IDENTIFICATION OF SANDUR SCHIST BELT AS A POTENTIAL GOLD FIELD

摘要

Preliminary mineralogical and geochemical studies with a new approach over the Sandur schist belt indicate a strong possibility of this region becoming a new gold field of India. Gold concentrations ranging from trace to 2.9 gpt have been found at ten new different localities. Earlier workers have reported old workings from Lingadahalli only. Our studies have shown high gold values in the weathered surface rock samples of (i) banded iron formations of Taranagar, Joga and Vibhutigudda, (ii) quartz veins and volcanic rock samples of Papinayakanahalli and Sujigudda-Murutalegudda, and (iii) graywackes of Vibhutiydda. Traces are found in the graywackes of Deogiri also. Most of this gold is invisible and refractory. Detailed geochemical exploration at close interval has been taken up to estimate the economic potential of these deposits. The results of this study emphasize that adoption of new concept-based exploration methodology, in addition to the existing one, can go a long way for a better evaluation of the country's precious metal resources. [References: 17]