Geochemical Assessment of Mineral Resource Potential in a Hg-Sb-Pb-Zn Mining Area: The Almadén and Guadalmez Synclines (South-Central Spain)

The geochemical data from surface soils are often neglected or questioned when prospecting for ore deposits within active mining districts due to the “background noise” produced by anthropogenic pollution derived activity. Large datasets on a national and international scale offer interesting possibilities discover prospective zones. In present work, Geochemical Atlas of Castilla–La Mancha were treated in an area with intense history Hg, Pb, Zn, Sb: Almadén Guadalmez synclines Alcudia Valley. sampling grid was densified adapt it main geological formations, cluster analysis carried out establish relationships between variables factor distinguish geogenic metallogenic factors. results showed very high concentrations some elements interest local background areas: Hg (51 mg kg−1), Pb (1190 Sb (45 variation coefficients. Cluster unveiled relationship most ore-forming metals (As, Sb, Ag) clear correlation organic matter, suggesting notable contribution soil. highlighted five factors, three two elements. Despite being candidate form separate factor, its aerial deposition large number outliers syncline contributed integrating element into factor. Instead, factors F4 (Pb Zn) F5 (As Sb) delimited areas both far known exploited mines. Some these coincided discovered mineralized zones, specifically SE derelict mine, confirming usefulness statistical tools recent