Exploration of Metallic Minerals and their Discrimination Using Partial Extraction of Metals by Electrolysis (PEXMEL) Method

Abstract

Partial electrolytic extraction of metals can be effectively utilised for direct detection of polymetallic minerals in addition to their discrimination which is a difficult task by other geophysical exploration techniques. The principle lies in trapping the metallic cations from the electrolyte formed by leaching of the ore body at depth by a direct current supply impressed on ground surface and analysing the electrolyte chemically for determination of different metallic contents diagonising the target.

Field tests have been successfully carried out with this approach over known and unknown mineralised bodies at Kendadih, Seraikella areas in Singhbhum district, India.