Mineralogical and Geochemical Characteristics of the H-Pit of the Chatree Gold Deposit, Central Thailand: A Case Study for Assessment of Acid Rock Drainage and Heavy Metal Sources

H-pit is one of the significant ore lenses Chatree mine in Thailand. Au-Ag mineralization mainly occurs as veins, stockworks, and minor breccias hosted by volcanic volcaniclastic rocks. Disseminated pyrites are commonly present near mineralized veins hanging wall zone. This study aims to assess acid rock drainage (ARD) potential heavy metal content from area. The results indicate that a acid-forming (PAF) material related disseminated pyrite formed hydrothermal alteration. In contrast, footwall zone materials classified non-acid forming (NAF). Because has calcite it may help buffer material’s acidity. analysis reveal significantly higher contents As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn than those zones. Moreover, have exceeding values for compared typical igneous These metals interpreted be sourced (1) primary composition base sulfides (e.g., Zn), (2) substitution trace elements As Cd), (3) Mn), evidenced EPMA results. conclusion, rocks this containing high sulfur proximity PAF with contaminant sources, whereas lower such sources at mine.