Borehole Gravity

Applications in Mineral Exploration

Gravilog^® is a powerful diagnostic tool that complements our electromagnetic and induced polarization borehole exploration services. Any electromagnetic in-hole or off-hole anomaly can be tested to determine if there is a corresponding volume of high density material. Prudent use of borehole gravity saves money and time.

• Reduces exploration costs by optimizing drilling programs.
• Identifies anomalous excess mass: Massive sulphides, chromite ore, iron ore, stockworks, barite deposits, etc.
• Identifies anomalous mass deficit: Coal, lignite, salt deposits, placer, karst, etc.
• Screens for conductors with anomalous mass (e.g., graphite vs. sulphide).
• Reveals where geophysical anomalies are not coincident with a significant excess mass but may correspond to alteration, shear or fault zones.
• Estimates tonnage of VMS conductors independent of their shape.
• Determines bulk density of formations.
• Introduces constraints to improve the 2D/3D inversion and interpretation of ground gravity surveys.

Abitibi Geophysics is the only company authorized by Scintrex to offer Gravilog^® borehole gravity services to the mining industry in North America. Abitibi Geophysics has extensive experience using Scintrex gravity meters and is trained to operate the Gravilog^® Slim-hole Gravity System.

References

• Gravilog^®, the slim-hole gravity sensor developed by Scintrex Limited has been field tested and documented in a paper entitled "Results from the Initial Field Trials of a Borehole Gravity Meter for Mining and Geotechnical Applications" by H.O. Seigel, C.J.M Nind, A. Milanovic, J. MacQueen.
• The Gravilog^® system was field tested in 2009 for two of the four development sponsors: Vale and AREVA Resources Canada Inc.
• The Vale test was conducted during the winter in Norman Township near Sudbury and the AREVA test was conducted in Shea Creek, Saskatchewan.
• Subsequent surveys have been conducted in the United States and Canada.

Supplied Products

• Profiles of the Free Air & Bouguer anomalies
• Bulk density log

Visit our Case Study Tool to get a sense of the power of GRAVITY.