Iron Hill (Powderhorn) carbonatite complex, Gunnison County, CO - A potential source of several uncommon mineral resources
Mining Engineering
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Abstract
The Iron Hill (Powderhorn) carbonatite complex is a 31-kM2 (12-sq mile) alkalic intrusion located about 35 km (22 miles) south-southwest of Gunnison, CO. The intrusion has been well studied and described because of its classic petrology and architecture ofa carbonatite-alkalic complex. The complex is also noteworthy because it contains enrichments of titanium, rare earth elements, thorium, niobium (columbium), vanadium and deposits of vermiculite and nepheline syenite. In particular, the complex is thought to host the largest titanium and niobium resources in the United States, although neither has been developed. It may be economic to extract multiple resources from this complex with a well-coordinated mine and mill plan.
Suggested Citation
Van Gosen, B.S., Lowers, H., 2007, Iron Hill (Powderhorn) carbonatite complex, Gunnison County, CO - A potential source of several uncommon mineral resources: Mining Engineering, v. 59, no. 10, p. 56-62.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Iron Hill (Powderhorn) carbonatite complex, Gunnison County, CO - A potential source of several uncommon mineral resources |
| Series title | Mining Engineering |
| Volume | 59 |
| Issue | 10 |
| Year Published | 2007 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration |
| Larger Work Type | Article |
| Larger Work Subtype | Journal Article |
| Larger Work Title | Mining Engineering |
| First page | 56 |
| Last page | 62 |