GPR sees widespread use in mining, quarrying & tunneling. GPR can detect changes in rock type and sense major structures such as fractures, faults and joints. Specific applications include defining geology structure, mineral exploration, overburden thickness determination, mine site evaluation, tunneling design, rock mass stability, placer deposit grading and ore zone delineation.
Placer & Mineral Exploration
Tunneling & Underground Mines
Quarry Rock Quality
Placer & Mineral Exploration
GPR is used worldwide for mineral exploration. The most common use is exploration for fluvial deposits of gold and diamonds as well as beach deposits of titanium and iron-rich heavy minerals. Other GPR uses include detection and tracking of mineral-rich veins, major fault zones, and lateritic nickel exploration.
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Waterborne placer exploration |
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Uranium exploration in Africa |
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Kimberlite exploration in Tanzania |
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Tunneling & Underground Mines
A number of geologic challenges can be addressed with GPR. Whether attempting to examine rock mass stability or locate mineralized zones, GPR provides a powerful method of looking into the subsurface. Salt and potash present highly favourable settings for using GPR.
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Tunneling Hazards |
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Mine Safety (Loose Rock) |
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Structural Mapping |
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Quarry Rock Quality
Extraction of rock for building stone requires the selection of sound and workable rock. GPR's ability to detect structure integrity and undesired jointing and cracking prior to extraction deliver major economic benefit. Marble, granite and limestone quarrying operations worldwide use GPR for critical development decisions.
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Limestone Quarry Evaluation |
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Building/Dimension Stone Integrity |
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