Geochemical methods to prospect for gold mineralization in Shamkhyia area : northern state-Sudan

Abstract EN

The study area is located in the northern border of Buyda Desert at the lobe of the River Nile at coordinates: latitude 19° 27 25" N, longitude 32° 59’ 37'.

Unconsolidates samples were collected from areas of the suspected Au bearing sector to reveal secondary dispersion patterns.

The results which were obtained for Au and accompanying elements (Ag, Cu, Co, Cu, Pb, and Zn) Table No (7 , 8) were subjected to statistical analysis to reveal parameters such as background values (Cb) coefficient of correlation (r), coefficient of variation (c.v), geochemical factors (u), and productivities (q,Q) and coefficient of dispersion (5).

These parameters can be used as prospecting and exploration criteria.

The coefficient of correlation of Au with the accompanying elements in rock chip composite samples show values more reliable for prospecting than those of the soil samples.

Geochemical factors of ratios of contents of epithermal elements to hypothermal elements indicate deeper levels of mineralization and weathering.

Gold dispersion shows less erratic behavior and this reflects more or less the morphology of the hidden ore bodies.

The main conclusions are:- Coefficient of corelations when they are reliable can be used to define pathfinders to prospect for the difficult gold.

Coefficient of mobility can be used to adopt sampling intervals and grid system.

Geochemical factors can indicate horizon of mineralization and level of weathering.

Geochemical reserve can be used to indicate priorities for further extensive explorational studies.