Geochemical orientation surveys were completed over covered Carlin-type gold deposits in the Cortez mine area with the expressed aim of identifying and evaluating exploration methods to discover Au ore under transported alluvial cover in Nevada. Orientation tests were designed to assess the utility of geochemical applications at various scales of exploration, both drill targets at the deposit scale and “footprints” associated with deposits at the district scale.
Groundwater is an effective and under-utilized reconnaissance-scale sample medium. Gold is likely to be soluble in neutral to alkaline groundwater in Nevada, and could provide a direct indicator of blind covered ore.