Spatial filtering of exploration geochemical data using EDA and robust statistics

The spatial filtering techniques that are used for the analysis and interpretation of exploration geochemical data to define regional distribution patterns or to outline anomalous areas are, in most cases, based on non-robust statistical methods. The performance of these techniques is heavily influenced by the presence of outliers that commonly exist in the data. This study describes a number of filtering techniques motivated by the development of exploratory data analysis (EDA) and robust statistical procedures. These are the median filter (MF) and the adaptive trimmed mean filter (ATM) for the smoothing of regional geochemical data to reduce spurious variations; two new filters, the fence filter (FF) and the notch filter (NF), have been developed to define geochemical anomalies.The application of the spatial filtering techniques is illustrated by Zn data from approximately 3100 stream sediment samples taken in a regional geochemical survey over 25,000 km² of the western margin of the São Francisco Basin, Brazil. Regional distribution patterns for Zn obtained by the MF and ATM filters are clearly related to known stratigraphic units. Anomaly filtering using the FF and NF has delineated most known base metal and gold occurrences, as well as a number of anomalies located in geologically favourable environments but unrelated to any known mineralization. The two anomaly filters have, for the most part, defined the same anomalies in the study area but only the NF highlights the anomaly associated with the important Morro Agudo Pb-Zn deposit, which is too subtle to be immediately apparent in the unprocessed data.     

多重地球化学背景下地球化学弱异常增强识别与信息提取

为对钦州湾-杭州湾成矿带(南段)庞西垌地区地球化学数据进行异常识别研究与信息提取,利用含量-面积法(C-A)得出庞西垌地区成矿主元素的异常下限,得到各元素异常分布图,并与已知矿(床)点进行叠加分析,发现已知矿(床)点与C-A法分析得到的异常区基本吻合,可根据该异常区预测未知矿床,从而为该研究区矿产资源潜力评价提供依据。为进一步从研究区复杂的地球化学背景中分离出与成矿有关的地球化学异常,采用分形滤波技术(S-A)提取致矿异常。研究表明,S-A法可在C-A法揭示的区域异常的基础上更深层次地提取出与矿化有关的局部异常用以反映研究区的多重地球化学背景,S-A法可有效地使弱异常增强进而提取出致矿异常,为庞西垌地区探寻隐伏矿体提供依据。     

Lithogeochemistry in exploration for Proterozoic porphyry-type molybdenum and copper deposits, southern Finland

Over 450 samples were collected around four Proterozoic porphyry-type occurrences and analyzed for 30 elements. Relatively broad primary halos are associated with all four occurrences in spite of their moderate size and grade. The halos are characteristic of each particular occurrence depending on the geological and geochemical conditions. Copper forms extensive and highly contrasted anomalies, whereas Mo anomalies are of limited size. Gold, Zn, Pb, As, and Sb seem to be useful pathfinders for slightly eroded or blind occurrences. Pyritization and wall-rock alteration are weaker than in Phanerozoic porphyry deposits, consequently, S halos are small and often erratic. K₂O, Rb, and SiO₂ produce weak anomalies near the core of the occurrences. A density of a few tens of samples per km² is required for detailed follow-up exploration.The host granitoids have normal chemical compositions outside the mineralized areas with low and constant background contents of ore elements and are thus very suitable for lithogeochemical exploration. On a regional scale a density of one to five samples per km² is sufficient to identify mineralized intrusive phases and areas, because the porphyrytype occurrences were formed by extensive hydrothermal processes, which produced scattered anomalies over large areas.     

Pathfinder applications of arsenic, antimony and bismuth in geochemical exploration

The potential applications of As, Sb and Bi as pathfinder elements in geochemical exploration have been researched using a new, rapid technique for the simultaneous determination of the three elements. Following a warm hydrochloric acid sample leach, the volatile hydrides of the elements are generated and flushed into an inductively-coupled plasma linked to an emission spectrometer. The technique offers a combination of good analytical precision and detection limits of 100 ppb for each of the elements.The principal sulphide ore minerals commonly contain traces of As, Sb and Bi, and concentrations of more than 1% of any one of these have been found in some sulphide specimens. During sub-aerial oxidation of sulphides, any As, Sb and Bi present is released and forms dispersion patterns in the surficial environment. Geochemical surveys of localities in the United Kingdom have demonstrated that anomalous dispersion trains of these elements can be detected in the sediments of streams draining the mineralized localities. In a geochemical mapping programme covering 16,000 km² of central Nepal, over 3500 stream sediment samples were analyzed for As, Sb and Bi, and many known occurrences of Cu, Pb and Zn mineralization are reflected by As, Sb and Bi anomalies. However, bedrock lithology appears to be an important factor influencing Sb and Bi dispersion patterns.In the areas studied, some or all of the elements As, Sb and Bi produce stream sediment anomalies that compare favourably in terms of contrast and extent with the heavy metal expressions, even though none of the three elements have been reported as important constituents of the mineralization with which they occur.     

Multivariate statistical analysis of stream-sediment geochemistry in the Grazer Paläozoikum,Austria

The Austrian reconnaissance study of stream-sediment composition — more than 30000 clay-fraction samples collected over an area of 40000 km² — is summarized in an atlas of regional maps that show the distributions of 35 elements. These maps, rich in information, reveal complicated patterns of element abundance that are difficult to compare on more than a small number of maps at one time. In such a study, multivariate procedures such as simultaneous R-Q mode components analysis may be helpful. They can compress a large number of variables into a much smaller number of independent linear combinations. These composite variables may be mapped and relationships sought between them and geological properties. As an example, R-Q mode components analysis is applied here to the Grazer Paläozoikum, a tectonic unit northeast of the city of Graz, which is composed of diverse lithologies and contains many mineral deposits.     

Regional geochemical secondary negative anomalies and their significance

Research involving secondary negative anomalies and their application in regional stream sediment surveys has been scarce. Conventionally, negative anomalous threshold values have been calculated in the same way as positive anomalous threshold values. But the conventional methods all have drawbacks which hinder their application. In this paper, we have chosen to delineate negative (and/or positive) anomalies using contrast values in order to overcome the drawbacks.Regional stream sediment surveys at a scale of 1 : 200 000 have been carried out in western Jungger, Shanxi, Kunlun, northwestern Jiangxi, and other areas in China. The geochemical data were processed using System RESMA.On the basis of the distribution of negative and positive single-element anomalies, three possible arrangements may occur: (1) negative anomalies accompanied by positive anomalies; (2) only positive anomalies occurring with no negative anomaly nearby; (3) only negative anomalies, with no positive anomaly nearby. These situations reflect different geological settings and different mineral forming processes. Basically, two different distribution patterns of regional negative anomalies in relation to the backgrounds — low background (LB) and high background (HB) —may be observed in different geological environments: (1) regional negative anomalies are distributed only around the positive anomalies in the LB area; (2) regional negative anomalies can exist on the periphery of positive anomalies in both LB and HB areas.Two kinds of patterns for regional multi-element negative and positive anomalies reflecting different geological processes have been noted: (1) coincident positive anomalies for one group of elements and negative anomalies for another group of associated elements can be used to uniquely define ore deposition; (2) regional positive multi-element anomalies of some elements (including ore and associated elements) occurring over a deposit are accompanied by negative anomalies on the periphery of the deposits. Two regional models of negative and positive anomalies are established for Au and Cu deposits.Integration of multi-element positive and negative composited geochemical anomalies are much more useful than positive anomalies or positive composited anomalies to delineate regional structures.     

Regional reconnaissance exploration rock geochemistry for massive sulphides, New Brunswick, Canada

In the Bathurst District of New Brunswick there are more than 50 known occurrences of base metal sulphide mineralization within an area of Palaeozoic volcanic-sedimentary rocks approximately bounded by the Rocky Turn deposit in the north, the Key Anacon deposit in the east, the Heath Steele deposit in the south, and the Devil's Elbow deposit in the west. Only four of these occurrences are, or have been, producing mines; 19 are classed as “major occurrences”. The area is highly prospective for massive sulphide deposits of the Brunswick Mining and Smelting and Heath Steele type; it would obviously be of considerable importance to define the zones within the sequence where major occurrences should be sought.To determine whether exploration rock geochemistry could be used on a regional reconnaissance scale, 419 samples of rhyolite from an area of 2000 km² (at an average density of one sample per 5 km²) were analyzed for total content of Cu, Pb, Zn, Ca, Mg, K, Na, Fe, and Mn. The data were processed by calculating the geometric mean of all samples in cells of approximately 10 km². Contrary to the relations documented on a mine scale (within one kilometre of major deposits), where the clearest halos are given by major elements, it is the ore elements that give the best regional patterns.The producing mines and the most important of the known occurrences all lie in zones where rhyolite contains less than 10 ppm Cu. Element ratios considerably enhance anomalous relations. The Zn:Pb ratio of the sulphides in the main deposits is 2.4–2.8, regardless of grade. It is demonstrated that all present and past producing mines and the most important known major occurrences lie within well-defined zones of Zn:Pb ratios of 2.4–2.8. Similarly, zones where the Pb:Cu ratio is > 3.0 and the Zn:Cu ratio is > 7.0 also define the most important deposits. These ore-element relations derived from a low sample-density survey define priority zones for detailed exploration for significant major massive sulphide deposits.     

Ground-water geochemistry of uranium and other elements, Monticello area, New York

About 500 well and spring waters were collected on an approximately 1-km spacing in an area centered on six small U and Cu-U occurrences near Monticello, N.Y., as an orientation survey in the NURE program. Rocks of the area belong to the Devonian Catskill Group and are predominantly red sandstones and shales of fluvial origin. The sediments dip 0–5° in the main part of the area, but steepen to 45° in the east. The ground waters were analyzed for 46 elements plus several other water properties.An R-mode factor analysis extracted 10 factors. The strongest factor, termed “Dissolved solids”, has heavy loadings on most major elements, plus U, B, Li, Sr, and Zn. This factor is attributed to varying degrees of interaction between original rainwater and rocks. Recognition of anomalies for elements loaded on this factor is aided by evaluation of ratios or plots against total dissolved solids or conductivity. Three weaker factors apparently represent admixtures with two types of deep brine and with waters of enhanced Fe-Mn resulting from reducing conditions. Other factors include an assemblage of insoluble trace metals and a Zn-Cu-P factor, both possibly related to contamination and/or analytical problems, a rare earth group, and an Se-As-Ag factor. The waters are clearly complex mixtures of effects.The geographic distribution of high U values shows some correlation with the distribution of U occurrences, but many equally high values occur outside the known mineralized area. When the data are projected to a vertical section normal to the strike, high U values define two gently dipping aquifers. The upper anomalous aquifer contains the known occurrences but extends downdip. Samples within this aquifer show patterns in U, dissolved O₂, and conductivity, apparently related to influx of fresh water from updip, along major rivers, and along possible fractured zones. High He values are also most numerous near the occurrences and define the deeper U-rich aquifer. The interpretation of the data is greatly clarified by separation of individual aquifers.Saturation indices are generally −3.4 to −5 and show patterns similar to dissolved U, except for values of −6 to −9 in a few samples with high phosphate. Predominant U species are usually UO₂(CO₃)₂²⁻, or less commonly UO₂CO₃⁰ or UO₂(HPO₄)₂²⁻.     

Separation of a geochemical anomaly from background by fractal and U-statistic methods,a case study: Khooni district,Central Iran

Separation of geochemical anomalies from background are one of the important steps in mineral exploration. The Khooni mineral district (Central Iran) has complex geochemical surface expression due to a complex geological background. This region was chosen as a study area for recognition of the spatial distribution of geochemical elements and separating anomalies from background using stream sediment geochemical data. In the past decades, geochemical anomalies have been identified by means of various methods. Some of these separation methods include: statistical analysis methods, spatial statistical methods and fractal and multi-fractal methods. In this article, two efficient methods, i.e. U-statistics and the fractal concentration-area for separation and detection of anomalous areas of the background were used. The U spatial statistic method is a weighted mean, which considers sampling point positions and their spatial relation in the estimation of anomaly location. Also, fractal and multi-fractal models have also been applied to separate anomalies from background values. In this paper, the concentration–area model (C–A) was suggested to separate the anomaly of background. For this purpose, about 256 stream sediment samples were collected and analyzed. Then anomaly maps of elements were generated based on U spatial statistics and the C-A fractal methods for Au, As and Sb elements. According to obtained results, the U-statistics method performed better than C-A method. Because the comparisons of the known deposits and occurrences against the anomalous area created using thresholds from U-statistics and C-A method show that the spatial U-statistics method hits all of 3 known deposits and occurrences, the C-A fractal method hits 1 and fails 2. In addition, the results showed that these methods with regard to spatial distribution and variability within neighboring samples, in addition to concentration value frequency distributions and correlation coefficients, have more accurate results than the traditional approaches.     

Unmasking multivariate anomalous observations in exploration geochemical data from sheeted-vein tin mineralization near Emmaville, N.S.W., Australia

Previous interpretations of surface-rock geochemical data from the sheeted-vein tin mineralization in the Emmaville district have been carried out using classical statistics. These investigations revealed low-contrast geochemical patterns of 3 to 5 ppm Sn, supported by 80 to 160 ppm F, block-average contours defining four of the six known mineral occurrences. Principal component scores for the association dominated by F-Li-Rb have defined the same four mineral occurrences. For the prospecting of similar deposits it is highly desirable to improve the data processing techniques to achieve more acceptable geochemical contrasts between anomalous and background levels. Minimum volume ellipsoid (MVE) estimation, a high-breakdown method (capable of accommodating up to 50% outliers) recently developed in robust statistics is applied to a subset of the data from the northeastern part of the Emmaville district. The anomalies related to mineralization in this part of the district are not as well developed compared to those in the west. The data set used in this study consists of 133 observations with 6 elements, namely Cu, Li, Rb, F, As and Sn.The detection of multivariate outliers (anomalous observations) by Mahalanobis distance calculation was carried out on the surface rock geochemical data. The robust Mahalanobis distances computed from MVE estimates of location and scatter shows little variation over background areas but are sharply enhanced over mineralization. In contrast, the usual Mahalanobis distances either fail to indicate the presence of mineralization altogether, or, at best, respond with feebly enhanced values that do not satisfactorily indicate the presence of mineralization.Graphical display of results from classical RQ-PCA performs poorly, revealing only 6 weakly anomalous observations related to mineral occurrences. Several additional observations from these occurrences have also gone undetected. On the other hand, results from MVE-robust RQ-mode principal component analysis show that the background observations cluster tightly within the 95% tolerance ellipse while the anomalous observations (related to mineral occurrences) are greatly enhanced and the variables that characterize them are clearly indicated. Results are consistent with those of robust Mahalanobis distance procedure; both techniques indicate essentially the same observations as being anomalous.     

S-A多重分形法在地球化学异常 圈定中的对比应用—以甘肃文康地区为例

通过对甘肃省陇南文康地区的地质背景分析,采用区域1:5万水系沉积物测量的17种常量元素含量数据,分别运用传统统计学方法、S-A（能谱密度-累计面积）多重分形滤波法,确定成矿元素（以Au为例）异常下限值,圈定化探异常。结果表明,与传统方法相比,S-A多重分形法所圈定的异常面积小、数量多,传统统计法圈定的面积较大;两种方法圈定的异常展布方向基本一致,与研究区内已知的矿点吻合度高。本次研究认为S-A多重分形法所圈定的异常基本位于传统方法所圈定异常的内带之中,重点突出,与矿床空间位置对应关系较好,便于野外开展工作。同时在传统异常周边提取了部分低背景区的弱异常,这些弱异常可作为下一步找矿工作的新靶区。     

Influence of surface geology and mineral deposits on the spatial distributions of elemental concentrations in the stream sediments of Hokkaido,Japan

An elucidation of the background levels of heavy metals, including certain toxic elements, is very essential to accomplish an important environmental assessment. A regional geochemical mapping in Hokkaido, Japan was undertaken by the Geological Survey of Japan, AIST as part of a nationwide geochemical mapping for this purpose. There were 692 stream sediments collected from the active channel (1 sample) / (100 km²) in Hokkaido and the fine fraction sieved through a 180 μm screen was analyzed using the AAS, ICP-AES, and ICP-MS techniques. The regional geochemical maps for 51 elements were created as a 2000 m mesh map using the geographic information system software. Spatial distribution patterns of elemental concentrations in stream sediments, particularly Neogene–Quaternary volcanic and pyroclastic rocks, are primarily determined by surface geology. The correspondence of elemental concentrations in stream sediments to parent lithology is clearly indicated by ANOVA and a multiple comparison. Sediment samples supplied from mafic volcanic and felsic–mafic pyroclastic rocks are significantly rich in MgO, Al₂O₃, P₂O₅, CaO, Sc, TiO₂, V, MnO, Total (T)-Fe₂O₃, Co, Zn, Sr, and heavy rare earth elements (REEs) (Y and Eu–Lu), but significantly lacking in alkali elements, Be, Nb, light REEs (La–Nd), Ta, Tl, Th, and U. Accretionary complexes with sedimentary rocks derived from sediments are in stark contrast to volcanic and pyroclastic rocks. Accretionary complexes with mafic–ultramafic rock have significantly elevated Nb, Ta, and Th abundances in sediments besides MgO, Cr, Ni, Co, and Cu. This inexplicable result is caused by the mixed distributions of granite and ultramafic–mafic rocks.The watersheds with mineral deposits relate to the high concentrations of certain elements such as Zn, As, and Hg. The geochemically anomalous pattern, which is a map of the regional anomalies, and a scatter diagram were applied to examine the contribution of mineral deposits to MnO, T-Fe₂O₃, Cr, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Sb, Hg, Pb, and Bi concentrations. Consequently, they were grouped into four types: 1) Mineral deposits with no outliers resulting from mineralization (MnO, T-Fe₂O₃, and Cr), 2) sediments supplied from watersheds without metal deposits conceal high metal inputs from known mineral deposits (Cu), 3) deposits from a geochemically anomalous area that closely relates to the presence of mineral deposits (As, Sb, and Hg), and 4) deposits from the widely altered zone associated with the Kuroko as well as hydrothermal deposits corresponding to geochemically anomalous patterns (Zn, Cd, and Pb). This study provides an important regional geochemical database for a young island-arc setting and interpretational problems, such as complicated geology and active erosion, that are unique to Japan.     

Geochemical evidence for a brooks range mineral belt, Alaska

Geochemical studies in the central Brooks Range, Alaska, delineate a regional, structurally controlled mineral belt in east—west-trending metamorphic rocks and adjacent metasedimentary rocks. The mineral belt extends eastward from the Ambler River quadrangle to the Chandalar and Philip Smith quadrangles, Alaska, from 147° to 156°W. longitude, a distance of more than 375 km, and spans a width from 67° to 69°N. latitude, a distance of more than 222 km. Within this belt are several occurrences of copper and molybdenum mineralization associated with meta-igneous, metasedimentary, and metavolcanic rocks; the geochemical study delineates target areas for additional occurrences.A total of 4677 stream-sediment and 2286 panned-concentrate samples were collected in the central Brooks Range, Alaska, from 1975 to 1979. The −80 mesh (< 177 μm) stream sediment and the heavy (specific gravity > 2.86) nonmagnetic fraction of the panned concentrates from stream sediment were analyzed by semiquantitative spectrographic methods.Two geochemical suites were recognized in this investigation; a base-metal suite of copper-lead-zinc and a molybdenum suite of molybdenum-tin-tungsten. These suites suggest several types of mineralization within the metamorphic belt. Anomalies in molybdenum with associated Cu and W suggest a potential porphyry molybdenum system associated with meta-igneous rocks. This regional study indicates that areas of metaigneous rocks in the central metamorphic belt are target areas for potential mineralized porphyry systems and that areas of metavolcanic rocks are target areas for potential massive sulfide mineralization.     

Platinum and palladium stream-sediment geochemistry downstream from PGE-bearing ultramafics, West Andriamena area, Madagascar

Several pilot studies were made in a PGE-mineralized area of central Madagascar in order to compare Pt,Pd halos in heavy mineral concentrates and to select the most suitable stream-sediment fractions, sampling densities and anomaly thresholds for regional PGE surveys. Results show low anomaly thresholds for Pt (30 ppb) and Pd (20 ppb) in the −63 μm fractions of the active sediment, with restricted halos of nearly 300 m for Pt and nearly 500 m for Pd. Using a slightly coarser fraction (−125 μm) increases the anomaly contrast. The Pt anomalies in heavy mineral pan concentrates are considerably enhanced (400–1,000 ppb) but occur further downstream in residual terraces. A regular increase in the weight of the heavy mineral concentrate for a given volume of sediment is noticed downstream. A simple weight correction of the raw Pt grade in the heavy mineral concentrate gives a better definition of the mineralized source upstream. Assessment of the corrected heavy mineral concentrate Pt anomalies together with Pt,Pd anomalies in the finest stream-sediment fraction produces the optimum definition of the target. Optical determination and scanning electron microscope studies of the PGM show sperrylite to be the major Pt-bearing mineral in the stream sediment, whereas the Pd mineralogy remains unresolved. Pt dispersion appears to be a predominantly mechanical process and Pd dispersion a chemical process with deposition controlled mainly by MnO scavenging.     

Deep-penetrating geochemistry for sandstone-type uranium deposits in the Turpan–Hami basin, north-western China

The Turpan–Hami basin, covering an area of approximately 50,000 km² in NW China, contains concealed sandstone-type U deposits in a Jurassic sequence of sandstone, mudstone and coal beds. Sampling of soil profiles over the Shihongtan concealed U deposit in this basin shows that fine-grained soil collected from the clay-rich horizon contains U concentrations three times higher than similar soils at background areas. Selective leaching studies of these soils show that U is mainly associated with clay minerals, which comprise from 17.9% to 40% (average 30.4%) of the total mineral content. This may indicate that U is converted to uranyl ions [UO₂]²⁺ under oxidizing conditions and is sorbed on clay minerals to accumulate in anomalous concentrations. Fine-grained soil (<120 mesh, <0.125 mm) from the clay-rich horizon, generally occurring at a depth of 0–40 cm, is shown to be an effective sampling medium for deep-penetrating geochemical surveys. A wide-spaced geochemical survey at a density of approximately 1 site per 100 km² was carried out throughout the whole basin using this sampling medium. Samples were analyzed for 30 elements by ICP-MS following a 4-acid extraction. Three large-scale geochemical anomalies of U and Mo were delineated over the whole basin. One of the anomalies is consistent with the known U deposit at Shihongtan in the western part of the basin. A new potential target in the eastern part of the basin was selected for a follow-up survey at a density of 1 sample per 4 km². A drilling exploration programme at the center of the geochemical anomaly delineated by this follow-up survey discovered a new U deposit.     

Geochemical patterns from local to global

The historical development of geochemical exploration is, in a sense, a process of progressive enlargement of areal coverage by exploration projects and progressive widening of sampling space. Along with this process, a hierarchy of geochemical patterns from small to large is gradually discovered and understood. In this paper, we try to summarize systematically the whole hierarchy of geochemical patterns from local, regional, provincial, megaprovincial to global, using examples obtained in China.Local anomalies (various types of dispersion halos, trains and fans) within areas not exceeding a few km², can be delineated when sampling is done with very close intervals in limited areas. Regional anomalies within areas of tens to hundreds km² and threshold values lower than local anomalies can be identified only when large areas of more than thousands of km² are mapped with wider space sampling. Geochemical provinces with areas of thousands or tens of thousands of km² can be discovered if even larger areas, of more than tens or hundreds of thousands of km², are covered with very low density sampling. More than millions of km² should be covered in order to discover geochemical megaprovinces somewhere in the world. Such megaprovinces are often associated with extraordinarily large mineral resources. If ultra-low density geochemical mapping can be carried out across national boundaries on a continental or global scale, we could find even broader geochemical patterns which will reflect the global tectonic features.The classification of geochemical patterns according to their sizes is necessary because it will be extremely useful in planning sampling layout in order to hit targets of certain size ranges. This in turn is arranged in different geochemical projects for achieving specific aims.     

The effect of scale on the interpretation of geochemical anomalies

The purpose of geochemical surveys changes with scale. Regional surveys identify areas where mineral deposits are most likely to occur, whereas intermediate surveys identify and prioritize specific targets. At detailed scales specific deposit models may be applied and deposits delineated.The interpretation of regional geochemical surveys must take into account scale-dependent difference in the nature and objectives of this type of survey. Overinterpretation of regional data should be resisted, as should recommendations to restrict intermediate or detailed follow-up surveys to the search for specific deposit types or to a too limited suite of elements. Regional surveys identify metallogenic provinces within which a variety of deposit types and metals are most likely to be found. At intermediate scale, these regional provinces often dissipate into discrete clusters of anomalous areas. At detailed scale, individual anomalous areas reflect local conditions of mineralization and may seem unrelated to each other. Four examples from arid environments illustrate the dramatic change in patterns of anomalies between regional and more detailed surveys.On the Arabian Shield, a broad regional anomaly reflects the distribution of highly differentiated anorogenic granites. A particularly prominent part of the regional anomaly includes, in addition to the usual elements related to the granites, the assemblage of Mo, W and Sn. Initial interpretation suggested potential for granite-related, stockwork Mo deposits. Detailed work identified three separate sources for the anomaly: a metal-rich granite, a silicified and stockwork-veined area with scheelite and molybdenite, and scheelite/powellite concentrations in skarn deposits adjacent to a ring-dike complex.Regional geochemical, geophysical and remote-sensing data in the Sonoran Desert, Mexico, define a series of linear features interpreted to reflect fundamental, northeast-trending fractures in the crust that served as the prime conduits for mineralizing fluids. At a larger scale, the linear, northeast-trending anomalies can be shown to result from a series of discrete mineralized systems with different ages and mineral assemblages. The linear pattern of anomalies disintegrates.A regional geochemical survey in the Sonoran Desert in southwestern Arizona displays a cluster of samples anomalous in Pb, Mo, Bi and W. In detail, the original regional anomaly separates into four discrete anomalous areas, each with its own distinctive suite of elements, geographic distribution and age of mineralization.A prominent regional gold anomaly in the Gobi Desert, Xinjiang, Peoples Republic of China, extends southeastward for 30 km from known lode gold deposits. Because the anomaly cuts both lithologic units and the structural grain, and because it parallels the prevailing direction of high-velocity winds, it was originally attributed to eolian dispersion. In detail, the regional anomaly consists of several east-west-trending anomalies, parallel to local lithology and structure that most likely reflect independent sources of lode gold. The regional anomaly results from smoothing of an en-echelon set of local anomalies.These examples emphasize that interpretation of regional anomalies must be tempered to consider regional-sized geologic features. Attempts to overinterpret anomalies by assigning deposit-scale attributes to regional anomalies can lead to confusion and incorrect interpretations. Potential targets that can be readily resolved only at intermediate or detailed scales of study may be overlooked.     

Ground-water geochemistry in the abitibi volcanic belt of quebec

Large sections of the Abitibi volcanic belt of Archean age are covered by thick glacial and glacio-lacustrine overburden. To increase our knowledge of the geology and the economic potential of the basement, approximately 5000 ground-water samples were collected from wells, springs and drill holes over an area of about 20 000 km². Samples were collected at intervals varying from 150 to 500 m in settled areas. They were analysed for: Cu, Zn, Pb, Ni, Co, Cd, Cr, Mn, Fe, Mo, Hg, As, U, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Li, F, and Cl⁻ and pH.Several types of regional and local geochemical patterns were identified. However, since the apparent dispersion distance of trace elements from a point source is usually less than 1 km in ground waters, the local zones of geochemical activity having an area less than 15 km² are considered of greatest interest for exploration. The large regional patterns and geochemical complexes which consist of clusters of grouped, overlapping, and superimposed regional and local patterns are presumed to be related to particular geological or metallogenic contexts.The elements with the highest frequency of occurrence in the 240 identified local zones of geochemical activity are As, Ni and U which occur in more than 30% of these zones; they are closely followed by the groups Co, Cu, Mo and Zn, Hg, Pb, F⁻ which occur respectively in more than 25% and 20% of the zones. Element associations in these zones can be broken down into three major groups: the trace metals (Cu, Zn, Pb, Co, Cd, Mo), the major and associated elements (Na, K, Ca, Mg, Li, F⁻, Cl⁻) and the elements As, U and Ni which occur with elements of either of the first two groups.Ground-water samples were also collected in 21 mines. The results of this study suggest that the best indicator elements for base metal deposits are As, Mo and F, whereas As, Ni, F⁻ or Cl⁻ and Mn are the best indicators of gold deposits.The results of the ground-water survey have identified numerous new areas to explore. Anomalous concentrations of at least two of the best indicators occur in more than 33% of the 240 local zones of geochemical activity.     

Hydrogeochemical methods for base metal exploration in the northern Canadian shield

The use of lake waters for base metal exploration has been studied in the northern part of the Slave Geological Province of the Canadian Shield. The area is north of the treeline, within the zone of continuous permafrost, and, like most other regions of the Shield, has a high density of small lakes.A regional sampling of 1218 lakes established that less than 2 ppb (μg/l) Zn or Cu is typical of waters from unmineralized terrane. These samples had a median pH of 6.8 and a median specific conductivity of 19.5 μmhos. Lake waters were also taken from the areas surrounding five massive sulphide occurrences: High Lake, Canoe Lake, Takiyuak Lake, Hackett River and Agricola Lake. In all cases there are unambiguous anomalies for Zn. Anomalies are also present for Cu, but are less intense and extensive. This difference between the two elements is related to the superior mobility of Zn in surface waters and its more consistent presence as a major constituent of massive sulphides.A water sampling apparatus has been developed and tested on a light turbine helicopter. Using this, thirty sites may be sampled each hour when sampling at a density of 1 site per 2.8 km². Measurement of pH, conductivity and water temperature are recorded in the helicopter during sampling.A number of factors have been investigated that may influence the utility of lake water sampling for base metal exploration:

1. (1) Seasonal variability, while present to moderate degree, is unlikely to hinder application of the method.

2. (2) For the size of lakes sampled (2 km² or less), elements are homogeneously distributed across the lake surface during the ice-free season. During the initial period of break-up there are marked variations in element content around the ice-free lake margin. Sampling during this period may help define the source of metals for anomalous lakes.

3. (3) Study of sample preservation suggests that mobile elements, such as Zn, that are stable in solution within lakes, are also relatively stable when untreated water is stored in plastic bottles.

4. (4) Care must be taken to avoid contamination of the samples, particularly from the bottle.

The areal extent of lake water base metal anomalies appears to be less than equivalent lake sediment anomalies. Thus for wide-interval, regional geochemical reconnaissance, lake sediment sampling is the method of choice. Lake waters are an appropriate medium for detailed exploration of areas of interest, such as volcanic belts. For this application, the principal attractions are rapid sampling rates, and hence low costs, high contrast anomalies, and a uniform sampling medium.     

Geochemical exploration for uranium and other metals in tropical and subtropical environments using heavy mineral concentrates

The problems of carriage mechanisms have for long bedevilled the exploration geochemist, and only recently has sequential analysis indicated the relative importance of various mechanisms. A commonly held view is that metals are somehow scavenged by clay minerals. This is demonstrably not so. There is no “plating” process possible. The importance of coatings and heavy mineral species is illustrated with reference to existing literature and other short case studies.A general view of geochemistry in mineral exploration is presented, with particular reference to uranium exploration in the wet tropical environment. Examples are taken from Indonesia and Sri Lanka. These are complemented by results of various short projects in North Queensland, New South Wales and in Timor. A variety of elements has been examined, notably Au, Sn, Ag, As and Cu, Pb, Zn and some of the more interesting behavioural characteristics have been reported.These data indicate that a great enhancement of the anomalies for most of these elements can be expected from heavy mineral concentrates, relative to the convential minus 80 mesh fraction or the like. In fact, U, Sn and Au anomalies may be lost in the sieving process. Many failures of exploration geochemistry may be explained by referring to the role of heavy minerals. Resampling of areas, which have not originally shown anomalies with conventional methods, has produced anomalies using heavy minerals. Hitherto unsuspected gold provinces have been shown to exist, and areas within historically goldbearing regions have been found to be anomalous where no pre-existing workings occurred.Previous areas not showing positive results might well be favourably resampled. The elements from a weathering deposit must go somewhere. It is not the principle which fails, but the failure to select the most suitable medium or the most appropriate or enlightened analytical technique.Some careful field procedures are described and a few practical hints are given, predominantly with reference to broad reconnaissance and early follow-up phases of exploration, (the “super-stratégique” and “stratégique” phases).It is suggested that combinations of techniques will produce a better understanding of elemental dispersal patterns. No single approach can be expected to be adequate considering the number of parameters — some not fully understood — which operate on the sampling medium.