Exploration of Iron ore deposits in Patagonia. Insights from gravity, magnetic and SP modelling: Exploration of Iron ore deposits in Patagonia

The Sierra Grande region in northern Patagonia is considered the largest iron ore reserve in Argentina; however, the extension of the non-outcropping deposits as well as the depth of the basins that contain them remains unknown. Utilizing 3D litho-constrained inversion of gravity and magnetic data, we delimited an area with good prospects for iron ore deposits. In this region, high-resolution magnetic and self-potential profiles were acquired over the most important anomalies. Correlating both methodologies, it was possible to specify the possible existence of iron oxides (martite-hematite) in the form of 2D inclined sheets.