Lead Isotopes in Mineral Exploration (Developments in Economic Geology)

Twelve years of research at CSIRO and over 500 case histories have demonstrated the viability and cost-effectiveness of an important new approach to mineral exploration, i.e. the use of lead isotopes. Written specifically for those working in the mineral industry, this is the first book to provide an up-to-date state-of-the-art review of lead isotopes in mineral exploration. Beginning with an historical review on suggested uses of lead isotopes in mineral exploration, the author then outlines the theoretical aspects of lead isotopes and illustrates that the method is based on well-known principles of radioactive decay, from which isotopic signatures for different styles of mineralization are derived. The varying isotopic signatures are then introduced. The major part of the book details over 40 case histories for base and precious metals, uranium and tin using sampling media such as sulfides, gossans, soils, weathered bedrock, vegetation and groundwaters. Advantages and disadvantages of each are discussed. To assist the exploration geologist, one chapter is devoted to the application of the method to an actual exploration program, including interpretation.