Abstract

• Myanmar has large mineral resources of gold, silver, copper, lead and nickel. Gold deposits are abundant throughout Myanmar from Kachin state, Shan state, central Myanmar, Mon state and Tanintharyi region in the south. Locally owned gold mines have delivered some benefits to surrounding communities. The aim of this paper is to investigate on mineralogical characteristics of gold from local mine with scientifically. The gold soil samples were collected from five different sites around gold mine from Mong Lin, Tarlay Township, East Shan State, in Myanmar. Soil samples from the lower position near to the surface about 300 ft which contains the greatest amount of inorganic matter were focused. The natural moisture content is essential in all studies of soil mechanics and pH of a soil influences nutrient availability, toxicity, microbial populations, and activity of certain pesticides. In this study, physicochemical properties of all samples such as moisture percent and pH were investigated. Elemental analysis of minerals in soil samples were carried out by EDXRF. According to observation, iron and silicon contents were higher than other minerals in all samples. Minor microelements of soil samples such as Al, K, Sb, As, Mn, Cu, Ca, Zr, Zn, Se S, Ti, Pb, Bi were also determined. Qualitative identification of gold in soil samples were conducted by Colorimetric method. Gold contents in soil samples in different sites of gold mine were determined by AAS.