SPECTRAL IP and resistivity
In addition to providing an excellent tool for detecting and characterizing chargeable sulphide mineralization, Spectral Induced Polarization & Resistivity surveys (IP & res) have the potential to complement or replace some traditional methods such as borehole and surface EM surveys for landfill and contaminant mapping. It is another tool in our geophysicists' tool kit.
The IP technique works by energizing the ground with an electric current using a transmitter. This current effectively "charges" the ground - like an electronic capacitor. When the current is turned off at the transmitter, the ground begins to "discharge". A receiver takes measurements at regular intervals after the turn-off and the result is a "decay curve". This decay curve can be characterized with Cole-Cole theoretical spectral parameters called Tau, M-IP and c.
These spectral parameters complement chargeability and apparent resistivity data and have proven successful for detecting favourable gold and PGM mineralization. The surveys can be designed as conventional 2D arrays or 3D arrays. We inversion model 3D IP data due to their higher complexity. Refer to:
A new survey design for 3D inversion modelling at Copper Hill
For environmental investigations, these spectral parameters, in addition to the individual time-gate slices and apparent resistivity, may provide valuable information about contaminants that no other technique (e.g., GPR, EM, etc.) can provide. Proprietary software is used for calculating these parameters. Some companies present spectral IP & res data, but they make certain assumptions that can render the data misleading (e.g., fixing the spectral value of c to a "typical" value).
ClearView is associated with specialists that have a combined work experience in IP & res surveys of over 100 years (exploration). ClearView is positioning itself as a pioneer in developing this technology for environmental and geotechnical applications.
ClearView welcomes opportunities to apply the technique at specific sites.
