Soil anomalies associated with Cu-Ni mineralization in the South Kawishiwi area, northern Lake County, Minnesota

Geochemical sampling in the contact zone between the Giants Range Granite and the Duluth Gabbro Complex along the South Kawishiwi River indicates the presence of extensive soil anomalies associated with the known Cu-Ni-Co-Ag mineralization in the basal part of the Duluth Gabbro Complex. A close spatial relationship was found between the ore bodies and associated anomalies, despite the fact that the parent material of the sampled soils was glacial overburden that mantles the area to a depth of 0-50 feet. The <74 mesh fraction of B-horizon soils was found to be an effective sample type for geochemical exploration in this area. Trace metals are believed to be held primarily by the clay-size hydrated iron oxides and manganese oxide, which are somewhat enriched in the fine fraction of the B-horizon soils.