Iron Hill (Powderhorn) carbonatite complex, Gunnison County, CO - A potential source of several uncommon mineral resources

Mining Engineering
By:  and 

Links

Abstract

The Iron Hill (Powderhorn) carbonatite complex is a 31-kM2 (12-sq mile) alkalic intrusion located about 35 km (22 miles) south-southwest of Gunnison, CO. The intrusion has been well studied and described because of its classic petrology and architecture ofa carbonatite-alkalic complex. The complex is also noteworthy because it contains enrichments of titanium, rare earth elements, thorium, niobium (columbium), vanadium and deposits of vermiculite and nepheline syenite. In particular, the complex is thought to host the largest titanium and niobium resources in the United States, although neither has been developed. It may be economic to extract multiple resources from this complex with a well-coordinated mine and mill plan.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Iron Hill (Powderhorn) carbonatite complex, Gunnison County, CO - A potential source of several uncommon mineral resources
Series title Mining Engineering
Volume 59
Issue 10
Year Published 2007
Language English
Publisher Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Mining Engineering
First page 56
Last page 62
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details