Integrated interpretation of geological and geophysical data for improving the estimation of the clay deposit potential

A multidisciplinary study attempting to improve estimation of clay deposit potential was performed using geological- geophysical techniques in different clay deposits of Sardinia. The Very Low Frequency (VLF) Electromagnetic (EM) method, a cost-effective method suitable for detecting lateral electrically resistive host rock/electrically conductive clay deposit contacts, was applied. Geophysical investigation yielded information about geometric features, strike and dip of the mineral bodies. Test drilling, carried out to calibrate geophysical data, pointed out that the high-conductivity zones are related to the presence of clays. Data integration showed that higher-conductivity values are related to the highest clay contents. Results show that this multidisciplinary approach improves resource estimation at minimum cost, and can be successfully used in mineral exploration in these geological contexts. This could play an important role in assessing the economic potential of new industrial mineral deposits, and/or in optimising mining in active quarries.