CRC LEME
Open File Report 65
ABSTRACT
Study of the distribution of gold in soils at Mt Hope, Western
Australia
Lintern, M.J.
The principal objective of the study at Mt Hope was to determine
the location of gold in the surface environment and to determine
the mechanism of its emplacement. Mt Hope provided a near ideal
exploration case study area where sampling of soils and vegetation
could take place in a relatively undisturbed site.
After an initial orientation survey where a traverse of RAB and
RC drilled material was sampled, several small pits (3 x 10 x 2
m deep) were dug. These were situated over, adjacent to and away
from mineralisation in order to expose various soil profiles. Following
photography and description, the profiles were comprehensively sampled.
The mineralogical and chemical composition of the samples show strong
and highly significant associations especially between gold and
the alkaline earth metals, the latter present as carbonates. The
associations are widespread and therefore might be used as an exploration
tool when looking for gold in areas similar to Mt Hope. The chemical
analysis of samples of vegetation and organic litter indicate the
occurrence of gold. Gold values in the vegetation and litter generally
reflect those found within the soil profiles. Experimental work
is being undertaken to examine these associations in further detail.
Last updated: Thursday, January 06, 2000 11:29 AM
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