Development of tomographic systems for mining, mineral exploration and environmental purposes

Abstract

A research project was carried out to develop and test
a prototype seismic tomographic system suitable for
use in the exploration, mining and civil engineering
industries. Tomographic techniques are attractive
because they can provide information from the
unknown areas between drill-holes and are nondestructive,
which is particularly important for civil
engineering and radioactive waste disposal projects.
The starting point was the SEAMEX-Compact seismic
system, developed in 1991 for use in the coal
industry, which had limited capabilities. Prototype
development involved the redesign of existing seismic
systems, development and assembly of compact units
and production of new acquisition and control software.
Emphasis was placed on high dynamic range
and control mechanisms. The prototype system was
named SUMMIT-Compact and the final version is
much advanced from the SEAMEX system.