The Padre Antonio Project is a copper exploration project located in western Guatemala. The project covers an area of 24 square kilometers and is located near the village of Santa Eulalia. Regional geology includes Paleozoic metamorphic rocks overlain by sedimentary units deposited from the Carboniferous through Tertiary periods. Locally, sandstones and limestones are in fault contact with slates north of the project area. Soil and geophysical surveys have identified anomalous copper zones interpreted as mineralized breccia pipes controlled by a reducing environment. The working geological model proposes a sediment-hosted copper deposit.
The following set of slides were used by Chris McLindon in a presentation given to the New Orleans American Planning Association on August 31st, 2016. The presentation was made on behalf of the New Orleans Geological Society as part of an informal public outreach effort. You may reach Chris McLindon at chris_mclindon@att.net
A FIELD TRIP THROUGH CENTRAL GUATEMALA
The NW corner of the Caribbean Plate is complicated by the presence of a continental type block, the Chortis Block, within a mostly oceanic plate and a combination of a slip-strike boundary to the north running from the Belize-Guatemala border with a subduction zone to the west where the Cocos Plate is subducted beneath the Caribbean Plate, and an extinguished subduction zones to the north and south, were the Caribbean Plate was temporarily subducted beneath the Maya and Chortis Block.
The Author believes that the migration of the Chortis block in an S-SW and then N direction was one of the mechanisms responsible for the changes observed among the ophiolitic complexes in Guatemala. The Author introduces the idea of the pre-existence of a trench associated with the Motagua-Jalomáx slip-strike fault system near the north border of Honduras, currently filled up and destroyed by the northward migration of the Chortis Block. Also, he introduces the idea of an orogenic event - The Chuacús Orogeny - probably the same age as the Laramide Orogeny in North America. The Author postulate that the Chuacús Orogeny pushed younger ophiolites complexes in Guatemala to the surface and is responsible for the metamorphic basin of Central Guatemala - The Chuacús Series. The obduction of the oldest ophiolites on the western end of the belts may have being caused by the passing by of the Jamaica block on its way to its present position south of Cuba.
In this unit we will study the relief formation, the forms of the Earth's relief, the continents and the oceans. We also will study the climates and the landscapes.
The following set of slides were used by Chris McLindon in a presentation given to the New Orleans American Planning Association on August 31st, 2016. The presentation was made on behalf of the New Orleans Geological Society as part of an informal public outreach effort. You may reach Chris McLindon at chris_mclindon@att.net
A FIELD TRIP THROUGH CENTRAL GUATEMALA
The NW corner of the Caribbean Plate is complicated by the presence of a continental type block, the Chortis Block, within a mostly oceanic plate and a combination of a slip-strike boundary to the north running from the Belize-Guatemala border with a subduction zone to the west where the Cocos Plate is subducted beneath the Caribbean Plate, and an extinguished subduction zones to the north and south, were the Caribbean Plate was temporarily subducted beneath the Maya and Chortis Block.
The Author believes that the migration of the Chortis block in an S-SW and then N direction was one of the mechanisms responsible for the changes observed among the ophiolitic complexes in Guatemala. The Author introduces the idea of the pre-existence of a trench associated with the Motagua-Jalomáx slip-strike fault system near the north border of Honduras, currently filled up and destroyed by the northward migration of the Chortis Block. Also, he introduces the idea of an orogenic event - The Chuacús Orogeny - probably the same age as the Laramide Orogeny in North America. The Author postulate that the Chuacús Orogeny pushed younger ophiolites complexes in Guatemala to the surface and is responsible for the metamorphic basin of Central Guatemala - The Chuacús Series. The obduction of the oldest ophiolites on the western end of the belts may have being caused by the passing by of the Jamaica block on its way to its present position south of Cuba.
In this unit we will study the relief formation, the forms of the Earth's relief, the continents and the oceans. We also will study the climates and the landscapes.
The Ecuadorian shoreline is considered highly susceptible by impacts of tsunamis triggered by marine quakes or submarine landslides occurring close or nearby the subduction zone between the Nazca, Caribbean and South American plates. Since 1877 one dozen known tsunamis have been witnessed along this coast, mostly related to short-distanced seismic activities (earthquakes between Mw 6.9 to 8.8). However, no evidence of these impacts has been recorded in the sedimentary stratigraphy on the Ecuadorian platform so far. Nonetheless, in the southwestern
part of the Gulf of Guayaquil, due to a biological, chemical, stratigraphic and geochronologic study of a few cored samples an anomalous horizon to the other sedimentary layers has been identified and recognized as a paleo-tsunami deposit. This layer having a thickness of up to 10 cm and up to 1100 meters away from the actual shore, demonstrates various criteria which confirm its origin such as deep sea foraminifera like Pullenia bulloides, run-up and backwash features, fragments of molluscs, which are absent in other sedimentary levels, matrix of weathered chlorite potentially originated by glauconite besides other. Geocronologic evidence together with the calculated sedimentation rate, implies that a the tsunami surged the coastal lowlands around Villamil Playas about 1250 ± 50 yrs ago and must have been a major event originated from the western or northwestern direction.
The earliest (Precambrian) history of the earth's crustDhanBahadurkhatri
The duration of the Precambrian era and the earliest known state of the crust, Development of Archean Cratons, the Precambrian shield rocks, Paleogeography during Precambrian, and Precambrian glaciations.
Similar to Geological and Geochemical Evolution... Part 7 of 10 (20)
Valls Geoconsultant (VG) is offering a quality assurance program for the field sampling procedures which include collection, labeling, and shipping components. VG also has established a series of procedures for logging and general mapping. This is especially important in larger projects, where more than one geologist is doing field descriptions. Part II of this series will deal in more details with the correct procedures of other type of exploration work.
VG has thus implemented a procedure for the field naming of rocks that follows the model: ALTERATION / (QUALIFIER & NAME) / TEXTURE / MINERALIZATION. A system for the codification of the alteration and mineralization type and intensity is also incorporated in these procedures.
For sequential samplings like pitting or drilling, we should take field duplicate samples every 40 samples when exploring for gold, or every 20 when exploring for other metals. We should use blanks every 33 samples, samples for external controls every 100 samples and standard samples with each batch of samples send for processing at 50 samples intervals. We should codify the sampling booklets to show the type of control for the sample.
A summary of several presentations organized by the PGO, the TSX, and others about the basics of the NI 43-101, orientations on how to write a technical report, when to write it, who can write it, and common errors.
How to use Kudos to advertise your work.
Accelerating Research Impact
Join a global community of researchers using Kudos to communicate work more effectively and accelerate its positive impact in the world.
Introducción al tema del NI 43-101. Esto es parte de un programa de conferencias organizadas entre P. Geo. M. Sc. Ricardo Valls de Valls Geoconsultant y el Dr. Rafael Rodriguez de la Facultad de Minas de la Universidad Nacional de Medellín para cumplimentar la formación de los estudiantes de geología del último año.
NICKEL LATERITE DEPOSITS
Geology and Lineament Analysis of the Baja Verapaz Ophiolitic Complex
Summary
The Baja Verapaz Ophiolitic Complex encompasses an ophiolitic complex protruding metamorphic rocks from the Chuacús Series in Central Guatemala. The targeted mineralization is represented by two types of Nickel-Cobalt laterite deposits, an in situ type and an alluvial-deluvial type. A typical laterite profile consists of a Limonitic Horizon which is separated from the Saprolite Horizon by a transition zone named the Mottled Zone. The Saprolite Horizon lays over the Saprock that transitions into the Bedrock, usually represented by serpentinized olivine-rich Lherzolites or Dunites. The usual thickness of these deposits averages 33 meters, but there are known intersections of more than 90 meters in the area.
Nickel content varies from 0.4% in the Limonite Horizon to over 1.5% at the bottom of the Saprolite Horizon. Higher values are sometime found associated to the presence of Garnierite.
Cobalt values vary from 0.08 to 0.2%. There is also the presence of traces of Au and PGM, usually associated to the Mottled Zone.
The lineament analysis completed over an area of 1,541.22 km2 encompassing the whole Baja Verapaz ophiolitic complex, was aimed to identify other potential zones of laterite development in this area. The lineament analysis was completed using a combination of topographic maps in electronic format, aero photos and a D.E.M. of the region and included an aeromagnetic survey of the area. The study also included image interpretation of satellite images and 3D strain and stress analysis.
The study indicated the existence of new potential targets and clarified the relationship between the known deposits.
The gold potential of Guatemala
Most of the work reflected in this section is based on a geochemical and geological survey conducted by the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Korean Institute of Geology, Mining, and Materials (KIGAM) in 1998. The main objective of the Korean surveys was to fulfill the geochemical exploration for discriminating the characteristics of mineralization of the Motagua Basin and its vicinities.
The author also used the data from previous exploration studies (mainly pitting and assay results) conducted by Transmetales Ltda. (Transmetales), Cominco Resources International Limited (Cominco), and other companies.
The ore deposits in the east and east central Guatemala are generally divided into three types of deposits:
Vein type of gold-silver and lead-zinc deposits widely distributed in volcanic and granite intrusives especially in the southern part of Motagua fault zone;
Nickel-chromium deposits associated with ultramafic serpentinite and peridotite rocks in the middle part of Guatemala; and
Antimony and polymetallic ore deposits related with Tertiary rock which is exposed in the regions of mid-Tertiary volcanic activity.
For the most part they form pods or narrow veins, which appear to be widely scattered throughout the dissected volcanic plateau. From the Paleozoic to the Quaternary, tectonic and magmatic activity has occurred in different occasions which have caused a diversity of ore deposits.
The present section compiles the existing information on the Izabal District and the La Unión Area, south of the Izabal Lake. It shows the gold potential of several targets in the region.
Part 1 of 10
Introduction to the Ophiolitic Belts
INTRODUCTION
The aim of this book is to provide an overview of the ophiolitic processes associated with the Motagua Suture Zone in Guatemala and to show their mineral potential. It includes the final version of the Field Trip to Guatemala designed by the Author.
In preparing this book I have compiled information from different sources, including several internet sources, combined with my personal experiences in the mapping of the area and help and cooperation of the geologists from the Guatemalan Ministry of Energy and Mines.
The Caribbean Plate (Fig. 1) is the result of the Mesozoic-Present interaction of the Nazca, Cocos, North, and South American plates. The margins of these plates are represented by large deformed belts which resulted from several compressional episodes that started in the Cretaceous and were followed by tensional and strike-slip tectonics.
The present-day north-western margin of the Caribbean Plate crops out in Guatemala along the Motagua Suture Zone (MSZ). This zone links the Meso-American trench with the Cayman Islands extensional system as shown in Fig. 2.
The MSZ represents a sinistral shear-zone between the Maya Continental Block (MCB) to the north and the Chortis Continental Block (ChCB) to the south. The MSZ includes the Motagua Fault Systems of Polochic, Motagua, Cabañas, and Jocotán. All these are E-W and ENE-WSW strike-slip faults. Some of them are still seismically active. The MSZ also includes E-W uplift structures (Sierra de Chuacús, Sierra de Las Minas, and Montañas del Mico), pull-apart basins like the one responsible for the formation of the Lake Izabal, and N-S oriented grabens (Chiquimula, Guatemala, etc.).
Having a geochemical or geophysical anomaly is not enough. You NEED to have a space for your deposit. This will help you concentrate your exploration efforts on places where there is the possibility of a deposit. This method will help you concentrate your exploration on the most prospective targets, thus increasing your productivity.
Having a geochemical or geophysical anomaly is not enough. You NEED to have a space for your deposit. This will help you concentrate your exploration efforts on places where there is the possibility of a deposit. This method will help you concentrate your exploration on the most prospective targets, thus increasing your productivity.
Earliest Galaxies in the JADES Origins Field: Luminosity Function and Cosmic ...Sérgio Sacani
We characterize the earliest galaxy population in the JADES Origins Field (JOF), the deepest
imaging field observed with JWST. We make use of the ancillary Hubble optical images (5 filters
spanning 0.4−0.9µm) and novel JWST images with 14 filters spanning 0.8−5µm, including 7 mediumband filters, and reaching total exposure times of up to 46 hours per filter. We combine all our data
at > 2.3µm to construct an ultradeep image, reaching as deep as ≈ 31.4 AB mag in the stack and
30.3-31.0 AB mag (5σ, r = 0.1” circular aperture) in individual filters. We measure photometric
redshifts and use robust selection criteria to identify a sample of eight galaxy candidates at redshifts
z = 11.5 − 15. These objects show compact half-light radii of R1/2 ∼ 50 − 200pc, stellar masses of
M⋆ ∼ 107−108M⊙, and star-formation rates of SFR ∼ 0.1−1 M⊙ yr−1
. Our search finds no candidates
at 15 < z < 20, placing upper limits at these redshifts. We develop a forward modeling approach to
infer the properties of the evolving luminosity function without binning in redshift or luminosity that
marginalizes over the photometric redshift uncertainty of our candidate galaxies and incorporates the
impact of non-detections. We find a z = 12 luminosity function in good agreement with prior results,
and that the luminosity function normalization and UV luminosity density decline by a factor of ∼ 2.5
from z = 12 to z = 14. We discuss the possible implications of our results in the context of theoretical
models for evolution of the dark matter halo mass function.
A brief information about the SCOP protein database used in bioinformatics.
The Structural Classification of Proteins (SCOP) database is a comprehensive and authoritative resource for the structural and evolutionary relationships of proteins. It provides a detailed and curated classification of protein structures, grouping them into families, superfamilies, and folds based on their structural and sequence similarities.
Observation of Io’s Resurfacing via Plume Deposition Using Ground-based Adapt...Sérgio Sacani
Since volcanic activity was first discovered on Io from Voyager images in 1979, changes
on Io’s surface have been monitored from both spacecraft and ground-based telescopes.
Here, we present the highest spatial resolution images of Io ever obtained from a groundbased telescope. These images, acquired by the SHARK-VIS instrument on the Large
Binocular Telescope, show evidence of a major resurfacing event on Io’s trailing hemisphere. When compared to the most recent spacecraft images, the SHARK-VIS images
show that a plume deposit from a powerful eruption at Pillan Patera has covered part
of the long-lived Pele plume deposit. Although this type of resurfacing event may be common on Io, few have been detected due to the rarity of spacecraft visits and the previously low spatial resolution available from Earth-based telescopes. The SHARK-VIS instrument ushers in a new era of high resolution imaging of Io’s surface using adaptive
optics at visible wavelengths.
This pdf is about the Schizophrenia.
For more details visit on YouTube; @SELF-EXPLANATORY;
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAiarMZDNhe1A3Rnpr_WkzA/videos
Thanks...!
Slide 1: Title Slide
Extrachromosomal Inheritance
Slide 2: Introduction to Extrachromosomal Inheritance
Definition: Extrachromosomal inheritance refers to the transmission of genetic material that is not found within the nucleus.
Key Components: Involves genes located in mitochondria, chloroplasts, and plasmids.
Slide 3: Mitochondrial Inheritance
Mitochondria: Organelles responsible for energy production.
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA): Circular DNA molecule found in mitochondria.
Inheritance Pattern: Maternally inherited, meaning it is passed from mothers to all their offspring.
Diseases: Examples include Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) and mitochondrial myopathy.
Slide 4: Chloroplast Inheritance
Chloroplasts: Organelles responsible for photosynthesis in plants.
Chloroplast DNA (cpDNA): Circular DNA molecule found in chloroplasts.
Inheritance Pattern: Often maternally inherited in most plants, but can vary in some species.
Examples: Variegation in plants, where leaf color patterns are determined by chloroplast DNA.
Slide 5: Plasmid Inheritance
Plasmids: Small, circular DNA molecules found in bacteria and some eukaryotes.
Features: Can carry antibiotic resistance genes and can be transferred between cells through processes like conjugation.
Significance: Important in biotechnology for gene cloning and genetic engineering.
Slide 6: Mechanisms of Extrachromosomal Inheritance
Non-Mendelian Patterns: Do not follow Mendel’s laws of inheritance.
Cytoplasmic Segregation: During cell division, organelles like mitochondria and chloroplasts are randomly distributed to daughter cells.
Heteroplasmy: Presence of more than one type of organellar genome within a cell, leading to variation in expression.
Slide 7: Examples of Extrachromosomal Inheritance
Four O’clock Plant (Mirabilis jalapa): Shows variegated leaves due to different cpDNA in leaf cells.
Petite Mutants in Yeast: Result from mutations in mitochondrial DNA affecting respiration.
Slide 8: Importance of Extrachromosomal Inheritance
Evolution: Provides insight into the evolution of eukaryotic cells.
Medicine: Understanding mitochondrial inheritance helps in diagnosing and treating mitochondrial diseases.
Agriculture: Chloroplast inheritance can be used in plant breeding and genetic modification.
Slide 9: Recent Research and Advances
Gene Editing: Techniques like CRISPR-Cas9 are being used to edit mitochondrial and chloroplast DNA.
Therapies: Development of mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT) for preventing mitochondrial diseases.
Slide 10: Conclusion
Summary: Extrachromosomal inheritance involves the transmission of genetic material outside the nucleus and plays a crucial role in genetics, medicine, and biotechnology.
Future Directions: Continued research and technological advancements hold promise for new treatments and applications.
Slide 11: Questions and Discussion
Invite Audience: Open the floor for any questions or further discussion on the topic.
Richard's aventures in two entangled wonderlandsRichard Gill
Since the loophole-free Bell experiments of 2020 and the Nobel prizes in physics of 2022, critics of Bell's work have retreated to the fortress of super-determinism. Now, super-determinism is a derogatory word - it just means "determinism". Palmer, Hance and Hossenfelder argue that quantum mechanics and determinism are not incompatible, using a sophisticated mathematical construction based on a subtle thinning of allowed states and measurements in quantum mechanics, such that what is left appears to make Bell's argument fail, without altering the empirical predictions of quantum mechanics. I think however that it is a smoke screen, and the slogan "lost in math" comes to my mind. I will discuss some other recent disproofs of Bell's theorem using the language of causality based on causal graphs. Causal thinking is also central to law and justice. I will mention surprising connections to my work on serial killer nurse cases, in particular the Dutch case of Lucia de Berk and the current UK case of Lucy Letby.
Comparing Evolved Extractive Text Summary Scores of Bidirectional Encoder Rep...University of Maribor
Slides from:
11th International Conference on Electrical, Electronics and Computer Engineering (IcETRAN), Niš, 3-6 June 2024
Track: Artificial Intelligence
https://www.etran.rs/2024/en/home-english/
Introduction:
RNA interference (RNAi) or Post-Transcriptional Gene Silencing (PTGS) is an important biological process for modulating eukaryotic gene expression.
It is highly conserved process of posttranscriptional gene silencing by which double stranded RNA (dsRNA) causes sequence-specific degradation of mRNA sequences.
dsRNA-induced gene silencing (RNAi) is reported in a wide range of eukaryotes ranging from worms, insects, mammals and plants.
This process mediates resistance to both endogenous parasitic and exogenous pathogenic nucleic acids, and regulates the expression of protein-coding genes.
What are small ncRNAs?
micro RNA (miRNA)
short interfering RNA (siRNA)
Properties of small non-coding RNA:
Involved in silencing mRNA transcripts.
Called “small” because they are usually only about 21-24 nucleotides long.
Synthesized by first cutting up longer precursor sequences (like the 61nt one that Lee discovered).
Silence an mRNA by base pairing with some sequence on the mRNA.
Discovery of siRNA?
The first small RNA:
In 1993 Rosalind Lee (Victor Ambros lab) was studying a non- coding gene in C. elegans, lin-4, that was involved in silencing of another gene, lin-14, at the appropriate time in the
development of the worm C. elegans.
Two small transcripts of lin-4 (22nt and 61nt) were found to be complementary to a sequence in the 3' UTR of lin-14.
Because lin-4 encoded no protein, she deduced that it must be these transcripts that are causing the silencing by RNA-RNA interactions.
Types of RNAi ( non coding RNA)
MiRNA
Length (23-25 nt)
Trans acting
Binds with target MRNA in mismatch
Translation inhibition
Si RNA
Length 21 nt.
Cis acting
Bind with target Mrna in perfect complementary sequence
Piwi-RNA
Length ; 25 to 36 nt.
Expressed in Germ Cells
Regulates trnasposomes activity
MECHANISM OF RNAI:
First the double-stranded RNA teams up with a protein complex named Dicer, which cuts the long RNA into short pieces.
Then another protein complex called RISC (RNA-induced silencing complex) discards one of the two RNA strands.
The RISC-docked, single-stranded RNA then pairs with the homologous mRNA and destroys it.
THE RISC COMPLEX:
RISC is large(>500kD) RNA multi- protein Binding complex which triggers MRNA degradation in response to MRNA
Unwinding of double stranded Si RNA by ATP independent Helicase
Active component of RISC is Ago proteins( ENDONUCLEASE) which cleave target MRNA.
DICER: endonuclease (RNase Family III)
Argonaute: Central Component of the RNA-Induced Silencing Complex (RISC)
One strand of the dsRNA produced by Dicer is retained in the RISC complex in association with Argonaute
ARGONAUTE PROTEIN :
1.PAZ(PIWI/Argonaute/ Zwille)- Recognition of target MRNA
2.PIWI (p-element induced wimpy Testis)- breaks Phosphodiester bond of mRNA.)RNAse H activity.
MiRNA:
The Double-stranded RNAs are naturally produced in eukaryotic cells during development, and they have a key role in regulating gene expression .
THE IMPORTANCE OF MARTIAN ATMOSPHERE SAMPLE RETURN.Sérgio Sacani
The return of a sample of near-surface atmosphere from Mars would facilitate answers to several first-order science questions surrounding the formation and evolution of the planet. One of the important aspects of terrestrial planet formation in general is the role that primary atmospheres played in influencing the chemistry and structure of the planets and their antecedents. Studies of the martian atmosphere can be used to investigate the role of a primary atmosphere in its history. Atmosphere samples would also inform our understanding of the near-surface chemistry of the planet, and ultimately the prospects for life. High-precision isotopic analyses of constituent gases are needed to address these questions, requiring that the analyses are made on returned samples rather than in situ.
THE IMPORTANCE OF MARTIAN ATMOSPHERE SAMPLE RETURN.
Geological and Geochemical Evolution... Part 7 of 10
1.
2. THE PADRE ANTONIO COPPER PROJECT
Summary
The Padre Antonio Project is located in western Guatemala, specifically, east of the village of Santa Eulalia
in the Huehuetenango Department. The property has an area of 24 km2 in rugged terrain, which range in
elevation between 2,000 and 2,500 meters (AMSL).
The main access to the property from Guatemala City is through 246 km of reasonably kept highway CA-
1 to the city of Huehuetenango. From Huehuetenango one travels north for another 87 kms to the village
of Santa Eulalia, passing through Chiantla, La Capellanía, San Juan Ixcoy and Soloma.
Temperatures are pleasant through most the year ranging from 25 to 30º C during the summer and 15 to
25º C during the winter months.
There is little mining tradition in the Santa Eulalia area. The Padre Antonio Project was discovered by an
Italian immigrant turned prospector after he organized a stream sediment sampling of the Tziquiná river
that crosses the area. Near the highest copper value samples, located almost at the centre of the license,
Mr. Bruno Montuori then organized the digging of a 7 meters pit that found massive chalcopyrite and
abundant secondary copper minerals.
Creso Resources Inc of Montreal, Canada, bought the mining rights from Mr. Mortuori early in 2005. In
mid 2005 Creso completed a self potential (S.P.) survey over one square kilometer around the discovery
pit and a soil sampling survey for the same area. The SP survey discovered four vertical conductors around
70 meters in diameters and at least 75 meters in depth. The geochemical soil survey confirmed the S.P.
results.
The regional geology of the Huehuetenango area belongs to that of the North American Plate in spite that
it is bounded, to the south, by a sequence of active faults (Polochic, Río Negro, etc.) that represent the
North American – Caribbean Plate boundary.
The oldest rocks in the region are metamorphic Paleozoic schist of the Chuacús Series, Pelagic shales and
mudstones are then deposited over the metamorphic basement during the Carboniferous and massive
carbonates are subsequently deposited over the pelagic sediments during the Permian. At the end of the
Permian, there is a hiatus of approximately 51 million years. Uplifting and possibly the first interplate
tectonism resulted in the abduction of the oldest ophiolitic belt (Huehuetenango ophiolites) of the region.
During the Upper Jurassic more carbonates of the Todos Santos Fm. are deposited. The Upper Cretaceous,
and Lower Tertiary periods are tectonically very active with the deposition of clastic and volcanoclastic
deposits and the intrusion of granitic rocks. Also during these periods, occurs the emplacement of several
of the ophilitic complexes of Central Guatemala.
Locally, sandstones with interbedded of limestone are in fault contact with slates to the north of the
Tziquiná River which occupies the trace of the fault. The discovery mineralization is contained entirely
within the volcano-sedimentary unit. Our working model proposes the existence of a sedimentary type
deposit in the area. The vertical pipe-like zones of conductivity discovered by the self-potential (SP) survey
done by Creso, are interpreted as mineralized vertical breccias pipes controlled by the presence of a
reduction environment and organic material.
The soil survey done at 100x100 m spacing in the previously cut geophysical grid and a Spatiotemporal
Geochemical Hydrocarbons (SGH) testing of the same area was carried out. The soil survey confirmed the
3. presence of localized anomalous copper zones. These anomalous Cu zones are however displaced
downslope which is normal in steep tropical weathering environments.
Property Description and Location
The present description covers the exploration license Padre Antonio folder number LEXR-702 in
Guatemala, in the Municipality of Santa Eulalia in Huehuetenango (Fig. 103).
Figure 1. Location of the Padre Antonio copper project in Huehuetenango, Guatemala. Each square in the
map to the left represents one square kilometer.
The municipality of Santa Eulalia limits to the north with San Mateo Ixtatán and Barillas of the
Huehuetenango Department to the east with Chajul and Nebaj (Quiché Department) and to the south
with Soloma y San Rafael la Independencia (Huehuetenango Department).
It takes almost a day to travel by car from Guatemala City to the town of Huehuetenango. From there,
one travels north for about 6 km to the village of Chiantla, and then another 15 km north to La Capellanía.
Another 40 km north take us to San Juan Ixcoy, then another 13 km to Soloma, and then another 13 km
to the village of Santa Eulalia.
The present limits of each of this property follow in the Table 12.
4. Table 1. Coordinates of the exploration license Padre Antonio in Huehuetenango, Zone 15.
Corner UTM E UTM N
1 662,000 1745500
2 670,000 1745500
3 670,000 1742500
4 662,000 1742500
Geological Setting
Regional Geology
A map of the regional geology of Guatemala was presented in Fig. 44. The oldest rocks in the region are
Paleozoic. They are mainly composed by schists and other metamorphic rocks of the Pre-Permian Chuacús
Series (Fig. 104A). Around 300 million years ago, during the Carboniferous, a deposition of marine
sediments and conglomerates near the beach was followed by sandstones and shales at greater depths
(Santa Rosa Group). Simultaneously, granitic and dioritic batholiths intruded the Paleozoic basement (Fig.
104B).
During the upper Jurassic to the Lower Cretaceous Period, deposition of limestones and other carbonate
rocks occurred (Todos Santos Formation). A hiatus of nearly 51 million years during the Triassic Period is
present, when the sea retreated and no significant deposition occurred (Fig. 104C).
Exposure of these rocks to oxidizing conditions in a tropical environment may account for the formation
of the Upper Jurassic red beds (Pindell, 1994).
The Upper Cretaceous to Lower Tertiary Periods were very active, with the deposition of more clastic
sediments, volcanoclastic deposits (Jalomáx Fm.), and the intrusion of granitic, dioritic, and ultramafic
bodies corresponding to the Ixcoy, Cobán, Campur, and Verapaz Fms., and the Petén group. So far, five
ophiolitic events that occurred along the major Polochic and Motagua Faults have been identified (Fig
104D). These ultramafic bodies average 80 km in length and 0.2 to 20 km in width. They are generally
formed by a heterogenic mix of websterites, lherzolites and dunites, with subordinate amounts of basalts
and gabbros. Seawater and a heat source associated with the subduction event created a perfect
environment to start the serpentinization of these rocks.
The Paleocene and Eocene Periods witnessed the deposition of more marine sediments, mainly
conglomerates, near the shores and sandstones and shales at greater depths (Subinal Fm.). During the
Eocene Period more red beds were formed, which indicates another period of sea-regression. This hiatus
is characteristic of the entire Caribbean Plate (Fig. 104E).
The Holocene formations are represented by Quaternary alluvial and deluvial material as well as by lavas
and tuffs from active volcanoes (Guastatoya, Toledo, Desempeño, Lacantun, Caribe, Río Dulce, and other
younger formations, Fig. 104F).
5. Figure 2. Scheme of the Geological Evolution of Central Guatemala.
Local Geology
Only limited local mapping has been conducted to date, mostly by P. Geo. Ricardo Valls. The most
important point was the discovery of a large tonalitic intrusive that could be the source of mineralization
in the area (Fig. 105).
6. Figure 3. Outcrop of a tonalitic intrusive near Padre Antonio license.
The current working geological model for the Padre Antonio license is shown in Fig. 106.
Figure 4. Current working geological model of the Padre Antonio license.
Locally, sandstones with interbedded clays toped by limestones are in a fault contact with slates to the
north of the Tziquiná River which occupies the trace of the fault. The discovery mineralization is contained
entirely within the volcano-sedimentary unit associated to a highly tectonized zone in a reducing
environment. The vertical pipe-like zones of conductivity discovered by the self-potential (SP) survey done
by the Client are interpreted as mineralized breccias pipes.
7. Deposit Types
Sedimentary Copper Deposits
Capsule Description
Stratabound disseminations of native copper, chalcocite, bornite and chalcopyrite in a variety of
continental sedimentary rocks including black shale, sandstone and limestone. These sequences are
typically underlain by, or interbedded with, redbed sandstones with evaporite sequences. Sulphides are
typically hosted by grey, green or white strata.
Tectonic Settings
Predominantly rift environments located in both intracontinental and continental-margin settings; they
can also occur in continental-arc and back- arc settings.
Depositional Environment/Geological Setting
The characteristic presence of redbed and evaporite sequences points to deposition of sediments in a hot,
arid to semi-arid paleoclimate near the paleoequator. The host rocks are produced in a variety of local
anoxic depositional environments, including deltaic sediments, Sabkha-type lagoonal carbonate basins or
high intertidal mudflats, and shallow “coal basins”.
Age of Mineralization
Proterozoic or younger; Middle Proterozoic, Permian and early Mesozoic most favourable ages.
8. Host/Associated Rock Types
Most deposits are hosted by pale gray to black shale, but some are found in sandstone, siltstone,
limestone, silt-rich dolomite, laminated carbonate units (sabkha origin) and quartzites.
Favourable horizons contain reactive organic matter or sulphur. Algal mats, mudcracks and scour-and-fill
structures indicative of shallow-water deposition are common. Local channel conglomerate beds
sometimes contain wood fragments. The associated sequence includes redbed sediments, evaporites and
sometimes volcanics. In many cases the rift-related layered rocks rest unconformably on older basement
rocks.
Deposit Form
Orebodies are generally conformable with the bedding, although in detail ore may transgress bedding at
low angles and is typically more transgressive near the margins of the deposit.
Mineralized horizons are from tens of centimetres to several metres thick (rarely more than 5 m); they
are often contained within broader zones of anomalous copper values. Tabular ore zones extend laterally
for kilometres to tens of kilometres. Less commonly the deposits are elongate lobes. Some deposits have
a C-shaped, “roll front” configuration in cross-section. Common lateral and/or vertical zoning is from
hematite (barren) > chalcocite > bornite > chalcopyrite > pyrite, or from a chalcocite-bornite core grading
to chalcopyrite with peripheral galena and sphalerite.
Texture/Structure
Sulphides are fine grained and occur as disseminations, concentrated along bedding, particularly the
coarser grained fractions, or as intergranular cement. Sharp-walled cracks or veinlets (< 1 cm thick, < than
a metre in length) of chalcopyrite, bornite, chalcocite, galena, sphalerite or barite with calcite occur in
some deposits, but are not an important component of the ore. Pyrite can be framboidal or colloform. Cu
minerals often replace pyrite grains, framboids and nodules; less commonly they form pseudomorphs of
sulphate nodules or blade-shaped gypsum/anhydrite grains. They also cluster around carbonaceous clots
or fragments.
Ore Mineralogy (Principal and subordinate)
Chalcocite, bornite and chalcopyrite; native copper in some deposits. Pyrite is abundant in rocks outside
the ore zones. Enargite, digenite, djurleite, sphalerite, galena, tennantite, native silver with minor Co-
pyrite and Ge minerals. In many deposits carrollite (CuCo2S4) is a rare mineral, however, it is common in
the Central African Copperbelt.
Gangue Mineralogy (Principal and subordinate)
Not well documented; in several deposits carbonate, quartz and feldspar formed synchronously with the
ore minerals and exhibit zonal patterns that are sympathetic with the ore minerals. They infill, replace or
overgrow detrital or earlier authigenic phases.
Alteration Mineralogy
Lateral or underlying reduced zones of green, white or grey colour in redbed successions. In the Montana
deposits these zones contain chlorite, magnetite and/or pyrite. Barren, hematite-rich, red zones grade
into ore in the Kupferschiefer. Kupferschiefer ore hosts also show elevated vitrinite reflectance compared
to equivalent stratigraphic units.
Weathering
9. Surface exposures may be totally leached or have malachite and azurite staining. Near surface secondary
chalcocite enrichment is common.
Ore Controls
Most sediment-hosted Cu deposits are associated with the sag phase of continental rifts characterized by
deposition of shallow-water sediments represented by redbed sequences and evaporites. These formed
in hot, arid to semi-arid paleoclimates which normally occur within 20-30° of the palaeoequator. Host
rocks are typically black, grey or green reduced sediments with disseminated pyrite or organics. The main
control on fluid flow from the source to redoxcline is primary permeability within specific rock units,
commonly coarse-grained sandstones. In some districts deposits are located within coarser grained
sediments on the flanks of basement highs. Growth faults provide local controls in some deposits (e.g.,
Spar Lake).
Associated Deposit Types
Sandstone U, volcanic redbed Cu, Kipushi Cu-Pb-Zn, evaporite halite, sylvite, gypsum and anhydrite, and
natural gas (mainly CH4) in Poland.
Genetic Models
Traditionally these deposits have been regarded as syngenetic, analogous to Sedex deposits or late
hydrothermal epigenetic deposits. Currently most researchers emphasize a two-stage diagenetic model.
Carbonaceous shales, sandstones and limestones deposited in reducing, shallow subaqueous
environments undergo diagenesis which converts the sulphur in these sediments to pyrite. At a later stage
during diagenesis, saline low-temperature brines carrying copper from a distant source follow permeable
units, such as oxidized redbed sandstones, until they encounter a reducing unit. At this point a redoxcline
is established with a cupriferous zone extending “downstream” until it gradually fades into the
unmineralized, often pyritic, reducing unit. The source of the metals is unresolved, with possible choices
including underlying volcanic rocks, labile sediments, basement rocks or intrusions.
Exploration Guides
Geochemical Signature
Elevated values of Cu, Ag, Pb, Zn and Cd are found in host rocks, sometimes with weaker Hg, Mo, V, U, Co
and Ge anomalies. Dark streaks and specks in suitable rocks should be analysed as they may be sulphides,
such as chalcocite.
Geophysical Signature
Weak radioactivity in some deposits.
Other Exploration Guides
Deposits often occur near the transition from redbeds to other units which is marked by the distinctive
change in colour from red or purple to grey, green or black. The basal reduced unit within the stratigraphy
overlying the redbeds will most often carry the highest-grade mineralization.
Economic Factors
Typical Grade and Tonnage
Average deposit contains 22 Mt grading 2.1 % Cu and 23 g/t Ag (Mosier et al., 1986). Approximately 20%
of these deposits average 0.24 % Co. The Lubin deposit contains 2600 Mt of >2.0% Cu and ~ 30-80 g/t Ag.
Spar Lake pre-production reserves were 58 Mt grading 0.76% Cu and 54 g/t Ag. Montanore contains 134.5
10. Mt grading 0.74% Cu and 60 g/t Ag, while Rock Creek has reserves of 143.7 Mt containing 0.68 % Cu and
51 g/t Ag.
Economic Limitations
These relatively thin horizons require higher grades because they are typically mined by underground
methods. The polymetallic nature and broad lateral extent of sediment-hosted Cu deposits make them
attractive.
Importance
These deposits are the second most important source of copper world-wide after porphyry Cu deposits.
Mineralization
The geological environment of the Huehuetenango region is favorable for the location of Sedimentary
type of copper, lead, and zinc deposits. So far, the most interesting discovery lies north of Santa Eulalia
village, where they have intersected in a 7 meters handmade pit, massive chalcopyrite associated with
quartz veining (Fig. 107) and abundant disseminated secondary copper mineralization (bornite, covelline,
cubanite, etc.) in the matrix of the volcano-sedimentary unit that hosts the chalcopyrite.
Figure 5. Massive chalcopyrite associated to a quartz vein unearthed by a 7 meter pit over a copper anomaly
at Padre Antonio license.
An assay done to this massive chalcopyrite at the SGS labs resulted in 20.7% Cu. A self-potential (SP) survey
done by Consulting Geophysicist Juan Pablo Ligorria in May 2005 found several pipe-like vertical zones of
conductivity. We believe that the chalcopyrite found in the pit corresponds to one of these vertical pipe-
like zones of conductivity. Disseminated secondary copper sulphides intersected by the pit above the
massive chalcopyrite may correspond to supergene enrichment. Evidently this far the information that
we have in the Padre Antonio Project, points towards a deposit model that is best typified by the
sedimentary type rather than the porphyry type deposits.
11. Exploration
The padre Antonio Project was discovered as a result of a limited active sediment survey done by Mr.
Bruno Montuori. Some thirteen (13) samples were taken and send for assaying to BSi, Inc., laboratory.
Multielement ICP and AA finished Fire Assay was used to analyze these samples. Figure 108 shows the
sample location.
Figure 6. Discovery sampling location. The red square represents the location of the discovery pit.
A seven (7) meter handmade pit found at the bottom massive chalcopyrite and secondary copper minerals
(chalcocite, covellite, bornite, etc.) above the massive primary mineralization. When the writer visited the
site, the pit was half full of water, so it was not possible to observe the primary mineralization. Fig. 109
shows a photography of the pit. Notice the oxidized yellowish layer above and the volcanoclastic
(sandstone) with disseminate secondary copper minerals. A quartzose brecciated material follows just
above the water.
Figure 7. Photograph of the discovery pit in Padre Antonio.
12. Photogrametric and satellite image interpretation were commissioned to PhotoSat Inc. resulting in
multiple alteration zones in the surroundings of the Padre Antonio Project (Fig. 110). Armed with a
portable XRF pistol, geologists Ricardo Valls and Julio Pérez systematically tested the alteration zones near
the Padre Antonio Project as shown in Fig. 111.
Figure 8. Satellite interpretation of alterations within the Huehuetenango District.
Many of the targets have been field checked by the client´s geologists and field determinations using the
portable XRF equipment has confirmed the presence of copper, lead, zinc as well as traces of gold in
surface samples.
Figure 9. Geologist Julio Roberto Pérez (RIP) measures the geochemical signature of an alteration zone using
a portable XRF pistol.
13. The Self-Potential survey of a 1 square kilometer around the pit that intersected the massive chalcopyrite
identified several vertical conductors (ore shoots?) that correspond on surface with zone of incipient
brecciation and a significant decrease in the grain size of the volcano-sedimentary unit (Fig. 112).
Figure 10. Carrot model of the mineralization at Padre Antonio according to the SP survey.
The SP survey was done by geophysicist Juan Pablo Ligorría during May of 2005. This survey found four
vertical zones of conductivity deeper than 100 meters. Zone of conductivity A coincides with the discovery
pit so it is deduced that the conductivity seems to be caused by primary sulphides. We have adopted
Steven E. Bushnell (1988) breccia pipe model described in his paper “Mineralization at Cananea, Sonora,
Mexico and the paragenesis and zoning of Breccia Pipes in Quartzofeldspathic Rocks (sic)” to explain the
zones of conductivity.
Using the same grid, we conducted a soil survey and a Spatiotemporal Geochemical Hydrocarbons (SGH)
test of the same area. The SGH results (Fig. 113) confirmed the presence of these vertical anomalies.
Figure 11. Results of the SGH survey over Padre Antonio.
14. All samples for the soil survey were taken from a standard depth of 10 cm using a shovel. The instrument
was cleaned between samples. Samples weighting up to 500 grams were placed in properly marked
Zipplog plastic bags and delivered by truck to BSi Laboratories in Guatemala for standard preparation and
analysis. Pulps were later send to SGS Laboratories for the SGH study.
Samples were prepared at BSi Laboratories in Guatemala, a lab with all the necessary certifications and
the necessary equipment for this task. Analyses were completed at Reno by the same lab. The SGH study
was conducted at SGS Laboratories in Canada. Both labs have the necessary certifications. Normal
measures for the labeling, transportation, and handling of the samples was conducted by technical
personnel with many years of experience on these activities.
The soil survey was extremely useful for mapping and for confirming the geophysical targets. As you can
see on Fig. 114, all the anomalies of the cluster analysis identifying copper targets are displaced
downslope but correspond unequivocally to the geophysical targets. Mobile elements such as Copper and
Zinc are often displaced by topographic effects and ground water in tropical environments.
Figure 12. Cluster analysis for copper over the central area of Padre Antonio license.
Data Verification
The author had the opportunity to test repeatedly the presence of mineralization in the area and in the
main pit (which is now closed). Table 13 shows the results of three chanel samples taken from a second
pit, located 2 metre east of the first one, as well as one additional sample (Sample number GG-1) which
was collected from the bottom of the first pit by geologist Julio Luna in 2006. Sample GG-1 was analysed
by SGS Laboratories in Canada.
Table 2. Results of the independent sampling at Padre Antonio.
These four grab sample results clearly demonstrate that there is copper and gold mineralization present
in interesting and potentially significant tenors at the Padre Antonio property. The results do confirm the
highly anomalous nature of the copper mineralization in the area, as previously reported.
Sample Cu, ppm Zn, ppm Au, g/t Ag, g/t As, ppm Mo, ppm S, %
Meter 2 52.60 54.00 > 5.00 0.10 8.00 1.10 0.07
Meter 3 4.00 34.00 > 5.00 0.10 4.00 0.60 0.17
Meter 4 2440.80 97.00 > 5.00 1.00 34.00 27.80 2.58
GG-1 268000.00 > 500.00 0.15 5.20 > 20.00 N.D. 26.70
15. Interpretation and Conclusions
Let us summarize the evidence available from the Padre Antonio Project. First, we have anomalous high
copper values in sediment samples within the project area. Second, a seven (7) meter pit, hand dug at the
location of the highest copper value, found chalcopyrite and disseminated secondary copper minerals.
Third, a self-potential survey done over one square kilometer with the pit at the center, showed four (4)
pipe-like zones of conductivity (The pit where the chalcopyrite was found is directly above the pipe-like
zone of conductivity “A”). Forth, an SGH survey confirmed the copper nature of the geophysical
anomalies. Fifth, the interpretation of the satellite images clearly shows a large area of hydrothermal
alteration that has been field tested by the author.
All the above summarized evidence points out toward a sedimentary type of copper deposit that have
pipe-like mineralized under the volcanoclastic unit in fault contact with the slates.