Mineral
Exploration Geophysics
Magnetotellurics · Ground Magnetics · IP · TEM · Targeted Reconnaissance
Unlocking Tasmania's
Mineral Potential
Mineral exploration geophysics uses non-invasive techniques to detect and delineate subsurface mineral deposits, alteration zones, and geological structures — minimizing costly drilling while maximising discovery potential.
Tasmania hosts diverse economic mineralization, including world-class volcanogenic massive sulfide (VHMS) deposits in the Mount Read Volcanics (e.g., Rosebery, Mount Lyell — Zn-Pb-Ag-Au-Cu), major tin deposits (Renison, Mt Bischoff), orogenic gold, and more. Geophysics is essential for targeting these in complex, often covered terrains.
Integrated geophysical surveys reduce exploration risk, optimize drill targeting, and support sustainable resource development alongside groundwater prospecting in prospective areas.
| Method | Primary Property | Depth Range | Key Targets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Magnetics | Magnetic Susceptibility | Shallow to Moderate (up to ~500 m) | Geological contacts, faults, alteration zones, magnetite-associated mineralisation |
| Induced Polarization (IP) | Chargeability + Resistivity | Moderate (50–700 m) | Disseminated sulfides, alteration halos, VMS and vein systems |
| Transient Electromagnetics (TEM) | Electrical Conductivity | Moderate to Deep (up to 500+ m) | Massive sulfides, conductive bodies, deep conductors |
| Magnetotellurics (MT) | Electrical Resistivity | Deep (500 m to several hundred km) | Crustal structures, deep mineral systems, basin architecture |
Geophysical Methods
for Mineral Discovery
What We
Image & Prioritise
Variations in resistivity, chargeability, and magnetic susceptibility reveal mineralized zones, faults, and alteration — guiding efficient drilling. Methods also support groundwater prospecting in mineral districts by mapping aquifers and salinity.
Effective programs begin with reconnaissance (e.g., wide-spaced ground magnetics on coarse grids to map regional geology, faults, and magnetic contacts), followed by finer grids over anomalies and targeted follow-up with IP, TEM, and MT for depth and characterization.
Areas We
Serve in Tasmania
Spaulding Geophysics provides exploration geophysics campaigns and subsurface imaging across Tasmania.
Spaulding Geophysics delivers comprehensive mineral exploration campaigns and subsurface imaging across all of Tasmania.