2D reflection seismic investigations at the Kevitsa Ni-Cu-PGE deposit, northern Finland

In 2007, a 2D reflection seismic survey was conducted at the Kevitsa Ni-Cu-PGE (platinum group elements) deposit in northern Finland. The aims of the survey were to delineate the overall extent of the ore-bearing Kevitsa ultramafic intrusive complex, to study the seismic response of the disseminated ore deposit, to potentially find indications for new ore deposits, and to extract structural information at depth that may be associated with mineralization. In the processing sequence, specific focus was given to finding optimal CDP-line geometries for the crooked-line survey profiles and, due to highly variable bedrock velocities, to detailed velocity analysis. Our conventional processing sequence, involving prestack DMO corrections followed by poststack migration, resulted in high-quality images of the subsurface. First, the data were used to establish the shape and extent of the Kevitsa intrusion, thus providing an overall framework for future exploration in the area. In particular, the data suggest deeper, up to about 1.5 km depth, continuation of the intrusion than previously thought. Furthermore, the images reveal variable reflectivity characteristics within the intrusion from nonreflective to internally reflective. The Kevitsa deposit is located within a part of the intrusion which is associated with distinct, gently dipping reflectivity fabric down to a depth of about 1 km, spatially constrained within a restricted zone internal to the intrusion. This zone can be used as a guideline for the near-mine exploration efforts, and the reflectivity is dominantly associated with magmatic layering controlling the extent of the bulk of economic mineralization. The seismic data also reveal a complex pattern of faults, in particular a series of major fault and shear zones bracketing and crosscutting the Kevitsa intrusion as a whole. Additionally, our interpretation of the data indicates a possible shared origin of the Kevitsa intrusion and the nearby Satovaara intrusion.