Biogeochemistry In Mineral Exploration

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 Data handling and interpretation are discussed in context of a wealth of previously unpublished information, including a section on plant mineralogy, much of which has been classified as confidential until recently.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. Analyses of samples from the controlled environment of Britain’s Eden Project are presented on an accompanying CD as part of a database that includes, also, the potential role of the halogens to assist in mineral exploration. Data on this CD provide a ‘hands-on’ approach for the reader to interrogate and personally assess real datasets from the burgeoning discipline of biogeochemical 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 * Contains databases as digital files on an accompanying CD for "hands-on" experimentation with real biogeochemical data

Geobotany in mineral exploration; An introduction to geobotany in mineral exploration; Plant communities as indicators of mineralization; Indicator plants; Morphological and mutational changes induced by mineralization; Remote sensing of vegetation; An assessment of geobotanical exploration methods; Geozoology in mineral exploration; Introduction to geozoology; Land mammals as indicators of mineralization; Birds and fish as indicators of mineralization; Insects as indicators of mineralization; Biogeochemistry in mineral exploration; An introduction to biogeochemical prospecting; Soils and their formation; Accumulation of elements by plants; Biogeochemical parameters and their significance for mineral prospecting; A field guide to biogeochemical prospecting; Alternative sample types in biogeochemical prospecting; Chemical analysis of plant material; Statistical interpretation of data from biological prospecting methods; Aerial biogeochemical prospecting; Biogeochemical prospecting in the herbarium; Biogeochemical prospecting in retrospect; An element-by-element listing of biological prospecting.

A steady increase in interest in biological systems in mineral exploration and processing has led to the need for a book bringing together the multi-disciplinary aspects of the subject. This book encompasses a number of fields in a single volume, including Russian work on the use of barrier-free plant organisms for biogeochemical prospecting.

This work is a translation of the revised and considerably supplemented edition of A.L. Kovalevsky's well-known monograph on biogeochemical methods of prospecting for minerals. The approach is essentially practical. Principles of the formation of biogeochemical haloes for 14 elements are discussed and practical results of biogeochemiacl prospecting for molybdenum and sulphide deposits are presented. An excellent chapter on methodology tells exactly how to undertake the tasks in view, including sample preparation and analysis, interpretation of data and the combination of biogeochemical techniques with other procedures. Perhaps the most important contribution made by this book is the principle of selection of suitable biosamples whose elemental content is proportional to that of the substrate. This book will be of immeasurable assistance to the practical field worker engaged in biogeochemical prospecting. It will also be of interest to geologists, geochemists, geophysicists and specialists in related areas in both academic and industrial spheres.

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