Geology and Ore Deposits in the Haman-Kunbuk Copper District

함안군북지구(咸安郡北地區)의 지질(地質)과 동광상(銅鑛床)

  • 문정욱 (대한광업진흥공사 조사부 광상조사과) ;
  • 김명환 (대한광업진흥공사 조사부 광상조사과) ;
  • 이지헌 (대한광업진흥공사 조사부 광상조사과) ;
  • 최충정 (대한광업진흥공사 조사부 광상조사과)
  • Published : 1970.06.30

Abstract

The district investigated covers the central and southern portions of the Uiryong Quadrangle amounting to $40km^2$ in area and is bounded approximately by geographical coordinates of $128^{\circ}$ 28' $40^{{\prime}{\prime}}{\sim}128^{\circ}$ 24' 25"E in longitude and $35^{\circ}10{\prime}{\sim}35^{\circ}14^{\prime}06^{{\prime}{\prime}}N$ in latitude. The purpose of this investigation was to provide basic information in drawing up a comprehensive development plan of the copper ore deposits known to exist in the HamanKumbuk district with special emphasis given to the ascertainment of geological and paragenetic characteristics. The area consists chiefly of shale, sandy shale and chert, all belong to Kyongsang System of Cretaceous age. Intruded into these rocks are andesite, granodiorite, basic dikes, and acidic dikes. The mineralization which took place in the area, consists of mostly fissure-filling vein deposits, numbering several tens, with varying magnitudes. The fissures and shear zones created in rocks, such as chert and granodiorite, hosted the deposition of mineralizing vapors and/or hydrothermal solutions along their openings. The strike lengths of these veins vary from 50 to 600 meters in extension and 0.1 to 3 meters in width. Although the degree of fluctuation in width is great, it averages 0.3m. The stuctural patterns, which apparently affected the deposition of veins, are fissure patterns, trend NS to $N30^{\circ}W$, and steep-pitching tension fractures as well as normal fault pattern. Ore minerals associated with vein matters are primarily chalcopyrite and small amounts of scheelite, cobaltiferous arsenopyrite, and gold and silver intimately associated with sulphide minerals. Associated with these ore mineral are pyrite, pyrrhotite, magnetite, specularite and arsenopyrite. Gangue minerals noted are quartz, calcite, chlorite, tourmaline and hornblende. In terms of the compositions of associated minerals, the vein deposits in the district could be grouped under the following four categories: 1. Pyrrhoitite, Arsenopyrite, Gold and Silver Bearing Copper Vein (Type I) 2. Calcite-Scheelite-Copper Vein (Type II) 3. Magnetite-Pyrite-Copper Vein (Type III) 4. Tourmaline Copper Vein (Type IV) Of the four types, the first and the fourth are presently yielding relatively higher grades: of copper ores and concentrates. The estimated ore reserves total some 222,000 metric tons with the following breakdown in terms of metal contents: Name of Mines Au(g/t) Ag(g/t) Cu(%) Reserves(M/T) Kunbuk 15.92 78.69 6,074 60.498 Cheil Kunbuk - - 1.040 60,847 Haman - - 2.688 101,204 222,549 As rehabilitation of old workings and/or exploration of veins at depth proceed, additional estimation of ore reserves may become apparent and necessary. With regard to the problem of beneficiation and upgrading of low-grade ores in the district, it would be advisable to make decisions on location, treating capacity and mill flowsheet after sufficient amount of exploration is completed as suggested in the report.

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