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The Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation’s (GMDC) Ambaji mine, situated within the Proterozoic Aravalli Fold Belt, is a promising site for base metal exploration, particularly copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn). The region's polymetallic mineralization is primarily associated with metamorphosed Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide (VMS) deposits. Indicator minerals and pathfinder elements are crucial tools in mineral exploration, aiding in the identification of ore deposits by revealing geochemical anomalies associated with mineralization. This pilot study was carried out to assess concentration of indicator minerals and pathfinder elements within the Ambaji mining region. Field sampling, petrographic analysis and advanced characterization, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDS) were conducted. These methods facilitated the characterization of ore-forming processes, identification of hydrothermal alterations, and differentiation between mineralized and barren zones. The ICP-OES study identified chalcopyrite (CuFeS₂) and covellite (CuS) as primary ore minerals, while hematite, magnetite, chlorite, and biotite were recognized as major alteration minerals formed due to wall rock alteration by mineralizing fluids. Additionally, pyrite and staurolite were identified as key indicator minerals for copper mineralization in the region. The geochemical data analysis revealed a reasonably good trend between the concentration of pathfinder elements and proximity to ore deposits. The SEM–EDS spectrum shows presence of MgO, Al2O3, SiO2, K2O, CaO, FeO compounds. Moreover, the pilot study indicates a consistently distributed Cu-Pb–Zn mineralization trend within specific lithological units, making a cause for acceptance of geochemical indicators in exploration. The study not only confirms the application of these indicators for base metal exploration in the Ambaji region but also provides a methodological framework for similar mineral-rich regions globally. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for continued research in understanding fluid-rock interactions and their role in ore deposition within the Aravalli Fold Belt.

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Geochemical Signatures of Base Metal Mineralization: Indicator Minerals and Pathfinder Elements in the Ambaji Mines

  • 会议论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年

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  • Siddhi Panchal,
  • Kartik Solanki,
  • Madhu Anand,
  • Deepak Rawtani,
  • Sanjiv Tyagi

摘要

The Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation’s (GMDC) Ambaji mine, situated within the Proterozoic Aravalli Fold Belt, is a promising site for base metal exploration, particularly copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn). The region's polymetallic mineralization is primarily associated with metamorphosed Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide (VMS) deposits. Indicator minerals and pathfinder elements are crucial tools in mineral exploration, aiding in the identification of ore deposits by revealing geochemical anomalies associated with mineralization. This pilot study was carried out to assess concentration of indicator minerals and pathfinder elements within the Ambaji mining region. Field sampling, petrographic analysis and advanced characterization, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDS) were conducted. These methods facilitated the characterization of ore-forming processes, identification of hydrothermal alterations, and differentiation between mineralized and barren zones. The ICP-OES study identified chalcopyrite (CuFeS₂) and covellite (CuS) as primary ore minerals, while hematite, magnetite, chlorite, and biotite were recognized as major alteration minerals formed due to wall rock alteration by mineralizing fluids. Additionally, pyrite and staurolite were identified as key indicator minerals for copper mineralization in the region. The geochemical data analysis revealed a reasonably good trend between the concentration of pathfinder elements and proximity to ore deposits. The SEM–EDS spectrum shows presence of MgO, Al2O3, SiO2, K2O, CaO, FeO compounds. Moreover, the pilot study indicates a consistently distributed Cu-Pb–Zn mineralization trend within specific lithological units, making a cause for acceptance of geochemical indicators in exploration. The study not only confirms the application of these indicators for base metal exploration in the Ambaji region but also provides a methodological framework for similar mineral-rich regions globally. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for continued research in understanding fluid-rock interactions and their role in ore deposition within the Aravalli Fold Belt.