Multivariate and geostatistical study of the spatial distribution of copper and silver in the area of Tenes-Western Algiers, Algeria

This geochemical survey was conducted in an area of 2.4 km(2) near Tenes, a portion of an area which covers 800 km(2) traditionally associated with mining activities. A total of 1270 soil and 114 rocks samples were collected. The soil samples were analyzed for Ni, Co, Ti, V, Cr, Mo, Zr, Cu, Pb, Ag, Bi, Zn, Sn, Be, Sr, Ba, and F and the rocks samples for Cu, Ag. To characterize the mineralization in this area, statistical and geostatistical techniques were used. With the exception of Co, the statistical analysis indicated that the frequency distribution of the analyzed parameters for these soils was not normal. With grids of 100 x 20 m soil geochemistry gives excellent results. Extremely superimposed anomalies in Cu and Ag aligned on the same direction faults N-S crossing the area. Based on correlation and PCA analysis the results of these geochemical associated are as follows: Cu-Zn-Cd-As (Sb-Bi) constituents of sulfide mineralization and Cr-Mo (Ti-V-Zr) appears to be lithologically related to the presence of magmatic rocks. In rock geochemistry, the geostatistical techniques (Variography and Kriging map) results outline superimposed anomalies in copper and silver.

Automated summary

This study conducted a geochemical survey in an area of 2.4 km(2) near Tenes by collecting 1270 soil samples and 114 rock samples, using statistical and geostatistical techniques. The results show that the anomalies of Cu and Ag in the soil are aligned on the same N-S direction fault line.