AngloGold Ashanti – 3D Seismic Enables Cost Effective Drilling
Background
AngloGold Ashanti wanted to accelerate exploration down dip in a highly endowed region of the Fraser Range in Western Australia in a costeffective manner. They also needed to understand potential geotechnical risks in underground mine planning.
“Another innovation is the 3D seismic survey carried out at the site last year. …… The resulting dataset is of a high quality and has been interpreted to create a structural model that has facilitated cost-effective planning of deep drill holes as well as providing important geotechnical and structural information.”
Kalgoorlie Miner Interview with Michael Erickson, Senior Vice President AngloGold Ashanti. 3 Aug 2015.
Solution
HiSeis conducted several 2D and 3D seismic surveyscovering a volume of ~ 55Km3. Advanced seismic attribute analysis was applied to illuminate structural framework and Quantitative Interpretation techniques were used to map lithologies in 3D.
Outcomes
The high quality seismic dataset was able to map the Garnett Gneiss host rock beyond drill hole data, enhancing drill targeting down dip. Key faults were also identified for geotechnical input into mine planning.
3D rock property modelling (ROCK-MOD) used to model key lithology associated with gold mineralization (garnet gneiss).
3D seismic enhances drill targeting and key faults for geotechnical inputs to mine planning.
