IAMG 2001--Cancún Technical Program--Session F

Home Page Technical Program Session F Intro Session F Papers

Surface Exploration Mapping at the Getchell Mine, Nevada, Using GeoMapper, a Real Time Digital System by Radu R. Conelea, Placer Dome Exploration, USA In the summer and fall of 2000, the GeoMapper/PenMapper digital mapping system was successfully tested at the Getchell Mine, and finally used as an essential tool for detailed surface geologic mapping of the resource area proximal to the underground development. GeoMapper, developed by George Brimhall and Abel Vanegas of Earth Resources at UC Berkley, was designed to incorporate the same logic used by geologists to map with the same feel of traditional paper mapping. The geologic mapping at the Getchell Mine during the testing period encompasses an area of very complicated geology, located above the North Mine Extention ore bodies. This was a good senario to evaluate the GeoMapper system in the complex conditions that characterize mining districts. At the surface, the digital mapping program successfully delinated the main structural features that control the hydrothermal alteration and mineralization associated with the N-Zone and 148 high-grade gold mineralization. This paper summarizes the results of the testing of the new digital mapping technology for exploration and mining geology, with emphasis on the geologic benefits of real time digital mapping, from the point of view of a traditional paper mapper. These benefits are presented in conjunction with the three basic elements necessary for a useful geologic map for mineral exploration: location, geology (lithology, structure, alteration, and mineralization), and spatial or geometrical relationships. These benefits can be better understood by examining the geologic map as well as the graphics and photos accompanying our Power Point presentation. Paper in PDF format Conelea, Acrobat PDF, 960 k.