Sulfide Oxidation and Production of Gossans,Ashanti Mine,Ghana

At the Justice mine, in the Ashanti goldfields of southwestern Ghana, chemical weathering of gold- bearing sulfide-rich lodes has produced a series of characteristic mineralogical and geochemical features that are diagnostic. In this type of gold mineralization, the most abundant sulfides are arsenopyrite, pyrite, pyrrhotite, and chalcopyrite with minor bornite and sphalerite. Gold occurs predominantly as native gold, spatially associated and chemically bound with arsenopyrite. Elsewhere gold-silver tellurides are present in quartz veins. During sulfide oxidation, arsenopyrite is replaced by amorphous and crystalline Fe-Mn arsenates, goethite, hematite, and arsenolite in box- and ladderwork textures. In the extremely weathered gossans exposed at surface or in exploration pits, goethite, hematite, and scorodite are present as pseudomorphs of oxidized arsenopyrite, which can be used as a visual pathfinder for gold-arsenic mineralization. As with arsenopyrite, pyrite and pyrrhotite alteration produces boxwork and ladderwork textures with the sulfide replaced by goethite, hematite, and a complex limonite. Copper sulfides and goethite replace bornite and chalcopyrite in ladder-type textures. With more intensive weathering, this assemblage is replaced by cuprite, goethite, and hematite. Gold mineralogy in the gossan is complex, with evidence of in situ precipitation of supergene gold as well as alteration of hypogene native gold. The concentration of pathfinder elements decreases in the gossan as a result of supergene leaching. Mass- balance calculations confirm that gossan production largely is in situ and, consequently, the hypogene geochemical dispersion patterns are preserved even though the proportion of many elements decreases as intensity of weathering increases.

The problem remains of discriminating between auriferous and non-auriferous gossans, or those produced by pedological concentration of iron. Although mineral textures such as box-and ladderwork replacement and mineral pseudomorphs are useful field criteria, the most reliable guide for evaluation still is trace-element geochemistry. By use of multi-element discriminant analysis, gossans of different origins can be distinguished (along with their surface expression) from ironstones and barren lateritic soils. In regional reconnaissance studies, the evaluation of trace-element geochemistry as a discriminant along with field mapping may indicate gold potential of even extremely altered products of mineralization and, in so doing, provide a basis for the classification of weathered samples.     

Lead isotopes as a tool for gossan assessment in base metal exploration

Lead isotope measurements on gossans may be used as an exploration tool for Pb-Zn-Cu deposits of the “stratiform” type. The method is based on the homogeneous isotopic composition of stratiform orebodies and the close fit of their ratios to the so-called “growth curve”. These features also characterize oxidized outcrops. (gossans) of the primary sulphide ore. The retention of homogeneous Pb isotope ratios during oxidation was tested and proved for true gossans derived from known mineralization in which there was a variation in vertical depth from gossan to primary sulphide, different ages and different geological environments. The deposits included Pb-Zn-Cu (Woodlawn), Pb-Zn (Broken Hill), Zn-Pb (Dugald River), Zn-Cu-Pb (Currawang).The method has been extended to distinguish true gossans from false (pseudo) gossans where the base metals and associated trace elements have been scavenged from the surrounding rocks. It has also been applied to a company exploration program in which a number of ironstone cappings had been drilled and other geochemical information was available. Diamond drilling indicated that five prospects were barren, i.e. underlain by iron sulphides devoid of significant base metal mineralization. On the Pb isotope data, three of the prospects would be rejected; a fourth shows a particularly high potential and is worthy of further exploration, whilst the fifth initially showed high potential but a comparison of gossan and sulphide Pb isotope data after drilling suggests that the drill hole was sited on the fringes of economic mineralization.The Pb isotope method may be utilized further in exploration at the drilling stage. If sulphides are intersected, Pb isotopes may be used to distinguish barren sulphides from those with economic potential, even though they both may contain similar base metal concentrations.     

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.     

A method of distinguishing nickel gossans from other ironstones of the Yilgarn Shield, Western Australia

A study of the trace-element content of ironstones of the Yilgarn Shield of Western Australia has shown that statistical groupings of Cu, Ni, Zn, Pb, Mn and Cr may be used to distinguish between nickel sulphide gossans from other ironstones. These groupings are supported by petrological and geological observations as well as drilling information. The paper also explains the use of Cu, Ni, Zn, Pb, Mn and Cr in establishing geochemical signatures for various lithologic types.     

Arsenic and presumed resistate trace element geochemistry of the Lincolnshire (UK) sedimentary ironstones,as revealed by a regional geochemical survey using soil,water and stream sediment sampling

A regional geochemical survey using soils, stream sediment and stream water sampling revealed multi-element geochemical anomalies, though of low environmental mobility, associated with Mesozoic sedimentary ironstones in Lincolnshire, UK. The most prominent of these anomalies were of As and V in soils and sediments, but elevated levels of elements such as Cr, La, Ce and Th were also observed. These were initially thought to be part of a residual resistate element or heavy-mineral suite, but careful examination suggests that these too may be primarily associated with the process of Fe oxide precipitation during the initial formation of the ironstones.     

Geochemical and metallogenic provinces: a discussion initiated by results from geochemical mapping across northern Fennoscandia

The concept of metallogenic province has won general acceptance in economic geology. It is agreed that metallogenic provinces offer good opportunities for exploration of new ore deposits. The concept of geochemical province is also established, but its exact meaning is disputable. In this paper, geochemical province is used as an abnormal spatial distribution of an element or element combination in a particular sample type as measured by a particular analytical technique. The practical consequences of this concept of geochemical provinces in mineral exploration seem not to have been fully utilized, although geochemical and metallogenic provinces could only be different manifestations of the same regional features. The location of geochemical provinces should be of greater importance in exploration than the location of metallogenic provinces, simply because a geochemical province can be identified early in an exploration program, while a metallogenic province cannot be defined until a number of ore discoveries has already been made. We have compared metallogenic provinces with geochemical provinces obtained by regional geochemical mapping in Fennoscandia (mainly data from the Nordkalott Project) and other places such as England, Wales, Germany and Alaska in order to study to what degree large-scale geochemical dispersion patterns can be associated with clusters of economically interesting mineral deposits.It is concluded that metallogenic provinces lie within or coincide with a number of geochemical provinces, some of which may have causal relationships with the ore deposits. It can be assumed that an enormous hierarchy of large and small geochemical provinces exist at the earth's surface. The main features of this system would be detectable by worldwide low-density geochemical mapping. Such mapping should be performed in order to shorten the time lapse between possible rises in the demand of certain raw materials and their supply. Worldwide geochemical mapping would also contribute to a better understanding of major geochemical processes of the Earth and provide baselines for environmental research.     

The geochemistry of gossans associated with Sarcheshmeh porphyry copper deposit,Rafsanjan, Kerman,Iran: Implications for exploration and the environment

The Sarcheshmeh copper deposit is one of the world's largest Oligo-Miocene porphyry copper deposits in a continental arc setting with a well developed supergene sulfide zone, covered mainly by a hematitic gossan. Supergene oxidation and leaching, have developed a chalcocite enrichment blanket averaging 1.99% Cu, more than twice that of hypogene zone (0.89% Cu). The mature gossans overlying the Sarcheshmeh porphyry copper ores contain abundant hematite with variable amounts of goethite and jarosite, whereas immature gossans consist of iron-oxides, malachite, azurite and chrysocolla. In mature gossans, Au, Mo and Ag give significant anomalies much higher than the background concentrations. However, Cu has been leached in mature gossans and gives values close or even less than the normal or crustal content (< 36.7 ppm). Immature gossans are enriched in Cu (160.3 ppm), Zn (826.7 ppm), and Pb (88.6 ppm). Jarosite- and goethite-bearing gossans may have developed over the pyritic shell of most Iranian porphyry copper deposits with pyrite–chalcopyrite ratios greater than 10 and therefore, do not necessarily indicate a promising sulfide-enriched ore (Kader and Ijo). Hematite-bearing gossans overlying nonreactive alteration halos with pyrite–chalcopyrite ratios about 1.5 and quartz stringers have significant supergene sulfide ores (Sarcheshmeh and Miduk). The copper grade in supergene sulfide zone of Sarcheshmeh copper deposit ranges from 0.78% in propylitized rocks to 3.4% in sericitized volcanic rocks, corresponding to the increasing chalcopyrite–pyrite or chalcocite–pyrite ratios from 0.3 to 3, respectively. Immature gossans with dominant malachite and chrysocolla associated with jarosite and goethite give the most weakly developed enrichment zone, as at God-e-Kolvari. The average anomalous values of Au (59.6 ppb), Mo (42.5 ppm) and Ag (2.6 ppm) in mature gossans associated with the Sarcheshmeh copper mine may be a criterion that provides a significant exploration target for regional metallogenic blind porphyry ore districts in central Iranian volcano–plutonic continental arc settings. Drilling for new porphyry ores should be targeted where hematitic gossans are well developed. The ongoing gossan formation may result in natural acidic rock drainage (ARD).     

Nanoscale metals in Earthgas and mobile forms of metals in overburden in wide-spaced regional exploration for giant deposits in overburden terrains

This paper describes the use of NAnoscale Metals in EarthGas (NAMEG) and MObile forms of MEtals in Overburden (MOMEO) methods in regional scale geochemical exploration for giant deposits in terrains covered by overburden. These methods are based on the premise that gases generated from the earth's interior can not only transport mobile forms of elements from an ore deposit and its geochemical halos to the surface to form a local anomaly, but also transport them from distinct bedrock “geochemical blocks” hosting large and giant ore deposits and give rise to large regional geochemical anomalies and geochemical provinces at the surface.Regional NAMEG and MOMEO surveys for giant gold deposits were carried out in Shandong Province, where the largest gold deposits in China are found, and in the Muruntau region of the Kyzylkum Desert, Uzbekistan, one of the world's largest gold ore provinces.In Shandong Province, where most of the area is covered by complex overburden, large regional anomalies in earthgas and water-extractable Au were delineated over and around the giant gold deposits. For many trace elements, the anomalies are larger in area and have greater contrast than those from other methods. High concentration of water soluble Au extends into the southern area covered by transported overburden, suggesting that this region may have potential for the discovery of new concealed gold deposits. The anomalous provinces of Au in both earthgas and water soluble salts coincide with a deep fault, supporting the idea that the deep fault is the main conduit of Au from the interior.In the central Kyzylkum Desert, nearly all Au-hosting rocks are covered by sedimentary sequences overlain by desert sand. Gold and As anomalies over Muruntau and Kokpatas gold deposits have contrasts ranging from 2 to 400 times background. Strong anomalies were also discovered in the south of the Muruntau region, suggesting a promising area for the discovery of new giant gold deposits.     

内蒙古大型银矿集区地球化学预测

如何利用地球化学填图数据预测潜在大型矿集区是寻找大型矿床亟待解决的问题。本文利用1:20万区域化探扫面数据和1:100万中蒙边界地球化学填图数据进行综合研究, 在全区共圈出面积大于1000 km2银的地球化学省40个, 其中具有良好Ag-Pb-Zn综合异常的有31处。内蒙已发现的4处大型银矿有3处位于地球化学省内, 已发现的11处中型银矿有10处位于地球化学省或区域异常内, 这说明大型银矿与地球化学省有高度的相关性。大型银矿区银异常强度(异常内银平均含量/背景含量)大于1.5。利用面金属量模型和地球化学块体模型对31处潜在的大型银矿区的潜在资源量进行了预测。     

Gold exploration using lead isotopes at Tennant Creek,Australia

Lead isotope analyses have been undertaken as part of a program to evaluate the potential of geochemical methods for use in exploration in the Tennant Creek goldfield. Earlier exploration in this area was based on magnetic geophysical methods. Economic Au, Cu and Bi mineralization usually occurs in magnetic magnetite-chlorite lenses or pods (“ironstones”) which may be only 30 m across. Several hundred ironstones are found in the Tennant Creek field, of which only nine have been significant producers. Despite complications arising from the low Pb and relatively elevated U contents of the ore, determination of Pb isotope ratios in drill core material allows discrimination between economic magnetic ironstones and “barren” ironstones of similar mineralogy. A target signature for the Th-derived Pb isotope ratio, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, is specific for lode mineralization, although it does not discriminate between Au-rich and Cu-rich lodes. The target signature is commonly found not only in the central Au-rich magnetite-chlorite zone, but also in the outer “barren” talc-magnetite and carbonate zones, offering up to a two-fold increase in the size of the target. The Pb isotope signature is retained in hematite-rich surface ironstones (termed “gossans” here) and it appears possible, at this stage of the project, to discriminate between gossans derived from mineralized magnetite lodes and “barren” magnetite lodes. A discrimination between weakly-mineralized (either Cu or Au) and economic deposits is equivocal at this stage. The difference between target and sample ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios (Δ208/204) ranges from −3 to +2% for the economic lodes, through weakly mineralized and “barren” magnetic ironstones (commonly in the range −20 to −40%) to the country rock magnetite shales (about −40 to −70%). These data are consistent with a significant Pb component in the “barren” ironstones being derived locally from the magnetite shales. Hematite shales commonly associated with economic lodes may have acted as limited channelways for the ore fluids as the target signature is discernible for up to 50 m along the hematite shale bands from the outer chlorite zones of the economic lodes. Further trace element and isotopic work is necessary to elucidate the genesis of the mineralization.     

Supergene features and evolution of gossans capping massive sulphide deposits in the Iberian Pyrite Belt

Twelve massive sulphide deposits from the Iberian Pyrite Belt (IPB) show well-preserved iron caps, some of which were mined during the last century to recover precious metals (e.g., Tharsis, Rio Tinto, San Miguel). Field observations and correlation assays between the distinct mineral sequences at different deposits suggest that all the gossans were developed under similar conditions and have undergone the same geological events. All the gossans have a mushroom-like morphology in sharp contact with the underlying massive sulphide orebodies. In most cases these are located over an apparent supergene enrichment zone rich in secondary sulphides. Some gossans extend into tongues of alluvial heterolithic breccias consisting of eroded transported gossans displaced as far as several hundred meters away from their sources. The distribution of major minerals throughout the gossan profiles (goethite, hematite, quartz and jarosite) and the statistical analysis of the geochemical data distinguish three separate zones, with gradual contacts roughly parallel to the current topography: (1) the lower zone dominated by goethite and subordinate jarosite, with significant enrichment in S, As, P, Pb, Sn, Sb, Ag and Au; (2) the middle or principal zone dominated by goethite and lacking jarosite, which is depleted in S, and As, as well as heavy and precious metals; and (3) the upper zone near the surface, mainly composed of hematite and quartz with only weak anomalies in P, Pb and Sn. The origin and variations occurred in the profiles are explained by a three-stage process. This involves an initial acidic stage of gossan development centred on the oxidation of sulphides that lead to the formation of the first Fe-rich oxyhydroxides and sulphates (mainly goethite and jarosite, respectively). Over time, a progressive stage of maturity is reached progressively downwards through the gossan profile due to the intensification of the oxidation and leaching processes. The ongoing gossan formation produced alteration and reprecipitation of pre-existing oxyhydroxides, the loss of the majority of the previously sorbed heavy metals, and a major dilution of trace elements especially in the zones near the surface. The main results of this stage of formation are the production of heavy metal-depleted oxyhydroxides, most commonly goethite and hematite, and the disappearance of jarosite. Subsequently, local uplift of the gossanous rocks by neotectonic movements facilitated the rejuvenation of the oxidation of the ores. This final stage complicated the previously developed zonation with the formation of jarosite in mature areas. Possible major breaks in this gossan development ocurred in Messinian times (7–8 Ma) and at the beginning of the Early Quaternary (1–2 Ma?).     

Metavolcanic host rocks,mineralization, and gossans of the Shaib al Tair and Rabathan volcanogenic massive sulphide deposits of the Wadi Bidah Mineral District,Saudi Arabia

The Wadi Bidah Mineral District of Saudi Arabia contains more than 16 small outcropping stratabound volcanogenic Cu–Zn–(Pb) ± Au-bearing massive sulphide deposits and associated zones of hydrothermal alteration. Here, we use major and trace element analyses of massive sulphides, gossans, and hydrothermally altered and least altered metamorphosed host rock (schist) from two of the deposits (Shaib al Tair and Rabathan) to interpret the geochemical and petrological evolution of the host rocks and gossanization of the mineralization. Tectonic interpretations utilize high-field-strength elements, including the rare earth elements (REE), because they are relatively immobile during hydrothermal alteration, low-grade metamorphism, and supergene weathering and therefore are useful in constraining the source, composition, and physicochemical parameters of the primary igneous rocks, the mineralizing hydrothermal fluid and subsequent supergene weathering processes. Positive Eu anomalies in some of the massive sulphide samples are consistent with a high temperature (>250°C) hydrothermal origin, consistent with the Cu contents (up to 2 wt.%) of the massive sulphides. The REE profiles of the gossans are topologically similar to nearby hydrothermally altered felsic schists (light REE (LREE)-enriched to concave-up REE profiles, with or without positive Eu anomalies) suggesting that the REE experienced little fractionation during metamorphism or supergene weathering. Hydrothermally altered rocks (now schists) close to the massive sulphide deposits have high base metals and Ba contents and have concave-up REE patterns, in contrast to the least altered host rocks, consistent with greater mobility of the middle REE compared to the light and heavy REE during hydrothermal alteration. The gossans are interpreted to represent relict massive sulphides that have undergone supergene weathering; ‘chert’ beds within these massive sulphide deposits may be leached wall-rock gossans that experienced silicification and Pb–Ba–Fe enrichment from acidic groundwaters generated during gossan formation.     

新疆阿舍勒铜多金属矿床原生地球化学特征

以地表及钻孔岩石测量资料为基础,研究阿舍勒铜多金属矿床的原生地球化学特征,查明主要指示元素及其三度空间分布规律,建立有效的地球化学找矿评价指标.研究表明,阿舍勒矿区地层、岩石的微量元素含量显着高于成矿带和区域背景,其含量从区域→成矿带→矿区呈递增趋势;该矿床的地表原生异常沿矿化带呈“面型”展示;指示元素原生分带具有火山块状硫化物矿床上Zn下Cu的双层结构模式     

西秦岭寨上金矿地球化学特征及其找矿意义

通过对寨上金矿区30余个钻孔10种元素化探数据利用GEOEXPL软件进行处理统计,在SURFER及MAPGIS软件平台作图,并对寨上金矿床地质、地球化学异常及其元素轴向分带规律的综合研究,建立了该矿床的地质-地球化学找矿标志及其找矿模型,以期为矿床外围及深部找矿评价提供地球化学依据。     

区域化探样品元素测定几个问题的探讨

化探样品元素测定的要求,因任务的不同而异。区测与普查相比其要求不同。在普查(及详查)阶段,工作限定在较小的范围内,可能发现的矿种有限或可以预测,测定元素的数目也相应较少(约20种元素)．普查的测网较密,主要是圈出含量和衬度较高的异常内带,对灵敏度和准确度要求可以低些。区域化探主要是发现强度低、衬度低而范围大的区域地球化学异常,而且做为地球化学基础资料,是按分幅扫面,最后要拼缩成全国性的地球化学图。由于图幅间的对比拼接,要求较高的灵敏度和准确度。在区测中凡是能形成独立矿产的元素(包括稀有分散元素)以及有指示意义的伴生元素都要测定。区测化探不但用于找矿,目前日益为区域地质、自然区划、环境保护和农林畜牧的研究,提供重要的地球化学资料。目前测定的元素包括成岩特征元素在内已达39种。文中还探讨了在我国目前化验水平和能力的情况下,完成区测化探样品测定的方法和工作步骤。     

云南北衙地区成矿地球化学特征及找矿方向

利用北衙整装勘查区1∶20万水系沉积物地球化学数据,综合分析了地层、岩浆岩、典型矿床主要成矿元素Ag、Au、Cu、Pb、Zn的富集规律,对元素分布特征、综合异常特征、相关性及异常元素组合特征进行初步研究,确定了找矿有利指标组合;通过对比北衙金矿区典型矿床成矿地质、地球化学特征,结合地层、岩浆岩等找矿标志预测北衙地区的找矿远景区。结果表明:综合区域上的地层、构造、岩浆岩和区域矿产等资料,对成矿元素异常组合进行地球化学分区是可行的,能有效反映致矿异常,突出矿化信息;根据区域单元素Au、Ag、Pb、Zn、Cu地球化学特征以及组合元素异常特征结合成矿地质背景,指出了炭窑金矿、铅锌矿找矿靶区;马鞍山北部金矿找矿靶区,为北衙整装勘查区外围找矿提供了指导作用。     

陕南化探数据库的建设及开发应用

利用现代化计算工具及《区域地球化学数据管理系统》、MAPGIS地理信息系统等软件,对陕南地区57357km²历年来1:5万化探数据进行建库、数据处理及成图,提取有用信息,分析研究陕南地区区域地球化学特征及各元素富集规律。结合地质、物探资料及时指导找矿预测、资料二次开发及二轮找矿。     

Signification des ferruginisations des formations néoprotérozoı̈ques du Nord-Burkina Faso (Afrique de l'Ouest)Meaning of ironstones in the sedimentary Neoproterozoic formations of the northern Burkina Faso (western Africa)

There are many small ferruginous outcrops of different facies, often breccia-like, in the Neoproterozoic sedimentary formations in northern Burkina. These outcrops are made up of goethite and quartz, and are often along with high grades of various elements. It could be a question of gossans. Their large distribution in this part of the Taoudéni Basin offers it prospects as a province geochemically rich in Cu, Pb, Zn, Mo, As, Cd, Co... This basin would be a geochemical bin for ancient formations, which would have been evacuated before the Neoproterozoic. The ironstones would be the mark of further concentrations. To cite this article: A. Blot, C. R. Geoscience 334 (2002) 909–915.     

阿尔泰南缘麦兹泥盆纪火山-沉积盆地成矿特点及其铅锌、铁、金找矿潜力分析

麦兹盆地位于西伯利亚板块南缘阿尔泰陆缘活动带中,是一个重要的铅、锌、铁矿化集中区,其中著名的有蒙库大型铁矿床、可可塔勒大型铅锌矿床,是阿尔泰南缘多金属成矿带中最重要的成矿盆地之一。盆地内矿床、矿点多为火山喷流热水沉积成因,层控特征明显,具有规模大、形态规则、厚度及有用组分稳定等特点。铁矿成矿与早泥盆世早期细碧角斑质火山作用相伴,而铅锌成矿则与早泥盆世晚期长英质火山喷流沉积作用相伴。通过对麦兹盆地成矿地质特征和典型矿床中矿体分布变化规律的研究,认为北西向同生断裂、火山沉积洼地、火山喷发中心(火山机构)共同控制铅锌矿的产出,矿体还受到后期褶皱、变质作用的改造。根据有利层位、火山岩相、喷流沉积岩、热液蚀变、矿化组合、铁帽、控矿构造和地球化学异常等综合找矿评价标志,分析了可可塔勒矿区深部、什根特、铁热克萨依、H-48号异常的铅锌找矿潜力,并探讨了盆地内铁、金的找矿潜力,指出了进一步找矿的方向与有利地段。     

山西阳高堡子湾金矿地质特征及找矿标志

堡子湾金矿位于华北地台北缘天镇断拱东部阳高凸起区，是与印支未－－海西期火山一次火岩有关的隐爆角砾岩型金矿床。成矿物质主要来自重熔型岩源－－石英二长（斑）岩，隐爆角砾岩为容矿岩石，与隐爆带总体走向平行的张扭性断裂为导矿构造，隐爆角砾岩的内部裂隙及角砾间隙，是良好的储矿构造。