WP1: Gold Exploration
Objective
The aim of the research within the WP1, is to study the key gold deposits in Northern Portugal and in Romania, in order to obtain a valuable information not only on the geology of the ore deposits themselves, but also on the regional geology and geochemical behaviour of some elements (e. g. Ag, As, Cu, Pb, Zn) during gold deposit genesis. The better knowledge of the mineralogical and petrogenetical features of these gold deposits would facilitate the knowledge and understanding of the regional distribution of gold deposits. In addition, the research in WP1 aims in developing recommendations for the exploration programmes to enhance sustainable exploration and exploitation of these important mineral resources.
Approach
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) will be used for the inventory, characterization and prediction of gold ores. The mineral mapping and 2/3D modelling, using spatial data enables exploration-oriented GISs to produce potential and predictive maps for gold deposits and assessment of far-field geochemical characteristics of gold deposits.
As a priority this research within WP1 aims to test and apply a combination of 2D resistivity/IP profiles along with an electromagnetic (EM) technique that will be selected from field testing. Additionally, the new 2D inversion approaches to the electrical as well as the EM methods will be applied and the older data re-processed. As a secondary, but parallel priority, other geophysical methods will be carried out over certain better known areas in a pursuit to assess their viable contribution.
- Development of Geographical Information System
- Development of geophysical techniques for gold exploration
- Spatial data mining
Expected Results
The expected results provide new constraints on the gold deposits origin (orogenic or/and intrusion related) resulting from the research combining field, laboratory and statistical approach of segments. As results of this research, combined with other on-going work, a better metallogenic model explaining the origin and location of the gold deposits will be developed. These results will be translated into parameters fundamental to the development of technical and predictivity maps to improve the efficiency of exploration for these types of deposits.
This novel approach on gold exploration should allow a thorough intercomparison of different systems and provide new constraints on the processes involved in the generation of gold deposits. The results can help the exploration campaigns strategy. This will also help in the assessment of far-field geochemical characteristics of recently founded gold deposits that are not outcropping.
