Soil geochemistry as a guide to mineralization in the drum mountains, Millard-Juab Counties, Utah

The geology and alteration in the Drum Mountains, Utah are very similar to productive metal districts as Carlin, Cortez, Tintic and Ely. Gold-bearing jasperoids and potential mineralization at depth near the limestone-quartzite contact have become excellent exploration targets in recent years. The purpose of this study was to investigate possible soil geochemical anomalies which can be used for potential buried mineralization. Approximately 400 soil samples were collected on four grids and assayed for Hg, As, and Sb (also Cu, Mo, Zn, and Sr). The results of the study showed: (1) Hg, As and Sb were anomalous over the Martha Jasperoid (known ore body) and, therefore, soil anomalies can be used to detect buried mineralization in the Drum Mountains; (2) the Martha Fault was traced in the alluvium by anomalous metal values; (3) anomalous metal values indicate that mineralization may occur at depth near the limestone-quartzite contact; (4) low Cu, Mo and Zn values eliminates the possibility of porphyry copper mineralization in the central portion of the study area; (5) zoning of metals in soil can help to pinpoint possible buried mineralization; and (6) strontium may be used to determine hydrothermally altered zones. Favorable areas for further exploration shown by anomalous metal values in soils are: (1) the Martha Fault and its extension, especially near the intersection with the basal quartzite; (2) the Horseshoe Fault at depth; and (3) the limestone and basal quartzite contact.