Title: Integration of Machine Learning and Ambient Noise Analysis for Mineral Exploration:

Tomography and Azimuthal Anisotropy

Introduction
Mineral exploration plays a vital role in locating and characterizing valuable subsurface mineral
deposits. Traditional exploration methods, such as seismic surveys and drilling, have been widely
employed to understand the geology and identify potential mineralized areas. However, these
methods often come with high costs, significant environmental disturbances, and limited spatial
coverage. To overcome these challenges, there is a growing interest in leveraging ambient noise
analysis coupled with advanced techniques like tomography and azimuthal anisotropy, which offer
promising avenues for cost-effective and environmentally friendly mineral exploration.

Ambient noise refers to the continuous background vibrations recorded by seismic instruments,
primarily caused by natural and anthropogenic sources such as ocean waves, wind, traffic, and
industrial activities. These noise signals propagate through the subsurface, interacting with
geological structures and materials along their paths. By harnessing the information contained
within these ambient noise signals, researchers and geoscientists can uncover valuable insights
about the subsurface characteristics, including geological structures, properties, and potential
mineral deposits.

Tomography, a powerful imaging technique widely used in seismic exploration, utilizes the
propagation of seismic waves to create detailed subsurface images. By analyzing the travel times
and amplitudes of seismic waves recorded at multiple receivers, tomographic algorithms reconstruct
the subsurface velocity distribution. In the context of ambient noise analysis, tomography can be
adapted to utilize the noise signals' wave characteristics, providing a non-invasive and cost-effective
means to obtain high-resolution images of the subsurface, potentially revealing hidden mineralized
zones.

Azimuthal anisotropy refers to the directional dependence of seismic wave velocities caused by
subsurface geological features, such as fractures, foliation, or mineralization. When ambient noise
signals are analyzed for azimuthal anisotropy, researchers can determine the preferred directions of
wave propagation and gain insights into the underlying geological structures. This analysis can aid
in identifying mineralized structures, as they often exhibit distinct anisotropic behavior.

Integrating machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques into ambient noise analysis
can further enhance the accuracy and efficiency of mineral exploration. Machine learning
algorithms can be trained to recognize patterns and relationships within the ambient noise data,
enabling automated mineral identification and improved interpretation of geological features. By
combining machine learning with tomographic modeling and azimuthal anisotropy analysis,
researchers can unlock the full potential of ambient noise for mineral exploration, leading to more
effective and sustainable resource discovery.

This research proposal aims to investigate the application of ambient noise analysis coupled with
tomography, azimuthal anisotropy analysis, and machine learning techniques for mineral
exploration. By harnessing the wealth of information present in ambient noise signals, this research
seeks to enhance subsurface imaging, identify mineralized structures, and ultimately contribute to
more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally conscious mineral exploration practices.

Objectives
The primary objectives of this research proposal are as follows:
a) To evaluate the potential of machine learning algorithms in processing and analyzing ambient
noise data for mineral exploration.
b) To develop a hybrid tomographic model that incorporates machine learning techniques for
improved subsurface imaging.
c) To explore the integration of machine learning with azimuthal anisotropy analysis to enhance the
identification of mineralized structures.
d) To compare the performance and effectiveness of machine learning-assisted ambient noise
analysis with traditional exploration methods.

Methodology
a) Data Collection: Ambient noise data will be collected using a network of broadband
seismometers strategically placed within mineral-rich areas. The continuous ambient noise signals
will be recorded over an extended period.

b) Data Preprocessing: The collected ambient noise data will undergo preprocessing steps to remove
noise sources and artifacts. Techniques such as filtering, denoising, and normalization will be
applied to enhance the quality of the data.

c) Feature Extraction: Relevant features will be extracted from the preprocessed ambient noise data.
These features may include spectral characteristics, statistical parameters, or other domain-specific
features that can provide valuable information for mineral identification.

d) Machine Learning Model Development: Machine learning algorithms, such as deep learning or
support vector machines, will be trained using the extracted features and associated ground truth
mineralization data. The models will learn patterns and relationships between the ambient noise
features and mineral presence.

e) Hybrid Tomographic Modeling: The tomographic model will be developed using both the
conventional tomographic inversion algorithm and the trained machine learning model. By
incorporating the machine learning model's predictions, the tomographic model will provide
improved subsurface imaging accuracy.

f) Azimuthal Anisotropy Analysis with Machine Learning: Machine learning algorithms will be
integrated into the analysis of azimuthal anisotropy of ambient noise signals. The algorithms will
help identify subtle directional variations in the signals associated with subsurface fractures and
mineralization.

g) Comparison with Traditional Methods: The results obtained from the machine learning-assisted
ambient noise analysis will be compared with data acquired from traditional exploration methods,
such as seismic surveys and drilling. This comparison will evaluate the performance, accuracy, and
cost-effectiveness of the proposed approach.

Expected Outcomes
a) Enhanced mineral identification and mapping: The integration of machine learning with ambient
noise analysis will lead to more accurate and efficient mineral identification and mapping,
improving the success rate of mineral exploration efforts.

b) Improved subsurface imaging: The hybrid tomographic model, utilizing machine learning
predictions, will enhance the resolution and quality of subsurface imaging, enabling better
visualization of mineral deposits.
c) Automated mineral identification: Machine learning algorithms will enable automated
identification of mineralized structures, reducing human subjectivity and enhancing the speed of
exploration analysis.

d) Cost-effective and sustainable exploration: The proposed approach has the potential to
significantly reduce exploration costs and environmental impact by leveraging existing noise
sources and optimizing exploration activities.

Project Timeline
The proposed research will be conducted over a period of two and a half years, divided into the
following phases:

Year 1:

Site selection and instrumentation setup

Data collection of ambient noise signals
Data preprocessing and feature extraction
Year 2:

Machine learning model development and training

Hybrid tomographic modeling
Integration of machine learning with azimuthal anisotropy analysis
Year 3:

Performance evaluation and comparison with traditional methods

Result analysis and refinement
Report writing, publication, and dissemination of findings

Conclusion
This research proposal advocates for the integration of machine learning algorithms with ambient
noise analysis, tomography, and azimuthal anisotropy for improved mineral exploration. By
leveraging the capabilities of machine learning, we can enhance mineral identification, improve
subsurface imaging accuracy, and automate exploration processes. The outcomes of this research
will contribute to more efficient and sustainable mineral exploration practices, benefiting the
mining industry and enabling responsible resource discovery.