Rock alteration mapping

Classification and quantification of rock alteration, rock formations in the studied area, as well as delineation of mineralized zones where these rocks are located, aims to target an ore and predict its type and characteristics.

Bedrock alteration does effect mineral processing and metallurgy a lot starting from rock physical properties, encapsulation of resource mineral, to pH, Eh and high pulp viscosity and concentrate quality. Alteration sometimes makes impossible straightforward conventional mineral processing such as talc presence or Ag-jarosite formation in Au-Ag deposits.

Results provided: quantitative mineral composition of major, minor and accessory minerals with concentrations higher than 0.1-0.5 % precision. Data includes water soluble minerals.

Objectives:

• Classification of rocks and ores
• Alteration characteristics and mineralization type
• Basis for processing flow sheet selection and development
• Reliable base metal and deleterious elements deportment in concentrates and processing products
• Geometallurgical applications for domain classification
• Data is good for acid drainage/neutralization calculation for tailings and waste rock.

Advantages: Quick and reliable general quantitative information on sample mineralogical composition.

Drawbacks: Some minor minerals content can be not accurate because of their lower concentrations or overlapping signals.