GEOLOGICAL AND GEOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF THE LOS ALISOS MINING PROSPECT, LA ENCAÑADA - CAJAMARCA, 2025

Abstract

The research conducted at the Los Alisos mining prospect aimed to evaluate its mining potential and was carried out in three phases: pre-field, field, and post-field. In the pre-field phase, a literature review and historical documentation were performed, data collection forms were designed, and an 11-hectare area was delimited. Additionally, geochemical and petrographic sampling was planned, along with a geophysical survey to evaluate the resistivity and chargeability of the lithology for a better interpretation of the deposit. Furthermore, the Selective Rock Chip sampling method was defined, collecting samples within a 3-meter radius to obtain representative data from areas with potential. During the field phase, a 1:1,000 scale geological map was created, and eight samples were collected for geochemical analysis for gold and silver, along with six for thin sections as part of the petrographic study. Simultaneously, a 50-meter NE-SW geophysical line was established using the resistivity method with a PQWT resistivity meter. Finally, in the post-field phase, the data obtained were processed using specialized software such as ArcGIS 10.8, Excel, and AutoCAD 20.1. The samples for the petrographic study were analyzed in the UPN Geology Laboratory using a Keysell Universal Petrographic Stereoscope, followed by an OPTIKA B-510POL-I petrographic microscope with a 4K/8 MP CMOS HDMI/USB camera. The results indicate that the area is a prospectable zone, even suitable for detailed exploration work.Keywords-- geological characterization, geochemistry, geophysics, gold and silver.