Reflection imaging of complex geology in a crystalline environment using virtual-source seismology: case study from the Kylylahti polymetallic mine, Finland

For the first time, we apply a full-scale 3D seismic virtual-source survey (VSS) for the purpose of near-mine mineral exploration. The data were acquired directly above the Kylylahti underground mine in Finland. Recorded ambient noise (AN) data are characterized using power spectral density (PSD) and beamforming. Data have the most energy at frequencies 25-90 Hz, and arrivals with velocities higher than 4km s(-1) have a wide range of azimuths. Based on the PSD and beamforming results, we created 10 d subset of AN recordings that were dominated by multi-azimuth high-velocity arrivals. We use an illumination diagnosis technique and location procedure to show that the AN recordings associated with high apparent velocities are related to body-wave events. Next, we produce 994 virtual-source gathers by applying seismic interferometry processing by cross-correlating AN at all receivers, resulting in full 3D VSS. We apply standard 3D time-domain reflection seismic data processing and imaging using both a selectively stacked subset and full passive data, and we validate the results against a pre-existing detailed geological information and 3D active-source survey data processed in the same way as the passive data. The resulting post-stack migrated sections show agreement of reflections between the passive and active data and indicate that VSS provides images where the active-source data are not available due to terrain restrictions. We conclude that while the all-noise approach provides some higher-quality reflections related to the inner geological contacts within the target formation and the general dipping trend of the formation, the selected subset is most efficient in resolving the base of formation.

Automated summary

This study applies full-scale 3D seismic virtual-source survey (VSS) for near-mine mineral exploration, using ambient noise data for analysis and imaging. The results demonstrate the capability of VSS in providing high-quality geological images in areas with terrain restrictions.