MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRANING
HANOI UNIVERSITY OF MINING AND GEOLOGY

----------------

PHAN VIET SON

CLASSIFICATION OF DEPOSIT TYPES
AND EVALUATION OF COPPER POTENTIAL
IN FANSIPAN BELT

Discipline: Geology Engineering
Code: 62.52.05.01

SUMMARY OF DOCTORAL DISSERTATION

Ha Noi - 2016


This research was executed at Department of Prospecting
and Exploration Geology, Faculty of Geology,
Hanoi University of Mining and Geology

ADVISORS AND CO-ADVISORS:
1. Ass. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Quang Luat, Hanoi University
of Mining and Geology.
2. Dr. Nguyen Tien Dung, Hanoi University of Mining
and Geology

Reviewer 1: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dang Xuan Phong,
Vietnam Union of Geological Sciences

Reviewer 2: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Binh Chu,
Hanoi University of Mining and Geology
Reviewer 3: Dr. Dao Thai Bac,
General Department of Geology and
Minerals of Vietnam

This PhD dissertation will be examined by University’s PhD
Qualifying Examination Committee at Hanoi University of Mining
& Geology, DucThang Ward, Bac TuLiem District, Hanoi.
Schedule time:
The full version is available at National Library - Hanoi, or
Hanoi University of Mining and Geology’s Library


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INTRODUCTION
1. Overview
Copper, a common nonferrous metal, and its compound are
widely used in industries, agricultures and human being. Thus
copper prospecting and mining become very important in
socioeconomic development of countries. Copper was founded and
has been used in human life for more than 10000 years. Total
production and consumption of copper metal in 2009 was over 18
million tons worldwide, most of them come from: Chile (2.8 million
tons), China (2.6 million tons, USA (1.2 million tons), Indonesia
(0.26 million tons), and Philippines (0.17 million tons).
In Vietnam, copper ore was founded and mined in three main
areas: western bank of Red river (close to the border between
Vietnam and China – in Lao Cai province), Luc Ngan river basin,
and the northwest of the Northern Vietnam. Besides, some small

deposits of Cu were also founded in areas in the middle of Vietnam,
such as Thanh Hoa, Quang Binh, Quang Ngai … (Nguyen Ngoc
Lien. et al., 1995; Tran Van Tri, 2000). However, the major reserves
of mineral is located in the northwest of Vietnam: like Sin Quyen,
Lao Cai and Ban Phuc, Son La; copper ore here has been prospected
from 1960s, and ranked as high deposits with 0.5 - 2% Cu, 2 g/t Au,
and a small amount of Nickel. Total estimation was over 2 million
tons, with 1.24 million tons has already been explored. Nowadays,
mining, processing and metallurgy complexes at Sin Quyen mine,
Bat Xat and Tang Loong industrial park, Lao Cai annually produce
around 10000 tons of Cu metal.
Fansipan belt has a very complicated structure and history of
geologic development, which created abundance of copper deposits,
and of course became an interesting studying object for a lot of
geologists. Geologic maps with different scales have been formed
specially focus on prospecting and exploring copper metallization.
However, there were still a lot of arguments about mining
classification in this area. Thus, in order to improve effectiveness of
prospecting and mining copper ore in not only Fansipan zone but


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also the whole areas of the northwest of Vietnam, summarizing
theories and generating a researching model will be indispensable.
Based on above arguments and reality demands, topic chosen for
researcher‟s PhD dissertation is “CLASSIFICATION OF DEPOSIT
TYPESAND EVALUATION OF COPPER POTENTIALIN FANSIPAN
BELT”

2. Objective

The aim of research is first making a copper deposits
classification system in Fansipan belt base on geomathematics
(mathematical geology), and second creating a scientific
establishment for mineral potential estimation; whereby achieve
better result in exploring and mining process in researched area.
3. Research accountability
- Generating and systematizing related researches about
structural and physical geology of Fansipan area, and copper
deposits.
- Analyzing Fansipan belt geological structure and copper
metallization characteristics.
- Classifying copper deposits in research‟s areas base on
geological mathematics.
- Estimating resources, copper reserves in classified deposits.
Creating scientific establishments for further researches and
prospecting and mining process.
4. Research subject and scope
- Object of study: copper ore deposits, occurrences, and
geologic formation related to copper metallization.
- Research‟s scope: Fansipan belt – Northwest Vietnam.
5. Approaching
- Combining asymptotic system methods with traditional
geologic studies to identify the objects‟ essences and distributing
features of copper ores in area.


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- Applying geological mathematics, logic analysis and
supporting software to solve problems.
- Creating model (objecting) to simulate objects‟ properties

and estimate ore quality.
- Estimating copper ore resources base on metallogenetic
quantitative forecasts and deposit analysis.
6. Original contribution
- Creating reliable industrial models for copper deposits in
Fansipan belt based on combining geomathematics, logic analysis
and traditional geologic studies.
- Research results point out three different types of copper
deposits in Fansipan belt: Sin Quyen copper ore, which could be
found in following mines: Sin Quyen, Vi Kem, Suoi Thau, Ta Phoi;
Lung Po copper ore, in Lung Po mine; and Lang Phat copper ore, in
Lang Phat, and An Luong copper mine.
- Combining geological mathematics with system asymptotic
methods creates reliable results in mineral potential of copper ore in
Fansipan belt. Figure out the prospecting areas for explorations and
mining.
7. Proposes
- Argument 1: Fansipan belt has three different types of
copper deposits: Sin Quyen copper deposit type, including Sin
Quyen, Vi Kem, Suoi Thau, Ta Phoi deposits, located in Sin Quyen
metamorphic formation (PPsq2) contains Cu-Fe-Au-REE; Lung Po
copper deposit type, distributing in Vien Nam formation (T1vn), has
Cu; Lang Phat copper deposit type, consisting of Lang Phat and An
Luong deposits, existing in Sin Quyen (PPsq2) and Sa Pa (NPsp)
formations, involves Cu-Au.
- Argument 2: Fansipan belt has quite great potential for
copper ore. The ore is allocated in three areas which need to be
prospected and explored to contribute to the development of mining
in industry in the area in particular and in Vietnam in general.



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The high valuable of copper ores in these three areas need to be
utilized in further prospecting and mining.
8. Academic and practical denotation
a. Academic denotation
- Providing new method of copper ores classification base on
new theories, technology and geologic mathematics.
- Clarifying the deposit formation characteristic of copper
metallization at Fansipan belt; and providing some theoretical points,
and ore guides to propose prospecting, estimating and mining
methods in researching areas.
- Fulfilling the comprehensive acknowledgment about
copper deposit at Fansipan belt.
b. Practical denotation
- Reference for further studies and mining operations.
9. Structure
- This research dissertation is presented in 5 chapters,
includes: 140 pages, 50 graphs, 35 tables, and 65 references.
10. Data
- Research is accomplished base on geologic maps of
Fansipan area (different scales: 1:500.000, 1:200.000, 1:50.000,
1:10.000) and reporting document from geologists.
- Experimental results from researcher‟s previous project
“Applying geological mathematics in comparison, classification and
mineral potential estimation of copper deposit at Fansipan Belt –
Northwest Vietnam – Code B2010-02-100”. Researcher added 254
new samples of metallography, 31 new samples of ICP, 25 new
microsections; collected 3081 spectrum samples of primary bedrock,
12631 chemistry samples of Cu, etc.

11. Acknowledgements


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This PhD dissertation was completed at Department of
Prospecting and Exploration, Faculty of Geology, Hanoi University
of Mining and Geology with advising of Asc. Prof. PhD Nguyen
Quang Luat and PhD Nguyen Tien Dung.
I would like to thank my advisors for guiding and supporting
me over years.
I would like to thank my thesis committee members for all of
their guidance through this process; your discussion, ideas, and
feedback have been absolutely invaluable.
I would like to thank for help from management committee
of Hanoi University of Mining and Geology, Faculty of Geology,
Department of Prospecting and Exploration, and General
Department of Geology and Mineral of Vietnam.
I would like to thank for supporting from scientists: Prof.
PhD Dong Van Nhi, Asc.Prof PhD. Dang Xuan Phong, Asc.Prof
PhD Do Dinh Toat, Asc.Prof PhD Nguyen Phuong, Asc.Prof PhD
Nguyen Van Lam, Asc.Prof PhD Tran Binh Chu, Asc.Prof PhD
Pham Van Truong, Asc.Prof PhD Le Tien Dung, Asc.Prof PhD
Truong Xuan Luan, Asc.Prof PhD Tran Thanh Hai, Asc.Prof PhD
Luong Quang Khang, PhD Hoang Van Long, PhD Tran My Dung,
PhD Ngo Xuan Thanh, PhD Bui Hoang Bac, and other researchers.


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Research content

Chapter 1
GEOLOGIC FEATURES OF FANSIPAN BELT – NORTHWEST
VIETNAM
1.1 Research area in geologic province
Base on the classification of geologic structure units in the north
of Vietnam published by Dovjikov A.E. et al (1965), research area is
located in Fansipan belt, part of the northwestern formation. This area is
also defined as “Metamorphic terrane in highland Hoang Lien Son” in
researches of Tran Van Tri, et al (2009), which means that it belong to
continental crust terrane Precambrian and reformatted in Phanerozoic,
that connected with Ailaoshan (China) creating the southwestern edge of
Yangzi.
1.2 Literature
- Before 1954: geologic researches were published by French
geologists, such as Indochina‟s and Yunnan‟s stratigraphy overviewing
of L. Deprat (1912, 1916, 1917), Geologic formation in Da river basin
and northern center of Vietnam of Ch. Jacob (1921), Geologic analysis at
northwest Vietnam and upper Laos of J. Fromaget (1933, 1937, 1952).
In general, geologic formation was classified based on groundmass
characteristic in plate Indochina – Himalaya.
- After 1954: researches were executed by Soviet‟s and
Vietnamese geologists. Some remarkable researches and geologists could
be listed as following: A.E. Dovjikov et al (1965); E.P. Izokh (1965);
Nguyen Xuan Bao (1969); Bui Phu My (1971); Nguyen Vinh (1971);
Phan Son (1974); Nguyen Van Chien, Le Dinh Huu, Phan Viet Ky,
Nguyen Xuan Tung (1972); Phan Cu Tien (1977); Tran Van Tri, et al
(1977); Vu Khuc, Bui Phu My (1985); Tran Duc Luong (1975-1977);
Nguyen Xuan Tung, et al (1977, 1982, 1986); Nguyen Nghiem Minh, Vu
Ngoc Hai (1987); Nguyen Xuan Tung, Tran Van Tri, et al (1992);
Nguyen Thu Giao, et al (1994); Tran Trong Hoa, et al (1995, 1996,

1997); Le Nhu Lai (1995); Dao Dinh Thuc, Huynh Trung (1995);
Nguyen Dac Dong (1997); etc.


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From 1954, many mapping and mineral prospecting projects
have been done, such as: Prospecting and Exploration for copper deposits
in Sin Quyen and surrounding areas of Northwestern Geologic Union;
Copper ore exploration in LungPo – Bat Xat – Lao Cai published by
Mineral development company III (2000); Potential estimation of copper
ore and other minerals in Ta Phoi, Cam Duong, Lao Cai by Intergeo
Union (2002 – 2007); Mineral exploration in Vi Kem, Coc My, Bat Xat,
Lao Cai – by Vinacomin (2001); Copper ore exploration at Ta Phoi, Lao
Cai – by TaPhoi Copper joint-stock company (2012); Copper ore
exploration at Khe Cam, An Luong, Van Chan, Yen Bai – by Thien Bao
mineral joint-stock company (2011); Reporting from copper ore
exploration at Lang Phat, Chau Que, Van Yen, Yen Bai – by Vu Toan
mining co-operative (2011).
However, copper deposits classification was different in
published researches, and they need to be unified. Base on this, researcher
proposes creating a united classification for copper deposit at Fansipan
belt is the research objective.
1.3 Geologic characteristic at Fansipan Belt
In order to generate the geologic characteristic at Fansipan Belt,
researcher utilized the revision of North northwest (2001) and Northeast
(1994) geologic map scale 1:200.000, which published on “Vietnamese
geologic and mineral maps” in 2005 by General Department of Geology
and Mineral of Vietnam.
Geologic formation: research area has several stratigraphy units:
Neoarkei – Mesoproterozoi formation, includes: Suoi Chieng (NAsc), Sin

Quyen (PPsq); Neoproterozoi – Early Cambrian formation includes: Cha
Pa (NPsp), Da Dinh (NP-1đđ), Thach Khoan (NP-1tk); Paleozoic
formation includes: Cam Duong (1cđ), Ben Khe (-Obk), Sinh Vinh (O3Ssv), Bo Hieng (S2bh), Mua river (D1sm), Ban Nguon (D1bn), Ban Pap
(D1-2bp), and Ban Cai (D3bc); Mesozoic formation: Vien Nam (T1vn),
Suoi Bang (T3n-rsb), Nam Thiep (J1-2nt); Kainozoi formations: Van Yen
(N12vy), Phan Luong (N13pl), Co Phuc (N13cp) and friable sediments in
Quaternary (Q).
Magma intrusion formations: complex magmatism found in


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Fansipan belt includes: Neoarkei intrusion formation at Ca Vinh
(DiG/MAcv); Paleoproterozoi intrusion formation at Xom Giau
(G/PP1bn) and Muong Hum (GSi/PZ1mh); Mesozoic intrusion formation
at Ba Vi (Gb/T1bv); Kainozoi intrusion formation at Ye Yen Sun (G/Eys).
- Structure and formation: Fansipan belt was created by
stratotectonics includes: Paleoproterozoi basement crystallization with
geologic tectonic island arc which formed from quartz schist felspatmica, mica schist mica-granat, biotit-sphen, amphibol, amphibiolit schist,
gneiss biotit, and Phanerozoic cover.
In sum, Fasipan belt has a long history and complex of geologic
formation with strongly reformatted in geologic movement. Region
evidenced long time destruction, reconstruction and magma intrusion
with variable of component and geologic age.
Chapter 2
RATIONALE AND METHODOLOGIES
2.1. Copper characteristics about geochemistry and mineralogy
- Geochemical characteristics: Copper (chemical symbol:
Cu) is at the number 29 in the periodic table of chemical elements.
Copper is naturally a solid substance in reddish yellow color; highly
conductive (5,96x107 /Ω·m) just ranks behind silver (Ag) and high

thermal conductivity (401 W/m·K). Pure copper is quite soft and
malleable, and its hardness level is from 2,5 to 3 Mohs within
density 8,93 g/cm3, melting point 1084,65 oC, and boiling point 2562
o
C. Otherwise, copper has Clark value as 4,7.10-3%, and is unevenly
distributed in the mafic and ultramafic rocks (1.10-2%), neutral stone
(3,5.10-3%) and acid stone (2.10-3%), sediments (5,7.10-3%),
especially in the meteorite (1.10-2%).
- Mineral characteristics: currently, over 240 different types
of copper ore have been indentified. Some of them are very valuable
in mineral industry, like: Copper spontaneous; Chalcopyrite; Bornit;
Cubanit; Chalcozin; Covellite; Tennantit; Tetrahedrit; Enacgit;
Cuprit; Domeykit; Tenorit; Malachite; Azurite; Chrysocolla.
2.2. Popular types of copper mine around the world and in
Vietnam


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- Types of copper mine in the world are very diverse that are
from different groups of origin. The copper mining industry is
divided to magma, carbonate, skarn, hydrothermal pluton deposits
(porphyritic copper), konchedan, stratiform deposits (shales and
sandstones contain copper). Those mines have unevenly economic
value. Specifically, the porphyritic copper mine is confirmedly about
65 -70% in quantitative reserves, while shale and sandstone contain
15-20% copper; in konchedan mines, copper accounts for 5-8%;
Cu-Ni sulphide deposits is accounted 2-2.5% ,C; and percentages of
copper are accounted as 2-4% in skarn deposits, and 0.5 to 0.75 in
carbonatit mines respectively.
- The types of copper mines in Vietnam: As recent research

results, there are follwing types discovered on the territory of
Vietnam as: Cu-Ni magmatic origin; hydrothermal copper deposits;
Konchedan copper mines; copper – quartz deposits; sandstone and
shale deposits containing copper
2.3.Methodologies
- Collecting, synthesizing and analyzing geological data
minerals;
- Geological methods;
- Systematic approaching;
- Collecting and analyzing samples;
- Geological accounting method (logical operations,
Dengram method, statistics);
- Modeling;
- Metallogenic forecasting methods to quantify;
- Practical experience combined expert method.
2.4. Academic terms and concepts in thesis
Minerals: are natural mineral formations (solid, liquid, gas),
can be used directly or processed from metals or minerals in the
national economy.
Ore: is rock or originally mineral formations, contains useful
components within guaranteed withdrawal amount, which is benefit
in technical and economic perspectives.
Mine: is a natural accumulation of minerals of which the
quantity and quality can be subjects to industrial exploitation in the


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context of technical and economic conditions at present or in the
future.
Ore formations: are a natural ore mines (the ore

occurrences, ore position) that are similar in mineral composition
(complex symbiotic minerals primarily and typically), arose in the
same geological context, and have the same type of origin, but may
differ in age.
Mine type: is a mine or a group that has the same geological
context (characterized by surrounding rocks of ore, ore-bearing rock,
etc.), is relatively similar mineral compositions, and associated
minerals.

Chapter 3
THE CHARATERISTICS OF COPPER MINES
IN THE FANSIPAN BELT, SOUTHWEST VIETNAM
3.1. Sin Quyen copper mine
- Geological characteristics: the main ore formation is the
metamorphic sediments of Sin Quyen 2 geologic formation at
Proterozoic age, distributes as a large range that covers the most
central part of the exploration area. Ingredients include gneisbiotit,
crystalline schist quartz 2 mica, marble within azimuthally 3200
leans to the Northeast, and slope angle is from 50-800.
As study results, it is showed that in Sin Quyen copper mine,
there were changing processes as: skarnization, hastingsite, biotite,
epydot, carbonation, or migmatization.
- Ore compositions:
+Mineral compositions: Chalcopyrite; Pyrrhotite; Pyrite;
Magnetite; Marcasite; Cubanite; Azurite; Malachite; Goethite,
Inmentite, Apatite, Chacosine, Covellite, Uranite, Orthite,
Cacbonate, Limonite, Ferithorite, Synchyzite, native copper, native
silver and gold. The non-ore minerals include: Quartz, Biotite,
Amphibole (hornblende-am); Feldspar (plagioclase feldspar
potassium and acid-pl-fk); Calcite.

+ Chemical compositions: the average copper content is
0.413%. Base on results of 13 samples processed by SP ICP


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spectroscopy, the average mineral contents are 0.6931% Cu; and
0.0103% Au; 23.5335% Fe; 0.0507% Er ; 0.00122% La; 0.0171% Ce .
+ Structure and formation: disseminated, solid, remnant,
mixture, glue architecture; grain, debris in shape, hard decomposition of
solution like beams or networks.
- Geochemical characteristics: the determination of six
primary elements: Ni, Pb, Co, Zn, Cu, Cr, is reliable information within
a probability higher than 90%, and setting a combination of syngenetic
elements includes Cu, Ni, co, Cr and Pb, Zn, Cu is equivalent to two
mineralization processed within two unseparted group elements (Cu-NiCr-co) and (Cu -Pb-Zn).
- Gephysical characteristics: 53 detected physical anomalies
were parallel, and extend in the same direction with regional geological
structure as northwest-southeast within a length of 600m-2000m and
the width varies from several tens to 200 meters. Also, the distribution
of mineralized copper zones was clarified at100 meters depth from the
surface.
3.2 Ta Phoi copper mine
- Geological characteristics: metamorphic sediments of Sin
Quyn 2 at Proterozoic age. The main componets: quartz schist, biotite
schist, biotite graphite with garnet, an amphibolite and phlogopite
within 600m thickness.
The changing processes surrounding rocks include pyritization,
skarnization and hydrothermal alteration process.
- Ore components:
+ Mineral components: Chalcopyrite, Cubanite, Pyrite,

Pyrrhotite, Molybdenite, Magnetite, Hematite, Marcasite, Covellite,
Melnicovite, Goethite, Azurite, Malachite; and nore ore like Quartz,
Calcite.
+ Chemical components: the average copper content is 0.413%.
And base on results of 13 anaytical ICP SP samples, the average
content of minerals are 0.2434% CU, 0.0071% Au, 8.5079 % Fe,
0.0406% Er, 0.0025% La, 0.0397% Ce...
+ Structure and formation: as observed , sampling and recent
results, it is indicated that the main structure and formation is as
dissemination, linear dissemination, mixture, solid mass, glue, grains,
particals, remnants, debris.


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- Geochemical characteristics: the determination of six
primary elements: Ni, Pb, Co, Zn, Cu, Cr, is reliable information within
a probability higher than 90%, and setting a combination of syngenetic
elements includes Cu, Ni, co, Cr and Pb, Zn, Cu is equivalent to two
mineralization processed within two unseparted group elements (Cu-NiCr-Co) and (Cu -Pb-Zn).
- Geophysical characteristics: The intensity of radiation is from
60 - 320γ. Barrier radiation intensity is from 100γ or more within less
thickness. Specifically, some places have greater 1000γ. The ore
deposits that have radiation intensity from 120γ, are closely related to
the group iron copper ore, while copper ore contains very little or no
radioactive ore.
3.3. Lung Po copper mine
- Geological characteristics: The ore geologic formations are
mainly Vien Nam formations include formation of Late Permian
extrusive mafic - Early Triassic. They are distributed along the right
bank of the Red River that is located on the Eastern edge of the Hoang

Lien Son„s complex anticline. The volcanic rocks consists andesite,
andesitobasalt, monzodiorite, micromonzodiorite, porphyritic diorite.
The changing processes of surrounded rocks are skarnization,
carbonate- chloritization and sericite-chloritization, propylitization
- Ore compositions:
+ Mineral components: The primary minerals are Chalcopyrite;
Bornite; Magnetite; Pyrite; Hematite; Native Gold. The secondary
minerals include Malachite, Azurite, covellite, Chancozin,
Hydrogothite, Bornite, sometimes Limonite encountered. The non-ore
minerals are rock-forming due to hydrothermal metasomatic processes
associated with mineralization, including particles of quartz, epidote,
chlorite iron, sericite, biotite, muscovite, granate, pyroxene, actinolite ,
carbonate.
+ Chemical components: as statistical results derived from
processing samples following subdivision, the copper contents are
0.283%, 0,318% and 0.211% in A, B and C subdivision respectively.
Calcined sampling results revealed the avergae contents of Au and Ag
are 0.156g/T and 6.7g/T. And analytical results of 5 ICP SP samples
presented the avergage contents are 0.1513% Cu, 16.1550% FE ,
0.0806% Er...


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+ Ore structure and formation: Ore structure is primarily circuit,
circuit networks, cement cohesion, trans-filling, blockig and solid. Ore
architecture includes particle formation, half self-grain, or plates
(chalcopyrite, bornite and magnetite), biodegradable hard solution
(bornite, chalcopyrite), and radial, grain corroding, twinning growing...
The features of group‟s architecture of the secondary of original ores are
typically plates, craked grains, crushed grains, recrystallizating grains.

- Geochemical characteristics: To perceive the basic
characteristics of geochemistry and to identify combination of
syngenetic element in Lung Po mine, we used some logical algorithms,
geological maths and related materials, which are presented in chapter
4. Six elements were identified as: Mo, Pb, Cu, Ni, Co, Zn within
reliable information of a probability higher than 90% and a
combination of syngenetic elements including Ni, Co, Cu. Cu
association with Pb and Zn.
- Geophysical characteristics: Based on practical, analytical
results and geological data of the Mineral Development Company III,
three anomalous zones are set up.
3.4. Lang Phat – An Duong copper mine
- Geological characteristics: including Sin Quyn formation
above and Sa Pa formation below. Rocks belonging to Sin Quyen
formation are widely distributed in copper mine as strips extending
from Northwest to Northeast or as isometric form tangent to the
adjacent geological formations.
Surounded rock changing processes are : quaztization,
cloritization, sericitization and calcitization.
- Ore components:
+ Mineral components: The study showed that in Lang Phat
mine, some different ores were discovered: pyrite, pyrrhotite,
chalcopyrite, magnetite, galena, ilmenite, rutile, magnetite, ilmenorutile,
sphalerite, manhicovite, bornite, chalcosine, covellite, tenorite,
spontaneous copper, native gold, malachite, azurite, hematite, limonite.
In An Luong copper mine, there were discovered minerals, and nonminerals as: chalcopyrite, bornite, magnetite, hematite, rutile, ilmenite,
pyrite, chalcosine, covellite, cuprite, sponteneous copper. Secondary
minerals are malachite, limollite, circuit quartz, calcite, dolomite.
Popular deposits are chalcopyrite, bornit, non-ore minerals in general,
and quartz, dolomite.



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+Chemical components: the average copper contents are 0.38%
in Lang Phat, and 0.608% in An Luong,while the contents of other
minerals are 0.003% Zn, 0.002% As, 15.46% MgO, 15.08% SiO2,
1.59% Al2O3, 0.004% TiO2, 0.19g/T Au ( or 0.27g/T Au and 2.5g/T Ag
as follow the analytical high tech- sampling)
+Structure and formation: disseminated , cloudy, micro
structure; grain and half grain architecture, or micro grain surrounding
original minerals.
- Geochemical characteristics: 5 elements are determined (An,
Zn, Pb, Cu, Mo) within reliable probability of over 90%, where Cu, Pb
and Zn are closely associated. Otherwhile, Cu found in Lang Phat – An
Luong is not related to Co, Ni, Cr like in Sin Quyen mine or Ta Phoi,
Lung Po, but in relation to Sn and Mo,
- Geophysical characteristics: The boundary of geological
formations is determined.

Chapter 4
CLASSIFICATION OF COPPER DEPOSIT TYPES IN THE
FANSIPAN BELT – GEOLOGICAL MATHEMATICAL
APPROACHING
* Sin Quyen Copper mine: There are available standpoints
about the origins of this copper mine, such as:
- Genvenko V.I (1964): the origin of copper was
hydrothermal.
- Phan Truong Thi (1965): deposits derived from
metasomatic origin.
- Bui Phu My (1972): deposits related to intrusive solution of

the neutral bases and intrusive diorite Lung Thang
- Tran Quoc Hia and Dinh Van Dien (1972): deposits came
from ultra metamorphic origin.
- Ta Viet Dung (1974): deposits were originated
hydrothermal metasomatic.
- Nguyen Ngoc Lien (1995): deposits are hydrothermal
origin of eruption (volcanic) .
- Le Xuan Vinh, Nguyen Linh Ngoc Mai Trong Tu (2011):
Sin Quyen copper mine were porphyritic ore.


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- Gaskov.IV, Tran Tuan Anh, Tran Trong Hoa, Pham Thi
Dung, PA Nevol'ko, Pham Ngoc Can (2012): Sin Quyen copper
mine was one type of IOCG.
* Ta Phoi copper mine: is one type of porphyritic copper ore
as followed by Dinh Van Dien, Nguyen Phuong et al (2004); Duong
Quoc Lap, Bui Xuan Anh et al (2007); Le Xuan Vinh, Nguyen Linh
Ngoc Mai Trong Tu (2011) suggested that the
* Lung Po copper mine is one type of porphyritic copper ore
as followed by Nguyen Phuong et al (1995); and Le Xuan Vinh,
Nguyen Linh Ngoc Mai Trong Tu (2011).
* Lang Phat – An Luong copper mine: 2 types of origins
were suggested metamorphic and hydrothermal origin within low
and high temperatures.
In summary, due to the viewpoints above, I on my
acknowledgement believe that it is difficult to categorize, compare
relevantly copper mine according to the origin of copper deposits in
Fansipan belt. Therefore, a logical analyzing method mathematics
based is approached for grouping detected and exploited mines. This

method is presented below.
4.2 Theoretical basis and denotation of geological mathematical
methods
- Theoretical basis of geological mathematical methods:
+ Analyzing frequency of geological information within
highly reliable value;
+ One-dimensional statistical methods;
+ Correlation analyzing and multivariate regression;
+ Dengram analytical method;
+ Subdivision of geological objects;
+ Inductive method: objects to standard groups.
- Denotations:
+ Each geological object contains many characteristics and
different information. In geological mapping and exploration,
geologists can use a variety of methods, techniques to acquire a
collection of various types of information on the properties of the
ore.
+ Depending on the purpose, requirements and research tasks
of each type of information are also very different. Thus, it is very


16
important for geologists to know how to choose the type of the most
influenced information to solve effectively their research purposes
and reduce the amount of unnecessary work. Finally, in order to help
geologists to choose correctly a combination of all kinds of highly
informative data according to the research purpose, logical
algorithms and statistics can be used.
+ In geological studies, mining search and exploration often
require to categorize geological objects into groups. Therefore, in

order to divide the geological objects into groups base on their
similarity, the algorithm "division of geological objects into groups "
and algorithms of "Induction to standard objects "can be applied.
4.3 Results
- Logical algorithm and Dengram method:
+ At the Sin Quyen mine: 555 geological samples were
collected and analyzed. An highly reliable results were proposed of
6 elements: Ni, Pb, Co, Zn, Cu, Cr. The relatively analytical and
Dengram results are generated into table below.
Table 4.1. Relative matrix of 6 collected elements in the Sin Quyen
(the main diagonal is the correlation coefficient rxy; the lower part of
the main diagonal matrix is arcos rxy.)
Element
Co
Cr
Ni
Cu
Pb
Zn
0,295 0,503 0,301 0,442 0,412
Co
1,272
0,432 0,367 0,159 0,434
Cr
1,043 1,124
0,243 0,445 0,435
Ni
1,265
1,195
1,325

0,396 0,298
Cu
1,113 1,412 1,110 1,162
0,453
Pb
1,147 1,122 1,121 1,268 1,100
Zn
Table 4.1 and figure 4.1 show the close relationship between
those elements, so a combination of native elements can be
constructed which are Cu, Ni, Co, Cr and Pb, Zn, Cu. This result is
similar to the mineralization process of 2 separated groups (Cu-CrCo-Ni) and (Cu-Pb-Zn).
+ At the Ta Phoi: 1434 samples were analyzed the semiquantitative spectral. High reliable information was approached to
suppose 6 elements: Ni, Pb, Cu, Co, Zn and Cr, which is showed
below.


17

Figure 4.1. Dengram diagram and analytical correlation of 6
elements in the Sin Quyen
Table 4.2. Relative matrix of 6 collected elements in the Ta
Phoi (the main diagonal is the correlation coefficient r xy; the lower
part of the main diagonal matrix is arcos rxy.)
Element
Ni
Cr
Co
Pb
Cu
Zn


Ni
1,104
0,843
1,503
1,241
1,259

Cr
0,450
1,164
1,540
1,363
1,338

Co
0,665
0,396
1,370
1,365
1,301

Pb
0,067
0,030
0,199
1,050
1,316

Cu

0,323
0,207
0,204
0,497
1,377

Zn
0,306
0,231
0,267
0,252
0,193
-

Table 4.2 and figure 4.2 show the close relationship between
those elements, so a combination of native elements can be
constructed which are Cu, Ni, Co, Cr and Pb, Zn, Cu. This result is
similar to the mineralization process of 2 separated groups (Cu-CrCo-Ni) and (Cu-Pb-Zn).
+ At The Lung Po: 567 samples were analyzed the semiquantitative spectral. High reliable information was approached to
suppose 6 elements: Mo, Ni, Pb, Cu, Co, and Zn, which is showed
below.


18

Figure 4.2. Dengram diagram and analytical correlation of 6
elements in the Ta Phoi
Table 4.3. Relative matrix of 6 collected elements in the Lung Po
(the main diagonal is the correlation coefficient rxy; the lower part of
the main diagonal matrix is arcos rxy.)

Element
Mo
Pb
Cu
Ni
Co
Zn

Mo
1,341
1,226
1,384
1,443
1,389

Pb
0,228
1,473
1,452
1,489
1,291

Cu
0,338
0,097
1,017
0,900
1,303

Ni

0,186
0,119
0,526
0,897
1,176

Co
0,128
0,082
0,621
0,624
1,369

Zn
0,181
0,276
0,264
0,384
0,200
-

Table 4.3 and figure 4.3 show the close relationship between
those elements, so a combination of native elements can be
constructed which are Ni, Co, Cu. Copper has a very closely relation
to Pb and Zn. There is no the overlaying sign of the mineralization
process like at the Sin Quyen and the Ta Phoi.
+ At the Lang Phat – An Luong mine: 525 samples were
analyzed the semi- quantitative spectral. High reliable information
was approached to suppose 5 elements: Sn, Zn, Pb, Cu an Mo, which
is showed in the follow table and figure.



19

Figure 4.3. Dengram diagram and analytical correlation of 6
elements in the Lung Po
Table 4.4. Relative matrix of 5 collected elements in the Lang Phat –
An Luong (the main diagonal is the correlation coefficient r xy; the
lower part of the main diagonal matrix is arcos rxy.)
Element
Sn
Pb
Mo
Cu
Zn

Sn
1,22
1,33
1,21
1,27

Pb
0,34
1,05
0,61
0,69

Mo
0,24

0,50
1,14
1,09

Cu
0,35
0,82
0,42
0,77

Zn
0,30
0,77
0,46
0,72
-

Table 4.4 and figure 4.4 show the close relationship between
those elements, so a combination of native elements can be
constructed which are Cu, Pb and Zn. There is no correlation
between Cu and Co, Ni and Cr like at the Sin Quyen, the Ta Phoi or
the Lung Po. However, there is a correlation between Sn and Mo.


20

Figure 4.4. Dengram diagram and analytical correlation of 5
elements in the Lang Phat – An Luong
- Subdivision geological objects into groups: this method
categorize 7 different copper mine type in Fansipan belt into 3 main

types (Figure 4.5) :The Sin Quyen copper mine( Sin Quyen, Vi
Kem, Suoi Than, Ta Phoi); The Lung Po mine, and The Lang Phat –
An Luong mine (Lang Phat, and An Luong).
- Inductive method that assigned objects into standard
groups: Only the Ta Phoi( E= 0.62) is in the same group with the Sin
Quyen, others like Lung Po (E=0.51), An Luong (E=0.54) and Lang
Phat (E= 0.53) are not in the group of the Sin Quyen (figure 4.6)

Figure 4.6. The Entropy relation of copper mines projected on
Entropy axis


21
Chapter 5
MINERAL POTENTIAL ESTIMATION OF COPPER IN THE
FANSIPAN BELT – SOUTHWEST VIENAM
5.1. The premise and the copper ore guides
* The Sin Quyen copper mine:
- Premise: stratigraphic premise.
- Copper ore guides: revealed races of ore; boulder
dispersion haloes of ore; coronary geolocalization (secondary
geochemistry;
primary
geochemistry;
vegetation;
hydro
geochemistry); geophysical signs (3 signs are: the geophysical
anomalies of radiation, electric, and magnetic); changing signs of
ssurrounding rocks by the action of hydrothermal solutions
(chloritization, epidotization, and skarnization).

*The Lung Po copper mine:
- Premise: Premise of lithostratigraphy; and he premise of
the structure – architecture: Favorable bedrock premise.
- Ore guides: sores ore; signs geochemical anomalies of
secondary, or primary; signs of geophysical anomalies; the
hydrothermal alteration on rock as skarnization, carbonization,
sericite - chlorite – quartzation propylit .The old constructions are:
trenches, wells.
* The Lang Phat – An Luong copper mine:
- Premise: Premise of favorable lithology; premise of
structure- architecture; premise of magma formation.
- Ore guides: sores ore; geochemical signs; geophysical
signs.
5.2. Methods of mineral potential estimation
- Evaluation of identified mineral resources: Identified copper
resources was determined by Minerals Corporation, Union of
Geology 305, Mineral Company III, Ta Phoi co-company, Thien
Bao JSC Mineral, Vu Toan Mining Cooperative, Geology Division
Integeo and Northwest Geological Division in the report of copper
prospecting, estimating and exploration at mining field of Sin Quyen
Ta Phoi, Lung Po, Lang Phat, An Luong, etc. Resources was
estimated for each orebody based on the norms approved by the
Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. Reserve calculated


22
by using vertical geological sections parallel method and geological
blocking method. After that, researcher did examine and calibrate
statistic results of reserves, resources by rule of decentralizing new
reserves.

- Estimation resources: To estimate the resource by forecast
method, researcher applied direct calculation method for
metallization parameters. Resource (PTN) was calculated by
following equation:
PTN = QTN. C = V'.d. C
(5.1)
with:

V' = V.Kq =

1
. H . SSf . Kq
2

(5.2)

N

K
Kq = 
i 1

qi

(5.3)

N

in which:
QTN – ore resources in research area (tons).

C – the average of useful component in mineral deposit, defined by
chemical analysis.
d – the average weight of rock containing ore.
V‟ – the volume of ore-bearing zone.
½ - the adjustment coefficient by level of dissection.
H – speculated depth of existing ore (m).
SSf – area of mineralization zones, identified on plan according to
geochemical and geophysical document (m2)
Kqi = Mqi/MSfi
Mqi – total thickness of ore zone to the ith section.
MSfi – thickness of ore containing layer in the ith section.
5.3. Estimated results of copper in the Fansipan – Southwest
Vietnam
- Zoning potential areas of minerals: traditional zoning and
GIS weighting model were approached, which are presented details
in the full version.
- The results are:
+ The Sin Quyen copper mine: total reserves estimated is 1.861.074
tons of Cu, in which level of 111 + 121 + 122 + 222 + 333 occupied


23
around 905.567 tons, and level of 111 + 121 + 122 made up around
383.305 tons.
+ The Lung Po copper mine: total estimated is 202.345 tons of Cu, in
which level of 122 + 333 have around 12.578 tons, and level of 122 has
1.959 tons.
+ The Lang Phat copper mine: total estimated is 184.265 tons of Cu, in
which level of 122 + 333 have 47.250 tons, and level of 122 has 22.538
tons.


CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION
1. Conclusion
Fansipan belt has a long history and complex structure
geologic formation, which consists of sedimentary, metamorphic and
sedimentary eruption from Proterozoic to Cenozoic age, with strong
magma instrusive from different elements. Intricated tectonic in
current area ocurrence in different directions, in which faulty system
under the northwest – southeast has the largest scale and play an
important role for the formation of local geology. The research
results draws some conclusions:
1. Applying geological mathematics in summarizing,
analyzing and processing research‟s document provides reliable
arguments and theories in clarifying geologic, mineral composition,
metallization and distribution characteristic; also point out the
relationship between mineral components in orebody, and determine
the geologic factors associated in copper metallization at Fansipan
belt.
2. There are three type of copper deposit at Fansipan belt:
- Sin Quyen copper mine (Sin Quyen, Vi Kem, Suoi Thau, Ta Phoi).
- Lung Po copper mine.
- Lang Phat copper mine (Lang Phat, An Luong).
3. Figure out the geologic control factors in metallization
process of the 3 types of copper mine:
- Sin Quyen copper mine: Geologic formation 2 at Sin Quyen area act
as physical supplies and forming Cu in copper ore. Simultaneously
geologic tectonic (overlap folding with volcanic center and dome) is
also play an important role in the minerallization.