| Abstract: | The potential of Mexico for placer minerals in beach sediments has been analyzed, taking into consideration the geomorphic, tectonic, and lithologic conditions of nine different coastal regions. Besides, the textural characteristics of average size and degree of classification, carbonate content was also considered as a measure of terrigenous influence. It is concluded that mineral bearing rocks in the source area, and well-classified fine sands, poor in carbonates, in the beach area represent the major potential for placer minerals. Favorable conditions for placer minerals may be present in Regions 2 and 3 in the Central and Southern portion of the Gulf of Mexico coast, and have their highest potential in Regions 6, 7, 8, and 9 in the Gulf of California and along the Western mainland coast from the Colorado River in the North to the Guatamalan border in the South. |
