Geochemical re-interpretation of the Miocene Porphyry Cu-Mo-Au Metallogenic Belt (Ecuador)

Abstract

Abstract

The "Geological Research and Availability of Mineral Resources Occurrences in the Ecuadorian Territory" Project includes as one of its objectives the identification of mineral occurrences and areas of geological mining interest, through the treatment of geochemical information of fluvial sediments. The present investigation shows the results of the geochemical prospection for active fluvial sediment samples collected in the "Miocene Porphyry Cu-Mo-Au" metallogenic belt of Ecuador. These data allowed the identification of anomalous areas by spatial distribution analyses of precious metals (Au and Ag), base metals (Cu, Mo, Pb and Zn), and indicator or trace elements (As and Sb). Allowing the identification of possible new areas with anomalies of interest in the Western Cordillera that could be used as targets for more detailed exploration campaigns.