| What are Conceptual Studies? The development of
exploration concepts and opening up of new, relatively unexplored areas depends greatly
upon the ability to focus on the global occurrences of specific minerals, compile a
database on all of the various deposits and then extract from that information the
different styles of such mineralisation and, most importantly, identify their key elements
or controlling factors. These parameters are then incorporated into a conceptual
model and applied progressively to the known geological information gathered for
entire countries or regions in order to provide an overview and to develop target areas
for new exploration. AGARSS has been successfully developing new exploration concepts for
a range of commodities including gold, base metals, uranium, mineral sands, emeralds and
opal, over many years and in many different parts of the world.
Examples of work AGARSS has been involved in
Emeralds in Zambia. A review was carried out of all worldwide emerald occurrences.
Important parameters were established and then applied to existing geological data and
concession reports and maps for the whole country. A number of prospective areas were
identified in which emeralds were subsequently discovered. See also:- Freeman, P. and
Agar, R.A., 1978. A review of possible emerald prospects in Zambia. Occasional report of
Anglo-American Corporation and Mindeco Ltd., Lusaka, Zambia. 6p.
Uranium in Zambia. A detailed review was carried out of global uranium deposits. The
geological settings of significant uranium channel anomalies from a nationwide airborne
radiometric survey were then reviewed within a framework of the global styles of economic
uranium occurrences. This led to a characterisation of the various anomalies and the
focussing of intense uranium exploration throughout the country. See also:- Saviaro, K.
and Agar, R.A., 1980, Uranium channel anomalies from the 1973-76 airborne geophysical
survey of Zambia. Geol. Survey Republic of Zambia Tech. Rpt. 89, 33p.
The geology and mineral deposits of Saudi Arabia were reviewed within a global
metallotectic framework and the evolution of the Arabian shield reviewed in terms of its
economic potential. A number of commodities were studied and prospective regions
identified for a range of different types and styles of mineralisation. See also:- Agar,
R.A., 1992, The tectono-metallogenic evolution of the Arabian Shield. Precambrian
Research, V.58, pp169-194.
More recent but still confidential work has included:- a review of the potential for
gold skarns in Australia Carlin-style gold potential of Australia, a project which
initiated a major exploration programme and which resulted in the identification of
significant mineralisation. Zinc in Peru; a review and appraisal of Peruvian geology and
development of exploration projects based upon both Mississippi Valley and Kuroko (VMS)
deposit styles. Opal in Australia; a synthesis of all known information on opal
occurrences, establishment of controlling factors, identification of prospective areas and
development of exploration programmes.
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