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A preliminary evaluation of stream sediment sampling for the detection of cobalt mineralization in the Bou Azzer District, Morocco

Open-File Report 83-383
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https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr83383

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Abstract

Analyses of 28 stream sediment samples collected in the Bou Azzer district, Morocco, show that this sampling technique may be useful in locating the cobalt arsenide mineralization that exists in this area. The absence of exceptionally high values of cobalt and arsenic, the nearly lognormal distribution of cobalt values, and the lack of correlation between the highest values of cobalt and arsenic were unanticipated results that do not support the use of this sampling technique. However, highest values of several metals, including cobalt, were associated with an identified area of cobalt mineralization, and high cobalt was present near a second area in which cobalt mineralization is suspected. Although probably mostly reflecting the geochemistry of unexposed ultramafic rocks, the association of these metals with mineralization shows that this type of sampling can independently locate areas of known or potential cobalt mineralization.

Suggested Citation

Foose, M.P., 1983, A preliminary evaluation of stream sediment sampling for the detection of cobalt mineralization in the Bou Azzer District, Morocco: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 83-383, 22 p. ill., maps ;28 cm., https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr83383.

ISSN: 2331-1258 (online)

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title A preliminary evaluation of stream sediment sampling for the detection of cobalt mineralization in the Bou Azzer District, Morocco
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 83-383
DOI 10.3133/ofr83383
Year Published 1983
Language ENGLISH
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey,
Description 22 p. ill., maps ;28 cm.
Additional publication details