Abstract
Cu isotope fractionation in low temperature aqueous environments has been well documented. Here we apply Cu isotopes to two distinct, yet related mining problems. First, an exploration geological application where we measured copper isotope fractionation in oxidized leach caps, chalcocite enrichment blankets and hypogene mineralization in 4 porphyry copper deposits located in South western USA. Cu isotope patterns exist in the lateral and vertical distribution within the mines coupled with distinct relationships with Cu grade. Second, a hydrometallurgical application where we measured the leach fluids, feed and residues from a quick leach text of Cañariaco ores. The results indicate the relative proportions of the minerals providing Cu during leaching. Interpretations of the QLT test measurements indicate covellite is the dominant ore mineral providing Cu during leaching. Both applications clearly demonstrate the power and ability of using the Cu isotope technique to understand low temperature aqueous processed involving copper.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | SME Annual Meeting and Exhibit 2010 |
| Pages | 532-534 |
| Number of pages | 3 |
| State | Published - 2010 |
| Event | SME Annual Meeting and Exhibit 2010 - Phoenix, AZ, United States Duration: Feb 28 2010 → Mar 3 2010 |
Other
| Other | SME Annual Meeting and Exhibit 2010 |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| City | Phoenix, AZ |
| Period | 2/28/10 → 3/3/10 |
Fingerprint
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Geochemistry and Petrology
- Geology
- Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
Cite this
}
Exploration geological and hydrometallurgical applications of Cu isotope fractionation : Examples from porphyry copper deposits in the Southwestern US. / Mathur, R.; Titley, S. R.; Schlitt, W. J.; Wilson, M.
SME Annual Meeting and Exhibit 2010. 2010. p. 532-534.Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution
TY - GEN
T1 - Exploration geological and hydrometallurgical applications of Cu isotope fractionation
T2 - Examples from porphyry copper deposits in the Southwestern US
AU - Mathur, R.
AU - Titley, S. R.
AU - Schlitt, W. J.
AU - Wilson, M.
PY - 2010
Y1 - 2010
N2 - Cu isotope fractionation in low temperature aqueous environments has been well documented. Here we apply Cu isotopes to two distinct, yet related mining problems. First, an exploration geological application where we measured copper isotope fractionation in oxidized leach caps, chalcocite enrichment blankets and hypogene mineralization in 4 porphyry copper deposits located in South western USA. Cu isotope patterns exist in the lateral and vertical distribution within the mines coupled with distinct relationships with Cu grade. Second, a hydrometallurgical application where we measured the leach fluids, feed and residues from a quick leach text of Cañariaco ores. The results indicate the relative proportions of the minerals providing Cu during leaching. Interpretations of the QLT test measurements indicate covellite is the dominant ore mineral providing Cu during leaching. Both applications clearly demonstrate the power and ability of using the Cu isotope technique to understand low temperature aqueous processed involving copper.
AB - Cu isotope fractionation in low temperature aqueous environments has been well documented. Here we apply Cu isotopes to two distinct, yet related mining problems. First, an exploration geological application where we measured copper isotope fractionation in oxidized leach caps, chalcocite enrichment blankets and hypogene mineralization in 4 porphyry copper deposits located in South western USA. Cu isotope patterns exist in the lateral and vertical distribution within the mines coupled with distinct relationships with Cu grade. Second, a hydrometallurgical application where we measured the leach fluids, feed and residues from a quick leach text of Cañariaco ores. The results indicate the relative proportions of the minerals providing Cu during leaching. Interpretations of the QLT test measurements indicate covellite is the dominant ore mineral providing Cu during leaching. Both applications clearly demonstrate the power and ability of using the Cu isotope technique to understand low temperature aqueous processed involving copper.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=77954227122&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=77954227122&partnerID=8YFLogxK
M3 - Conference contribution
SN - 9781617380822
SP - 532
EP - 534
BT - SME Annual Meeting and Exhibit 2010
ER -