Tin project in Brazil14 Jan 2022 09:02
The Ariquemes Tin Exploration Project
Tin mineralisation was discovered at Ariquemes back in 1987, since when
local/artisanal mining operations have generated >300,000 tonnes of tin. Meridian
acquired a highly prospective set of applications and approved exploration licences over
a dominant land position totalling 293,500 hectares. Located in the second largest tin
district in Brazil (after Pitting), the region benefits from good infrastructure, being some
200 km south of the state capital Porto Velho with connecting sealed highway and
fluvial port facilities. As such, it presents a compelling exploration opportunity.
The Ariquemes Province hosts Meso-to-Neo-Proterozoic granites. The intrusive
episode culminated with the main tin mineralisation event during the Sunsás Orogeny
(1.25–1.00 Ga). The mineralisation coincides with a global magmatic event, being
coeval with major deposits in Africa (including the recently commissioned high-grade
Bisie Tin Mine in the Democratic Republic of the Congo). While the primary tin
material is cassiterite, associated minerals present in this polymetallic province include
columbite-tantalite (coltan), wolframite, ilmenite/rutile, base metal sulphides. The
region was identified by Meridian following extensive conceptual work, with later
regional exercises confirming the Project’s potential. An extensive database of both
historical and recent exploration information is available and has since been reviewed
by Orosur. Along with positive geochemical indicators