State of the Art Techniques for Iron Oxide Exploration

James Mataragio (Bell Geospace Inc), Greg Jorgensen (Flat Irons), Dionisio Uendro Carlos, Marco Antonio Braga (Vale S.A.)

Abstract

Geological and geophysical characteristics of the Maquiné Rocinha property located in Quadrilátelo Ferrífero, (QF) area, Minas Gerais, Brazil were investigated particularly to locate iron oxide deposits, estimate their volumetric tonnage and map features of interest associated with oxides mineralization. Airborne full tensor gradiometry in conjunction with magnetic surveys was flown over an area covering approximately 600 square kilometers. Gravity gradient and magnetic methods are used to delineate structures, lithological units and iron ore bodies in the QF area both at local and regional scale levels. The ore body in Iron Quadrangle is associated with positive, high-amplitude gravity anomalies that are related to elevated abundances of high-density iron minerals, including magnetite and hematite. This paper presents the interpretation results for the integration of geophysical and geological data in mapping, detection and volume estimation of iron oxide deposits in the QF area.