Identification of anomalous geological structures for iron mines using a multi-geophysical prospecting method: a case study of Songhu iron mine

Identification of anomalous geological structures is crucial for ensuring safe and high-efficiency mining and preventing geological disasters in iron mines. This study proposes a multi-geophysical prospecting approach that integrates the Transient Electromagnetic Method (TEM) and True Reflection Tomography (TRT) technologies for advanced exploration of anomalous geological structures, taking the Songhu Iron Mine project as an example. Initially, four typical spatial combination patterns of anomalous geological structures were proposed at the Songhu Iron Mine. Then, the interpretation characteristics of TEM for faults and karst caves were summarized from seven underground engineering projects. The interpretation characteristics of TRT for the water-rich zone, water-bearing fractured zone, fault fracture zone, and iron ore vein boundary were summarized by four underground engineering projects. Moreover, a multi-geophysical prospecting workflow utilizing TEM and TRT was developed for advanced geological forecasting in transportation and cross-ore vein tunnels. Further, the interpretation characteristics of TEM and TRT for the above four typical anomalous geological structures were summarized. Finally, a case application of advanced geological forecasting in the Songhu Iron Mine demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed geological forecasting method. This study provides a practical and effective framework for identifying anomalous geological structures in iron mines and similar mining projects.