The occurrence of associated and critical elements in the selected documented Zn-Pb, Cu-Ag, Fe-Ti-V, Mo-Cu-W, Sn, Au-As and Ni deposits in Poland

Abstract

As part of the research subject of the Polish Geological Survey, funded by NFOŚiGW, a research project was carried out at PGI-NRI in 2015–2018. Its main task was quantitative and qualitative identification of elements accompanying the main ore and associated elements, including critical ones, and mineralogical identification of their main carriers in metallic ore deposits documented after World War II, representing the main metallogenic formations in Poland. The research focused mainly on drill cores from historical survey boreholes, rarely samples from open-pits and deep mines, representing: Mesozoic Zn-Pb ores, Lower Zechstein Cu-Ag ores, Mesoproterozoic Fe-Ti-V ores, Mo-Cu-W porphyry ores, stratiform Sn ores in the Sudetes, Variscan vein and metasomatic Au-As polymetallic ores, and Cenozoic Ni ores. The PIG-PIB Chemical Laboratory performed analytical work (ICP-MS, WD-XRF, GF-ASS), which allowed quantitative identification of approximately 60 chemical elements. In addition, complementary mineralogical and petrographic studies of the trace element carriers were carried out using a polarizing microscope and an electron microprobe (CAMECA SX-100). Before sampling, metal ore-bearing intervals were examined for the content of chemical elements using a portable spectrometer (Olympus XRF Delta). The results indicate the presence of numerous elements in studied deposits, including those currently regarded as critical for the European Union economy. The collected materials allowed both developing detailed geochemical and mineralogical characteristics of ores from individual deposits and identifying critical elements. They show a clear correlation with the main ore metals, and their resources can be a matter of interest in terms of raw materials.