Biogeochemistry in Mineral Exploration

Colin E. Dunn

• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 2011
• ISBN:
  9780080546490
• Topic: Physical Sciences
• Subtopic: Geology & Earth Sciences

Significant refinements of biogeochemical methods applied to mineral exploration have been made during more than twenty years since the last major publication on this technique. This innovative, practical and comprehensive text is designed as a field handbook and an office reference volume. It outlines the historical development of biogeochemical methods applied to mineral exploration, and provides details of what, how, why and when to collect samples from all major climatic environments with examples from around the world. Recent commercialization of sophisticated analytical technology permits immensely more insight into the multi-element composition of plants. In particular, precise determination of ultra-trace levels of 'pathfinder' elements in dry tissues and recognition of element distribution patterns with respect to concealed mineralization. Data handling and interpretation are discussed in context of a wealth of previously unpublished information, including a section on plant mineralogy, much of which has been classified as confidential until recently. Data are provided on the biogeochemistry of more than 60 elements and, by case history examples, their roles discussed in assisting in the discovery of concealed mineral deposits. A look to the future includes the potential role of bacteria to provide new focus for mineral exploration.

• Describes the practical aspects of plant selection and collection in different environments around the world, and how to process and analyze them
• Discusses more than 60 elements in plants, with data interpretation and case history results that include exploration for Au, PGEs, U, base metals and kimberlites

Table of contents

• Cover
• Contents
• Editor’s Foreword
• Preface
• Chapter 1. Introduction
• Chapter 2. Plant Function, Chemistry and Mineralogy
• Chapter 3. Field Guide 1: Climatic and Geographic Zones
• Chapter 4. Field Guide 2: Sample Selection and Collection
• Chapter 5. Survey Design and Comparisons with other Sample Media
• Chapter 6. Sample Preparation and Decomposition
• Chapter 7. Plant Analysis
• Chapter 8. The Eden Project – Source of a Biogeochemical Database
• Chapter 9. Biogeochemical Behaviour of the Elements
• Chapter 10. Data Handling and Analysis
• Chapter 11. Case Histories
• Chapter 12. Exploration Geomicrobiology – The New Frontier
• Chapter 13. A Look to the Future
• References
• Botanical Index
• Subject Index
• Contents of CD