Lecture OverviewDefinition of Exploration GeochemistryOther
fields of Applied GeochemistryTypes of SurveysReconnaissance
SurveysDetailed SurveysProspecting Situations
What is Exploration Geochemistry?Any method of exploration based
on the systematic measurement of one or more chemical properties of
a naturally occurring material to find abnormal chemical patterns
(anomalies) related to mineralization
Chemical PropertiesTrace concentration of the element of
interestTrace concentration of a related element
(pathfinder)Concentrations or ratios of groups of elementsisotope
ratios
Types of MaterialsRock LithogeochemistrySoilGossanGlacial
debrisVegetation Geobotany, BiogeochemistryStream sediments and/or
waters DrainageVapor and aerosols
Applied GeochemistryAgricultural geochemistryEnvironmental
GeochemistryPublic health geochemistryMarine
geochemistryGeo-hazards prediction
Reconnaissance SurveysDetect favorable indicators of ore
provinces, districts, (ore bodies)Large area - X0 to X0,000
km2Sample density - 0.01- 1.0 /km2Cost $1 to $10 per square
mileRapid, minimal samples, low cost
Reconnaissance MediaRocks Stream water and sediment aerosols
(airborne dust)vegetation (especially photographic)geobotany and
biogeochemistrySoils (rarely used because of cost)
Detailed SurveysOutline mineralized ground to pinpoint source
Locate area for trenching, drilling, etc.Small area - X - X0
km2Area selected by other methodsSample density - 0.01 - 1/mCost
$X00 to $X000 per square mile
