Mineralogical and geological characteristics and potential of iron resources in Tan An area, Yen Bai province

Abstract

The Tan An area in Yen Bai province, located in northwestern Vietnam, is known for its high potential for iron deposits. The region has several iron occurrences, including Tan An, Nghia Hung, Buu Village, and Tran Phu Farm. The authors conducted a comprehensive study of the region using various geological and mineralogical analysis techniques to better understand the iron mineralization process. Their findings indicate that iron mineralization in the area is the result of metamorphic and hydrothermal processes characteristic of magnetite-quartzite and hematite types. The iron content in the orebodies varies from medium to high values, with an average range of 27.5÷63.7%. These results provide valuable insight into the prospect of iron resources in the Tan An region, serving as a foundation for identifying the most promising areas for further exploration. To estimate the iron resources in the study area, the Huvo method was used, yielding a total estimated amount of 11.4 million tons of Fe-metal, including 2,028,026 tons in the Tran Phu Farm area, 360,611 tons in the Buu Village area, 426,534 tons in the Nghia Hung area and 8,605,065 tons in the Tan An area at iron resource level 334a. These findings provide a preliminary assessment of the potential iron resources in the area. The study's results are significant, providing valuable information for future iron exploration and development activities in the Tan An region. With this knowledge, mining companies and investors can make informed decisions about the feasibility of mining iron in the area. Additionally, the study's results may lead to the creation of new jobs in the mining industry, benefiting the local economy and the region as a whole.