Mining of Mineral Deposits

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DCIP tomography for delineation of Zn-Pb sulfide mineralization and estimation of mineral resources

Mosaad Ali Hussein Ali1, Mohamed A. Yousef1, Safwat A. Mahmoud2, Ahmed S. Mohamed3

1Mining and Metallurgical Engineering Department, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt

2Center for Scientific Research and Entrepreneurship, Northern Border University, Arar 73213, Saudi Arabia

3Mining and Petroleum Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering-Qena, Al-Azhar University, Qena, Egypt


Min. miner. depos. 2026, 20(3): 168-176


https://doi.org/10.33271/mining20.03.168

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      ABSTRACT

      Purpose. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of direct current resistivity and induced polarization (DCIP) tomography in delineating Zn–Pb sulfide mineralization and estimating mineral resources at the Nash Creek deposit in Canada. The investigation seeks to identify mineralized zones, characterize their geoelectrical properties, and assess their economic potential.

      Methods. A quasi-3D DCIP survey was conducted over an area of approximately 21.5 km2, using 17 parallel survey lines spaced 200 m apart. The acquired data were processed and interpreted using two-dimensional and three-dimensional inversion techniques. The resulting resistivity and chargeability models were integrated with geological, petrophysical, borehole, and mineralogical information to delineate mineralized zones and estimate potential mineral resources.

      Findings. The inversion results revealed subsurface resistivity ranging from 20 to 4500 Ω·m and chargeability from 0 to 14 mV/V. Mineralized zones were identified at approximately 180 m depth and were characterized by resistivity of 1500 to 2000 Ω·m and chargeability exceeding 8.5 mV/V. Three-dimensional visualization confirmed the spatial continuity of massive sulfide occurrences within the study area. Validation using borehole records and mineralogical analyses showed strong agreement with the geophysical interpretation. The identified mineralized bodies were subsequently used to estimate probable mineral resources.

      Originality. The study demonstrates the use of quasi-3D DCIP tomography as an integrated approach for detecting, characterizing, and estimating resources in Zn-Pb sulfide deposits.

      Practical implications. The results provide a cost-effective framework for mineral exploration, resource evaluation, and mine planning, supporting informed decision-making for future mining operations.

      Keywords: DCIP tomography; induced polarization; electrical resistivity; sulfide deposit; mineral resource estimation; geoelectrical exploration


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