Estudio mineralógico y paragenético de la labor minera Jorupe Tres Reyes, cantón Zaru

Abstract

Abstract: This research aims to determine the paragenetic sequence of the Jorupe Tres Reyes mining site, located in the Zaruma canton, by analyzing mineralogical, textural and chemical data. The study focuses on identifying the precipitation sequence and the mineral associations that define the stages of mineralization within the Jorupe system s veins (Jorupe and Tres Reyes). This understanding is crucial for enhancing the practical knowledge of miners and improving the exploitation of mineralized structures, thereby optimizing the economic resources of the mining operation. The investigation involved the random collection of mineral and petrographic samples, the preparation of thin sheet and polished sections, and the application of analytical techniques such as X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) to perform mineralogical and chemical analysis. The results indicate that andesite is the dominant lithology hosting the mineralized veins of the Jorupe system. The paragenetic sequence was classified into three stages: Igneous stage is characterized by plagioclase and amphibole phenocrystals embedded in a hypocrystalline matrix. Hydrothermal stage is the most significant stage, marked by an enrichment of ore minerals such as pyrite, sphalerite, chalcopyrite and galena within the quartz gangue that exhibits primary and replacement textures. It is worth mentioning that the presence of gold was not determined. Alteration stage is defined by the presence of chlorite, sericite and clays resulting from the sub-propylitic alteration of the host rock, accompanied by supergene enrichment represented by chalcocite.