Research and Development of Medium Frequency Electromagnetic Instruments and Survey Procedures for Imaging Geologic Structures in Coal Seams

摘要

The focal point of the research and development project was to realize commercial electromagnetic (EM) wave instruments and survey methods for the remote mapping of anomalous geologic structures in a mining reserve. High resolution radiogenic images of geologic disturbance zones in coal formations and halos of chemically mineralized ore zones would provide a quantum leap forward in the ability of geologists and mining engineers to determine the resource recovery potential in a mining reserve. The Radio Imaging Method (RIM) is an electromagnetic (EM) wave process which consists of in-mine and downhole to downhole (cross-hole) survey techniques. Both survey techniques are used to detect anomalous zones, such as faults, localized areas of thin coal, and roof/floor rock structural problems, in a coal seam prior to mining. The cross-hole survey can also be used to determine seam correlation and continuity.