| Title | Element distribution patterns and mineral discoveries using biogeochemical methods |
| Author | Dunn, C; Thompson, R; Anderson, R; Plouffe, A |
| Source | Proceedings of the 24th International Applied Geochemistry Symposium, Volume 1
; by Lentz, D R (ed.); Thorne, K G (ed.); Beal, K-L (ed.); 2009 p. 31-34 |
| Year | 2009 |
| Alt Series | Earth Sciences Sector, Contribution Series 20080669 |
| Publisher | The association of Applied Geochemists |
| Meeting | 24th International Applied Geochemistry Symposium (IAGS); Fredericton, N.B.; CA; June 1-4, 2009 |
| Document | book |
| Lang. | English |
| Media | paper; on-line; digital |
| File format | html |
| Province | British Columbia |
| NTS | 82L/10 |
| Area | Tsuius Creek; Mabel Lake |
| Lat/Long WENS | -119.0000 -118.5000 50.7500 50.5000 |
| Lat/Long WENS | -118.5000 -118.5000 50.7500 50.5000 |
| Lat/Long WENS | -118.5000 -118.5000 50.7500 50.5000 |
| Subjects | geochemistry; metallic minerals; Nature and Environment; biogeochemistry; uranium; base metals; molybdenum; exploration methods; mineral deposits; thallium geochemistry; mercury geochemistry;
mineralization; MAX Molybdenum mine; plants |
| Illustrations | analyses |
| Program | Targeted Geoscience Initiative (TGI-3), 2005-2010, Southern Cordillera TGI-3 |
| Abstract | Studies over the past half century have greatly advanced the understanding of biogeochemical processes. Uranium biogeochemical anomalies identified 30 years ago are now known to contain multiple zones
of rich U deposits. Mapping of multi-element patterns in southern British Columbia suggests that, among other elements, Tl and Hg may be biogeochemical pathfinder elements for Broken Hill-type Sedex deposits. The halogens in plants, too, may provide
additional vectors toward base metal-mineralized areas. Opportunistic sampling during field mapping projects can add important focus for detailed exploration, and help trace the source of till anomalies. Molybdenum in cedar foliage has outlined the
MAX Moly mine area and generated additional targets of similar magnitude of unknown origin. Investigation of one of these in southern BC has resulted in the discovery of low-grade mineralization in rocks exhibiting similar characteristics to the MAX
Moly deposit. Moving forward, more emphasis on the distribution of volatile elements (e.g., Hg; halogens associated with fluid inclusions) as well as commodity elements, and an improved understanding of the role of bacteria in mobilizing metals
should further entrench the role of biogeochemical methods for assisting in the exploration for mineral deposits. |
| GEOSCAN ID | 226444 |
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