Geochimica

Exploration & Analysis

Use what you’ve got (or are going to get)

Might a subtle but significant mineralisation signal be hiding in your geochemistry data?  With the right geochemical data, valuable extra layers of information can be extracted from samples.  This can help you to decide whether to persist with a target or to walk away.

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Commercial geochemical analysis suites can provide you with 40+ elements.  Some elements are more useful than others, but geologists typically just produce basic thematic maps of the target element, and 3 or 4 other elements.  Good exploration geochemistry can do so much more than that!  

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Evaluating data distributions and estimating robust anomaly thresholds for key pathfinder elements in your exploration environment can save you pursuing false leads.  Immobile trace elements can help to develop lithogeochemical classifications and maps.  These can be valuable in validating visual logging, particularly where logging is difficult, such as with small, weathered or altered drill chips.  Then, major element molar ratios can be put to work to help identify and quantify hydrothermal alteration.

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Integrating quality interpretation products based on geochemical data, with available spectral, geophysical, geological and structural data will give your exploration project the best chance of success.

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It’s almost certain that the next big deposits to be discovered will be hidden - either under cover or within existing data.  A lot of historic geochemistry data may be available for your project, from previous campaigns or even the public domain.  However, it’s quality can be highly variable, often restricted by the material collected and analysed, the digest used, the available element suite or inappropriate detection limits.  Geochimica can review existing data, work out what is useful, and make the most of what you’ve got.  Then, provide guidance on how to manage geochemical data in the future.

www.pirlo.com.au   2018