Geochemical drainage survey of central Argyll, Scotland

A reconnaissance geochemical drainage survey of
720 km2 of Dalradian outcrop in central Argyll
identified base-metal anomalies in the Pyrite Zone,
Ardrishaig Phyllites, Loch Tay Limestone and the
Green Beds. Faulting and igneous intrusion
modified the distribution of metal content within
these formations. In the results of the reconnaissance
survey, copper reached maxima of 170 ppm
and 1454 ppm in stream sediments and panned
concentrates respectively; lead 1050 ppm and
2595 ppm; zinc 2500 ppm and 1114 ppm; and
nickel 190 ppm and 998 ppm. Maximum contents
of cobalt, uranium and molybdenum in stream
sediments were 120 ppm, 11.8 ppm and 14 ppm
respectively, that of barium being 5.67 per cent in
panned concentrate.
Resampling and the investigation of anomalous
stream courses defined parts of Glen Fyne, the
Garabal Hill-Glen Fyne igneous complex, the
southerly outcrop of the Pyrite Zone, and the
Loch Tay Limestone as zones of base-metal
mineralisation in which further investigation is
recommended.