GDC Co-funding 2D Seismic Reflection Survey of the Angela Deposit

Abstract

Reflection seismic surveying has not been widely applied in minerals exploration owing to perceived high cost, and problems with resolving steeply dipping stratigraphy. Furthermore, traditional methods of acquiring seismic data can involve ground disturbance. In this case, however, the stratigraphy is gently dipping and well suited for the seismic technique. Elevate Uranium proposes partnering with HiSeis to acquire new affordable seismic data at Angela. HiSeis uses highly specialised acquisition technology that causes minimal surface disturbance (i.e., does not constitute 'substantial disturbance' under section 35 of the Mining Management Act, 2001). The Angela Deposit is a 'roll-front' type, sandstone-hosted, uranium deposit ((current resource 31 Mlb eU3O8), located approximately 25km south of Alice Springs, Northern Territory. Hosted within sandstones and conglomerates of the Undandita Member in the Amadeus Basin sediments. In December 2022, Elevate Uranium contracted HiSeis to undertake a small 2D seismic program over the Angela Deposit. This comprised 3 seismic lines for a total 16.7-line km with 10m source spacing, 5m receiver spacing and a 20 second sweep. Data acquisition was completed in December 2022 with the final data processing and interpretation completed in April 2023. The objectives of the survey were: Firstly, to facilitate the construction of a 3D geological model to increase current understanding of the mineralisation setting. This implies that the seismic will enhance the ability to correlate lithologies between drillhole; Secondly, to identify correlations between seismic reflectors, oxidation boundaries and areas of known mineralisation. It is proposed that these correlations might then be extrapolated into untested areas of potential extension to the current resource; Third, the identification of any faults present is crucial for optimum mine design (much of Angela is likely to be mined underground) and could also result in modifications to the current mineral systems model (which does not assign any importance to fault structures). The 2D seismic program at Elevate Uranium?s Angela project confirmed that seismic is an effective method to image the subsurface. The results and interpretation of the seismic data provide insight into potential uranium deposition and provide potential upside for future exploration. To further enhance subsurface imaging and the subsequent value that can be added to future exploration and mining activities, HiSeis has recommended the following activities at Angela: The acquisition of downhole logging (FWS and VSP) together with specific gravity measurements to better characterize the seismic response of key geology. These should be strategically placed in relation to the 2D or future 3D surveys to maximize their contribution to improving the processing and overall geologic understanding of the area; A 3D seismic survey to better delineate events in a 3D space and add confidence in their spatial position for potential drill testing.