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Richard S. Smith

Richard Smith

Professor of Geophysics; Industrial Research Chair in Exploration Geophysics

Telephone: 705-675-1151 ext 2364; Email: RSSmith@laurentian.ca


Richard Smith received a BSc and MSc from the University of Adelaide, Australia and an MSc and PhD from the University of Toronto. In 1989, he worked at Lamontagne Geophysics in Toronto (1989) where he helped develop methods for generating conductivity depth sections from airborne electromagnetic data. In 1990, Richard held an ARC post-doctoral fellowship at Macquarie University in Sydney (1990). From 1990 to 1992, Richard worked as an explorationist at Pasminco Exploration in Melbourne.

In 1993, Richard joined Geoterrex Ltd, an airborne geophysical survey company, later purchased by Fugro. Here he developed methods for processing and interpreting airborne magnetic and electromagnetic data. In May 2009, Richard took up an Industrial Research Chair in Exploration Geophysics at Laurentian University in Sudbury. Dr Smith is a member of the SEG (Chair, Mining and Geothermal committee, 2008-2010), the EAGE, KEGS, the ASEG (Federal Executive, 1992-1993), and the PDAC (conference organizing committee, 2008-2011). He is the recipient of a number of awards for the "best presentation" at conferences and is a co-recipient of the award for the best paper in the journal Geophysics for 1997 and the best paper in Exploration and Mining Geology (2012). In 2009/2010 he was the CSEG Distinguished Lecturer.

 

Education

B.Sc. (Adelaide), M.Sc. (Toronto), M.Sc. (Adelaide), PhD (Toronto)

Courses

GEOL 3146 - Physics of the Earth
GEOL 4956 - Mineral Exploration Geophysics
GEOL 5956 - Exploration Geophysics
GEOL 2066 - Near Surface Geophysics
GEOL 5957 - Advanced Topics in Geophysics

 

Richard joined Laurentian after spending 20 years working in the exploration business. He has extensive experience working as a research scientist, an exploration geophysicist and a manager. He has international experience in the application of geophysics to lead-zinc exploration, hydrocarbon exploration and environmental issues. Richard is most familiar with electromagnetics, magnetics, induced polarization and gravity; these types of data can be acquired on the ground, from aircraft, and below the earth surface in boreholes or in mines. His main research interests are in the application of these geophysical methods to the discovery of mineral deposits, hydrocarbon and water resources. Richard has been involved in the development of the GEOTEM, MEGATEM, HeliGEOTEM systems and processing of TEMPEST data. 

Richard's main research interests are in the application of geophysical methods to the discovery of all types of mineral deposits. In particular, he is interested in using geophysical methods to create an image of the Earth that reflects the physical properties of the material below the surface of the Earth. These images can in some cases be used to infer the geology. The geophysical methods used are electromagnetic methods, potential field methods, radio imaging methods, geophysical logging and measuring physical properties of core and outcrop using hand-held instruments.

 

Current Research Projects

Interested students should contact Richard directly at rssmith@laurentian.ca

 

Research Themes

GeophysicsOre Deposits and Mineral Exploration

 

 

Bachelor’s Honours

Hume, Brandon (2017-2018): Specific Gravity measurements in the Abitibi Sub-Province, Canada

Long, S. Robert (2013-2014): Can the ground resistivity method detect alteration at the Midwest Uranium Deposit, northern Saskatchewan, Canada?

Pecman, Melissa (2013-2014): Using hand-held tools to measure physical properties from core drilled at the Victoria Property, Sudbury, Canada.

Desmarais, Jacques (2013-2014): A study for designing surveys with the InfiniTEM system.

 

Applied Masters

Baloyi, Nkholo Kevin (2017-2017): Geological Interpretation of Aeromagnetic Data from the Swayze Greenstone Belt, Abitibi Subprovince, Ontario, Canada

 

Master’s Thesis

Zamperoni, Anthony (2018-): A computer algorithm for calculating the response of a sphere below overburden for survey planning and geophysical modelling.

Justina, Fabiano Della (2018-): Physical properties cross sections of Metal Earth transects interpreted from geophysical data

McNeice, William (2017-): A comparison of the magnetic susceptibility measured on outcrop and derived from aeromagnetic data
Present Position: MSc student, Laurentian University

Bagley, Thomas (2017-): Using the resistive-limit data from x- and z-component airborne electromagnetic data to determine the overburden thickness

Ghahfarokhito, Amir Maleki (2017-): Physical property cross sections of the Metal Earth Chibougamau transect

Huggins, Jacqueline (2016-2018): Geological characterisation guided by fuzzy k-means clustering of physical properties measured from core samples from the Victoria property, Sudbury Ontario

Gazo, Nikolas (2015-2017): Electromagnetic experiments to investigate the possibility of using an airborne electromagnetic system to detect nuclear magnetic resonance associated with unbound water in the subsurface

Gaucher, Frédéric (2014-2017): Developing a new electromagnetic method to explore for copper-gold deposits in the Chapais district, Québec.

Naprstek, Tomas (2013-2014): Physics of the radio imaging method

Schaub, Christoph (2013-2014): Monitoring rock stress using electric and magnetic field measurements

Deng, Deng (2012-2014): Comparison of instruments for measuring the magnetic susceptibilty of drill core

Karimi Sharif Ladan (2011-2013): Tomographic imaging of cross-well radio imaging data

Lymburner, Joshua (2010-2013): A multiple transmitter/receiver electromagnetic system

Parry, Devon (2010-2013): A comparative study of physical property measurements collected around the Sudbury Basin

 

Doctorate

Roots, Eric (2017-): Inversion of magnetotelluric data with smoothing in the geochron domain and discontinuities across geological and structural boundaries

Maepa, Mothepana Francisca (2016-): Mineral prospectivity mapping using geological and geophysical data in the Abitibi subprovince

Naprstek, Tomas (2014-): Magnetic data gridding and interpretation

Li, Yongxing (2013-2017): Modelling of Radio Imaging data

Mahmoodi, Omid (2012-2015): Using physical properties measurements to infer the geology

Olaniyan, Oladele (2011-2014): Using geophysical data to study the geometric shape of the Sudbury structure

Kolaj, Michal (2010-2015): Using electromagnetic gradient measurements to investigate the subsurface

 

Post-doctorate

Eshaghi, Esmaeil (2017-): Geophysical compilation and interpretation of geophysical data on the Metal Earth transects.

 

Research Associate

Hill, Graham (2018-): Magnetotelluric data acquisition, processing and interpretation on the Metal Earth transects

Mir, Reza (2013-2018): Processing and inversion of geophysical data for the CMIC Footprints CRD project

2016

Goldschmidt Lecturer, Norwegian Geological Survey (NGU), March 14, 2016
Best student paper in the Mining sessions at the 2016 SEG meeting in Dallas (Tomas Naprstek and Richard Smith) for the paper entitled “A new method for aeromagnetic data interpolation with a focus on linear features”

Best student poster paper in the Mining sessions at the 2016 SEG meeting in Dallas (Frederic Gaucher and Richard Smith) for the paper entitled “Exploring for copper gold deposits with time-domain electromagnetics in the Chapais-Chibougamau mining camp: Case history of a challenging variable environment”
Best poster paper in the Mining sessions at the SEG meeting in Dallas (Richard Smith) for the paper entitled “Induced-polarization effects in airborne electromagnetic data: Estimating chargeability from shape reversals”

2012

Barlow Memorial Medal, for the best paper on economic geology published by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (with L. Z. Cheng, M. Allard, P. Keating, M. Chouteau, J. Lemieux, M.A. Vallée, D. Bois, and D. K. Fountain)

2009

Canadian Society of Exploration Geophysicists Distinguished Lecturer

1997

Best Presentaiton ASEG conference
Best paper in the journal Geophysics

1988

Best Presentation ASEG/SEG conference

Publications

Chapters in Books

Smith, R.S. and A. K. Volkovitskiy, 2014, Airborne Electromagnetic Prospecting systems: in Kaufman, A.A., Alekseev, D., and Oristaglio, M., (Eds), Principles of electromagnetic methods in surface geophysics. Methods in Geochemistry and Geophysics, Volume 45. 679-709. ISSN 0076-6895.

Schaub, C., Smith, R., 2014, Determining the feasibility of a real time geophysical magnetic and electric measurement system for monitoring strain underground – laboratory magnetic test.: Proceedings of the Seventh International Conference on Deep and High Stress Mining. 16-18 September, 2014, Sudbury, ON, Canada. Australian Centre for Geomechanics.

Smith, R.S. and O’Connell, M. D., 2007, An Improved Method for Trending of Features on Aeromagnetic Maps: In Milkereit, B. (Ed), Proceedings of Exploration 07: Fifth Decennial International Conference on Mineral Exploration. 853-861

Vallee, M.A. and Smith, R.S. 2007, Comparison of Fixed-Wing Airborne Electromagnetic 1D inversion methods: In Milkereit, B. (Ed), Proceedings of Exploration 07: Fifth Decennial International Conference on Mineral Exploration, 1067-1072.

 

Journal Articles

Smith, RS, and Lee, TJ. 2021. Multiple-order moments of the transient electromagnetic response of a one-dimensional earth with finite conductance – the Gaussian variation applied to a field example. Exploration Geophysics, 1-13. doi: 10.1080/08123985.2021.1925105.

Haugaard, R, Della Justina, F, Roots, E, Cheraghi, S, Vayavur, R, Hill, GJ, Snyder, DB, Ayer, JA, Naghizadeh, M, et al. 2021. Crustal-Scale Geology and Fault Geometry Along the Gold-Endowed Matheson Transect of the Abitibi Greenstone Belt. Economic Geology. MERC-ME-2021-53. doi: 10.5382/econgeo.4813.

Hill, GJ, Roots, EA, Frieman, BM, Haugaard, R, Craven, JA, Smith, RS, Snyder, DB, Zhou, X, and Sherlock, RL. 2021. On Archean craton growth and stabilisation: Insights from lithospheric resistivity structure of the Superior Province. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 562, 116853. MERC-ME-2020-065. doi: 10.1016/j.epsl.2021.116853.

Maepa, F, Smith, RS, and Tessema, A. 2021. Support vector machine and artificial neural network modelling of orogenic gold prospectivity mapping in the Swayze greenstone belt, Ontario, Canada. Ore Geology Reviews, 130, 103968. doi: 10.1016/j.oregeorev.2020.103968.

Lee, TJ, and Smith, RS. 2021. Multiple-order moments of the transient electromagnetic response of a one-dimensional earth with finite conductance – theory. Exploration Geophysics, 52(1), 1-15. doi: 10.1080/08123985.2020.1760715.

Maepa, FM, and Smith, RS. 2020. Examining the controls on gold deposit distribution in the Swayze greenstone belt, Ontario, Canada, using multi-scale methods of spatial data analysis. Ore Geology Reviews, 125, 103671. doi: 10.1016/j.oregeorev.2020.103671.

Maleki, A, Smith, R, Eshaghi, E, Mathieu, L, Snyder, D, and Naghizadeh, M. 2020. Potential-field modelling of the prospective Chibougamau area (northeastern Abitibi subprovince, Quebec, Canada) using geological, geophysical, and petrophysical constraints. Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences, 1-16. doi: 10.1139/cjes-2019-0221.

Martínez, JM, Smith, R, and Díaz Vázquez, D. 2020. On the time decay constant of AEM systems: a semi-heuristic algorithm to validate calculations. Exploration Geophysics, 51(1), 94-107. doi: 10.1080/08123985.2019.1662291.

Vallee, MA, Morris, WA, Perrouty, S, Lee, RG, Wasyliuk, K, King, JJ, Ansdell, K, Mir, R, Shamsipour, P, et al. 2019. Geophysical inversion contributions to mineral exploration: Lessons from the footprints project. Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences, 56(5), 525-543. doi: 10.1139/cjes-2019-0009.

Mir, R, Perrouty, S, Astic, T, Bérubé, CL, and Smith, RS. 2019. Structural complexity inferred from anisotropic resistivity: Example from airborne EM and compilation of historical resistivity/induced polarization data from the gold-rich Canadian Malartic district, Quebec, Canada. Geophysics, 84(2), B153-B167. doi: 10.1190/geo2018-0444.1.

Li, Y, and Smith, RS. 2019. Contrast source inversion (CSI) for cross-hole radio imaging (RIM) data – Part 1: Theory and synthetic studies. Journal of Applied Geophysics, 161, 45-55. doi: 10.1016/j.jappgeo.2018.12.002.

Naprstek, T, and Smith, RS. 2019. A new method for interpolating linear features in aeromagnetic data. Geophysics, 84(3), JM15-JM24. doi: 10.1190/geo2018-0156.1.

Li, Yongxing and Smith, Richard, 2018, Contrast source inversion (CSI) method to cross-hole radio-imaging (RIM) data - Part 2: A complex synthetic example and a case study: Journal of Applied Geophysics, 150, 93–100. doi: 10.1016/j.jappgeo.2018.01.003

Eshaghi, E, Smith, RS, Naghizadeh, M, Hill, GJ, Roots, E, Ghahfarokhi, AM, Cheraghi, S, and Ayer, JA. 2019. Metal Earth: Role of multidisciplinary geophysical methods to improve knowledge of mineral deposition across Precambrian rocks. ASEG Extended Abstracts, 2019(1), 1-4. MERC-ME-2019-171. doi: 10.1080/22020586.2019.12072920.

Li, Y, and Smith, RS. 2018. Modelling and straight-ray tomographic imaging studies of cross-hole radio-frequency electromagnetic data for mineral exploration. Geophysical Prospecting, 66(2), 282-299. doi: 10.1111/1365-2478.12516.

Smith, RS. 2018. An airborne electromagnetic system with a three-component transmitter and three-component receiver capable of detecting extremely conductive bodies. Geophysics, 83(5), E347-E356. doi: 10.1190/geo2017-0849.1.

Long, SRM, Smith, RS, and Hearst, RB. 2017. Ground resistivity method and DCIP2D forward and inversion modelling to identify alteration at the Midwest uranium deposit, northern Saskatchewan, Canada. Exploration Geophysics, 48(4), 383-393. doi: 10.1071/EG15059.

Frédéric E. S. Gaucher and Richard S. Smith, 2017, The impact of magnetic viscosity on time-domain electromagnetic data from iron oxide minerals embedded in rocks at Opemiska, Québec, Canada: Geophysics, 82(5), B165-B176. doi: 10.1190/geo2017-0153.1

Li, Yongxing and Smith, Richard, 2017, Modelling and straight-ray tomographic imaging studies of cross-hole radio-frequency electromagnetic data for mineral exploration:  Geophysical prospecting, 66, No 2, 282 – 299. doi: 10.1111/1365-2478.12516

Kolaj M. and Smith, R. S., 2017, Inductive electromagnetic data interpretation using a 3-D distribution of 3-D magnetic or electric dipoles: Geophysics, 82(4), E187-E195. doi: 10.1190/GEO2016-0260.1

Mahmoodi, O., Smith, R. S. and Spicer, B., 2017, Using constrained inversion of gravity and magnetic field to produce a 3D litho-prediction model. Geophysical Prospecting, 65, 1662–1679. doi:10.1111/1365-2478.12484

Desmarais, J. K. and Richard S. Smith, 2016, Approximate semianalytical solutions for the electromagnetic response of a dipping-sphere interacting with conductive overburden: Geophysics, 81(4), E265–E277. 10.1190/GEO2015-0597.1

Long, S. M. R., Smith, R. S., and Hearst, R. B., 2016, Ground resistivity method and DCIP2D forward and inversion modelling to identify alteration at the Midwest uranium deposit, northern Saskatchewan, Canada: Exploration Geophysics, published on line. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/EG15059

Naprstek, T. and R. S. Smith, 2016, The effect of dielectric permittivity on the fields radiated from a radio-frequency electric dipole in a homogeneous whole space: Geophysics, 81(2), K1-K8. DOI:10.1190/geo2015-0219.1

Mahmoodi, Omid, Richard S Smith and Douglas K. Tinkham., 2016, Supervised classification of down-hole physical properties measurements using neural network to predict lithology: Journal of Applied Geophysics, 124, 17-26. doi:10.1016/j.jappgeo.2015.11.006

Parry, D., R. S. Smith and O. Mahmoodi, 2015, Tools used in mineral exploration for measuring the conductivity and the resistivity in drillholes and on drill core: observations on their range of sensitivity: Exploration Geophysics, published on-line. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/EG14083

Li, Yongxing and Richard S. Smith, 2015, Forward modelling of radio imaging (RIM) data with the Comsol RF module: Computers and Geosciences, 85, 60–67. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cageo.2015.08.012 

Mahmoodi, O., Smith, R., 2015, Clustering of downhole physical property measurements at the Victoria property, Sudbury for the purpose of extracting lithological information: Journal of Applied Geophysics, 118, 145–154. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jappgeo.2015.04.015 

Lo, B., Y. Li, R.Smith, J. Arce, M. Shore, and T. Lane, 2015, Introduction to special section: Mining and minerals exploration interpretation: Interpretation, 3(2), p. SLi. http://dx.doi.org/10.1190/INT2015-0318-SPSEINTRO.1.

Olaniyan, O., R. S. Smith, B. Lafrance, 2015, Regional 3D geophysical investigation of the Sudbury Structure: Interpretation 3(2), SL63-SL81. http://dx.doi.org/10.1190/INT-2014-0200.1

Kolaj, M., and Smith, R., 2015, A multiple transmitter and receiver electromagnetic system for improved target detection: Geophysics 80 (4), E247–E255, doi: 10.1190/GEO2014-0466.1

Desmarais, J.K., Smith, R.S., 2015, The total component (or vector magnitude) and the energy envelope as tools to interpret airborne electromagnetic data: a comparative study: Journal of Applied Geophysics, in press. APPGEO3783R1

Desmarais, J.K., Smith, R.S., 2015, Combining spatial components and Hilbert transforms to interpret ground-time-domain-electromagnetic data: Geophysics, 80(4) E237-E246, doi: 10.1190/GEO2014-0528.1

Desmarais, J.K., Smith, R.S., 2015, Benefits of using multi-component transmitter–receiver systems for determining geometrical parameters of a dipole conductor from single-line anomalies: Exploration Geophysics: in press http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/EG14076

Desmarais, J.K., Smith, R.S., 2015, Decomposing the electromagnetic response of magnetic dipoles to determine the geometric parameters of a dipole conductor: Exploration Geophysics, in press.

Desmarais, J.K., Smith, R.S., 2015, Survey design to maximize the volume of exploration of the InfiniTEM system when looking for discrete targets: Journal of Applied Geophysics, 115, 11-23. doi:10.1016/j.jappgeo.2015.02.012

Lymburner, J. and Smith, R.S., 2014, A procedure for collecting electromagnetic data using multiple transmitters and receivers capable of deep and focussed exploration: Geophysics, 80(1), E1-E10. doi: 10.1190/geo2014-0251.1 

Olaniyan, O., Smith, R.S., and Lafrance, B., 2014, A constrained potential field data interpretation of the deep geometry of the Sudbury structure: Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences, 51(7): 715–729 dx.doi.org/10.1139/cjes-2013-0212

Kolaj, M., and Smith, R., 2014, Robust conductance estimates from spatial and temporal derivatives of borehole electromagnetic data: Geophysics, 79(3), E115–E123. doi: 10.1190/geo2013-0387.1

Kolaj, M., and Smith, R., 2014, Mapping lateral changes in conductance of a thin sheet using time-domain inductive electromagnetic data: Geophysics, 79(1), 1-10. 10.1190/GEO2013-0219.1

Smith, R. S., 2014, Electromagnetic induction methods in mining geophysics from 2008 to 2012:, Surveys in Geophysics: 35(1), 123-156. DOI 10.1007/s10712-013-9227-1

Kolaj, M. and Smith, R. 2013, Using spatial derivatives of electromagnetic data to map lateral conductance variations in thin-sheet models: Applications over mine tailings ponds: Geophysics, 78(5), E225–E235. doi: 10.1190/geo2012-0457.

Olaniyan, O., Smith, R., and Morris, B., 2013, Qualitative geophysical interpretation of the Sudbury Structure: Interpretation, 1(1), T25–T43. doi: 10.1190/INT-2012-0010.1

Guo, K., J. E. Mungall, R. S. Smith, 2013, The ratio of B-field and dB/dt time constants from time-domain electromagnetic data: a new tool for estimating size and conductivity of mineral deposits: Exploration Geophysics, in press,  http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/EG13042

Smith, R. S., 2013, Electromagnetic induction methods in mining geophysics from 2008 to 2012: Surveys in Geophysics, 1-34. DOI 10.1007/s10712-013-9227-1

Smith, R. S. and B. Neil, 2013, Precision requirements for specifying transmitter waveforms used for modelling the off-time electromagnetic response: Exploration Geophysics, 44(1), 1-5. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/EG12040

Smith, R. S., 2012, Using combinations of spatial gradients to improve the detectability of buried conductors below or within conductive material. Geophysics, 78(1), E19-31. 

Smith, R.S., Thurston, J.B., Salem, A. and Reid, A.B., 2012, A grid implementation of the SLUTH algorithm for visualizing the depth and structural index of magnetic sources: accepted for Computers and Geosciences.

Smith, R.S., and Wasylechko, R., 2012, Sensitivity cross-sections in airborne electromagnetic methods using discrete conductors: accepted in Exploration Geophysics.

Vallée, M. A., Smith, R. S. and Keating, P., 2011, Metalliferous mining geophysics – State of the art after a decade in the new millennium, Geophysics, in press.

Smith, R.S., Koch, R. And Hodges, G., 2011, A comparison of airborne electromagnetic systems with ground resistivity data over the Midwest deposit in the
Athabasca Basin. Near Surface Geophysics, in press.

Bouchedda, A., Chouteau, M., Keating, P. and Smith, R., 2010, Sferics noise reduction in time-domain electromagnetic systems: application to MEGATEMII signal enhancement: Exploration Geophysics, 41, 225-239. doi:10.1071/EG09007

Ulla, J., Smith, R., Samson, C., Vallée, M., 2010, Automation of the SLUTH method: a novel approach to airborne magnetic data interpretation: Near Surface Geophysics, 8, 519-528. doi:10.3997/1873-0604.2010033

Smith, R.S., Wood, G. and Powell, B., 2010, Detection of alteration at the Millennium uranium deposit in the Athabasca Basin: a comparison of data from two airborne electromagnetic systems with ground resistivity data. Geophysical Prospecting, 58, 1147-1158.

Vallée, M.A., Smith, R.S. and Keating, P., 2010, Case history of combined airborne time-domain electromagnetics and power line fields survey in Chibougamau, Canada: Geophysics, 75, B67- B72.

L. Z. Cheng, R. S. Smith, M. Allard, P. Keating, M. Chouteau, J. Lemieux, M.A. Vallée, D. Bois, and D. K. Fountain, 2009, Evaluation of the Efficiency of Several Airborne Electromagnetic Systems: Exploration Implications: Exploration and Mining Geology, 18: 1-12.

Smith, R. S., Hodges, G., and Lemieux, J., 2009, Case histories illustrating the characteristics of the HeliGEOTEM system: Exploration Geophysics, 40, 246–256.

Vallée, M.A., and Smith, R.S., 2009, Inversion of airborne time-domain electromagnetic data to a 1D structure using lateral constraints: Near Surface Geophysics, 7, 63-71.

Salem, A., Williams, S., Fairhead, D., Smith, R. and Ravat, D., 2008, Interpretation of magnetic data using tilt-angle derivatives: Geophysics, 73, L1-L10.

Cheng, L.Z., Smith, R.S., Allard, M., Keating, P., Chouteau, M., Lemieux, J., Vallée, M.A., Bois, D., Fountain D.K., 2007, Geophysical case study of the Gallen deposit, Québec, Canada: Exploration and Mining Geology, 16, nos 1-2, 67-81.

Smith, R.S. and Salem, A.S., 2007, A discrete conductor transformation of airborne electromagnetic data: Near Surface Geophysics, 5, 87-95.

Hefford, S.W., Smith, R.S. and Samson, C., 2006, Quantifying the effect that changes in transmitter-receiver geometry have on the capability of an airborne electromagnetic survey system to detect good conductors. Exploration and Mining Geology, 15, nos 1-2, 43-52.

Cheng, L.Z., Smith, R.S., Allard, M., Keating, P., Chouteau, M., Lemieux, J., Vallée, M.A., Bois, D., Fountain D.K., 2006, Geophysical case study of the Iso and New Insco deposits, Québec, Canada: Part I, data comparison and analysis. Exploration and Mining Geology, 15, nos 1-2, 53-63.

Cheng, L.Z., Smith, R.S., Allard, M., Keating, P., Chouteau, M., Lemieux, J., Vallée, M.A., Bois, D., Fountain D.K., 2006, Geophysical case study of the Iso and New Insco deposits, Québec, Canada: Part II, modeling and interpretation. Exploration and Mining Geology, 15, nos 1-2, 65-74.

 

Patent Applications

Smith, R.S., 2012, Multi-component electromagnetic prospecting apparatus and method of use thereof. PCT patent application WO2012/129654 A1. PCT/CA2012/000272

Smith, R. S., and Annan A. P., 2013, System and method for geophysical surveying using electromagnetic fields and gradients. WO 2013/138908 A1

 

Non-refereed Publications

Mathieu L, Lafrance B, Sherlock R, Gibson H, Ayer J, Thurston P, Daigneault R, Bédard P, Gaboury D, Naghizadeh M, Perrouty S, Feltrin L, Smith R, Beaudoin G, Hamilton M, Hannigton M, Pearson G., 2019, Le projet Metal Earth: une initiative de recherche en exploration minérale en 4D: Géologues, 2019, 201, 54-59. https://www.geosoc.fr/publication/geologues/sommaires-et-resumes/1383-201-les-grandes-perspectives-en-geosciences-au-xxie-siecle-tome-ii-1/file.html

Smith, R., Shore, M, and Rainsford, D., 2012, How to make better use of physical properties in mineral exploration: The exploration site measurement: The Leading Edge, 31, March, 936-940.

Smith, R., 2010, Airborne electromagnetic methods: applications to minerals, water and hydrocarbon exploration: CSEG Recorder, 35(3), 7-10.

Vallee, M.A., Smith, R.S., 2009, Application of Occam’s inversion to airborne time-domain electromagnetics: The Leading Edge, 28, March, 284-287.

Smith, R., McConnell, D., Rowe, J., 2008, The application of airborne electromagnetics to hydrocarbon exploration: First Break, 26, November, 65-70.

Smith, R.S., Cheng, L.-Z., and Chouteau, M., 2008, Using reversed polarity airborne transient electromagnetic data to map tailings around mine sites: The Leading Edge, 27, November, 1470-1478.

Smith, R., and Pellerin, L., 2008, President’s page: SEG: one big, happy family: The Leading Edge, 27, January, 8.

Salem, A., Williams, S., Fairhead J.D., Ravat, D., Smith, R., 2007, Tilt-depth method: A simple depth estimation method using first-order magnetic derivatives: The Leading Edge, 26, December, 1502-1505.

Thurston, J., and Smith, R., 2007, Source location using total-field homogeneity: Introducing the SLUTH method for depth estimation: The Leading Edge, 26, October, 1272-1277.

Smith, R., and O’Connell, M., 2007, Improved trending of features on aeromagnetic maps: CSEG Recorder, 32, June, 32-36.

 

Abstracts

Desmarais, J.K., Smith, R.S., 2016, Approximate semi-analytical solutions for the electromagnetic response of a dipping sphere interacting with conductive overburden: Session SS18, GAC-MAC, Whitehorse, Yukon, June 1-3, 2016. Presented June 2, 2016.

Li, Yongxing and Richard Smith, 2015, Modeling radio imaging (RIM) data with the Comsol RF module. SEG Technical Program Expanded Abstracts 2015: pp. 2042-2046. doi: 10.1190/segam2015-5816603.1

Wang, Y., Smith, R., Zhu, K., Lin, J., Chen, B., 2015, HTEM noise frequency characteristics simulation and influencing analysis: GEM Chengdu 2015: International Workshop on Gravity, Electrical & Magnetic Methods and Their Applications Chengdu, China. April 19-22, 2015.

Mahmoodi, O., and Smith, R., 2015, Rock boundries selection from more than one geophysical log using principle component and derivative analyses: GeoConvention 2015, May 4-8, 2015, Calgary, Alberta. Extended Abstract. Presented May 4.

Parry, D., Smith, R.S., Mahmoodi, O., 2015, Tools Used in Mineral Exploration for Measuring the Conductivity and the Resistivity in Drill-Holes and on Drill Core: Observations on Their Range of Sensitivity. Paper MD24A-0270, AGU-GAC-MAC-CGU Joint Assembly, Montreal Quebec, May 3-7, 2015. Presented, May 5, 2015.

Desmarais, J. Smith, R, 2015, Combining spatial components and Hilbert transforms to interpret ground-time-domain-electromagnetic data: Paper MD24A-0269, AGU-GAC-MAC-CGU Joint Assembly, Montreal Quebec, May 3-7, 2015. Presented, May 5, 2015.

Desmarais, J. Smith, R, 2015, Decomposing the electromagnetic response of magnetic dipoles to determine the geometrical parameters of a dipole conductor: Paper MD22A-05, AGU-GAC-MAC-CGU Joint Assembly, Montreal Quebec, May 3-7, 2015. Presented, May 5, 2015.

Schaub, C., Smith, R., 2014, Determining the feasibility of a real time geophysical magnetic and electric measurement system for monitoring strain underground – laboratory magnetic test.: Proceedings of the Seventh International Conference on Deep and High Stress Mining. 16-18 September, 2014, Sudbury, ON, Canada. Australian Centre for Geomechanics. 443-456.

Naprstek, T., and Smith R., 2014, Modelling the radio imaging method using electric dipoles in a homogeneous whole space. SEG Technical Program Expanded Abstracts 2014: pp. 1822-1826. Presented October 29. doi: 10.1190/segam2014-0288.1

Mahmoodi, O., and Smith, R., 2014, Clustering of down-hole physical properties measurement to characterize rock units at the Victoria Cu-Ni property. SEG Technical Program Expanded Abstracts 2014: pp. 1742-1747. Presented October 29. doi: 10.1190/segam2014-0190.1

Kolaj, M., and Smith, R., 2014, A multiple transmitter and receiver electromagnetic system for improved target detection. SEG Technical Program Expanded Abstracts 2014: pp. 1754-1758. Presented October 30. doi: 10.1190/segam2014-0133.1

Kolaj, M., and Smith, R., 2014, Conductance estimates from spatial and temporal derivatives of borehole electromagnetic data. SEG Technical Program Expanded Abstracts 2014: pp. 1764-1769. Presented October 30 doi: 10.1190/segam2014-0132.1

Smith, R.S., and Witherly, K., 2014, INVITED PRESENTATION: The application of geophysics for exploration in the cordillera of North America: Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada, Technical Program, Tuesday March 4. 2014.

Smith, R.S., and Witherly, K., 2013, A Review of Recent Geophysical Work on the Deposits of the North American Cordillera: Great Basin & Western Cordillera Mining Geophysics Symposium, Elko Nevada, Nov 23, 2013.

Smith, R.S., 2013, KEYNOTE ADDRESS: Advantages to using EM systems with multiple transmitters and multiple receivers: deep exploration, covered exploration and "perfect" conductors: Australian Society of Exploration Geophysicists 23rd Int. Geophysical Conf. and Exhib., Melbourne Australia, August 11th - 14th, 2013.

Kolaj, M. and Smith, R., 2013, Mapping lateral changes in conductance of a thin sheet by inverting time domain inductive electromagnetic data. Symposium on the Application of Geophysics to Engineering and Environmental Problems 2013: pp. 1-1.

Sharif, L., Hughes, W., Smith, R., and Fullagar, P., 2013, Cross-hole radio imaging study, Maclennan Township. Symposium on the Application of Geophysics to Engineering and Environmental Problems 2013: pp. 1-1.

Kolaj, M., and Smith R. S., 2012, Using spatial gradients of electromagnetic data to map lateral variations in mine tailings: Society of Exploration Geophysicists 82nd Annual Meeting, Las Vegas, Expanded Abstract, 1-5.

Lymburner, J., and Smith R. S., 2012, A multiple transmitter/receiver system: the advantage of summing responses from multiple transmitters: Society of Exploration Geophysicists 82nd Annual Meeting, Las Vegas, Expanded Abstract, 1-5.

Olaniyan, O., Smith R. S., and Morris, W. A., 2012, Qualitative geophysical interpretation of the Sudbury structure: Society of Exploration Geophysicists 82nd Annual Meeting, Las Vegas, Expanded Abstract, 1-5.

Smith, R. S., 2012, Using the discrete conductor model to extend the concept of airborne electromagnetic footprint, 34th International Geological Congress, Brisbane, Australia, August 5-10, 2012. Paper 2237.

Smith, R., 2011, A review of developments in airborne electromagnetic methods with examples for uranium exploration: Workshop on Recent advances in ground and airborne electromagnetic methods, Hyderabad, India, 27-28 September, 2011.

Smith, R., 2011, Recent advances in electromagnetic methods applied to mineral exploration, Symposium on the Application of Geophysics to Engineering and Environmental Problems, Workshop W-1: Advances in Near-surface Electromagnetic Induction Geophysics.

Kolaj, M., Smith, R., Samson, C., 2011, Mapping laterally varying conductance using EM gradients over dry tailings ponds: SEG Expanded Abstract, 30, 1368-1372.

Ulla, J.D., Smith, R., Samson, C., 2009, Automation of the SLUTH method for deriving depth and location of magnetic sources: SEG Expanded Abstract, 29, 903-907.

Smith, R.S., Lemieux, J. and Hodges, G., 2009, Case histories illustrating the characteristics of the HeliGEOTEM system. Aust. Soc. Explor. Geophys. 20th Conf. and Exhib., Adelaide.

Smith, R.S. and Lemieux, J. 2009, Examples showing characteristics of the MEGATEM airborne electromagnetic system. Aust. Soc. Explor. Geophys. 20th Conf. and Exhib., Adelaide.

Vallée, M.A., Smith, R.S., Lemieux, J., Keating, P., Houle, P., 2008, Geological Mapping with Power line fields measured with MEGATEM data: SEG Expanded Abstract, 28, 1093-1097.

Smith, R.S., Cheng, L.Z., and Chouteau, M., 2008, Mapping tailings around mine sites with reverse polarity airborne transient EM data: SEG Expanded Abstract, 28, 1313-1317.

Yin, C., R.S. Smith, G. Hodges and P. Annan, 2008, Modeling Results of On-and Off-time B and dB/dt for Time-domain Airborne EM Systems: 70th EAGE Conference and Exhibition, Rome, Italy.

Vallée, M.A. and Smith, R. S., 2008, 1D Laterally constrained inversion of time domain airborne data. AEM 2008: 5th Int. Conf. on airborne electromagnetics, Haikko, Finland.

Smith, R. S., McConnell, D. and Rowe, J., 2008, The application of airborne electromagnetics to hydrocarbon exploration. AEM 2008: 5th Int. Conf. on airborne electromagnetics, Haikko, Finland. (Keynote paper)

Smith, R., Wood, G., Powell, B., 2008, A comparison of TEMPEST and MEGATEM airborne electromagnetic data with ground resistivity data over the Millennium deposit. AEM 2008: 5th Int. Conf. on airborne electromagnetics, Haikko, Finland.

Smith, R. and Hodges, G., 2008, The HeliGEOTEM II system, with an example of data from the Maimon deposit in the Dominican Republic. AEM 2008: 5th Int. Conf. on airborne electromagnetics, Haikko, Finland.

Smith, R., Koch, R. and Hodges, G., 2008, A Comparison of broadband GEOTEM, TEMPEST and RESOLVE airborne electromagnetic data with ground resistivity data over the Midwest Deposit. AEM 2008: 5th Int. Conf. on airborne electromagnetics, Haikko, Finland.

Salem, A., Smith, R., Williams, S., Ravat, D. and Fairhead, D., 2007 Generalized magnetic tilt-Euler deconvolution. SEG Expanded Abstract, 26, 790-794.

Cheng, L. Z., Smith, R. S., Allard, M., Chouteau, M., Keating, P., Lemieux, J., Vallee M.-A., Fountain, D., and Bois, D., 2007, Lessons learnt from three massive sulphides test sites: KEGS symposium -- Geophysical contributions to new discoveries. A workshop at Exploration 07. Sept 13.

Smith, R., and Salem, A., 2006, A discrete conductor transformation of airborne electromagnetic data. SEG Expanded Abstracts 25, 1278.

Smith, R.S., and Koch, R., 2006, Airborne EM measurements over the Shea Creek uranium prospect, Saskatchewan, Canada. SEG Expanded Abstracts 25, 1263.

Smith, R.S., Cheng, L-Z., Allard, M., Keating, P., Chouteau, M., Lemieux, J., Vallee, M.A., Fountain, D., and Bois, D., 2006, An analysis of geophysical and geological data from the Iso/New Insco test site, Quebec, Canada. SEG Expanded Abstracts 25, 1248.

Smith, R.S., Cheng, L-Z., Allard, M., Chouteau, M., Keating, P., Lemieux, J., Vallee, M.A., Fountain, D., and Bois, D., 2006, An analysis of geophysical and geological data from the Gallen test site, Quebec, Canada. SEG Expanded Abstracts 25, 1243.

Bouchedda, A., Chouteau, M., Keating, P., Smith, R., and Lemieux, J., 2006, Traitement des données MEGATEMII pour la mise en évidence des anomalies de faible amplitude. GAC-MAC meeting, Montréal. SM 02.

Cheng, L.Z., Chouteau, M., Smith, R. S., et Allard, M., 2006, Technologie MEGATEM : développements récents. GAC-MAC meeting, Montréal. SM 02.

Chouteau, M., Keating, P., Smith, R., and Lemieux, J., 2006, Traitement des données MEGATEMII pour la mise en Évidence des anomalies de faible amplitude. GAC-MAC meeting, Montréal. SM 02.

Email: rssmith@laurentian.ca
Telephone: 705-675-1151 ext. 2364

Richard Smith received a BSc and MSc from the University of Adelaide, Australia and an MSc and PhD from the University of Toronto. In 1989, he worked at Lamontagne Geophysics in Toronto (1989) where he helped develop methods for generating conductivity depth sections from airborne electromagnetic data. In 1990, Richard held an ARC post-doctoral fellowship at Macquarie University in Sydney (1990). From 1990 to 1992, Richard worked as an explorationist at Pasminco Exploration in Melbourne. In 1993, Richard joined Geoterrex Ltd, an airborne geophysical survey company, later purchased by Fugro. Here he developed methods for processing and interpreting airborne magnetic and electromagnetic data. In May 2009, Richard took up an Industrial Research Chair in Exploration Geophysics at Laurentian University in Sudbury. Dr Smith is a member of the SEG (Chair, Mining and Geothermal committee, 2008-2010), the EAGE, KEGS, the ASEG (Federal Executive, 1992-1993), and the PDAC (conference organizing committee, 2008-2011). He is the recipient of a number of awards for the "best presentation" at conferences and is a co-recipient of the award for the best paper in the journal Geophysics for 1997 and the best paper in Exploration and Mining Geology (2012). In 2009/2010 he was the CSEG Distinguished Lecturer.

 

Awards

2016 Goldschmidt Lecturer, Norwegian Geological Survey (NGU), March 14, 2016

2016 Best student paper in the Mining sessions at the 2016 SEG meeting in Dallas (Tomas Naprstek and Richard Smith) for the paper entitled “A new method for aeromagnetic data interpolation with a focus on linear features”

2016 Best student poster paper in the Mining sessions at the 2016 SEG meeting in Dallas (Frederic Gaucher and Richard Smith) for the paper entitled “Exploring for copper gold deposits with time-domain electromagnetics in the Chapais-Chibougamau mining camp: Case history of a challenging variable environment”

2016 Best poster paper in the Mining sessions at the SEG meeting in Dallas (Richard Smith) for the paper entitled “Induced-polarization effects in airborne electromagnetic data: Estimating chargeability from shape reversals”

2012 Barlow Memorial Medal, for the best paper on economic geology published by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (with L. Z. Cheng, M. Allard, P. Keating, M. Chouteau, J. Lemieux, M.A. Vallée, D. Bois, and D. K. Fountain)

2009/2010 Canadian Society of Exploration Geophysicists Distinguished Lecturer

2009 Canadian Society of Exploration Geophysicists (CSEG) Distinguished Lecturer 2009/2010

1997 Best Presentaiton ASEG conference

1997 Best paper in the journal Geophysics

1988 Best Presentation ASEG/SEG conference

 

Research Interests

Richard Smith joined Laurentian after spending 20 years working in the exploration business. He has extensive experience, working as a research scientist, an exploration geophysicist and a manager. He has international experience in the application of geophysics to lead-zinc exploration, hydrocarbon exploration and environmental issues. Richard is most familiar with the following geophysical methods: electromagnetics, magnetics, induced polarization and gravity. These types of data can be acquired on the ground, from aircraft, and below the earth surface in boreholes or in mines. Professor Smith has been involved in the development of the GEOTEM, MEGATEM, HeliGEOTEM systems and processing of TEMPEST data. 

My main research interests are in the application of geophysical methods to the discovery of all types of mineral deposits. In particular, I am interested in using geophysical methods to create an image of the earth that reflects the physical properties of the material below the surface of the earth. These images can in some cases be used to infer the geology.

The geophysical methods used are electromagnetic methods, potential field methods, radio imaging methods, geophysical logging and measuring physical properties of core and outcrop using hand-held instruments.

For more details, see the list of recent publications.

 

Available projects

Interested students should contact me directly at rssmith@laurentian.ca 

 

Students:

 

Bachelor’s Honours

Hume, Brandon (2017-2018)  Specific Gravity measurements in the Abitibi Sub-Province, Canada

Long, S. Robert (2013-2014)   Can the ground resistivity method detect alteration at the Midwest Uranium Deposit, northern Saskatchewan, Canada?

Pecman, Melissa (2013-2014)  Using hand-held tools to measure physical properties from core

drilled at the Victoria Property, Sudbury, Canada.

Desmarais, Jacques (2013-2014)  A study for designing surveys with the InfiniTEM system.

 

Applied Masters

Baloyi, Nkholo Kevin (2017-2017)  Geological Interpretation of Aeromagnetic Data from the

Swayze Greenstone Belt, Abitibi Subprovince, Ontario, Canada

 

Master’s Thesis

Zamperoni, Anthony (2018-)  A computer algorithm for calculating the response of a sphere below overburden for survey planning and geophysical modelling.

Justina, Fabiano Della (2018-)  Physical properties cross sections of Metal Earth transects interpreted from geophysical data

McNeice, William (2017-)  A comparison of the magnetic susceptibility measured on outcrop and derived from aeromagnetic data

Present Position: MSc student, Laurentian University

Bagley, Thomas (2017-)  Using the resistive-limit data from x- and z-component airborne

electromagnetic data to determine the overburden thickness

Ghahfarokhito, Amir Maleki (2017-)  Physical property cross sections of the Metal Earth Chibougamau transect

Huggins, Jacqueline (2016-2018)  Geological characterisation guided by fuzzy k-means clustering of physical properties measured from core samples from the Victoria property, Sudbury Ontario

Gazo, Nikolas (2015-2017)  Ground electromagnetic experiments to investigate the possibility

of using an airborne electromagnetic system to detect nuclear magnetic resonance associated with unbound water in the subsurface

Gaucher, Frédéric (2014-2017)  Developing a new electromagnetic method to explore for copper-gold deposits in the Chapais district, Québec.

Naprstek, Tomas (2013-2014)  Physics of the radio imaging method

Schaub, Christoph (2013-2014) Monitoring rock stress using electric and magnetic field

measurements

Deng, Deng (2012-2014)  Comparison of instruments for measuring the magnetic susceptibilty

of drill core

Karimi Sharif, Ladan (2011-2013) Tomographic imaging of cross-well radio imaging data

Lymburner, Joshua (2010-2013)  A multiple transmitter/receiver electromagnetic system

Parry, Devon (2010-2013) A comparative study of physical property measurements collected

around the Sudbury Basin

 

Doctorate

Roots, Eric (2017-)  Inversion of magnetotelluric data with smoothing in the geochron domain and discontinuities across geological and structural boundaries

Maepa, Mothepana Francisca (2016-)  Mineral prospectivity mapping using geological and geophysical data in the Abitibi subprovince

Naprstek, Tomas (2014-)  Magnetic data gridding and interpretation

Li, Yongxing (2013-2017)  Modelling of Radio Imaging data

Mahmoodi, Omid (2012-2015)  Using physical properties measurements to infer the geology

Olaniyan, Oladele (2011-2014) Using geophysical data to study the geometric shape of the Sudbury structure

Kolaj, Michal (2010-2015) Using electromagnetic gradient measurements to investigate the

subsurface

 

Post-doctorate

Eshaghi, Esmaeil (2017-) Geophysical compilation and interpretation of geophysical data on the

Metal Earth transects.

 

Research Associate

Hill, Graham (2018-)  Magnetotelluric data acquisition, processing and interpretation on the

Metal Earth transects

Mir, Reza (2013-2018) Processing and inversion of geophysical data for the CMIC Footprints CRD project

 

Representative Publications since 2006

 

Chapters in Books

Smith, R.S. and A. K. Volkovitskiy, 2014, Airborne Electromagnetic Prospecting systems: in Kaufman, A.A., Alekseev, D., and Oristaglio, M., (Eds), Principles of electromagnetic methods in surface geophysics. Methods in Geochemistry and Geophysics, Volume 45. 679-709. ISSN 0076-6895.

Schaub, C., Smith, R., 2014, Determining the feasibility of a real time geophysical magnetic and electric measurement system for monitoring strain underground – laboratory magnetic test.: Proceedings of the Seventh International Conference on Deep and High Stress Mining. 16-18 September, 2014, Sudbury, ON, Canada. Australian Centre for Geomechanics.

Smith, R.S. and O’Connell, M. D., 2007, An Improved Method for Trending of Features on Aeromagnetic Maps: In Milkereit, B. (Ed), Proceedings of Exploration 07: Fifth Decennial International Conference on Mineral Exploration. 853-861

Vallee, M.A. and Smith, R.S. 2007, Comparison of Fixed-Wing Airborne Electromagnetic 1D inversion methods: In Milkereit, B. (Ed), Proceedings of Exploration 07: Fifth Decennial International Conference on Mineral Exploration, 1067-1072.

 

Journal Articles

Li, Yongxing and Smith, Richard, 2017, Contrast source inversion (CSI) method to cross-hole radio-imaging (RIM) data - Part 2: A complex synthetic example and a case study: Journal of Applied Geophysics, 150, 93–100. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jappgeo.2018.01.003

Frédéric E. S. Gaucher and Richard S. Smith, 2017, The impact of magnetic viscosity on time-domain electromagnetic data from iron oxide minerals embedded in rocks at Opemiska, Québec, Canada: Geophysics, 82(5), B165-B176. https://doi.org/10.1190/geo2017-0153.1

Li, Yongxing and Smith, Richard, 2017, Modelling and straight-ray tomographic imaging studies of cross-hole radio-frequency electromagnetic data for mineral exploration:  Geophysical prospecting, 66, No 2, 282 – 299. DOI: 10.1111/1365-2478.12516

Kolaj M. and Smith, R. S., 2017, Inductive electromagnetic data interpretation using a 3-D distribution of 3-D magnetic or electric dipoles: Geophysics, 82(4), E187-E195. doi 10.1190/GEO2016-0260.1

Mahmoodi, O., Smith, R. S. and Spicer, B., 2017, Using constrained inversion of gravity and magnetic field to produce a 3D litho-prediction model. Geophysical Prospecting, 65, 1662–1679. doi:10.1111/1365-2478.12484

Desmarais, J. K. and Richard S. Smith, 2016, Approximate semianalytical solutions for the electromagnetic response of a dipping-sphere interacting with conductive overburden: Geophysics, 81(4), E265–E277. 10.1190/GEO2015-0597.1

Long, S. M. R., Smith, R. S., and Hearst, R. B., 2016, Ground resistivity method and DCIP2D forward and inversion modelling to identify alteration at the Midwest uranium deposit, northern Saskatchewan, Canada: Exploration Geophysics, published on line. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/EG15059

Naprstek, T. and R. S. Smith, 2016, The effect of dielectric permittivity on the fields radiated from a radio-frequency electric dipole in a homogeneous whole space: Geophysics, 81(2), K1-K8. DOI:10.1190/geo2015-0219.1

Mahmoodi, Omid, Richard S Smith and Douglas K. Tinkham., 2016, Supervised classification of down-hole physical properties measurements using neural network to predict lithology: Journal of Applied Geophysics, 124, 17-26. doi:10.1016/j.jappgeo.2015.11.006

Parry, D., R. S. Smith and O. Mahmoodi, 2015, Tools used in mineral exploration for measuring the conductivity and the resistivity in drillholes and on drill core: observations on their range of sensitivity: Exploration Geophysics, published on-line. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/EG14083

Li, Yongxing and Richard S. Smith, 2015, Forward modelling of radio imaging (RIM) data with the Comsol RF module: Computers and Geosciences, 85, 60–67. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cageo.2015.08.012 

Mahmoodi, O., Smith, R., 2015, Clustering of downhole physical property measurements at the Victoria property, Sudbury for the purpose of extracting lithological information: Journal of Applied Geophysics, 118, 145–154. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jappgeo.2015.04.015 

Lo, B., Y. Li, R.Smith, J. Arce, M. Shore, and T. Lane, 2015, Introduction to special section: Mining and minerals exploration interpretation: Interpretation, 3(2), p. SLi. http://dx.doi.org/10.1190/INT2015-0318-SPSEINTRO.1.

Olaniyan, O., R. S. Smith, B. Lafrance, 2015, Regional 3D geophysical investigation of the Sudbury Structure: Interpretation 3(2), SL63-SL81. http://dx.doi.org/10.1190/INT-2014-0200.1

Kolaj, M., and Smith, R., 2015, A multiple transmitter and receiver electromagnetic system for improved target detection: Geophysics 80 (4), E247–E255, doi: 10.1190/GEO2014-0466.1

Desmarais, J.K., Smith, R.S., 2015, The total component (or vector magnitude) and the energy envelope as tools to interpret airborne electromagnetic data: a comparative study: Journal of Applied Geophysics, in press. APPGEO3783R1

Desmarais, J.K., Smith, R.S., 2015, Combining spatial components and Hilbert transforms to interpret ground-time-domain-electromagnetic data: Geophysics, 80(4) E237-E246, doi: 10.1190/GEO2014-0528.1

Desmarais, J.K., Smith, R.S., 2015, Benefits of using multi-component transmitter–receiver systems for determining geometrical parameters of a dipole conductor from single-line anomalies: Exploration Geophysics: in press http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/EG14076

Desmarais, J.K., Smith, R.S., 2015, Decomposing the electromagnetic response of magnetic dipoles to determine the geometric parameters of a dipole conductor: Exploration Geophysics, in press.

Desmarais, J.K., Smith, R.S., 2015, Survey design to maximize the volume of exploration of the InfiniTEM system when looking for discrete targets: Journal of Applied Geophysics, 115, 11-23. doi:10.1016/j.jappgeo.2015.02.012

Lymburner, J. and Smith, R.S., 2014, A procedure for collecting electromagnetic data using multiple transmitters and receivers capable of deep and focussed exploration: Geophysics, 80(1), E1-E10. doi: 10.1190/geo2014-0251.1 

Olaniyan, O., Smith, R.S., and Lafrance, B., 2014, A constrained potential field data interpretation of the deep geometry of the Sudbury structure: Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences, 51(7): 715–729 dx.doi.org/10.1139/cjes-2013-0212

Kolaj, M., and Smith, R., 2014, Robust conductance estimates from spatial and temporal derivatives of borehole electromagnetic data: Geophysics, 79(3), E115–E123. doi: 10.1190/geo2013-0387.1

Kolaj, M., and Smith, R., 2014, Mapping lateral changes in conductance of a thin sheet using time-domain inductive electromagnetic data: Geophysics, 79(1), 1-10. 10.1190/GEO2013-0219.1

Smith, R. S., 2014, Electromagnetic induction methods in mining geophysics from 2008 to 2012:, Surveys in Geophysics: 35(1), 123-156. DOI 10.1007/s10712-013-9227-1

Kolaj, M. and Smith, R. 2013, Using spatial derivatives of electromagnetic data to map lateral conductance variations in thin-sheet models: Applications over mine tailings ponds: Geophysics, 78(5), E225–E235. doi: 10.1190/geo2012-0457.

Olaniyan, O., Smith, R., and Morris, B., 2013, Qualitative geophysical interpretation of the Sudbury Structure: Interpretation, 1(1), T25–T43. doi: 10.1190/INT-2012-0010.1

Guo, K., J. E. Mungall, R. S. Smith, 2013, The ratio of B-field and dB/dt time constants from time-domain electromagnetic data: a new tool for estimating size and conductivity of mineral deposits: Exploration Geophysics, in press, http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/EG13042

Smith, R. S., 2013, Electromagnetic induction methods in mining geophysics from 2008 to 2012: Surveys in Geophysics, 1-34. DOI 10.1007/s10712-013-9227-1

Smith, R. S. and B. Neil, 2013, Precision requirements for specifying transmitter waveforms used for modelling the off-time electromagnetic response: Exploration Geophysics, 44(1), 1-5.http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/EG12040

Smith, R. S., 2012, Using combinations of spatial gradients to improve the detectability of buried conductors below or within conductive material. Geophysics, 78(1), E19-31. 

Smith, R.S., Thurston, J.B., Salem, A. and Reid, A.B., 2012, A grid implementation of the SLUTH algorithm for visualizing the depth and structural index of magnetic sources: accepted for Computers and Geosciences.

Smith, R.S., and Wasylechko, R., 2012, Sensitivity cross-sections in airborne electromagnetic methods using discrete conductors: accepted in Exploration Geophysics.

Vallée, M. A., Smith, R. S. and Keating, P., 2011, Metalliferous mining geophysics – State of the art after a decade in the new millennium, Geophysics, in press.

Smith, R.S., Koch, R. And Hodges, G., 2011, A comparison of airborne electromagnetic systems with ground resistivity data over the Midwest deposit in the
Athabasca Basin. Near Surface Geophysics, in press.

Bouchedda, A., Chouteau, M., Keating, P. and Smith, R., 2010, Sferics noise reduction in time-domain electromagnetic systems: application to MEGATEMII signal enhancement: Exploration Geophysics, 41, 225-239. doi:10.1071/EG09007

Ulla, J., Smith, R., Samson, C., Vallée, M., 2010, Automation of the SLUTH method: a novel approach to airborne magnetic data interpretation: Near Surface Geophysics, 8, 519-528. doi:10.3997/1873-0604.2010033

Smith, R.S., Wood, G. and Powell, B., 2010, Detection of alteration at the Millennium uranium deposit in the Athabasca Basin: a comparison of data from two airborne electromagnetic systems with ground resistivity data. Geophysical Prospecting, 58, 1147-1158.

Vallée, M.A., Smith, R.S. and Keating, P., 2010, Case history of combined airborne time-domain electromagnetics and power line fields survey in Chibougamau, Canada: Geophysics, 75, B67- B72.

L. Z. Cheng, R. S. Smith, M. Allard, P. Keating, M. Chouteau, J. Lemieux, M.A. Vallée, D. Bois, and D. K. Fountain, 2009, Evaluation of the Efficiency of Several Airborne Electromagnetic Systems: Exploration Implications: Exploration and Mining Geology, 18: 1-12.

Smith, R. S., Hodges, G., and Lemieux, J., 2009, Case histories illustrating the characteristics of the HeliGEOTEM system: Exploration Geophysics, 40, 246–256.

Vallée, M.A., and Smith, R.S., 2009, Inversion of airborne time-domain electromagnetic data to a 1D structure using lateral constraints: Near Surface Geophysics, 7, 63-71.

Salem, A., Williams, S., Fairhead, D., Smith, R. and Ravat, D., 2008, Interpretation of magnetic data using tilt-angle derivatives: Geophysics, 73, L1-L10.

Cheng, L.Z., Smith, R.S., Allard, M., Keating, P., Chouteau, M., Lemieux, J., Vallée, M.A., Bois, D., Fountain D.K., 2007, Geophysical case study of the Gallen deposit, Québec, Canada: Exploration and Mining Geology, 16, nos 1-2, 67-81.

Smith, R.S. and Salem, A.S., 2007, A discrete conductor transformation of airborne electromagnetic data: Near Surface Geophysics, 5, 87-95.

Hefford, S.W., Smith, R.S. and Samson, C., 2006, Quantifying the effect that changes in transmitter-receiver geometry have on the capability of an airborne electromagnetic survey system to detect good conductors. Exploration and Mining Geology, 15, nos 1-2, 43-52.

Cheng, L.Z., Smith, R.S., Allard, M., Keating, P., Chouteau, M., Lemieux, J., Vallée, M.A., Bois, D., Fountain D.K., 2006, Geophysical case study of the Iso and New Insco deposits, Québec, Canada: Part I, data comparison and analysis. Exploration and Mining Geology, 15, nos 1-2, 53-63.

Cheng, L.Z., Smith, R.S., Allard, M., Keating, P., Chouteau, M., Lemieux, J., Vallée, M.A., Bois, D., Fountain D.K., 2006, Geophysical case study of the Iso and New Insco deposits, Québec, Canada: Part II, modeling and interpretation. Exploration and Mining Geology, 15, nos 1-2, 65-74.

Patent Applications

Smith, R.S., 2012, Multi-component electromagnetic prospecting apparatus and method of use thereof. PCT patent application WO2012/129654 A1. PCT/CA2012/000272

Smith, R. S., and Annan A. P., 2013, System and method for geophysical surveying using electromagnetic fields and gradients. WO 2013/138908 A1

 

Non-refereed Publications

Smith, R., Shore, M, and Rainsford, D., 2012, How to make better use of physical properties in mineral exploration: The exploration site measurement: The Leading Edge, 31, March, 936-940.

Smith, R., 2010, Airborne electromagnetic methods: applications to minerals, water and hydrocarbon exploration: CSEG Recorder, 35(3), 7-10.

Vallee, M.A., Smith, R.S., 2009, Application of Occam’s inversion to airborne time-domain electromagnetics: The Leading Edge, 28, March, 284-287.

Smith, R., McConnell, D., Rowe, J., 2008, The application of airborne electromagnetics to hydrocarbon exploration: First Break, 26, November, 65-70.

Smith, R.S., Cheng, L.-Z., and Chouteau, M., 2008, Using reversed polarity airborne transient electromagnetic data to map tailings around mine sites: The Leading Edge, 27, November, 1470-1478.

Smith, R., and Pellerin, L., 2008, President’s page: SEG: one big, happy family: The Leading Edge, 27, January, 8.

Salem, A., Williams, S., Fairhead J.D., Ravat, D., Smith, R., 2007, Tilt-depth method: A simple depth estimation method using first-order magnetic derivatives: The Leading Edge, 26, December, 1502-1505.

Thurston, J., and Smith, R., 2007, Source location using total-field homogeneity: Introducing the SLUTH method for depth estimation: The Leading Edge, 26, October, 1272-1277.

Smith, R., and O’Connell, M., 2007, Improved trending of features on aeromagnetic maps: CSEG Recorder, 32, June, 32-36.

Abstracts

Desmarais, J.K., Smith, R.S., 2016, Approximate semi-analytical solutions for the electromagnetic response of a dipping sphere interacting with conductive overburden: Session SS18, GAC-MAC, Whitehorse, Yukon, June 1-3, 2016. Presented June 2, 2016.

Li, Yongxing and Richard Smith, 2015, Modeling radio imaging (RIM) data with the Comsol RF module. SEG Technical Program Expanded Abstracts 2015: pp. 2042-2046. doi: 10.1190/segam2015-5816603.1

Wang, Y., Smith, R., Zhu, K., Lin, J., Chen, B., 2015, HTEM noise frequency characteristics simulation and influencing analysis: GEM Chengdu 2015: International Workshop on Gravity, Electrical & Magnetic Methods and Their Applications Chengdu, China. April 19-22, 2015.

Mahmoodi, O., and Smith, R., 2015, Rock boundries selection from more than one geophysical log using principle component and derivative analyses: GeoConvention 2015, May 4-8, 2015, Calgary, Alberta. Extended Abstract. Presented May 4.

Parry, D., Smith, R.S., Mahmoodi, O., 2015, Tools Used in Mineral Exploration for Measuring the Conductivity and the Resistivity in Drill-Holes and on Drill Core: Observations on Their Range of Sensitivity. Paper MD24A-0270, AGU-GAC-MAC-CGU Joint Assembly, Montreal Quebec, May 3-7, 2015. Presented, May 5, 2015.

Desmarais, J. Smith, R, 2015, Combining spatial components and Hilbert transforms to interpret ground-time-domain-electromagnetic data: Paper MD24A-0269, AGU-GAC-MAC-CGU Joint Assembly, Montreal Quebec, May 3-7, 2015. Presented, May 5, 2015.

Desmarais, J. Smith, R, 2015, Decomposing the electromagnetic response of magnetic dipoles to determine the geometrical parameters of a dipole conductor: Paper MD22A-05, AGU-GAC-MAC-CGU Joint Assembly, Montreal Quebec, May 3-7, 2015. Presented, May 5, 2015.

Schaub, C., Smith, R., 2014, Determining the feasibility of a real time geophysical magnetic and electric measurement system for monitoring strain underground – laboratory magnetic test.: Proceedings of the Seventh International Conference on Deep and High Stress Mining. 16-18 September, 2014, Sudbury, ON, Canada. Australian Centre for Geomechanics. 443-456.

Naprstek, T., and Smith R., 2014, Modelling the radio imaging method using electric dipoles in a homogeneous whole space. SEG Technical Program Expanded Abstracts 2014: pp. 1822-1826. Presented October 29. doi: 10.1190/segam2014-0288.1

Mahmoodi, O., and Smith, R., 2014, Clustering of down-hole physical properties measurement to characterize rock units at the Victoria Cu-Ni property. SEG Technical Program Expanded Abstracts 2014: pp. 1742-1747. Presented October 29. doi: 10.1190/segam2014-0190.1

Kolaj, M., and Smith, R., 2014, A multiple transmitter and receiver electromagnetic system for improved target detection. SEG Technical Program Expanded Abstracts 2014: pp. 1754-1758. Presented October 30. doi: 10.1190/segam2014-0133.1

Kolaj, M., and Smith, R., 2014, Conductance estimates from spatial and temporal derivatives of borehole electromagnetic data. SEG Technical Program Expanded Abstracts 2014: pp. 1764-1769. Presented October 30 doi: 10.1190/segam2014-0132.1

Smith, R.S., and Witherly, K., 2014, INVITED PRESENTATION: The application of geophysics for exploration in the cordillera of North America: Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada, Technical Program, Tuesday March 4. 2014.

Smith, R.S., and Witherly, K., 2013, A Review of Recent Geophysical Work on the Deposits of the North American Cordillera: Great Basin & Western Cordillera Mining Geophysics Symposium, Elko Nevada, Nov 23, 2013.

Smith, R.S., 2013, KEYNOTE ADDRESS: Advantages to using EM systems with multiple transmitters and multiple receivers: deep exploration, covered exploration and "perfect" conductors: Australian Society of Exploration Geophysicists 23rd Int. Geophysical Conf. and Exhib., Melbourne Australia, August 11th - 14th, 2013.

Kolaj, M. and Smith, R., 2013, Mapping lateral changes in conductance of a thin sheet by inverting time domain inductive electromagnetic data. Symposium on the Application of Geophysics to Engineering and Environmental Problems 2013: pp. 1-1.

Sharif, L., Hughes, W., Smith, R., and Fullagar, P., 2013, Cross-hole radio imaging study, Maclennan Township. Symposium on the Application of Geophysics to Engineering and Environmental Problems 2013: pp. 1-1.

Kolaj, M., and Smith R. S., 2012, Using spatial gradients of electromagnetic data to map lateral variations in mine tailings: Society of Exploration Geophysicists 82nd Annual Meeting, Las Vegas, Expanded Abstract, 1-5.

Lymburner, J., and Smith R. S., 2012, A multiple transmitter/receiver system: the advantage of summing responses from multiple transmitters: Society of Exploration Geophysicists 82nd Annual Meeting, Las Vegas, Expanded Abstract, 1-5.

Olaniyan, O., Smith R. S., and Morris, W. A., 2012, Qualitative geophysical interpretation of the Sudbury structure: Society of Exploration Geophysicists 82nd Annual Meeting, Las Vegas, Expanded Abstract, 1-5.

Smith, R. S., 2012, Using the discrete conductor model to extend the concept of airborne electromagnetic footprint, 34th International Geological Congress, Brisbane, Australia, August 5-10, 2012. Paper 2237.

Smith, R., 2011, A review of developments in airborne electromagnetic methods with examples for uranium exploration: Workshop on Recent advances in ground and airborne electromagnetic methods, Hyderabad, India, 27-28 September, 2011.

Smith, R., 2011, Recent advances in electromagnetic methods applied to mineral exploration, Symposium on the Application of Geophysics to Engineering and Environmental Problems, Workshop W-1: Advances in Near-surface Electromagnetic Induction Geophysics.

Kolaj, M., Smith, R., Samson, C., 2011, Mapping laterally varying conductance using EM gradients over dry tailings ponds: SEG Expanded Abstract, 30, 1368-1372.

Ulla, J.D., Smith, R., Samson, C., 2009, Automation of the SLUTH method for deriving depth and location of magnetic sources: SEG Expanded Abstract, 29, 903-907.

Smith, R.S., Lemieux, J. and Hodges, G., 2009, Case histories illustrating the characteristics of the HeliGEOTEM system. Aust. Soc. Explor. Geophys. 20th Conf. and Exhib., Adelaide.

Smith, R.S. and Lemieux, J. 2009, Examples showing characteristics of the MEGATEM airborne electromagnetic system. Aust. Soc. Explor. Geophys. 20th Conf. and Exhib., Adelaide.

Vallée, M.A., Smith, R.S., Lemieux, J., Keating, P., Houle, P., 2008, Geological Mapping with Power line fields measured with MEGATEM data: SEG Expanded Abstract, 28, 1093-1097.

Smith, R.S., Cheng, L.Z., and Chouteau, M., 2008, Mapping tailings around mine sites with reverse polarity airborne transient EM data: SEG Expanded Abstract, 28, 1313-1317.

Yin, C., R.S. Smith, G. Hodges and P. Annan, 2008, Modeling Results of On-and Off-time B and dB/dt for Time-domain Airborne EM Systems: 70th EAGE Conference and Exhibition, Rome, Italy.

Vallée, M.A. and Smith, R. S., 2008, 1D Laterally constrained inversion of time domain airborne data. AEM 2008: 5th Int. Conf. on airborne electromagnetics, Haikko, Finland.

Smith, R. S., McConnell, D. and Rowe, J., 2008, The application of airborne electromagnetics to hydrocarbon exploration. AEM 2008: 5th Int. Conf. on airborne electromagnetics, Haikko, Finland. (Keynote paper)

Smith, R., Wood, G., Powell, B., 2008, A comparison of TEMPEST and MEGATEM airborne electromagnetic data with ground resistivity data over the Millennium deposit. AEM 2008: 5th Int. Conf. on airborne electromagnetics, Haikko, Finland.

Smith, R. and Hodges, G., 2008, The HeliGEOTEM II system, with an example of data from the Maimon deposit in the Dominican Republic. AEM 2008: 5th Int. Conf. on airborne electromagnetics, Haikko, Finland.

Smith, R., Koch, R. and Hodges, G., 2008, A Comparison of broadband GEOTEM, TEMPEST and RESOLVE airborne electromagnetic data with ground resistivity data over the Midwest Deposit. AEM 2008: 5th Int. Conf. on airborne electromagnetics, Haikko, Finland.

Salem, A., Smith, R., Williams, S., Ravat, D. and Fairhead, D., 2007 Generalized magnetic tilt-Euler deconvolution. SEG Expanded Abstract, 26, 790-794.

Cheng, L. Z., Smith, R. S., Allard, M., Chouteau, M., Keating, P., Lemieux, J., Vallee M.-A., Fountain, D., and Bois, D., 2007, Lessons learnt from three massive sulphides test sites: KEGS symposium -- Geophysical contributions to new discoveries. A workshop at Exploration 07. Sept 13.

Smith, R., and Salem, A., 2006, A discrete conductor transformation of airborne electromagnetic data. SEG Expanded Abstracts 25, 1278.

Smith, R.S., and Koch, R., 2006, Airborne EM measurements over the Shea Creek uranium prospect, Saskatchewan, Canada. SEG Expanded Abstracts 25, 1263.

Smith, R.S., Cheng, L-Z., Allard, M., Keating, P., Chouteau, M., Lemieux, J., Vallee, M.A., Fountain, D., and Bois, D., 2006, An analysis of geophysical and geological data from the Iso/New Insco test site, Quebec, Canada. SEG Expanded Abstracts 25, 1248.

Smith, R.S., Cheng, L-Z., Allard, M., Chouteau, M., Keating, P., Lemieux, J., Vallee, M.A., Fountain, D., and Bois, D., 2006, An analysis of geophysical and geological data from the Gallen test site, Quebec, Canada. SEG Expanded Abstracts 25, 1243.

Bouchedda, A., Chouteau, M., Keating, P., Smith, R., and Lemieux, J., 2006, Traitement des données MEGATEMII pour la mise en évidence des anomalies de faible amplitude. GAC-MAC meeting, Montréal. SM 02.

Cheng, L.Z., Chouteau, M., Smith, R. S., et Allard, M., 2006, Technologie MEGATEM : développements récents. GAC-MAC meeting, Montréal. SM 02.

Chouteau, M., Keating, P., Smith, R., and Lemieux, J., 2006, Traitement des données MEGATEMII pour la mise en Évidence des anomalies de faible amplitude. GAC-MAC meeting, Montréal. SM 02.

 

 

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