Application of ground-penetrating radar in placer mining: a case study from Guyana's Potaro region

Csaba Ekes; Adrian Hickin; Paul Matysek; Eric Kinnan

doi:10.1117/12.462277

12 April 2002 Application of ground-penetrating radar in placer mining: a case study from Guyana's Potaro region

Csaba Ekes, Adrian Hickin, Paul Matysek, Eric Kinnan

Proceedings Volume 4758, Ninth International Conference on Ground Penetrating Radar; (2002) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.462277
Event: Ninth International Conference on Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR2002), 2002, Santa Barbara, CA, United States

Abstract

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) was used to map the threedimensional extent and large-scale architecture of diamond and gold bearing fluvial deposits in the Potaro region of Guyana. The 100 MHz antennas achieved over 30-meter depth penetration and provided continuous, high-resolution, subsurface data. Eight radar facies were identified and used to interpret the GPR data. Bedrock surface and the bedrock-fluvial sediment interface were clearly recognized on most radar profiles. Analysis of over seven kilometers of continuous GPR data allowed the reconstruction of the 3D extent of the buried. diamond-bearing, palaeochannel, as well as that of the overburden. GPR data proved vital for cutting down exploration costs, speeding up exploration and putting the property into operation. The 3D model was used for estimating resource potential, overburden volume and for designing the layout and operation of the mine.

Citation Download Citation

Csaba Ekes, Adrian Hickin, Paul Matysek, and Eric Kinnan "Application of ground-penetrating radar in placer mining: a case study from Guyana's Potaro region", Proc. SPIE 4758, Ninth International Conference on Ground Penetrating Radar, (12 April 2002); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.462277

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