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secondary enrichment
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secondary enrichment

geology
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Secondary enrichment, also known as supergene sulfide enrichment, is a geological process that upgrades buried sulfide mineral deposits. This occurs when metals, dissolved as sulfates in water percolating through oxidized surface zones, are redeposited in lower, unoxidized zones. This process is most common in arid or semi-arid regions.1

Secondary enrichment is crucial for making certain mineral deposits economically viable. For example, it significantly enriches copper sulfide deposits, making them workable ores. This process involves the removal of valueless material and the solution and redeposition of valuable ore minerals, leading to highly concentrated deposits. For supergene enrichment to occur, oxidation of surface minerals, permeability of the deposit, and the presence of iron sulfides and metals like copper and silver are necessary.21

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. mineral deposit - Secondary enrichment
  2. supergene sulfide enrichment

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