See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/375723040

Vectoring Deep Exploration Target in Skarn Gold Deposit, Serantak, West

Borneo Arc: An Approach Identification from Litho-geochemistry, Shortwave
Infrared (SWIR), and Ground Magnet...

Conference Paper · October 2023

CITATIONS READS

0 3

5 authors, including:

Muhammad Faqih Alfyan Raisya Azizah

J Resources Nusantara Universitas Padjadjaran
6 PUBLICATIONS 3 CITATIONS 1 PUBLICATION 0 CITATIONS

SEE PROFILE SEE PROFILE

All content following this page was uploaded by Muhammad Faqih Alfyan on 18 November 2023.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

The Joint Convex Pangkalpinang 2023 IAGI-IAFMI-HAGI-IATMI-PERHAPI
24th-26th October 2023

Vectoring Deep Exploration Target in Skarn Gold Deposit, Serantak, West

Borneo Arc: An Approach Identification from Litho-geochemistry,
Shortwave Infrared (SWIR), and Ground Magnetic Methods

Muhammad Faqih Alfyan1*, Billy Balovan Langi2, Mohammad Arief Ismanto3, Eko Mario Cipta Lubis4,
Raisya Nur Azizah Hilman5
1
Senior Geologist, Mine Geology Department, PT. Arafura Surya Alam
2
Geologist, Exploration Geology, PT. Pelangi Anugrah Jaya
3
Manager Geophysics, PT. J Resources Nusantara
4
Specialist Geophysics, Mine Geology Department, PT. J Resources Bolaang Mongondow
5
Junior Geologist, Mine Geology Department, PT. J Resources Bolaang Mongondow

*Corresponding author’s email: faqih.alfyan92@gmail.com

Abstract. Current global precious-base metal discovery rate turns into down trending for
decades, including in Indonesia. Otherwise, the worldwide metal demand also rapidly increases
for industrial purposes. One of the geology challenges contributes to a deep exploration target.
Understanding the complexity of conceptual model and genesis of the undercover orebody is
critical to delineating mineralisation zone. Research area is administratively located in Lumar
Village, Bengkayang Regency, West Kalimantan Province, Indonesia. The legal of Izin Usaha
Pertambangan-Operasi Produksi (IUP-OP) belongs to PT. Pelangi Anugrah Jaya and the license
area occupied 118.30 ha. The prospect name is Serantak, as part of the eastward ridge of Mount
Bawang (1,471 masl). Methodology has consisted of works such as geology mapping which
covered regional and detail mapping scale 1:2,000, soil auger geochemistry spacing 100 x 100
metres, Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) analysis using Terraspec, Fire Assay-Atomic Absorption
Spectrometry (AAS), portable X-Ray Fluorescence (pXRF) analysis, and Geophysics Ground
Magnetic Survey. Accretion of Banda Block (Southwest Borneo) to Sundaland generates
magmatism in Early Cretaceous (Hennig et al., 2017). Kalimantan metallogeny province is
endowed along the Kalimantan Suture (van Leeuwen, 2018). Suwarna and Langford (1993)
described regional geology of Serantak Prospect as composed of Banan Formation (220–208
mya) and Sintang Intrusives (36.6–23.7 mya). Local geology, lithology (old to young) comprises
fine-grained upward metasedimentary units and is covered by recent volcanic lava (dacite
porphyry). Alteration (proximal to distal) consisted of Quartz+White Mica+Kaolinite,
Quartz+White Mica+Chlorite±Smectite, White Mica±Smectite, Chlorite+Actinolite,
Chlorite+Epidote, and Chlorite. Northeast (NE) compression results in a major Northwest (NW)
fault and a conjugate NE corridor. The opening of NW corridors leads to the magmatic source
and followed by upwelling conduit hydrothermal fluid prolonged the meta-sedimentary units.
Surface exposure in northern area, mineralisation hosted in meta-sedimentary units are typically
associated with Quartz±Garnet+Diopside+Pyrrhotite+Pyrite±Chalcopyrite as hypogene
retrograde skarn with an average grade >0.5–4.98 g/t Au. The presence of White
Mica+Kaolinite±Quartz+Halloysite and White Mica+Chlorite±Smectite±Quartz+Halloysite
altered presumably as a product of oxidized supergene enrichment after retrograde skarn with
an average grade 0.10–9.87 g/t Au. Litho-geochemistry shows deeper orebody might be
associated with Copper and Gold anomalies enveloped by Lead and Zinc. SWIR analysis
reflects the association to proximal zone with FeMg Chlorite, high Fe slope, clay assemblages
of White Mica+Chlorite±Smectite. A high magnetic value >0.054 SI corresponds with the
presence of sulfide-rich, e.g. Pyrrhotite, Chalcopyrite, and Pyrite. It has been mimicking
properties beneath dacite porphyry as concealed deposit and interpreted intersecting at 250 –
200 masl underneath surface. The geophysics modeled the meta-sedimentary has about 100–
150 metres thickness. In this case, those exploration steps simply bring us a comprehensive
answer in terms of not only gold mineralisation potential but also as guidance to vector the ore.
The exploration methods mentioned have simple acquisition techniques (Ground Magnetic),
rapid sample acquisition and preparation (SWIR), real-time data deliverability, and low-cost
exploration budget. Serantak Skarn gold deposit is an enchanting exploration target as it has
potential resources in about 250,000 ounces of gold.

Keywords: west borneo arc, vectoring to the ore, deep exploration target, exploration methods,
skarn gold deposit
The Joint Convex Pangkalpinang 2023 IAGI-IAFMI-HAGI-IATMI-PERHAPI
24th-26th October 2023

1. Introduction
Current global precious-base metal discovery rate turns into down trending for decades, including
in Indonesia. [4] defined that low discovery rates essentially due to two issues: time between discovery
hole and delivery point in its resources as major discovery; and industry shifting from spending budgets
on grassroots exploration projects. One point of view from geological aspect is contributing to a deep
exploration target. Indonesian latest giant discovery was found in Hu’u, Sumbawa with a total mineral
resource of 33.3 Moz and 1.75 Bt Cu in 2021 [6]. The concealed deposit of Porphyry Cu-Au overprinted
by High-Sulfidation Epithermal was 350 m below surface. Understanding the complexity of conceptual
model, genesis, and age of the undercover orebody is critical to delineating mineralisation zone.
According to [3], magmatism in Central (C) and West (W) Kalimantan were formed as a result of
westward subduction of Paleopacific beneath Southeast Sundaland margin and followed by accretion
of Banda Block (Southwest Borneo) to Sundaland (130 mya). [8] described that Kalimantan
metallogeny province (Table 1) is endowed along the Kalimantan Suture during Cretaceous. The
different period with extensive magmatism in Sunda-Banda Arc and North-West Sulawesi Arc during
Cenozoic (Mio-Pliocene) predominantly in the volcanic arc in subduction environments.

Table 1. List of Base-Precious Metal in Central and West Kalimantan (modified after [8]).
Name (Location) Deposit Type Discovery Year Contained Metal
Mt Muro (C Kalimantan) ISE-LSE Au-Ag veins 1986 3.0 Moz Au, 74 Moz Ag
Mirah (C Kalimantan) ISE-LSE Au-Ag quartz vein 1987 0.38 Moz Au, 10.65 Moz Ag
Ruwai (C Kalimantan) Zn-Pb-Ag skarn 1990 0.49 Mt Zn+Pb, 0.06 Mt Cu
Riam Kusik (W Kalimantan) Pb-Zn-Ag veins 1973 0.44 Mt Pb Zn, 16.7 Moz Ag
Monterado (W Kalimantan) Porphyry-HSE-ISE-LSE Cu-Au (?) N/A N/A
Bau (Sarawak, Malaysia) Skarn Au 1820 2,400,000 tonnes @0.72 g/t Au [1]

Research area is administratively located at Lumar Village, Bengkayang Regency, West

Kalimantan Province, Indonesia. The legal of Izin Usaha Pertambangan-Operasi Produksi (IUP-OP)
belongs to PT. Pelangi Anugrah Jaya and license area occupied 118.30 ha (Fig.1A). The prospect's
name is Serantak, as part of the eastward ridge of Mount Bawang (1,471 masl). Serantak’s modern
exploration began in the 1980s by JICA followed by BP Mineral, Dominion Gold Mines Ltd., and
MRA. [7] described regional geology of Serantak as composed of Banan Formation (220–208 mya)
and Sintang Intrusives (36.6–23.7 mya). Banan Formation is characterised with volcaniclastic-
carbonaceous of conglomerate, sandstone, and shale-slaty (Fig.1B). Sintang Intrusives are composed of
diorite, microdiorite, and tonalite. Latest exploration commenced by [5] to evaluate the tenement area
in semi-detail to detail geological mapping.

Figure 1. A: Location IUP-OP PT. Pelangi Anugrah Jaya overlay on Google Maps. B: Regional Geology of Singkawang [7].

2. Data and Methodology

2.1. Regional mapping, detail mapping, and rock sampling
Regional mapping scale 1:5,000 and continue to detail mapping scale 1:2,000 in the interest area.
Channel sampling is mostly perpendicular to bedding plane of mineralisation. Samples are classified
into float, rock/grab, and channel with a total of 377 samples during the mapping programme.
2.2. Soil auger geochemistry
The area for soil sampling is covered 3 km2 with spacing 100x100 m and a total of 177 samples.
Sample acquisition using motorised hand-auger. Targeting B/C zone or transition zone from soil to
The Joint Convex Pangkalpinang 2023 IAGI-IAFMI-HAGI-IATMI-PERHAPI
24th-26th October 2023

bedrock. Lower B zone dominated with soil with minor fragment of bedrock and taken in depth 60–80
cm. Separated the sample based on each horizon (A/B/C) and took 5 kgs sample for geochemical and
fragment rock hand-specimen for spectral analysis. QA/QC is also included in each specific interval.

2.3. Shortwave Infrared (SWIR)

Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) spectra is important in clay mineral identification. It is able to measure
reflectance and absorption pattern range 1,300–2,500 nm. In this study, total of 444 samples were
washed, cleaned, and dried to remove dust. Indico software is used to interpret mineral presence. The
parameter includes wavelength position, absorption depth, illite crystallinity, and chlorite composition.

2.4. Litho-geochemistry analysis

[2] Explained that litho-geochemistry is able to detect trace metals in crustal abundance levels
transported by circulating magmatic-hydrothermal and external fluids in altered rocks. A total of 281
rock samples were analysed with Atomic Absorption Spectrometry analysis for Gold-Fire Assay
(AuFA), Gold Cyanide (AuCN), Copper (Cu), Silver (Ag), Arsenic (As), Molybdenite (Mo), Lead (Pb),
Zinc (Zn) in PT. Intertek Utama Services, Jakarta, Indonesia. Handheld X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF)
analyzer series Olympus Delta Z was used for a total 163 soil samples to identify chemistry by
measuring the fluorescent or secondary X-ray emitted from a sample when it is excited by a primary X-
ray source. XRF tools have real time, non-destructive, and enabling efficient interpretation analysis.

2.5. Geophysics ground magnetic survey

Proton Magnetometer GEM GSM-19T is used in survey acquisition line spacing 200 m with an
observation point in line 25 m. Magnetic method is a powerful tool in skarn exploration in association
with major sulfide e.g. magnetite and pyrrhotite, as a magnetic anomaly in proximal zone. The positive
disturbance of the total magnetic field resulted by the enrichment of these minerals can be detected by
a surficial magnetic survey. Vector magnetic approach in inversion modeling used to tackle issue an
ambiguity in total magnetic direction caused by high magnetic remnant. In this study, we use both
inversion alogarithms and integrate the recovered model with geology and geochemistry data.

3. Results and Discussion

3.1. Geology of Serantak
3.1.1. Local geology and structures
Lithology (old to young) comprised of fine-grained upward meta-sedimentary units (sandstone,
shaly sandstone, siltstone, and shale) and covered by recent volcanic lava or dacite porphyry (Fig.2A,
2D). The plane of meta-sediment mostly striking to East-Northeast (N 50oE – N70oE) and gently dip to
South-Southeast. Several opposite dipping exists, forming undulating with gently moderate dip.
The Northeast (NE) compression results in a major Northwest (NW) fault and conjugate NE
corridor (Fig. 2A, 2F). The opening of NW corridors leads to the magmatic source and followed by
upwelling conduit hydrothermal fluid prolonged the meta-sedimentary units to north and central area.

3.1.2. Alteration, sulfide content, and mineralisation

Descriptive of alteration mineral (proximal to distal) are classified into garnet, garnet-pyroxene,
pyroxene, pyroxene-epidote, chlorite, chlorite-epidote, silicic-clay and clay-silicic (Fig.2B, 2E).
Chlorite is predominant zone and coalescence with hornfels metamorphism. Sulfide content (proximal
to distal) is defined into chalcopyrite, chalcopyrite-pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite-pyrite, pyrrhotite,
pyrrhotite-pyrite, and pyrite zone (Fig. 2C). Mineralisation paragenesis can be seen below in Table 2.

3.2. Exploration works

3.2.1. Whole rock geochemistry
Perpendicular or vertical channel sampling to bedding plane returned with several significant assay
results. Channel01 (CH01) intercepts 15 m @0.46 g/t Au set in Northeast interbedded meta-sedimentary
units (sandstone-siltstone), garnet+diopside+pyrrhotite rich±chalcopyrite+pyrite, minor sulfur, and
assemblages of FeMg chlorite+epidote. High grade 1.66 g/t Au and 1.54 g/t Au coincide with Cu
anomaly (0.11%). Channel09 (CH09) is intercepting 13 m @1.37 g/t Au set in Northeast trending inter
bedded meta-sedimentary units (siltstone-sandstone-shaly siltstone), fine grained upward, quartz±gar-
The Joint Convex Pangkalpinang 2023 IAGI-IAFMI-HAGI-IATMI-PERHAPI
24th-26th October 2023

Table 2. Serantak’s mineralisation paragenesis.

Thermal Metasomatic Volcanic Unit
Retrograde Supergene
Metamorphism Skarn / Prograde Cover
Images a b c, d e, f, g h
Lithology Meta-sedimentary units (sandstone, shaly sandstone, siltstone, shale) Dacite Porphyry
Northwest
Structure
Northeast (bedding)
Garnet
Alteration
Mineral

Pyroxene
Chlorite
Epidote
Silicic-Clay
Mineral

Chalcopyrite
Sulfide

Pyrrhotite
Pyrite
Goethite
Oxide
Hematite
Mineral
Manganese
< 0.1
Au Content 0.1 - 0.5
(g/t) 0.5 - 5.0
5.0 - 10

net+pyroxene+chlorite±epidote+pyrrhotite+pyrite, epidote+pyrite veinlets-stockworks, 2–8 vein/m,

and assemblages of FeMg chlorite±actinolite±smectite±epidote. Several high grades (4.98 g/t Au, 3.95
g/t Au, 2.78 g/t Au) are also associated with Cu anomaly (0.10–0.22%).
Sampling in Channel06 (CH06), resulting 12 m @1.22 g/t Au set in strongly oxide meta-
sedimentary units (sandstone-conglomeratic sandstone), quartz+halloysite+illite±smectite±chlorite,
Manganese following shallow angle bedding. Channel08A (CH08A) has 10 m @2.67 g/t Au, set in
dacitic tuff, quartz±halloysite±kaolinite±illite, disseminated medium-grain pyrite-rich, manganese-
pyrite vein-stockwork (N 220oE/67o), and vein width 1–6 mm. Clayey ore is dominated in the samples.
Both CH01 and CH09 are classified as sulfide ore based on Quality Leach Test (QLT) performance,
with an average QLT of 30%. Conversely, CH06 and CH08A are oxide ore with QLT 55–90%.

3.2.2. Soil geochemistry

Litho-geochemistry shows deeper orebody might be associated with zoning patterns for proximal
of Copper (Cu) and Gold (Au) anomalies enveloped by Lead (Pb) and Zinc (Zn) as distal systems. In
northern area, soil Au is predominantly associated with narrow Cu±Molybdenite (Mo) enveloped by Pb
and Zn (Fig 2G). In central area, representing signature Cu-Au centered anomalies enriched by Pb+Zn.
Most of the metals have subtle anomalies (>500 ppb Au, >30 ppm Cu, >5 ppm Mo, >50 ppm Pb, >125
ppm Zn). Cu element trending to depleted toward outside central orebodies.

3.2.3. SWIR spectra

SWIR domaining (proximal to distal) are divided into assemblage of white mica (WM)+kaolinite,
WM+chlorite±smectite, WM±smectite, chlorite+actinolite, chlorite±epidote, and chlorite (Fig. 2C). Fe-
Oxide minerals are goethite dominant, minor hematite, and jarosite. The presence of WM+kaolinite,
WM±smectite, chlorite+kaolinite, WM+chlorite±smectite are well distributed in northern area which
associated with clay alteration and intense structure controlled. It has a positive correlation with
anomalies of Au, Cu, As, and narrow Mo. Vector to proximal zone correlated to FeMg chlorite, high
Fe slope, and QM+chlorite±smectite minerals. Interestingly, in central area, surficial covered by dacite
shows that Fe slope and FeMg composition have moderate correlation with anomalies of Cu and As.

3.2.4. Ground magnetic

The 3D magnetic susceptibility model corresponds of high magnetic value (<0.053 SI) with
surficial appearance of sulfide-rich e.g. pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite, and pyrite rock (Fig. 2H). The high
magnetic susceptibility anomaly continues downward with sub horizontal feature below dacite cover
might indicate the geometry of the folded mineralised body (in sedimentary units) (Fig. 2I, 2J). A tabular
subvertical magnetic feature also appears below northwest corner of the survey boundary closed by this
anomaly. This study shows that ground magnetics are a useful tool for exploration target of concealed
deposit and vectoring to heat source e.g. intrusive rock.

3.3. Mineralisation style and analogue model

There are mainly two mineralisation styles in Serantak based on surface exposure. In northern area,
mineralisation hosted in Northeast interbedded of meta-sedimentary units are typically associated with
quartz±garnet+diopside+pyrrhotite+pyrite±chalcopyrite as hypogene process from retrograde skarn
The Joint Convex Pangkalpinang 2023 IAGI-IAFMI-HAGI-IATMI-PERHAPI
24th-26th October 2023

with an average grade > 0.5–4.98 g/t Au. The presence of White Mica
(WM)+kaolinite±quartz±halloysite and WM+chlorite±smectite±quartz±halloysite altered presumably
as a product of oxidized supergene enrichment after retrograde skarn average grade 0.10–9.87 g/t Au.
Those surface characteristics have a mimicking property beneath dacite covered which has Cu-centered
with Pb-Zn enveloped geochemical dispersion, high susceptibility magnetic anomalies, high Fe slope,
centered zone Fe chlorite composition and are interpreted intersecting below at 250-200 masl.
Geophysics modeled the meta-sedimentary units as concealed orebodies about 100-400 m thickness.

3.4. Exploration and economic implications

Classical mapping and geochemical sampling using combination base metals has been effective
techniques in target delineation. Serantak skarn gold deposit is an enchanting exploration target, as it
has potential resources in about 250,000 ounces of gold. In addition, upside potential exposes to other
styles deposit including vein-style system in eastern area is interestingly open. Potential ore processing
and extraction primarily contributed to sulfide encapsulated or refractory ore in gold deportment.

4. Conclusions
Serantak is described as retrograde skarn gold deposit where hosted in Northeast bedding meta-
sedimentary units. Two major ore types of hypogene and supergene were classified based on
assemblage of gangue, sulfide, and oxide mineral. The signature of concealed orebody is determined
rely on surficial characteristics of SWIR, litho-geochemistry, and magnetic susceptibility anomalies
that potentially has a total potential resource of 250,000 ounces of gold.

5. Recommendation and Lesson Learned

The authors recommend continuing infill soil sampling spacing 50x50 m with partial leach or aqua
regia soil analysis, geophysics Induced Polarisation Dipole-Dipole (IPDD), westward extend of Ground
Magnetic survey, geometallurgy test work, and scout drilling for follow up exploration programme.
In this case, those exploration steps simply bring us a comprehensive answer in terms of not only
gold mineralisation potential but also as a guidance to vector the ore. The exploration methods
mentioned have a simple acquisition technique e.g. ground magnetics, quick sample acquisition and
analysis (SWIR), real-time data deliverability, and low-cost exploration budget.

Acknowledgments
The author would like to thank management of PT. Pelangi Anugrah Jaya for the permission to
publish this paper in a joint exploration programme with PT. J Resources Nusantara. Special thanks to
Adi Maryono for fieldwork reviews and constructive comments, Muhammad Taufik as previous
mapping partner, Atmasari Rura as previous spectral analyst, and David Iswanto for discussion.

References
[1] Ettlinger A D, Meinert L D 1991 Copper-Gold Skarn Mineralization at the Veselyi Mine,
Siniukhinsoe District, Siberia USSR: Economic Geology 86 185-194.
[2] Halley S, Dilles J H, Tosdal R M 2015 Footprints: Hydrothermal alteration and geochemical
dispersion around porphyry copper deposits Society of Economic Geologist Newsletter v.10.
[3] Hennig J, Breitfeld H T, Hall R, Nugraha A M S 2017 The Mesozoic Tectono-magmatic Evolution
at The Paleo-Pacific Subduction Zone in West Borneo Gondwana Research 48 292-310.
[4] Murphy K 2021 Recent Copper Discoveries Fail to Alter Downward Trend S&P Global Market
Intelligence spglobal.com (website accessed on 19th of May 2023).
[5] PT Avocet Mining Services 2008 Serantak Technical Due Diligence Report internal report 1-17.
[6] PT Sumbawa Timur Mining 2022 Guide Book Fieldtrip Onto Hu’u Copper Gold Deposit
unpublished: 14th MGEI Annual Convention 1-12.
[7] Suwarna N, Langford R P 1993 Geological Map of The Singkawang Sheet, Kalimantan Geological
Research and Development Centre, Bandung.
[8] Van Leeuwen T 2018 Twenty Five More Years of Mineral Exploration and Discovery in Indonesia
(1993 – 2017) Masyarakat Geologi Ekonomi Indonesia 10th Anniversary Special Publication
1-332 ISBN: 978-979-8126-34-5.
 The Joint Convex Pangkalpinang 2023 IAGI-IAFMI-HAGI-IATMI-PERHAPI
24th-26th October 2023

A B C
A

A’

D E
A A’
A A’

3D Magnetic Susceptibility
I Looking East Northeast
G H

3D Concealed Ore Body Model

J Looking East Northeast

concealed ore body

Figure 2. A: Interpreted geology - alteration map. B: Interpreted geology-sulfide content map C: Fe slope and AlOH
predominant zone overlay on interpreted spectral clay assemblage map. D: Cross section geology. E: Cross section alteration.
F: Structural analysis overlay on assay and sulfide content. G: Soil-rock geochemistry anomaly Au-Cu-Mo-Pb-Zn map. H:
RTP image-ground magnetic. I. Geophysics ground magnetic model. J. Ground magnetic anomaly overlay on alteration map.

View publication stats