Geochemical exploration for gold in the Nile Valley Block (A) area, Wadi Allaqi, South Egypt

The present work aims to estimate Au-anomalous distribution patterns, the optimum grain size fraction and pathfinder elements for gold placer. The obtained data of analyzed elements (Au, Ag, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ga, Hg, Li, Mn. Mo, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sb, Se, Sr, Te, Ti, V, Y and Zn) in both the fine (-0.25 mm) and coarse (-1 mm+0.25 mm) grain size fractions of 32 dry stream sediment samples, which have been derived from metamorphosed Island Arc volcanic rocks of Late Proterozoic age, revealed that most of the analyzed elements in both grain size fractions are asymmetrically distributed and did not pass the tests of normality. The coarse grain size fraction appears to be the better size fraction for Au detection and can be considered as the optimum grain size fraction for future application in regional stream sediment surveys. The presence of Au anomalies in the upper part of the stream and beside the mine is either sourced by the main Au-mineralization or new potential extension of the mineralization in the study area. Silver, Cd, Se, Zn and Te can be considered as useful pathfinder elements for Au in the coarse grain size fraction, and they may be used for future geochemical exploration for Au in the area. Recommendation of the authors is pointing to perform lithogeochemical survey in the eastern and western parts of the mine. (C) 2009 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.