Reconnaissance For Copper Ores: A Focus On Azurite, Malachite And Chalcopyrite In District Dir Upper, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract

A comprehensive fieldwork-based reconnaissance study was conducted in Dir Upper to explore the potential of copper ore deposits. A total of eighteen sites were systematically selected for sampling, with a focus on identifying areas of significant copper mineralization. The collected samples were analyzed to determine the presence and distribution of copper ores, including chalcopyrite, malachite, and azurite. The findings of this study reveal that copper ores are predominantly hosted in hydrothermal veins within the study area. Notably, eight sites namely Band, Kotibusto, Rokhan, Merashpatai, Salool, Shaheed, Bibiyor, and Tangoo Banda exhibited rich copper mineralization, indicating promising potential for copper mining. In contrast, ten sites, Salamkot, Baikaray, Shao, Geero Khwar, Gomadund, Goryal, Samang, Gorrai, Patrak, and Nashnamal showed poor copper mineralization. This reconnaissance study provides valuable insights into the copper ore potential of Dir Upper, contributing to the understanding of the geological framework and mineralization patterns in the region. The findings of this research will be of particular interest to stakeholders, policymakers, and industry professionals involved in the copper mining sector of Pakistan, highlighting opportunities for future exploration and development.