Technical Papers - Airborne Electromagnetics

Geophysics and Diamond Exploration - A Review

Richard S. Smith  and David K. Fountain, Fugro Airborne Surveys
2060 Walkley Road, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1G 3P5 

Abstract

Geophysics has formed an essential part in the exploration for kimberlites in the last few decades. On a regional scale, aeromagnetic surveys can be used to identify new kimberlite fields, usually in combination with some form of geochemical or indicator mineral sampling. When the field has been discovered, airborne geophysics, magnetics and frequently electromagnetics can be used to define individual targets. In particular, electromagnetics has been useful in the Lac de Gras area of the Northwest Territories of Canada.

On a prospect scale, ground magnetics and electromagnetics can be used to define the boundary of the kimberlitic material. Gravity and seismic methods have also been used with some success for the same purposes.

Presented at the Irish Association of Economic Geology week-end course, 1999.

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