GENESIS OF GOLD MINERALIZATION IN KEONJHAR REGION OF EASTERN INDIAN SHIELD

Abstract

The gold prospect of Banspal Block, Odisha is located well within the laterites formed due to tropical weathering of metabasaltic rocks. The work was carried in and around Banspal (2103736 N; 85°18'50" E) gold prospects of Banspal Block. Gold mineralization occurs in the quartz veins with stringers and rich dissemination of suiphides. Samples of quartz veins were collected from the area. Mineralogic, Petrologic and Fluid Inclusion Petrographic studies were carried out under both transmitted light and reflected light microscope. Microthermometric analyses of the fluid inclusions were also carried out. The results of petrographic studies indicate that the ore mineralogy includes arsenopyrite, pyrite, and chalcopyrite with arsenopyrite as major sulfide phase. The microthermometric analyses of fluid inclusions indicate that there are H20 - CO2, aqueous H20, and H20 - salt inclusion present with minimum temperature of formation of fluid ranging from 140°C - 300°C. The analysis also shows that the salinity of the fluids are also low in 1120 - CO2 inclusions.