Identification of geochemical anomalies associated with Sn-W mineralization in the Dong Van region, North-Eastern Vietnam, using statistical methods

Sn-W multimetal mineralization in the Dong Van region, North-Eastern Vietnam was studied using statistical and multivariate approaches based on 890 samples of stream bottom sediments collected for assaying for 27 elements. The findings of frequency analysis demonstrated that Pb, As, Bi, Li, Sn, W, Ta, Ce, Ag, Sb, and Be have close ties with multimetal ores, implying that these elements can be used as prospecting indicators for multimetal mineralization. In addition, correlation matrix and dendrogram studies were also applied to subdivide the elements in the stream bottom sediment samples assays into two groups: associated with multimetal mineralization (Be-Sn-W-Bi, and, to a lesser extent, Li-Pb sub-groups) and not associated with the mineralization: (As-Cd-Sc-Cr-Ce-La, Co-Ni-V, and Ga-Ge-Ba sub-groups). Sn and W were found to be the best indicator elements for the mineralization, according to the findings of geochemical modeling and location of their anomalies in the region. Furthermore, extensive Sn and W anomalies were identified in the Dong Van region (using threshold values (mean ± 3 STD), providing the most important indications for multimetal mineralization prospecting in the region. The studies also suggest genetic ties between the region’s multimetal mineralization and the northwest-southeast fault system and concealed granitoid blocks. Finally, the performed statistical analyses (with the use of threshold values) of stream bottom sediments assays allowed revealing indicator elements and their geochemical anomalies and using them as an effective tool in further prospecting and exploration for multimetal mineralization in the region.