Petrographic characterization to identify the exploitable mineral resources at the Paredones mine, San Bernardino, Cajamarca 2025

Abstract

Our study focuses on identifying the main mineral species present at the Paredones mine in Cajamarca, and characterizing their geochemical properties to assess the potential of exploitable minerals and the possible reactivation of mining operations. Twelve samples were collected: five for petrographic analysis using thin sections observed with an OPTIKA B-510POL-I trinocular polarizing petrographic microscope with HDMI/USB input, 4K/8 MP CMOS sensor (OPTIKA OP-A-0033), and an illuminator; and seven for geochemical studies, determining mineral concentration and average grade. The local geology includes andesites, tuffs, and volcanic breccias with pyroclastic, porphyritic, and infill textures, affected by potassic, physical, and propylitic alteration. The identified ore minerals are galena, chalcopyrite, and bornite, while the gangue minerals are quartz, epidote, pyrite, and sericite. The observed hydrothermal zone, along with the mineralogical associations and geochemical results, demonstrates the presence of a polymetallic system with high economic potential, confirming that petro-mineragraphic and geochemical characterization is essential to identify exploitable minerals and guide sustainable exploration and exploitation strategies.