X-ray computed tomography study for drill core of the Drazhnoe
 orogenic-type gold deposit (Sakha (Yakutia), Russian Federation)

Abstract

Orogenic gold-quartz deposits have a clear structural
 control and are accompanied by wallrock metasomatic
 alteration. However, in detailed modeling of such deposits,
 there is often a mismatch between the structural
 plans for high-grade ore zone distribution and metasomatite
 zones, and the latter are not always associated
 with faults. This is explained by the evolution of the hydrothermal
 process and the pulsating nature of the development
 of the territory. In the early stages of the mineral
 deposit study, it is very important to reliably determine
 the distribution of ore zones, since the correct targeting
 of the drilling program and the economic deposit
 assessment depend on it. The problem can be solved using
 the method of X-ray computed tomography (СТ) in the
 core study.
 This paper presents the methodology of studying fullsize
 core samples of gold deposits by using CT. A core
 sample characterizing the central part of ore body of
 Drazhnoye deposit (Tarynskoye ore field, Republic of Sakha
 (Yakutia)) was used as the study material. The sample
 studied was scanned by a SIEMENS Somatom Perspective
 tomograph at two energies (80 and 130 keV). As
 a result, a detailed three-dimensional stereological model
 of the core was obtained, which made it possible not
 only to study the distribution of ore minerals in the volume
 of the entire sample, but also to identify vein bodies
 of different ages, as well as to study their morphology
 and trace the distribution patterns of ore mineralization
 in them. Based on the study results, we can offer a
 preliminary interpretation of ore mineralization and
 vein formation sequence.