Mapping Complex Geology with GPR in a Canadian Potash Mine

The application of GPR in a Canadian salt and potash mine in New Brunswick, within a structurally complex geological setting, is discussed. When the mine was started in 2014, occurrences of anhydrite were unexpectedly encountered in mining development rooms. Furthermore, occasional undulations and folding in the potash ore seam complicated production mining because the potash ore would get diluted with salt. To better understand the geology, abundant geological data was gathered from both in-mine drilling and geological observations. These data provided an excellent foundation for a comprehensive GPR investigation of the geology in this mine. It is shown that GPR is a valuable tool for such mines, with potential to reduce delays in development and production caused by challenging geology.