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The study examines a small, unconventional Fe-skarn deposit in the Archean Nucleus of São José do Campestre in NE Brazil. By using terrestrial geophysics and magnetic processing modelling techniques, the researchers identified mineralised iron ore bodies, determined their shapes and geometries, classified the deposits, and studied the patterns and processes of magnetite enrichment. The study used magnetic susceptibility, SATMAGAN data, geochemical data, petrographic analysis of drill core samples, and field observations to validate and interpret the geophysical model. The information was integrated and analysed statistically to improve the model, leading to more realistic values. Parametric probabilistic tests were conducted to evaluate statistical procedures. The results identified two mineralised bodies with magnetic susceptibility values ranging from 95.00 to 1,591.00 x 10-3 SI, similar to those observed during fieldwork (91.25 to 2,867.25 x 10-3 SI) and in other Fe-skarn deposits. Geometry and depth of the two main causative sources showed one cone- or pipe-shaped body extending to~ 300 m depth; and another body in the form of a dike extending to ~700 m maximum depth. The integration of geophysical, physical, and geological information helped classify the Fe-skarn deposit, assigning its enrichment of magnetite to the participation of Proterozoic granitic dike swarms. The results of this study demonstrate the value of ground geophysics in mineral prospecting, as it is an efficient and environmentally friendly method of investigating mineral deposits.
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