3D Inversion and Interpretation of the Induced Polarization Survey Data Collected over a Mineral Deposit Using GEMTIP Mo

Abstract

In this paper we develop a method for comprehensive interpretation of the induced polarization (IP) survey data. The method integrates an advanced technique of 3D inversion of the IP survey data with no linear approximation, based on the generalized effective-medium theory of IP (GEMTIP), and petrophysical and mineralogical analyses of rock samples collected in the same survey area. The 3D inversion method solves a non-linear problem for all GEMTIP model parameters simultaneously. The inversion results provide the basis for delineation of the target mineralized zone using petrophysical and mineralogical analyses of rock samples, and the assay data analysis. The developed method was applied to the interpretation of the mineral exploration data, consisted of the IP surveys and exploration drilling, acquired in Mongolia. This case study demonstrated that the developed method could properly evaluate the target mineralized zones in the survey area, based on integrating the rigorous 3D inversion of the field IP data with petrophysical and mineralogical analyses of rock samples.