CH00689C - CSAMT Report Santa Cecilia Project

CONTROLLED SOURCE AUDIO-
MAGNETOTELLURIC (CSAMT) SURVEY

GEOPHYSICAL REPORT
SANTA CECILIA PROJECT
COPIAPO REGION III, CHILE
ON BEHALF OF
COMPAÑÍA MINERA CERRO DEL MEDIO
(LA SERENA, CHILE)
QUANTEC GEOSCIENCE CHILE LTDA. LUIS DIAZ

470 GERTRUDIS ECHENIQUE, LAS CONDES, SANTIAGO, CHILE BENOÎT TOURNERIE
PHONE: (0056) 2 217-3499 PROJECT #: CH00689C
WWW.QUANTECGEOSCIENCE.COM 29/02/2012
QUANTEC GEOSCIENCE CHILE LTDA.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
List of Figures ........................................................................................................................................ 3
List of Tables.......................................................................................................................................... 3
1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 4
1.1 Survey Objectives ............................................................................................................. 4
1.2 General Survey Information ............................................................................................. 4
1.3 Project Location Information ........................................................................................... 4
2 Survey Logistics ........................................................................................................................ 7
2.1 Access ............................................................................................................................... 7
2.2 Survey Grid Area............................................................................................................... 7
2.3 Production and Coverage ................................................................................................. 7
2.4 Personnel.......................................................................................................................... 8
2.5 Instrumentation ............................................................................................................... 9
2.6 Survey Specification ......................................................................................................... 9
2.6.1 Geometry.................................................................................................................. 9
2.6.2 Acquisition & Processing ........................................................................................ 10
2.6.3 Accuracy and Repeatability .................................................................................... 12
2.7 Data Presentation .......................................................................................................... 12
2.7.1 Digital Data ............................................................................................................. 12
2.7.2 Archive .................................................................................................................... 12
3 Discussion of Inversion Results .............................................................................................. 13
3.1 Overview ........................................................................................................................ 13
3.2 Inversion Procedure ....................................................................................................... 13
3.3 Results ............................................................................................................................ 16
4 Conclusion and Recommendations........................................................................................ 18
A Statement of Qualifications ................................................................................................... 19
B Production Summary ............................................................................................................. 21
C Introduction to the Controlled Source Audio-MagnetoTelluric Method............................... 23
D References.............................................................................................................................. 25
E Geosoft Sections .................................................................................................................... 26
F Geosoft Plan maps ................................................................................................................. 34
2
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1-1: General Project Location. ................................................................................................... 5
Figure 1-2: Surveyed Location Map. ..................................................................................................... 6
Figure 2-1: Standard CSAMT Survey Configuration. ........................................................................... 10
Figure 2-2: Example of a standard TXT File resulting from the Cleanup Processing........................... 11
Figure 3-1: Transition Zone between the Far Field and the Near Field. ............................................. 14
Figure 3-2: Example of a smooth 1D Occam Layer Model. ................................................................. 15
Figure 3-3: Example of a Stitched 1D Model Section. ......................................................................... 16
Figure 3-4: Plan map of the 2D CSAMT resistivity at 500m depth ...................................................... 17
Figure 3-5: Resistivity section under Line 700E................................................................................... 17
LIST OF TABLES
Table 2-1: Surveyed Line-start and -end point coordinates.................................................................. 8
Table 2-2: Typical Currents at the Bipole. ............................................................................................. 9
3
1 INTRODUCTION
This report presents the logistics and the results of the analysis of the Controlled Source Audio-
Magnetotelluric data acquired from 2011/11/22 to 2012/01/20 over the Santa Cecilia Project, on behalf
of Compañía Minera Cerro Del Medio.
1.1 SURVEY OBJECTIVES

The objective of the CSAMT survey will be used high resistivity features that may be associated with
porphyry gold mineralization within the Santa Cecilia Project.
1.2 GENERAL SURVEY INFORMATION

Quantec Project No.: CH00689C
Client: Compañía Minera Cerro Del Medio
Client Address: 380 – Los Carreras Street
La Serena.
Chile
Client representative: Mr. Mario Hernandez
Phone: 56-264-2295
Email:mha@cegmining.com
Project Name: Santa Cecilia Project
Survey Type: Controlled Source Audio-Magnetotelluric
Project Survey Period: 2011/11/22 to 2012/01/20
1.3 PROJECT LOCATION INFORMATION

General Location: Approximately 100 km East of Copiapo city.
State, Province or Territory: Region III
Country: Chile
Nearest Settlement: Copiapo
Datum & Projection: PSAD 56 - 19J
Latitude & Longitude: Approx. 69°20’W, 27°41'N
UTM position: Approx. 467061m E, 6936804m N
4
Figure 1-1: General Project Location1.
1
Image downloaded from web site: http://www.cerrodelmedio.cl..
5
Figure 1-2: Surveyed Location Map.
6
2 SURVEY LOGISTICS
2.1 ACCESS
Base of Operation: Santa Cecilia Mine Site
Mode of Access: Truck and on foot
2.2 SURVEY GRID AREA

Established by: by client prior to survey execution
Coordinate Reference System: Grid referenced to UTM Coordinates
Datum & Projection: PSAD56, UTM Zone 19J
Grid Azimuth: 40° approx.
Line separation: 250 meters
Station Interval: 50 meters
Notes: UTM coordinates, for picketed survey stations were acquired by handheld GPS. A table of
the UTM coordinates in digital “.txt” file is included in the digital archive on CD, provided with this
report.
2.3 PRODUCTION AND COVERAGE

Survey Period/days: December 22st, 2011 to January, 20st, 2012
46 day(s)
Survey Days (read time): 40 day(s)
Mob/Demob: 3 day(s)
Safety Inductions: 0 day(s)
Set CSAMT source: 1 day(s)
Weather/Breakdown days: 4 day(s)
Standby days 0 day(s)
Number of Lines surveyed: 19
Survey Coverage: 45.600 km
7
Table 2-1: Surveyed Line-start and -end point coordinates

UTM Coordinate Start UTM Coordinate End
Grid Coordinate (PSAD56/Zone19J) (PSAD56/Zone19J)
Coverage
Start End Easting Northing Easting Northing (km)
100 2750 3850 469349 6935923 470042 6936773 1.100
150 2300 3900 468847 6935749 469877 6936973 1.600
200 2000 4400 468447 6935718 470044 6937507 2.400
250 2650 4250 468724 6936350 469769 6937563 1.600
300 2000 4250 468094 6936020 470199 6938427 3.200
350 2650 4450 468361 6936676 469528 6938048 1.800
400 650 2900 466873 6935298 469723 6938653 4.400
450 2600 4300 467905 6936947 469012 6938232 1.700
500 350 5050 466260 6935417 469306 6939000 4.700
550 350 4350 466066 6935571 468658 6938619 4.000
600 350 4500 465886 6935720 468549 6938905 4.150
650 400 3900 465734 6935957 467977 6938576 3.500
700 300 4800 465261 6935671 468153 6939118 4.500
750 300 3700 465275 6936202 467503 6938723 3.400
800 0 4500 464685 6935763 467578 6939210 4.500
850 200 3400 464817 6936430 466910 6938841 3.200
900 300 3400 464700 6936653 466721 6939007 3.100
950 200 2400 464431 6936739 465846 6938425 2.200
1000 300 2400 464310 6936944 465615 6938612 2.100
TOTAL 57.150
2.4 PERSONNEL
Project Manager: Mark Morrison
Responsible Geophysicist: Luis Díaz and Benoît Tournerie
Geophysical operator Cristian Campillay
Field Crew: Aníbal Bugueño’
German Anaya
Patricio Aravena
Hans Delgado
8
2.5 INSTRUMENTATION
Receiver: Zonge GDP-32 II
Transmitter: Zonge Model GGT-30
Frequency Controller: Zonge Model XMT-16
Generator: Deutz Model F$L 1011F
Voltage Regulator: Zonge VR1b
Magnetic Sensor (Coil): EMI BF-10
Electrodes: Ground contacts using steel plates
Wire: 12-14 gauges insulated copper wire
2.6 SURVEY SPECIFICATION
2.6.1 GEOMETRY
Transmitted Frequencies: 2 Hz – 8192 Hz, binary steps of 2n (n=0, 1, 2)
Fundamental Frequencies: 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024,
2048, 4096, 8192 Hz
Harmonic Frequencies: Five odd harmonics were collected for fundamental
frequencies between 2 Hz and 1024 Hz
Dipole Spacing: 50 m
Bipole(s) Utilized: 2
Nominal bipole length: 2.0 km
Bipole Location: BP01:
459286E-6940253N; 461463E- 6942815N (PSAD56, 19J)
BP02:
459183E-6939790N; 461222E- 6942065N (PSAD56, 19J)
Typical CSAMT Currents: Table 2-2 shows typical currents at the bipoles for the
fundamental frequencies of the CSAMT survey.
Table 2-2: Typical Currents at the Bipole.
Frequency (Hz) 8-256Hz 512 1024 2048 4096 8192
Typical Current (A) 16 13 10 5.5 3 1.5
9
12-24 km maximum
Survey
Lines E-field parallel to Survey Lines
Total Possible
NULL CSAMT
ZONE Maximum Survey Area

“Standard” CSAMT 4 6 km 12 km NULL
Source Field in Broadside ZONE East (y)
Tx Configuration for
Minimum 1.5 km Plane- 
wave Penetration in Ex/Hy
Rx Configuration.
North (x)
2-3 km bipole
or
2 x 2 km loop
 = 30o-45o maximum
Figure 2-1: Standard CSAMT Survey Configuration.
2.6.2 ACQUISITION & PROCESSING
2.6.2.1 Acquisition
All survey lines were established by Quantec. Measurements of the CSAMT apparent resistivity
and phase difference were made at 50 m station intervals, in the 2 Hz to 9216 Hz bandwidth, in
the transverse magnetic (TM) mode, i.e. with telluric fields (Ex) measured parallel to survey lines
and magnetic fields (Hy) orthogonal. The TM mode was chosen to maximize the size of the
effective survey area and to ensure a maximum field strength and homogeneous planar EM
field.
In order to improve survey productivity, the electro-telluric array configuration was adopted,
using a 6-to-1 ratio for the Ex-to-Hy samples. With the dipole spacing and station interval fixed at
50 m, the total length of the array was 300 m, since six Ex dipoles were measured
simultaneously. The receiver unit and the magnetic coil were located at the center of the array.
Fifty-three frequencies were sampled (2 - 9216 Hz, in binary steps) per dipole. Readings were
accepted or rejected according to their repeatability and standard error of measurement (SEM).
Multiple readings were collected at each frequency, particularly the more noise-sensitive high
frequencies (4096 - 9216 Hz).
2.6.2.2 Processing
For each line, the CSAMT raw field data are first sorted by dipole and frequency using the
Quantec proprietary software (CSAMT Cleanup). Spurious data are discarded, and the remainder
are averaged and separated according to profile, sounding site (station) and frequency. The data
10
are then converted to a TXT file which contains the station at which the Ex and Hy fields where
measured, and the resistivity (RHOYX) and phases (PHYX) interpolated at exponentially
decreasing frequencies, i.e., increasing depths, as shown in Figure 2-2.
Each surveyed profile has a corresponding TXT file which can be imported into Geotools for
post-processing and inversion. The TM mode only RHOYX and PHSYX are considered in the next
processing steps.
Figure 2-2: Example of a standard TXT File resulting from the Cleanup Processing.
11
2.6.3 ACCURACY AND REPEATABILITY

Apparent Resistivity Error: Error less than 1/20TH decade average
Phase Error less than 3 degrees average
2.7 DATA PRESENTATION
2.7.1 DIGITAL DATA

Digital data are provided in both Geotools™ and ASCII format. Instrument dump files are
arranged by date and by line number.
One copy of the digital data is presented on compact disk. File extensions are as follows:
File Extension Description
*.GEOTOOLS.TXT GEOTOOLS™ FORMAT DATA FILES

Row 1: EW station position (m) - midpoint of dipole
Row 2: Number of frequencies measured per station
Column 1: Frequency of measurement (hertz)
Column 2: RHOXY
Column 3: Phase XY (Phase difference φEy – φHx) (mrad)
Column 4: RHOYX
Column 5: Phase YX (Phase difference φEx – φHy) (mrad)
*.DMP CSAMT instrument dump files
*.TXT ASCII data file of the 2D inversion result
*.GRD Geosoft™ format interpolated data array
*.MAP Geosoft ™(Oasis™) format raster and vector presentation files
*.GDB Geosoft™ (Oasis™) format database
*.PNG Colour image files
*.PDF Adobe Acrobat files
2.7.2 ARCHIVE
The DVD attached to this report contains a copy of all the final processed data, and an electronic
copy of this report (with all appendices). The data and maps are archived in digital form, as
described above, on the DVD provided in the DVD pocket. The survey results are presented in
Oasis “.map” file format, as well as “.png” file format, at a scale of 1:10,000.
12
3 DISCUSSION OF INVERSION RESULTS
3.1 OVERVIEW
The CSAMT method remains a remote-sensing technique, and like all electrical techniques
(IP/Resistivity, TEM soundings, VES soundings) it is important to recognize that by far the most
important factors controlling resistivity are the porosity and pore salinity of rocks - not their mineral
composition (except for metallic sulphides in sufficiently large volumes). CSAMT surveys are generally
excellent, high-resolution tools in differentiating zones of structure and anomalous geochemistry.
However, many similar geologic/geomorphologic features produce similar signatures that can lead to
interpretation errors.
3.2 INVERSION PROCEDURE

The Geotools software is as the database management of the final processed data. Occam1D or
Marquardt1D Inversion program are first used to invert the data providing for each station a smooth-
layer 1-D resistivity/depth curve. To avoid the effects of the “near-field” some of the frequencies must
be removed. Only RHOYX and PHSYX (see Figure 2-2) are considered in the next processing steps.
For this survey, the “notch” or transition zone between the “far field” and the “near field” is determined
to occur at 25 Hz. All frequencies below 25Hz are then considered in the transition zone or “near-field.
Figure 3-1 shows the resistivity changes for different frequencies at station 475 of line 750 and the
transition zone to the near-field effect.
13
Figure 3-1: Transition Zone between the Far Field and the Near Field.
Once the frequencies below the “notch” are removed, a 1D Occam inversion is performed resulting on a
1D smooth-layer model per station or site (see Figure 3-2 for example). All the 1D models are
interpolated between sites and a 1D stitched model section is obtained for each line (see Figure 3-3 for
example).
The preliminary stitched 1D “smooth model” Occam inversion is a first approximation of the data fit and
it is used as an input model to carry out the 2D inversion technique. The 2D inversion technique is
performed in Geotools (CH00689C). The final result is then exported as TXT file which is later plotted as
a section view using the Geosoft Oasis Montaj© software. Each section is presented with log contours to
accentuate the variability in the resistivity in the lines. The same color bar is used for all of the sections.
The data files for these models are found on the accompanying digital archive.
The CSAMT data are presented in the following manner:

 Resistivity / Depth section of the PWs 2D models.
 Resistivity plan-view depth slices of the 2D inverted data at 100m intervals.
14
All sections utilize the same coloring scheme to facilitate interpretation from line to line, as well as
the resistivity plan maps.
Figure 3-2: Example of a smooth 1D Occam Layer Model.
15
Figure 3-3: Example of a Stitched 1D Model Section.
3.3 RESULTS
At Santa Cecilia the survey objectives were to delineate high resistivity that may be associated with
porphyry gold mineralization.
All CSAMT profiles are with 50 m dipole spacing and in 40° true north orientation and were positioned
such that it may cross part of the geological structures and geological trends this survey consist an area.
Figure 3-4 presents the 2D CSAMT resistivity results at 500m depth over the survey area, and Figure 3-5
the resistivity model along profile L700E. These figures clearly highlight variation of the resistivity in the
horizontal and vertical direction.
The plan map of the resistivity (Figure 3-4) clearly highlight a semi-circular conductive zone (zone 2)
located in the center of the grid. This conductive area is located between lines 500E and 850E, and is
centered near station 2500N. This central unit and the more conductive trend that extends on lines 100E
to 500E, between station 2000N and 2500N are bounded by two main resistivity units 1 and 3, located
on the SW and NE of the survey respectively. The contact between the central conductive zone and the
two more resistive units could be related to structural contacts.
On the 2D section (Figure 3-5), we observe that the conductive unit 2 is overlain by a more resistive
layer of >1000 Ohm-m and 250-300 m thick.
The conductive unit 1 represent the principal zone of interest over this survey.
16
Figure 3-4: Plan map of the 2D CSAMT resistivity at 500m depth
Figure 3-5: Resistivity section under Line 700E.
17
4 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The CSAMT survey was successful to identify three important zones over the survey area: a central and
semi-circular conductive unit (zone 2) and two more resistive units 1 and 3 bordering the unit 2. This
gradual resistivity change in between eastern and western part of the survey grid may indicate the
structural or formational change.
It is recommended that the present geophysical results should be compared with the known and
interpreted geology in order to improve the interpreted geological map and identify isolated signatures
that may represent alteration or mineral concentrations of interest. The combination of the geophysical
data with existing geological and geochemical data, previous exploration work pertaining to the area,
including magnetics, ground or airborne EM, and drilling information will assist with selection of drill
targets.
Respectfully Submitted
Toronto, ON, the 29/02/2012,
Benoît Tournerie, DSc, PGeo Luis Diaz, B.Sc

Quantec Geoscience Ltd Quantec Geoscience Peru S.A.C.
18
A STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS
A.1 BENOIT TOURNERIE

I, Benoît Tournerie, declare that:
I am a Geophysicist with residence in Toronto, Ontario and am presently employed in this
capacity with Quantec Geoscience Ltd., Toronto, Ontario;
I obtained a License (equivalent to B.Sc.) in 1989, a DEA (equivalent to M.Sc.) in 1991, and a
Doctorate with Honours (equivalent to Ph.D.) in December 1995, in Earth Sciences, option
geophysics, from the University of Rennes 1, Rennes, France;
I am a registered geophysicist, since 2008, with license to practice in the Province of Ontario
(APGO member # 1609); a registered geoscientist, since 2008 with a license to practice in the
Province of Quebec (OGQ #1322); a registered geoscientist, since 2009 with a license to practice
in the Province British Columbia (APEG-BC #33786);
I have practiced my profession continuously since April, 1996 in North and South America, in
Europe, and in Oceania;
I am a member of the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG), the European Association of
Geoscientist and Engineers (EAGE), and the Canadian Exploration Geophysics Society (KEGS);
I have no interest, nor do I expect to receive any interest in the properties or securities of
Compañía Minera Cerro Del Medio, its subsidiaries or its joint-venture partners;
I have reviewed this Geophysical Report, and the statements made in this report represent my
professional opinion in consideration of the information available to me at the time of writing
this report.
Toronto, Ontario, the 29/02/2012
Benoît Tournerie, D. Sc., P.Geo.

Quantec Geoscience Ltd.
19
A.2 LUIS DIAZ

I, Luis Diaz, declare that
I am Geophysicist with residence in Arequipa, Peru, and I am presently employed in this capacity
with Quantec Geoscience Peru S.A.C., Arequipa, Peru;
I obtained an Honours Bachelor of Geophysics degree, from the Universidad Nacional de San
Agustin de Arequipa, Arequipa 1998.
I have practiced my profession continuously since 1998 in South America and North America
I have no interest, nor do I expect to receive any interest in the properties or securities of
Compañía Minera Cerro Del Medio, its subsidiaries or its joint-venture partners;
I was in charge of the Quality Control and Assurance of the acquired data; I have reviewed the
survey results and the logistics sections of the report, and can attest that these accurately and
faithfully reflect the data acquired on site;
I have compiled the final processed data, inversions and interpretation results contained in the
Geophysical Report.
The statements made in this report represent my professional opinion in consideration of the
information available to me at the time of writing this report.
Arequipa, Peru the 29/02/2012
Luis Diaz, B.Sc.

Quantec Geoscience Perú S.A.C.
20
B PRODUCTION SUMMARY
DATE Field Activities and Line Line Start Line End Read TOTAL
Observations (m) (m)
11/20/2011 Mob to grid
11/21/2011 Mob to grid
11/22/2011 Setup the bipole
11/23/2011 Survey 1000 2200 2500 300 300
11/24/2011 Survey 1000 900 2200 1300 1600
11/25/2011 Preparation 1000
11/26/2011 Equipment trouble
11/30/2011 Survey 1000 2500 3100 600 2200
12/01/2011 Survey 950 1600 3100 1500 3700
12/02/2011 Survey 950 1300 1600 300 4000
12/03/2011 Survey 950 900 1300 1600 5600
900 2600 3800
12/04/2011 Survey 900 2300/3800 2600/4100 600 6200
12/07/2011 Survey 900 1800 2300 800 7000
850 2100 2400
12/08/2011 Survey 850 900/2400 2100/2700 1500 8500
12/09/2011 Survey 850 2700 4200 1500 10000
12/11/2011 Survey 750 300 2100 1800 11800
12/12/2011 Survey 750 2100 3400 1300 13100
12/14/2011 Survey 650 2900 4600 1700 14800
12/15/2011 Survey 650 1400 2900 1500 16300
12/16/2011 Survey 650 1100 1400 600 16900
600 1850 2150
12/17/2011 Survey 600 650 1850 1200 18100
21
DATE Field Activities and Line Line Start Line End Read TOTAL
Observations (m) (m)
12/19/2011 Survey 600 350/2150 650/2850 2200 20300
550 1850 3050
12/20/2011 Survey 550 3050 3950 900 21200
12/21/2011 Survey 550 3950 4350 400 21600
01/06/2012 Survey 550 1550 1850 300 21900
01/07/2012 Survey 550 350 1550 1500 23400
500 2200 2500
01/08/2012 Survey 500 2500 4300 1800 25200
01/10/2012 Survey 500 4300/1300 5050/2200 1650 26850
01/11/2012 Survey 500 350 1300 1550 28400
450 2600 3200
01/12/2012 Survey 450 3200 4300 1700 30100
400 2450 3050
01/13/2012 Survey 400 3050 4850 1800 31900
01/14/2012 Survey 400 4850/1250 5050/2450 1400 33300
01/15/2012 Survey 400 650 1250 2400 35700
350 2650 4450
01/16/2012 Survey 300 2600 4400 1800 37500
01/17/2012 Survey 300 4400/2300 5200/2600 1100 38600
01/18/2012 Survey 300 2000 2300 1800 40400
250 2650 4150
01/19/2012 Survey 250 4150 4250 2500 42900
200 2000 4400
01/20/2012 Survey 150 2300 3900 2700 45600
100 2750 3850
Demob to Antofagasta
Total Survey Coverage (45.600 km)
22
C INTRODUCTION TO THE CONTROLLED SOURCE AUDIO-MAGNETOTELLURIC METHOD

C.1 INTRODUCTION
The Controlled Source Audio Magnetotelluric CSAMT method is a frequency-domain electromagnetic
(EM) sounding technique used to establish an apparent resistivity map of the earth. The technique uses
a fixed grounded dipole or horizontal loop as the energy source. Orthogonal electric and magnetic field
components are measured ideally in the plane-wave portion of the field far from the source.
Impedances and thus apparent resistivity values are obtained by taking the ratio of the perpendicular,
horizontal electric and magnetic magnitudes. CSAMT data quality depends primarily on the source
current, the source sounding separation, and the ambient noise level.
The source is operated at a series of frequencies, typically starting at about 2 Hz with binary increments
(2, 4, 8, 16 …) to 8192 Hz. The response at these frequencies is translated to an apparent resistivity a
using the Cagniard2 relationship:
2
 
1  Ex 
a = -m
5 f  H y 
Where f is the frequency in Hz, Ex is the electric field in mV / km and Hy is the magnetic field in gammas.
Since the Cagniard relationship only holds for the far field, that is where the source field is planar, the
frequency content and source distance to the survey area may be varied to accommodate this
limitation. However signal strength usually predicates the maximum distance to the source. In high
resistivity ground it is often useful to establish the lowest frequency still in the far field. It is common
field practice to limit the survey to one or two frequencies below this frequency. The 'notch' or
transition zone is determined both theoretically and by observation.
Impedance phase  is determined using the difference between measured electric field phase (e) and
magnetic field phase (h):
  E  H .
Impendence phase values near /4 radians (785 mrad) indicate homogenous ground. As the source field
transitions from the far field to the near field, phase values will approach 0. The 'notch' occurs when an
abrupt resistivity contrast is present at a depth similar to the transition depth. Current gathering and
channeling at the resistivity contrast results in a transition zone concentrated over several frequencies. In
theory the transition zone is encountered at 3-5 skin depths from the transmitter. The Bostick skin depth 
in meters is related to the resistivity  and frequency f by the relationship:

 = 503 m
f
Thus, the depth of investigation is determined primarily by the frequency of the measurement, with lower
frequencies sensing deeper into the subsurface, i.e. lower frequencies are plotted at greater depths
because low frequency signals penetrate deeper into the earth.
2
Cagniard, L. 1953, Basic Theory of the Magneto-Telluric method of Geophysical Prospecting, Geophysics, 18, pp 605-635.
23
A plane wave approximation is used. This means the transmitter bipole must be located at a sufficient
distance from the site to produce “far-field” or plane wave data in the area of interest. Depth estimates
from any individual sounding may easily reach several km. However, the data can only be confidently
interpreted in the “far field”. Moving the transmitter far enough away from the survey area results in all
frequencies of interest being in the “far field”, however signal strength, particularly magnetic field strength,
drops rapidly with distance. A balance must be struck between measurable signal, depth of investigation
and shallow resolution required. The near-source field effects can be corrected in the raw data but for the
inversion process the frequencies showing the “near-field” effect have been eliminated.
CSAMT data have historically been evaluated using numerous methods including frequency / depth plots,
1D inversion, 2D inversion and 3D inversion. In this report, the interpretation presented is a two-
dimensional (2D) inversion. The critical point to consider when evaluating inversion results is that an
inversion model depends on the data, but also the data errors, and the model norm. The inversion models
are not unique, may contain artifacts of the inversion process, and may not accurately reflect all of the
information apparent in the actual data. Inversions are a tool, a very powerful tool, but not a “final
solution”. Inversion models need to be reviewed in the context of the data, model fit, and with an
understanding of the model norm used.
The data are processed using the Geotools™ software (Geotools Corp. 1997, Reddig and Jiracek, 1984,
Reddig and Holcolme, 1987). In an optimum case, one would project a “best guess” geologic section into
the inversion and populate the regions of the geologic model with physical property measurements
obtained from rock property studies or borehole measurements. However, lacking the input from a
geologic model, the 2D “maximum likelihood” inversion technique is best utilized by providing an a-priori
model, a preliminary stitched 1D “smooth model” Occam (Constable et al. 1979) and the RLM 2D
inversion code (Mackie et al. 1993) is completed as a reasonable approximation of the data fit.
In the last processing step, the inverted resistivity data are exported from Geotools™ to Geosoft Oasis™
where they are hung from topography and prepared for presentation.
24
D REFERENCES
Bahr, K., and Simpson, F., 2005, Practical Magnetotellurics, Cambridge University Press.
Berdichevsky, M.N., Dmitriev, V.I., Pozdnjakova, E.E., 1998. On two-dimensional interpretation of
magnetotelluric soundings. Geophys. J. Int. 133, 585–606.
Constable, S.C., Parker, R.L., and Constable, C.G., 1987. Occam’s inversion - A practical algorithm for
generating smooth models from electromagnetic sounding data. Geophysics, 52 (3), 289-300.
de Lugao, P.P., and Wannamaker, P.E., 1996. Calculating the two-dimensional magnetotelluric Jacobian
in finite elements using reciprocity. Geophysical Journal International, 127, 806-810.
Marquardt, D.W., 1963. An algorithm for least-squares estimation of non-linear parameters. J. Sot. Ind.
Appl. Math., 11, 431–441.
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25
E GEOSOFT SECTIONS
Resistivity section under Line 100E
26
27
28
29
30
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32
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F GEOSOFT PLAN MAPS
2D CSAMT resistivity plan map at 50m depth
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SUMMARY TABLE
SUMMARY TABLE
CLIENT
Client / Company Name Compañía Minera Cerro Del Medio
Client Main Location (La Serena, Chile)
Client Representative Mr. Mario Hernandez
Phone Number
Fax Number
Email Contact (if available)
PROJECT
Project Grid Name Santa Cecilia Project
Project Grid Location Copiapo Region III, Chile
Survey Type Controlled Source Audio-Magnetotelluric
Survey Period (YY/MM/DD to YY/MM/DD) 2011/11/22 to 2012/01/20
Quantec Project Number CH00689C
Geophysicist(s) in charge Data QAQC:
Cristian Campillay
Processing, Inversion & Interpretation:
Luis Diaz
REPORT
Signed by Luis Diaz & Benoît Tournerie
Report Date 29/02/2012
40

CH00689C - CSAMT Report Santa Cecilia Project

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CONTROLLED SOURCE AUDIO-

MAGNETOTELLURIC (CSAMT) SURVEY

QUANTEC GEOSCIENCE CHILE LTDA. LUIS DIAZ

1.1 SURVEY OBJECTIVES

1.2 GENERAL SURVEY INFORMATION

1.3 PROJECT LOCATION INFORMATION

Figure 1-1: General Project Location1.

Figure 1-2: Surveyed Location Map.

2.2 SURVEY GRID AREA

2.3 PRODUCTION AND COVERAGE

Table 2-1: Surveyed Line-start and -end point coordinates

2.6 SURVEY SPECIFICATION

Figure 2-1: Standard CSAMT Survey Configuration.

2.6.2 ACQUISITION & PROCESSING

2.6.3 ACCURACY AND REPEATABILITY

2.7 DATA PRESENTATION

2.7.1 DIGITAL DATA

File Extension Description

*.GEOTOOLS.TXT GEOTOOLS™ FORMAT DATA FILES

*.DMP CSAMT instrument dump files

*.TXT ASCII data file of the 2D inversion result

*.GRD Geosoft™ format interpolated data array

*.MAP Geosoft ™(Oasis™) format raster and vector presentation files

*.GDB Geosoft™ (Oasis™) format database

*.PNG Colour image files

*.PDF Adobe Acrobat files

3 DISCUSSION OF INVERSION RESULTS

3.2 INVERSION PROCEDURE

The CSAMT data are presented in the following manner:

Figure 3-2: Example of a smooth 1D Occam Layer Model.

Figure 3-3: Example of a Stitched 1D Model Section.

Figure 3-4: Plan map of the 2D CSAMT resistivity at 500m depth

Figure 3-5: Resistivity section under Line 700E.

4 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Benoît Tournerie, DSc, PGeo Luis Diaz, B.Sc

A.1 BENOIT TOURNERIE

Toronto, Ontario, the 29/02/2012

Benoît Tournerie, D. Sc., P.Geo.

A.2 LUIS DIAZ

Luis Diaz, B.Sc.

C INTRODUCTION TO THE CONTROLLED SOURCE AUDIO-MAGNETOTELLURIC METHOD

Resistivity section under Line 100E

Resistivity section under Line 150E

Resistivity section under Line 200E

Resistivity section under Line 250E

Resistivity section under Line 300E

Resistivity section under Line 350E

Resistivity section under Line 400E

Resistivity section under Line 450E

Resistivity section under Line 500E

Resistivity section under Line 550E

Resistivity section under Line 600E

Resistivity section under Line 650E

Resistivity section under Line 700E

Resistivity section under Line 750E

Resistivity section under Line 800E

Resistivity section under Line 850E

Resistivity section under Line 900E

Resistivity section under Line 950E

Resistivity section under Line 1000E

F GEOSOFT PLAN MAPS

2D CSAMT resistivity plan map at 50m depth

2D CSAMT resistivity plan map at 100m depth