Reconstruction of Subsurface Geological Model of Laterite Nickel Ore Deposit using Resistivity Geoelectric Method at PT Baula Petra Buana Mining Permit Area, South Konawe Regency, Southeast Sulawesi

Abstract

Abstract Indonesia has abundant mineral resources, one of which is laterite nickel, which holds high economic value and is in increasing demand. Laterite nickel exploration requires a deep understanding of subsurface geological conditions, including lithology, ore layer thickness, and its distribution. This study aims to reconstruct the subsurface geological model of laterite nickel ore deposits at Block X PT Baula Petra Buana, Tinanggea District, Southeast Sulawesi, covering an area of 60.45 hectares, using the dipole-dipole geoelectrical method. This method involves measuring subsurface resistivity, processed with Geotomo Res2dinv software, and correlated with drilling data. Geological modeling was conducted using Seequent Leapfrog Geo 5.1 software to generate a 3D model of the laterite nickel deposits. The results identified three lithological layers include bedrock with resistivity greater than 31.95 Ωm, saprolite with resistivity from 0 to 31.95 Ωm, and sedimentary rock with resistivity from 31.95 to 165 Ωm. The volume of the nickel ore-bearing layer (saprolit) estimated from the modeling reached 6,343,600 m 3 . Lithology validation was performed by comparing existing drilling data with data from the geological model to ensure the model’s accuracy, averaging the differences at each depth point to obtain a final correction value of ±20%. Potential laterite nickel deposit areas were determined based on saprolite thickness, ranging from 30 to 50 meters, distributes in the southern and northeastern parts of the study area, and recommended as the prospective zones.

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