Surface geochemical exploration for the Ni-Cu-Co sulfide ore deposits in the Ransko Intrusion, Czech Republic
Akinselure, Abidemi (2024-12-17)
A. Akinselure
17.12.2024
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:oulu-202412177359
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:oulu-202412177359
Tiivistelmä
Ni-Cu-Co sulfide ore deposits are of significant economic importance due to their strategic applications in renewable energy technologies and electric vehicle batteries. This study investigates the potential for Ni-Cu-Co sulfide mineralization within the Ransko Intrusion, Czech Republic, using surface geochemical exploration techniques. Despite its prospective potential, the Ransko Intrusion remains underexplored, necessitating comprehensive research to evaluate its mineral wealth and guide economic resource development.
The research employs a multi-stage approach, beginning with systematic fieldwork that involved soil sampling across the study area as well as pH measurement. Laboratory analyses were conducted on the collected samples, including wet and dry-sieving, particle size analyses, weak leach analyses, portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF), heavy mineral analysis, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. These methods allowed for the determination of elemental composition and the identification of indicator minerals associated with potential sulfide mineralization. High concentrations of Ni, Cu, Co, Cr, Fe, and Mn were identified in surficial soil samples, particularly in sampling points classified as A and B, which are likely located directly above mineralized sources. Indicator minerals such as actinolite, talc, diopside, and chromite further support the delineation of prospective mineralization zones.
A key aspect of the study involves understanding the role of soil pH in the mobility of metal cations. Acidic conditions, induced by hydrogen ion migration during sulfide oxidation, were found to enhance the mobility of metals, creating detectable anomalies in soil samples. The diverse sedimentary cover of the Ransko Intrusion, including residual soils and transported sediments such as lacustrine, fluvial, and / or eolian deposits (silt and clay), and various soil formations, adds complexity to the geochemical processes influencing mineral exploration.
The integration of geochemical principles with surface exploration methods highlights the potential for significant mineralization within the Ransko Intrusion. The presence of stable alteration minerals, including actinolite, talc, and goethite, indicates processes of ultramafic rock alteration and possible supergene enrichment of nickel and cobalt in lateritic environments.
This study demonstrates the effectiveness of surface geochemical methods in identifying prospective Ni-Cu-Co sulfide deposits and provides a framework for future exploration. The findings underscore the economic potential of the Ransko Intrusion as a resource target while contributing valuable insights into the application of geochemical exploration techniques for mineral discovery. Furthermore, the results show that it is possible to get geochemical signal from the deeper in the bedrock based on the upper soil geochemistry.
This research is funded by the EU under the SEMACRET project.
The research employs a multi-stage approach, beginning with systematic fieldwork that involved soil sampling across the study area as well as pH measurement. Laboratory analyses were conducted on the collected samples, including wet and dry-sieving, particle size analyses, weak leach analyses, portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF), heavy mineral analysis, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. These methods allowed for the determination of elemental composition and the identification of indicator minerals associated with potential sulfide mineralization. High concentrations of Ni, Cu, Co, Cr, Fe, and Mn were identified in surficial soil samples, particularly in sampling points classified as A and B, which are likely located directly above mineralized sources. Indicator minerals such as actinolite, talc, diopside, and chromite further support the delineation of prospective mineralization zones.
A key aspect of the study involves understanding the role of soil pH in the mobility of metal cations. Acidic conditions, induced by hydrogen ion migration during sulfide oxidation, were found to enhance the mobility of metals, creating detectable anomalies in soil samples. The diverse sedimentary cover of the Ransko Intrusion, including residual soils and transported sediments such as lacustrine, fluvial, and / or eolian deposits (silt and clay), and various soil formations, adds complexity to the geochemical processes influencing mineral exploration.
The integration of geochemical principles with surface exploration methods highlights the potential for significant mineralization within the Ransko Intrusion. The presence of stable alteration minerals, including actinolite, talc, and goethite, indicates processes of ultramafic rock alteration and possible supergene enrichment of nickel and cobalt in lateritic environments.
This study demonstrates the effectiveness of surface geochemical methods in identifying prospective Ni-Cu-Co sulfide deposits and provides a framework for future exploration. The findings underscore the economic potential of the Ransko Intrusion as a resource target while contributing valuable insights into the application of geochemical exploration techniques for mineral discovery. Furthermore, the results show that it is possible to get geochemical signal from the deeper in the bedrock based on the upper soil geochemistry.
This research is funded by the EU under the SEMACRET project.
Kokoelmat
- Avoin saatavuus [38840]