The Akagane mine is well known for the typical contact-pyrometasomatic copper and iron deposits, the mine is located in the southern part of Kitakami mountains.
The deposit shows the following geological characteristics:
(1) There are two types of ore bodies; one is massive ore bodies in the Carboniferous limestone layers, and the other includes disseminated or vein type deposits in quartz porphyry or gabbro.
(2) The mineralizations are controlled by several geological structures such. as configuration of limestone layers, fissure systems and shape of igneous stocks. Individual unit ore bodies have comparatively small size, 30-300 thousands tons, and occur in various shapes, massive lenses, veins, or disseminations.
(3) Average grade of ores (1968-1972) is 0.68%Cu, 22%Fe, 5%S, 1.0g/tAu, and 10g/tAg.
Principal results of the prospecting for the last7 years are as follows.
(1) In the Sakae-Seibu deposit ores were found in the contact zone of limestone and gabbro and also within gabbro. Hozumi and Akagane-Kita deposits were found in the skarn zones by tracing geological structures.
(2) The IP method combined with magnetic survey has been effective, especially for distinguishing the deposits from the igneous stocks with strong magnetism.
(3) Occurrences of some valuable minor mineral components such as gold, silver, bismuth and tungsten in the ores were clarified.
