Identification of VMS Ore Lens Reflections using Vertical Seismic Profiling and 3D Finite Difference Modeling in Flin Flon, Manitoba, Canada

In October 2006, three-component multi-offset vertical seismic profile (VSP) data were acquired from three deviated wells in the Flin Flon, Manitoba, Canada mining camp using dynamite and vibroseis sources.  These VSP data were processed to identify reflections originating from the 85.5 Mt Flin Flon-Callinan-777 VMS ore system.  From drill records, mine plans, surficial maps and seismic data, 3D voxel models of the local geology and known ore lenses were built, which were then used in 3D finite difference-modeled simulations of the VSP surveys.   The number of geological units partitioning the models were increased incrementally to study the effects on seismic response of massive sulphide ore and major rock units. The simulations and field data were jointly visualized and the reflection signature of the known VMS ore lenses in the field VSP data was identified and characterized.