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How: Group the geology, mining, geometallurgy, and metallurgy teams for the programme planning
so that everybody feels involved (and will use the information). Well thought multi-purpose
sampling campaign. Make sure that the right methods are used.
What: Detailed quantitative mineralogical study with multiple methods to make sure that the results
are valid and robust. Comprehensive interpretation of data.
Structures
Faults
Veinlets
Veins
Intrusion phases
Silicification consists of
stockwork with different
vein types.
Quartz, feldspars,
Argillic 2 Overprinting locally K, SIL,
montmorillonite, kaolinite, Chalcopyrite-(Fe-sulphides)
(ARG2) and ARG 3 alteration
illite, carbonates
Spatial distribution
Presentation title | Name of presenter | Date 9
Methods and testing completed
Analyses and testing
Quantitative mineralogical analysis (Qemscan)
Modal mineralogy
Grain size for Cu and Au minerals
Liberation and associations for Cu and Au minerals
Semi-quantitative XRD
Clay types
Rougher laboratory flotation tests
Rougher recovery for Cu and Au
Standard lab conditions than other flotation tests conducted at the mine for comparison.
10
Mineralogical results
Fe sulphides
Two types of pyrite present at Cerro Corona, along with
marcasite
The amorphous-type pyrite is a recrystallised pyrite and in
general related to the late Au-(Cu) epithermal event.
It contains Au and As in relatively high contents (up to 46 ppm
Au and up to 6% As).
Can be distinguished during Qemscan measurements using the
Fe and S contents.
Different behaviour during flotation. Since the amorphous-type
pyrite contains Au, there is a loss of gold in the cleaner circuit,
resulting in the decrease in the overall gold recovery.
Impact on processing
Presentation title | Name of presenter | Date 13
Liberation and associations of chalcopyrite
By alteration type
Liberation Associations
mineralogical data.
Background
Gold Phases
Chalcopyrite
Bornite
Pyrite
Fe-Sulfide Amorphous
Tennantite
Enargite
Goethite
Quartz
K-Feldspar
Plagioclase
Muscovite