T95 Linking Critical Minerals and the Geologic Framework of North America: The USGS Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI) and Related Activities (Posters)

Monday, 16 October 2023
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Hall B

GEOLOGICAL POTENTIAL DETECTION BY AEROMAGNETIC AND RADIOMETRIC: RECOGNITION OF ALTERATION LINKED TO MINERALIZATION (REGUIBAT SHIELD, MAURITANIA)

Paper number: T95-10
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Authors

Abstract

The aim of this research is to study the geophysical signatures of the Reguibat Shield, located in the West African Craton, north of Mauritania, using aeromagnetic and radiometric data. To achieve this objective, several maps were generated, to define the relationship that might exist between the location of geological resources, lithologies and major structures in the area under consideration.

This present study of the Reguibat Shield demonstrates the use of magnetic and airborne gamma-ray spectrometry to determine the compartments associated with different styles of mineralization such as iron, gold, polymetallic and uranium. Iron occurrences are associated with high magnetic amplitudes. Many iron occurrences are associated with zones of low uranium, thorium and potassium concentrations. Alteration associated with Au and Pb-Zn-Cu mineralization produces potassium anomalies that can be distinguished from normal lithological potassium variation by characteristic dips in the eTh/K ratio. The uranium channel of radiometric surveys is the most useful to help delineate zones favorable for uranium deposits.

Our data aeromagnetic and radiometric are powerful guides to mineralization. This information complements the conventional geological, and geochemical data typically collected during mineral exploration programs.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 55, No. 6

doi: 10.1130/abs/2023AM-393038

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