Ore characterization of LSE gold deposit in “X” Pit, Toka Tindung Project, North Sulawesi

Abstract

Toka Tindung Project is a low sulphidation epithermal gold deposit, which is located in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. To be able to maximize the production yield of the Toka Tin-dung Project, it is important to understand the characteristics of the ore along with its mineral associations. This paper discusses the ore characterization and its mineral associations in “X” pit using thin section analysis to define the rock characteristics and hydrothermal alteration, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) to identify the hydrothermal alteration minerals, and ore microscopy to identify the type of ore minerals. The study area is occupied by three alteration zones, namely silicification, advanced argillic and intermediate argillic alteration. The silicification is characterized by quartz with accessory minerals such as kaolinite, smectite, and celadonite. The advanced argillic alteration is typified by kaolinite, with minor quartz. The intermediate argillic alteration is characterized by clay minerals such as illite, mixed illite/smectite, smectite, and minor quartz minerals. Mineralization in “X” pit is in the form of sheeted vein type quartz with colloform texture, and the ore minerals are found as sulfides such as pyrite and sphalerite.