Integration of Electrical Resistivity Tomography and Induced Polarization for Characterization and Mapping of (Pb-Zn-Ag) Sulfide Deposits

Abstract

The accurate characterization and mapping of low-grade ore deposits necessitate the utilization of a robust exploration technique. Induced polarization (IP) tomography is a powerful geophysical method for mineral exploration. An integrated survey using electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and IP was employed in this study to characterize and map (Zn-Pb-Ag) ore deposits in NE New Brunswick, Canada. The survey encompassed twelve parallel lines across the study area. The 2D and 3D inversion of the results provided a detailed image of the resistivity and chargeability ranges of subsurface formations. The boundaries of sulfide mineralization were determined based on resistivity values of (700–2000 Ohm.m) and chargeability values of (3.5 mV/V) and were found to be located at an approximate depth of 80–150 m from the surface. The findings were validated through a comparison with data from borehole logs and mineralogy data analysis. The size and shape of sulfide deposits were successfully characterized and mapped in the study area using this cost-effective mapping approach.