Integrated Electrical Resistivity and Induced Polarization Investigation of Uranium Mineralization in the North-Eastern Extension of the South Purulia Shear Zone, India

The uranium mineralization has been reported at multiple locations within the South Purulia Shear Zone (SPSZ), as well as in its north-eastern extension near Bari village, located approximately 19 km from the central SPSZ. To delineate the structural framework, depth extent, and potential uranium-bearing zones in this region, a comprehensive resistivity and induced polarization (IP) survey was conducted at different location in the vicinity of Bari region. The study involved 2D electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) with multi-electrode Schlumberger and dipole–dipole arrays, induced polarization (IP) surveying using a multi-electrode Schlumberger array, and gradient resistivity profiling (GRP) along multiple parallel profiles perpendicular to the regional strike. This setup enabled detailed imaging of the subsurface resistivity distribution and identification of chargeable zones. Interpretation of the ERT and IP and GRP data revealed a prominent resistive body located at a depth of approximately 30–35m, extending laterally in the east-west direction. The high-resistivity zone observed in the ERT and GRP sections corresponded spatially with high-chargeability anomalies in the IP data, suggesting the presence of disseminated uranium mineralization zones. The coincident high resistivity and chargeability anomalies are indicative of potential uranium-bearing alteration zones hosted within muscovite quartz schist units. The integrated application of geophysical methods in this study significantly enhances the accuracy of target identification and facilitates the effective delineation of subsurface geological structures dimensions.