistivity contrast between host & the mineral. The study also revealed absence of mineralized zone in a few portions of the lease area; based on comprehensive understanding of potential mineralized area in a plan, a drill hole plan has been recommended to assess presence of mineral & estimate resources.
Due diligence investigation for High Purity Quartz (HPQ) & associated REE Deposits
Country: Sri Lanka Region: Indian sub-continent Period: 2019 Commodity: HPQ & REE
The Permit holding HPQ & REE is located in the Highlands of Sri Lanka in a Paleoproterozoic high grade metamorphism granulitic terrain referred as the Highland Complex. Four sites within a permit area of 33 km2 has been investigated. The project has passed through initial phase of exploration with pitting/trenching & diamond core drilling.
Mineralization of HPQ is restricted to the quartz intrusive bodies occurring as four lobes in the topography within about 1 sq. km. area. REE occurrence in close proximity to the quartz intrusive are evident on surface with presence of Samarskite-Y in floats & pockets.
The exploration program undertaken in the concession is found inadequate & lack standard compliances, although on-site investigation indicates a possible deposit that needs to be evaluated with further investigation. These studies may include geophysical survey, grid based shallow surface investigation, topographic survey etc. should be conducted as per international best practices. Strategic exploration with a planned drilling program should follow to arrive at a tangible resource evaluation & economics. The recommendations are appropriately appraised to the investors.
