Application of ground-penetrating radar in placer mining: a case study from Guyana's Potaro region

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) was used to map the three-dimensional extent and large-scale architecture of diamond and gold bearing fluvial deposits in the Potaro region of Guyana. The 100 MHz antennas achieved over 30-meter depth penetration and provided continuous, high-resolution, subsurface data. Eight radar facies were identified and used to interpret the GPR data. Bedrock surface and the bedrock-fluvial sediment interface were clearly recognized on most radar profiles. Analysis of over seven kilometers of continuous GPR data allowed the reconstruction of the 3D extent of the buried, diamond-bearing, palaeochannel, as well as that of the overburden. GPR data proved vital for cutting down exploration costs, speeding up exploration and putting the property into operation. The 3D model was used for estimating resource potential, overburden volume and for designing the layout and operation of the mine.