Ambient noise surface-wave imaging in a hardrock environment: implications for mineral exploration

SUMMARY The advancement of seismic methods is vital for mineral exploration in the ongoing energy transition. In this study, we investigate the application of ambient noise seismic interferometry and surface-wave analysis to characterize the subsurface in a mineral exploration context. We then confirm the results of the passive seismic investigation through an active source experiment. We collected ambient noise data using a 2-D seismic line initially deployed for an active source reflection seismic study. By cross-correlating the signals, we retrieved the surface waves and constructed a 2-D shear-wave velocity profile using conventional surface-wave analysis. We utilized the active source data to establish initial assumptions about the surveyed medium and then validated the passive seismic experiment. The passive seismic results are concordant with the active source results and allow for the interpretation of geological contacts and fault zones. Our work demonstrates the potential of passive seismic methods for investigating local tectonic settings and their role in hardrock mineral exploration.