Zones Of Gold Mineralization Research Articles

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.

ESTIMATING THE GOLD MINERALIZATION ZONE BY INDUCED POLARIZATION AND RESISTIVITY METHOD IN X VILLAGE, SUMATERA, INDONESIA

This paper identifies the gold mineralization zone in X Village using the Induced Polarization and resistivity geoelectric method. The measurements were performed using the Wenner arrangement on six tracks, each separated by a distance of 235 meters and spaced 5 meters apart. The distribution of chargeability values was determined using the Induced Polarization method, while the distribution of resistivity values was determined using the resistivity geoelectric method at the research site. The identification results indicate that the suspected gold mineralization zone is on tracks 2 and 6. On track 2, the zone of suspected gold mineralization is suspected to be located 70-75 meters away from the starting point of measurement (point A). On track 6, it is located 65-75 meters away. The gold deposits are found in phyllite rocks that have undergone alteration, specifically philic, argillic, and silicified rock.

Delineation of Potential Gold Mineralization Zones in the Kushaka Schist Belt, Northcentral Nigeria, Using Geochemical, Ground Magnetic, Induced Polarization, and Electrical Resistivity Methods

Delineation of Potential Gold Mineralization Zones in the Kushaka Schist Belt, Northcentral Nigeria, Using Geochemical, Ground Magnetic, Induced Polarization, and Electrical Resistivity Methods

Integrated geophysical Investigation for gold mineralization potential over southern parts of Kebbi state and its Environs, northwestern Nigeria

The potential zones of gold mineralization were identified in this study using aeromagnetic and aero-radiometric methods. The Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) provided half-degree airborne magnetic and radiometric datasets covering the southern part of Kebbi State. Magnetic data were subjected to first vertical derivative (1VD), total gradient amplitude (TGA), total horizontal derivative (THD), source edge detection (SED), center for exploration targeting (CET), Euler deconvolution (ED) and source parameter imaging (SPI) to identify favourable structures to gold mineralization. Aero-radiometric data delineation of the region of hydrothermal alteration zones through the K/eTh ratio, K_deviation, F_parameters, and Ternary image analyses were successful. The results of the magnetic data techniques revealed the regions of major structures/or lineaments with gold mineralization attributes, trending in the NE to SW directions and the SE to NE parts of the study area. The depth to the structures of the magnetic source hosting gold mineralization was less than 5 m using algorithm ED and SPI techniques. Normalized radiometric data showed the area of anomalously high and moderate hydrothermal altered zones. The region's designation as a gold field is supported by major fault lines observed on the 1VD, a sequence of bristle fractures from the CET analysis, and high values of K_deviation and F_parameter, all of which are were visible on the Ternary images. The integrated results revealed zones of major structures and hydrothermal regions of gold fields at Agwara, Western Magama, Rijau, Fakai, Bukkuyum, and Borgu in the SE of the study area.

Fuzzy-logic technique for gold mineralization prospecting using Landsat 9 OLI processing and fieldwork data in the Bibemi goldfield, north Cameroon

Identifying potential hydrothermal alteration areas is indeed an essential method for mineral exploration. In this research, we developed an algorithm for the delineation of alteration mineral deposits related to gold mineralization in the Bibemi region using set of criteria derived from Landsat 9 OLI data using false colour composites, band ratios, principal component analysis, spectral angle mapper, and fuzzy-logic overlay methods. The methods used showed iron-oxides, ferrous, and hydroxyl-bearing and carbonate mineral properties related to gold mineralization. The fuzzy overlay map identified regions depending on their mineralization prospective, serving as foundation for prospective mineral deposit evaluation investigation, which was produced by the merging of band ratios and PC's alteration markers labelled very good, and excellent and encompasses 0.8–0.9, 0.9–1.0 respectively. The identified regions fit gold mineralization zones based on their potential as proven by prior and field research. In addition, lineaments analysis showed the presence of three main structural direction impacting the Bibemi region (N–S, NNE-SSW, and ESE-WNW to SSE-NNW), when merged with identified rock formations permits the possible deposition of mineral deposits. The innovative aspect of this research is the integration and processing of Landsat 9 OLI and fieldwork data, which allows for the identification of potentially mineralized rock formations and defining exploration targets.

Prediction of gold mineralization zones using spatial techniques and geophysical data: A case study of the Josephine prospecting licence, NW Ghana

In this study, predictive models that characterize gold potential zones within the Josephine Prospecting Licence (PL) Area of Northwestern Ghana have been created by data-driven methods comprising frequency ratio and information value. These predictive models were evaluated using known locations of gold (Au) occurrence datasets and compared to each other. The mineral prospectivity models (MPMs) of gold occurrence areas within the Josephine PL Area were constructed by determining the spatial correlation between known locations of Au occurrences and eight mineralization related factors. The locations of these known Au occurrences, which characterize regions of anomalously high Au geochemical concentration and regions of previous or ongoing artisanal mining operations were identified by using geographic positioning systems (GPS). Eight mineralization related factors (geoscientific thematic layers) over the entire study area composed of analytic signal, lineament density, uranium-thorium ratio, uranium, potassium-thorium ratio, potassium, reduction-to-equator and geology were used to generate the MPMs. The predictive capacity of each of the MPMs generated was determined by employing the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC). The AUC score obtained for the predictive models produced based on the information value and the frequency ratio approaches were respectively 0.794 and 0.815. The AUC scores generated indicate that the MPMs produced are good predictive models (with an AUC greater than 0.7) and can therefore assist in narrowing down the highly prospective zones of mineral occurrences within the study area. However, the overall predictive potential of the frequency ratio approach was better than the model produced by the information value approach.

The geology and geochemistry of the Rhyacian Josephine gold deposit, Northwest Ghana

ABSTRACT This paper focuses on the geology and geochemistry of the Rhyacian Josephine gold deposit in northwestern Ghana, where gold is primarily hosted in quartzites, with other lithologies observed, including granitoids, mafic intrusions, and gneisses. Four deformational events, DJO0, DJO1, DJO2, and DJO3, are observed. DJO0 is synonymous with the primary preserved sedimentary crossbedding in the quarzitic rocks. Gold mineralization within the deposit is mainly associated with the DJO1 NNW-trending dextral and steeply dipping sinusoidal shear zone. Gold occurs primarily as free gold and invisible gold within the lattices of the disseminated arsenopyrite along the shear foliation planes of the host rock. The ore body geometry is 15–40 m wide and strikes 800 m in the NNW direction. Silicification, sericitization, chloritization, and sulphidation are the main alteration assemblages associated with the gold mineralization zones within the Josephine deposit. Pathfinder elements for gold are stibnite, tellurium, sulphur, copper, silver, and Lead.

Combined analysis of resistivity and induced polarization tomography for 3D modelling and preliminary volume estimation of the possible gold mineralization zones in the Simi locality, Adamawa, Cameroon

AbstractThe present study attempts to combine direct current and induced polarization methods for 3D geological modelling and preliminary volume estimation of gold mineralization targets in the Simi locality, Adamawa, Cameroon. To begin, resistivity and chargeability data were collected along seven profiles oriented in N150E using the electrical tomography technique. A geological investigation was also carried out and allowed in addition to the geological formations to highlight the existence of gold mineralization in the study area. The interpretation of the inversion results was done by taking into consideration the geological field data and the existing resistivity charts. The 3D distribution of the interpreted sections allowed us to make a horizontal correlation between the different sections and to elaborate the 3D geological model of the study area by using the deterministic inverse distance method. The estimated model indicates a volume of 621,130.625 m3 of the possible gold complex. The gold complex was then divided into two mineralization domains based on chargeability ranges (mV/V): A first domain is associated with a major mineralization zone (39–60 mV/V) with a volume of 10,842 m3, and a second domain is associated with secondary mineralization zone (18–39 mV/V) with a volume of 610,288 m3. This model allows to compartmentalize the gold complex and can be used as a base model for the gold investigation in the study area.

MINERAL ASSEMBLAGES, FLUID INCLUSIONS, PYRITE TRACE ELEMENTS, AND S-O ISOTOPES OF GOLD ORES FROM THE CENOZOIC DAPING DEPOSIT, SW CHINA: IMPLICATIONS FOR THE GENESIS OF COMPLEX OROGENIC LODE GOLD SYSTEMS

Abstract The Cenozoic Daping orogenic gold deposit, on the southeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau, China, contains four lode types that contain a total of 55 t gold. Pyrite-chalcopyrite–dominated (VA) and galena-dominated polymetallic sulfide veins (VB) hosted by Neoproterozoic diorite are associated with quartz-sericite-chlorite ± epidote (± barite in VB veins) alteration. Pyrite-dominated (VC) and pyrite-pyrrhotite–dominated veins (VD) hosted by Silurian dolostone (intercalated with carbon-bearing argillaceous limestone in VD veins) are related to ankerite-siderite-quartz ± sericite alteration. All have free gold spatially and temporally associated with pyrite, chalcopyrite, galena, pyrrhotite, or quartz. Most VA and VB veins are controlled by steeply SW-dipping ductile-brittle shear zones with jigsaw wall-rock breccias in VB veins, whereas gently SW-dipping faults host VC and VD veins. There are some significant differences between different veins: (1) there were more acidic mineralization conditions for VA and VB veins relative to VC and VD veins, and more oxidized conditions for VB veins relative to other veins; (2) pyrite is rich in Co-Ni in VA and VB veins, compared to enrichment in As-Au for VC and VD veins; (3) sulfide δ34S values of 3.2 to 11.8‰ (median 8.2‰) for VA, VC, and VD veins contrast with –4.6 to +0.9‰ (median 0‰) for VB veins. The contrasting mineral parageneses, pH values, and pyrite geochemistry can be attributed to fluid-rock interaction as evidenced by replacements of amphibole by sericite in diorite and dolomite by ankerite and siderite in dolostone. The lower (~8‰) VB sulfide δ34S values and interpreted fluid oxidation relative to other veins, together with the presence of breccias and barite, can be explained by phase separation due to flash vaporization triggered by extreme hydrofracturing. The consistent NW-trending vein sets, similar median S-O isotope ratios of original ore fluids, and lack of multistage overlap of gold mineralization and alteration zones support a single-source fluid for gold mineralization at Daping. This study is diagnostic rather than just indicative in that it systematically and quantitatively portrays the mineralization diversity in an orogenic gold system formed by a single-source fluid regulated by the external fluid-rock interactions and internal hydrofracturing.

Application of 2-D Electrical Resistivity Imaging, and Induced Polarization Methods for Delineating Gold Mineralisation at Felda Chiku 3, Kelantan, Malaysia

A geophysical survey has been carried out to assess the distribution of gold minerals at the Felda Chiku 3, Gua Musang district, Kelantan, Peninsular Malaysia. A 2-D geo-electrical resistivity imaging (ERI), combined with Induced Polarization (IP) method, and Oasis Montaj modelling were applied to delineate the potential conductive zones associated with sulphide mineralization. Most Peninsular Malaysia’s gold deposits occur in hydrothermal sulphides as discrete ore formations within the host rocks. A good correlation between the ERI and the IP profiles was observed during the interpretation of the model that successfully identifying the low resistive, and high chargeable sulphide zones, which correspond to the gold mineralization zones. The correlations could be linked to the conductive features at depth ranging from about 25 m - 135 m, trending along N-S directions. The study suggests further geo-electrical investigation to be carried out towards the south-western part of the area as more potential mineralized zones with N-S trends could be found in this region. Further studies would be able to give the extent of the gold deposits in Kelantan and by extension, allow for better informed mineral exploration and drilling operations to mine the gold in the region.

Ore-containing data of lyalyagun mineralized zone of malguzar mountains

An analysis of the Malguzar Mountains allows us to note that Silurian formations (sandstones, gravestones, shale) are ore-bearing here, crumpled into folds, which are complicated by a series of faults with a northwest strike. These structures are rectilinear; their zone is characterized by the presence of small discontinuous structures and areas of swelling. Within the Lyalyagun zone, the localization sites of mineralized zones of gold mineralization were identified based on established direct and indirect cosmogeological features.

Identification of alteration zone and gold mineralization based on magnetic anomaly and 3D model of geomagnetic satellite data inversion of Mount Pongkor Area, West Java

Mount Pongkor is one of the areas in Indonesia with the largest gold mineralization potential in Java. One of the geophysical methods to identify the distribution of gold mineralization zones is the geomagnetic method that utilizes magnetic properties in the subsurface due to the influence of rock magnetization. Geomagnetic research has been conducted at Mount Pongkor, Bogor Regency, West Java with an area of 22 x 17 km as much as 793 magnetic satellite data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) website that has been corrected daily. This study aims to determine the distribution of alteration zones and mineralization of the study area. The results showed that the RTP map shows the distribution of magnetic anomalies ranging from -4.786 – 4.663 nT, with high anomalies in the north-south direction associated with mineralization zones with anomaly values ranging from 1.881 – 4.663 nT and low anomalies in the north-south direction associated with rock alteration zones with anomaly values ranging from -4,786 - (-2.174) nT. In the 3D inversion model, the alteration zone has an average depth of 350 - 2600 m from topography with susceptibility contrast values ranging from -0.35 - (- 0.25) SI and the mineralization zone has an average depth of 350 - 2800 m from topography with susceptibility contrast values of 0.25 - 0.35 SI.©2022 JNSMR UIN Walisongo. All rights reserved.

Lithological and structural controls of disseminated-type orogenic gold mineralization in high-grade metamorphic turbidites from the Central Zone of the Damara Belt, Namibia

We report the characteristics and controls of low-grade gold-sulfide disseminations in the Twin Hills prospects, the Central Zone of the Damara Belt in Namibia, that combines to a large (>12 km strike length) zone of mineralization. The host rocks are subvertical, tightly folded and transposed, amphibolite facies metaturbidites (cordierite-biotite metapelites and quartz-biotite metapsammites) that form the subvertical limb of a regional-scale syncline. Sulfide and gold grains are finely dispersed in the host rocks or form networks of quartz-sulfide veinlets. Zones of economic-grade gold mineralization are associated with fine-scale quartz-sulfide (pyrrhotite > arsenopyrite ≫ pyrite) vein stockworks. Morphology and deformational textures of the mineralized vein networks suggest their formation during flexural-slip folding and the progressive transposition of the metaturbidites into the regional, ENE trending steep foliation. The more competent metapsammites promoted fracturing while ductile strain during flexural-slip was localized into the schistose metapelites. As a result, economic-grade mineralization is best developed in well-bedded, compositionally heterogeneous parts of the metaturbidites that experienced pronounced strain partitioning. Metapelite-dominated packages, in contrast, show mainly disseminated sulfide mineralization, fewer and variably transposed vein networks and only sub-economic gold grades. The association of disseminated and vein-type mineralization suggests that pervasive fluid flow was channelized within the lithologically heterogeneous packages that provided fracture permeabilities and hydraulic gradients for more focused fluid flow. Higher gold grades correspond to subtle (5-15°) deflections of bedding and the regional foliation that may relate to dilational jog geometries. On a prospect-scale, occurrence of economic-grade gold mineralization coincides with the inflection and change of the vergence of regional-scale first-order folds. The style of mineralization shares similarities with turbidite-hosted orogenic gold deposits. The differences in gold grades and styles of mineralization can be explained by syn-tectonic (D2) fluid flow, the different metamorphic grade (amphibolite versus mid- to lower-greenschist) and ductility of wall rocks that prevented the formation of larger, brittle, high-permeability structures.

Overview of age constraints for gold mineralization in central and western Newfoundland and new 40Ar/39Ar ages for muscovite from selected auriferous zones

This contribution presents new 40Ar/39Ar laser step-heating data for muscovite associated with four significant orogenic gold-mineralized zones in central and western Newfoundland to build upon existing geochronological constraints for orogenic gold mineralization across much of the Newfoundland Appalachians. Additionally, we provide the first 40Ar/39Ar laser step-heating data for detrital muscovite from gold-mineralized sandstone of the Wigwam Formation (Botwood Group) at the Moosehead gold prospect. Most known gold zones on the isIand occur in proximity to reactivated crustal-scale faults and related structures, and are commonly localized within competent, rigid lithological units (e.g., granitoid rocks); although, some vein systems cut less competent, clastic sedimentary rock sequences. Host rocks range in age from Neoproterozoic to Devonian and may extend into the Carboniferous. Robust Pragian to Emsian (ca. 410–375 Ma) rutile, muscovite and zircon ages constrain the timing of gold mineralization in parts of the Exploits Subzone, whereas less precise age estimates for gold mineralization in the Notre Dame Subzone and Laurentian margin range from Wenlock to Emsian (ca. 433–375 Ma). Collectively, the geochronological data suggest that fluid-pressure cycling associated with gold mineralization in central and western Newfoundland occurred during progressive Siluro-Devonian tectonics associated with the waning stages of the Salinic orogenic cycle and spanning the Acadian and Neoacadian orogenic cycles. Multiple, polyphase, overlapping orogenic events allowed for repeated, gold mineralizing fluid flow events, particularly in proximity to long-lived, reactivated crustal-scale fault zones.

Typomorphic Characteristics of Gold-Bearing Pyrite and Its Genetic Implications for the Fang’an Gold Deposit, the Bengbu Uplift, Eastern China

The Fang’an quartz-vein gold deposit is located in the eastern part of the Bengbu uplift. The eastern part of the Bengbu uplift is considered to be the western extension of the Zhaoyuan gold mineralization zone in the Jiaodong area of Shandong Province and has huge mineralization potential. The Fang’an deposit was a newly discovered, small-sized gold deposit, and the research in the area is relatively weak. In this study, samples of quartz-vein type ore were collected from the ZK141, ZK1549, and ZK1665 drill holes of the Fang’an gold deposit. Based on the study of the geological characteristics, the major and trace elements of pyrite in different stages were analyzed by electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA), to explore the compositional characteristics of pyrite, the occurrence of gold, and the source of ore-forming fluid. The studies indicate that the deposit experienced four ore-forming stages: the quartz stage, the quartz-pyrite stage, the polymetallic sulfide stage, and the carbonate stage. The pyrites are grouped into three stages, corresponding to the first three ore-forming stages. The EPMA analyses showed that the major elements of pyrite were high Fe and low S, indicating that the formation was hydrothermal. The high content of Ni indicated that the metallogenic materials were derived from between the mantle and the lower crust. The general Co/Ni ratio of >1, with an average of 5.34, indicated that the ore-forming fluid was derived from the magmatic–hydrothermal fluid and wall rock. The Fang’an gold deposit mainly contains nano-gold.

The Initiation Study on the Gold Potential Resources at West Coast Area in Lampung Province, Indonesia

Gold mineral (Au) is formed due to an increase in the residual solution of magma deposited at high temperature and pressure. This study aims to estimate the potential of gold minerals in the west coast area in Lampung Province. This initiation study was using a geophysical resistivity model. Based on geological data, gold minerals in the West Coast are classified as epithermal hydrothermal deposits in the form of low sulfide quartz veins. The results of the subsurface interpretation were identified as a gold mineralization zone associated with the rock in the form of volcanic rock which has a resistivity value of 400?.m. The source rock volume has been estimated at 130,000 m3 and ?133,000 m3. So that the Au mineral content in the study area is estimated at 0.5-2.09 tons. A future study should be conducted in relation to the development of gold mining industry in Lampung West Coast area, that may integrate more engineering experts.

ESTIMATION OF POTENTIAL GOLD MINERAL (AU) WITH A RESISTIVITY APPROACH

This research was conducted in Pesisir Barat Regency. This study aims to calculate the estimated potential gold mineral content Gold is formed as a result of the residual solution of magma being uplifted and deposited at high temperatures and pressures. The gold mineral in this area is a ) low sulphidation hydrothermal gold deposit epithermal type (in the form of quartz veins, with carrier minerals containing metals and non-metals. This research uses resistivity method. Interpretation is done by analyzing the resistivity 2D cross section. The interpretation of the gold mineralization zone is associated with the source rock (volcanic) which has a resistivity value of 500Ω.m. Based on resistivity modeling, assuming the source rock is an andesitic-basaltic igneous rock with a density of 2.8 g/cm3 and a maximum depth of 30 meters, it is estimated that the mineral content (Au) in this research location is in the range of (0,3 – 1,5) tons.

Application of the AMT Method to Gold Deposits: A Case Study in the Qinling Metallogenic Belt of North China Craton

The Lushi gold polymetallic ore-concentration area, located in the southern margin of North China Craton, is an important polymetallic ore district in the Qinling metallogenic belt. The Jianbeigou gold deposit is an important quartz vein type gold deposit in this district. In order to reveal the geological structure of the Jianbeigou gold deposit to guide deep prospecting, the EH4 conductivity image system was used in the Jianbeigou area. The sections obtained by the audio magnetotellurics method (AMT) indicate that the steeply dipping low resistivity zone in the area has a good corresponding relationship with the location of the known shallow ore bodies, and an extension in the deep. The low resistivity anomaly zone obtained by the inversion results are well correlated with the gold mineralization zone of the ore bodies, indicating good deep prospecting and exploration potential in this area. Based on geological and geophysical evidences, this paper inferred the possible occurrence location and depth range of the buried ore bodies. The AMT survey results reflect good exploration potential of the mining area and provide a geophysical basis for deep prospecting.

Mapping lithological units, structural lineaments and alteration zones in the Southern Kibi-Winneba belt of Ghana using integrated geophysical and remote sensing datasets

Geophysical and remote sensing datasets were employed to delineate potential zones of gold mineralization within the southern Kibi-Winneba belt of Ghana. The study area, which is characterized by the Birimian metavolcanic and metasedimentary rocks with prevalence of intrusive granitoids hosts several scientifically unguided operational activities by artisanal miners locally referred to as Galamsey. In this study, various enhancement techniques were employed on geophysical datasets encompassing magnetic, gravity and radiometric to delineate various lithological units, which corroborated with the Birimian formation and its related granitoid intrusives within the study area. The Center for Exploration Targeting grid analysis and Line Module Algorithm techniques were employed respectively on the magnetic and Sentinel 2A datasets to delineate various structural lineaments within the study area. Approximately 72% and 67% structural lineaments delineated respectively from the magnetic and Sentinel 2A datasets trended in the NE-SW and N-S direction, which control gold mineralization within the Birimian system. The prinicpal component analysis based on the Crosta technique was employed on the Sentinel 2A bands to highlight alteration zones within the study area. A potential map of gold mineralization zones within the study area was generated by integrating exploration layers comprising magnetic, gravity, structural density, radiometric and alteration zones delineated by Crosta technique. This mineral potential map categorized the belt into low, moderately low, moderately high and highly prospective regions with area coverage of 600.4 km2, 681.27 km2, 635.95 km2 and 295.20 km2 respectively. The mineralization potential map obtained was validated with available gold geochemical data and locations of artisanal mining operations (Galamsey), which corroborated with the highly potential mineralization zones of gold deposits delineated within the study area.

New perspective Reza gold deposit (Gedabek ore district, Lesser Caucasus, Azerbaijan)


 
 
 The article describes Reza gold deposit of Ugur exploration area located in Geda- bek Ore District of the Lesser Caucasus in NW of Azerbaijan. It is established that main mineralization in the Reza gold deposit consists of hematite-barite-quartz-kaoline veins- veinlets and breccia, pyrite stock-stockverk and quartz-sulfide veins. On the main orebody surface center secondary quartzites with vein-veinlets barite-hematite mineralization have occured over which remain accumulations of hydrous ferric oxides cementing breccias of quartz and secondary quartzites. “Reddish mass” is also observed in erosion parts, being an oxidation product of stock and stockverk limonite-hematite ores. Representing typical gossans, these accumulations by the data of trenches for thickness about 5-10 m contain gold 0.3-3.5 ppm and silver 1.0-45.0 ppm. There are three zones of gold mineralization within the Reza gold deposit: oxide mineralization; transition zone mineralization; sulfide mineralization. The oxide gold mineraliza- tion consists of clay-gravel weathering crust of kaolinite type. The gold-bearing mineralization has been oxidized to a depth of ap- proximately 50-100 meters. Typically, the gold mineralization is coarser and a minor increase in gold grade occurs within the oxides compared to the original rocks. The nugget effect increase in the gold grade of the oxides does not exceed approximately 10%. Deposit alteration signature has characteristics which suggest the current outcrop level may be near the top of a mineralized, gold-bearing high sulfidation epithermal (HSE) system. The gold mineralization at the deposit is interpreted as forming in shallow high sulfidation epith- ermal systems. The mineralization has been noted in well-confined hydrothermal breccia and associated with pyrite stock-stockwork. The majority of the deposit material and current estimates are formed within the barite-hematite-quartz-kaoline mineralization in the secondary quartzite rocks. The main brecciation and stockwork are hosted within secondary quartzite, sometime massive silicified andesite porphyritic rocks.