VOL.

56, N
GEOPHYSICS, VOL. O. 4 (APRIL 1991);
NO.4 P. 542-549,
1991); P. 542-549, 9 FIGS.

Surface gravity and magnetic

magnetic responses
responses of mineralization,
mineralization,
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Surface
northwest Queensland,
Mt. Isa, northwest Queensland, Australia

D. E. Leaman*
D. Leaman*

surveys were not undertaken to establish a

mineralization. The surveys
ABSTRACT mass, though
mine signature since it was believed that the ore mass,
large, was too deep to generate anomalies above the noise
very large,
surveys around the giant
Surface gravity and magnetic surveys level (0.2 to 0.4 mGal).
copper-silver-lead-zinc mine at Mt. Isa in northwest
copper-silver-lead-zinc This paper describes
describes the results of gravity and magnetic
Queensland have shown that each type of mineralization surveys in the vicinity of the mine and city of Mt. Isa, some
surveys
presents characteristic responses which are anomalous of the problems of data acquisition in a built-up area, the origin
within the perspective
perspective of the host rocks. The responses responses, and the implications for appraisal of other
of the responses,
reflect the entire
entire mineralization-alteration
mineralization-alterationpackage and not deposits. A discussion of the structural interpretation and its
simply the economic ore. (1991).
ramifications is provided by Leaman (1991).
Copper mineralization and associated alteration pro-
ducts, including "silica
ducts, "silica dolomite;'
dolomite:' are not significantly GEOLOGY
GEOWGY
magnetized, but the mineralization across a depth range
The mix of ores is unusual for a single
single site, and the origin of
1000 m produces a positive gravity anomaly of more
of 1000
the components has been the basis for much research (e.g.,
than 2.5 mGal. The related alteration products are
associated with large negative anomalies of up to 8 mGal
Mathias and Clark, 1975; 1980; Perkins, 1984;
1975; Plumb et al., 1980; 1984; Bell
in both hanging wall and footwall
footwall host rocks. Silver-lead-
Silver-lead- 1988). The silver-lead-zinc
et al., 1988). silver-lead-zinc components are considered
zinc mineralization is moderately magnetic (about 0.001 0.001 syngenetic diagenetic), but the copper is now believed
syngenetic (or perhaps diagenetic),
to be epigenetic
epigenetic and 200 million years younger (Perkins, 1984). 1984).
shallower and generates
cgs). It is also denser and shallower generates larger
gravity anomalies. Negative secondary alteration effects,
coincidence of ore types and assemblages
The virtual spatial coincidence assemblages
implies persistent fluid control and a vent system active
implies active over a
while significant, are equivalent in magnitude to the
long period. The ores occur in the upper part of the mid-
mineralization effect.
Proterozoic Mount Isa Group which is composed mainly of
Sites mineralized comparably to Mt. Isa would be
Sites
located by semiregional surveys
surveys with a station spacing of dolomitic siltstones
dolomitic siltstones (see Plumb et al., 1980).
1980). The Urquhart shale
is the principal host rock. Details of the geology of the area were
200 to 400 m and survey precision of better than 0.4 mGal,
although there are limits to resolution of individual parts
given by Russell and Cox (1973) (1975),
(1973) and Mathias and Clark (1975),
and a simplified version is provided in Figure 1. 1.
of the mineralization.
The mineralization is now truncated, or was controlled by,
a folded basement interface at high angle to the host forma- forma-
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION (Figure 5). The "basement"
tions (Figure "basement" rocks at the mine are altered
volcanics of the Haslingden group (Plumb et al.,
Eastern Creek volcanics
silver-lead-zinc-copper mine operated by Mount Isa
The giant silver-Iead-zinc-copper 1980). This tholeiitic basaltic sequence with minor intercalated
1980).
Mines Limited at Mount Isa in northwest Queensland is based siliceous sediments is more than 6 km thick. The precise nature
siliceous
lenses along a strike length of 5 km and
on a number of ore lenses of the basement-mineralization interface has been debated for
a depth range of more than 1000 1000 m. many years but is now considered to be a folded thrust surface surface
Mt. Isa is located in the Leichhardt River valley but relief is 1988; Leaman, 1991).
(Bell et al., 1988; 1991).
100 m above
generally very low. Local hills rarely rise 100 above the plains "alteration" has many meanings in this situation. It
The term "alteration"
but are steep sided. may be due to surface weathering process,
process, acid leaching about
surveys were undertaken in the region
Gravity and magnetic surveys sulfides, or chemical exchanges associated with mineraliz-
the sulfides,
alternative concepts
of Mt. Isa to evaluate alternative concepts of basement structure fluids. The first two processes
ing fluids. processes affect the carbonates of the
and perhaps define those features which might have controlled Mt. Isa group rocks, while the third has produced changes changes in

Manuscript received by the Editor May 16,

16, 1990; revised manuscript received October 23, 1990.
1990.
Australia 7001.
*GPO Box 320D, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia 7001.
01991 Society of Exploration Geophysicists.
©1991 Geophysicists. All rights reserved.
reserved.
542
 Gravity and Magnetic Responses, Mt. Isa 543

,..,"T""~~1':lI40000mN
(MIM)

N
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o 2

LEGEND
_ _.....1Undiff. Judenan Beds(MIG correlate? )
Magazine Shale
Kennedy Si ltstone
~gg~ Spear Si I tstone
MT ISA
Urquhart Shale
GROUP
Native Bee Siltstone
~""""=!!I
Breakaway Shale
1i'F-'~""'t-l
1+--1-+-+1 Moondarra Si Itstone
Myally Beds
Pickwick Beds EASTERN
Lena Quartz ite CREEK
I-=":"':'....,.:.ot }
w VOLCANICS
E:~
Cromwell Beds
o~
0-
o~
...
0-

FIG. 1. Mount Isa geology (after Russel and Cox, 1973). All units dip steeply west and the surface distribution bears
little relationship to the concealed structures and mineralization at depth.

the basaltic basement rocks. The "silica dolomite" which
surrounds the copper ores is related to the emplacement of this
younger mineralization (Perkins, 1984). The copper has probably
been derived from the basement rocks (Leaman, 1991).
The normal bulk density of the Mt. Isa group rocks is about
2.74 g/cm 3 , although the more siliceous Breakaway shale has
a density of 2.69 g/cm3 • When weathered or leached, these rocks
may have densities less than 1.9 g/cm 3 • Surface weathering is
often 50 m thick. The Eastern Creek volcanics have a bulk
density in excess of 2.9 g/cm 3 and effective susceptibility,
including the effects of remanence, of about 0.005 cgs normally.
When altered, as beneath the mineralization, these values are
reduced to 2.8 g/cm 3 and less than 0.001 cgs. Surface weather-
;ag of the volcanics is usually very limited.
GEOPHYSICS
Gravity and magnetic methods were recommended for evalua-
tion of structures involving the volcanics after a feasibility trial
in the Isa environment in 1980 (Young, 1984). The final specifica-
tions were determined after assessment of the trial survey, and
the size, shape, and distribution of the exposed blocks of
volcanics were used as indicators of likely structural scale. These
structural units are described by Leaman (1991).
Gravity survey
Many small prospect scale gravity surveys have been under-
taken within the Leichhardt River valley, but none was linked
to the national data base or offered regional perspective. All were
reduced using different assumptions. The experimental surveys
of 1980 (Young, 1984) added to this confusion since individual
lines were reduced using different densities and included assump-
tions about regional fields and surface weathering better treated
in interpretation. Only 15 stations of the national grid survey,
with a spacing of 11 km, were available for regional reference.
A new survey, begun in 1981, covered an area of at least 50
km north-south by 20 km east-west centered on Mt. Isa. Stations
were to be approximately 1 km apart and barometrically leveled
to provide a reasonable coverage rapidly. All available access
was used and the spacing was variable. This regional survey was
complemented by a more detailed coverage near Mt. Isa. An
area of about 5 km by 5 km centered on the mine was covered
at a nominal spacing of 250 m to define any response with
 544 Leaman
Leaman

exploration applications. The barometric survey was tightly MAGNETIC SURVEY

controlled using the methods of Leaman (1984), and levels were
confirmed within about 1.5 m. The overall precision of the survey Early detailed aeromagnetic surveys north of Mt. Isa (e.g.,
was about 0.4 mOal.
mGal. Twelve
Twelve km Hammer terrain corrections were Dockery and Tipper, 1965)1965) had shown
shown considerable potential
mGal. The survey
calculated, but these rarely exceeded 0.05 mOal. survey was features, especially when interpreted
for definition of structural features,
linked to the national grid at Mt. Isa Airport and was reduced
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using modern 3-D methods. Project budgets, however, did not

3
using a density of 2.67
2.67 g/cm
g/cm3. • Any variations from this density equivalent coverage
permit equivalent coverage of the entire project area as surveyed
were considered during interpretation. No other assumptions gravimetrically.
were included. While much of the survey area could have been overflown at
surveys, where recoverable,
Previous surveys, recoverable, were regenerated and clearances of 60 to 80 m, which would guarantee high resolu-
clearances resolu-
free of additional assumptions.
linked free tion, permission could not be obtained to fly lower than 200
survey and preliminary analysis
The results of this initial survey analysis were stack, or local airport. Some
m near the city, mine stack, Some loss of resolu-
obviously useful that large portions of the coverage were
so obviously tion was thus possible in the crucial control area and some
subsequently infilled to a nominal spacing of 250 m. I present mismatching might also occur. Also from the results
mismatching results of the 1980
1980
results from the area around the mine only. Bouguer anomalies,
results anomalies, followed by continuation tests, false
airborne and ground trials followed false
shown in Figure 2, show a clear correlation between positive character might have been introduced as a result of the
Bouguer anomalies volcanics east of Mt. Isa,
anomalies and Eastern Creek volcanics frequencies generated by cultural sources.
frequencies sources. Manpower was
(except close to
but much of the gravity field is of low relief (except available at certain times of the year; a ground magnetic survey
available
mine). The mean value of the field near Mt. Isa is about
the mine). was begun. The risk of noisy data was recognized.
recognized.
13 mGal, but there is a local 10
13 mOal, 10 mOal
mGal range around the mine. No lines
lines were prepared, but a nominal 50 x 100-150 100-150 m
since it does not correspond to the
This effect is most striking since coverage was observed by pacing and orthophoto location. The
strike extent of the Mount Isa group rocks, formation bounda- mine and city area posed special
special problems, as anticipated, due
structures. Any deviation in the gravity field
ries, or other known structures. field to the presence of dispersed metallic sources,
sources, but no noise
extreme surface
across thick, uniform units must reflect either extreme problems were encountered outside the city precincts.
precincts. Stanley's
variation, including weathering, or mineralization and related (1975) method was used to obtain continuous high-resolution
(1975)
effects. The localization of the responses
effects. responses suggests
suggests the latter.
latter. profiles along city streets and mine access routes. Quirk (1982)(1982)

3
FIG. 2.
FIG. Bouguer anomalies reduced using a density of 2.67 g/cm
g/cm3. • The abnormal disturbance near the mine is evident.
evident.
mGal.
Contour interval is 1 mOal.
 Gravityand
Gravity and Magnetic
MagneticResponses,
Responses,Mt.
Mt. Isa
Isa 545

compiledthese
compiled thesedata
datawhich
whichwere wereadmitted
admittedtotobe beofofdubious
dubiousvaluevalue GRAVITYASSESSMENT
GRAVITY ASSESSMENT
due toto gaps
due gaps inin coverage
coverage and and some
some very
very noisy
noisy line
line segments;
segments;
someof
some of the
theworst
worstare areshown
shownininFigure
Figure3.3.Many
Manylines,
lines,however,
however, The gravity
The gravity anomalies
anomalies inin the the region
region of of IsaIsa Mine
Mine are are
containedclear
contained cleargeologic
geologicsignal
signalor orparts
partsofofsuch
suchsignal,
signal,and andsome
some incompatible with
incompatible with grossgross structure
structure inin or or along
along strike
strike ofof thethe
couldbe
could bedespiked.
despiked.Others,
Others,like likeFigure
Figure3b,3b,were
wererejected.
rejected.Attempts
Attempts massive units
massive units of of the
the Mount
Mount Isa Isa group,
group, and and imply
imply locallocal
tosmooth
to smooththese thesedata
databy bycontinuation
continuationwere werealso
alsoabandoned
abandoneddue due abormality within
abormality within the the group.
group. In In thethe absence
absence of of aa mine,
mine, or or
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to the
to the ambiguous
ambiguous conversion
conversion of of high-frequency elements,
high-frequency elements, knowledge of
knowledge of mineralization,
mineralization, this this aspect
aspect alone
alone would
would draw draw
producing aliased
producing aliased results
results comparable
comparable with with possible
possible geologic
geologic attentiontotothe
attention theregion
regionbetween
between34 34000 000and
and38 000mN
38000 mNatat12 12500500
responsesrecognized
responses recognizedininthe theobservation
observationdetail
detailand
andresponse
responseform.
form. mE(mine
mE (minegrid)
grid)(Figure
(Figure2). 2).TheThemostmostobvious
obviousfeature
featureisisthethelarge
large
Low-altitudeaeromagnetic
Low-altitude aeromagnetic data data across
acrosssimilar
similarareas
areas maymay also
also relative negative,
relative negative, but but thethe more
more positive
positiveresponses
responsesnear near 37 37500500
containequivalent
contain equivalentprocessing
processingartifacts
artifactsasasaaresult
resultof of elevation;
elevation; mNatat 1212000
mN 000mEmEare arealsoalsoanomalous.
anomalous.The Theanomaly
anomalypatternpattern inin
allconclusions
all conclusionsbased basedon onthethe1980
1980test
testlines
linesacross
acrossthe thedisturbed
disturbed the mine
the mine area
area cancan be be separated
separated into into two
two portions:
portions: southsouth and and
areawere
area werethus
thustreated
treatedwithwithcaution.
caution.The Theonly
onlymeans
meansof of testing
testing north of
north of 36
36000
000mN. mN. South
South of of 3636000 000mN mN aa narrow,
narrow,elongate,
elongate,
reliabilityand
reliability and ensuring
ensuring soundsound representation
representation of of the
the magnetic
magnetic relativelypositive
relatively effect isisjuxtaposed
positiveeffect juxtaposed against againstaalarger
largernegative
negative
fieldisisoversampling
field oversamplingfollowed followedby byexamination
examinationof of the
thefield
fieldand
and Bougueranomaly
Bouguer anomalyon onits itseastern
easternside.side.BothBothfeatures
featureshavehaveaastrike
strike
possible source
possible source patterns.
patterns. In In the
the Mt.
Mt. IsaIsa area,
area, outside
outside the the length of
length of about
about 22 km, km, indicating
indicating aa possible
possible common
common origin.origin.
immediateenvironment
immediate environmentof of the
theMount
Mount Isa Isafault,
fault,volcanic
volcanicsources
sources North of
North of 3636000
000 mN, mN, this this coupling
coupling aspect aspect isis reversed
reversed and and
lieatatconsiderable
lie considerabledepth depthand andthe thefield
fieldshould
shouldtherefore
thereforebe besmooth
smooth positives are
positives are dominant.
dominant. The The response
response pattern
pattern isis always
alwaysasym-asym-
and systematic
and systematic (if (if geologic).
geologic). The The problems
problems were were resolved
resolved by by metric,more
metric, morenegative
negativetotothe theeast,
east,and andthere
thereisisnonosuggestion
suggestionof of
sampling every
sampling every vacant
vacant lot,lot, sporting
sporting area,
area, park,
park, or or piece
piece ofof aa regional
regionalbias bias toto support
support this this behavior.
behavior. The Theanomaly
anomaly pattern
pattern
undeveloped land
undeveloped land inin thethe area.
area. Many
Many large
large backyards
backyards were were directlymirrors
directly mirrorswhat whatisisknown
knownof ofmineralization
mineralizationatatMt. Mt.IsaIsa(and
(and
included. Many
included. Manysmallsmallareas
areas werewereobserved
observeduntiluntil the
the local
local field
field thecorrelation
the correlationwas wasimmediately
immediatelyrecognized recognizedby bymine
minegeologists).
geologists).
mpomcould
responses couldbe bedefIned
definedand andthethebackground
backgroundfIeld assessed.Figure
fieldassessed. Figure There can
There can bebe little
little doubt
doubt that that thethe Bouguer
Bouguer anomalies
anomalies reflect
reflect
44 presents
presents the the final
final compilation.
compilation. mineralizationand
mineralization and itsitssecondary
secondaryeffects whethergenetically
effects--whether genetically
Observations from
Observations from all all surveys
surveys were
were base
base leveled,
leveled, loop
loop cor-
cor- related or
related or due
due toto subsequent
subsequent weatheringweathering or or leaching.
leaching.
rected, and
rected, and corrected
corrected for for diurnal
diurnal andand other
other variations.
variations. The The Thelocation
The locationof ofthe
thelargest
largestcopper
copperore orebody,
body,named the "1100:'
namedthe"1100:'
generalobservation
general observation precision
precisionisisof of the
the order
order ofof 22 toto 55nT,
nT, but
but and its
and itsassociated
associatedfootwall
footwallalteration
alteration accounts
accounts for for the
the relative
relative
within the
within the noisier
noisier portions
portions of of the
the mine
mine and and citycity area
area positiveanomalies
positive anomaliessouth south of of 36 000mN.
36000 mN. (The
(The precise
preciseorigin
originof of
reproducibilityisisonly
reproducibility only 1010to to1515nT.
nT.Some
Somegapsgapsinincoverage
coveragecouldcould theresponse
the responseisisdiscussed
discussedbelow.) below.)Massive
Massivecopper
copper mineralization
mineralization
not be
not be filled.
filled. isis terminated
terminated toto the the south
south near near 33 33 500
500 mNmN and and pinched
pinched or or
separatedinto
separated intosmaller
smallerlenseslensesnear near36 000mN.
36000 mN.The Theoriginal
originalopen open
cutatatthe
cut thesite
sitelies
liesnear
nearthis thispinch
pinchpointpoint inin both
both oreoredistribution
distribution
and anomaly.
and anomaly. The The nature
nature of of this
this dislocation
dislocation and and deformation
deformation
ofof the
the ore
ore bodies
bodies was was outlined
outlined by Perkins (1984).
by Perkins (1984).
North of
North of 36 36000000 mN, mN, silver-lead-zinc
silver-lead-zinc mineralization
mineralization isis
01200
dominant and
dominant and thetheoreorebodies,
bodies,though
though smaller
smallerininsize,size,are
aremore
more
111100
numerous, shallower,
numerous, shallower, and and of of higher
higher density
density contrast.
contrast. This This
combinationof
combination of features
featureshas has produced
produced more more positive
positiveresponses
responses
inthe
in the Bouguer
Bougueranomalies.
anomalies. These Theseores oresareare only
only associated
associated with with
..... morerecent
more
themore
the
recentleaching
morecomplex
leachingeffects
complexsilica
effectsininthe
silicadolomite
thehosthostrocks
dolomitealteration
rocksandanddo
alteration system,
donotnotinvolve
system,resulting
involve
resultinginin
.. 700
more balanced
more balanced anomaly
anomalypatterns.patterns. The Theanomalies
anomalies do, do, however,
however,
_~_--l
reflectthe
reflect the largest
largest known
knownconcentrations
concentrations of of ore
oreandand thethe plung-
plung-
60600 0
100 200
ing terminations
ing terminations of of the
the lenses
lenses to to thethe north.
north.
01'" Theentire
The entiresegment
segmentof of Urquhart
Urquhart shale shalefrom
from34 34000
000to to 38
38 000
000
Ci1100
mN isisenriched
mN enriched inin uneconomic
uneconomic sulfides, sulfides,mainlymainly pyrite, with an
pyrite, with an
6t 800 3
averagebulk
average bulk density
densityof of 2.9 g/cm3.
2.9g/cm Thissupports
• This supportsthe theanomalous
anomalous
61000
gravimetriccharacter
gravimetric character of of the
the region.
region.
Lesser positive
Lesser positive effects
effectsof of 12 12500
500mE/32mE/32 500 500 mNmN and and north
north
of38
of 38 000
000mN mN represent
representminor minor ore oreextensions
extensionsor or slightly
slightlypyritic
pyritic
shale.Local
shale. Localnegative
negativeeffects,
effects,such suchas asthat
that near
near 14 000mE/36
14000 mE/36 000 000
mN, reflect
mN, reflect variations
variations inin weathering
weatheringdepth, depth, local
localalteration,
alteration,or or
fault-zone decomposition
fault-zone decomposition..

... THE 1100

THE COPPER ORE
1100COPPER ORE BODY RESPONSE
BODY RESPONSE

FIG.3.3. Tw?
FI.G.. TWOexamples
examples of of detailed
detailed ground
ground magnetic
magnetic profiles
profiles Thenature
The nature and
and origin
origin of
of the
the 1100
1100copper
copper oreorebody
body has
has been
been
withinthe
wlthm thecity
cityof
of Mt.
Mt. Isa.
Isa.The
Theupper
upper section
sectionprovides
providessegments
segments describedby
described Mathiasand
byMathias andClark
Clark(1975)
(1975)andandPerkins
Perkins(1984).
(1984).Since
Since
of background
of background fieldfieldresponse
responseandandsuggestions
suggestionsof of its
itscontinuity,
continuity,
but the
but the lower
lower profile
profile provides
provides nono indication
indication of of geologic
geologic theanomaly
the anomalypattern
pattern in
inthe
theregion
regionofof the
the 1100
1100ore
orebody
bodycorrelates
correlates
responses.These
responses. Theseexamples
examplesrepresent
representsome
someofof the
the poorest
poorest data.
data. very closely
very closelywith
with the
the known
knownlocation
location ofof the
the mineralization,
mineralization, the
the
Parts of
Parts of the
the upper
upper profile
profile are
are usable
usable but
but none
none of of the
the lower.
lower. originof
origin of the
the response
responsewas
wasconsidered
consideredin indetail.
detail. Calculations
Calculations by
by
 546
546 Leaman
Leaman
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- 16000mE
(MIMj

FIG.4.4. Compilation
FIG. compilation ofof the
theground
groundmagnetic
magnetic surveys
surveysafter
afterdata
datareview,
review,profile
profile selection,
selection,despiking,
despiking,or or local
localsite
sitedefini-
defini-
tion
tion (detailed
(detailedevaluation
evaluation of
of background
background field
fieldlevels
levelsinindisturbed
disturbed areas).
areas). Precision
Precisionvaries
variesfrom
from 22toto 1515nT.
nT. The
The response
response
due
due to
to the
the northern
northern lead
lead ores
ores and
and association
association isis apparent.
apparent. Contour
Contour interval
interval isis 25
25 or
or 50
50 nT.
nT.

many
manyworkers
workersoveroveraalong
longperiod
periodhavehavesuggested
suggestedthatthatthe
theattrac-
attrac- AArepresentative
representativesection
sectionof ofthe
the1100
1100copper
copperore orebody
body associa-
associa-
tion
tion of
of the
theore,
ore,atatdepths
depthsaveraging
averagingininexcess
excessof of 500
500m, m, would
would tionisisshown
tion shownininFigure
Figure5.5.Several
Severalelements
elementsmightmightcontribute
contributeto to
bebe about
about the noise level
the noise level for
for any
any gravity
gravitysurvey
surveyundertaken
undertaken atat theanomaly:
the anomaly:ore, ore,silica
silicadolomite,
dolomite,and andpyritic
pyriticsiltstone
siltstoneespecially.
especially.
surface
surface(e.g.,
(e.g., Young,
Young, 1984).
1984).However,
However, Figure
Figure22shows
showsthatthat this
this Mine sections
Mine sections werewere assembled
assembled and and each
each well-defined
well-defined densitydensity
isis not
not the
the case.
case. componentwas
component wascalculated
calculatedas asaa3-D3-Dmodel
modelusingusingthethemethod
methodof of
Since
Sinceitithad
hadbeen
beenpresumed
presumedthat thatthethemineralization
mineralizationcould couldnotnot nlwani and
Thlwani andEwing
Ewing(1960)
(1960)withwithsome
somerefinements
refinementsto toguarantee
guarantee
produce
producethe theeffects
effectsobserved,
observed,initial
initialexamination
examinationconsidered
consideredthe the stableintegration
stable integration andand adequate
adequatebody body definition.
definition. TheTheore orebody
body
3
possible
possiblecontribution
contributionfrom fromlarger
largerstructural
structuralsources,
sources,ininparticular
particular was
wasdefined
definedatatthethe2.5
2.5percent
percentcopper
coppergrade
grade(3.35
(3.35g/cm
g/cm3) ) (mainly
(mainly
3
the
thebasement
basementof ofEastern
EasternCreek
Creekvolcanics.
volcanics.Worst
Worstcasecase(maximum
(maximum chalcopyrite)and
chalcopyrite) andthe
thepyritic
pyritichost
hostatat1010percent
percentpyrite
pyrite(2.92
(2.92g/cmg/cm3) )
density
densitycontrast)
contrast)modeling
modelingof ofthe
theknown
knownbasement
basementdistribution
distribution typical of
typical of mine
mineconditions.
conditions. TheseTheseassumptions
assumptionsdefine conser-
define conser-
in
inthe
themine
minesuggested
suggestedthat thatany
anyresponses
responsesfrom fromthis
thissource
sourcecould
could vative
vativevolumes
volumesand andresponses
responsesbut butsimplified
simplifiedmodeling.
modeling.The Thesilica
silica
not
not produce the anomalous patterns observed and
produce the anomalous patterns observed and would
would dolomite isismore
dolomite moreuniform
uniforminin properties
properties and and contrast
contrastbut but more
more
contribute
contribute only only aa gentle
gentle regional
regional effect,
effect, whatever
whatever form form of of complexininshape.
complex shape.AllAllelements
elementswere werecontrasted
contrastedwith withbackground
background
distribution
distribution and and linkage
linkagewas waspresumed
presumedbetween
betweenthe theexposures
exposures levels
levelsfor
forbulk
bulkdensities
densitiesof ofthe
theMount
MountIsa Isagroup.
group.The Thecalculated
calculated
east
east of of the
the city
city and
and those
those near
near the the Mount
Mount Isa Isa fault.
fault. This
This attraction
attractionof of silica
silicadolomite,
dolomite,pyrite,
pyrite,andandore oreisisshown
shownininFigureFigure
conclusion
conclusion was was confirmed
confirmedafter after extended
extendedregional,
regional, 3-D3-D struc-
struc- 6.6. The
The closure
closuretoward
toward the the northern
northern end end reflects
reflects limitation
limitation of of
tural
turalevalution
evalutionof ofboth
bothgravity
gravityandandmagnetic
magneticdata datasets
sets(Leaman,
(Leaman, source-body
source-bodyextent extentininthe
themodel.
model.Within
Withinthe themine,
mine,inincontrast,
contrast,
1991).
1991).Figure
Figure99illustrates
illustratessome
someelements
elementsof ofthe
thestructure
structurededuced.
deduced. thecopper
the copperoresoresdisappear
disappearand andlead-zinc
lead-zincores oresthen
thendominate
dominatethe the
The
Thevolcanic
volcanicbasement
basement response
responseisisrelatively
relativelymuted
mutedininthe themine
mine anomaliesand
anomalies andextend
extendthetheresponse
responsepattern.
pattern.The Theresults
resultspresented
presented
area
areadue
duetotolocal
localalteration
alterationandandconsequent
consequentreduction
reductioninindensity
density here apply
here apply only
only toto the
the BOO
1100oreore body.
body.
3
contrast
contrast (to(to about
about +0.06
+0.06 g/cm
g/cm3). ). The
The vent
vent system
system alteration,
alteration, Theattraction
The attractionof ofore
oreisisquite
quitesmall,
small,less
lessthan
than0.4 mGal(Figure
0.4mOal (Figure
which
whichisisintimately
intimatelyrelated
relatedtotothe
themineralization,
mineralization,and anditsitseffects
effects 7). Thisvalue
7).This valueisistypical
typicalof ofestimates
estimatesmademadetotoshow showthe theinappli-
inappli-
were
werenot
notappreciated
appreciateduntil untilthe
thestructural
structuralmodeling
modelingstudystudywaswasvery
very cability of
cability of the
the gravity
gravity method;
method; anomalies
anomalies of of this
this magnitude
magnitude
advanced.
advanced. The Theresulting
resultingeffect
effectisistotostress
stressthe
theresponse
responsedue duetoto might be
might beobscured
obscuredeasilyeasilyby by minor
minor variations
variations ininthe thethickness
thickness
mineralization.
mineralization. of
ofsurface
surfaceweathering.
weathering.The Thesilica
silicadolomite
dolomiteyields
yieldsaasimilar
similarresult,
result,
 Gravity and
and Magnetic Responses,
Responses, Mt. Isa 547

!<,
V~""I
'v~V
~~'-o/
/
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11000/B
LEGEND
~Sili(a-dolomite
, PblZn ore
&leu ore
_ _ Fault

5110N
o 100

FIG. 7. Attraction of ore components and basement in the

FIG.
FIG. 5. Typical cross-section
FIG. cross-section of 1100
1100 ore body at Mount Isa. 1100 ore body. Note that the slightly
vicinity of the 1100 slightly negative
negative
Note the discordant nature of the basement surfaces
surfaces and the response of the Breakaway shale has also been calculated and
Section 5110N is at mine grid 35 110
relationship with ore. Section 110 mN. included with the basement contribution. The Breakaway
Breakaway shale
effect produces the saddle at 1313 000 mE. Normal basement
densities have been employed,
densities employed, and these produce conservative
conservative
results (see
results 1991). Contours in mGal units.
(see also Leaman, 1991).
lLJ
E
o~
C;

,
0_

~r
0)
<::> E but the combined effect is less likely to be obscured. Adding
~ ~ 4">
<::> the pyrite component trebles
trebles the anomaly so that the minimum
I '" combined effect is about 2.3 mGal.
-r ____3600bmN
MIM Differentials of this magnitude may be observed in Figure 2
I \ I against a typical background field field of about 11 11 mGal. Combin-
/ \ ing the resultant attraction of the ore body association and a
I I maximum effect basement model yields an overall overall pattern quite
\
\
\
\
\ , I
j
If
observed but in which the ore response is clear.
unlike that observed
If the calculated and observed fields
exposed (see
where the volcanics are exposed
fields are matched across
clear.
across areas
areas
9a), then it is possi-
(see Figure 9a), possi-
\ I I ble to evaluate
evaluate the minimum contribution due to surface
weathering or alteration
weathering mineralization. Figure
alteration due to underlying mineralization.
\ I I
8 presents the difference
difference between the observed Bouguer
--\- +_340domN anomalies and the modeled effect, including any effects effects due to
\ MI,M
group. Due to partial cancellation the
formations of the Mt. Isa group.
770S000mN
AMG \ response shown must be reduced by positive contrasts
alteration response
\ about the ore and use of the average unaltered density for the

'\.,,1 / volcanic basement.

volcanic
The response can be used to estimate the extent of alteration
, r present. The general deviation of --1.5 1.5 to --2.5
2.5 mGal on most
1100 I ',-, reflects the general surface weathering of up to 80
formations reflects
3
m at an implied contrast of about -0.7 -0.7 g/cm
g/cm3. • The largest
Py+Cu+S.Dol negative effects
negative 1100 ore body anomaly,
effects sit astride the 1100 anomaly, and the
eastern effect is double that on the western side. side. These
These anomalies
FIG. 6.
FIG. 6. Gravitational contribution of combined responses
responses of
of translate into minimum depth ranges ranges of 400 and 700 musing m using
3
pyritic siltstone,
siltstone, silica dolomite,
dolomite, and copper ore in and around simple contrast on the order of -0.6
3-D methods and a simple -0.6 g/cm
g/cm3. •
3
1100 copper ore body. Contours in mGal units.
the 1100 If a more realistic
If realistic gradational contrast (-0.7 (-0.7 to -0.2-0.2 g/cm
g/cm3) )
 548 Leaman

51600
nT

calc
--
B_A
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12000 13000 14000 15000 (MIMI

.t'ib=2-691;m3 v
.t';=2-73l/m 3
v vv
500
vv
vV
1000
dyke-
foull
complex
1500

2000
m ,-,
,,
34000mN

51600
nT

51400
----
512..Q.Q. --.""""'".. ' ....... , .
10000mE
w
E : fault
g", .t';b=2-69I1m 3 ,
,deep alteration
500
l'i=2-731/m 3

1000

FIG.
FIG. 8. The inferred contribution to gravity anomalies due to 1500
surface weathering alteration around the 1100
weathering and bulk alteration 1100 ore body.
The base values for the compilation were assigned
assigned by matching 2000
m
the calculated values across unaltered, exposed volcanics. The
observed and calculated responses
responses could then be compared and 36000mN
subtracted to indicate the contribution due to alteration across
or within the Mt. lsaIsa group. Examples of the general profile FIG.9. Nature of gravity and magnetic
FIG. magnetic anomalies
anomalies at 34 ()()()
000 and
fit across areas of exposed
exposed volcanics
volcanics and the difference,
difference, due to shown. The dif-
000 mN. The structural interpretation is also shown.
36 ()()() dif-
weathering, are shown in Figure 9. Further details are
surface weathering, ferential between observed and calculated gravity profiles reflects
ferential
given by Leaman (1991). The values can be used to estimate the weathering or alteration not included in the 3-D models. Note
total depth of alteration due to all processes. that the rocks near 15 15 000 mE at 34 000 mN are unweathered.
unweathered.
responses reflect this and shallowing
The strong magnetic responses shallowing of
volcanics. The bulk of the magnetics response is due to the
volcanics, which is locally
disposition and contrast of the volcanics, locally
is employed,
employed, these
these estimates may be considerably increased.
increased. mine, and the fact
diminished near the mine, fact that the local anomaly
Thus, the alteration response related to the mineralization has 000 mE, 36 000
12 000
at 12 000 mN has its sources
sources within the Pb-Zn
continuous sources
sources from the base of normal weathering to the shown as a dotted variation of the
mineralization. This is shown
profile. No similar
calculated profile. similar response is observed
observed at 34 ()()()
000 mN
basement truncation of the mineralization at about 1000 1000 m ores. Symbols
in association with Cu ores. Symbols refer to Mt. Isa group (Pi)(Pi)
depth. and Breakaway shale (Pib).(Fib).
Figure 8 also reveals
Figure reveals deeper alteration
alteration southeast of the primary
zone, which can be associated with a large fault extending
extending from
from
extremity of the
the Mount Isa gliderport toward the northern extremity
mine area. Primary alteration, and thus mineralization, are
If the envelope
envelope containing known ore lenses lenses north of 36 000000
largely terminated by this structure.
largely
mN is modeled, then the average bulk susceptibility of the
MAGNETIC ASSESSMENT
MAGNETIC ASSESSMENT mineralized assemblage
mineralized assemblage is is 0.001
0.001 cgs.
cgs. This
This is
is consistent with the
results of ore,
results ore, gangue,
gangue, and host sampling (Young, (Young, 1984).
1984). The
The
It is
is more difficult to quantify the source
source distribution for for the origin of the magnetization cannnot be assigned assigned simply
simply to the
observed (Figure 4).
observed magnetic anomalies (Figure 4). The
The regional
regional effects
effects presence of pyrrhotite since
presence since it is
is ubiquitous in all parts of the
produced by the Eastern
produced Eastern Creek
Creek volcanics are generally
volcanics are generally dominant,
dominant, mine and is is associated with all mineralization types. It seems seems
as suggested in Figure 9.
as suggested 9. The
The anomalies associated with syngeneticsulfide
probable that the primary syngenetic sulfide associated
associated with the
mineralization are localized and not well
are localized well characterized,
characterized, suggest-
suggest- lead-zinc ores
lead-zinc ores isis a lower temperature
temperature monoclinic
monoclinic form,
form, while
while that
ing
ing a diffuse sulfide source.
source. While
While it is
is clear that the northern associated with the southern
associated southern (copper)
(copper) ore
ore bodies is
is younger
younger and
(lead-zinc)
(lead-zinc) ore
ore bodies
bodies and associated
associated mineralization and altera-
altera- of higher temperature originorigin (Perkins,
(Perkins, 1984).
1984). The
The response
response may
tion are
are magnetic,
magnetic, gaps in coverage caused by mine plants limit
coverage caused limit genetic indicator.
be a genetic indicator.
definition. Equivalent anomalies have not been observed observed in localized nature of the mine
Profiles in Figure 9 illustrate the localized mine
association with
with the
the southern parts of the
the site
site or the
the copper ore
ore area response
area response andand distinguish
distinguish between regional
regional or basement
bodies.
bodies. effects and
effects and ore
ore sources.
sources.
 Gravity and
and Magnetic
Magnetic Responses,
Responses, Mt. Isa 549

CONCLUSIONS
CONCLUSIONS about Isa Mine. I would also like to thank Rennie Blair, Col
Robertson, and Ray Russell for their encouragement and infor-
observed Bouguer
There is a direct correlation between observed
mation provided during the investigation.
investigation.
anomalies and the established distribution of mineralization.
The magnitude of the response observed reflectsreflects the entire
mineral and alteration association, including gangue and REFERENCES
REFERENCES
Downloaded 04/06/15 to 150.131.192.151. Redistribution subject to SEG license or copyright; see Terms of Use at http://library.seg.org/

alone.
abnormal host variants, and is not due to economic ore alone.
T. H., Perkins, W. G., and Swager, C. P., 1988,
Bell, T. 1988, Structural controls
mineralization response
The dominant element of the copper mineralization on localization and development of syntectonic mineralization at
flags the anomalous
is the associated alteration effect which flags Mount Isa, Queensland: Econ. Geol., 83, 69- 69-85.
85.
region. Dockery, B. A., and Tipper, D. 8.,
Dockery, B., 1965.
1965. Mount Isa detailed aeromagnetic
survey, Queensland, 1963: 1963: Aust. Bur. Mineral Resources, Record
lead-zinc ore bodies are associated with less alteration
The lead-zinc - - - - -- .
1965/25
1965/25.
but more positive responses,
responses, reflecting
reflecting the presence of higher Leaman, D. E., 1984, 1984, Notes on microbarometer elevation determina-
tions: Expl. Geophys., IS, 15, 53
53 -- 59.
59.
contrast mineralogy, more and shallower
shallower sources,
sources, and a large -- - 1991,
- 1991, Structure
Structure and
and alteration
alteration ofof Eastern
Eastern Creek
Creek volcanics,
volcanics, Mt.
Mt.
assembly.
gangue assembly. Isa, Queensland: Austral. 1. J. Earth Sciences, in press.
Pyrrhotite is associated with both ore types,types, but small Mathias, B. Y., V., and Clark, G. 1.,J., 1975,
1975, Mount Isa copper and silver-
lead-zinc orebodies Isa and Hilton Mines, in Knight, C. L., Ed.,
magnetic anomalies are only pronounced in the region of lead- Economic geology of Australia and Papua New Guinea: 1. I. Metals.
zinc mineralization. It is possible that the younger, higher Aus. Inst. Mining Metall. Monograph 5, 351-372. 351-372.
another, or
temperature copper mineralization has introduced another, Perkins, W. G., 1984,1984, Mount Isa "silica
"silica dolomite"
dolomite" and copper orebodies:
The result of a syntectonic hydrothermal alteration system: Econ.
varied, form of the pyrrhotite. 79, 601-637.
Geol., 79,601-637.
The issues of source depth and source resolution are not Plumb, K. A., A,, Derrick, G. M., and Wilson, 1.1. H., 1980, 1980, Precambrian
geology of the McArthur River-Mt.River-Mt. Isa region, northern Australia,
relevant to response resolution at a massively mineralized site in Henderson, R. A., and Stephenson, P. 1., J., Eds., The geology and
such as Mt. Isa. geophysics of northern Australia: Geol. Soc. 468, 71-
Soc. Aust., 468, 71-88.
88.
The results
results presented, from a partially mined deposit, are Quirk, G. A., A,, 1982,
1982, Total magnetic field survey of Mt. Isa: Honours
thesis, Geophysical Research Institute, Univ. of New England.
certainly minimal. The unmined deposit would have produced Russell, R. E., and Cox, 1. 1973, Geology of the Mount Isa District.
J. L., 1973,
an unmistakable response in an exploration survey with moderate
moderate Mount Isa Mines Limited (in map supplement) I: Economic geology
spacings (about 200
station spacings ZOO m), provided the coverage of survey of Australia and Papua New Guinea. Metals: AIMM Monograph 5,
1:50 000.
1:50000.
was sufficent to define background responses.
responses. Stanley, 1. 1975, Applications of a rapid sampling vehicle borne
J. M., 1975,
magnetometer: Bull. Aust. Soc. Expl. Geophys., 6, 100-103.
6 , 100-103.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Talwani, M., M., and Ewing, 1960, Rapid computation of gravitational
Ewing, M., 1%0,
attraction of three-dimensional bodies of arbitrary shape: Geophysics,
25, 203
2S, 203 -- 225.
Forrestal and Mount Isa Mines Limited
I am grateful to Peter Forrestal Young, M. E., 1984,
Young, 1984, Gravity and magnetic results from Mount Isa district,
district,
for permission to release and discuss geophysical
geophysical observations Australia: Trans. 1. 1. M. M., 93, B78-
B78-86.86.