Visible Au Research Articles

Jurassic Au–Ag mineralization of the Linjiasandaogou deposit in the Liaodong Peninsula, northeast China: Evidence from apatite U–Pb dating and the in situ geochemistry of sulfides

The Liaodong Peninsula in northeast China hosts visible and invisible Au-dominated mineralization. Compared with visible Au, age and mechanisms of invisible Au-dominated mineralization are still unclear. The Linjiasandaogou deposit in the Liaodong Peninsula comprises disseminated and veinlet ores hosted in Paleoproterozoic schist and Triassic granite porphyry and lamprophyres. Three mineralization stages were identified in this deposit: the early pyrite (Py1), arsenian pyrite (Py2)–arsenopyrite–sphalerite (Sp1)–quartz–apatite, and freibergite–sphalerite (Sp2)–galena–quartz stages. Gold mineralization is mainly in invisible forms and was deposited during the second stage, whereas Ag was deposited during the third stage. Uranium-Pb dating of hydrothermal apatite from the second stage indicates that Au mineralization occurred at ca. 184 Ma, when the Yaojiagou granite was emplaced. In situ S isotope analysis shows that sulfides which formed during the mineralization stages have a narrow range of δ34SV-CDT values (4.80 ‰–8.53 ‰) that are typical of a magmatic–hydrothermal system. Py2 has higher As, Au, and Ag contents of 15,100–95,576, 15.4–183, and 20.8–129 ppm, as compared with Py1 (As <0.9–11,050 ppm, Au <0.03–11.1 ppm, and Ag <0.05–48.5 ppm). The negative correlations between As–S and Au–Fe in pyrite are indicative of As substitution for S and Au substitute for Fe in the pyrite. The pyrite and sphalerite trace element compositions indicate that the formation temperatures of the three stages were >250 °C, 154–252 °C, and 167–197 °C, respectively. The evolution of the hydrothermal system indicates that the deposition of Au is due to cooling and fluid-rock interaction, whereas the precipitation of Ag results from an increase in the sulfidation state. Results suggest the invisible Au-dominated mineralization in the Linjiasandaogou deposit was associated with the Early Jurassic intrusion. This study supplements the ore-forming epoch framework of the Qingchengzi ore field and improves the understanding of the Au–Ag mineralization in this area.

Efficient photocatalytic oxidation of VOCs using ZnO@Au nanoparticles

The emission of toxic VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) in the environment causes serious problems and, if from one side there are directives to reduce this threat, from the other side there are stringent necessities for their removal. Several methods have been proposed to remove toxic VOCs, but little attention has been paid towards their photooxidation using materials with improved photodetection. For these reasons, we account here on the good photocatalytic performance of semiconducting ZnO@Au nanostructures that revealed to be excellent for both ultraviolet and visible light detection, thanks to the wide ZnO band gap and visible Au surface plasmon resonance, towards the photooxidation of some toxic Volatile Organic Compounds. In particular, we tested these peculiar materials for the removal of some common VOCs as toluene, ethanol and formaldehyde under solar light irradiation. The ZnO@Au showed excellent performance in the total oxidation of toluene (95% of conversion) and formaldehyde (85%) with the consequent formation of only CO2 and water as by-products. This good activity was also confirmed in the photooxidation of ethanol that allowed to obtain the 72% of CO2 selectivity. Furthermore, in all tests the catalysts showed a good stability after several consecutive runs. The efficient electronic communication between the gold core and the zinc oxide shell permitted to enhance the overall photodetection of the solar irradiation, improving also the charge carriers separation. The ZnO@Au nanostructures can be considering promising candidates as photocatalysts for air purification.

Gold accumulation in the metavolcanic-hosted orogenic gold deposit constrained by pyrite paragenesis coupled with in-situ trace elements and sulfur isotope: The Sarekuobu example in the Chinese Altay Orogen

Origin and accumulation process of gold in the metavolcanic-hosted orogenic gold deposits is still open to debate. Approximately fifteen gold-bearing deposits are hosted in the metamorphosed volcanics of the Chinese Altay Orogen, NW China. Among them, the representative Sarekuobu gold deposit, occurs as lodes in a Devonian volcanic-sedimentary succession that was deformed into a series of multiple overturned synclines and metamorphosed to (garnet)-biotite-chlorite schists. In previous studies, little attention has been paid to pyrite varieties and their in situ geochemistry to constrain their genetic understanding. Herein, five types of pyrite with distinct textures and mineral assemblages at Sarekuobu are divided into four generations based on the crosscutting and replacing relationship. The earliest pyrite (PyI) occurs as magnetite-pyrite parallel laminated layers comparable to those in VMS deposits, and some of its beddings are crosscut by PyⅡ that is scattered in foliation of the host greenschists and likely formed during syn-deformation. The colloidal PyIIIa and inclusion-rich PyIIIb are present in the same auriferous quartz veins continuously cutting across the PyⅡ-rich schists. It is notable that PyIIIb acts as the most important gold-bearing pyrite containing some micro-mineral inclusions such as visible gold and chalcopyrite. The final inclusion-poor PyⅣ with coarse and euhedral grains replaces or envelops all above three pyrite generation. The highest gold concentrations are presented in PyIIIa and PyIIIb by LA-ICP-MS spot analysis, with the maximum values up to 16 ppm and 426 ppm, respectively. In contrast to the substituted invisible Au nano-particles in lattice structures with time-resolved LA-ICP-MS signal parallel to Fe, the visible Au occurs as sizeable micro-inclusions in PyIIIb revealed by highly variable LA-ICP-MS signal spectrum. Further LA-ICP-MS trace element mapping show Au and other trace elements (e.g., Cu, Pb, Zn, Bi, Sb and Ag) are unevenly distributed in PyIIIb but barren in coexisting PyⅣ, in agreement with the microscopic textures of inclusion-rich PyIIIb and inclusion-poor PyⅣ. Another mapping displays these trace elements are homogeneously distributed along colloidal layers in PyIIIa but depleted in the coexisting PyI. Collectively, PyIIIb is believed to experience relatively longer-time crystallization co-precipitating with native gold and chalcopyrite, whereas PyIIIa is rapidly deposited from the same auriferous ore fluids without sufficient time for crystallization and captures some clay minerals and organic matters. In-situ δ34SV-CDT values of four pyrite generations by fsLA-MC-ICP-MS range from +2.34 to + 10.14‰, and gradually decrease from PyI (mean, +9.59‰), through PyⅡ (+8.67‰), PyIIIa (+6.16‰) and PyIIIb (+4.97‰), to final PyⅣ (+3.66‰). In combination with published sulfur isotope composition of host rocks (maximum, +18.7‰), the formation of the auriferous fluids and deposition of Au in pyrite at Sarekuobu might be attributed to the sulfur pathway of progressively enhanced thermal sulfate reduction (TSR) in the Devonian marine strata. Thus, two process including the Devonian seafloor sedimentation and Triassic orogeny-related metamorphism are critical for formation of the Sarekuobu gold deposit.

Fluid diversity in the gold-endowed Archean orogenic systems of the Abitibi greenstone belt (Canada) I: Constraining the PTX of prolonged hydrothermal systems

Although many aspects of orogenic gold systems are well understood, considerable debate surrounds the chemistry of the ore-forming fluids and their relevance to mineralization. This may in part relate to the lack of both regional-scale studies and a uniform approach in studying fluid inclusions in these complex and protracted hydrothermal ore systems. In order to address this problem, over 30 orogenic-type deposits covering a variety of geological settings were systematically studied using the fluid inclusion assemblage (FIA) protocol integrated with microthermometry in the gold-endowed Abitibi greenstone belt, Canada. A diversity of fluid inclusion types are documented (i.e., carbonic CO2-CH4, aqueous-carbonic, aqueous), in addition to complex textural features, in particular decrepitation clusters which are rarely reported in the literature or the deposits studied; together these data provide new insight to these ore systems. Furthermore, we note that the fluid composition is significantly affected by the proximity of carbon-rich sedimentary units which are capable of producing a carbonic-only fluid. In later stages of hydrothermal evolution, variable XCO2 in aqueous-carbonic inclusions reflects variable degrees of fluid-rock interaction. Pressure cycling is an integral part of these systems, but petrographic evidence of in situ fluid unmixing is lacking, and cannot be accounted for gold mineralization. Vein-style gold is not related to fluid chemistry and, where best constrained with petrography (i.e., visible Au near fluid inclusions), P-T estimates based on fluid inclusion microthermometry link the mineralization to the later, low-pressure (<1.5 kbar) stages of deposit evolution. Accordingly, gold is coeval with quartz vein formation in epizonal deposits whereas it postdates quartz in the ore dominant mesozonal ore systems.

Auriferous pyrite formed by episodic fluid inputs in the Akeshi and Kasuga high-sulfidation deposits, Southern Kyushu, Japan

Pyrite geochemistry has proven useful for tracking changes in the composition and physico-chemical conditions of hydrothermal fluids in ore-forming environments. Here, we investigated the microtextural features and chemical composition of pyrite, a main Au-bearing phase in the Akeshi and Kasuga deposits (Southern Kyushu, Japan), to better constrain the ore-forming processes in these high-sulfidation epithermal Au deposits. Despite the widespread distribution of Au-bearing pyrite in both deposits, no visible Au minerals coexist with pyrite. However, in situ laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry results show that Au concentrations in pyrite vary from below the detection limit to 41 ppm and are positively correlated with Cu (r = 0.4; up to 7400 ppm) and Bi concentrations (r = 0.44; up to 640 ppm). In both deposits, high Cu and Au concentrations occur in small (< 25 μm) anhedral grains of pyrite, which are interpreted to have rapidly crystallized from the ore-forming hydrothermal fluid. In addition, dissolution–reprecipitation textures and thin, concentric, Cu-rich overgrowths were identified in a number of larger (> 25 μm) pyrite grains and aggregates. These abrupt changes in the trace element compositions of pyrite grains likely record episodic metal-rich fluid inputs. We also propose that gold adsorption onto growing pyrite surfaces played a key role in the mineralization of these deposits.

New Insights Into the Control of Visible Gold Fineness and Deposition: A Case Study of the Sanshandao Gold Deposit, Jiaodong, China

Abstract Mineralogical distribution, textures, electron probe microanalysis of visible gold, laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) trace element analysis of pyrite, and LA-multicollector (MC-)ICP-MS sulfur isotope analysis of sulfide minerals are examined in an ore zone extending obliquely to –4 km depth in the Sanshandao gold deposit Jiaodong, China. We relate these results to the temporal and spatial ore-forming processes in the deposit to further elucidate the controls on the deposition of visible Au and fineness variation. Two generations of Au mineralization are identified. The early generation is represented by beresitization and quartz-pyrite veins in which visible Au grains are associated with pyrite (Py1 and Py2) and are characterized by high fineness [729–961; fineness = 1000×Au/(Au+Ag)]. Py1 and Py2 are both enriched in Co, Ni, and Bi and depleted in As and Au. Texturally, gold and pyrite are pristine crystals, homogeneous in composition. These features are attributed to the sulfidation of the granitic wallrock (fluid/rock interaction) that effectively destabilizes Au in the ore-forming fluids during pyrite deposition. Fineness decreases continuously from 870 at –2650 m depth to 752 at –420 m depth. The Co and Ni contents of Py1 and Py2 decrease significantly from –4000 m to –420 m depth, whereas the As contents increase. The mean δ34S values of Py1 increase from 10.5 to 11.8‰. The spatial variations are interpreted to be related to gradual cooling, decompression, and an enhanced degree of fluid/rock interaction with decreasing depth, which facilitated the initiation of visible gold mineralization at ca. –2700 m depth. The late generation of Au mineralization is represented by quartz-polysulfide veins in which visible Au grains are associated with multiple sulfide minerals (Py3, galena, chalcopyrite, arsenopyrite, and sphalerite). It is characterized by low fineness (549–719), and heterogeneous textures with Ag-rich parts (218–421). Py3, occurring as the rim of pyrite grain, is interpreted to form by replacement via a dissolution-reprecipitation reaction. Py3 is distinctly enriched in As (median of 10 000 ppm) and Au (2.2 ppm), but depleted in Co, Ni, and Bi. The δ34S values of the polysulfide minerals decrease sharply by 4 to 5‰ at depths from –1909 to –1450 m. These features are interpreted to be generated by significant decompression and phase separation of fluid, where most ore elements (e.g., Au, Ag, As, and base metal elements) are destabilized. Our study suggests that remobilization did not affect the generation of visible Au mineralization at Sanshandao.

Analysis of a Telescoped Orogenic Gold System: Insights from the Fosterville Deposit

Abstract The Fosterville gold (Au) deposit is hosted in the Bendigo zone within the western Lachlan orogen, southeast Australia, and contains three distinct mineralization styles: (1) refractory Au in fine-grained arsenopyrite and arsenian pyrite disseminated throughout metasedimentary rocks near brittle faults, (2) visible Au hosted in fault-controlled quartz-carbonate veins associated with stibnite mineralization, and (3) vein-hosted visible Au with little or no associated stibnite. Refractory Au mineralization is found throughout the deposit, whereas visible Au ± stibnite occurs deeper in the system (&amp;gt;800-m depth from surface). Thus, Fosterville provides a unique opportunity to study a telescoped orogenic Au system that changes mineralization style as a function of depth. Microscopy, neutron tomography, nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry, and field observations have been conducted to investigate mineralogical and structural controls on the various styles of Au mineralization. These observations are used as the foundation for reactive mass transport geochemical modeling using HCh software. Results are considered in the context of an evolving mineral system over the formation history of the deposit, and relative timing of mineralization is inferred. Two alternatives for the genesis of such a system include the following: (1) metal deposition was controlled by ongoing physicochemical changes at a very shallow level in the crust in one evolving mineralization stage or (2) two or three deposits formed in the same location, with each different style of mineralization representing a separate period of fluid infiltration, each potentially tens of millions of years apart. Based on careful observations, microanalysis, and thermodynamic modeling, we suggest that the latter is more likely. Therefore, we suggest that Fosterville is to be recognized as a telescoped orogenic Au system, where relatively high temperature mineralization and alteration assemblages were overprinted vertically by later, lower-temperature assemblages.

Dissolved organic matter-mediated reduction of ionic Au(III) to elemental Au nanoparticles and their growth to visible granules

The biogeochemical transformation of gold (Au), i.e. its dissolution and re-precipitation, is critical in supergene transport of Au and formation of Au granules. Besides biogenic reduction, the formation Au granules can also be driven by chemical processes. Previous studies have showed the formation of Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) from ionic Au(III) can be mediated by dissolved organic matter under sunlight. In this letter, we further demonstrated that these AuNPs can further slowly (in years) grow into visible Au granules. Different sized nano-flower and fractal dendrite-like branched gold structures (from tens of nanometres to over 100μm) were observed in the Au granule sample. This growth of AuNPs into visible Au granules may play a critical role in the supergene mineralization and enrichment of secondary Au and drive the biogeochemical cycle of Au.

Aseismic Refinement of Orogenic Gold Systems

Abstract Orogenic Au deposits have contributed the majority of Au recovered globally throughout history. However, the mechanism that concentrates Au to extremely high bonanza grades in small domains within these deposits remains enigmatic. The volume of fluid required to provide extreme Au endowments in localized occurrences is not reflected in field observations (e.g., in the extent of quartz veining or hydrothermal alteration). Detailed optical, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry, and 3-D neutron tomography have been used to investigate the processes responsible for development of anomalously high grade ore (upward of 3% Au) found in quartz veins at Fosterville gold mine (Victoria, Australia). Distinct textural settings of visible Au include (1) Au concentrated along pressure solution seams associated with wall-rock selvages, (2) as nano- to microscale dusty Au seams parallel to pressure solution seams, and (3) in microscale tension fractures perpendicular to stylolitic seams. The distribution of Au in arsenopyrite and pyrite hosted within pressure solution seams changes as a function of the extent of deformation. Sulfides in highly deformed pressure solution seams exclusively host Au as nano- to micrometer-sized clusters within features associated with corrosion and brittle failure, whereas sulfides in mildly deformed pressure solution seams have Au bound in the crystal structure. It is proposed that Au supersaturation in fluids introduced during seismic periods led to the deposition of abundant Au nanoparticles in quartz-carbonate veins. Subsequent pressure dissolution of vein quartz and carbonate during interseismic intervals allowed for episodic increase in the Au/quartz ratio and permitted liberation and migration of Au nanoparticles, promoting Au grain growth in favorable textural settings. Galvanic corrosion and brittle fracturing of auriferous sulfides during the interseismic period allowed additional remobilization and/or enrichment of sulfide-hosted Au. Repetition of this mechanism over the time scale of deposit formation acted to concentrate Au within the lodes. This Au ore upgrading model, referred to as “aseismic refinement,” provides a new insight for the genesis of ultrarich Au mineralization and, based on textures reported from many Au deposits, may be a globally significant component in the formation of orogenic Au deposits.

New age constraints on metamorphism, metasomatism and gold mineralisation at Plutonic Gold Mine, Marymia Inlier, Western Australia

ABSTRACTThe Plutonic Well Greenstone Belt (PWGB) is located in the Marymia Inlier between the Yilgarn and Pilbara cratons in Western Australia, and hosts a series of major Au deposits. The main episode of Au mineralisation in the PWGB was previously interpreted to have either accompanied, or shortly followed, peak metamorphism in the late Archean at ca 2650 Ma with a later, minor, event associated with the Capricorn Orogeny. Here we present new Pb isotope model ages for sulfides and Rb–Sr ages for mica, as well as a new 207Pb–206Pb age for titanite for samples from the Plutonic Gold Mine (Plutonic) at the southern end of the PWGB. The majority of the sulfides record Proterozoic Pb isotope model ages (2300–2100 Ma), constraining a significant Au mineralising event at Plutonic that occurred >300 Myr later than previously thought. A Rb–Sr age of 2296 ± 99 Ma from muscovite in an Au-bearing sample records resetting or closure of the Rb–Sr system in muscovite at about the same time. A younger Rb–Sr age of 1779 ± 46 Ma from biotite from the same sample may record further cooling, or resetting during a late-stage episode of metasomatism in the PWGB. This could have been associated with the 1820–1770 Ma Capricorn Orogeny, or a late-stage hydrothermal event potentially constrained by a new 207Pb–206Pb age of 1725 ± 26 Ma for titanite in a chlorite–carbonate vein. This titanite age correlates with a pre-existing age for a metasomatic event dated at 1719 ± 14 Ma by U–Pb ages of zircon overgrowths in a sample from the Marymia Deposit. Based on the Pb-isotope data presented here, Au mineralising events in the PWGB are inferred to have occurred at ca 2630, 2300–2100 Ma, during the Glenburgh and Capricorn orogenies, and 1730–1660 Ma. The 2300–2100 Ma event, which appears to have been significant based on the amount of sulfide of this age, correlates with the inferred age for rifting of the Marymia Inlier from the northern margin of the Yilgarn Craton. The texturally-later visible Au may have been deposited during the Glenburgh and Capricorn orogenies.

Gold Behavior in Weathering Products of Quartz Vein in Mintom Area South Cameroon (Central Africa)

Gold mineralization in Mintom area, south Cameroon was studied in a tropical forest setting using X-ray diffraction, inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP/AES) and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP/MS) respectively for the mineralogical and chemical data. The mineralization occurs in quartz veins in the archean Ntem complex of the vast Congo Craton in Central Africa. Gold distribution patterns were vertically studied in the different horizons of the weathering profile and in the different grain-size fractions of the materials sampled in the pit on down slope of the interfluve where the mineralization exists. The weathering profile consists of an upper, thin loose sandy-clayey horizon (P6) covered by a light humic horizon, a nodular horizon with lateritic nodules or blocks (P5), a gravel horizon (P4), a thin spotted horizon (P3) and a saprolite (P2) up to 1.4 m thick. The specific geochemical signature of the bedrock is not recognized in each horizon of the weathering profile. Some groups of elements, e.g., high SiO2 and low REE characterize quartz vein while Cr-Ni characterizes a basic rock like gabbro. The residual gold is concentrated at the base of weathering profile. Its concentration increases from the saprolite up to the gravel horizon and decreases in the surface horizons. However, the evolution of visible Au distribution is not the same for all grain-size fractions: 1) in the finest fraction, the Au content is only regular in spotted and gravel horizons; 2) in the medium size fractions, the Au is in high content and greatly decreases from saprolite up to the spotted horizon and disappears in the upper horizons; 3) in the coarsest fraction, Au content is found in the saprolite and the maximum Au content of the weathering profile is found in this layer just above the mineralized quartz vein. This observation shows that the Mintom residual gold comes from the quartz vein.

Laterization and its control to gold occurrence in Laowanchang gold deposit, Guizhou Province, Southwest of China

Laowanchang gold deposit, located in Qinglong County, Guizhou Province, Southwest China, is the first-discovered laterite type gold deposit in Guizhou Province. Although most scholars are inclined to agree that ore-forming substance was closely correlated with “Dachangceng layer”, it still remained controversial. Former researchers did not find existences of visible Au grains in limonite, clay minerals or pyrite under SEM observation; therefore, they considered Au occurrence mainly as micro-disseminated form. In this study, mineral composition, chemical components and chemical index of alteration of laterites indicated that three chemical weathering processes, including argillaceous, bauxitic and ferric process can be observed in Laowanchang laterization. Geochemically, such laterization can be attributed to early laterization stage. Components of K 2O, Na 2O, and CaO were highly leached during weathering indicating a strong chemical alteration. Concentrations of ore-forming elements (Au, As and Sb) varied greatly along laterite profiles. Concentrations of Au were usually in the range of 40 × 10 − 9 –4551 × 10 − 9 ; As in 0.1–0.9% with the highest value of 1.8%; Sb < 0.1%. Concentrations of Au, As and Sb in laterites were obviously higher than in silicalites of Dachanceng layer. During laterization, enrichment of Au and As were obviously related with enrichment of Fe. Au and As enriched in relatively reductive locations, while Sb in the relatively oxidized circumstances. Rare earth element (REE) contents were higher in laterite profiles with LREE/HREE ratios usually less than 10. REE had very similar distribution patterns in laterites, significantly differing from those of Dachanceng layer. Features of trace element pairs (including large ionic lithophile elements and incompatible elements) and ore-forming element pairs diagramed great differently between laterites and Dachanceng layer. These phenomena supported that laterites would not directly be developed from Dachanceng layer rocks, but mainly be related with Quaternary sediments. Ore-forming substances of Laowanchang gold deposit also connected less with Dachanceng layer. Au occurrences in laterites varied under TEM-EDX observations. Gold existed either as granular natural gold, or adsorbed by goethite and As-bearing goethite, or by siliceous matter and quartz, sometimes by illites. Reduction of Au 3+ to Au 0+ by Fe 2+ played an important role in enrichment of Au during laterization.

Contrasting dispersion patterns for gold in stream sediments at Timbarra, NSW, Australia

Regional geochemical exploration for granite-hosted Au mineralisation on the Timbarra Plateau has identified poor correlation between bulk cyanide leach (BCL) Au contents in the wet-screened <2000-μm fraction and aqua regia (AR) extractable Au in the wet-screened <180-μm fraction of stream sediments across most parts of the plateau. At James East, there is a weak response to mineralisation in both the BCL and <180-μm fraction Au contents of stream sediments and poor correlation between these fractions. The total Au content of the sediments is primarily contained within the organic-rich <63-μm fraction. There is little visible Au in panned concentrates from stream sediments or adjacent alluvium. Dispersion of Au appears to be predominantly hydromorphic with minor mechanical contributions from a more diffuse palaeo-colluvial source. At the nearby Surface Hill, there is a strong response to mineralisation in stream sediments with contributions to total Au from a wide range of size fractions. The BCL and <180-μm fraction Au contents are closely correlated. Visible Au is present close to bedrock sources in eluvial and alluvial accumulations. Particle size and Au distribution in the stream sediments indicates dispersion of Au to be dominantly by mechanical processes from the proximal part of a colluvial fan on the margin of the plateau. Variations in the concentration, form and distribution of Au in stream sediments at the two sites can be attributed to variations in surficial conditions and the effects of varying amounts of organic material; however, a complimentary factor is the potential loss of colloidal or organic-adsorbed Au through decanting of sieve water during wet-screening of sediments in the field.

Regional and local-scale gold grain and till geochemical signatures of lode Au deposits in the western Abitibi Greenstone Belt, central Canada

Abstract This paper is an overview of drift exploration methods for lode Au deposits in areas of thin and thick cover of glacial sediments within the Abitibi Greenstone Belt of central Canada. It summarizes a large volume of data produced by government regional surveys and case studies as well as that from industry-led gold exploration programs. Regional till surveys can be used as targeting mechanisms for further Au exploration. Anomalies are defined by a series of samples with elevated Au concentrations that lie along significant bedrock structures, occurring in clusters or as isolated samples in areas of low sample density. Thresholds between background and anomalous Au grain abundances or Au concentrations are variable and depend on location within the Abitibi Greenstone Belt. Case studies around known deposits provide examples of geochemical and mineralogical signatures of Au deposits that can be expected in till down-ice. These serve as sources of information on appropriate sampling methods and size fractions to analyse, and on ice flow patterns, local glacial stratigraphy and suitable till units for sampling. Two methods for measuring the Au content of till are commonly used: (1) a count of visible Au grains and (2) geochemical elemental analysis. Close to source, till contains thousands to hundreds of thousands ppb Au and several hundred Au grains. The Au grains vary from coarse sand to silt sizes and have pristine shapes. The presence of high Au concentrations in till indicates that the ore zones subcrop and that glacial processes have produced Au dispersal trains down-ice.