Porphyry Copper Targeting Under Gravel Cover
An integrated, mineral system approach was used for the interpretation of geophysical, geochemical and spectral data at a project-scale case study. This approach demonstrates how map layers relevant for vectoring to and within porphyry copper mineral systems can be created in areas of extensive gravel cover using independently derived data sets. An immediate implication is that robust porphyry copper targets can be developed rapidly and at a reasonable cost without necessarily relying on more costly and time consuming methodologies like pattern drilling or detailed ground geophysics. In addition, the integration of these layers contributes to an overall narrative regarding prospectivity. The map layers comprise bedrock geology, distribution and intensity of alteration mineralogy and assemblages, illite crystallinity, porphyry alteration footprints from trace element patterns, green mineral vectors, and a ‘black map’ layer within which economic potential is empirically considered as nil. These layers are designed to provide the greatest possible amount of geological context and understanding of porphyry related processes in an area mostly covered by gravel. The map layers together are a direct decision making tool for commitment to further exploration expenditure or not. Our case study builds a compelling scenario of multiple, magmatic-hydrothermal related alteration systems in an area of extensive post-mineral cover, the data components of which comprised a modest expenditure outlay. We aim to leave the reader with the question “is there sufficient evidence to justify further exploration and expenditure commitment, and if so, what next?”
Authors: David Wood, Mclean Trott
Spectral Evolution is a leading manufacturer of field-portable UV-Vis-NIR remote sensing spectroradiometers and spectrometers for applications including geological remote sensing, ground-truthing, spectral remote sensing, environmental and climate research, crop and soil research, vegetative studies, forestry and canopy studies, radiometric calibration transfer, upwelling and downwelling measurement and more. Our UV-Vis-NIR spectrometers and spectroradiometers provide the best combination of high resolution and high sensitivity resulting in the most precise field portable instruments available on the market.
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