World Leaders in Ground Geophysics

Since 1986
CSAMT
The CSAMT method (Controlled Source Audio-frequency Magnetotelluric) builds on the Audio Magnetotelluric (AMT) and Magnetotelluric (MT) methods. Their main applications are for mineral/oil/geothermal exploration, geologic mapping and groundwater inves

CSAMT Method
The CSAMT method (Controlled Source Audio-frequency Magnetotelluric) builds on
the Audio Magnetotelluric (AMT) and Magnetotelluric (MT) methods. Their main
applications are for mineral/oil/geothermal exploration, geologic mapping and
groundwater investigations. These methods scan a range of frequencies so that, with
post processing, a depth section resistivity model of the ground can be produced.
The main benefit of the magnetotelluric methods is that depth penetration can be
quite significant.
The AMT and MT methods measure fluctuations in the natural electric and magnetic
fields over a broad range of frequencies. These fluctuations are caused by
ionosphere related solar activity in the low frequency range, and the world wide
thunderstorm activity at higher frequencies. The CSAMT method uses a transmitter
instead of relying on natural forces.
The key advantage for the CSAMT method is that signals are stronger and thus more
coherent. This allows for easier processing and interpretation. Data acquisition for
the CSAMT method is much faster than AMT and MT surveys, which can reduce
overall survey costs.

What’s CSAMT?
Controlled-source Audio-frequency Magnetotellurics (CSAMT) is a type of resistivity
surveying in which the transmitter is placed in the far field from the receiver
CSAMT Method
12-24 km maximum
IMPORTANT: In order to
establish the source signal
Survey for the CSAMT survey,
Lines E-field parallel to Survey Lines
Quantec needs to locate a
Total Possible bipole transmit site
CSAMT
NULL approximately 6-10 km
ZONE
Survey Area
Maximum
from the planned survey
“Standard” CSAMT 4 6 km 12 km NULL lines. The client is
Source Field in Broadside ZONE East (y) responsible for providing
Tx Configuration for permission and truck
Minimum 1.5 km Plane-
access to the proposed
wave Penetration in Ex/Hy
Rx Configuration.
bipole site. The transmit
bipole is required to be
North (x)
approximately 1.0 to 2.0
km in length, located 6-10
2-3 km bipole km in a perpendicular
or
sense from the survey
2 x 2 km loop
= 30 o
-45 o
maximum
grid, with an orientation
parallel to the orientation
of the planned survey lines
Standard CSAMT Configuration
CSAMT Method
Depth of investigation and resolution
• CSAMT is useful for mapping the 20 to 1,000 meter depth range. Vertical
resolution is 5 to 20% of the depth.
• Depth of investigation depends on the transmitted frequency and resistivity of
the subsurface. In general, the lower the frequency and the higher the ground
resistivity, the greater the depth of the data.
• Lateral resolution is determined by station spacing. Station spacing is typically
between 10 and 200 meters. The received signal strength is proportional to the
size of the station spacing. For example, if the station size is cut in half, the
signal strength is cut in half. This is important to remember when designing a
survey because the limiting factor on depth of exploration is usually the signal
strength.

Logistics
• A CSAMT field crew usually includes four or five people with one pick-up truck
at the transmitter site and one at the receiver site. Depending upon the depth of
exploration and geologic conditions, the two sites are usually located between
five to ten kilometers apar.
CSAMT Method

CSAMT survey design

Blue. bipole locations . Red. Survey Lines
CSAMT Method
Deliverables

Modeled data can be presented in several forms: cross sections, plan views,
fence or 3D diagrams. When stations are collected along several lines in the
same area, data can be displayed in plan-view plots at a constant elevation
(depth). Plan views help highlight trends between lines. Fence diagrams show
1D, 2D cross sections of the resistivity results in a spatially-relevant 3D context
CSAMT Case History
Polymetallic replacement deposit,
Hidden Hill Deposit ,
Nevada USA

Confirmed
Hidden Hill Deposit Detail: mineralization inside the
•Shows how accurately we can map the mineralized horizons. body defined by
•Blue body is a resistivity iso-surface (115 ohm-m) geophysics
•Mineralized zone is a resistor.

Dry hole: completely

outside the zone.

In-Out-In: no
mineralization when
hole exits body defined
by geophysics, pick up
mineralization again at
bottom of hole when we
re-enter the body
HS Epitermal deposit,
Project Located Patagonia, ARGENTINA

CSAMT Plan Map to 200 m Depth.

Mineralized zone is a resistor associated a vuggy silica bodies (White
color). Epithermal HS.
Proyecto VELADERO ARGENTINA Y CHILE

CSAMT Section.
Mineralized zone is a resistor associated a vuggy silica
bodies (White color). Epithermal HS.
CSAMT Looking to North. HS Epithermal System
Geological cross section, Peru, Central Andes
CSAMT Looking to North. HS Epithermal System
Geological cross section, Peru, Central Andes W-E Geological cross section
LS Epithermal
LS Epithermal System
Arequipa Region, Peru, Central Andes

Epithermal LS veins Steam

heated zone

Mineralized bodies are high resistivity zones associated with quartz

veins bodies (White color).
Proyecto Región de Moquegua, Peru

Targets

CSAMT Profile
Mineralized zone is a deep resistor associated silicified bodies
(White color). Epithermal intermediate to Low Sulfidation System.
Porphyry
Pórphyry Cu Au Santa Cecilia Chile

A CSAMT was conducted i to

test the MMI anomalies and to
detect anomalous zones
associated with mineralization
and alteration.
Low resistivity (red colors) map
very well porphyry mineralization
 www.quantecgeoscience.com

Estudios de CSAMT Realizados en Peru

❑ Minera Bateas, ❑ Milpo

❑ Minera Hochshild, ❑ Buenaventura
❑ Minera Barrick, ❑ Goldfields
❑ Minera Iam gold ❑ Norsemont
❑ Placer Dome Peru ❑ Hudbay
❑ Teck ❑ NEXA
❑ Minera Aruntani ❑ New Crest
❑ Volcan