AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Applicant: UNIVERSIDAD DE CHILE Invention Title: INTEGRATED DUAL GEO-ORGANO-CHEMICAL COLLECTOR AND PASSIVE MINING EXPLORATION METHODOLOGY FOR PROSPECTING METALLIC SULPHIDE ORE BODIES BENEATH COVER The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us: -1 INTEGRATED DUAL GEO-ORGANO-CHEMICAL COLLECTOR AND PASSIVE MINING EXPLORATION METHODOLOGY FOR PROSPECTION OF METALLIC SULPHIDE ORE BODIES BENEATH COVER 5 SPECIFICATION 1. Field of the Invention The invention refers to an integral geo-organo-chemical collecting device and method concerning its application to 10 mining exploration, especially related to the exploration for ore deposits, and more particularly to the exploration for metallic sulfide deposits below soil surface. The present device and method thereof result from three years 15 of experimental and applied research, which also comprises tests showing natural, geological and biological processes specifically applied to metallic sulfide ore mineral bodies that demonstrate its efficiency, both in experimental laboratory controlled conditions or in a desert environment 20 such as that of northern Chile. Research results allow to validate the applicability of the designed collecting devices or collectors, where said results are based and founded on the study of source-occurring natural processes (sulfide mineralized body below soil surface), generation of free 25 metallic ions and organic gaseous compounds of bacterial origin, migration of ions and gaseous compounds through diverse types of covers up to surface, and time-integrated collection of ions and gaseous compounds to adsorbent materials within the collectors. Although concepts mentioned 30 in this invention and the use of time-integrated collecting devices are not new in the literature, the level of 26/10/2010 245170kl (GH~tem) -2 comprehension reached and research of the involved processes, as well as the experimental demonstration and practical results applied to diverse case studies far exceed the theoretical and/or empirical approach that other methods 5 and/or devices have had up to date. The innovations and/or improvements for the present product and methods mainly lie on design modifications based on real experiences both in laboratory-controlled conditions as well as in cases of actual application. 10 BACKGROUND INFORMATION US patent 4,573,354 by Voorhees, K. and Klusman, R. (1986) refers to a device and method for detecting volatile 15 substances, which migrate to the earth's surface. These are quantitatively determined and the volatile substances emanating from an unknown source are compared to a known source. It is based on the hypothesis that bodies of diverse origin below soil surface emanate gaseous species that 20 migrate somehow to surface, including sources of hydrocarbons and gas (oil and/or natural gas reservoirs), bodies of organic origin (bitumen), metallic and non-metallic mineral deposits and anthropogenic originated residual deposits. These were tested on hydrocarbon deposits, a pair of them on 25 anthropogenic deposits and one of them on a gold deposit. The method of source recognition is based on a statistical multivariate treatment of data for defining specific patterns associated to particular types of deposits. The device described by Voorhees & Klusman (1986) consists of 30 an aluminum support from which a ferromagnetic wire hangs. 26/10/2010 2451709_1 (GHPMattem) -3 This wire is coated with an adsorbent material, using non organic glue. The device must be inserted in a 40 cm deep hole in the field, then covered with an inverted aluminum container and buried for a period of 17 to 20 days. These are 5 later recovered and the adsorbent material is analyzed by means of a Curie pyrolisis desorption procedure in which the wire is submitted to an alternating magnetic field. Gases desorbed are analyzed by gas chromatography, focused on about 18 hydrocarbon species. 10 In the Voorhees & Klusman (1986) US application the processes of generation and emanation of gases from the mentioned sources are not explained, neither the processes of migration of gases from source to surface. It is only stated that these 15 arrive somehow at surface, the results on which this patent is proposed on being purely empirical, based on case studies only. From this point of view this patent lacks scientific foundations and only pretends the intellectual property protection of a hypothesis. The hypothesis has not been 20 demonstrated with clear fundaments and scientific proof. A list of similarities and differences respect to the Voorhees & Klusman (1986) patent are detailed as follows. 25 1) The patent by Voorhees & Klusman (1986) is oriented to the detection of gaseous species of organic origin, particularly from hydrocarbon sources below soil surface. Applications to other types of sources are mentioned, such as metallic and non-metallic mineral bodies and anthropogenic 30 residue deposits, but these are not supported by results. In 26/10/2010 2451709_1 (GHMaters) -4 the case of metallic deposits only one application regarding a gold deposit has been indicated therein, with no mention to processes. In the case of the present invention clear experimental and empirical proof demonstrate the 5 applicability thereof for several copper sulfide deposits. Source-occurring processes (metallic sulfide mineralized body) have been determined, both chemical and biologic (bacterial), processes responsible for the generation of free metallic cations and hydrocarbon gaseous-compounds of 10 bacterial origin. Migration processes for metals and gaseous organic compounds were demonstrated, thus a different design was established, both for the external collecting device as well as the shape and arrangement of the inner adsorbent material. 15 2) From a construction and application point of view concerning the Voorhees & Klusman (1986) gas-collecting device, differences respect to the present invention are also observed. The use of adsorbent materials coated on an iron 20 wire for its later desorption in the US patent differs from a larger exposure surface design and greater disaggregation of materials by means of permeable bags. In addition, the collecting device of the present invention has a dual application by use of two different materials, one for the 25 adsorption of metallic elements, and the other for hydrocarbon gaseous compounds. This dual property constitutes an important difference regarding the device of Voorhees & Klusman (1986) and details a more specific application to the exploration of metallic ore deposits. 30 26/10/2010 2451709_1 (GHPAtters) -5 3) Time of exposure in the field in both cases differs greatly. In the case of the Voorhees & Klusman (1986) patent a short insertion period is proposed, i.e., 17 to 20 days. In the case of the device of this invention time of exposure is 5 much longer, from about 100 to 120 days. As demonstrated this allows the accumulation and effective detection of metals, which constitutes an aspect that does not take place with other devices such as the one described in the mentioned US patent, due to a very short time of exposure. Furthermore, 10 the device of the present invention allows detection of elevated and marked contrasts for a large number of hydrocarbon gaseous compounds, making contrast anomalies regarding a base material much more evident when present, with no need of determining statistical pattern. 15 This can be achieved by means of a long exposure time of adsorbent materials with the environment in which they are inserted and equilibration of adsorbents to the local soil gas environment, where said equilibration may not be reached in short periods of time. The Voorhees & Klusman (1986) 20 patent does not use a base referential material for determining contrast anomalies. 4) The applied analytical methods also differs therebetween. In the case of the Voorhees & Klusman (1986) patent a 25 proprietary analytical methodology is used for the detection of 18 hydrocarbon gas species. In the case of the present device the samples of adsorbent material may be analyzed in commercial laboratories by means of specific analytical techniques designed and tailored according to requirements in 30 the case of metals, and by the SGH method (Soil Gas 26/10/2010 2451709.1 (GHatters) -6 Hydrocarbons) for the analysis of gaseous hydrocarbon compounds, which is a proprietary analytical method designed for field samples developed by the commercial laboratory Actlabs in Canada. This method is capable of quantitatively 5 determining the concentration at parts per trillion levels (ppt) of 162 hydrocarbon gaseous compounds. The analytical techniques do not constitute an integral part of the present invention, since they are only considered as existing commercial services. 10 5) Data processing and analysis methods also differs therebetween. In the Voorhees & Klusman (1986) patent data is treated statistically and predetermined patterns are used, which were generated from known cases. On the contrary, 15 studies of the present invention propose a simpler and direct approximation, based on the use of contrasts. In the present method the generation of direct contrast observations is intended regarding referential materials (base level) as well as from samples of the surrounding area. Due to long exposure 20 times and equilibartion conditions, both positive and negative contrast variations are observed with respect to the base level, constituting contrast anomalies that allow detection by multiple corroboration of the presence of metallic sulfide mineralization below soil surface. 25 6) In the studies related to this application it has been demonstrated that the processes that give rise to contrast anomalies take place in real time, depending of the existence of current metallic sulfide mineral chemical and biologic degradation processes. Although this does not represent any 30 particular advantage for the design of the collecting device, 26/10/2010 2451709_1 (GHMttfer) -7 it represents an advantage on its use, in particular on the data interpretation. It is this knowledge that leads to the use of referential samples and search of contrast anomalies, in opposition to the statistical search of patterns used by 5 the previously described technique (Voorhees & Klusman, 1986). 7) In this case the development of the device and method thereof are based on experimental and empirical scientific 10 research, carried out through laboratory trials and field case studies over giant porphyry copper deposits, in desert type environments. These applications are not tested in the Voorhees & Klusman (1986) US application. 15 The current market provides other products of similar design, properties and generic objectives compared to that proposed here; however, the relation of these commercial products with the product of the Voorhees & Klusman (1986) patent is unknown. A description of similarities and differences with a 20 series of products which may be considered similar to that proposed in this application is hereunder presented. i) GORE-SORBERe: until January of 2005 this product was almost exclusively oriented to its application in the exploration of hydrocarbon reservoirs and/or detection of 25 sources of hydrocarbon contamination. From 2005 in association with the company American Geological Services Inc., and after research carried out since the end of 2002 on metallic ore bodies, applications of this product to the exploration of metallic ore deposits have been 30 presented. The product retains the original design and 26/10/2010 2451709 1 (GHhalters) -8 materials used for the exploration of hydrocarbon reservoirs, and it also uses the same methods. It was based on the hypothesis that metallic mineralized bodies are capable of generating hydrocarbon gases originated 5 from microbiologic processes detectable through cover at surface by means of the insertion of time-integrated collectors. On product promotional leaflets no scientific background data beyond that included in the US patent (Voorhees & Klusman, 1986) was exhibited. The design of 10 this collector consists of a fluoro-polymer tube of small diameter, having a small opening in one end in which a small Gore-Tex® bag filled with adsorbent materials is located. These collecting devices are inserted in the field - as in the US patent (Voorhees & Klusman, 1986), 15 and remain for 17 to 20 days, in some cases from 30 to 60 days. Then they are removed and the adsorbent materials are subjected to a GORE proprietary analysis for an approximate amount of 90 hydrocarbon gaseous compounds. Regarding data analysis, results are processed 20 statistically in order to determine response patterns that are characteristic of specific metallic ore deposits. Regarding the collecting device and method proposed in this commercial presentation the same differences regarding the Voorhees & Klusman (1986) 25 patent are observed. It is noted that in the GORE-SORBERS product specifications the adsorbent material is indicated as extremely sensitive to the presence of hydrocarbon gaseous compounds, to the point that they can not be manipulated with bare hands, no smoking is 30 possible in their presence and no work may be carried out 26/10/2010 2451709_1 (GHMattem) -9 in the proximity of a functioning vehicle. This implies serious restrictions and precautions in their use given the ease of contamination, but with the advantage of a quicker adsorption time. On the contrary, the present 5 collector uses materials whose accumulation of gases and metals is slower, and equilibration conditions are achieved in periods of 100 to 120 days, thus reducing contamination problems, since the magnitude of these effects is smaller than the that generated by field 10 contrast responses, which results in field collectors easy to use and operate. In addition, contrast responses are direct, with no need of statistical pattern determinations, which is much simpler in use for application and interpretation of results. Finally, it is 15 important to note that the GORE collector is designed only for the detection of hydrocarbon gases, sulfur inorganic compounds and mercury, i.e., it does not have the dual function of the present geochemical collector for metals. 20 ii) Passive soil-gas analysis by ESC (Expedited Site Characterization), 2002: this is a product developed by AMES Laboratory (USA), within a program of environmental technology development. It is presented as a technology based on diffusion processes of hydrocarbon compounds 25 from oil reservoirs. This takes place due to partial evaporation of hydrocarbons and migration of gaseous compounds to surface. Detectors (passive collectors) inserted in the ground are designed for the adsorption of the mentioned gases, said detectors consist of materials 30 with high-adsorbing capacity. The PETREX technique, 26/10/2010 245170_1 (GHMattem) - 10 developed by the Northeast Research Institute LLC, is a technology originally designed for oil exploration, which is nowadays used for the investigation of organic contaminants in soils. Each PETREX collector consists of 5 one to three wires coated with adsorbing material (activated carbon) inserted in a sealable test tube under an inert atmosphere. These are opened and inserted in a hole dug in the ground, covered and left for a period of two weeks. They are then removed and analyzed by thermal 10 desorption be means of a gas chromatographer coupled with an ICP mass. Detection limits and sensitivity are very low, for that reason sample handling must be carried out carefully due to potential contamination effects. The results allow determination of sites with larger 15 hydrocarbon gas concentrations associated to points of natural or artificial contamination. This product is practically identical to the device presented in the Voorhees & Klusman (1986) patent, only changes to the outer container are observed. The desorption methods is 20 also slightly different, i.e., thermal pyrolisis is used instead of a Curie pyrolisis. The application of the PETREX collector to environmental problems is more specific than that of other devices. This collector exhibits the same differences indicated in previous 25 discussions and comparisons to the Voorhees & Klusman (1986) US patent with respect to the device and method presented in the present application. In the literature there are several scientific publications 30 in indexed journals and said publications disclose hypothetic 26/10/2010 24517091 (GH ttr.m) -11 processes, theories and empirical studies of a large number of case studies. It is not the objective of this application to discuss all of them, but only those that relate directly to the device and exploration method presented in this 5 application, which are summarized as follows. i) Cameron et al., (2004) [1] "Finding deeply buried deposits using geochemistry" discloses the results of a research project with use of partial extraction methods. Said publication corresponds to a multiclient project 10 financed through CAMIRO (Canadian Mining Industry Research Organization) between 1997-98 and later 1999 2000. Research was confidential until 2004. In this study the theoretical processes of generation of geochemical signals at surface from an ore deposit below soil surface 15 are discussed, including some empirical examples, and then the results of partial extraction geochemistry studies carried out in Canada, USA and Chile are presented. This publication refers to two studies that use surface collecting devices: the most recent in 20 Rutherford et al. (2005) [3] (referenced in Cameron et al., 2004, as "in press", never published), and an older publication by Pauwels et al. (1999) [2] . The first one uses collecting devices coated with polystyrene and analysis by proton induced X-ray emission (PIXE), and 25 said features makes it very expensive and economically unfeasible. The second one, which were carried out by the French Geological Survey, uses ultra-pure activated carbon and a collecting-device design that uses materials such as Gore Texo, these devices having a high associated 30 cost. Despite positive results achieved by these devices, 26/10/2010 2451709_1 (GHMaters) - 12 these did not have a commercial purpose, total costs too high for a massive market. The objectives were fundamentally empirical/ scientific. Existence of related patents is unknown, but design, material and protection 5 are identical to the GORE-SORBERO collector. ii) Highsmith (2004) [4] publishes a compilation study on soil gas. In this study the physical and chemical fundaments of soil gas generation from a mineralized source and the processes that may explain upward vertical 10 migration are discussed. Reference to Cameron et al. (2004) [1] is made with discussion of some of the proposed models. Discussions on some of the currently existing commercial methods are also included, indicating that these, despite showing interesting results, have the 15 problem of being too expensive. iii) Dold (2003) [5] publishes a study concerning oxidation processes in mine tailings and a comparison regarding secondary enrichment processes in copper ore deposits. Not directly related, this study provides 20 important concepts in the comprehension of oxidation processes in rocks with sulfide mineralization exposed to oxidation, acidification and bio-leaching (bacterial processes) . These concepts are applied to the study of processes that liberate ions and gases from the 25 mineralized source, in particular to the experimental studies. iv) Pauwels et al. (1999) [2]. This publication discloses the results of the use of geochemical collectors based on ultra pure activated carbon and a 30 design that uses Gore Texo, applied to the surface 26/10/2010 2451709_1 (GHMatters) - 13 detection of massive sulfide deposits below soil surface in the south west of Spain. Results demonstrate that for this particular case 100 to 120 days of collection were sufficient for capture a contrasting geochemical signal 5 and the addition of metals are associated to gaseous migration processes, in particular C0 2 , He and Rn. In this publication empirical results verify the particular applicability of activated carbon used in geochemical collectors in mining exploration of deposits below soil 10 surface. Similarly, in the case of the device presented in this patent application, activated carbon was one of the materials in research, in particular used for the adsorption of metals. In the work of Pauwels et al. (1999) the processes by which a geochemical signal is 15 generated at surface was not studied, interpretations purely based on empirical results. In contrast, research associated with this patent application represented the prime objective of research, having reached a greater degree of comprehension. Such knowledge resulted in 20 collector device improvements. A summary of similarities and differences of collecting devices known by patent, market or research, compared to the one proposed here are presented as follows. 25 1) All indicated collectors represent a hydrocarbon gas collecting device designed for diverse applications, exploration of hydrocarbons, gas, metallic and non metallic deposits and for environmental purposes, including sources of anthropogenic contamination. Two 30 particular cases have included and demonstrated partially 26/10/2010 2451709_1 (GH Maftem) - 14 and empirically one application to mineral exploration, based on the hypothesis of the existence of microbiological processes in metallic ore deposits below soil surface. All currently existing collectors are 5 addressed to detect hydrocarbon gases, not metals. Only one application to exploration of metallic minerals is reported by the French Geological Survey, which corresponds to a case study in the south of Spain, applied to a massive sulfide ore deposit. In this study 10 and patent application we have designed a dual collecting device for detecting hydrocarbon gaseous compounds and metallic ions, which is specifically applied to the exploration of giant copper deposits in arid environments such as the Atacama Desert and the Chilean Altiplano 15 (high plateau) . The studies related to this application comprise experience from six case studies together with diverse experimental tests. 2) Current collecting devices in terms of application are based on theoretical, hypothetical and empirical 20 data, with no major comprehension of processes generating a geo-organo-chemical signal at surface from a source below soil surface. In the research related to this application, processes involved are greatly comprehended, resulting from analogical experimental studies and 25 empirical field trials, which have allowed the design of a device with features that fulfill the current requirements of a combined hydrocarbon gas and metal detection. These exploration techniques have proven effective at various field trial sites. 26/10/2010 2451709_1 (GHIattesm) - 15 3) The physical design of the present device is different to all those known up to date and this is a function of the experimental results and comprehension of the processes of metallic ion and hydrocarbon gaseous 5 compounds migration from a source to surface. The present devices are larger in diameter, they are opened both at bottom and top portions, with a vertical chamber that breathes vertically. This represents a difference with respect to all other existing collectors, which show 10 narrower effective section and are closed in their upper portion. 4) The application method is similar in all cases. A difference to other collectors for the detection of hydrocarbon gases is that these are inserted in the field 15 for a period of about 17 days, whereas the present collectors are buried for a period of time that ranges from 100 to 120 days. Only in the work of Pauwels et al. (1999) [21 is a long exposure time described for the detection of metals. From the research related to this 20 application it has been determined that a long exposure time is important to achieve the adsorbent materials equilibration regarding the soil gas environment. These materials adsorb and desorb elements and compounds, being the ideal case that they reach equilibrate with the 25 environment. 5) The analytical methodologies employed differ, both for the materials used for collection of hydrocarbon gaseous compounds as well as for those used in the collection of metal ions. In the cases described, all 30 consider a proprietary analytical technique, these being 26/10/2010 2451709_1 (GHatters) -16 an integral part of the methodology. In this case, ideal analytical techniques that offer the best levels of contrast have been sought. These techniques do not represent an integral part of the device. 5 6) With the exception of the case study by Pauwels et al. (1999) [2] , all application techniques of collectors require data treatment. This includes statistical procedures for the determination of response patterns proper to specific ore deposit types. This implies then 10 the need of study cases over known ore deposits and the determination of search patterns to be employed for comparison of data to known cases. This assumes that similar types of ore deposits generate similar responses. In the case here presented, major data processing is 15 avoided, contrast anomalies being the only characteristic sought. Responses are direct and determined by comparison to the local background and in particular respect to the referential material. No other collector employs a similar approach. Research has demonstrated that a 20 similar type of ore deposit, depending on environment, depth, groundwater conditions, among other parameters, may result in different patterns; hence no single pattern may be proper of a specific type of deposit. The design and functionality of the new device here presented avoids 25 such problems by providing a combined hydrocarbon/metal response. 7) The use and applicability of this collecting device is based on scientific foundations, based on results of investigation and comprehension of the processes that 30 occur from a mineralized source below soil surface up to 26/10/2010 2451709_1 (GHMatters) -17 surface. They have been specialized for their use in arid environments, as a supporting tool in the exploration of giant copper deposits. All other existing collectors are either generic, with multiple and/or not necessarily 5 proven applications, or with specific applications to other (e.g. exploration for oil, environmental applications). DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES 10 Figure 1: Schematic diagram of the collecting device. Samples (3) are placed in permeable bags inside the collector chamber on top of a protective screen (4). The thick vertical arrow shows the direction of gaseous flow (5) . The device is covered at top by a polyester fabric (2) and the whole device 15 is then covered completely with a second polyester fabric (1). The design depicted is basic and may vary, but keeping similar technical characteristics. Figure 2: Charts or diagrams showing evolution of (a) pH, (b) oxidation potential (Eh), (c) ionic copper concentration 20 (Cu**) and (d) ionic chloride concentration (Cl~) for a three year period of the experimental system 2. Noteworthy are a pH decrease in time, increase of Eh and concentration of Cu** (c); in addition, Cl~ observes highly variable concentrations. 25 Figure 3: Bacterial culture analysis generated from circulation fluids of experiments from November 2003 (a), April 2004 (b) and May 2005 (c) . Bacterial culture counts, April 2004 (d). Figure 4: Examples of metal (copper and magnesium, (a)) 30 and hydrocarbon gaseous compound (b) gains respect to 26/10/2010 2451709_1 (GHNtters) - 18 referential materials (z-ref) and/or blank experiment (EO-n, E6-4 and P-CAD200) . In Figure 4 some examples of experimental results of metal and hydrocarbon gaseous compounds adsorption are presented. 5 Figure 5: (a) Example of metal (copper) and hydrocarbon gaseous compounds response in collectors, Toki ore deposit, II Region, Chile. Metals describe lateral contrast anomalies and hydrocarbons central anomalies, combined they mark mineralization below soil surface (position and type of 10 mineralization are described in bar) . (c) Example of metal and hydrocarbon gaseous compounds response at the Spence ore deposit, II Region, Chile. Location of ore deposit shown in bar. Figure 6: Examples of industrial applications for the 15 geo-organo-chemical devices in the Toki and Inca de Oro ore deposits. (a) Examples of geochemical distribution for Zn, Cd, Mo and Na. Negative contrast anomalies surrounded by positive anomalies indicate the location of the Genoveva and Toki ore deposits within the Toki cluster. (b) Examples of 20 hydrocarbon gaseous compounds distribution for ramified alkanes SGH 041-BA and 062-BA. Negative contrast anomalies are observed for the ore deposits Genoveva and Toki and the occurrence of positive contrast anomalies that outline the external edge of the Toki cluster. (c) Examples of 25 geochemical distributions for B and Cu in the Inca de Oro district. Negative and positive contrast anomalies stand out clearly respect to the outer background. The location of anomalies marks the position of the Inca de Oro ore deposit beneath cover. (d) Examples of hydrocarbon gaseous compounds 30 distribution for the species of type dimethyl propenyl 26/10/2010 2451709_1 (GHMatters) -19 benzene and ramified alkanes in the Inca de Oro district. Negative and positive contrast anomalies stand out clearly from background. 5 DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Development of a dual geo-organo-chemical collector, applied to the exploration of copper sulfide underground deposits or below soil surface, is the result of over three years of research, research at present still ongoing. These studies 10 are based on experimental (laboratory) and practical research, in which, for purposes of detection and investigation of processes, an in-house collecting device was developed, designed as a function of results and comprehension of processes that generate a geochemical signal 15 at surface from a source below soil surface. As opposed to other empirical studies, patents and/or market products, that only deal with concepts at a theoretical level, in this study comprehension and real demonstrations of processes that occur were sought, from the generation of free metallic ions and 20 hydrocarbon gaseous compounds, migration processes of these from the source to surface, and finally, capture processes of ions and gaseous compounds. The understanding of capture processes has allowed the development of an improved collecting device, both from a design and employed adsorbent 25 materials point of view. As a result a device which is different from other patented and/or commercialized devices was reached, with additional functions and particularities respect to existing products, described later in this document. 30 26/10/2010 2451709.1 (GH~ttrs) -20 Investigations so far have determined those processes that occur in the source (metallic sulfide mineralized body), both chemical and biological (bacterial), processes responsible of metallic cation liberation or release and bacterial 5 originated hydrocarbon gaseous compounds generation. Migration processes have been demonstrated both for metals and organic gaseous compounds, for which a different external collector body design as well as a different disposition and shape of the adsorbent materials inside is proposed. 10 This invention describes a dual collector, which resulted from experimental investigations and is supported by empirical field case studies that have allowed the design of a device of characteristics tailored to necessity and a 15 method of high efficacy for the detection of hydrocarbon gaseous compounds and metallic ions, applied to the exploration of metallic sulfide deposits, especially the exploration of copper deposits in arid environments, such as the Atacama Desert and the Chilean Altiplano. Tests in the 20 central cordilleran environment have also been conducted, limitations existing in humid or wet environments due to water saturation of devices. The detection method of the present invention is direct, by 25 accumulation and detection of gases. This occurs due to a prolonged exposure time during insertion in the field, which allows the adsorbent materials contained within the collectors to reach equilibration with the soil gas environment in which they are immersed. 30 26/10/2010 2451709.1 (GHMafters) -21 An additional advantage of the method described in this application, provided by the materials employed and long time of exposure, is an independence of external events within the study zone. Due to the state of equilibrium reached, isolated 5 phenomena, such as human and vehicle transit, do not alter contrast of samples, reaching a better efficacy of detection. In the research or investigation so far it has been demonstrated that processes that give rise to contrast 10 anomalies occur in real time, being dependant of the existence of current time processes of chemical and biological degradation of metallic sulfide minerals. This, despite not representing a particular advantage for the design of the collecting device, does represent an important 15 advantage in its use, in particular for data interpretation. It is this knowledge that has led to the use of referential samples and search of contrast anomalies, in opposition to the statistical search of patterns employed by other detection methods. 20 DESCRIPTION OF THE DEVICE The device of the present invention consists of an integrated geo-organo-chemical collector for the detection of contrast 25 signals at surface, respect to an ore body below soil surface. The container body of the device consists of two cylindrical sections made of inert materials, preferably PVC, each one of a diameter width ranges between 8 and 15 cm, preferably 11 cm, a height between 10 and 15 cm, preferably 30 10 cm, bonded together on one of their sides, parallel to 26/10/2010 2451709.1 (GHMaU ) -22 each other, such that the total device has a length of 16 to 30 cm (Figure 1) . The axes of these tubes that form the container represent the vertical reference for the device, and coincide with the direction of gaseous flow (Figure 1). 5 Both apertures of the tubes have a protective screen, made preferably of an inert material, such as PVC, and are covered in the upper section with a permeable fabric, preferably fine pore polyester. In addition the device is protected in its 10 totality by a permeable cover, preferably a polyester fabric, which can be a single, double or triple wrap, preferably being a double layer for better dust protection without diminishing permeability of the device. This device allows free flow of gases, vapor and water through its inner chamber 15 and provides protection against penetration of dust and major particulate material. In each one of the cylindrical sections a fabric bag or envelope is inserted within the inner chamber, preferably of permeable polyester, which contains the adsorbent materials, preferably in a fine granulated 20 condition (Figure 1). This bag or envelope is introduced in such manner as to use all possible surface area of the cylindrical base, maximizing the contact surface area of the adsorbent materials in the area of gas circulation. 25 The collector of the present invention possesses a dual purpose, by means of different adsorbent materials, one for the adsorption of metals, the other for hydrocarbon gaseous compounds. None of the previously existing collectors are dual such as the one of this invention; all existing devices 26/10/2010 2451709_1 (GHMatters) -23 use only a single adsorbent material, generally tailored to the collection of organic gaseous compounds. The device of the present invention was developed in function 5 of experimental results and comprehension of migration processes of metallic ions and hydrocarbon gaseous compounds from a source to surface. These devices have a larger diameter than those used until present, and are open both top and bottom with an inner chamber that breathes vertically. 10 This marks a difference respect to other existing collectors that possess a smaller section and are closed in their upper portion. A larger diameter, larger than 9 cm, and the employment of finely granulated adsorbent materials, allows a larger contact surface per unit of volume, and the open 15 breather system allows more interaction of the adsorbents utilized with the environment in which they are inserted. The employment of sealed materials for referential purposes and establishment of a base line allows the improvement of contrast conditions and a better estimation of the 20 significance of response respect to background variability. APPLICATION METHOD OR TECHNIQUE The application method or technique is based on the 25 scientific fundaments investigated during the development of a +3 year research project. The initial step is the consideration of the necessary collector insertion point site grid or mesh, such as to assure an adequate detection (e.g. a regular grid each 200 or 250 m), depending on type of deposit 30 sought and the total exploration surface. Next step is the 26/10/2010 2451709_1 (GHatters) -24 insertion of the collecting devices in the study field, which are inserted in holes dug in the ground to an average depth of 30 to 40 cm, and then completely covered with the same ground material. The collectors stay in the field for a time 5 between 90 and 140 days, preferably 100 to 120 days, time after which the devices are retrieved, and the adsorbent materials contained within recovered and sealed. During the same period of time, samples of adsorbent materials sealed within an impermeable material, preferably plastic, for 10 example a bag, remain in the field, protected from the environment and without interaction, but submitted to conditions of temperature similar to all the rest. These samples are employed as reference material. 15 For purposes of capture of metals the preferred adsorbent material used is fine grained activated carbon (powder), but other strong adsorbent materials may be employed, such as zeolites, bentonites, among others. For the adsorption of hydrocarbon gaseous compounds the preferred adsorbent 20 material is caolinite, but depending on objectives zeolites of different pore size may be used, as well as bentonites or other adsorbent materials. These materials are sent to commercial analytical 25 laboratories for ICP-MS geochemical analysis of activated carbon and determination of metal variations, and the analyses of desorbed hydrocarbon gaseous compounds by means of gas chromatography coupled with an ICP-MS (SGH method, Act Labs, Canada) . Results do not need comparison to patterns of 30 known cases, this in view of the prolonged exposure time 26/10/2010 245170_1 (GHalftrs) -25 employed and the utilization of a reference material, which allows the definition of a referential background line for the improvement of contrast determinations and estimation of response significance respect to background variability. 5 The use of geo-organo-chemical collectors inserted at surface is based on the original research hypothesis of the investigations carried out so far, and the applicability has been demonstrated both in experimental and empirical 10 conditions. Field tests carried out in 6 covered ore deposits show results that clearly demonstrate the applicability of the method of the present invention. The procedures associated with the method include from the preparation of collectors, sample insertion grid design in the field, 15 insertion of collectors, exposure time and later retrieval, sample submission and analysis by laboratories, and processing and interpretation of acquired data. The scientific fundaments derived from research are those that allow an understanding of the underlying processes behind a 20 biogeochemical signal of an ore body below soil surface, and therefore the arrival to a detection technique at surface. The use of dual collectors allows the localization of marked contrast anomalies for hydrocarbon compounds, accompanied by 25 metal anomalies that corroborate the location of anomalies and verify the existence of metals. It must be noted that hydrocarbon gaseous compounds anomalies may be generated from different types of organic or inorganic 30 sources, reason for which a response of this type does not 26/10/2010 245170_1 (GHNatters) -26 necessarily and only imply the existence of a sulfide mineralized body below soil surface. Coexistence of metal and hydrocarbon gaseous compound anomalies are those that confirm existence of a deposit. 5 To date a total of nine experimental tests and six field case studies have been carried out. Experimental studies were done in the Supergene Geochemical Processes Analog Laboratory (SGPAL), at the Department of Geology, University of Chile. 10 For experimental purposes, in this laboratory 6 experimental columns were constructed for analog modeling of processes that occur in sulfide mineralized deposits. These columns are 1.20 m high, with a base of 50x40 cm 2 , made of 2.5 cm thick polycarbonate. At the bottom of each column some 30 - 50 Kg 15 of primary non-altered ore mineral was placed, ore from the El Teniente deposit, VI Region, Chile. The ore mineral is crushed to 4", with an average copper concentration of 1.2% Cu, mainly in the form of chalcopyrite. Over this material a column of sand or other materials was added, to emulate the 20 effects of cover. In the base of the column, to emulate oxidizing effects associated to exposure of primary ore to the non-saturated zone of the water table, analytic air is injected through a network of silicone hoses. In two experiments argon gas is injected through hoses, to emulate 25 the circulation of radon gas present in nature. Additional hoses inserted at various levels exist for the insertion or extraction of gaseous or liquid samples. Half way up the column, within cover and above mineralization, an additional network of hoses is used to inject water. Water flows to the 30 base of the column were it is drained to a bucket. The 26/10/2010 2451709_1 (GHhatters) -27 drained solution is recirculated periodically. The effect is to keep ore mineral in a water sub saturated environment and exposed to strong oxidation. Two columns are contained within incubators, having temperature control and programming 5 systems, day/night conditions may be created. One of the 6 columns contains no ore mineral in its base, constituting a blank case for comparative purposes. During the seven experimental phases many tests have been carried out, and the differing experiments have been oriented to different 10 objectives. Among the most relevant results the following are listed: Result 1) The oxidation and sulfide degradation processes starting from primary ore minerals begin quickly, within a few weeks. The 15 circulation solution is monitored periodically for pH, eH and concentrations of the ions copper II (Cu**) and chlorine (Cl~ ). The pH and Eh conditions changed within the first week, pH decreased and Eh increased (Figure 2). Within two weeks, in the experiments with ore mineral, the presence of Cu** and Cl~ 20 was determined (Figure 2). This is the first demonstration of metallic and halide ions liberation or release associated directly to an oxidation process of sulfide primary mineralization. These parameters and their evolution have been monitored continuously for over two years (Figure 2), 25 allowing good comprehension of the processes that occur within a sulfide ore mineral deposit when exposed to oxidation. In parallel, the presence and activity of bacteria have been 30 monitored periodically. It has been demonstrated that these 26/10/2010 2451709_1 (GHMauem) -28 exist in a latent condition within the primary ore mineral, activated upon exposure to oxidizing and acidifying conditions. Comprehension of the chemical and biological processes involved in sulfide degradation has been reached. 5 Figure 3 shows the results of bacterial activity and counts at different moments in time, the activity of bacteria measured by culture processing and measurement of oxidizing potential. 10 The sulfide degradation processes and generation of metallic ions and gaseous hydrocarbon compounds are accelerated at higher temperature and lower pH. The most relevant parameters in the degradation of a sulfide body are temperature, oxidation and acidification. Under these conditions the 15 bacteriological conditions are optimized. The acceleration of these processes does not imply a stronger geochemical signal at surface, because it also depends on hydrologic conditions. The flow of an acid solution carries metals, diminishing the migration of these to surface. This was tested and observed 20 during the experiments. Result 2) In the different experiments the possible means of metallic ions and hydrocarbon gaseous compounds migration from source 25 to surface were tested. Despite that various migration mechanisms exist, from diffusion, capillarity, electrochemical differentials, pressure differentials, it has been determined that the principal means of transport of metallic ions occurs in gaseous form, be it associated with 30 micro bubbles (aerosols) or with gaseous inorganic and 26/10/2010 2451709_1 (GHWattes) -29 organic compounds. This was tested by means of a direct connection from the source to surface through a PVC tube, with a collector in its upper portion. This was also tested in the field by the installation of collecting devices in the 5 upper portion of borehole casings and tubing that connect to the ore mineralized body some 200 m below soil surface. In both cases an increment of metals and hydrocarbon gaseous compounds concentration was determined in the adsorbent materials, with respect to the same referential material. In 10 other tests the injection of air and argon gas were suspended. This resulted in no metal accumulation and a low variation of hydrocarbon gaseous compounds in the collectors. Figure 4 shows some examples of experimental results of metal and gaseous compounds adsorption. Different tests under 15 different conditions and types of overburden, both thickness of cover and types of materials, have demonstrated no strong incidence of cover type on the processes of migration to surface, even one test in which a clay mineral rich cover was trialed. Gaseous flow along a pressure differential is 20 determined as the key factor for migration of ions from a gas generating source to a receptive surface. During the evolution of sulfide degradation processes the generation of oxide-reduction differentials has been 25 observed, marked primarily in the ore rock and along the ore cover boundary. These electrochemical processes may have an important effect on the migration processes of metallic cations to surface. 26/10/2010 2451709_1 (GHMters) -30 During the experiments different types of adsorbent materials and collector device designs were tested. These tests were also applied in the field. The present design of collecting devices and the selection of materials is the result of 5 numerous prototypes, and the current device differs from the known collectors. They have a dual purpose, for the adsorption of metal cations and organic gaseous compounds, they have a larger housing container for broader surface exposure, and they are open and allow vertical breathing with 10 materials used in a fine grained disaggregated state in such a manner as to improve the proportion of active surface per unit of volume. Different exposure times for collectors and time-integrated 15 adsorption were also tested. It was determined that processes involve gains and losses of elements and hydrocarbon gaseous compounds, which are a function of balance conditions with the environment. Balance is not reached in a short period of time, and gains of some compounds is in many cases related 20 directly with the loss of others, for example light hydrocarbon gaseous compounds are lost with the increase of heavy compounds. From this perspective it is not convenient to employ artificial or ultra pure materials with cero initial hydrocarbon gaseous compounds concentrations. This 25 marks a difference regarding known collectors, highly sensitive, strongly adsorbent of short exposure time and very susceptible to contamination. Field test case studies were carried out in the Toki 30 Genoveva-Quetena (Toki cluster, Codelco), Gaby (Codelco), 26/10/2010 2451709_1 (GHatters) -31 Spence (BHP Billiton), El Teniente (Codelco) and Pampa Chug Chug (Rever of Teckcominco) ore deposits. With the exception of El Teniente, all case studies are located in northern Chile. In the Toki, Gaby and Spence ore deposits results are 5 excellent, with contrast anomalies that denote the localization of the surface projection of the ore deposits beneath cover. In opposition to other collector devices and methodologies, clear and direct contrast anomalies are sought in data interpretation, with no statistical processing or 10 determination of patterns, which in many cases are suggestive of response fabrications. The results for the collectors are direct, with no major complications in data processing and interpretation. This is achieved due to a much longer time of exposure. In figure 5 some examples of results for profiles 15 of diverse ore deposits are shown. In figure 6 examples for two industrial tests are shown, carried out in the Toki district (Codelco), II region, and another in the Inca de Oro ore deposit (Codelco) . For these larger scale tests full sample insertion site grids were used for the generation of 20 surface geochemical distribution maps. It is noted that for purposes of sample data interpolations a simple linear krigging procedure was employed, with no previous data treatment. In the case of the Toki district, it is observed for about 70% of analyzed elements (72) and for over 50% of 25 the hydrocarbon compounds (162) contrast anomalies are characterized by negative contrast over the ore deposits, with annular to semi-annular positive anomalies surrounding these. These anomalies mark the position of the ore bodies Genoveva, Toki, and to a lesser degree Quetena and Valentina 30 (Fig. 6). In the Inca de Oro case, a discrete mineralized ore 26/10/2010 24517091 (GH attes) -32 deposit, similar contrast anomalies are observed. In figure 6 some few examples are included for visual purposes, but it must be mentioned that anomalies detected by collectors are very robust. This was demonstrated not only by visual 5 observation, it has been corroborated by means of a multivariable statistical analysis and the generation of factor distribution maps for the Toki case. It is to be clearly understood that, although prior art use 10 and publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these form a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country. 15 In the statement of invention and description of the invention which follow, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify 20 the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. It will be understood to persons skilled in the art of the 25 invention that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. REFERENCES [11 Cameron, E.M., Hamilton, S.M., Leybourne, M.I., Hall, G.E.M. & McClenaghan, M.B., 2004. Finding deeply buried 26/10/2010 2451709_1 (GHMattes) -33 deposits using geochemistry. Geochemistry Exploration, Environment, Analysis, V 4, P 1, 7-32. [2] Pauwels, H., Baubron, J.C., Freyssinet, P. & Chesneau, M., 1999. Sorption of metallic compounds on activated carbon: 5 application to exploration for concealed deposits in southern Spain. Journal of Geochemical Exploration, 66, 115-133. [3] Rutherford,N.F., Jonhson, C., Giblin, A.M., Griffin, W.L, Ryan, C.J. & Suter, G.F. (in press 2005, never published). The pSirogas research project: an assessment of the Geogas 10 exploration method in Australian terrains. Geochemistry: Exploration, Environment, Analysis. (4] Highsmith, P., 2004. Overview of Soil Gas Theory. Explore Bulletin, NO 122, 1, 12-13, 21-23. [5] Dold, B., 2003. Enrichment processes in oxidizing sulfide 15 tailings: Lessons for supergene ore formation. SGA News Bulletin NO 16, 1, 10-15. 26/10/2010 2451709_1 (GHatters)