A comprehensive approach to understanding ore deposits using portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) data at the Plutonic Gold Mine, Western Australia

Michael F. Gazley; Guillaume Duclaux; Louise A. Fisher; Chelsea M. Tutt; Aaron R. Latham; Rob M. Hough; Sam J. De Beer; Mike D. Taylor

doi:10.1144/geochem2014-280

journal article Nov 07, 2014

A comprehensive approach to understanding ore deposits using portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) data at the Plutonic Gold Mine, Western Australia

Michael F. Gazley Guillaume Duclaux

Louise A. Fisher Chelsea M. Tutt Aaron R. Latham Rob M. Hough Sam J. De Beer Mike D. Taylor

Geochemistry: Exploration, Environment, Analysis Vol. 15 No. 2-3 pp. 113-124 · Geological Society of London

View at Publisher Save 10.1144/geochem2014-280

Abstract

Since 2009 all underground face samples and diamond-drill core samples at the Plutonic Gold Mine (Plutonic), Marymia Inlier, Western Australia have been analysed by portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) following a systematic approach. This method is rapid and cost-effective and provides analyses of a large suite of chemical elements which can be used to characterize lithology and alteration. The delivery of a comprehensive workflow for sample preparation, analysis, results correction, and rapid processing enabled a quantum leap in the way mine geologists use geochemistry in modelling the ore body. Interpretation of the mine-site dataset of over 200 000 multi-element analyses has resulted in significant improvements in the understanding of the Plutonic deposit. In this contribution, we review how our understanding of Plutonic has been significantly improved through the use of pXRF geochemical analyses. Incorporation of pXRF data into routine geological modelling at Plutonic has resulted in improved confidence in the models of the ore bodies themselves and late-stage dolerite intrusives. It has allowed better management of milling processes through the development of metallurgical proxies and for significant insights into the role of stratigraphy in controlling the location of gold mineralization. We highlight the potential that a systematic approach to collecting pXRF data can have in a mining environment. These same techniques could be adapted and used in other mine and/or exploration settings.

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References

Details

Published: Nov 07, 2014
Vol/Issue: 15(2-3)
Pages: 113-124
License: View

Authors

M

Michael F. Gazley

CSIRO Mineral Resources Flagship, ARRC, PO Box 1130, Bentley 6102, Western Australia, Australia; Barrick Australia Pacific, Locked Bag 12, Cloisters Square, Perth 6085, Western Australia, Australia

G

Guillaume Duclaux

CSIRO Mineral Resources Flagship, Earth Sciences Centre, PO Box 136, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia

L

Louise A. Fisher

CSIRO Mineral Resources Flagship, ARRC, PO Box 1130, Bentley 6102, Western Australia, Australia

C

Chelsea M. Tutt

Barrick Australia Pacific, Locked Bag 12, Cloisters Square, Perth 6085, Western Australia, Australia; Present address: Northern Star Resources Ltd, 1 Puccini Court, Stirling 6021, Western Australia, Australia

A

Aaron R. Latham

Barrick Australia Pacific, Locked Bag 12, Cloisters Square, Perth 6085, Western Australia, Australia; Present address: Northern Star Resources Ltd, 1 Puccini Court, Stirling 6021, Western Australia, Australia

R

Rob M. Hough

CSIRO Mineral Resources Flagship, ARRC, PO Box 1130, Bentley 6102, Western Australia, Australia

S

Sam J. De Beer

Barrick Australia Pacific, Locked Bag 12, Cloisters Square, Perth 6085, Western Australia, Australia

M

Mike D. Taylor

Barrick Australia Pacific, Locked Bag 12, Cloisters Square, Perth 6085, Western Australia, Australia; Present address: Northern Star Resources Ltd, 1 Puccini Court, Stirling 6021, Western Australia, Australia

Cite This Article

Michael F. Gazley, Guillaume Duclaux, Louise A. Fisher, et al. (2014). A comprehensive approach to understanding ore deposits using portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) data at the Plutonic Gold Mine, Western Australia. Geochemistry: Exploration, Environment, Analysis, 15(2-3), 113-124. https://doi.org/10.1144/geochem2014-280

A comprehensive approach to understanding ore deposits using portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) data at the Plutonic Gold Mine, Western Australia

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