Three-dimensional inversion of magnetotelluric data for mineral exploration: An example from the McArthur River uranium deposit, Saskatchewan, Canada

Abstract

Shallow exploration targets are becoming scarce, meaning interest is turning towards deeper targets. The magnetotelluric method has the necessary depth capability, unlike many of the controlled-source electromagnetic prospecting techniques traditionally used. The geological setting of ore deposits is usually complex, requiring three-dimensional Earth models for their representation. An example of the applicability of three-dimensional inversion of magnetotelluric data to mineral exploration is presented here. Inversions of an audio-magnetotelluric data-set from the McArthur River uranium mine in the Athabasca Basin were carried out. A sub-set comprising data from eleven frequencies distributed over almost three decades was inverted. The form of the data used in the inversion was impedance. All four elements of the tensor were included. No decompositions of the data were done, nor rotation to a preferred strike direction, nor correction for static shifts. The inversions were successful: the observations were adequately reproduced and the main features in the conductivity model corresponded to known geological features. These included the graphitic basement fault along which the McArthur River uranium deposit is located.