Audio-magnetotelluric investigation of sulfide mineralization in Proterozoic–Archean greenstone belts of Eastern Indian Craton

Abstract

Greenstone belts are well known for gold occurrences at different regions of the world. The Dhanjori basin in the eastern Singhbhum region shows major characteristics of a rifted greenstone belt. Initially, we conducted 14 audio-magnetotelluric (AMT) measurements for a profile of $$\sim $$ 20 km in the frequency range of 1 kHz to 10 Hz over this rather complex geologic environment covering Dhanjori Volcanics (DhV) and Kolhan Group (KG). Subsequently, gravity and magnetic surveys were also conducted over this AMT profile. The purpose of the survey was to identify and map conductive features and to relate them to metallogeny of the area along with the mapping of the basement of Dhanjori basin. The strike analysis showed $$\hbox {N30}^{\circ }\hbox {W}$$ strike for DhV for all the frequencies and for sites over KG domain in the frequency range of 100–10 Hz, but for KG domain, the obtained strike in 1 kHz to 100 Hz is $$\hbox {N45}^{\circ }\hbox {E}$$ . As the combination of transverse electric (TE), transverse magnetic (TM) and tipper (Tzy) can recover the electrical signature in complex geological environment, we discuss the conductivity model obtained from TE+TM+Tzy only. The inversion was carried for the regional profile with 14 sites and for 7 sites over KG domain. Conductivity model shows two well resolved conductors, one each in KG and Quartz Pebble Conglomerate Dhanjori (QPCD) domains respectively showing common linked concordant features between these regional and KG profiles. The conductors are interpreted as sulfide mineralization linked with QPCD group of rocks which may host gold. These conductors are also horizontally disposed due to the intrusive younger Mayurbhanj Granite. These intrusives correlate well with the gravity modeling as well. The thickness of the Dhanjori basin at the central is about 3.0 km, similar to that from gravity modeling. The conductivity model also indicates the presence of shallow conductors, but could not be resolved due to lack of high frequency data. However, the results from the close-by drill site indicate the presence of shallow sulfide mineralization hosting gold. The deep level conductors delineated from AMT studies are associated with gravity high and low magnetic. ICP-AES results of Dhanjori samples show significant concentration of gold $$\sim $$ 5.0 g/t, which is of economic consideration. Thus, it can be inferred that the conductors have evidences of sulfide mineralization which host gold.