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.

2. 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.
Property Description and Location
The Baja Verapaz Ophiolitic Complex (Fig. 115) covers an area of 1,541.22 km2
.

3. Figure 1. Location of Baja Verapaz reconnaissance licence.
The license is located in the Municipalities of Alta Verapaz, Baja Verapaz and Quiché; which include the
townships of San Cristóbal Verapaz, Santa Cruz Verapaz, Tactic, Cobán, Tamahú, San Juan Chamelco,
Tucurú, Cubulco, Rabinal, San Miguel Chicaj, Baja Verapaz, Purulhá, Cúnen, San Andrés Sajcabaja,
Sacapulas, Canillá, Uspantán, and Chicamán. The are is found on topographic maps Uspantán 2062-III, San
Andrés Sajcabaj 2061-IV, Tactic 2164-IV, Cubulco 2061-II, Los Pajales 2061-I, San Jerónimo 2161-II, Tucurú
2161-I, Tiritibol 2062-II, Caquipec 2162-II, Cobán 2152-III and Salamá 2161-III.
The Baja Verapaz Ophiolitic Complex is situated in terrain ranging from very mountainous to rolling hills
and flat peneplains and deltaic facies in larger rivers. Access to the periphery of this ophiolitic complex is
very good through mainly paved highways.
As shown in Figure 116, the Baja Verapaz Ophiolitic Complex is located in terrains ranging from very
mountainous to rolling hills and flat peneplains covered with tropical vegetation, and deltaic facies in
larger rivers. Access to perimeter of the license is very good through the paved CA13 and other paved RN
roads.

4. Figure 2. A beautiful combination of high mountains and rivers characterizes the Baja Verapaz Ophiolitic
Complex.
History
Except for an area near the centre of the Ophiolitic Complex named Río Negro, there has been no prior
work done on the Baja Verapaz Ophiolitic Complex. It is a greenfield project, that was identified by the
author through mapping and site traverses.
The Rio Negro area has had a significant amount of exploration and field work completed between 1950
and 2005 (Smith, 2005). Early exploration in the Rio Negro Area involved three different companies:
- Refractarios Ltda. (1957- 1960),
- Minas Panamericanas Ltda. / International Mineral Engineers (1966-1972),
- Transmetales Ltda. (between 1975- 1985).
The Rio Negro area was under study as early as 1957 by Refractarios Ltda., a local Guatemalan exploration
company. However only brief references to this work exist and no detailed data are available. The majority
of the exploration on the Rio Negro Nickel project was completed in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s by
Minas Panamericanas Ltda. The company completed more than 200 pits as well as sampling, mapping of
lateritic at depth, and resource estimations.
The files at the Ministry of Energy and Mines contain authenticated copies of the Mendoza report
(Mendoza, 1971) which includes appendices with maps and assay results.
In 1992 and 1993 Cominco Resources Inc. re-evaluated the main mineralized zone on the Rio Negro
Project, completing a new resource estimation. Tombstone Explorations completed a short program of
re-sampling of pits in the western portion of the mineralized zone in 1997.Additional exploration,
including a limited sampling program, was completed between 2003 and 2005.
Historical resources completed by Tombstone Explorations Inc. in 1997 using a Nickel cut-off of 1%
estimated the resources of Río Negro at 40Mt grading 1.24% Nickel. As per the CIM definition, due to the
uncertainty which may attach to Inferred Mineral Resources, it cannot be assumed that all or any part of
an Inferred Mineral Resource will be upgraded to an Indicated or Measured Mineral Resource as a result
of continued exploration. Confidence in the estimate is insufficient to allow the meaningful application of

5. technical and economic parameters or to enable an evaluation of economic viability. There is no past
production from the Rio Negro Project.
Local Geology
The Baja Verapaz Ophiolitic Complex (BVP) clearly overthrusts onto the Palaeozoic metasediments of the
Chuacús Series to the northwest and onto the Mesozoic evaporite-terrigenous-carbonate deposits of
Todos Santos, Ixcoy, and Campus Fms. within the Maya Block at the northeast. The lateritic profiles here
are more evolved, which could suggest an older age of the protrusion of the BVP ophiolitic complex
relative to the Sierra de Santa Cruz (SSC) complex The petrologic analysis of the samples from this complex
shows that these are tholeiitic, subalkaline rocks, the result of mantle fractionates formed in an Ocean
Ridge and Floor tectonic environment. The BVP complex has one of the richest associations of REE
elements (Fig. 117) and trace elements.
Figure 3. Rare Earth Elements (REE) distribution pattern for the Baja Verapaz Ophiolitic Complex.
A section of the geological map 1:1 000 000 showing the regional geology of this complex (Fig. 118) and a
model of its geological evolution follow (Fig. 119).
Figure 4. Regional geology of the Baja Verapaz complex, from the regional geological map of Guatemala,
scale 1:1 000 000. Legend: Qp- Quaternary volcanic tuff; I- Tertiary igneous rocks; Pi- ultramafic rocks;
Ksd-Cretaceous carbonates (Cobán Fm., Ixcoy Fm., etc.

6. Figure 5. Geological model of the evolution of the Baja Verapaz ophiolitic complex.
On the basis of these field observations a geological map of the Baja Verapaz area is presented in Figure
120. The recently completed aeromagnetic survey confirms this interpretation (Fig. 121).
Figure 6. Local geology of the Baja Verapaz Ophiolitic Complex.
Figure 7. Aeromagnetic survey over the BVP Ophiolitic Complex.

7. Mineralization
Nickel laterite mineralization has been studied in Guatemala since the late 1950’s. The most advanced
project is the Lake Izabal Nickel deposit developed in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s by Exmibal, a
subsidiary of INCO. The Lake Izabal mine, mill and smelter operated from 1977 to 1980 when a coincident
slump in Nickel prices and rise in oil (the principal energy source and 60% of operating costs) forced the
closure of the operations.
Within the Baja Verapaz ophiolitic complex, the only studied target is Río Negro. The Rio Negro target is
found at elevations between 2,000 and 2,600 metres and the topography has played an important roll in
providing the correct conditions for the formation of deep laterites. The mineralization is limited to near
the top of the mountain where conditions have been in place for the formation (and retention) of deeply
weathered soils and laterite averaging 20 to 25 metres and reaching depth of up to 100 metres. The young
and often steep topography on the sides of the mountain has resulted in the erosion of portions of the
lateritic profile and the formation of the alluvial type of deposits.
The laterites have been developed over an area of approximately 20 square kilometres covering an area
8km long (east west) by 2.5 km wide (N-S), along the Chimiagua Mountain. Faulting, both parallel and
perpendicular to the east west rending the Chimiagua Mountain, has influenced the development of the
laterite. Greater thicknesses of laterite occur in areas with increased faulting and fracturing.
The typical profile at Rio Negro is comprised of a thin lixiviated soil cover ranging from less than 10
centimetres to two metres which has removed all Nickel, Silica, and Manganese. This soil cover is often
contaminated with organic fragments usually ranging in color from yellow to light brown. The darker
Nickel-bearing laterite underlies this unit with Nickel grades usually ranging from 0.25 to 3.0 %. The Nickel
content is variable with depth depending on the degree of laterization which has occurred.
The uppermost portion of the laterite is the limonite zone where the majority of the Nickel occurs free
associated with Iron hydroxides and minor Nickel silicates. This zone most often ranges from 0.5 to 2.0 %
Nickel with 4-50 % Fe, low Mg (1-3%) and Silica (5-10%). This portion can vary in thickness from 2 to +30
metres.
Below the limonite zone occurs the saprolite zone which is characterized by generally higher Nickel (1.0 –
+3.0 % Nickel), lower Iron (15-20% Fe), and much greater Magnesium (up to 20%) and Silica (up to 35 %).
This portion can also vary in thickness from 2 to +30 metres.
The profile usually passes through a thin layer of Saprock composed of weathered blocks of Sepentinite
and Garnierite with elevated Nickel values, usually over 1.5%. The underlying hard rock contains 0.05 to
0.5 % of Nickel averaging 0.3 % Nickel.
The Geosol Izabal is a deposit model that applies throughout Guatemala. The difference between the
laterites in the Baja Verapaz ophiolite complex to the type of sections in the Sierra de Santa Cruz ophiolite
complex is due to relief. Higher relief in Baja Verapaz meant a higher level to the water table, and a larger
vertical fluctuation distance. For this reason, profiles in the Baja Verapaz can be substantially thicker than
elsewhere, with thicker Mottled Zones and Stonelines. This may be important in an exploration sense, by
virtue of the heavy minerals collected and precipitated in the Mottled Zone.
When comparing the laterites from Guatemala with other wet and dry laterites of the world, the
uniqueness of these laterites becomes clear (Fig. 122).

8. Figure 8. Comparison of the Izabal Geosol with other dry and wet laterites of the world.
The most important differences here are the age of intrusion and the degree of metamorphism of the
ophiolitic complexes. As shown in Figure 123, the ages of the ophiolitic complexes seems to grow older in
a west – east direction.
Figure 9. Age determinations of the ophiolites within the Caribbean Plate according to Harlow, E.G. et al.,
2004.
Another indication of the immaturity of these laterites is the presence of up to 30% of Magnetite as an
average for the whole profile of the Geosol, as well as the presence of original sulphides both in the Olivine
(Fig. 124) and even in the Goethite (Fig. 125).

9. Figure 10. Olivine is partially replaced by Magnetite and rimmed by Awaruite and
Figure 11. Pentlandite and Millerite (white) in a 100% weathered Saprock.
Another interesting difference is the grain size of these saprolites. Even at -60 Mesh there is abundant still
sandy material in these saprolites.
Finally, the fact that most of these laterites develop mainly over Dunites and olivine-rich Lherzolitic rocks
(Fig. 126), with very limited to non-existent development over Lherzolites and olivine-pour Websterites,
is also an indication of the young age of this deposit.

10. Figure 12. Selective weathering of the olivine-rich units.
Mineral Processing and Metallurgical Testing
Mineral processing and metallurgical testing of laterites are determined by the fact that laterites are
metamorphic minerals resulting from weathering in tropical or subtropical environments.
With the formation of laterites, mineral entities are solubilized and reprecipitated at different pedosols
within the Geosol. One of the top layers, the limonite, can contain Iron in excess of 25%, low values of
Magnesium, and Nickel values to one percent and Cobalt values to one-tenth of one percent.
Below the Stoneline, the Saprolitic Horizon carries less reduced Iron, much elevated Magnesium, higher
Nickel grades and lower Cobalt grades than the limonite. Such rock is referred to as ‘refractory’, for the
Magnesium and (for example) Aluminium that may hamper Nickel and Cobalt recovery in more
conventional processing systems.
The Nichromet Chloride Leach Technology™, herein known as the Nichromet CLT™ process is a process
that uses hydrochloric acid to leach Nickel and Cobalt from laterites at atmospheric temperatures and
pressures, as per the flow chart shown in Fig. 127.
Figure 13. The Nichromet CLT™ Process for Nickel and Cobalt Recovery.

11. Hydrochloric acid for leaching is generated from mixing sulphuric acid and a salt, with the additional result
of the sulphate phase of the cation of the salt. For example, if NaCl were used as the salt, sodium sulphate
would result. This could be an input for other industrial processes, and the sale of such by-product may
improve the economic status of the Nichromet CLT™ process.
The laterite is first separated into magnetic and non-magnetic fractions, and the magnetic fraction is
exposed to leaching by concentrated hydrochloric acid first. Once the leaching process has started, it is
mixed with the non-magnetic fraction and vat leached.
The pregnant solution contains Nickel, Cobalt, Manganese, Iron, Aluminium, Chromium, and Magnesium.
Ion exchange resins are then used to extract the Nickel and Cobalt from the pregnant solution. All other
metals are in the chloride phase, and all can be hydrolyzed to hydrochloric acid with the corresponding
metal oxide phase (except Magnesium, which requires a higher temperature to do so).
Testing process applicability and pro-forma recovery potential at bench scale has being completed for
samples from the Baja Verapaz reconnaissance license. Initial results from samples with both high and
low Magnesium, Nickel, and Cobalt contents have been favourable with recoveries of Nickel higher than
92% and of Cobalt and Magnesium close to 100%.
Lineament Analysis
The reasoning behind this method is the well documented fact that many ore deposits are directly related
to or controlled by tectonic structures within different geological environments. This section of the book
was completed with the collaboration of Dr. Vadim Galkine1
.
The lineament analysis process starts by visually identifying the main lineaments on the basis of a
combination of digital topographic maps, aero photos and a D.E.M. of the area. The amount of these
lineaments and their intersections was counted using a 1 x 1 km grid. All lineaments were divided (ranged)
into four groups: main, secondary, tertiary, and circular according to the following classification:
Main lineaments are those that can be clearly traced through at least 1/3 of a map or, if shorter, are of
considerable width (may be represented as series of closely placed parallel lineaments).
Secondary lineaments are those that can be seen as straight lines due to changes in surface pattern or
gray color nuances extended through at least two UTM squares on the photo-topographic map.
Tertiary lineaments are those that can be seen as straight lines due to changes in surface pattern or gray
color nuances extended through at least one UTM square on the photo-topographic-map.
Circular lineaments are curved (circular) segments or whole circles that can’t or hardly can be represented
by combination of straight lines at the scale of study.
The digitalization of lineaments was conducted using the same UTM grid of 1 x 1 km. The total number of
intersections, and the intersections between each type of the main three groups of lineaments were
recorded.
We also integrate the decodification of the satellite images interpretation for FeO and hydrothermal
alteration using our proprietorship software. The database was completed with the results of the
aeromagnetic survey. The obtained dataset was then processed to determine the Range Correlation
Coefficients (R.C.C. ™) and the Factors that better characterize the mineralized zone.
On the basis of the determined R.C.C.’s and Factors a new “integrated” map was created showing the
location of all the prospective zones over the studied area.
1
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vadim-galkine-b902808/

12. After determining the main lineaments, Dr. Galkine completed the plastic and elastic modeling of the
obtained lineaments.
Plastic Modeling
Plastic modeling, also known as strain analysis, is the physical modeling of the area under the study
conducted in order to outline the most probable zones of rock destruction and permeability due to
tectonic deformations.
Deformations have occurred (or might have occurred) many times, in different thermodynamic and
tectonic situations. That is why we needed to study separately eight strain regimes: group of mainly “pure
shear” with four different orientations of compression and group of mainly “simple shear” with four
different orientations of shearing.
The model itself was made with clay dope whose mechanical properties satisfy, in general, the demands
of The Theory of Similarity for this class of analogue modeling.
In the clay block with dimensions 20x20x2 cm a series of vertical cuts was made. These cuts represented
main lineaments (faults) obtained from lineament analysis of the topographic map.
The same fault-template was used in all experiments, yet its orientation relative to stress varied in each
case.
Mainly Pure Shear Group. Mechanical sketch of this situation may be represented as follows (Fig. 128).
Figure 14. Mechanical sketch of the mainly pure shear group of deformation.
Experiment 1. Latitudinal compression, max shortening about 20%.
Experiment 2. Longitudinal compression, max shortening about 20%.
Experiment 3. NE-SW compression, max shortening about 20%.
Experiment 4. NW-SE compression, max shortening about 20%.
The results of the experiments were recorded with digital camera, and shots were interpreted separately.
Zones of openings along existing faults as well as new fractures and areas of high plastic deformations
were outlined. Due to large distortions of initial pattern of faults during the deformation we copied these
contours to the initial template and corrected their position to match with real lineaments pattern.
Mainly Simple Shear Group. Mechanical sketch of this situation may be represented as follows (Fig 129).

13. Figure 15. Mechanical sketch of the mainly simple shear group of deformation.
Simple shear is considered as an ideal situation which is seldom in earth crust, some kind of trans-pressure
(additional compression perpendicular to red arrow on the figure above) or transtension occurs usually.
In our experiments such additional shortening was at a range of 7-10%.
Experiment 5. Longitudinal sinistral shear (left-lateral), max shearing about 25 degrees.
Experiment 6. Longitudinal dextral (right-lateral) shear, max shortening about 25 degrees.
Experiment 7. Latitudinal sinistral shear (left-lateral), max shearing about 25 degrees.
Experiment 8. Latitudinal dextral (right-lateral) shear, max shearing about 25 degrees.
Zones of openings along existing faults as well as new fractures and areas of high plastic deformations
were outlined. Due to large distortions of initial pattern of faults during the deformation we copied these
contours to the initial template and corrected their position to match with real lineaments pattern.
All contours of high deformations in eight experiments were overlaid on one picture and divided into four
districts of strain level was as following:
1-white - zones of zero strain – no strain was recorded in all experiments.
2-blue – zones of weak strain – strain was recorded in only one experiment
3-yelow- zones of medium strain – strain was recorded in 2-4 experiments
4-orange - zones of high strain – strain was recorded in 5 or more experiments.
Finally, the table of strain intensity (20x10 cells grid) was made, with the following values for strain levels:
• zones of zero strain -0
• zones of weak strain – 1
• zones of medium strain – 3
• zones of high strain – 10.
For those cells which contained several areas of different strain-levels, simple weighting was applied.
Some emphasis must be put on the interpretation of the results. In our view, real location of zones of high
strain (and, thus, of high possible permeability and destruction of rocks) should be obtained from
lineament scheme. In case of mismatch of lineaments densities and high-strain zones locations an
additional consideration from regional geology data must be taken into account for one to decide which
result should overrule the other. In other words, final targets must not be selected based on quantitative

14. coefficients only – this particular case-study has not yielded sufficient amount of data to apply purely
quantitative analysis.
Figures 130-133 show some of the obtained results of the plastic modeling of the Baja Verapaz
reconnaissance license.
Figure 16. Experiment 1. Latitudinal
compression, max shortening about 20%.
Figure 17. Experiment 2. Longitudinal
compression, max shortening about 20%.
Figure 18. Experiment 5. Longitudinal sinistral
shear (left-lateral), max shearing about 25
degrees.
Figure 19. Experiment 6. Longitudinal dextral
(right-lateral) shear, max shortening about 25
degrees.
Elastic Modeling
Tectonophysical modeling allows us to simulate natural processes, such as tectonic deformation, in
laboratory conditions. It means that instead of rocks which are under high pressure and high temperatures
in the Earth’s crust we can use analogue materials (clays, greases, plasticizes, optically active materials
etc.) which behave physically identical or almost identical to rocks at high depth.
Tectonic deformation, as any deformation, consists of three consecutive stages: elastic (reversible),
plastic, and rapture (irreversible). During all these stages in the nonhomogeneous geological media (faults
are the most important of inhomogeneities) zones of high and low compressive, shear and extensive
stresses appear, and mineralization tends to happen in the (or close to) zones of low compressive and/or
high extensive stresses. We might say that mineralized fluids move from zone of high compressive stress
into zones of openings (raptures, fractures, faults) and low compressive or high extensive stresses where
they precipitate and form ore bodies.

15. If we use physical modeling to allocate the most favourable zones for deposit discovery we have to find
zones of high rapture deformation, in other words, zones with high density of fractures and openings, so
called dilation zones areas of low compressive stress compared to adjacent high-stressed zones.
To find the plastic deformation zones we use physical modeling of plastic deformation and
rupturing. This is what we do on clay models.
To find the elastic deformation zones we use the so-called optical modeling, which simulates the very first
stage of deformation – elastic deformation. Optically active materials, such as Plexiglas and gelatines are
the most suitable for this purpose. Optically active materials placed between polarizing films and
deformed, show rainbow-coloured pattern similar to what one can observe in thin sections under the
microscope. More “reddish” colors show higher stresses, more bluish – lower stresses and the higher the
order of rainbow spectrum the higher the stress is.
Since we usually do not know the exact orientation of tectonic stresses under which the mineralization
has occurred, we must assume any possible stress orientation. Therefore, we conduct series of
experiments separately for all stress fields realistically assumed as existing in the Earth’s crust. They are:
• longitudinal compression
• latitudinal compression
• northeast-southwest compression
• northwest-southeast compression
• longitudinal right-lateral (dextral) transpression
• longitudinal left-lateral (sinistral) transpression
• latitudinal right-lateral (dextral) transpression
• latitudinal left-lateral (sinistral) transpression
By outlining zones of interest for plastic and elastic experiments, we come up with the patterns of high,
medium and low stresses/deformations for each of the tests. Overlaying these patterns onto each other
we usually find that in the model (in the region under study) such zones exist where the deformation was
high in, say, 6-7 out of 8 experiments of the plastic/rapture experiments.
Accordingly, in the elastic series, say, 5-6 out of 10 tests show the existence of spatially
conservative zones with very low stresses.
These ‘cumulative’, repeating zones of high deformation in the plastic/rapture series and zones of low
stresses in elastic series both represent the favourable places for the deposit discovery.
Better still, we can overlay them onto each other and end up with outlining the most favourable target
zones, favourable in both elastic and plastic series.
Figures 134-137 show some of the obtained results of the plastic modeling of the Baja Verapaz
reconnaissance license.

16. Figure 20. Longitudinal elastic compression. Figure 21. Latitudinal elastic compression.
Figure 22. Latitudinal elastic right-lateral
(dextral) transpression.
Figure 23. Longitudinal elastic left-lateral
(sinistral) transpression.
Decodification of the satellite images
For cases when the data in digital format is not available, only as a hardcopy or an electronic image, the
author developed a technique to decompose the colors into a series of parameters that can be then easily
digitized and incorporated in the study. We have used our proprietorship software, but Adobe Photoshop
can also be used to process the original image.
We stat by creating a copy of the image we want to decompose, so 25 pixels will be equal to 1 km2
(Fig.
138).
Figure 24. Using Adobe Photoshop to decompose an image in pixels so the image could be digitized.

17. Then using the Eyedropper tool for a sample size of 5 x 5 averages, we extract the color
information as follows:
RGB model- Red, Green, and Blue.
CMYK model – Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black.
Greyscale model- Allows estimating 256 shades of gray, 0% being white, while 100% is black.
L*a*b model – Luminance (or lightness), the green to red component (a), and the blue to yellow
component (b).
HSB model – Hue, Saturation, and Brightness.
Total ink model - measures the total amount of ink of the sampled pixel.
The obtained digital information is then incorporated to the database using a datasheet like Excel.
Lineament Analysis Procedure
Selection of the Target Area
The lineament, satellite, and geophysical data were processed using a combination of Excel and SPSS for
Windows (release 10.0.5). The first step in the processing of the obtained data was to select a zone of
proven mineralization to use as a reference. In this case we selected three targets:
a. The Río Negro target (in situ laterites).
b. La Perseverancia target (in situ laterites).
c. Alluvial laterites from La Unión-Barrios.
La Perseverancia (Fig. 139) was a target discovered by the author and local geologist Julio Roberto Pérez
at the western corner of the Baja Verapaz reconnaissance license. This target has a geomorphologic link
with the Río Negro target (Fig. 140) and, as it will be later on demonstrated, they are both very similar in
their geologic and tectonic characteristics.
Figure 25. Laterites from La Perseverancia target located at the western end of the Baja Verapaz
reconnaissance license.

18. Figure 26. There is a geomorphologic link between La Perseverancia and Río Negro that can be seen from the
Cubulco damp towards the northwest.
One major difficulty of combining data from different sorts is the different size of the initial grid. This
problem was solved by using SURFER. The methodology includes the following steps:
1. Calculate the variograms of each parameter so the data will have the anisotropy included.
2. Kriging was used as the standard girding method. A fixed number of columns and rows was selected.
3. Once the girding process is completed, we open it and save it as a DAT file.
4. Now we can integrate all the data into an Excel table.
Statistical Modeling
For each target zone we first completed a clustering analysis using K-means cluster analysis for two
clusters, to determine the homogeneity of the selected Target Zone. Basically, by forcing the program to
select only two clusters we are effectively separating the laterites from the barren units, thus helping us
in the modeling of the characteristics of each type of laterites. The steps of this analysis using SYSTAT v.
10 (Analysis/Reduce/Factor) are the following:
1. Select K means cluster analysis.
2. Select all variables except for the coordinates.
3. Select the number of clusters as 2.
4. Classify only.
5. Under options select “cluster information for each case”, click OK.
6. First check “Numbers of cases on each cluster”, then go to cluster membership, right click the text,
export, select file type as TAB, select “output document (no chart), select a proper file name and save.
7. Now select the entire object in the result window and click OK.
8. Open Word and paste the Factor analysis.

19. 9. Open SURFER, classified post, and select the TAB file with the cluster values, select 2 class intervals and
graphically decide which cluster represents the laterite in each case (Figs. 141-143).
Figure 27. Cluster analysis for La Perseverancia type of in situ laterites.
Figure 28. Cluster analysis for the Río Negro type of in situ laterites.

20. Figure 29. Cluster analysis for the alluvia type of laterites.
10. Go back to the original file in Excel, select DATA, SORT, NUMBER, and click OK. Select the incorrect
cluster and delete the data. Save all.
Once the targets have being adjusted to only those samples containing laterites, we proceed to complete
a Factor Analysis of each target.
Interpretation of the Factor Analysis
In order to select the Factor that characterizes the laterites of each type, we use SURFER and plot each
Factor over the Cluster classification.
The following Factors are proposed:
Equation 13. Factor analysis for La Perseverancia type of in situ laterites within the Baja Verapaz
reconnaissance license.
Equation 14. Factor analysis for The Río Negro type of in situ laterites within the Baja Verapaz
reconnaissance license.
Equation 15. Factor analysis for the La Unión-Barrios type of alluvial laterites within the Baja Verapaz
reconnaissance license.

21. This procedure also allows us to calibrate the FA and to determine the most efficient scale of values to be
used on the rest of the area. Following are those suggested limits:
La Perseverancia in situ type, FA #1, x ≥ 0.051 (Fig. 144)
RCC 2, x ≥ 0.2 (Fig 145)
Río Negro in situ type, FA #3, x ≥ 0.05 (Fig. 146)
La Unión-Barrios alluvial type, FA#3, x ≥ 0.0515 (Fig. 147)
Figure 30. Optimal range of values for the mapping of the la Perseverancia in situ type of laterite targets
using FA#3 within the Baja Verapaz reconnaissance license.

22. Figure 31. Optimal range of values for the mapping of the la Perseverancia in situ type of laterite targets
using RCC 2 within the Baja Verapaz reconnaissance license.
Figure 32. The effectiveness of Factor Analysis 3 for mapping the Río Negro type of in situ laterites is clearly
shown on this figure.

23. Figure 33. Optimal range of values for the mapping of the La Unión-Barrios type of alluvial laterite targets
using FA#3 within the Baja Verapaz reconnaissance license.
Range Correlation Coefficient Analysis (RCC™)
Using proprietary software designed by the author we process all the one-cluster data for each target.
The program determines and eliminates hurricane values, determines the distribution law and adjusts
accordingly the data, uses a system for normalizing the data and determining all basic statistical
parameters and completes a non-parametric Spearman’s rho correlation analysis taking into
consideration the distribution law of the modeled data. All the original data and the results of their
process are included in the attached CD. Here we will only present the obtained RCCs for each target area.
The procedure for obtaining each RCC based on the sorted values of correlations between each pair of
the studied parameters consists of the following steps:
1. Start at the bottom of the list (negative correlations) on the “Sorted distance” tab of the program.
2. Select all the negative significant correlations to create a coefficient. After the first time you use a pair,
every time you get the same pair, put a dot on top. For example, the following spurious coefficient “TT*
+ C* / P**” means that you had a significant correlation between TT and P and between C and P (so P gets
two dots).
3. Once you finish with the significant negative correlations, go to the top of the list and repeat the process
now for the significant positive correlations.
4. If you get contradictory correlations, eliminate both parameters and start a new RCC.
5. Whenever is possible, combine the obtained coefficients.
6. You can reduce the multiplicative factor of each parameter by eliminating the less used one and
subtracting their influence from the obtained RCC.

24. For example, if we had the following RCC:
RCC(x) = 9C + 8SC + 3El +2TC
… and we would like to eliminate El and TC from the equation, these will be the results:
RCC(x) = 7C + 6SC + El (after taking out 2TC)
RCC(x) = 6C + 5SC (after taking out the remaining El).
Obtained RCCs by targets
The coefficient in front of each parameter is dependent on the amount of times that that parameter
correlates with others in the equation.
Equation 16. RCC for La Perseverancia type of in situ laterites within Baja Verapaz reconnaissance license.
Equation 17. RCC for the Río Negro type of in situ laterites within Baja Verapaz reconnaissance license.
FeO + M + Z + EL
SC + TC
Equation 18. La Unión-Barrios type of alluvial laterites within Baja Verapaz reconnaissance license.
We must recognize that in this case, none of the determined RCCs gave better results than the coefficients
obtained from the Factor Analysis, so we will be using those primarily in the interpretation of the data
from Baja Verapaz reconnaissance license.

25. Interpretation of the Lineament Analysis
The lineament analysis generates an extremely large number of intermediate maps and graphical
constructions of which we will now present a selection of the most important ones and comment on the
results.
Raw data
Figures 148-154 shows the results of the lineament analysis completed by Dr. Galkine.
Figure 34. Results of the main lineament analysis within the Baja Verapaz ophiolitic complex.
Figure 35. Results of the secondary lineament analysis within the Baja Verapaz ophiolitic complex.

26. Figure 36. Results of the tertiary lineament analysis within the Baja Verapaz ophiolitic complex.
Figure 37. Results of the circular lineament analysis within the Baja Verapaz ophiolitic complex. The circular
structures at the centre of the area correspond to a PZ tonalitic intrusive, while the circular structures at the
west of the area correspond to La Perseverancia and Río Negro targets. Finally, it is interesting to notice that
there are no circular structures to the east of the complex.
Figure 38. Results of the plastic deformation analysis within the Baja Verapaz ophiolitic complex.
Figure 39. Results of the elastic deformation analysis within the Baja Verapaz ophiolitic complex.

27. Figure 40. Detail of the plastic (green) and elastic (red) deformations over the La Perseverancia targets.
Interpretation maps
The following three maps (Figs. 155-157) represent the results of the application of the Factor Analysis
and RCC for the three types of lateritic targets over the area of the Baja Verapaz reconnaissance license.
Figure 41. Laterite targets over the Baja Verapaz reconnaissance license over the geological map with the
location of the current license (in green).

28. Figure 42. Laterite targets over the Baja Verapaz reconnaissance license over the aeromagnetic survey map
with the location of the current license (in green).
Figure 43. Laterite targets over the Baja Verapaz reconnaissance license over a satellite base map with the
location of the current license (in green).