A comment on the occurrence of gallium and germanium in the Zinkgruvan Zn-Pb-Ag-(Cu) sulphide deposit, Bergslagen, Sweden

Abstract

The Zinkgruvan deposit has been included in compilations of exceptionally Ga- and Ge-endowed deposits in Sweden. Available published data sets do, however, not support a substantial enrichment in Ga and Ge. In this contribution, we investigate the Ga- and Ge-endowment based on a whole-rock lithogeochemical data and ore grade analyses from the deposit. Based on our results, we find it highly unlikely that a Ga-endowment exists in the ore. A Ge-endowment may exist, but we find no evidence of Ge grades at the 1000 ppm level that have been reported previously.

Keywords:

• gallium
• germanium
• Zinkgruvan
• ore
• Bergslagen

Acknowledgements

Magnus Ripa is thanked for editorial handling and Anders Hallberg (SGU) is thanked for providing a review. Magnus Leijd (Tasman metals, formerly at North Atlantic Natural Resources) is thanked for initially raising awareness of the issues discussed in this contribution.