6
one GPS location and waypoint to the pit and different
sample IDs to each lithology sampled in the profile.
Some general precautions in sampling include the fol-
lowing. All equipment should be cleaned to prevent cross-
contamination of the sample. Sampling tools (buckets,
sampling bags, shovels, trowels, and sieves) should be con-
structed of materials suitable for environmental sampling
(typically stainless steel, plastic, or aluminum). Devices
plated with chrome or other materials should not be used
as they can introduce contaminants to the samples. All
equipment used for sampling should be rinsed with deion-
ized water and air-dried prior to use. Wear disposable gloves
while sieving to avoid contamination.
The samples are transported from the field to
NMBGMR, where each sample is prepared for analyses.
Selected samples are cut and chips sent for preparation of
polished thin sections. The prepared samples are then sent
to a laboratory for chemical analyses. NMBGMR standards
are submitted blind to the commercial laboratory with each
sample batch to assure analytical quality.
Geochemical Analyses
Geochemical data are a critical part of geologic mapping
and for evaluation for critical mineral resources central to
the mission of Earth MRI. Geochemical analyses of samples
collected for this study were determined by the USGS labo-
ratory and by ALS Laboratory (description of methods can
be found at ALS Geochemistry Fee Schedule USD (2).
pdf and in future reports). Samples were submitted to the
laboratories where sample preparation occurred. Duplicate
samples and standards were analyzed and uncertainty of
analyses is generally 5%. Specific analytical methods for
each element and additional quality assurance and qual-
ity control (QA/QC) are available on request. Chemical
plots were created using ioGAS-64 (ioGAS ™ -REFLEX
(reflexnow.com). Chemical analyses will be published in
future reports.
Petrography and Mineralogy
Hand sample descriptions of both sawed samples and thin
sections were entered into the project’s SQLS database.
Polished thin sections of selected samples of the igneous,
altered, and mineralized rocks were made by Quality Thin
Sections. Thin sections were scanned in both plane and
plane polarized light, and selected photomicrographs were
taken. Mineralogy of selected samples was determined by
visual and petrographic, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and elec-
tron microprobe methods.
X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was performed
on either whole rock or mineral separates performed
on a PANalytical X- Pert PRO ® diffractometer at the
NMBGMR X-ray Diffraction Laboratory. Analyses were
conducted using 45 kV X-ray beam tension and 40 mA
X-ray beam current. XRD scans were identified using X’Pert
HighScore Plus ® software, which identifies intensity peaks
and matches patterns to a Powder Diffraction File database.
XRD data will be available in the final report. Petrographic
descriptions, including mineralogy and texture, of thin sec-
tions using plane, plane polarized, and reflective light were
entered into the SQLS database.
RESULTS
Potential for Critical Minerals
Figures 7, 8 and 9 shows some of the chemical plots of
mine waste samples from mining districts in New Mexico.
Potential for Acid Rock Drainage
Acid rock drainage (ARD) is formed when sulfide miner-
als are oxidized by meteoric water or atmospheric exposure
(i.e., weathering). Field characteristics of potential ARD
in mine waste rock piles include identification of pyrite
and/or jarosite and low pH. The rate of sulfide oxidation
depends on reactive surface area of sulfide minerals, oxy-
gen concentration and solution pH. ARD potential can be
Figure 6. An oxidized profile in a mine waste rock pile,
Copper Flat, New Mexico
one GPS location and waypoint to the pit and different
sample IDs to each lithology sampled in the profile.
Some general precautions in sampling include the fol-
lowing. All equipment should be cleaned to prevent cross-
contamination of the sample. Sampling tools (buckets,
sampling bags, shovels, trowels, and sieves) should be con-
structed of materials suitable for environmental sampling
(typically stainless steel, plastic, or aluminum). Devices
plated with chrome or other materials should not be used
as they can introduce contaminants to the samples. All
equipment used for sampling should be rinsed with deion-
ized water and air-dried prior to use. Wear disposable gloves
while sieving to avoid contamination.
The samples are transported from the field to
NMBGMR, where each sample is prepared for analyses.
Selected samples are cut and chips sent for preparation of
polished thin sections. The prepared samples are then sent
to a laboratory for chemical analyses. NMBGMR standards
are submitted blind to the commercial laboratory with each
sample batch to assure analytical quality.
Geochemical Analyses
Geochemical data are a critical part of geologic mapping
and for evaluation for critical mineral resources central to
the mission of Earth MRI. Geochemical analyses of samples
collected for this study were determined by the USGS labo-
ratory and by ALS Laboratory (description of methods can
be found at ALS Geochemistry Fee Schedule USD (2).
pdf and in future reports). Samples were submitted to the
laboratories where sample preparation occurred. Duplicate
samples and standards were analyzed and uncertainty of
analyses is generally 5%. Specific analytical methods for
each element and additional quality assurance and qual-
ity control (QA/QC) are available on request. Chemical
plots were created using ioGAS-64 (ioGAS ™ -REFLEX
(reflexnow.com). Chemical analyses will be published in
future reports.
Petrography and Mineralogy
Hand sample descriptions of both sawed samples and thin
sections were entered into the project’s SQLS database.
Polished thin sections of selected samples of the igneous,
altered, and mineralized rocks were made by Quality Thin
Sections. Thin sections were scanned in both plane and
plane polarized light, and selected photomicrographs were
taken. Mineralogy of selected samples was determined by
visual and petrographic, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and elec-
tron microprobe methods.
X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was performed
on either whole rock or mineral separates performed
on a PANalytical X- Pert PRO ® diffractometer at the
NMBGMR X-ray Diffraction Laboratory. Analyses were
conducted using 45 kV X-ray beam tension and 40 mA
X-ray beam current. XRD scans were identified using X’Pert
HighScore Plus ® software, which identifies intensity peaks
and matches patterns to a Powder Diffraction File database.
XRD data will be available in the final report. Petrographic
descriptions, including mineralogy and texture, of thin sec-
tions using plane, plane polarized, and reflective light were
entered into the SQLS database.
RESULTS
Potential for Critical Minerals
Figures 7, 8 and 9 shows some of the chemical plots of
mine waste samples from mining districts in New Mexico.
Potential for Acid Rock Drainage
Acid rock drainage (ARD) is formed when sulfide miner-
als are oxidized by meteoric water or atmospheric exposure
(i.e., weathering). Field characteristics of potential ARD
in mine waste rock piles include identification of pyrite
and/or jarosite and low pH. The rate of sulfide oxidation
depends on reactive surface area of sulfide minerals, oxy-
gen concentration and solution pH. ARD potential can be
Figure 6. An oxidized profile in a mine waste rock pile,
Copper Flat, New Mexico