Alteration Zones Research Articles

Using Airborne Magnetic and Radiometric Data to Unravel Auriferous Prospective Areas in the Pitangui Greenstone Belt, NW of Quadrilátero Ferrífero – MG

The Pitangui Greenstone Belt (PGB), NW of the Quadrilátero Ferrífero, Brazil, is a meta-volcano-sedimentary sequence that hosts some important gold deposits recently discovered. Research has been made in the PGB to understand its gold mineral system, but the information regarding the prospective vectors associated with gold mineralization is still unclear. Here, we show the application of airborne magnetic and radiometric data to find the spatial relation between hydrothermal alteration zones and the structural framework of the PGB region. The results showed that the occurrence of gold deposits is associated with NW-SE structures and hydrothermal alteration zones. This association does not exist with E-W structures, which has direct implications on the relevance of these structures in the prospective modeling. Additionally, the application of radiometric data to map hydrothermal alteration zones showed that the limitations of this technique can generate anomalies not strictly associated with hydrothermal alteration processes. In this case, some anomalies could be linked with secondary processes like weathering, leaching, transportation and accumulation of mobile elements, such as K and U.

Evaluation of gold mineralisation potential using AHP systems and weighted overlay analysis

The demand for sustainable development goals and the absence of systematic development and organised exploration for gold has prompted this study to integrate magnetic and radiometric datasets with lithology to evaluate the gold mineralisation potential in the Ilesha schist belt. This study considers 3168.72 km2 of the Ilesha schist belt in southwestern Nigeria, a frontier belt for gold deposits. The high-resolution airborne magnetic and radiometric datasets were processed using enhancement techniques, including the analytical signal, lineament density, and K/Th ratio. CET grid analysis, Euler deconvolution, and analytical signal depth estimation methods were used to aid the interpretation. The spatial integration and interpolation were performed using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and weighted overlay analytical tools within the ArcGIS environment. The dominant structural controls for potential mineralisation are ENE–WSW and ESE–WNW trends. The depth of the magnetic sources revealed by the analytical signal ranged from 63.17 to 629.47 m, while depths ranging from 47.32 to 457.22 m were obtained from Euler deconvolution. The delineated highly magnetic edge sources, dense lineaments, radiometrically highlighted alteration zones, and lithological hosts for gold mineralisation were integrated to establish the gold mineralisation potential map. The AHP deductions reveal that 10.52% of the study site is within the high mineralisation potential class, a remarkable 60.39% falls within the moderate class, a significant portion (28.86%) falls within the poor class, and 0.23% is considered unfavourable. The result was optimised by validation using known mines, with 94% (i.e., 15 out of 16 mining sites) plotting within the high mineralisation potential class. This assessment provides invaluable insight for stakeholders and policymakers to embark on gold exploration and exploitation and promote sustainable mineral development.

Effects of facial forms and midline deviations and rolls on female facial beauty according to laypeople, orthodontists, and prosthodontists or restorative dentists

No study has examined the simultaneous effect of facial forms, midline deviations and midline angulations on facial beauty. Therefore, this comprehensive study aimed to evaluate these and many other hypotheses. This psychometric study was performed on 15,042 observations. A female frontal photograph was edited to 45 perceptometric images with controlled anatomical alteration: 3 facial forms (euryprosopic [brachyfacial], mesoprosopic [mesofacial], leptoprosopic [dolichofacial]), each having either 9 bidirectional midline deviations (0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 mm deviated to the left and right) or 7 bidirectional midline angular deviations (0°, 5°, 10°, and 15° deviated to the left and right). One of the photographs were repeated. These 46 images were esthetically judged by 327 participants (243 laypeople, 49 orthodontists, and 35 ‘prosthodontists or restorative dentists’). Hierarchical mixed-model multiple linear regressions and post hoc tests were adopted to evaluate the simultaneous impacts of the photomodel’s facial forms, midline deviations to the right or left, and midline rolls to the right or left plus sex, age, experience, and dental specialty of the referees on their perception of facial beauty as well as the tolerable zones of midline alterations. These were also done separately for each specialty group, and also for each facial face. Ideal combinations of anatomic features were determined using repeated-measures ANOVAs. Differences between esthetic preferences of different groups in terms of each image were assessed using one-way ANOVAs and t-tests (α = 0.05, α = 0.008, α = 0.001). All 5 anatomical features significantly and independently influenced perception of facial beauty. The tolerance threshold for midline deviations was 1 mm deviations to the right and left sides. For midline rolls, the only tolerable form was the no-roll (‘on’) midline; the judges preferred right-oriented defects over left-sided ones. The most beautiful facial form was mesoprosopic, followed by leptoprosopic. Men perceived the female face slightly more attractive than did women. The viewers’ specialty (or lack of it), their age, or their experience did not affect their esthetic preferences. Predictors of esthetic preferences were all 5 anatomical features plus views’ sex, but not their dental specialty, age, or experience. Zones of acceptability and also the ideal range of anatomical features were determined.

Targeting high-potential mineral prospects in the Ezzhiliga region, Moroccan central massif, using spectral data from the ASTER sensor

This research paper introduces a comprehensive methodology for assessing hydrothermal alteration zones and structural complexity in the Ezzhiliga region, situated in the Hercynian Central Massif of Morocco. The approach utilizes ASTER imagery as the primary data source. The main objectives were to identify and analyze these geological features and then create a potential map for mineral exploration by integrating fuzzy logic and fractal concentration area analysis. Band ratios (RBD) and principal component analysis (PCA) were employed to detect and map argillic, phyllic, propylitic, and iron oxide alteration zones. Additionally, structural lineaments were extracted from the PC1 imagery to understand the structural pattern of the survey area. The incorporation of hydrothermal alteration zones and structural lineaments was achieved through the application of a fuzzy logic model, resulting in the generation of a mineral favorability map. The fuzzy logic model was customized to combine hydrothermal alteration and lineaments density maps, effectively eliminating false spectral anomalies induced by various interference factors. This map was then analyzed using the fractal concentration-area (C-A) model, which separated the anomaly from the geological background and generated a final mineral potential map. Analysis of fractal concentration-area was employed to define thresholds with greater precision, enhancing the reliability of mineral prospectivity assessments. Furthermore, laboratory analyses were performed to verify the outcomes of the mineral potential map. The obtained results revealed a significant affinity with the field data and indicated that the highly prospective zones are perfectly limited in spatial extent and generally associated with the contact of the Zaër granitic pluton with the metamorphic host rock, except for the anomaly identified to the southeast of the study area, along a major NE-SW trending fault.

Remote sensing and aeromagnetic mapping for unveiling mineralization potential: Nuqrah Area, Saudi Arabia

Lately, Saudi Arabia has been developing its mineral exploration. However, comprehensive studies of the collected data are not accessible. Thus, the purpose of this research is to identify and map the hydrothermal alteration zones and structural lineaments that regulate the mineral occurrences in the Nuqrah region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia using remote sensing and aeromagnetic data. To achieve the desired goal of the study, ASTER remote sensing data were employed, and they were processed in several ways, including principal component analysis, band ratio, and false color composites to reveal the zones of alteration and structure lineaments. In addition, aeromagnetic data was employed to map the lineaments controlling the mineralization. These datasets were integrated using GIS tools to generate a new mineralization potential map of the Nuqrah area, which was classified into three classes: low, moderate, and high probability mineralization. The results showed thirteen intriguing anomalies (high potential mineralization) dispersed over the research area to be prospected. Additionally, techniques such as residual, regional, first vertical derivative, and tilt derivative were utilized to detect the potential mineral-related geologic structures. The results were validated by plotting known mineralization sites on our maps. Six significant faulting trends have been found, according to the lineament map and rose diagrams from remote sensing: NE–SW, WNW–ESE, N–S, ENE–WSW, NNE–SSW, NW–SE, and E–W. The research region is most affected by the NW–SE, ENE–WSW, E–W, and N–S trends, which are organized in decreasing order of magnitude, according to the rose diagram of the aeromagnetic maps. The applied approach can be employed to map potential mineral deposits in Saudi Arabia and similar zones around the globe.

Detection of Potentially Ore-Bearing Hydrothermal Alteration Zones in the Rehamna Massif (Morocco)

Detection of Potentially Ore-Bearing Hydrothermal Alteration Zones in the Rehamna Massif (Morocco)

Identification of alteration zones using remote sensing lineaments; Optic and radar images in the case of the departments of Abtouyour and Guéra (central massif of Chad)

Identification of alteration zones using remote sensing lineaments; Optic and radar images in the case of the departments of Abtouyour and Guéra (central massif of Chad)

Formation conditions and geochemistry of the Tütün Tepeleri (Baskil-Elazig/Türkiye) Fe-oxide-Cu-Au (IOCG) mineralization

The Tütün Tepeleri Fe-Oxide-Cu-Au (IOCG) mineralization is located in the Eastern Taurus Mountains (Baskil-Elazığ/Turkey) and it is associated with Baskil magmatites (diorite, gabbro and tonalite) cut by Late Cretaceous Bilaser Tepe magmatites (quartized diorite, granite, granodiorite, tonalite porphyry, monzosyenite, monzonite, aplite and diorite porphyry). Baskil Magmatites are Coniacian-Santonian (82–86 Ma), calc-alkaline in character and I-type. Bilaser Tepe Magmatics are Campanian (73–74 Ma) and represent an extensional environment after the collision of oceanic arc and the Taurus platform. In this study, the Sodic-calcic alteration zone in the Tütün Tepeleri region, which was determined as Porphyry type mineralization by different researchers, was determined for the first time and the mineralizations were evaluated in terms of Fe-Oxide-Cu-Au (IOCG) deposits. Three types of alteration zones have been identified in the region, including the sodic-calcic alteration zone. These are sodic-calcic (tremolite-actinolite, albite, epidote, chlorite, magnetite), potassic (biotite, quartz, chlorite, K-feldspar, anhydrite) and sericitic (sericite, carbonate, quartz, chlorite, illite) alterations. Sodic-calcic alteration is more widespread in the region than >1 km2, reaches thicknesses of 500 m, and is occasionally overlain by potassic alterations, just like similar Fe-Oxide-Cu-Au (IOCG) deposits in the world. Tütün Tepeleri mineralizations are in the form of rare magnetite veins with intense magnetite dispersion within the sodic-calcic alteration developed in diorites. Mineral paragenesis is in the form of magnetite, molybdenite, pyrite, arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, galena, hematite, malachite and azurite, and Ti content in magnetites is determined as 0.13–0.64%. Fe content is 20.13% on average. Formation temperatures in fluid inclusions measured in ore-bearing quartz veins are 320.3 °C on average and salinity is 11.32% NaCl equivalent on average. Isotope analysis results of these mineralizations show δ34Spyrite = 6–8.9; δ34Sc.pyrite = 3.8–5.5; δ18Oquartz was determined in the range of 10.8–13.2 and δD = (−37) – (−53). When the alteration types determined with isotope analysis results showing that the mineralization occurred in a magmatic-hydrothermal system, the low Ti content in the magnetites, the formation temperature and salinity values are evaluated together, it was anticipated that Tütün Tepeleri mineralization is an example of Fe-Oxide-Cu-Au (IOCG) deposits formed in a hydrothermal-magmatic system.

Hydrothermal alteration processes in monzogranite: a case study from the Eastern Desert of Egypt: implications from remote sensing, geochemistry and mineralogy

The South Eastern Desert (SED) of Egypt is one of the most promising areas in Egypt; it is widely explored for exploring the rare earth elements (REEs) and uranium-bearing ores. It is a main part of the Arabian-Nubian Shield (ANS). Therefore, the present study concerns with Sikait-Nugrus area as one of the most prolific sites in this region. The study provides a detailed geological, structural, and mineralogical investigation of the monzogranites to describe and characterize the various alteration types and sequence. For this purpose, remote sensing, geochemical and petrographical techniques were applied. The remote sensing technique helped in constructing a detailed geologic map of the study area to follow up strictly the alteration zone of the Sikait-Nugrus area. Petrographically, the granites predominates in the study area, they are described as slightly and highly altered monzogranites. The slightly altered one is composed mainly of quartz (~ 20–35%), alkali feldspar (~ 25–30%), plagioclase (~ 25–30%), and mica (~ 5–15%), while accessory minerals are represented by zircon and monazite. On the other hand, the portion of this granite close to the shearing zone is intensively altered and characterized by sericitization as the main alteration processes. This sheared portion is characterized by accessory minerals as, uranothorite, allanite, fluorite and Nb-minerals (ishikawaite). Minerlogically, the altered monzogranites are predominated by the following mineral groups: (1) radioactive minerals as uranyl silicates (soddyite, uranophane and kasolite), and thorium minerals (thorite and uranothorite), (2) Nb–Ta minerals (betafite, plumbobetafite, columbite, fergusonite, and aeschynite), (3) REE minerals (monazite, cheralite and xenotime), and (4) zircon and fluorite as accessory minerals. Geochemically, the recorded pattern of the REEs tetrad effect (M-type) for the highly altered samples indicate that these granites are highly evolved and affected by late stage of hydrothermal alteration and the effective water-rich alteration processes that connected to intensive physico-chemical changes. The total REE concentrations equal 241.8 and 249.75 ppm for the highly and slightly altered samples. A significant mass change (MC) was analyzed by the isocon technique (22.95 & 11.11) and volume change (VC) (1.8 &-7.99) for the highly and slightly altered samples, respectively. The mass balance calculations and the isocon diagrams revealed that some major oxides were removed from the slightly altered monzogranites and transformed later into highly altered monzogranites with increasing the alteration intensity due to the impacts of hydrothermal alteration processes. The studied area is virgin, where no detailed studies have been applied to this region. It is extendable to other parts of the Arabian-Nubian Shield in around the Red Sea in Egypt, Sudan, Saudi Arabia and Yemen. The applied technical workflow is also extendible to other surface analogues everywhere.

Hydrothermal alteration and elemental mass balance for the Surda Copper Deposit, Singhbhum Shear Zone, Eastern India: implications for both copper and magnetite–apatite mineralization

This paper explores the geological relationships, mineralogical and geochemical characteristics, and quantitative elemental mass balance constraints of the hydrothermal alteration zones within the uraniferous Surda copper deposit in the Singhbhum Shear Zone in eastern India, which is affiliated with an iron oxide–copper–gold system. Five distinct alteration zones are identified: a proximal potassic (biotitization) zone containing magnetite–apatite; a central chloritization zone containing copper, uranium, gold and magnetite; distal silicification (quartz) and albitization zones; and a transitional chlorite–sericitization zone. Evidence suggests these zones originated from mafic precursors linked to a subduction zone. Magnetite mineralization shows both magmatic ( δ 18 O + 2.0 to +4.8‰) and hydrothermal ( δ 18 O + 0.4 to +0.6‰) signatures. Hydrothermal magnetite–apatite formed at temperatures of 440 to 550°C, with continued crystallization at lower temperatures (280 to 360°C) concurrent with copper sulfide and uranium precipitation from an Fe-rich, isotopically heavy fluid ( δ 34 S + 4.55 to +9.66‰). Major elements (Ca, Na, Mg) and some minor and rare earth elements decrease from weakly altered mafic rocks to late alteration zones, reflecting the breakdown of Ca-bearing hornblende, biotite and plagioclase. Potassium decreases from early to late alteration zones due to mineral transformations. Mass-balanced geochemical data align with hydrothermal alteration mineral assemblages, indicating processes such as mineral dissolution, element absorption and sulfide behaviour. Overall, the study highlights the complex hydrothermal alteration processes shaping the Surda copper deposit and provides insights into ore formation mechanisms.

A multi-disciplinary approach for uranium exploration using remote sensing and airborne gamma-ray spectrometry data in the Gebel Duwi area, Central Eastern Desert, Egypt

Uranium exploration plays a pivotal role in meeting global energy demands and advancing nuclear technology. This study presents a comprehensive approach to uranium exploration in the Gebel Duwi area of the Central Eastern Desert of Egypt, utilizing remote sensing and airborne gamma-ray spectrometric data. Multispectral remote sensing techniques, including Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Minimum Noise Fraction (MNF), and Band Ratioing (BR), are employed to identify lithological units and hydrothermal alteration zones associated with uranium deposition, such as iron oxides, argillic, propylitic, and phyllic alterations. Additionally, airborne gamma-ray spectrometry data provide insights into the spatial distribution of radioelements, including uranium (eU), thorium (eTh), and potassium (K), as well as radioelement ratios (eU/eTh, eU/K, and eTh/K). The uranium migration index map (eU-(eTh/3.5)) and the F-parameter map (K*(eU/eTh)) have been generated to investigate the movement of uranium within various geological zones and characterize anomalous uranium concentrations. Statistical analyses, including mean (X), standard deviation (S), and coefficient of variability (C.V.), are conducted to identify uranium-rich zones. The integration of these datasets enables the generation of a uranium potential map highlighting areas of elevated concentrations indicative of uranium mineralization. Field observations and mineralogical analyses of collected samples validate our findings, confirming the presence of minerals associated with uranium mineralization in mapped high-potential areas. The significance of minerals like Fe-Chlorite, Fe-Mg-Chlorite, ferrihydrite, goethite, calcite, muscovite, dolomite, actinolite, vermiculite, and gypsum in indicating potential uranium mineralization processes underscores the importance of our results.

Application of magnetic data and satellite spectral imaging in identifying gold mineralization zones and its associated subsurface structures at Fawakheir-Attala area, Central Eastern Desert, Egypt

The Fawakheir-Attala gold mining zone in Egypt’s Central Eastern Desert features a diverse range of rock formations, including Precambrian crystalline rocks and Phanerozoic sedimentary formations. These formations encompass gneisses, metavolcanics, metasediments, a metagabbro-diorite complex, Dokhan volcanic rocks, and granitic rocks, alongside lower and upper Nubia sandstones. Faults and shear zones are pivotal in controlling gold mineralization within the area, indicative of substantial mineral wealth. This study aimed to map subsurface structural characteristics and investigate gold mineralization zones using aerial magnetic data and ASTER remote sensing, the latter of which played a crucial role in highlighting the surface exposure of alteration zones. Geological surveys combined with remote sensing techniques were employed to identify rock types and mineralization zones, while magnetic methods, including aeromagnetic surveys and ground-based studies, were used to reveal underlying structural properties and fault systems. Analysis of aeromagnetic data revealed a large mineralization zone running from the Fawakhir Gold mine through the Attala Gold mine in a NW–SE direction. Various structural trends and faults, including NW–SE, NE–SW, E–W, and N–S directions, were identified, strongly associated with hydrothermal alteration zones and gold mineralization. Shallow basement relief was observed in the eastern and central regions, contrasting with deeper formations and greater relief in the western section. Land magnetic surveys were utilized to identify new areas for gold mineralization, with geochemical analysis confirming gold content in quartz veins and host rocks. The integration of magnetic and remote sensing techniques effectively highlighted alteration zones indicative of potential mineralization, which could have a subsurface continuation, aiding in the identification of gold occurrences connected to faults, lineaments, and mineralization zones.

New Geochemical and Geochronological Constraints on the Genesis of the Imourkhssen Cu±Mo±Au±Ag Porphyry Deposit (Ouzellagh-Siroua Salient, Anti-Atlas, Morocco): Geodynamic and Metallogenic Implications

The Imourkhssen porphyry Cu±Mo±Au±Ag deposit is located at the Ouzellagh-Siroua Salient (OSS) straddling the boundary between the central Anti-Atlas and the central High Atlas. It is characterized by a typical porphyry-style mineralization. The volcanic rocks are intruded by numerous magmatic rocks of the Ouarzazate Group (580–539 Ma), referred to as the Late Ediacaran magmatic suites (LEMS). Of these, the Askaoun, Imourkhssen, and Imourgane granites are the most significant as they are related to the porphyry mineralization. The entire set is intruded by the Zaghar mafic dyke swarms. Zircon U-Pb dating of the Imourkhssen granite and the ore-bearing granite porphyry shows that these intrusive rocks were emplaced at 558 ± 1 and 550 ± 2 Ma, respectively. Moreover, the whole-rock major and trace element geochemistry reveal a high-K calc-alkaline I-type composition, consistent with an emplacement in a post-collisional setting under a trans-tensional tectonic regime. Ore bodies are hosted by the Askaoun granodiorite as well as the Imourgane granite. The mineralization occurs as fine-grained dissemination and infills of hydrothermally altered NNE–SSW to N–S trending veins and veinlets. Ore-related hydrothermal alteration consists of potassic, chlorite-sericite, serecitic, and propylitic mineral assemblages along with pervasive silicification and pyritization, providing a porphyry-style alteration pattern. The ore periods comprise supergene and magmatic-hydrothermal periods. The latter includes primary dissemination and secondary NNE–SSW to N–S ore-bearing system stages. The occurrence of molybdenite is either restricted to the potassic and chlorite-sericite alteration zones of the ore-bearing granite as fine disseminations or alternatively as veinlet infills within the propylitic halos. The molybdenite occurrences along with pyrite, chalcopyrite, galena, and tennantite dissemination are assigned to the primary ore stage, while the NNE–SSW to N–S ore-bearing system is related to the secondary ore stage. It consists of pyrite, chalcopyrite, bornite, covellite, diagenite, sphalerite, hematite, galena, gold, and chenguodaite. The predominance of cockade and crack-and-seal textures suggest multiple episodes of ore-forming fluid circulations under epithermal conditions. The supergene stage is achieved by subordinate malachite, azurite, barite, hematite, epsomite, and chrysocolla. From the descriptions above, we argue that the Imourkhssen Cu±Mo±Au±Ag mineralization shares many mineralogical and paragenetic attributes of porphyry-copper deposits.

Redistribution of fine gold from hydrothermal sources to sedimentary sinks, Rakaia River, Canterbury, New Zealand

ABSTRACT The Rakaia River in the South Island of New Zealand is a unique catchment in which to trace active detrital gold transport, deformation and concentration from near-coeval orogenic sources. The catchment hosts widespread small late Cenozoic hydrothermal alteration zones, some of which are gold-bearing, in actively rising and eroding mountain headwaters. Detrital gold liberated from the sources is distinctively porous with abundant micron-scale silicate inclusions, especially albite. Fine gold (∼200–100 µm) has been transported >100 km downstream, but coarse gold remains highly diluted in proximal fluvial sediments. Fine gold is also diluted by coarse fluvial sediments that form the upper kilometre of the Canterbury sedimentary basin southeast of the mountain front. Minor re-concentration of fine gold occurs in a bedrock gorge at the mountain front, and on steep ocean beaches beyond the river mouth. Despite the long-distance transport, the fine gold particles have been only superficially modified by surface smearing and minor flattening. The gold may have travelled in suspension in the river, buoyed by electrostatically adhering fine micas, in contrast to detrital garnets that were rounded in bed-load. In contrast, detrital gold on the western side of the mountains has been flattened to thin flakes during bed-load transport.

3-D spatial distribution of concealed ore-forming granitoid intrusion and structures determined by the CSAMT survey of Wuxu Sb-Zn-polymetallic ore district, South China

Wuxu ore district is an important lead-zinc-antimony polymetallic ore field within the Danchi metallogenic belt of South China. Although previous geochemical studies have indicated that the deposit type is medium to low-temperature magmatic-hydrothermal, the existing metallogenic models remain controversial due to the thick covering layer and lack of exposure of granitic bodies. To address this issue, this study utilised four CSAMT parallel profiles across the Wuxu anticline to perform two-dimensional inversion, yielding high-resolution subsurface resistivity models. By comparing the resistivity anomalies along the regional strike shown by the profiles and integrating geochemical and ore deposit structural analyses, a detailed geological interpretation was conducted. A significant high-resistivity body beneath the core region of the Wuxu anticline is interpreted to be the Yanshanian period granitic intrusion. There are westward- and eastward-dipping high-conductivity belts existing within the western and eastern wings and appear to sandwich the inferred high-resistivity code of the Wuxu anticline, respectively. They may represent the deep faults extending underground and are the result of decoupling of lithological interface within the anticline and thereby rock fracturing. The high-conductivity feature may be the result of filling with high-conductivity saline fluids, and possible hydrothermal alteration. The regional compression stress during the Caledonian period and the early Yanshanian period promoted the formation of the anticline and rock fracturing of both wings of the anticline. After that, the regional extension background of the late Yanshanian period made the fault zones reactivated, becoming the site and channels for magmatic intrusion, upward transporting of hydrothermal fluid and alteration, causing lead-zinc-antimony polymetallic ore formation. The exposed ore deposits above may also corroborate this view point. In summary, our resistivity model visually depicts the spatial distribution of the granitic intrusion controlling ore formation and major structures such as anticlines, fault zones, and hydrothermal alteration zones in the 3-D space, providing new geophysical constraints for solving the controversy over the metallogenic model for Wuxu ore district.

Integrating remote sensing and geophysical data for mapping potential gold mineralization localities at Abu Marawat area, central Eastern Desert, Egypt

Abu Marawat area in the Central Eastern Desert of Egypt is a very promising mineralization district located in the Golden Triangle area. The current study provides an integrated approach from multisource datasets including; remote sensing, airborne geophysical spectrometry and magnetic data supported by field studies and spectroscopic analyses for delineating potential mineralization localities. Several remote sensing techniques were adopted including; Band Ratios, Relative Band Depth, Mineralogical Indices, Spectral Angle Mapper, and Constrained Energy Minimization. These techniques showed that the alteration mineral assemblage is mainly, kaolinite, sericite, and iron oxides, with less abundant chlorite, epidote, and carbonates. In addition, the radiometry data were processed to map the localities with the highest possibility of potassic alteration abundance by integrating the potassium distribution, K/eTh ratio, and the F-parameter maps. The surface and subsurface linear structural features were also mapped using Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and aeromagnetic data, respectively. The surface linear structures were found exhibiting E-W and NE-SW trends, while, the subsurface structures showed dominant NW–SE trend. All the depicted fault trends match well with the local and regional geological and tectonic setting of the study area suggesting structural control on the mineralization in this area. Integration between the results obtained from both the remote sensing and the geophysical data was conducted by a GIS weighted overlay model. The obtained mineralization potentiality map highlights eight potential localities for mineralization. The accuracy of the adopted methodology was demonstrated through fieldwork and spectral analyses; several alteration indicators were observed, including quartz veins, iron oxides, kaolinite, malachite, montmorillonite, chlorite, talc, and sericite alteration indicator minerals. The adopted remote sensing-geophysical approach showed being very effective for mapping the hydrothermal gold-related alteration zones, and is recommended for other similar investigations.

Chemical Structure Evolution of Thermally Altered Coal during the Preparation of Coal-Based Graphene and Division of Thermally Altered Zone: Based on FTIR and Raman.

A suite of coal samples near a diabase dike was collected to investigate the structural and functional group evolution of a series of carbon materials prepared from thermally altered coals, explore the influence of thermal metamorphism distance on the structure of coal and its carbon material products, and divide the thermally altered zones. Using Fourier transform infrared and Raman studies, it was found that after demineralization, the aromatic parameters f ar H and I of the coal structure slightly increase, while the aliphatic parameters CH2/CH3 and oxidation parameter 'C' slightly decrease, and the degree of order of the coal structure increases. Graphitization can greatly improve aromatic parameters, eliminate aliphatic structures, and enhance orderliness. However, after oxidation and reduction, the aromatic parameters and ordering degree of graphene decrease. Except for the sample closely attached to the dike, the coal-based graphene yield of the other samples first decreases and then stabilizes with the increase of distance from the dike, which is consistent with the trend of changes in the reflectance of raw coal. The thermally altered distance affects the structural changes of coal and carbon material products. The coal attached to the dike has been damaged and polluted, and the aromaticity and orderliness of the prepared carbon material products are relatively poor. The aromaticity and orderliness of coal-based products prepared from other thermally altered coals are relatively high and increase with the closer the thermally altered distance. Based on the characterized parameters of coal samples and products with distance from the dike, the sampling area is divided into four zones, including abnormally altered zone, normal altered zone, transition zone, and original coal zone. Among them, the yield and quality of coal-based graphene prepared from coal in the normal altered zone are the highest, an ideal raw material collection area for making coal-based graphene.

The origin of Gangjiang adakite-like intrusions and associated porphyry Cu–Mo mineralization in the central Gangdese porphyry Cu belt, southern Tibet

The Gangjiang Cu–Mo deposit is located in the central Gangdese porphyry Cu belt (GPCB), south Tibet. Geological investigation reveals that the Gangjiang deposit is characterized by early potassic alteration, followed by late phyllic and argillic alteration. Late alteration has different degrees of overprinting over the potassic alteration zone. Copper-Mo orebodies are predominantly hosted in the potassic and phyllic alteration zones of the Miocene monzogranite porphyry (MGP) and granodiorite porphyry (GDP). In this study, we present the chemistry and Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf–O isotope compositions of fertile MGP and GDP, barren tonalite porphyrite (TP), and microgranular mafic enclaves (MMEs). Chemical compositions indicate that these intrusions are I-type granites that show high–K calc-alkaline signatures. The negative correlation between Dy/Yb and SiO2 indicates that the intrusions experienced fractionation of amphibole. They have high Sr/Y (>70) and La/Yb (>38) ratios, strong negative Nb–Ta–Ti anomalies, and positive Pb anomalies are typical for arc magma. The high Mg# of various porphyry intrusions (43–65) and MMEs (47–58) indicate the input of mafic components. Various intrusions have whole-rock 87Sr/86Sr(t=13Ma) ratios of 0.70529 to 0.70674, negative εNd(t=13Ma) (−5.0 to −1.2), positive zircon εHf(t) (1.2–9.8), and homogeneous δ18O (5.8–7.1 ‰, mean 6.6 ‰). The MMEs have similar Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf–O isotopic compositions with their host rocks. The features reveal that the Gangjiang adakite-like intrusions and MME samples were derived from the partial melting of the Lhasa Paleoproterozoic crust, with contributions from the juvenile mantle that has been metasomatized by subducted sediments-derived melts. Note, the MGP, GDP, and two types of MMEs have slightly lower δ18O values (down to 4.76 ‰) but higher εNd(t) (up to −1.2) than barren TP, indicating their formation involves more mantle components. Furthermore, the MMEs in the TP and MGP have high Cu contents (up to 1485 ppm), similar to the phenomenon occurs in the Qulong deposit. The Cu-rich MME is probably formed by Cu-refertilization by the underplate arc magma in the juvenile crust. The εHf(t) and εNd(t) values of fertile porphyries increased from the Jiru, Gangjiang, to Qulong deposit indicating increased mantle material additions from the west to the east section of the GPCB. These variations in mantle components have led to an increase in the size of the porphyry Cu deposits from Jiru to Gangjiang, and then to Qulong.

Unearthing Egypt’s Golden Legacy: Geophysical Insights and New Opportunities in the Central Eastern Desert

Gold mining in Egypt’s Central Eastern Desert (ECED) has a rich history dating back to the Old Kingdom period. In recent years, there has been renewed interest from international mining companies, and several potential areas for gold mining have been identified. Extensive studies have been conducted on the deposition and occurrence of gold in the region, identifying over 100 areas of deposition. Aeromagnetic and radioactive surveys have played a crucial role in locating gold occurrences in ECED by utilizing data from these techniques to identify potential gold deposits. This study utilized geophysical data, including total aeromagnetic intensity (TM) and radiometric data, to identify hydrothermal zones and locate potential areas of gold occurrence. The radiometric ternary map was used to refine the search for gold deposits. Magnetic data were analyzed using edge detection tools to determine the structural framework of the area, facilitating the identification of regions with a high potential for gold occurrence. By integrating these geophysical datasets, this study provided a comprehensive understanding of the geological features and potential for gold mineralization in the study area. The area is divided into four sections by three shear zones, with high magnetic anomalies observed in the southeastern part. The radiometric data revealed that gold occurrence is associated with hydrothermal alteration zones, identified using the K/Th ratio and radiometric ternary map. However, not all these zones contain gold, and the area’s structure and magnetic suitability must be considered when selecting suitable locations for gold extraction. The study area presents a promising opportunity for gold exploration, with the integration of edge detection and radiometric analysis being crucial in identifying suitable locations for exploration.

Porosity–permeability characteristics and mineralization–alteration zones of the Maoping germanium-rich lead–zinc deposit in SW China

The Maoping superlarge germanium-rich lead–zinc deposit is a typical nonmagmatic hydrothermal deposit that is structurally controlled in the Sichuan–Yunnan–Guizhou lead–zinc polymetallic metallogenic area. The orebodies are distributed in several formations. This paper is based on large-scale alteration mapping combined with porosity and permeability measurements. We delineated the mineralization–alteration zones of different ore-bearing formations, explored the geological significance of porosity and permeability, and proposed prospecting directions. The research results indicate that during the mineralization period, the ore-forming metal fluids migrated from the deep part of the SSW region to the shallow part of the NNE region along the ore-guiding structure (Maoping Fault). Through the ore distribution structure, depressurization boiling occurred in the open space of the NE-trending interlayered sinistral compressive–torsional faults in several ore-bearing formations, resulting in fluid precipitation and the formation of different brecciated hot-melt dolomite lead–zinc mineralization zones. From the orebody to the wallrock, the C2w Formation and D3zg Formation are divided into four different mineralization–alteration zones. Tectonic activity affects the properties, migration, and precipitation of fluids, thereby controlling the alteration characteristics generated during fluid migration and thus changing the porosity and permeability. The porosity and permeability of strata on the NW flank of the anticline are greater than those of strata on the SE flank. On the NW flank, the greater the degree of mineralization–alteration is, the greater the porosity and permeability are, and the porosity of the orebody is lower than that during dolomitization. Finally, we believe that the NW flank of the anticline is an important area for prospecting. The pyrite + striped altered dolomite zone (Zones II–III) in the C2w limestone and the pyrite + strong dolomite zone (Zones II–III) in the D3zg dolomite are important prospecting indicators.