• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.313-320
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• 2011

The Taebaegsan Mineralized District is the most prospective region for the useful mineral commodities such as a coal, non-metallic, metallic mineral in South Korea. From a general point of view, Cambro- Ordovician limestone formations, Myobong slate and Pungchon (Daegi) limestone, are the most fertilizable formations in the Taebaegsan Mineralized District. The geology around Weondong mine area consists mainly of Carboniferous-Triassic formations and Cambro-Ordovician formations intruded by rhyolite/quartz porphyry. The great overthrusted fault of N40~$50^{\circ}E$ direction, so called Weondong overthrust fault, is observed in the central part of the mine area and the NS fault system cuts the overthrusted fault. By postulating from the favorable geological and structural condition around Weondong area, the possibility of deep seated hidden ore bodies is expected. In 2010, on the basis of the results of LOTEM and CSAMT survey, the cross-hole survey was performed for the investigation of the hidden polymetallic ore body in the deep parts of the Weondong mine area and the grade of the newly-discovered orebody is as follows; (1) The cut-off grade for lead-zinc 3%; an weighted average grade 5.50% (2.7 m), (2) The cutoff grade for copper 0.1%; an weighted average grade 0.91% (14.65 m), (3) The cut-off grade for iron 30%; an weighted average grade 38.18% (3.3 m), (4) $WO_3$ for each cut-off grade(0.01%, 0.05%, 0.1%); an weighted average grade 0.29 wt. % (8.8 m), 1.15 wt. % (2.1 m), 1.97 wt. % (1.2 m), (5) $MoS_2$ for each cut-off grade(0.01%, 0.1%); an weighted average grade 0.15 wt. % (6.3S m), 0.28 wt. % (3.15 m), (6) $Ta_2O_5$ for each cut-off grade (0.01%, 0.1%); an weighted average grade 0.13% (19.S m), 1.11% (1.8 m), (7) $Nb_2O_5$ for each cut-offgrade (0.01%, 0.1%); an weighted average grade 0.06% 11.5 m), 0.15% (3.0 m).

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.52 no.5
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• pp.499-508
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• 2019

Based on the preliminary surveys for the occurrences of the Muwellut chrome-nickel mineralized zone ($800km^2$) in northwestern Myanmar, Bophivum area was selected as the detailed exploration area after considering data source, geological potential, metallogenic province, necessity of resource development on target mineral, exploration activity, grade, ore deposit type, nearby operating mine, infrastructure and exploration prediction effect. From 2013 to 2016, KIGAM and DGSE carried out geological and geochemical survey with 1:1,000 scale, magnetic survey(areal extent, $1.672km^2$), trench survey(19 trench, total length 392 m), pitting survey(18 pit, total depth 42.6m), exploration drilling(6holes 600m, 2015; 13holes 617.4m). We analyzed Cr and Ni contents of 77 drill cores with specific gravity in Yangon DGSE analytical center. Considering surface geological survey, geochemical exploration, magnetic survey, trench survey and drilling data, we divided Bophivum area into 8 blocks. Resource estimation are divided into measured and indicated resources. Measured resource is about 9,790t and indicated resource is about 12,080t with the average grade of Cr 11.8% and Ni 0.34%. In case of Bophivum area, if we develop by tying up Webula chrome mineralized zone in the south, it will be possible to upgrade the medium-scale mine. Geologically, the ophiolite belt are distributed in the western and eastern part in Myanmar. So, the exploration technology obtained from exploation in Bophivum area will be helpful to discover the hidden chromitite ore body in Myanmar ophiolite belt in the future.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.50 no.1
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• pp.15-26
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• 2017

Advanced argillic, argillic, and phyllic zones are the most important alteration patterns to predict the hidden ore body during exploration of hydrothermal deposits. We examined the quantitative relationship between the spectral absorption characteristics and the mineral content of the synthetic mixtures such as alunite-kaolinite and illite-kaolinite using short wavelength infrared (SWIR) spectroscopy. In the alunite-kaolinite mixtures, the spectral absorption characteristics of the alunite was highly correlated with the Hull quotient reflectance(0.99) and the kaolinite had the highest correlation with the Gaussian peak(0.92). Illite-kaolinite mixtures are essential for Gaussian deconvolution because of the overlap of absorption region. Illite and kaolinite mixtures indicate the high correlation of 0.93 and 0.98, respectively. The error ranges in the alunite-kaolinite(8%) and illite-kaolinite mixtures(5%) derived from SWIR were smaller than the ones(29% and 26%) obtained from X-ray diffraction(Rietveld) analysis. These results show that SWIR spectroscopic analysis is more reliable than XRD Rietveld analysis in terms of quantification of allowed minerals.

• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.180-191
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• 2013

The purpose of this research was to find an optimal quarrying for marble by analyzing the applicability and the work efficiency of a chain saw machine newly introduced in the underground Baekwoon mine. From the test results of the physical properties of Baekwoon marble, which affects the efficiency of rock cutting, it was found to have similar physical characteristics as the ones which are now being produced in the other areas in Korea. And especially it shows isotropic property, which can be thought to be advantageous as a dimensional stone. To check the long-term quality of the marble as a stone material, several tests such as corrosion resistance test and abrasion test were carried out. It was found to be vulnerable to acid rain with decrease of weight and seismic wave velocity after applying artificial rain at pH 5.6 for 50 times. The percentage of wear from abrasion test was 22.67%. The working time and cutting speed of the chain saw machine were recorded and analyzed during the test-run at the quarry. The overall work cycle was assorted into 9 unit operations and the operating time per each unit was drawn. The operating times for the two cutting patterns, which could be possibly applicable to the work site, were compared. The results indicated that the pattern B, that the cutting sequence was set to minimize the movement of the machine, showed 6% less working hours than the pattern A, which first cuts the outer boundary. With cutting pattern analysis, the ore body in the Baekwoon mine was 3 dimensionally modeled and a quarrying plan considering the existing conditions of the marble was suggested.

• The Korean Journal of Vision Science
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.461-468
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• 2018

Purpose : Tourmaline, a natural ore material, was applied to the entire eyeglasses to observe changes in intraocular pressure (IOP), one of the factors related to human ocular metabolism. Methods : After making eyeglass frames by mixing TR-90, which is the main material of eyeglass frames and 7wt% of tourmaline, The changes of intraocular pressure before and after wearing of tourmaline spectacle frames were divided into low, middle and high groups according to the intraocular pressure in 90 normal subjects (46 men and 44 women) in their 20s. Results : Total intraocular pressure was a significantly decreased to -4.14% (p<0.000) in the right eye after wearing tourmaline frames, and significantly decreased to -6.39 % (p<0.000) and -4.64 % (p<0.017) in the High and Middle groups, respectively. Total intraocular pressure was a significantly decreased to -2.74 % (p<0.004) in the left eye, and -4.58 % (p<0.000) in the High group only showed statically significant value. Conclusion : In this study, the spectacle frame containing 7wt% tourmaline was used and it was confirmed that the intraocular pressure was significantly decreased after wearing the spectacle frame, and it became close to the average value of the normal intraocular pressure range. The results of this study showed that tourmaline, which has the effect of promoting the metabolism and blood circulation of the body, has an effect on the normalization of the intraocular pressure by attaching it to the spectacle frame.

• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.163-176
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• 2019

The Potosinian geological basement in central Mexico is comprised of the Upper Paleozoic metamorphic rocks, which crop out on the Sierra de Catorce nucleus located in the northeastern part of the state. The sedimentary sequence that covers unconformably the Paelozoic basement is represented by an Upper Triassic marine sedimentary sequence, correlating to the Zacatecas Formation and the Upper Triassic continental Huizachal Formation red beds, which in turn are covered either by La Joja Formation Jurassic red beds or by Upper Jurassic marine sediments. This sequence is overlain by the conformable Cretaceous calcareous marine sedimentary rocks in all the state of San Luis Potosi. The Cenozoic sequence unconformably covers some of the aforementioned rocks and is represented by undifferentiated volcanic rocks as well as by marine clastic rocks. The existing intrusive igneous rocks are felsic to intermediate composition, and they intrude the metamorphic basement and sedimentary rocks. Conglomerates with evaporitic sediments were deposited during the Pleistocene. The Quaternary sequence includes basalt flows, piedmont deposits, alluvium, and occasionally evaporites and caliche layers. In the state of San Luis Potosi, a great diversity of mineral deposit types is known as both metallic and nonmetallic. The host rocks of these deposits vary from one another including formations that represent from Paleozoic up to Tertiary. The mineralization age corresponds approximately to Tertiary (75%), and is mainly epigenetic. Conclusively, the data on geology and mineralization in San Luis Potosi, Mexico are helpful to predict a hidden ore body and select promising mineralized zone(s) when the domestic company makes inroads in the mining sector of Mexico.

• Korean Journal of Mineralogy and Petrology
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.57-67
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• 2021

The geology of the Iskaycruz project are mainly composed of sedimentary rocks within Cretaceous basin. The basal part is composed up of dark-gray shale, gray sandstone, and clastic rock of Oyon formation interbedded with coal measures. In the folded zone in the eastern part of the survey area, there is Chimu formation that has medium-grained massive and white quarztite. In terms of geological structure, the Iskaykruz region is located in the folded and overthrust zones of the central part of the Occidental Mountains. Ore body was formed by hydrothermal replacement process and consists of zinc, lead, silver, and copper. Stratabound-type deposits are hosted in limestone of Santa formation. It extends 12 kilometers discontinuously from northern Canaypata to southern Antapampa. Irregular iron oxide and sulfide minerals hosted in Santa and Parihuanca formations are observed. The mineralization observed on the surface consist of primary sulfides consisting of sphalerite with galena and chalcopyrite, and iron and manganese oxide produced from oxidation of primary sulfides. Skarn minerals are accompanied by tremolite, garnet, epidote and quartz.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.55 no.4
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• pp.399-406
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• 2022

In line with the megatrend of 2050 carbon neutrality, the amount of critical minerals used in clean-energy technology is expected to increase fourfold and sixfold, respectively, according to the Paris Agreement-based scenario as well as the 2050 carbon-neutrality scenario. And, in the case of Korea, in terms of the battery supply chain used for secondary batteries, the midstream that manufactures battery materials and battery cell packs shows strength, but the upstream that provides and processes raw materials is experiencing difficulties. The Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources has established a strategy to secure lithium, nickel, and cobalt and is conducting surveys to respond to the upstream risk of these types of battery raw materials. In the case of lithium, exploration has been carried out in Uljin, Gyeongsangbuk-do since 2020, and by the end of 2021, the survey area was selected for precision exploration by synthesizing all exploration data and building a 3D model. Potential resources will be assessed in 2022. In the case of nickel, the prospective site will be selected by the end of 2022 through a preliminary survey targeting 10 nickel sulfide deposits that have been prospected in the past. In the case of cobalt, Boguk cobalt is known only in South Korea, but there is only a record that cobalt was produced as a minor constituent of hydrothermal deposit. According to the literature, a cobalt ore body was found in the contact area between serpentinite and granite, and a protocol for cobalt exploration in Korea will be established.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.47 no.2
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• pp.147-168
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• 2014

The soil geochemical exploration was carried out targeting around Tri Le area far from about 30 km with northwestern direction from Que Phong within Nghe An province. The interval of sampling are horizontal 200 m interval with 23 line and longitudinal 300 m with 10 line, resulting in 228 soil samples. Based on the result of the soil geochemical exploration, the detailed pitting survey was carried out targeting the grid point with high TREO content, resulting in 75 soil samples within 7 pits. The geology of survey area are consisted of Ban Chieng biotite granite complex and granitic gneiss intruding Ban Khang formation comprising of quartz schist and marble. Main mineralization in the study area have the characteristics of occurrence with tin, ruby and REE-bearing monazite and xenotime to be thought as occurring at the alteration zone of granite complex. In order to elucidate the source rock of monazite and xenotime confirmed from heavy sand, soil geochemical exploration was carried out. As a analysis result with ICP-MS on the soil samples from the soil geochemical exploration, total REE oxide content of background amount to about 2 times of crustal abundance, enriching the heavy rare earth(about 2 times) and light rare earth(about 1.5 times). As a analysis result with ICP-MS on the soil samples from the soil detailed pit survey, we only identified outcrop considering as economic weathered granite body at the grid point 1-10 pit among 7 pits. As a synthetic consideration on the soil geochemical exploration and detailed pit survey, we tentatively designated Tri Le area as no promising target for REE. In 2014, we have the plan to carry out the soil geochemical exploration targeting the extended economic REE ore body in Quy Chau as project area from 2011 to 2012.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.273-285
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• 2015

The extensive hydrothermal deposits have been found, for the first time, on the western TA25 seamount caldera in the Tonga arc. The seafloor hydrothermal vents are active and immature, emitting the transparent fluids of which temperatures range from $150^{\circ}C$ to $242^{\circ}C$ (average=$203^{\circ}C$). The recovered hydrothermal sulfides are mainly composed of sphalerite, pyrite, marcasite, galena, chalcopyrite, covellite, tennantite, enargite and sulfates such as barite, gypsum/anhydrite. Predominant sphalerite categorize it into Zn-rich hydrothermal ore body. Zn-rich sulfide ores have minor enargite, indicating that mineralization occurred in high sulfidation environment. The proportion and FeS content of sphalerite increase from outside to inside of the hydrothermal ores, respectively. In particular, sphalerite has a great silver content (up to ~10 wt.%). Chalcopyrite is more frequently observed in mound than in the chimney, implying mineralization temperature in the mound is higher than in the chimney. Homogenization temperatures and salinities from fluid inclusions in barite at the mound range from $148^{\circ}C$ to $341^{\circ}C$ (average=$213^{\circ}C$) and 0.4 to 3.6 equiv. wt.% NaCl, respectively. Homogenization temperatures suggest that sulfides in the mound mineralized at a higher temperature (${\geq}200^{\circ}C$) than in the chimney.