VTEM airborne EM, aeromagnetic and gamma-ray spectrometric data over the Cerro Quema high sulphidation epithermal gold deposits, Panama. Issue 3 (1st September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kwan, Karl; Prikhodko, Alexander; Legault, Jean M.; Plastow, Geoffrey C.; Kapetas, John; Druecker, Michael
• Is Part Of: Exploration geophysics. Volume 47:Issue 3(2017)
• Page Start: 179
• Page End: 190
• Publication Date: 2016-09-01
• Subjects: AIIP, airborne EM, epithermal, gold, high sulphidation, magnetics, spectrometry (radiometrics).; Geophysics -- Periodicals; Prospecting -- Geophysical methods -- Periodicals; 622.15
• DOI: 10.1071/EG15080
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0812-3985

Abstract

Abstract : In March 2012, a helicopter-borne versatile time-domain electromagnetic (VTEM), magnetic and radiometric survey was flown over the Cerro Quema high sulphidation (HS) epithermal gold deposits and the surrounding area. The Cerro Quema deposits are located in the Azuero Peninsula, Panama, approximately 8 km east of Güerita. The gold mineralisation is associated with clay-pyrite alterations topped by an acid-leached resistive cap, and the principal ores are pyrite-rich sulphides located within mineralised vuggy silica rocks. The geophysical data over the Cerro Quema deposits have been analysed. The electromagnetic (EM) responses over the deposits are characterised by resistivity highs and chargeability lows, surrounded by resistivity lows and chargeability highs. Radiometric Th/K ratio highs and magnetic susceptibility lows are observed over the deposits. These geophysical signatures over the Cerro Quema deposits are characteristic responses from HS epithermal gold deposits. The success of the VTEM survey points to the applicability of the regional helicopter electromagnetic, magnetic and gamma-ray spectrometry (EM-Mag-Spec) surveys for the exploration of similar HS epithermal gold deposits to depths < 500 m in weathered terrains. Abstract : In March 2012, a helicopter-borne VTEM survey was flown over the Cerro Quema high sulphidation (HS) epithermal gold deposits. The geophysical data obtained were analysed for geophysical signatures characteristic of HS epithermal gold deposits. The success of this survey points to the applicability of EM-Mag-Spec surveys for the exploration of similar deposits.