Three-dimensional interpretation of DC resistivity/IP survey for Lithium exploration using high-precision topographic information from drone-mounted LIDAR.

Recently, due to the active spread of electric vehicles, the demand for batteries is increasing fast, and for this reason, the exploration for lithium that is an essential mineral for battery production, is increasing. In Korea, lithium exploration is also being conducted around deposits where lithium was identified in the past. However, most lithium mines are located in very rough terrain, so it is not easy to conduct a surface geological and geophysical exploration. Without considering complex topography, errors may occur in the inversion of surface geophysical exploration data, and in particular, it is necessary to use precise topographic information for the three-dimensional inversion. In this study, we would like to introduce a case study using high-resolution topographic data obtained from a drone-mounted LIDAR in the three-dimensional inversion of surface resistivity and IP data conducted for lithium exploration. The target area is the Boam Mine, located in the Middle East of Korea. Surface geophysical exploration was conducted along a road and ridge of the mountain, which are relatively easy to set up the survey line. Because existing topographic maps that are publically available did not include mining traces related to mining development and topographical changes formed by nearby roads, it is not adequate for the 3D inversion of surface resistivity and IP data. To acquire precise topographical information, aerial photography and LIDAR measurements using drones were performed. A numerical topographic model was constructed using the obtained high-precision DEM (digital elevation map). By applying this to the three-dimensional inversion, the distribution of the underground mineralization zone was estimated. The interpreted results were compared with the existing drilling results performed near the mine. Comparing the two results, drilling surveys using only surface geological information proceeded in the direction in which the mineralization zone did not develop. Drone LIDAR measurement is a costly exploration method and is difficult to use actively at all exploration sites. However, if three-dimensional inversion is required where the surface topography is very complex, as in this survey area, it could give more reliable inversion results.