Identificación de áreas de interés metálico entre el Terreno Loja, Volcánicos Sacapalca y el Corredor Metalogénico del Mioceno en el sector de Amaluza

Abstract

Abstract: This research identified areas of metallic interest in the Amaluza sector, southern Ecuador, through the integration of geological, geochemical, structural, and field information. The study considered regional cartography, control points, rock samples, and an expanded database of 1148 stream sediment samples for statistical analysis, threshold definition, point anomalies, and IDW interpolation. This database was used as a buffer within the Miocene porphyry and epithermal metallogenic belt, in which 496 samples are located within the Amaluza area. These samples were used for direct spatial interpretation and a total of 1060 samples for multivariable analysis with PCA and K-means. This information was integrated with regional mapping from the Las Aradas geological sheet, control points, rock samples, structures, hydrothermal alterations, and geochemical ratio grids. The results showed Au-As-Sb, Cu-Mo, Pb-Zn-Ag, and Zn-Mn-As ± Au ± Cu associations defined in four preliminary prospective areas, highlighting the Tierras Coloradas-Carrizos-Charama-Cangochara-La Huaca area as high priority. The model does not confirm deposits or resources, but it serves as an indication to guide future metallic exploration campaigns.