Real-Time Ambient Seismic Noise Tomography of the Hillside Iron Oxide–Copper–Gold Deposit

Abstract

We conduct an exploration-scale ambient noise tomography (ANT) survey over the Hillside Iron Oxide–Copper–Gold (IOCG) deposit in South Australia, leveraging Fleet’s direct-to-satellite technology for real-time data analysis. The acquisition array consisted of 100 sensors spaced 260 m apart which recorded continuous vertical-component seismic ambient noise for 14 days. High quality Rayleigh wave signals, with a mean signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 40, were recovered in the frequency band 1–4 Hz after processing the recorded data between 0.1–9 Hz. Our modelling results capture aspects of the deposit’s known geology, including depth of cover, structures linked to mineralisation, and the mineralised host rock, down to approximately 1 km depth. We compare our velocity model with existing magnetic, gravity, induced polarisation and drilling data, showing strong correlation with each. We identify several new features of the local geology, including the behaviour of key structures down to 1 km, and highlight the significance of a Cambrian-age dolomite that cuts across the main structural corridor that hosts the Hillside deposit. An analysis of model convergence rates with respect to Rayleigh wave SNRs shows that real-time data analysis can reduce recording duration at the site by 65% compared to traditional deployment durations, from ∼14 days to ∼5 days. Finally, we conclude by commenting on the efficacy of the ANT technique for the exploration of IOCG systems more broadly.