3D Modelling and Feasibility Assessment of Granite Deposit using 2D Electrical Resistivity Tomography, Borehole, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Survey

Abstract

This research work aims to critically analyze the efficacy of inexpensive and rapid 2D electrical resistivity tomography (2D ERT) survey for sub-surface geological delineation of granite deposits. The research work involves six ERT profiles using the Schlumberger protocol with an inner and outer electrode spacing of 5 m and 10 m, respectively. In addition, the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) survey is also performed to obtain the terrain information of the studied area. At the same time, a few boreholes are drilled to validate the 2D ERT interpretations. The 2D ERT survey reveals that strong resistivity contrast enables inverted resistivity imaging to characterize the deposit such as topsoil (100-800 Ωm), fracture granite (800-2300 Ωm), and solid granite (> 2300 Ωm). The results obtained from UAV, 2DERT, and borehole survey are further processed to estimate the bedrock to topsoil ratio to assess the feasibility of the deposit. The bedrock to topsoil ratio, estimated by 2D ERT and borehole, is 3.2 and 2.2, respectively. At the same time, the combined UAV, 2D ERT, and borehole survey calculates the bedrock volume 3.2 times to topsoil. Thus the research work allows us to conclude that 2D ERT is an inexpensive, viable, and efficient technique for sub-surface geological documentation, and helps select appropriate mining methods. © 2022, Shahrood University of Technology. All rights reserved.