Abstract
Previous exploration delineated Ni-Cu-PGE targets within a peridotite and gabbro unit at the southern tip of the Wadi Kamal layered complex. Stream sediment samples were collected from wadis draining the KMS-1 and nearby gossans. R-mode factor analysis was applied to the data set, and 4 factors were identified. Factor 1 is a lithological factor and includes Ni, Cr, Mg and Co; factor 2 has high loadings for Pd, Pt, Cu and Co and is interpreted as an ‘ore factor’. Factor 3 consists of REE, P, K, Na and Al and is related to granitic detritus, while factor 4 contains only gold. On the factor scores map, factor-1 dominates in the serpentinite section and diminishes south towards the gabbros. Factor-3 is highest within a granitic dyke swarm, a pattern also emulated by factor-4 (gold). As expected, factor-2 (the ore factor) is best represented in the two wadis draining the KMS-1 gossan but with a longer dispersion trail compared to the absolute values for Cu and Pt + Pd. Factor analysis proved to be an effective tool in enhancing the geochemical signature of the weak mineralization especially in the case of Pd, Pt and Cu with Co being less useful as a pathfinder element.
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