Petrographic characterization to identify the exploitable mineral resources at the Paredones mine, San Bernardino, Cajamarca - 2025

Huamán A.; Tasilla D.; Carmona J.; Pérez R.; Cáceres S. · Proceedings of the LACCEI international Multi-conference for Engineering, Education and Technology (2026) · DOI: 10.18687/laccei2026.1.1.1522

Resumen

Our study focused on identifying the main mineral species present at the Paredones mine in Cajamarca, and characterizing their geochemical properties to assess the potential for exploitable minerals and the possible reactivation of mining operations. Twelve samples were collected: five for petrographic analysis using thin sections observed with an OPTIKA B-510POL-I trinocular polarizing petrographic microscope with HDMI/USB input, 4K/8 MP CMOS sensor (OPTIKA OP-A-0033), and an illuminator; and seven for geochemical studies, determining mineral concentration and average grade. The local geology includes andesites, tuffs, and volcanic breccias with pyroclastic, porphyritic, and infill textures, affected by potassic, phyllic, and propylitic alteration. The identified ore minerals are galena, chalcopyrite, and bornite, while the gangue consists of quartz, epidote, pyrite, and sericite. The geochemical analysis included spatial interpolation using Regularized Splines, which allowed for the identification of significant anomalies of Au, Ag, Cu, Pb, and Zn and the definition of areas of greater economic interest. The observed hydrothermal zonation, along with the mineralogical associations and geochemical results, demonstrates the presence of a polymetallic system with high economic potential, confirming that petro-mineragraphic and geochemical characterization is essential for identifying exploitable minerals and guiding sustainable exploration and exploitation strategies.

Instituciones: Universidad Privada del Norte