Elucidating Pathfinding Elements from the Kubi Gold Mine in Ghana

TL;DR

This study uses XPS and EDX techniques to analyze gold-bearing sediments from Ghana's Kubi Gold Mine, identifying key elements and pathfinders that aid in gold exploration and understanding mineral relationships.

Contribution

It provides new insights into geochemical dispersion and element associations in artisanal gold mining sediments, aiding exploration strategies.

Findings

Si and Ag strongly associated with Au as pathfinders

N, C, and O follow Au due to affinity with Si

Sediment analysis reveals geochemical dispersion patterns

Abstract

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) are applied to investigate the properties of fine-grained concentrate on artisanal small-scale gold mining samples from the Kubi Gold Project of the Asante Gold Corporation near Dunwka-on-Offin in the Central Region of Ghana. Both techniques show that the Au-containing residual sediments are dominated by the host elements Fe, Ag, Al, N, O, Si, Hg, and Ti that either form alloys with gold or inherent elements in the sediments. For comparison, a bulk nugget sample mainly consisting of Au forms an electrum i.e., a solid solution with Ag. Untreated (impure) sediments, fine-grained Au concentrate, coarse-grained Au concentrate, and processed ore (Au bulk/nugget) samples were found to contain cluster of O, C, N, and Ag with Au concentrations significantly lower than that of the related elements. This finding can be attributed to primary geochemical dispersion, which evolved from crystallization of magma and hydrothermal liquids as well as migration of metasomatic elements and rapid rate of chemical weathering of lateralization in secondary processes. The results indicate that Si and Ag are strongly concomitants with Au because of their eutectic characteristics N, C, and O follow alongside because of their affinity to Si. These non-noble elements thus act as pathfinders of Au ores in the exploration area. The paper further discusses relationships between gold and sediments of auriferous lodes as key to determine indicator minerals of gold in mining sites