| Abstract: | An experimental survey of the gold concentrated from well water by a hydroelectrical extraction (HEE) method has been carried out in the famous Au metallogenic province in the eastern part of Shandong Province in northeastern China. This method is based on the existence of ionic Au in groundwater around ore bodies. Under the action of an external electric field, ionic Au migrates toward the cathode where the metal is absorbed by a special absorbent attached to the cathode. Promising areas for further exploration can be evaluated from the amount of Au in the absorbent.Distinct Au anomalies were discovered by the experimental survey. The results from the follow-up study of some of these anomalies have shown that most of them are related to the known placer Au deposits and to the primary Au occurrences. However, two new Au prospects and several new Au sources have been found which offer new targets for Au hunting in the area.The hydroelectrical extraction method is an effective technique of looking for Au in areas covered with transported overburden. Since the Au in well water can be concentrated on the cathode with the absorbent, the sensitivity requirement for Au analysis could be reduced. The method also provides a useful tool for the exploration of blind placer Au. |
