Seismic Imaging of the Deep-Seated Orebody and Fault Systems at South Deep Gold Mine, South Africa

Abstract

Summary This abstract highlights the optimization of seismic imaging techniques to image deep-seated orebodies and fault systems at the South Deep Gold Mine, South Africa. The survey utilized a 6-ton broadband mini-vib as a seismic source, with 10 Hz sensors spaced at every 10 m. Despite operational noise challenges, clear seismic reflections of geological structures, including the Wrench Fault, Black Reef, and Ventersdorp Contact Reef, were imaged. The efficiency of the survey was achieved by employing a single sweep per source location, while our observations of sweep lengths indicate that longer sweep lengths enhance data quality by providing greater energy accumulation and improved resolution of subsurface structures. The findings in this study underscore the versatility and effectiveness of seismic surveying in providing critical information for optimizing mining operations and exploration strategies within the South Deep mine and similar mining environments.