Integrated Analysis of Geological and Geophysical Data in the Search for Deep Sulfide Deposits in the Camaquã Basin, Camaquã Mines Region (RS)

• Grant number: 24/14392-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: February 01, 2025
• End date: January 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Geosciences - Geophysics
• Principal Investigator: César Augusto Moreira
• Grantee: Marina Fernandes Sanches Barros
• Host Institution: Instituto de Geociências e Ciências Exatas (IGCE). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Rio Claro. Rio Claro , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 23/04732-8 - Analysis of prospective guides for sulfide occurrences in the Sul-Rio-Grandense Shield: a study of similar areas in Brazil and Uruguay to promote the mineral sector in MERCOSUR, AP.R

Abstract

Brazil has significant potential for discovering mineral deposits but faces several significant challenges. To fully exploit this potential, more detailed geological and geophysical studies are required, particularly through deeper drilling. As most of the more accessible deposits have already been explored, the need to investigate greater depths is increasing, necessitating new strategies and technologies. While conventional approaches with undefined targets use invasive techniques with complex logistics and high costs, geophysical surveys offer indirect tools based on the physical properties of deposits, making them more versatile and cost-effective. These methods optimize drilling and sampling processes. Electromagnetic methods are widely used in mineral exploration, with the Transient Electromagnetic Method (TEM) standing out for detecting geological structures and resistivity anomalies associated with ore bodies at great depths. This study focuses on the Minas do Camaquã, where copper has been mined since 1985. Ore at Minas do Camaquã is found in veins and disseminations. Vein deposits were formed by filling and replacement along fault planes, while disseminated ore occurs in conglomerates and sandstones. The primary goal of this project is to identify deep targets near Minas do Camaquã using the TEM method based on structural and stratigraphic controls.