New Perspectives on Biogeochemical Exploration

Significant refinements of biogeochemical methods applied to mineral exploration have been made over the past quarter century, with advances on all continents. Databases from surveys around the world provide enhanced information on which species and tissues to collect from all major climatic environments, and how, why and when to sample. Recent commercialization of sophisticated new ICPMS analytical technology and the information emerging from studies involving the Synchrotron are permitting immensely more insight into the multi-element composition of plants. From determinations of precise ultra-trace levels in dry tissues of mineral ‘pathfinder’ elements, and the recognition of element distribution patterns with respect to concealed mineralization a steady understanding of relationships is unfurling. Data are now readily available on the biogeochemistry of almost all elements of the Periodic Table. Surveys conducted in undisturbed areas over the past 30 years can now be put into context of results from subsequent exploration activities, some of which have been developed as mines. Examples are presented from surveys for Au, PGEs, U, and kimberlites by reference to a wealth of previously unpublished data that until recently has been classified as confidential.