Influence of preglacial dispersion on geochemical exploration in county Offaly, Central Ireland

Weathering and erosion during the Tertiary period in Ireland gave rise to widespread secondary dispersion in the vicinity of exposed mineralization. Resulting patterns are still partly traceable under the glacial cover and constitute geochemical anomalies that are found to be more revealing than corresponding anomalies in the glacial till.A large near-surface lead and zinc anomaly in northeast County Offaly, Eire, was found to overlie an iron hydroxide-filled Tertiary(?) sinkhole. Tracing the dispersion patterns from this preglacial hydromorphic anomaly led to the discovery, to the north of the sinkhole and under the glacial drift, of two residual anomalies characterized by highly concentrated secondary zinc mineralization (up to 10% Zn). One of these follows a regional structural trend and may be of economic significance.Assessment of the depth of overburden was made using shallow refraction seismic equipment and sampling was carried out with two types of portable drills.     

Comparison of vegetation and stream sediment geochemical patterns in northeastern New South Wales

This study compares the geochemical response of stream sediments and adjacent vegetation samples, with variations in drainage catchment lithology and the occurrence of mineralisation, within a 14,000-km² block of the northeastern region of New South Wales, Australia. The area contains a range of lithologies within a Devonian–Permian accretionary complex and Mesozoic sedimentary basin, as well as a wide range of mineral deposits. Sampling was designed to confine each sub-catchment to a single lithological group (mafic and ultramafic rocks, acid intrusives, volcanics, metasedimentary and sedimentary rocks or alluvium). Leaves of over 20 genera, dominated by (Allo-)Casuarina, Eucalyptus, Acacia, Callistemon and Melaleuca, and the <250-μm fraction of the stream sediments were analysed by INAA. The uptake of most trace elements varied between genera, with Callistemon displaying the highest median As and La contents and Eucalyptus the highest Co contents. The stream sediment and vegetation geochemistry reflect both hydromorphic and mechanical dispersion within sub-catchments, with regional patterns dominant over local influences. The vegetation appears to be influenced to a greater extent by hydromorphic dispersion, as indicated by differences in the ratio of leaf to sediment Cr concentrations in sub-catchments draining serpentinites and basalts. Although most known mineral deposits in the region produced anomalies in at least one medium, there was little correlation between the trace element concentrations of the vegetation and stream sediments on a site-by-site basis. A number of Au targets were only detected on the basis of the biogeochemistry and others were only reflected in the stream sediment geochemistry. In general, vegetation displayed more extensive dispersion trains away from mineralisation than did the stream sediments. Differences in the response of the two sampling media suggest their joint use in exploration or environmental surveys to maximise the probability of detecting mineralisation.     

甘肃小柳沟铜钨多金属矿床地球化学异常特征及找矿标志

阐述了小柳沟铜钨多金属矿床的区域地质和区域地球化学概况，并分析了该区的成矿地质条件及地球化学演化特征。在研究了1：10万分散流普查结果的基础上，采用1：2．5万沟系次生晕普查方法，获得了Cu、Mo、Ag、Pb、Zn等元素综合异常，通过验证表明，Cu、Mo异常的浓集中心与铜钼矿体位置一致。又通过原生晕普查，分析了各元素的岩石地球化学分布特征。同时证实了沟系次生晕与原生晕具有同样的找矿效果。因而，提出相关的地质、地球化学找矿(分散流、沟系次生晕、原生晕)标志。     

Regolith-landform processes and geochemical exploration for base metal deposits in regolith-dominated terrains of the Mt Isa region,northwest Queensland,Australia

The regolith in the Mt Isa region of Queensland consists of a variety of saprolites and duricrusts developed on Proterozoic basement rocks and fresh to weathered Mesozoic, Tertiary and Quaternary cover, all of which has impeded base metals exploration. This paper presents an overview of some of the regolith-geochemical work conducted in the Mt Isa region as part of an industry-supported three year CRC LEME/AMIRA Project. A complex weathering and landscape history has produced a landscape of (a) continuously exposed and exhumed basement rocks that have undergone varying intensities of weathering and partial stripping; (b) weathered and locally eroded Mesozoic cover sequences and (c) areas with younger transported cover concealing basement and Mesozoic cover. Various regolith sample media have been evaluated at a number of prospects and deposits which represent different regolith-landform terrains and landscape history. Geochemical dispersion processes and models are presented and false anomalies explained.Where ferruginous duricrust or ferruginous nodular gravel are preserved on weathered bedrock on an eroded plateau, they exhibit large (> 500 m) multi-element (As, Pb, Sb) dispersion haloes and are useful sampling media. Dispersion haloes in truncated profiles on weathered bedrock covered with colluvium are restricted, are limited to tens of metres from subcrop of the source, and contrast to the extensive anomalies in ferruginous duricrust and nodules. Geochemical exploration in covered areas depends on the possible presence of dispersion through the sediments or leakage along faults or fractures, but may be complicated by high metal backgrounds in the sediments themselves. Some of the most prominent anomalies occur in ferruginous materials and soils representing emergent residual terrain developed on Mesozoic sediments. These are largely due to weathering of sulfide mineralization that continued during submergence in a marine environment, with hydromorphic dispersion into the sediments as they accumulated. Multi-element (Cu, As, Zn, Sb, Au) anomalies occur in basal sediments and at the unconformity, due to a combination of clastic and hydromorphic dispersion and represent a useful sample target. Metal-rich horizons in weathered sediments, higher in the sequence, can also be targeted, particularly by specifically sampling ferruginous units and fragments. However, these are less certainly related to mineralization. Zinc and Cu, concentrated in Fe (and Mn) oxides at redox fronts, may be derived by leaching from the sediments with concentration in the sesquioxides, and be unrelated to any proximal basement mineralization. In all these regolith-dominated terrains, a clear understanding of local geomorphology, regolith framework, topography of unconformities and the origins of ferruginous materials is essential to sample medium selection and data interpretation.     

A comparison of selective extraction soil geochemistry and biogeochemistry in the Cobar area, New South Wales

In parts of the deeply weathered and semi-arid environments of the Cobar area (NSW, Australia), detection of mineralisation using conventional soil sampling and total metal analysis is impeded. This is due to the intense leaching of trace elements within the weathered profile, discontinuous coverage of transported materials and the existence of diffuse regional geochemical anomalies of ill-defined source. Selective chemical extractions, applied to various regolith components, and biogeochemistry offer a means of isolating localised geochemical patterns related to recent dispersion of trace elements through the overburden. Lag geochemical patterns across the McKinnons deposit (Au) and Mrangelli prospect (Pb–Zn–As) reflect mechanical dispersion processes and minor hydromorphic effects. Concentrations of more mobile elements tend to be higher in the non-magnetic fraction, due to higher proportions of goethite and poorly crystalline hematite than in the magnetic fraction. The subdued soil geochemical responses for metals extractable by cold 40% hydrochloric acid (CHX) and for total element concentration reflect the leached nature of the residual profile, low grade of mineralisation, dilution by aeolian components and disequilibrium of fine fractions with coarser, relict Fe-oxides. The stronger contrast for CHX for most metals, compared with total extraction, indicates surface accumulation of trace elements derived from underlying mineralisation. Enzyme leach element anomalies are intense but generally located directly over bedrock sources or major structural breaks, irrespective of the nature of the overburden. Though mechanisms for the dispersion of trace elements extracted by enzyme leaching are not well established, the lack of lateral transport suggests vertical migration of volatile metal species (atmimorphic dispersion). The strong, multi-element response to mineralisation in cypress pine needles indicates significant metal recycling during the present erosional cycle. However, a comparison of the trace element concentrations in vegetation (cypress pine needles) and selective extractions of soils indicates that recycling by the plants is not the dominant mechanism for transportation of metals through the overburden. The vegetation may be responding to hydromorphic dispersion patterns at depth. The use of selective extractions may be useful in detecting mineralisation through deeply leached profiles, but offers even greater potential when integrated with biogeochemistry to detect targets buried by significant thickness of transported cover.     

Exploration for Mississippi-Valley type stratabound Zn ores with stream suspensates and stream sediments, Virginia, U.S.A.

Suspended and equivalent active sediments were collected from streams at 84 sites at the eastern and western sides of a ridge with stratabound Zn mineralization, Rockingham County, Virginia (USA). The purpose was to evaluate the relative effectiveness of suspended and bottom sediment in the geochemical exploration for Mississippi-Valley type Zn ores. The orebody is composed of sphalerite and minor amounts of galena with some chalcopyrite, strikes parallel to the enclosing dolomite beds at N34°E, and cuts vertically across the 30°SE dip. Oxidation of the ore extends to about 100 m in depth.Zinc was effective in detecting the mineralized zone. Zinc in the suspensates provided a denser anomaly system (7 strong and 2 moderate samples) than Zn in the <150 μm size of the bottom sediment, either totally dissolved (4 strong and 1 moderate anomalies) or extracted with cold 3% HCl (5 strong and 3 moderate anomalies). The magnitude of the high values for suspensate Zn was considerably higher than those for the other sample types studied. Suspensate Zn was complemented by 3 strong suspensate Cu anomalies. The suspensate Zn anomaly dispersion was about 850 m, 400 m of which was upstream from the mineralization. Lead was detected only in the cold acid extraction and in combination with Cu and Zn gave an extensive overlapping multielement anomaly string that targeted the ore zone and had a dispersion downstream from the mineralization of more than 1000 m. The Pb anomalies extended about 900 m upstream and 400 m downstream from the ore zone. Together with suspensate Zn, the Pb anomalies suggest a continuation of mineralization upstrike from the known orebody.The major anomaly systems are along the eastern side of the ridge with comparatively few anomalies present in the drainage along the western side. The concentration of anomalies in the eastern drainage and anomaly disposition with respect to known mineralization result from structural control on the hydromorphic dispersion of metals from the orebody.     

Hydrogeochemical prospecting of gold in an alpine bald mountain zone

The investigation was conducted within highly and moderately separated highlands and high plateaus where glaciers, stone streams, solifluction, and glacial and fluvio-glacial deposits are widely developed. A capping of Miocene basalts remains in the divides over the Au ore deposits and their oxidation zones. Young water-filled fractures traverse the ore-bearing structures and control the direction of the glacial and river valleys, as well as the location of the lakes, springs, and icings.Gold occurs in small- to average-sized sulphide-Au-quartz veins and in a sulphidized black shale series of Precambrian and Paleozoic age. Both mechanical and hydromorphic dispersion of Au are exhibited clearly in the highlands. The latter is due to the processes of modern oxidation of the Au-bearing sulphide minerals. The anomalies of Au in streams and small lakes are related to supra- and sub-ice waters. In the water of streams Au is present in three forms; colloidal, dissolved, and sorbed. Gold in colloidal form comprises the most ample and contrasty anomalies. The truly dissolved Au is more local and manifests itself close to the source of the stream. Gold sorbed on suspended matter is evident because of a significant removal from the source into the solution. Migration of Au and formation of long (up to 2.5 km) and contrasty dispersions in waters of low dissolved solids is favoured by the presence of organic matter and argillaceous and ferruginous suspensions as well as other sorbents. The anomalies of Au in water either coincide with anomalies in stream sediments over mineralized zones or indicate new mineralized areas not reflected in stream sediments.     

黔北普宜地区水系沉积物地球化学特征及成矿预测

通过黔北普宜地区开展1∶5万水系沉积物测量工作,对研究区的地球化学特征进行初步研究,以获取成矿信息。对水系沉积物样品分析结果进行数理统计,运用成矿元素地球化学特征进行多元统计分析、单元素及组合异常分析,并运用奇异性分析方法对成矿异常进行识别。分析结果表明,Pb、Zn元素异常高值点较多、离散程度较高,地球化学和成矿地质条件优越,具有较好找矿前景。F与Li元素为显著正相关关系,氟病区锂的含量高,地质环境中含量较高的Li对地下水中氟的浓聚迁移可能有抑制作用。综合研究区已知矿化信息及地层构造格架,优选出铅锌成矿远景区4处,为普宜地区找矿潜力分析、成矿规律研究及地氟病预防治理提供科学依据。     

Weathering of the zinc-lead lode, Dugald River, northwest Queensland: II. surface mineralogy and geochemistry

Gossans associated with the Dugald River zinc-lead lode contain anomalous concentrations of Zn, Pb, Ag, As, Cd, Cu, Sb, Se, Tl and Ba and differ from those on the more pyritic Western Lode (Zn, Pb, Cu, As, Tl) and those associated with copper mineralization in the hanging wall (As, Bi, Co, Cu, Mo, Ni, Sb). Mineralogical and geochemical variations in gossans along strike reflect changes in primary ore and gangue mineralogy, particularly towards the north, where the Dugald River lode and hanging wall copper mineralization merge. Leaching of more soluble elements from the surface and re-precipitation below have resulted in large geochemical variations in the top metre of the profile.Dispersion into wall rocks has occurred over two distinct periods: hydromorphic dispersion, before erosion removed much of the gossan and surrounding Corella Formation, has resulted in very high Zn contents (up to 9%) in the footwall, whereas a more even dispersion of target and pathfinder elements into hanging and footwall rocks is from recent weathering of the slightly elevated gossan.     

Contrasting dispersion patterns for gold in stream sediments at Timbarra,NSW, Australia

Regional geochemical exploration for granite-hosted Au mineralisation on the Timbarra Plateau has identified poor correlation between bulk cyanide leach (BCL) Au contents in the wet-screened <2000-μm fraction and aqua regia (AR) extractable Au in the wet-screened <180-μm fraction of stream sediments across most parts of the plateau.At James East, there is a weak response to mineralisation in both the BCL and <180-μm fraction Au contents of stream sediments and poor correlation between these fractions. The total Au content of the sediments is primarily contained within the organic-rich <63-μm fraction. There is little visible Au in panned concentrates from stream sediments or adjacent alluvium. Dispersion of Au appears to be predominantly hydromorphic with minor mechanical contributions from a more diffuse palaeo-colluvial source.At the nearby Surface Hill, there is a strong response to mineralisation in stream sediments with contributions to total Au from a wide range of size fractions. The BCL and <180-μm fraction Au contents are closely correlated. Visible Au is present close to bedrock sources in eluvial and alluvial accumulations. Particle size and Au distribution in the stream sediments indicates dispersion of Au to be dominantly by mechanical processes from the proximal part of a colluvial fan on the margin of the plateau.Variations in the concentration, form and distribution of Au in stream sediments at the two sites can be attributed to variations in surficial conditions and the effects of varying amounts of organic material; however, a complimentary factor is the potential loss of colloidal or organic-adsorbed Au through decanting of sieve water during wet-screening of sediments in the field.     

Fe-Mn oxide coatings in stream sediment geochemical surveys

Downstream dispersion curves for certain trace metals were obtained from two mineralized areas in the southeastern United States. Fe-Mn oxide coating on lithic fragments and quartz pebbles, as well as the minus 80-mesh fraction of the coexisting stream sediment were analyzed for a variety of metals. In Lincoln County, Georgia, 8 sample sets were collected along a stream draining the Magruder mine, a polymetallic sulfide deposit (Zn-Cu-Pb-Ag-Au) in metavolcanic rocks. Five sample sets were collected along Joe Mill Creek in Grainger County, Tennessee, downstream from a zone of zinc mineralization in carbonate rocks (Mississippi Valley-type). In addition, 5 sample sets were collected from an unmineralized area near Athens, Georgia.The results indicate the following: (1) the anomaly/background ratio for zinc and copper is markedly higher in the Fe-Mn oxide coatings in the mineralized drainages; (2) in drainages containing lead mineralization, the anomaly/background ratio is markedly higher in the minus 80-mesh fraction for lead which is not concentrated in the coatings; and (3) the ratios Zn/Mn and Cu/Mn, as well as Zn/Co and Cu/Co, in the Fe-Mn oxide coatings enhance downstream detectability of mineralization.There are several potential advantages of using coatings versus the conventional minus 80-mesh fraction in stream sediment geochemical surveys. Because soluble metal is brought into the stream mainly in groundwater, deeper anomaly sources may be detectable from the oxide coatings than from clastic fractions of alluvium where much of the metal is derived from surficial erosion. Variability due to sampling may also be reduced, providing better discrimination of anomalies. In areas of glacial or alluvial cover, coating surveys may be particularly applicable.     

Mineral deposits and Cu–Zn–As dispersion–contamination in stream sediments from the semiarid Coquimbo Region,Chile

This paper presents Cu–Zn–As geochemical data from stream sediment surveys carried out in the three main watersheds of the Coquimbo Region of Chile. This mountainous semiarid realm occupies an area of 40,656 km² between 29° and 32°S. Given that the area has a long historical record of mining activities, important environmental disturbances were expected. However, despite the detection of three major geochemical anomalies for Cu, Zn, or As, only one can be unmistakably linked to the development of mining–metal recovery procedures (Andacollo–Panulcillo). An investigation of the other two anomalies (Elqui and Hurtado) reveals three major causes that fully or partially account for them: (1) the type of ore deposit and associated hydrothermal alteration; (2) the regional structural setting (intensity of fracturing); and (3) climate–landscape. Cu–Au–As epithermal deposits/prospects along the so-called El Indio belt are here regarded as the sources of both the Elqui and Hurtado anomalies. The strong advanced argillic alteration present in some of the epithermal deposits/prospects of the El Indio belt may have induced the loss of the buffering capacity of rocks, and therefore favoured metal dispersion during later oxidation–leaching of sulphides. This applies to the Elqui and Hurtado anomalies. Conversely, given that the potassic, propylitic and phyllic alterations do not affect the buffering capacity of rocks, only minor metal dispersion is observed in relation to the Los Pelambres porphyry copper deposit. Besides, the epithermal belt is located within a highly fractured Andean domain (3,000–4,000 m of altitude), which may have conditioned the fast unroofing of ore deposits, contributed to enhanced circulation of meteoric waters, and eventually, to strong oxidation, and leaching of metals. Metal dispersion is aggravated during rainy years in response to strong El Niño episodes.     

Role of permeability barriers in alluvial hydromorphic palaeosols: The Eocene Pondaung Formation,Myanmar

This study examines the lateral distribution of hydromorphy in the fine‐grained alluvial deposits of the Eocene Pondaung Formation, central Myanmar. Through detailed outcrop analysis and using a combined sedimentological and pedological approach, this study proposes a reconstruction of Pondaung overbank floodplain palaeoenvironments. The variations of hydromorphic features in the different overbank sub‐environments are then discussed and used to build a model of hydromorphic variability in alluvial deposits. Two main architectural associations with distinctive lithofacies and pedogenic features were identified, corresponding to different sub‐environments: heterolithic deposits and extensive mudstone successions. The heterolithic deposits display variegated fine‐grained lithofacies and contain poorly developed palaeosols with gley and vertic features, which are interpreted to reflect a seasonal wetlands landscape, developed in actively aggrading avulsion belts. Extensive mudstone successions with Vertisols that locally exhibit mukkara‐style pseudogley features are interpreted to represent a distal open‐forested environment. The palaeosols of both sub‐environments display dense local hydromorphic variations they are also characterized by a gradual shift from gley‐dominated to pseudogley‐dominated features with increasing distance from the avulsion belt. The clay‐dominated lithology of the floodplain parent material, which forms numerous subsurface permeability barriers, is shown to have acted as a fundamental control in limiting water‐table dynamics in coarse‐grained parts of the succession, thereby favouring hydromorphic variability. Palaeosol sequences of the Pondaung Formation contrast with the soil‐landscape associations described in other studies and provide an alternative model with which to account for the hydromorphic variability in poorly drained, alluvial soils. The model proposed as an outcome of this study demonstrates that hydromorphic variations can be dramatic in floodplains where permeability barriers are numerous. Further, the model stresses the importance of undertaking detailed lateral palaeosol analyses prior to making interpretations regarding hydromorphic variability.     

老挝普老地区多金属矿地球化学异常特征及找矿前景

普老地区Pb、Zn、Sn多金属异常区位于老挝北部长山成矿带,1∶5万水系沉积物地球化学测量发现了以Pb、Sn为主,伴生Zn、Ag、W、Sb、Bi、As、Hg、Cu、Au等元素异常。1∶1万土壤地球化学测量圈定了3个综合异常带,Pb、Zn、Sn等元素具有异常强度高、规模大、浓集中心明显的特点,经异常检查发现铅锌、锡多金属矿化点13处。研究和分析异常区元素的地球化学分布和异常特征,认为该区多金属异常为矿致异常,具有寻找热液型铅锌、锡及多金属矿的潜力。     

A soil geochemistry orientation survey for uranium at Koongarra, Northern Territory

A soil geochemistry orientation survey for U at Koongarra was designed to determine optimum conditions for future U exploration in the area. Soil samples were collected at various depths from auger holes drilled along two traverses over the Koongarra No. 1 orebody, along a single traverse over suspected mineralization at nearby Anomaly A, and at three background localities. Rock samples collected from surface outcrop, costeans, and drill core were used to investigate any elemental associations with the ore or primary dispersion which could then be traced in the overlying soils.The results showed that Cu and Pb are potentially suitable pathfinder elements, where U data are not definitive, while Co, Ni and Be also provide significant information. The optimum sample depth was 1.2 m. For a Koongarra-sized target the maximum sample spacing should be 30 m on lines 200 m apart, provided every anomalous sample is followed up with closer spaced sampling around it. Anomalies detected in alluvial soil deeper than 1.2 m were due to hydromorphic dispersion. Some of the general distribution patterns for individual elements may be related to soil-type variations.     

Surface geochemical and biogeochemical expression of base‐metal mineralization at Woodlawn,New South Wales,Australia

The presence of base‐metal mineralization at Woodlawn was first recognised early in 1968 when a roadside reconnaissance geochemical sampling survey, conducted over felsic volcanic rocks in the Goulburn‐Tarago area, encountered anomalous B horizon soils containing up to 200 ppm Cu, 800 ppm Pb and 300 ppm Zn. Regional soil thresholds have been determined at 50 ppm Cu, 90 ppm Pb and 50 ppm Zn. Chip samples from the subsequently located gossan revealed up to 2000 ppm Cu, 8000 ppm Pb and 2000 ppm Zn, 500 ppm Sn, 25 ppm Ag and 3000 ppm As.

The first grid B horizon soil geochemical survey was conducted in 1968 over the gossan and surrounding area, and repeated with closer spaced sampling in the first half of 1970. The first survey delineated strong Cu (to 1000 ppm) and Pb (to 2500 ppm) anomalies coincident with the gossan zone, and intense hydromorphic zinc anomalies (to 3000 ppm) located down slope from the gossan in residual clay‐soils derived from dolerite bedrock. Threshold values have been determined at 140 ppm Cu, 700 ppm Pb and 580 ppm Zn. Ag and Sn in B horizon soils show pronounced anomalies coincident with the gossan and are suitable metals for geochemical target definition. Of fourteen trace elements determined in 1974 from B and C horizon soils on two lines across the ore zone Cu, Pb, Zn, Se, Ba, Sn and Ag show direct correlation with the mineralization, whereas Cd and Mn show moderate hydromorphic dispersion, having accumulated principally in clay soils derived from dolerite weathering. As, Sb and Bi, whilst responding over the ore zone, show elevated values in soils over hanging‐wall units; Ni and Co show maximum levels in soils over dolerite bedrock.

Bark and leaves of Acacia mearnsii, collected from a line across the gossan, contain anomalous levels of Cu, Pb, Zn, Sn and Ti near the ore zone, and weaker, but clearly anomalous Mn and Ni levels over dolerite bedrock. Both bark and leaves of Acacia mearnsii reflect the presence of concealed mineralization. The shrub Solanum linearifolium grows preferentially over and close to the Woodlawn ore zone, where it contains up to 840 ppm Cu, 250 ppm Pb, 7300 ppm Zn, 6 ppm Sn and 250 ppm Ti in leaf ash compared with levels of 200 ppm Cu, 2 ppm Pb, 400 ppm Zn, 0.8 ppm Sn and 60 ppm Ti in plants growing 1.5 km from the ore zone. This shrub has potential as an indicator of base‐metal mineralization.     

Geochemical dispersion from the Gamsberg Orebody, northwestern Cape, South Africa

The geochemical dispersion, in an arid environment, of Pb and Zn in stream sediments is examined with respect to size fractions and depth of sampling in a stream draining the Gamsberg Zn orebody.Sampling results indicate that there is a well-developed drainage train for approximately 8 km from the orebody for both Pb and Zn. The length of the drainage train is similar for both the minus 80 and minus 200-mesh size fractions but it is less for the minus 10, plus 40-mesh fraction.Higher metal values were obtained from samples taken from the surface of the stream bed. Metal values are generally lower in samples collected below the surface of the stream bed. The sampling position within the stream channel is not important.Sampling of the magnetite fraction from the stream sediments produced a well-defined Zn train for a distance of 14 km from the orebody. This train is more significant than the train found by normal sediment sampling.     

The mineralized veins and the impact of old mine workings on the environment at Segura, central Portugal

At Segura, granitic pegmatite veins with cassiterite and lepidolite, hydrothermal Sn–W quartz veins and Ba–Pb–Zn quartz veins intruded the Cambrian schist–metagraywacke complex and Hercynian granites. Cassiterite from Sn–W quartz veins is richer in Ti and poorer in Nb and Nb+Ta than cassiterite from granitic pegmatite. Wolframite from Sn–W quartz veins is enriched in ferberite component. The Sn–W quartz veins contain pyrrhotite, arsenopyrite, sphalerite, chalcopyrite, stannite, matildite and schapbachite and the Ba–Pb–Zn quartz veins have cobaltite, pyrite, sphalerite, chalcopyrite, galena and barite, which were analyzed by electron microprobe. The presently abandoned mining area was exploited for Sn, W, Ba and Pb until 1953. Stream sediments and soils have higher concentrations of metals than parent granites and schists. Sn, W, B, As and Cu anomalies found in stream sediments and soils are associated with Sn–W quartz veins, while Ba, Pb and Zn anomalies in stream sediments and soils are related to Ba–Pb–Zn quartz veins. Sn, W, B, As, Cu, Ba, Pb and Zn anomalies in stream sediments and soils are also related to the respective old mining activities, which increased the mobility of trace metals from mineralized veins to soils, stream sediments and waters. Stream sediments and soils are sinks of trace elements, which depend on their contents in mineralized veins and weathering processes, but Sn, W and B depend mainly on a mechanic process. Soils must not be used for agriculture and human residence due to their Sn, B, As and Ba contents. Waters associated with mineralized veins were analyzed by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS) and ICP-AES have high As, Fe and Mn and should not be used for human consumption and agriculture activities. The highest As values in waters were all related to Sn–W quartz veins and the highest Fe and Mn values were associated with the Ba–Pb–Zn quartz veins. No significant acid drainage was found associated with the old mine workings.     

三江特提斯兰坪盆地通甸地区水系沉积物地球化学特征及找矿靶区优选

通甸地区地处三江特提斯兰坪盆地铅-锌-铜-银巨型矿集区东北部,具有寻找沉积岩型铅锌矿的前景。在通甸地区开展了1∶5万水系沉积物地球化学测量,以进一步指导铅锌矿勘察工作。确定了Pb、Zn和Ag等15种单元素异常范围,揭示了不同成因类型组合元素的分布特征及规律,圈定了21处地球化学综合异常。通过化探异常查证,识别出两条铅锌矿(化)体,经分析检测,Pb含量为1.93%～2.01%,Zn含量为0.48%～12.22%。研究表明,三合洞组(T3sh)碳酸盐岩和与其上下地层接触部位是区内重要的矿源层。结合异常分布规律、异常查证结果以及成矿地质背景进行综合评价,优选AS05甲1综合异常区为最佳铅锌找矿靶区,为通甸地区深入开展矿产勘查提供参考和依据。     

Assessment of geochemical anomalies for gold exploration using lead isotopes in west Hainan, China

Lead isotopic ratios and Pb contents have been measured along typical profiles across orebodies of the Baoban and Tuwaishan gold deposits on Hainan Island, China. These deposits are hosted by the middle to upper Proterozoic Baoban Group, which is composed of migmatite and extends for about 51 km on the hanging-wall side of the Gezhen Fault. The deposits have a common initial Pb isotopic ratio of ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.683, but show distinctive variations within each deposit.The Pb isotopic ratios are more homogeneous in the orebodies and altered auriferous rocks than in the migmatite wall rocks. The richest orebody in the study area is known as the V1 orebody of the Baoban deposit; it has the lowest and most homogeneous ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratio. This feature suggests that in this migmatitic area, it is possible to distinguish ores from barren wall rocks, and rich ore shoots from non-commercial mineralization, by their distinctive Pb isotopic ratios.A lower initial Pb isotopic ratio (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb= 18.538) was measured in two other deposits, Beiniu and Erjia, which occur in the same migmatite and are controlled by the same fault as the Baoban and Tuwaishan deposits. Therefore, two metallogenic phases may have taken place, one at 85 Ma and the other at 170 Ma; these ages can be calculated using the Pb growth model of Cumming and Richards.The feasibility of evaluating geochemical anomalies through their Pb isotopic signatures was investigated by comparing the Pb isotopic ratios of B horizon soils from significant and non-significant anomalies with those obtained from the ores and alteration zone rocks. The results show that the Pb isotopic ratios in significant anomalies are consistent with those of the ores, whereas the signatures of non-significant anomalies are heterogeneous and rather different from those of the ores.Six unexplored anomalies have been evaluated using this criteria; five of them were found to be non-significant. One anomaly, however, presents the same signature as the Beiniu deposit, suggesting that it may be related to undiscovered ore close to the Gezhen Fault. Plans have been made to drill this target.