Reflection seismic imaging in the Skellefte ore district, northern Sweden

The Skellefte ore district is one of the major mining districts in Sweden and is well known for its volcanogenic massive sulphide and gold deposits. Mineral exploration in the area is important and has been the reason to conduct various studies e.g., reflection seismic surveys, detailed field geological mapping, magnetotelluric measurements, and potential field modeling with the aim of understanding the relationship between the ore bearing volcanic and volcano-sedimentary formations and their surrounding intrusive rocks. Following a pilot project in the western part of the area, the Kristineberg mining area, a 3D/4D-modeling of mineral belts project was launched to improve the initial 3D model in the area and to provide more information in the shallow parts, but also to develop the model in the central parts of the district. Results from seismic reflection data were used as a backbone of the 3D geological modelling in the district and helped us to obtain a better understanding of the overall structures and their relationship with major mineralization zones.