| Basis for focus area |
Area underlain by stratabound polyhalite-dominated potash mineralization of the Permian Rustler Formation. |
| Identified resources |
Identified resources of potash. |
| Production |
None. |
| Status |
In permitting. |
| Estimated resources |
The polyhalite domains of the Ochoa polyhalite beds are estimated to contain approximately 330 Mt of Measured plus Indicated polyhalite mineral resources at a mean grade of 89.3% polyhalite (Saint Don and others, 2016). |
| Geologic maps |
New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources (2003), scale 1:500,000; Barnes and others (1992a), scale 1:500,000. |
| Geophysical data |
Rank 3 and 4 aeromagnetic coverage; Rank 5 aeroradiometric coverage. |
| Favorable rocks and structures |
Rustler Formation stratabound potash-bearing salt. |
| Deposits |
Ochoa Polyhalite Project (Saint Don and others, 2016). |
| Evidence from mineral occurrences |
McLemore and Austin (2017). |
| Geochemical evidence |
Polyhalite in the Rustler Formation occurs with carbonate and evaporite minerals (halite, anhydrite, gypsum). |
| Geophysical evidence |
None. |
| Evidence from other sources |
Targeted mineralization at Ochoa is polyhalite, hosted with anhydrite in the Tamarisk Member of the Rustler Formation (Saint Don and others, 2016). |
| Comments |
A Final EIS (Environmental Impact Statement) that analyzed the environmental effects of the Ochoa mine project is available at: https://www.nm.blm.gov/cfo/ochoaMine/finalEIS.html. |
| Cover thickness and description |
Depths of 1200-2400 ft. |
| Authors |
Jane M. Hammarstrom, Virginia T. McLemore. |
| New data needs |
Examine petroleum and water well records for depths to top and base of Rustler Formation. |
| Geologic mapping and modeling needs |
None requested at this time. |
| Geophysical survey and modeling needs |
None requested at this time. |
| Digital elevation data needs |
Buried resources; not needed. |
