Geochemical Atlas of Neuquén, Argentina

Abstract

A cooperation Agreement on Geochemical Mapping between the China Geological Survey, Ministry of Land and Resources of the People’s Republic of China and the Geological Mining Survey, National Secretary of Mining, Ministry of Federal Planning, Public Investment and Services, Republic of Argentina, was signed in Tianjin, China on October 21, 2014. According to the agreement, an experimental study on low density geochemical mapping was carried out in the Neuquén Region, Argentina. It aimed to strengthen the cooperation between China and Argentina in the field of geological and mineral resources, promote the exchange of technical personnel in the field of geochemistry, improve the level of work and research in the mapping area, and provide basic information for mining investment. In 2014, the China Geological Survey launched a comprehensive study project “Study on the geological background, mineralization and prospecting potential of the major ore deposits in the South American giant metallogenic belt” (Assignment No.: Ke [2014] 04-021-007, Project No.: 12120114092901). One of the main tasks of the project was to carry out the experimental study of low density geochemical mapping of the Neuquén area, Argentina. Through consultation between the China Geological Survey and the Argentine Geological Mining Survey, the work area of low density geochemical mapping was selected in the Neuquén Province of Argentina and its adjacent area of about 158,000 km2. Field sampling was completed on December 10, 2014. A total of 361 stream sediment samples were collected, with an average sampling density of 1 sample/437.7 km2.