EARTH SCIENCES

RESEARCH JOURNAL

Earth Sci. Res. SJ. Vol. 16, No. 1 (June, 2012): 11 - 23

MAGNETIC EXPLORATION METHODS

Geophysical exploration of disseminated and stockwork deposits associated with plutonic

intrusive rock: a case study on the eastern flank of Colombia’s western cordillera
Orlando Hernández Pardo, Gretta C. Alexander E. and Iraida M. Pintor B.

Geociences Department, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Ciudad Universitaria, Edificio Manuel Ancizar, office 335,
Telephone: 571 3165000 ext 16568, Fax 571 3165390. E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]

Abstract
Keywords: disseminated deposit, stockwork, magnetic ex-
ploration, gamma ray spectrometry, induced polarization,
Disseminated deposits are low-grade, large tonnage deposits which are mainly mined for gold, copper, mo- western Andes, Colombia.
lybdenum and tin. These deposits are normally associated with intermediate to acid plutonic intrusive rocks
and all are characterized by intense, extensive hydrothermal alteration of host rocks. Disseminated deposit
exploration in the tropics suffers from difficult geological mapping due to dense vegetation, lack of rock out-
crops and extensive but variable saprolytic weathering. Geophysical exploration of these deposits normally
includes magnetic, induced polarization and gamma ray spectrometry surveys. The largest RTP total mag-
netic field anomaly highs are usually associated with diorite porphyry intrusive bodies. Diorites are usually
less magnetic than basaltic rocks; thus when magnetic anomaly highs are related to intrusions they can be
explained by basic metals’ intensive mineralization (including magnetite) associated with porphyry intru-
sions. Magnetic anomaly gradients regularly help delineate local discontinuities which can be interpreted as
local faults and joints that can be mineralized. Gamma ray spectrometry is useful for determining anomalous
potassium, uranium and thorium concentration as it can map alteration halos and linear discontinuities.
Statistical analysis of the data also can determine the intermediate intrusive / extrusive nature of porphyry
intrusions. Gamma ray spectrometry can help to determine elemental potassium concentration, regardless of
the associated potassium mineral species, thereby enabling alteration mapping in a geological setting related
to volcanic-associated massive sulphide base metal and gold deposits. An induced polarization survey is use-
ful in outlining disseminated sulphide distribution in porphyry deposits related to chargeability anomaly
highs. The results of the Quinchía project’s geophysical exploration program are discussed.

Resumen
Palabras claves: depósitos diseminados, estovercas, explor-
ación magnética, espectrografía de rayos gamma, polar-
Los depósitos de sulfuros diseminados son depósitos de bajo tenor y alto tonelaje, los cuales son impor- ización inducida, Cordillera Occidental, Colombia.
tantes fuentes en la explotación de oro, cobre, molibdeno y zinc. Estos depósitos están asociados a rocas
plutónicas intermedias a acidas y se caracterizan por una intensa y extensa alteración de la roca huésped
o encajante. La exploración de estos depósitos en las zonas tropicales presenta una gran dificultad debido
a la densa vegetación, escasez de afloramientos y alteración saprolítica variable. La exploración geofísica
de los depósitos de sulfuros diseminados, por lo general incluye la aplicación de los métodos de magne-
tometría, polarización inducida y espectrografía de rayos gamma. Las anomalías positivas magnéticas,
reducidas al polo, más intensas usualmente están asociadas a la presencia de cuerpos intrusivos porfiríti-
cos de dioritas. Estos cuerpos dioríticos son por lo general menos magnéticos que las rocas basálticas
que intruyen, por lo tanto, cuando las anomalías magnéticas positivas están asociadas a las intrusiones se
debe a la intensa mineralización de metales básicos (incluyendo magnetita) asociada con las intrusiones.
Los gradientes de las anomalías magnéticas permiten delinear discontinuidades locales las cuales son
interpretadas como fallas locales y diaclasas que pueden estar mineralizadas. La espectrografía de rayos
gamma es útil para determinar anomalías en la concentración de potasio, uranio y torio permitiendo Record
la delimitación y mapeo de halos de alteración y detección de discontinuidades lineales. El análisis
estadístico de los datos de rayos gamma también permite determinar la naturaleza intrusiva o extrusiva Manuscript received: 16/02/2012
de las intrusiones. La espectrografía de rayos gamma permite determinar la concentración de potasio Accepted for publications: 03/05/2012
sin implicar la presencia de minerales de potasio, permitiendo el mapeo de las zonas de alteración en un
12 Orlando Hernández Pardo, Gretta C. Alexander E. and Iraida M. Pintor B.

ambiente geológico relacionado con sulfuros de metales bases y depósitos los depósitos porfiríticos asociados a valores anómalos positivos de car-
de oro asociados a sulfuros masivos volcánicos. El estudio de polarización gabilidad. Los resultados del programa de exploración geofísica integrada
inducida es útil para delimitar la distribución de sulfuros diseminados en del proyecto Quinchia son discutidos.

Introduction spectrometry detection. A number of potassium anomalies are directly as-

sociated with intermediate intrusive bodies and their associated alteration
Disseminated deposits are low-grade, large tonnage deposits which systems within porphyry copper belts. Potassium anomalies’ proximity to
are mainly mined for gold, copper, molybdenum and tin (Evans, 1993; mineralization provides evidence of significant mineralizing event-associ-
Ariosa, 1990). The ore minerals in these deposits are scattered throughout ated fluid/rock interaction. Being able to map and quantify this potas-
host rock as what is called disseminated mineralization or they are largely sium alteration has important implications for porphyry gold and copper
or wholly restricted to quartz veinlets forming a ramifying complex called exploration and mapping (Shives et al., 1997).The study area is located at
stockwork; both forms of mineralization occur In many deposits. Many the southern end of the mid-Cauca gold belt along the Romeral fault sys-
alkaline and calc-alkaline porphyry Au-Cu deposits have extensive potassic tem in Colombia, north-western South America (Figure 1). Tertiary gold
hydrothermal alteration halos, varying both laterally and vertically, with and cooper mineralised intrusive bodies have been mapped in this area.
changes in pressure, temperature, eH and pH during magmatic, hypogene Various Miocene intrusive centres have been identified (i.e. La Cumbre,
and subsequent supergene processes (Wilson, 1986). A well established Manzanillo and Dos Quebradas) holding gold and copper mineralization.
alteration-mineralization potassic zoning sequence may be evident within Additional targets have been identified from comprehensive ground geo-
a single deposit, ranging from a central, orthoclase and/or biotite core, ser- physics, geochemical and field mapping programs (www.baterogold.com,
icite as fracture-controlled and pervasive replacements, outwards through 2012). This paper describes the application of an integrated geophysical
successive phyllic, sericitic, argillic and propylitic areas. Although phyl- exploration program based on contrasting magnetic susceptibility, charge-
lic areas may contain less bulk potassium gain than potassic cores, their ability, electrical resistivity and Th, U and K concentration between the
peripheral distribution usually offers much larger targets for gamma ray porphyry intrusions and host rocks. The results were useful for modelling

Mid-Cauca gold belt

Quinchia project

Figure 1. Location map of the study area on the eastern flank of the western Cordillera of the Andes Mountains, Colombia, north-western South America. The
Quinchia project is situated at the southern end of the Mid-Cauca gold belt, within Marmato and La Colosa porphyry gold projects. The local geology consists of
cretaceous basaltic host rock from the Barroso formation intruded by tertiary mineralized porphyry bodies. Such lithology is partially covered by pyroclastic rocks from
the Combia formation. These rock units have been affected by intense fracturing.
 Geophysical exploration of disseminated and stockwork deposits associated with plutonic intrusive rock: a case study on the eastern flank of Colombia’s western cordillera 13

extension of around three kilometres at 1,600 and 1,950 meters above sea-
level. These centres all host gold and copper mineralization. All mineralised
areas identified to date form part of a large, regional mineralizing system
covering more than 300 hectares. La Cumbre porphyry is a high-priority
area, which continues to be open at depth to the north-northwest and
south-southeast. Significant elevated gold mineralization from near surface
and at depth is present in La Cumbre porphyry. A geophysical exploration
program was carried out along 24 north–south profiles having different
lengths (2.4 km predominant length), 50m line spacing and 10m station
spacing for gamma ray spectrometry and magnetic and pole–pole array for
an induced polarization survey (Angoran and Madden, 1977; Bleil, 1953:
Ward, 1990: Ward et al., 1995) with 50m dipole spacing for a total of 57.6
km. The survey covered a 2.4 Km long by 1.2 km wide area (2.88 km2)
(Figure 2).

Gamma ray spectrometry

5,417 stations were acquired using a Pico Envirotec PGIS21 spec-

trometer. The gamma ray spectrometric results were represented by four
maps: total count (Figure 3a), potassium (Figure 3b), equivalent uranium
(Figure 3c) and equivalent thorium (Figure 3d) to present the four primary
measured variables. Four additional maps were produced to represent de-
rived products eTh/K (Figure 4a), eU/eTh (Figure 4b), eU/K (Figure 4c)
ratios and ternary K-eU-eTh ratio (Figure 4d; Keary & Brooks 1992; Low-
rie, 2007; Telford et al., 1994). Oasis Montaj mapping software was used
for data processing (Geosoft, 2010).

Magnetic survey

Magnetic readings were taken every 10 meters with two (base station
and rover) Scintrex ENVI proton precession magnetometers. The current
International Geomagnetic Reference Field model (IGRF2011) parameters
for the study area were F=31822.5 nT total magnetic field, I=+30.47° incli-
nation an D=-5.28° declination. Magnetic rover and base data was processed
in a number of steps (Keary & Brooks 1992; Lowrie, 2007; Telford et al.,
1994; Merrill, 2010). Diurnal variation was removed from the raw magnetic
data thereby obtaining a total magnetic field intensity map. The regional
total magnetic field intensity map was obtained by data interpolation of the
IGRF11 values. Total magnetic field anomaly map (TFMA) values were
obtained by subtracting regional IGRF TFMI from TFMI (Figure 5a). A
reduction-to-the-pole (RTP) filter was applied thereby obtaining the RTP
total magnetic field anomaly map (Cooper and Cowan, 2005; Figure 5b)
Figure 2. Ground geophysics data acquisition array with 24 N- S profiles (50m to simplify magnetic anomaly dipolar asymmetry regarding survey area
line spacing), magnetic and gamma ray spectrometry station (10m spacing) and magnetic inclination and declination. Other frequency domain filters were
pole–pole IP electrode spacing (50m to 350m). applied to the total magnetic field intensity map including analytic signal
(Figure 5c). Only the longer wavelength components were taken for model-
mineralized bodies’ 3D geometry and recommending a drilling program ling magnetic sources from the surface to hundreds of meters depth. Euler
to estimate the mining project’s gold and associated mineral reserves. 3D depth solutions were obtained by calculating the first derivative in X, Y
and Z and their fast Fourier transforms (FFT) to obtain point data solutions
Ground geophysical survey for structural indexes for sphere and barrel causative bodies. The database
was represented as proportional symbols for depth solutions (Figure 5d).
The Quinchía Project is located about 190 kilometres WNW of the
Colombian capital, Bogotá, at the southern end of the mid-Cauca gold belt Induced polarization
(Figure 1), within 100 kilometres of two world-class gold deposits: Mar-
mato (20 km N) having 12.4 million ounces of gold at a 0.3g/t cut-off The IP survey was carried out by taking readings every 50 meters,
and La Colosa (100 km S) having 16.27 million ounces of gold at 0.3g/t using pole-pole (2-array) electrode configuration, with a plotting point at
cut-off (Pintor, 2011; www.baterogold.com, 2012). This belt also hosts other mid-distance between moving electrodes C1 and P1; successive “a” 50m,
gold and copper porphyry deposits, including Titiribi, La Mina and Queb- 100m, 150m, 200m, 250m, 300m and 350m spacing was used to mea-
radona. Compared to the projects noted above, Quinchía has been the least sure chargeability and electrical resistivity. The transmitter was an IRIS
explored in the mid-Cauca gold belt. The Quinchía concessions cover 1,407 VIP4000, a 220V-60Hz motor generator energising field with direct cur-
hectares. Three Miocene intrusive centres (La Cumbre, El Centro and Dos rent (time-domain) with 2” pulse duration, a maximum available 3,000
Quebradas) have been identified as having a north-south trend and strike volts tension and applied current up to 3A true intensity. The receiver was
14 Orlando Hernández Pardo, Gretta C. Alexander E. and Iraida M. Pintor B.

(a) (b)

(c) (d)

Figure 3. (a) Total count map (cps) showing areas A, B and C and local discontinuities, (b) potassium content (%) showing areas A, B and C
and local discontinuities, (c) uranium content (ppm) showing interpreted local discontinuities associated with local faults, (d) thorium content
(ppm) showing local discontinuities.

an IRIS ELREC PRO with 1mV resolution. Pole–pole time domain-in- Discussion
duced polarization chargeability and resistivity data was interpreted regard-
ing the ore deposit model to indicate possible alteration areas associated with The total count map (Figure 3a) showed three areas A, B and C, where
porphyry style copper and gold mineralization. Chargeability and resistivity areas A and C were interpreted as geophysical units associated with the
data were 3D modelled and displayed in a series of chargeability and resistiv- recognition of alteration related to intrusive bodies located in topographic
ity maps at 310m, 260m, 210m, 170m, 100m, 50m and 20m depth. highs which were partially outcropping and had been differentially weath-
 Geophysical exploration of disseminated and stockwork deposits associated with plutonic intrusive rock: a case study on the eastern flank of Colombia’s western cordillera 15

(a) (b)

(c) (d)

Figure 4. (a) Th/K x 10-4 ratio showing low areas (blue) associated with evident alteration in porphyry gold and copper belts, (b) eU/eTh ratio showing local
discontinuities (yellow) affecting the area’s lithological units, (c) eU/K x 10-4 ratio showing low ratio areas (blue) associated with potassium alteration, (d) ternary K-eU-
eTh ratio showing the predominance of potassium in the southern area while eU and eTh are dominant in the northern area.

ered while area B was interpreted as the intrusive bodies’ host rock located in rocks close to the surface. The areas of intense K-feldspar enrichment were
topographic lows. Some linear patterns were recognized, inferring the pres- less directly associated with porphyry gold and copper mineralization than
ence of geological discontinuities or local faults. The K map (Figure 3b) sericitic and chloritic alteration; potassium anomalies’ proximity to miner-
shows the same three areas A, B and C observed on the total count map alization provided evidence of significant fluid/rock interaction associated
indicating the dominance of K in the radioactive elements. The spatial distri- with mineralization. Areas A and C were interpreted as potassium altera-
bution of K was interpreted as K-alteration related to intermediate intrusive tion providing powerful exploration guidance for locating mineralised areas.
16 Orlando Hernández Pardo, Gretta C. Alexander E. and Iraida M. Pintor B.

(a) (b)

(c) (d)

Figure 5. (a) Total magnetic field anomaly map showing TFMA highs and lows, (b) reduced to pole total magnetic field anomalies showing prospective RTP-TFMA
highs and lows and magnetic gradients interpreted as local discontinuities, (c) analytic signal of the total magnetic field intensity values, (d) proportional Euler depth
solution symbols for pole total magnetic field anomalies and discontinuities interpreted from the RTP–TFMA map. Depth solutions are concentrated in the first 200 m.

The uranium map (eU; ppm; Figure 3c) shows several high frequency local NW-SE and N-S. The thorium map (eTh; ppm; Figure 3d) shows several
anomalies peripheral to the potassium anomalies and related to numerous high frequency local anomalies similar to those recognized on the uranium
small discontinuities which could be associated with mineralized veins. This map, inferring the presence of geological discontinuities or local faults ori-
pattern suggested that the uranium moved laterally away from the hydro- entated NE-SW, NW-SE and N-S. As thorium enrichment does not usually
thermal centre of the system. Some linear patterns were recognized, inferring accompany potassium during hydrothermal alteration, the eTh/K ratio map
the presence of geological discontinuities or local faults orientated NE-SW, provided an excellent distinction between potassium associated with altera-
 Geophysical exploration of disseminated and stockwork deposits associated with plutonic intrusive rock: a case study on the eastern flank of Colombia’s western cordillera 17

(a) (b)

Figure 6. (a) Chargeability model at 310m depth in mV/V obtained from a pole-pole array with 50m to 350m electrode spacing with six chargeability anomaly highs
(A1 to A6) related to sulphur mineralization and local discontinuities, (b) resistivity model at 310 m depth in ohm-m obtained from a pole-pole array with 50m to 350m
electrode spacing showing four resistivity highs (H1 to H4) and four resistivity lows (L1 to L4). The lows are related to sulphur mineralization and altered mineralised
fracture areas.

(a) (b)

Figure 7. (a) Chargeability model at 260m depth in mV/V obtained from a pole-pole array with 50m to 350m electrode spacing showing nine chargeability anomaly
highs (B1 to B9) related to sulphur mineralization and local discontinuities, (b) resistivity model at 260 m depth in ohm-m obtained from a pole-pole array with 50m to
350m electrode spacing showing five resistivity highs (H1 to H5) and four resistivity lows (L1 to L4). The resistivity lows are related to sulphur mineralization of diorite
porphyry intrusion and altered mineralised fracture areas.
18 Orlando Hernández Pardo, Gretta C. Alexander E. and Iraida M. Pintor B.

(a) (b)

Figure 8. (a) Chargeability model at 210m depth in mV/V obtained from a pole-pole array with 50m to 350m electrode spacing showing nine chargeability anomaly
highs (C1 to C9) related to sulphur mineralization and local discontinuities, (b) resistivity model at 210 m depth in ohm-m obtained from a pole-pole array with 50m to
350m electrode spacing showing eight resistivity highs (H1 to H8) and four resistivity lows (L1 to L4). The resistivity lows are related to sulphur mineralization of diorite
porphyry intrusion and altered mineralised fracture areas.

(a) (b)

Figure 9. (a) Chargeability model at 170m depth in mV/V obtained from pole-pole array with 50m to 350m electrode spacing showing twelve chargeability anomaly
highs (D1 to D12) related to sulphur mineralization and local discontinuities, (b) resistivity model at 170m depth in ohm-m obtained from a pole-pole array with 50m
to 350m electrode spacing showing eleven resistivity highs (H1 to H11) and seven resistivity lows (L1 to L7). The resistivity lows are related to sulphur mineralization of
the diorite porphyry intrusion and altered mineralized fracture areas.
 Geophysical exploration of disseminated and stockwork deposits associated with plutonic intrusive rock: a case study on the eastern flank of Colombia’s western cordillera 19

(a) (b)

Figure 10. Chargeability model at 100m depth in mV/V obtained from a pole-pole array with 50m to 350m electrode spacing showing 25 chargeability anomaly highs
(E1 to E25) related to sulphur mineralization and local discontinuities, (b) resistivity model at 100 m depth in ohm-m obtained from a pole-pole array with 50m to
350m electrode spacing showing 37 resistivity highs (H1 to H37) and 24 resistivity lows (L1 to L24). The resistivity lows are related to sulphur mineralization of the
diorite porphyry intrusion and altered mineralized fracture areas.

tion and anomalies related to normal lithological variations (Figure 4a). This the results of radiometry and induced polarization surveys. The extreme
important correlation of low eTh/K ratio with alteration was evident in por- maximum and minimum values were related to cultural anomalies. TFMA
phyry gold and copper belts. The eTh/K map ratio showed the characteris- highs (~1000 nT) were concentrated in the southern region. Interpreting
tic lows interpreted as alteration associated with mineralization produced magnetic field data at low magnetic latitudes is difficult because the vector
by potassium, this being clearly differentiated from normal lithology. The nature of the magnetic field increases the complexity of anomalies from
potassium alteration was more intensive in shear hosted gold deposits. The magnetic rocks. Magnetic data is reduced to the magnetic pole to sim-
strong potassium anomaly was characterized by less than 2.5 x 10-4 eTh/K plify the observed anomalies. The RTP total magnetic field anomaly map
ratio values. Unaltered lithologies typically reflect the normal K and Th (RTP-TFMA) (Figure 5b) showed that the largest magnetic anomaly highs
crustal abundance ratio (5 x 10-4). Thorium does not usually accompany were located in the southern region of the study area, in La Cumbre and
potassium during potassium alteration; however, the resulting low eTh/K Matecaña sectors having values ranging from 1600 nT to 2000 nT. These
ratio thus enabled distinguishing potassium anomalies having exploration anomalies were attributed to diorite porphyry intrusive bodies which are
significance from those solely related to lithological variations. Uranium en- intensively mineralised. Intermediate anomaly highs, having values greater
richment, evident on the eU/eTh ratio map, was peripheral to the potassium than 2000nT, were observed in the central region in Mandeval, la Lengui-
anomaly and related to numerous small pitchblende veins (Figure 4b). Such ta and el Cedral. These anomalies were attributed to diorite porphyry in-
mineralization may have shown that uranium moved laterally away from trusive bodies that seemed to be smaller in size than those from La Cumbre
the system’s hydrothermal centre. Local discontinuities infer an intensive and Matecaña anomaly areas but could be more mineralised, as inferred
fracture system that has affected intrusive intermediate porphyry intrusions. from their higher amplitudes. The smallest magnetic anomaly highs were
Uranium enrichment, evident on the eU/Kx10-4 ratio map, was peripheral located in the northern region in Dos Quebradas and San Luis, having
to the potassium anomaly and related to mineralized veins (Figure 4c). This anomalies similar in size and amplitude regarding those from Mandeval,
mineralization may have shown that uranium moved laterally away from the La Lenguita and el Cedral but more isolated, separated by anomaly lows.
system’s hydrothermal centre. Local discontinuities infer an intensive frac- RTP-TFMA magnetic anomalies gradients were interpreted as two local
ture system that has affected the intrusive intermediate porphyry intrusions. discontinuity systems orientated NE-SW and NW-SE. These discontinui-
The ternary K-eU-eTh radioelement map (Figure 4d) was a K-eU-eTh ter- ties could be associated with local faults and joints affecting the intrusive
nary colour presentation which is useful in outlining the areal extent of the bodies. The TFMI map’s vertical integration analytic signal (MacLeod et
potassium alteration but ambiguous for interpreting local discontinuities. al., 2004; Figure 5c) showed that 3-D analytic signal amplitude produced
A ground magnetic survey is useful for modelling the surface and hid- maxima over magnetic contacts regardless of the direction of magnetisa-
den geology associated with Eocene gold and cooper mineralised intrusive tion. The absence of magnetization direction in the shape of analytic sig-
bodies and related mineralization and structural features affecting them. nal anomalies was a particularly attractive characteristic for interpreting
Magnetic data has been useful for detecting magnetic susceptibility con- magnetic field data near the magnetic equator. Although analytic signal
trast among Diorites, basalts, pyroclastic rocks, breccias, mineralised areas amplitude was dependent on magnetization strength and the direction of
and halos of alteration thereby helping to define drill targets together with geological strike regarding the magnetization vector, this dependency was
20 Orlando Hernández Pardo, Gretta C. Alexander E. and Iraida M. Pintor B.

(a) (b)

Figure 11. (a) Chargeability model at 50m depth in mV/V obtained from a pole-pole array with 50m to 350m electrode spacing showing 55 chargeability anomaly highs
(F1 to F55) related to sulphur mineralization and local discontinuities, (b) resistivity model at 50 m depth in ohm-m obtained from a pole-pole array with 50m to 350m
electrode spacing showing 59 resistivity highs (H1 to H59) and 36 resistivity lows (L1 to L36). The resistivity lows are related to sulphur mineralization of the diorite
porphyry intrusion and altered mineralized fracture areas.

Figure 12. (a) Chargeability model at 20m depth in mV/V obtained from a pole-pole array with 50m to 350m electrode spacing showing 82 chargeability anomaly highs
(G1 to G88) related to sulphur mineralization and local discontinuities, (b) resistivity model at 20 m depth in ohm-m obtained from a pole-pole array with 50m to 350m
electrode spacing showing 104 resistivity highs (H1 to H104) and almost 100 resistivity lows related to sulphur mineralization of the diorite porphyry intrusion and
altered mineralised fracture areas.
 Geophysical exploration of disseminated and stockwork deposits associated with plutonic intrusive rock: a case study on the eastern flank of Colombia’s western cordillera 21

Figure 13. (a) Chargeability discontinuities interpreted at depths from 310m to 20 m compiled from Figures 2 to 8 showing the intensive fracturing system characterized
by fewer deep fractures split up into branches (ramified) at shallower depths, (b) resistivity discontinuities interpreted at depths from 310m to 20 m compiled from
Figures 9 to 15 showing the intensive fracturing system characterized by few deeper fractures split up into branches (ramified) at shallower depths.

Figure 14. (a) 3D view from the SW of the Quinchía mining project showing chargeability data distribution. Red and pink areas are related to sulphur mineralization
having economic interest, (b) 3D view from the SE of the Quinchía mining project showing chargeability data distribution. Red and pink areas are related to sulphur
mineralization having economic interest.

easier to deal with when interpreting analytic signal amplitude than origi- 170 m depth (32m to 50m depth). Shallow depth solutions from 0m to
nal total field data or pole reduced magnetic field. Euler 3D deconvolu- 30m-50m could be associated with the weathered–fresh rock interface.
tion processing was applied to automatically locate and determine depth The chargeability maps at 310m (M310; Figure 6a), 260m (M260; Fig-
for gridded RTP total magnetic field anomalies. The Euler depth solutions ure 7a), 210m (M210; Figure 8a), 170m (M170; Figure 9a), 100m (M100;
were obtained by calculating the first derivative of the RTP TFMA in X, Figure 10a), 50m (M50; Figure 11a) and 20m depth (M20; Figure 12a)
Y and Z directions and applying the fast Fourier transform to estimate showed several chargeability anomaly highs located within the Cumbre,
the depth location of the bodies causing local RTP TFMA anomalies. The Matecaña, Mandeval-La Lenguita, el Cedral, San Luis and Dos Quebradas
point data solutions were mainly from 0m to 170m in depth. These depth target areas, respectively. These chargeability anomaly highs were related to
solutions were represented by proportional symbols (Figure 5d) showing sulphur mineralization of diorite porphyry intrusions. The resistivity maps
that the main mineralised areas were located from the surface to the first at 310m (R310; Figure 6b), 260m (R260; Figure 7b), 210m (R210; Figure
22 Orlando Hernández Pardo, Gretta C. Alexander E. and Iraida M. Pintor B.

Figure 15. Idealised porphyry model with key mineralization types. Postulated intensive fracturing is indicated which would be associated with Cu, Mo, Au, Ag in
alteration areas and Au, Ag in veins (Brett, 2007, adapted from Sinclair, Geological Survey of Canada). This model can be adapted to explain the chargeability, resistivity,
magnetic and radiometry anomalies modelled in the Quinchía mining project.

8b), 170m (R170; Figure 9b), 100m (R100; Figure 10b), 50m (R50; Figure sisting of a moderate resistivity / resistivity low, coincident with moderate
11b) and 20m depth (R20; Figure 12b) showed several resistivity highs asso- chargeability high / edge of a chargeability high (Brett, 2007; Figure 15).
ciated with diorite rocks without significant mineralization while resistivity
lows were related to sulphur mineralization of diorite porphyry intrusions Conclusions
and mineralised fracture areas with intensive alteration. The induced po-
larization survey was useful in outlining sulphide distribution in porphyry Gamma ray spectrometry has been useful in determining the anoma-
deposits related to chargeability anomaly highs. The survey identified few lous potassium, uranium and thorium concentration interpreted as altera-
major chargeability highs and few discontinuities at depths from 170m to tion halos and linear discontinuities, associated with intermediate intru-
310m and several small chargeability highs and several discontinuities at sive / extrusive rocks (Dickson and Scott, 1997). The total counts, K, Th/
depths from 20m to 100m depth. These chargeability highs and discon- Kx10-4, U/Kx10-4 and ternary K-U-Th maps clearly showed areas A and
tinuities suggested that diorite porphyry intrusion had been intensively C, located in the south and northwest, respectively, as being the most pro-
fractured and sulphur mineralization had been emplaced throughout these spective areas. The U, Th, and U/Th maps revealed linear gradients which
fracture areas (Figure 13a, b). Interpreting inferred structural features was were interpreted as local discontinuities associated with local fault and/or
complex. Most linear features did not coincide with 20m to 310m or the joint systems orientated NE – SW and N-S, which were also prospective
interpreted applied radiometry, magnetic and IP methods. However, the for basic and precious metals.
interpreted linear features showed that intrusive bodies and host rocks had Depth estimates of the bodies causing magnetic anomalies showed
been intensively fractured, allowing the flow of mineralized solutions. These that the main mineralized areas were located from the surface to the first
linear features’ vertical and horizontal offset also suggested that most of 170 m depth (32m to 50m depth average mean value).
them were dipping at high angles. Only a few of these linear features seemed Targets were identified on all induced polarization maps, with prior-
to be vertical. The 3D target distribution inferred a 3D model of intensive- ity target areas identified for immediate drilling to test and develop the
ly fractured porphyry rocks which were also intensively altered at shallow exploration model. These targets included deeper and shallower charge-
depths from the surface to 20m and 50m depth (Figure 14). Chargeability able areas, having apparent line-to-line continuity. The highest priority
anomalies were locally coincident with mapped diorite porphyry rocks at La targets were interpreted to conform to an idealized model for sulphide or
Cumbre, Matecaña, La Lenguita, el Cedral, Mandeval, San Luis and Dos magnetite associated alteration areas which might be associated with gold
Quebradas and were also coincident with gold soil geochemical anomalies mineralization and are recommended for follow-up via drilling. Further
at La Cumbre and were proximal to electrical resistivity lows. Interpreting geophysical, geological and geochemical data integration work and model
the geophysical data was based on discussions regarding Quinchia geology; development is recommended to expand the Quinchía mining project’s
mineralization models including both sulphides and magnetite (chargeable) potential. The induced polarization survey has also been useful in outlin-
could have been associated with Cu and Au mineralization and the presence ing sulphide distribution in porphyry deposits related to resistivity anom-
of Cu and Au mineralization between 170m and 300m inferred a possible aly lows. The induced polarization survey identified few major resistivity
characteristic geophysical response for alteration and mineralization con- lows and few discontinuities at depths from 170m to 310m and several
 Geophysical exploration of disseminated and stockwork deposits associated with plutonic intrusive rock: a case study on the eastern flank of Colombia’s western cordillera 23

small resistivity lows and several discontinuities at depths from 20m to Brett, J. S. 2007. Report on the interpretation of induced polarization
100m depth. These resistivity lows and discontinuities suggested that the data, Kenville Gold Project, prepared for Anglo Swiss Resources,
diorite porphyry intrusion has been intensively mineralized and altered MHP Geophysical Interpretation Report, p 1-25.
throughout these fracture areas. The chargeability anomaly highs and re- Cooper, G.R.J. Cowan .R. D, 2005. Differential reduction to the pole.
sistivity anomaly lows that were outlined at each depth solution map were Computer & Geosciences, Elsevier 31 (2005) 989–999.
spatially superimposed and inversely correlated. The chargeability highs Dickson B.L. and Scott K.M. 1997. Interpretation of aerial gamma-ray
had values ranging from 35 mV/V and exceptionally up to 170mV/V to surveys – adding the geochemical factors. AGSO Journal of Austra-
75mV/V against a background of 20 mV/V related to intermediate to lian Geology and Geophysics 17:187–200
high grade sulphur mineralization. The highest mean chargeability val- Evans, A. M. 1993. Ore Geology and Industrial Minerals: An Introduc-
ues and most associated mineralized areas were located at 170m depth. tion. Geosciences Texts, Blackwell Scientific Publications, 389 p.
The resistivity lows had values from 7 ohm-m to 300 ohm-m related to Geosoft, 2010, Geosoft Oasis Montaj: Software for Earth Sciences Map-
sulphur mineralization and altered igneous rocks. It was concluded that ping and Processing (www.geosoft.com/).
about 40% of the studied area covered by the induced polarization survey Keary, P. and Brooks, M. 1992, An introduction to exploration geophys-
had the potential to host porphyry style alteration areas and sulphide areas ics, second edition, Blackwell series, London, 254 pp
which might be mineralized with base and precious metals in the porphyry Lowrie, W. 2007. Fundamentals of Geophysics, second edition, Cam-
intrusion of La Cumbre, Matecaña, la Lenguita, el Cedral, Mandeval, San bridge University Press, New York, USA.
Luis and Dos Quebradas. The 3D target distribution inferred a 3D model MacLeod, I N., Jones K, Ting Fan Dai, 2004. 3-D Analytic Signal in the
of intensively fractured porphyry rocks which were also intensively altered interpretation of Total Magnetic Field Data at Low Magnetic Lati-
at shallow depths from the surface to 20m and 50m depth. It should be tudes. Geosoft technical notes.
noted that the chargeability anomalies had moderate to high intensity (up Merrill, R. T. 2010. Our Magnetic Earth. The Science of Geomagnetism.
to 170mV/V against a background of 30mV/V) and were interpreted here The University of Chicago Press. 261 p.
to be consistent with the intermediate sulphide concentrations typical of Pintor, B. I.M., 2011. Exploración geofísica integrada de los pórfidos au-
low-grade porphyry targets. ríferos del Sector de La Cumbre, Municipio de Quinchía, Risaralda,
Colombia. Tesis MSc en Ciencias - Geología, Universidad Nacional
Acknowledgements de Colombia,
Shives, R.B.K., B.W. Charbonneau, Ken L. Ford, 1997. The detection
Elements of this research were produced with support from Minera of potassic alteration by gamma ray spectrometry - recognition of
Quinchía SAS, TEP Ltda and the Universidad Nacional de Colombia’s alteration related to mineralization, Radiation Geophysics Section,
Geosciences Department’s Geophysics Group. We thank the anonymous Mineral Resources Division Geological Survey of Canada.
reviewers for their comments, corrections and contributions. Telford, W.M., Geldarty, L.P., Sheriff, R.E., 1994, Applied Geophysics.
Second edition, Cambridge University Press, New York, 770 pp.
References Ward, S. H., 1990, Resistivity and induced polarization methods, in
Ward, S. H., , Geotechnical and environmental geophysics: Volume
Angoran, Y., and Madden, T. R., 1977, Induced polarization: a prelimi- I, Review and tutorial, Soc. Explor. Geophys., 147-190.
nary study of its chemical basis: Geophysics, 42, 788-803. Ward S. H., Sternberg B. K., LaBrecque D. J., and Poulton M. M., 1995,
Ariosa, J. 1990. Curso de Yacimientos Minerales Metálicos, Editorial Recommendations for IP research: The Leading Edge, April 1995,
Pueblo y Educación. La Habana, Cuba, 306 p. 243-247.
Bleil, D. F., 1953, Induced polarization: a method of geophysical pros- Wilson, M. 1989, Igneous petrology, Winchester, Unwyn Hyman, 466
pecting: Geophysics, 18, 636-661. pp. (www.baterogold.com, 2012)