# Methodology and Results of Detailed 3D Seismic Exploration in the Zhezkazgan Ore District
## 3 Results
The facies analysis was carried out by applying a neural network algorithm, according to seismic signal shape and using the interval approach. A seismic facies classification of wave field pending signal shape was performed at Western Saryoba site for the first (1) ore horizon within the interval of horizon 1-II (3 ms above horizon I) (Figure 10). Figure 8: Donyzauz area. Interpretation of seismic data along seismic line 87. Figure 9: Pektas site. Interpretation of seismic data along profile XXXII. During attribute interpretation, the seismic facies attribute allowed us to analyze the alteration of seismic wavelets along target horizons. This refers to lithofacies' composition of ore-bearing horizons and parameters of the ore bodies. Similar lenticular targets were found between existing wells and traced at the Pektas site. These targets were delineated along seismic sections in the vicinity of old borehole 5044, which drilled down to ore horizons 1B-IV, 1B-III in the Beleuty horizon of the Serpukhovian stage. Such targets were considered as structurally favorable for the concentration of copper mineralization. The stratigraphic reference is based on a depth-velocity model derived from data processing. In total, five targets were identified in Upper Beleuty systems in the vicinity of borehole 5044. According to existing drilling data, ore manifestations at horizon 1B-IV were drilled by borehole 5044 only. No targets have been verified by old neighboring boreholes 1414 and 1412, which were drilled northwest and southeast of borehole 5044, respectively. Figure 11 shows fragments of a structural map with lens-shaped ore targets highlighted. For example,  
Figure 10: Western Saryoba area. Section along geologic profile 38 from the seismic facies data volume (at the top). Different colors depict the seismic wavelet variations. Fragment of geological section based on exploration well drilling data (bottom image). target I is located at absolute elevations of 210-215 m and is extended NW-SE with a sheet-like planning structure. The seismic facies distribution maps were calculated for selected targets. Seismic signal variations can be interpreted as changes in lithology and presence of mineralization. Two new well locations to 600 m deep have been recommended based on the anomalies in seismic facies and the delineation of lenticular targets identified in the seismic wave field. The contours of three prospective targets were delineated in the Donyzauz area known for more complicated geology. Prospective targets were structurally delineated according to the feature of lenticular targets in the section, confined to flexures and discovered along ore-bearing horizons. In total, five exploration wells drilled to 500 m depth have been recommended along the contours of ore bodies identified in the seismic wave field (Figure 12). The contours of eight prospective targets--aa, bb, cc, dd, ee, ff, gg, and hh--have been identified at the Western Saryoba site located within the boundaries of the deposit being mined. The targets cc and gg were identified in two spatial units in the same depth interval referring to tracked marker horizons (Figure 13). The sizes of all identified targets are summarized in Table 2.  
Figure 11: Pektas site. Identification of lenticular targets of ore bodies according to 3D seismic isochrones. It is recommended to drill ten exploration wells (P_1-P_10) to 550-820 m depth along the contours of the ore bodies identified in the seismic wave field. \begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c c} \hline \hline
**Target** & **Size, sq.m.** \\ \hline aa & 106,751.11 \\ bb & 94,421.92 \\ cc & 27,013.41 \\ cc & 35,163.47 \\ dd & 119,286.88 \\ ee & 52,929.48 \\ ff & 35,439.22 \\ gg & 38,053.36 \\ gg & 95,390.13 \\ hh & 42,191.41 \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table} 
Table 2: Sizes of targets identified according to seismic exploration data in Western Saryoba area. Figure 12: Donyzauz site. Structural maps of horizons of identified ore targets (depth migration data). Contour 1-III. Figure 13: West Saryoba area.