The First Sparse 3D Hardrock Seismic Survey at Olympic Dam

The first sparse 3D hardrock seismic survey at Olympic Dam (OD) mine was acquired during June to August of 2022. OD is an Iron-Oxide Copper Gold (IOCG) deposit in South Australia and is one of the largest known copper deposits and the single largest uranium deposit in the world. This property-wide seismic survey at OD was designed to answer four technical questions defined in a 3D seismic feasibility study focused on seismic imaging of IOCG-type geology, as well as identify operational challenges with seismic acquisition across a busy mine site. This adaptation of modern-day hardrock seismic methodologies over an ore deposit represents the largest to date of any hardrock seismic application for BHP and will accelerate resource characterisation and the targeting of deep drillholes. Outcomes of this sparse 3D survey inform several decision points for a full 3D seismic survey at OD.