Deep Targeting Iron-Oxide Mineralization Using Reflection Seismic Method: A Case Study from the Ludvika Mines Of Sweden

Blotberget, in the Ludvika Mines of Bergslagen mineral district of central Sweden, is well-known for its iron-oxide, sometimes apatite-rich, deposits. There is also a renewed interest in exploring and mining the deposits due to accessibility to the market and recent advancements made in the mining and metallurgical technologies. During two field campaigns (2015 and 2016), high-resolution reflection seismic data were acquired using both cabled- and wireless-recorders as well as a landstreamer system. In this study, we have merged the two datasets and process them together to provide deeper information on the extension of the mineralization and potential unknown resources at depth. We show how the merged dataset images the mineralization much better and deeper than known also potential reflections under the known ones that can be targeted through a drilling program. This study demonstrates reflection seismic method is a powerful tool for imaging iron-oxide mineralization at depth. We argue that they should be acquired more routinely at the site for mineral exploration purposes. It also paves the way for justifying a 3D seismic survey in the area.