Characterization and identification of Au pathfinder minerals from an artisanal mine site using X-ray diffraction

Gold-associated pathfinder minerals have been investigated by identifying host of Au for samples collected from an artisanal mining site near a potential gold mine (Kubi Gold Project) in Dunkwa-On-Offin the central region Ghana. We find that each composition powder (impure) and residual black hematite/magnetite sand remains after panning, there is unique set associated diverse indicator minerals. These are identified as SiO2 (quartz), Fe3O4 (magnetite), Fe2O3 (hematite), while contributions pyrite, arsenopyrites, iridosmine, scheelite, tetradymite, garnet, gypsum, other sulfate materials insignificant. This constitutes confirmative identification pathfinding this particular mineralogical area. The findings suggest X-ray diffraction could also be applied sites to aid location ore bodies at reduced environmental exploration costs.