• Journal of the Mineralogical Society of Korea
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.265-280
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• 2003

The Mugeuk mineralized area that associated with the pull-apart type Cretaceous Eumseong basin is composed of several gold-silver vein deposits that are emplaced in late Cretaceous biotite granite. The gold-silver deposits in the area show various hydrothermal alteration zones as well as Au/Ag ratios and ore mineralogy. The Geumbong mine showing relatively high gold fineness is composed of multiple veins and show alteration pattern; vein \longrightarrow phyllic \longrightarrow subphyllic \longrightarrow propylitic \longrightarrow subpropylitic zone. In contrast, The Taegeuk mines show the low fineness values, in far southern part are characterized by increasing tendency of simple and/or stockwork veins. The deposit displays alteration pattern; vein \longrightarrow propylitic \longrightarrow subpropylitic zone. Variations of alteration zone with depth show that phyllic zone are dominant in deeper level and propylitic zone sporadically overlapped by argillic zone are dominant in shallow level. The differences of alteration pattern between the gold-silver deposits are reflect the evolution of the hydrothermal fluids; the ore-forming fluids of the Geumbong mine are at relatively high temperature and salinity and highly-evolved meteoric water, developing phyllic zone, the Taegeuk mine containing greater amounts of less-evolved meteoric waters shows relatively low temperature and salinity in ore-forming fluids, developing propylitic zone. The various physicochemical environment for gold-silver mineralization in the Mugeuk mineralized area is due to proximity from heat source area (Mugeuk mine) to marginal area (Taegeuk mine) in a geothermal field. Therefore, it is suggested that the criteria for project exploration in the area are to focus on the area proximal to heat source and phyllic zone.

• Journal of the Mineralogical Society of Korea
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.103-111
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• 2016

Li-bearing hectorite, one member of trioctahedral smectite, occurred large in quantity and confirmed in Turkey western sedimentary boron deposit. Li-bearing hectorite attracted a particular attention because it is one of potential lithium resources. There have been no consensus for the change of hectorite due to heat and acid treatment although it is very important to use in industrial application. In this study, we examined changes of hectorite after heat and acid treatment as well as acid treatement followed by heating. We used clay ores collected in Bigadic deposit, which contained the highest $Li_2O$ content in Turkey boron deposits. Hectorite showed a strong endothermic reaction at $84^{\circ}C$ due to dehydration of absorbed water and interlayer water and a weak endothermic reaction above $600^{\circ}C$ owing to dehydration of crystallization water. The first endothermic reaction accompanied a large weight loss about 6%. Hectorite decomposed into enstatite, cristobalite and amorphous Fe material at $762^{\circ}C$ with exothermic reaction. When hectorite reacted with 3 kinds of 0.1 M acid during 1 hours, it had a good dissolution efficiency with $H_2SO_4{\geq}HCl$ > $HNO_3$ in order.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.199-206
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• 2013

The Daehyun gold-silver deposit consists of two hydrothermal quartz veins that fill NE-trending fractures in the Cambro-Ordovician calcitic marble. I have sampled wallrock, hydrothermaly-altered rock and gold-silver ore vein to study the element dispersion and element gain/loss during wallrock alteration. The hydrothermal alteration doesn't remarkably recognized at this deposit and consists of mainly calcite, dolomite, quartz and minor epidote. The ore minerals composed of arsenopyrite, pyrrhotite, pyrite, sphalerite, stannite, chalcopyrite, galena, electrum, native bismuth and silver-bearing mineral. Based on analyzed data, the chemical composition of wallrock consists of mainly $SiO_2$, CaO, $CO_2$ with amounts of $Al_2O_3$, $Fe_2O_3(T)$ and MgO. The contents of $SiO_2$, $Fe_2O_3(T)$, MgO, CaO and $CO_2$ vary significantly with distance from ore vein. The element dispersion doesn't remarkably recognized during wallrock alteration and only occurs near the ore vein margin because of physical and chemical properties of wallrock. Remarkable gain elements during wallrock alteration are $Fe_2O_3(T)$, total S, Ag, As, Bi, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sn, W and Zn. Remarkable loss elements are $SiO_2$, MnO, MgO, CaO. $CO_2$ and Sr. Therefore, Our result may be used when geochemical exploration carry out at deposits hosted calcitic marble in the Hwanggangri metallogenic district.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.191-201
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• 2002

The Gubong gold-silver deposits if gold-silver-bearing hydrothermal massive quartz veins which were filled the fractures along fault shear (NE, NW) zones within Precambrian banded or granitic gneiss of Gyeonggi massif. Ore mineralization of this deposits is contained within a single stage of quartz vein which was formed by multiple episodes of fracturing and healing. Ore minerals are comported mainly of arsenopyrite, pyrite, sphalerite, chalcopyrite, galena with minor amounts of pyrrhotite, marcasite and electrum. The frequency and volume percentages of electrum associated with ore minerals from this deposits are recognized as follows; 44.5% and 54.3% with arsenopyrite, 24.3% and 33.8% with quartz, 12.6% and 0.1% with pyrite, 11.0% and 4.8% with galena, 5.0% and 7.0% with sphalerite and 2.5% and 0.02% with chalcopyrite, respectively. They show irregular (41.6%), subround (34.7%), elongate (17.0%) and granular (6.6%) shapes, respectively. Their grain size ranges from 2 to 150 um, but 90.9 percent of the grains are below 30 um. The chemical composition of electrums ranges from 26.39 to 72.51 Au atomic %. These composition (Au atomic %) on the basis of associated minerals are from 44.97 to 71.75 with arsenopyrite, pyrite, sphalerite and quartz, from 44.37 to 72.51 with quartz, from 35.40 to 41.01 with sphalerite and chalcopyrite, from 26.39 to 54.84 with pyrite, chalcopyrite, quartz and galena, from 28.49 to 53.28 with galena, respectively. We suggest that optimum recovery of gold would be obtained with reference to these results.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.379-393
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• 2002

Within the Boseong-Jangheung area of Korea, five hydrothermal gold (-silver) quartz vein deposits occur. They have the characteristic features as follows: the relatively gold-rich nature of e1ectrurns; the absence of Ag-Sb( -As) sulfosalt mineral; the massive and simple mineralogy of veins. They suggest that gold mineralization in this area is correlated with late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous, mesothermal-type gold deposits in Korea. Fluid inclusion data show that fluid inclusions in stage I quartz of the mine area homogenize over a wide temperature range of 200$^{\circ}$ to 460$^{\circ}$C with salinities of 0.0 to 13.8 equiv. wt. % NaCI. The homogenization temperature of fluid inclusions in stage II calcite of the mine area ranges from 150$^{\circ}$ to 254$^{\circ}$C with salinities of 1.2 to 7.9 equiv. wt. % NaCI. This indicates a cooling of the hydrothermal fluid with time towards the waning of hydrothermal activity. Evidence of fluid boiling including CO2 effervescence indicates that pressures during entrapment of auriferous fluids in this area range up to 770 bars. Calculated sulfur isotope composition of auriferous fluids in this mine area (${\delta}^34S$_{{\Sigma}S}$$\textperthousand$) indicates an igneous source of sulfur in auriferous hydrothermal fluids. Within the Sobaegsan Massif, two representative mesothermal-type gold mine areas (Youngdong and Boseong-Jangheung areas) occur. The ${\delta}^34S values of sulfide minerals from Youngdong area range from -6.6 to 2.3$\textperthousand$ (average=-1.4$\textperthousand$, N=66), and those from BoseongJangheung area range from -0.7 to 3.6$\textperthousand$ (average=1.6$\textperthousand$, N=39). These i)34S values of both areas are comparatively lower than those of most Korean metallic ore deposits (3 to 7TEX>$\textperthousand$). And, within the Sobaegsan Massif, the ${\delta}^34S values of Youngdong area are lower than those of Boseong-Jangheung area. It is inferred that the difference of ${\delta}^34S values within the Sobaegsan Massif can be caused by either of the following mechanisms: (1) the presence of at least two distinct reservoirs (both igneous, with ${\delta}^34S values of < -6 $\textperthousand$ and 2$\pm$2 %0) for Jurassic mesothermal-type gold deposits in both areas; (2) different degrees of the mixing (assimilation) of 32S-enriched sulfur (possibly sulfur in Precambrian pelitic basement rocks) during the generation and/or subsequent ascent of magma; and/or (3) different degrees of the oxidation of an H2S-rich, magmatically derived sulfur source ${\delta}^34S = 2$\pm$2$\textperthousand$) during the ascent to mineralization sites. According to the observed differences in ore mineralogy (especially, iron-bearing ore minerals) and fluid inclusions of quartz from the mesothermal-type deposits in both areas, we conclude that pyrrhotite-rich, mesothermal-type deposits in the Youngdong area formed from higher temperatures and more reducing fluids than did pyrite(-arsenopyrite)-rich mesothermal-type deposits in the Boseong-Jangheung area. Therefore, we prefer the third mechanism than others because the ${\delta}^34S values of the Precambrian gneisses and Paleozoic sedimentary rocks occurring in both areas were not known to the present. In future, in order to elucidate the provenance of ore sulfur more systematically, we need to determine ${\delta}^34S values of the Precambrian metamorphic rocks and Paleozoic sedimentary rocks consisting the basement of the Korean Peninsula including the Sobaegsan Massif.

• Korean Journal of Mineralogy and Petrology
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.345-353
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• 2023

This study aimed to investigate the differences in the commercial powder products of the Yeongdong illite based on sales specifications, specifically examining the mineralogical composition, particle size, and chemical composition according to mesh size. The goal was to understand the characteristics of illite powder products and utilize them as a mineralogical database for exploring various applications. Commercial illite powder samples obtained from two mines were subjected to various experiments, including X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, laser diffraction particle size analysis, and scanning electron microscopy analysis, X-ray fluorescence analysis. The XRD analysis revealed that the illite powder products from the two mines mainly consisted of illite/muscovite, quartz, and feldspar, indicating similar constituent minerals matching with those of ores for each mine. Laser diffraction particle size analysis indicated the difference in particle size distribution depending on the product specifications, with particle size uniformity tending to increase with increasing mesh sizes. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed variations in particle shape and size based on specifications. The size of illite particles did not vary significantly with product specifications, with noticeable changes observed mainly in the particle sizes of quartz and feldspar. Furthermore, although there were some differences in chemical composition among the samples from different mines, no significant variations were observed according to specifications. Based on these results, when considering the application of commercial illite powder, it is essential to carefully select it with the consideration of its specifications to account for characteristic variations. The findings of this study present support the great potential of various application fields of commercial illite powder, contributing to industrial utilization and the development of new technologies.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.587-597
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• 1995

Two distinct precious-metal mineralizations actively occur at central and southeastern Korea which display consistent relationships among geologic, geochemical and genetic environments. A large number of preciousmetal vein deposits in the central Korea occur in or near Mesozoic granite batholiths elongated in a NE-SW direction. Whereas, gold and/or silver deposits in the southeastern Korea occur within Cretaceous volcanic and sedimentary rocks. However, most of the precious-metal deposits in the southeastern Korea show characteristics of the silver-rich deposits than the gold-rich deposits in the central Korea. Two epochs of main igneous activities are recognized: a) Jurassic Daebo igneous activity between 121 and 183 Ma, and b) Cretaceous Bulgugsa igneous activity between 60 and 110 Ma. Precious-metal mineralization took place between 158 and 71 Ma, coinciding with portions of the two magmatic activities. Contrasts in the style of mineralization, together with radiometric age data and differences in geologic settings reflect the genetically variable natures of hydrothermal activities from middle Jurassic to late Cretaceous time. The compilation and re-evaluation of these data suggest that the genetic types of hydrothermal precious-metal vein deposits in the central and southeastern Korea varied with time. The Jurassic and early Cretaceous mineralizations are characterized by the Au-dominant type, but tend to change to the Au-Ag and/or Ag-dominant types at late Cretaceous. The Jurassic Au-dominant deposits commonly show several characteristics; prominent associations with pegmatites, simple massive vein morphologies, high fmeness values in ore-concentrating parts, and a distinctively simple ore mineralogy such as Fe-rich sphalerite, galena, chalcopyrite, Au-rich electrum, pyrrhotite and/or pyrite. The Cretaceous precious-metal deposits are generally characterized by some- features such as complex vein morphologies, low to medium fmeness values in the ore concentrates, and abundance of ore minerals including Ag sulfosalts, Ag sulfides, Ag tellurides and native silver. Mineralogical and fluid inclusion studies indicate that the Jurassic Au-dominant deposits in the central area were formed at the high temperature (about $300^{\circ}$ to $500^{\circ}C$) and pressure (about 4 to 5 kbars), whereas mineralizations of the Cretaceous Au-Ag and Ag-dominant deposits were occurred at the low temperature (about $200^{\circ}$ to $350^{\circ}C$) and pressure (<0.5 kbars) from the ore fluids containing more amounts of less-evolved meteoric waters.

• Journal of the Mineralogical Society of Korea
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.60-73
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• 1997

The talc of the Daeheung, Pyeongan, and Cheongdang (Shinyang) talc deposits in the Yesan-Gongju-Cheongyang area is a hydrothermal alteration product of serpentinite originated from ultramafic rocks. The mineral assemblages in alteration zones are: serpentine, serpentine-talc, talc, talc-chlorite, talc-phlogopite-chlorite, and talc-tremolite-chlorite. Chemical distributions in both the Al2O3-FeO-MgO system and the immobile elements suggest that the serpentine-talc and talc rocks are the reaction product of ultramafic rocks and silicic hydrothermal solution without addition of other granitic components, whereas chlorite-, phlogopite-, and tremolite-bearing rocks are the metasomatic alteration product of serpentinite by hydrothermal solution affected by granitic gneiss. Discontinuities in the immobile element ratios of mineral assemblages are due to changes in their mineralogy. The relative contents of Al2O3, TiO2, Zr in the talc-phlogopite-chlorite and talc-tremolite-chlorite rocks increase irregularly with increasing phlogopite, tremolite, and/or chlorite contents in contrast to other ore types. But the relative contents of Cr, Ni, and Co are uniform in all the mineral assemblages. Chemistry of each mineral assemblage formed by steatitization of serpentinite suggests that Cr, Co, Ni, MgO, and Fe2O3 are relatively immobile during the alteration, whereas SiO2, Al2O3, CaO, and K2O are highly increased. The contents of chlorite, phlogopite, and tremolite in each mineral assemblage might be controlled by addition of Al2O3, K2O, and CaO, respectively. The high contents of other elements than immobile elements in the altered rocks as compared with unaltered rocks indicate that a large amount of elements were introduced from hydrothermal solution up to about 8∼41% in total mass showing maximum value in the talc-phlogopite-chlorite rock.

• Explosives and Blasting
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.29-41
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• 2024

The increasing demand for metallic minerals due to global growth and the continued exploitation of near-surface minerals requires safe and efficient ways to mine ores present in deep mines. In deep mines, stresses concentrated around the cavity increase, which can lead to problems such as induced seismicity and rockbursts. In addition, the transfer of energy from blasting to deeply located faults can cause fault slip, which can lead to earthquakes, and controlling these events is key to deep mining methods. In this technical report, we will introduce the Underhand Closed Bench (UCB) mining method, which can control possible accidents and increase productivity when mining in deep mines.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.179-189
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• 2002

The Geology of the Shizhuyuan W-Sn-Bi-Mo deposits, situated 16 Ian southeast of Chengzhou City, Hunan Province, China, consist of Proterozoic metasedimentary rocks, Devonian carbonate rocks, Jurassic granitic rocks, Cretaceous granite porphyry and ultramafic dykes. The Shizhuyuan polymetallic deposits were associated with medium- to coarse-grained biotite granite of stage I. According to occurrences of ore body, ore minerals and assemblages, they might be classified into three stages such as skarn, greisen and hydrothernlal stages. The skarn is mainly calcic skarn, which develops around the Qianlishan granite, and consists of garnet, pyroxene, vesuvianite, wollastonite, amphibolite, fluorite, epidote, calcite, scheelite, wolframite, bismuthinite, molybdenite, cassiterite, native bismuth, unidetified Bi- Te-S system mineral, magnetite, and hematite. The greisen was related to residual fluid of medium- to coarse-grained biotite granite, and is classified into planar and vein types. It is composed of quartz, feldspar, muscovite, chlorite, tourmaline, topaz, apatite, beryl, scheelite, wolframite, bismuthinite, molybdenite, cassiterite, native bismuth, unknown uranium mineral, unknown REE mineral, pyrite, magnetite, and chalcopyrite with minor hematite. The hydrothermal stage was related to Cretaceous porphyry, and consist of quartz, pyrite and chalcopyrite. Scheelite shows a zonal texture, and higher MoO) content as 9.17% in central part. Wolframite is WO); 71.20 to 77.37 wt.%, FeO; 9.37 to 18.40 wt.%, MnO; 8.17 to 15.31 wt.% and CaO; 0.01 to 4.82 wt.%. FeO contents of cassiterite are 0.49 to 4.75 wt.%, and show higher contents (4.]7 to 4.75 wt.%) in skarn stage (Stage I). Te and Se contents of native bismuth range from 0.00 to 1.06 wt.% and from 0.00 to 0.57 wt.%, respectively. Unidentified Bi-Te-S system mineral is Bi; 78.62 to 80.75 wt.%, Te; 12.26 to 14.76 wt.%, Cu; 0.00 to 0.42 wt.%, S; 5.68 to 6.84 wt.%, Se; 0.44 to 0.78 wt.%.