Potential of Metal Minerals in the Weikeri River, North Wetar, and Southwest Maluku

Abstract

The escalating demand for metals, driven by technological advancements, has intensified the search for new metal ore resources. This study aims to explore potential metal ore deposits in the Weikeri River and Uhak Village regions of southwest Maluku. Employing surface geological survey techniques, the study examined the geological composition of the research sites.The research area is located in parts of the Weikeri River, North Wetar, and Southwest Maluku that have a tropical climate, which is very supportive of increasing the rate of rock weathering processes. This process will produce rock outcrops that are mineralized and covered by thick soil, so they are difficult to observe indirectly and must be observed directly (field observation).Field observations revealed an underwater volcanic rock formation dominated by pillow-shaped andesite lava outcrops. The prevalent rock alteration, characterized by propylitic alteration and a brecciated vein system, showcased the presence of base metal mineral ores such as galena and chalcopyrite in sulfide mineral form. However, the mineral concentration was relatively low.

Keywords

• geological survey, weikeri, wetar, rock, minerals