Evaluación de la zona anómala de la parroquia San Pedro de la Bendita, cantón Catamayo, integrando métodos geofísicos y análisis geoquímico

Abstract

Abstract: This research evaluated the anomalous zone of San Pedro de la Bendita, Catamayo, through the integration of local geology, soil geochemistry, and electrical resistivity tomography. The study was based on the reinterpretation of previous geochemical data, lithological review of the area, and the acquisition of two ERT profiles using a Dipole-Dipole array. The results allowed the differentiation of a north-central domain, characterized by resistivity contrasts associated with andesitic porphyry, possible alteration, fracturing, and variations in rock competence, and southeastern and southwestern domains where the main Cu, Zn, Pb, As, and S anomalies are concentrated. The correlation shows that ERT better complements geochemical indicators related to lithology and alteration, such as K2O, Al2O3, SiO2, and S, but does not by itself validate the continuity of metallic targets. Preliminary zones of interest are proposed, which require verification through new geophysical profiles, rock sampling, and mineralogical analysis.