Critical minerals in sediment-hosted stratbound copper deposits in the Nacimiento and Zuni Mountains, Northwestern New Mexico: Preliminary results
— Virginia T. McLemore, Evan J. Owen, and Jakob Newcomer, [eds.]
Abstract:
Abstract—Reexamination of the mineral resources in the sediment-hosted stratabound copper deposits in the Nacimiento and Zuni Mountains is warranted in light of today’s economic importance of critical minerals, which are essential in most of our electronic devices. Critical minerals are defined as nonfuel mineral commodities that are essential to the economic and national security of the United States and are from a supply chain that is vulnerable to global and national supply disruptions. Sediment-hosted stratabound copper deposits are bodies of copper minerals found as disseminations, cement, and veinlets in bleached sedimentary rocks that are restricted to a narrow range of layers within sedimentary host rocks. These deposits are found throughout New Mexico, including in the Nacimiento and Zuni Mountains.Selected samples from Nacimiento and Zuni Mountains (i.e., Nacimiento, Coyote, and Zuni mining districts) have elevated heavy rare earth elements (REE), vanadium, cobalt, and arsenic, but additional studies are required to fully characterize these areas to determine if there is any economic potential for critical minerals. Additional samples need to be collected and examined from the other sediment-hosted stratabound copper deposits in the state.
Full-text (7.72 MB PDF)
Recommended Citation:
- McLemore, Virginia T.; Owen, Evan J.; Newcomer, Jakob, 2024, Critical minerals in sediment-hosted stratbound copper deposits in the Nacimiento and Zuni Mountains, Northwestern New Mexico: Preliminary results, in: New Mexico Geological Society, Guidebook, 74th Field Conference, Karlstrom, Karl E.;Koning, Daniel J.;Lucas, Spencer G.;Iverson, Nels A.;Crumpler, Larry S.;Aubele, Jayne C.;Blake, Johanna M.;Goff, Fraser;Kelley, Shari A., New Mexico Geological Society, Guidebook, 74th Field Conference, pp. 307-317. https://doi.org/10.56577/FFC-74.307