GOLD EXPLORATION USING STREAM SEDIMENTS
Gold exploration can be done using different method which involves
pedo-geochemical survey (soil)
litho- geochemical survey (rock)
stream sediment e.t.c
I will be talking more on stream sediments which is one of the easiest of way of sampling method.
The following are processes which the researcher has to take note before taking any stream sediment samples:
- Ensure that the exact location of research is a gold bearing environment, this is done by taking different sample of the stream sediment from different location to the laboratory to test for the pathfinder element.
Pathfinder element are element that indicates the presence of any particular natural resources. The pathfinder element for gold is Arsenic (sulphide and metals).
Avoid any form of contamination when taking the samples because this can affect your sample.
some materials that cause contamination are:
(i) wrist watch
(ii) iron - Ensure that there is more workers for the exploration
- With enough sieving materials to separate the sediments and the gold
gold is always heavier than the soil sediment