Exploración y evaluación de recursos minerales de puzolana como base técnica para el cambio de modalidad concesional de Materiales de Construcción (áridos y pétreos) a Minerales no Metálicos en la concesión minera Quiroga 2 código 40000434, ubicada en la parroquia Quiroga, cantón Cotacachi, provincia de Imbabura

Abstract

Abstract: This study technically evaluates the pozzolanic resources of the Quiroga 2 area to support the shift from using non-metallic minerals in construction materials. The methodology included geological mapping of the area and systematic sampling, which was subjected to laboratory testing under internationally standardized protocols. Additionally, 3D modeling was performed using Leapfrog Geo software to estimate the volume of pozzolanic material. The geochemical results demonstrated that the material has an average total of SiO2 + Al2O3 + Fe2O3 oxides of 74.5%, classifying it as a Class N natural pozzolan according to ASTM C618. Furthermore, the IAP test averaged 82.50% after 28 days of curing, exceeding the standard limit of 75% and validating its high reactivity for the manufacture of commercial cements. Finally, a total of 1,418,872.0 tons of resources (Measured + Indicated) was quantified, which projects a useful life of the deposit of 11.2 years and concludes that it is technically viable for industrial exploitation, meeting the legal requirements to justify the change in concession type.