New methodologies for volcanic-hosted copper sulphide mineralization on Cyprus: a GIS–prospectivity analysis-based approach

摘要: This report documents the results of a three-year collaborative research project between British Geological Survey (BGS), The Natural History Museum, London (NHM) and Department, Cyprus (GSD). It was funded by Ministry Agriculture, Resources Environment, Cyprus. objectives programme were to develop new methodologies for exploration exploitation cupriferous sulphide ore re-establish metalliferous mineral on within GSD. Initially only involved BGS, NHM However, early on, it became apparent that mining companies held key datasets, needed methodologies. Therefore, negotiations conducted with Hellenic Mining Company, Eastern Mediterranean Minerals Copper Mines . These established framework collaboration all parties signed confidentiality agreement. allowed BGS–NHM–GSD team use proprietary data in their combined metallogenic–prospectivity analysis have exclusive access six months after completion. The comprised five distinct components: • Technology transfer institutional strengthening. • Development metallogenic models ophiolite–hosted mineralization, including an examination gold-rich epithermal-style mineralization associated submarine basalts. • Mineralogical metallurgical low-grade copper review solvent extraction electro-winning (SX-EW) technologies. • The legacy at regional district scales GIS-based prospectivity modelling. included reinterpretation geophysical data. • A pilot study, using analysis, define test potential anomalies. To facilitate technology strengthening delivered number office field-based seminars workshops. training GIS epithermal style lectures on: (i) Aegean, (ii) VHMS Urals (iii) SX-EW hydrometallurgical techniques—these given Society Geologists Engineers ensure widest dissemination. In addition, give international dimension, analyses presented two conferences Thessaloniki Beijing. The produced, ArcSDM variety geological, remote sensing investigations: map covering Troodos Massif. identified eight separate areas high potential. are generally located 10 km boundary ophiolite autochthonous sedimentary cover sequences draping ophiolite. A more detailed focussed area northern Troodos. drilling targets Memi–Alestos area. Key components undertaken included: digitisation occurrences gossan distribution. band ratio image processing techniques highlight alteration trends. modelling interpretation airborne magnetic geophysics amalgamation three generations into single set identification lineaments regions positive negative anomalies. In addition development ophiolite-hosted Troodos, addressed metallogenetic concepts Cyprus—namely investigation infrared spectroscopic X-ray diffraction techniques. study temperature advanced argillic phases concluded sub-seafloor boiling responsible some gold enrichment recorded Cyprus-type supergene Cu massive mineralization. showed favourable interplay topography played important role large secondary orebodies. strategy exploring such target would be assess surface gossans developed topographic highs seek downslope mineralization—the resolution digital elevation provided as LiDAR could way forward this respect Professor John Monhemius, Imperial College London, undertook applied decline recoveries heap leach process used Skouriotissa is due increasing amounts primary chalcopyrite, refractory very resistant dissolution oxidation, run-of-mine gets deeper. Recent processes treatment chalcopyrite involve extreme conditions, pressure leaching, ultra-fine grinding, or intensified bacterial leaching—these may not appropriate best option extending life plant discovery further reserves altered ores containing leachable oxide minerals will allow production continue leaching currently use. If necessary, effectiveness method towards improved introducing tanks bacterially pre-oxidising solutions under optimum prior being sprayed heaps. One component formulate implement based GIS. goal site borehole if had capability predict location unknown application public domain zone region. Two boreholes sited presence beneath Upper Pillow Lava one these encountered over 20 m argillically propylitically lavas minor pyrite chalcopyrite. shows approach useful tool locating buried especially so when high-resolution available. In terms future work, following areas: • The need national geochemical datasets provide pre-competitive information environmental assessment • The fuzzy logic mapping • Processing