| Basis for focus area |
Potential for large igneous province (LIP)-related magmatic mineral deposits associated with ultramafic to mafic layered intrusions. Possible mineralization includes reef-type PGE low sulfide deposits and contact-type Ni-Cui±Co±PGE sulfide deposits. Oil and gas drilling drilled 4,460 meters of Proterozoic layered intrusion near the Central Basin Platform in West Texas. |
| Identified resources |
None. |
| Production |
None. |
| Status |
No mining or current exploration. Academic studies of the cuttings. |
| Estimated resources |
None. |
| Geologic maps |
Surface geologic maps are not applicable as intrusion was encountered at depth of 1,400 m below the surface. |
| Geophysical data |
Inadequate aeromagnetic and aeroradiometric coverage. |
| Favorable rocks and structures |
Mafic cumulates that show cyclic layering. Large volume of igneous rock expected to extend over a large area. |
| Deposits |
None. |
| Evidence from mineral occurrences |
None. |
| Geochemical evidence |
Mineralogy and other data that show cyclic layering in mafic/ultramafic drill core. No geochemical data for base and precious metals. |
| Geophysical evidence |
Inadequate Rank 4 and 5 aeromagnetic and aeroradiometric coverage. |
| Evidence from other sources |
None. |
| Comments |
Deep potential resource; no known mineralization in this area or in Salt River basin, Arizona, where similar rocks are at surface. |
| Cover thickness and description |
1,400 meters of overlying rocks. |
| Authors |
Michael L. Zientek. |
| New data needs |
If cuttings are available, should be analyzed for PGE, Cu, Ni, and S (and other multielement major and trace element packages). |
| Geologic mapping and modeling needs |
Would like to model the geothermal gradient in the area. |
| Geophysical survey and modeling needs |
High-resolution, Rank 1 aeromagnetic and aeroradiometric surveys. |
| Digital elevation data needs |
Not applicable. Intrusion only intersected in oil and gas well. |
