Frequency Domain Electrical Methods for Searching Resources of Non-Ferrous Metals in China.

Abstract

China is rich in resources of non-ferrous metals. For the sake of exploring these resources, a whole set of geological exploration methods has been developed. This paper mainly discusses the electrical methods and their applications.Dual-frequency induced polarization methods, a special technique of geoelectro-chemistry invented by the author, has been widely applied in directly searching for non-ferrous metals. A great deal of are deposits, including copper, silver, gold, lead, zinc, molybdenum, uranium and manganese, have been found.This technique surely has a bright future if the non-linear phenomenon of induced polarization can be adopted in distinguishing between sulfide and graphite. For the purpose of raising the sensitivity and accuracy, a special frequency domain method has been invented.Electromagnetic sounding methods can be used to generate 3-D geoelectrical maps. The controlled source audio-frequency magnetotellurics (CSAMT) method has commonly been used because of deep penetration and excellent cost efficiency. Based on these maps, the distribution of rocks and structures can bedetermined, this significantly improving the predicted location of mineral deposits.