Estudio mineralógico y paragenético de la empresa minera NUMINEC S.A., del cantón Portovelo, provincia de El Oro

Abstract

Abstract: This research project was based on a mineralogical and paragenetic study of the eastern zone of the Soroche vein, located in the NUMINEC S.A. mining company, Portovelo canton, El Oro province. The study allowed for the mineralogical and petrographic characterization of the ores using analytical techniques such as X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF), in addition to the preparation and interpretation of a thin section and six polished sections. The results show that andesitic lavas host the vein under study, and the paragenetic sequence was defined in three stages of mineralization: the first, igneous, corresponds to the association of plagioclase and amphiboles; The second, hydrothermal, is characterized by enrichment of minerals such as pyrite, Fe-poor sphalerite, chalcopyrite, galena, and trace gold, as well as the association of quartz, calcite, fluorite, and anhydrite; and the last, alteration, comprises secondary minerals such as chlorite and sericite and clays, accompanied by calcite and anhydrite. These findings contribute to increasing geological knowledge and optimizing the exploration and exploitation of this mining district.