https://youtu.be/oahbUV30SCQ

https://www.youtube.com/@valls_geoconsultant?sub_confirmation=1 For more videos about geology, geochemistry, AI, and much more, please visit and subscribe for free here: Golden droplets- https://shorturl.at/fetV1 Geovoices- https://tinyurl.com/m23pp4pb News about geology- https://tinyurl.com/3979urhy Geo News Radio: https://shorturl.at/MwdSK Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to Guatemala’s nickel paradise ​00:11 – Motagua Suture Zone: a colossal tectonic scar ​01:41 – Four-phase birth of the ophiolites ​03:28 – Izabal Geosol and the five-layer laterite profile ​04:20 – Why Guatemalan laterites are still strongly magnetic ​04:59 – Modern exploration tools: GPR and lake sediment geochemistry ​06:15 – Atmospheric chloride leaching: a game-changer for Ni-Co laterites Explore the fascinating tectonic evolution of the Motagua Suture Zone at the northwest corner of the Caribbean Plate, where ancient ophiolite complexes were obducted onto continental blocks to form Guatemala’s premier nickel-cobalt laterites. This deep dive into the Sierra de Santa Cruz and Juan de Paz-Los Mariscos belts reveals the unique stratigraphy of the Izabal Geosol and its immature, wet lateritic profiles that present a high-value target for modern mineral exploration (Valls, 2007, 2019). We examine the four-phase developmental model of these deposits, beginning with Phase I fractional crystallization in magmatic chambers and progressing through the vital Phase III serpentinization process, which concentrates nickel-bearing minerals like awaruite and pentlandite (Valls, 2018, 2019). Understanding the structural controls and the Chuacús Orogeny is essential for any geologist working in Central America, as these events dictated the distribution of the ultramafic rocks that now host significant strategic reserves (Valls, 2018, 2019). For junior and senior geologists alike, we demonstrate how to integrate modern tools such as portable X-ray fluorescence (PXRF) and ground penetrating radar (GPR) with aeromagnetic surveys to identify high magnetite content in young laterites, which is a unique characteristic of the Guatemalan ophiolitic belts (Valls, 2007; Valls, 2018). The video provides a detailed analysis of the Sechol Ni-Mg laterite deposit and the Santa Anita II project, utilizing 3D modeling and geochemical mapping to define inferred mineral resources (Valls, 2002; Cruz Martín, 2022). Furthermore, we discuss the shift toward sustainable hydrometallurgy, specifically the atmospheric chloride leaching technology which optimizes the recovery of nickel and cobalt from high-magnesium ores without the constraints of traditional HPAL methods (Harris et al., n.d.; Valls, 2002). This comprehensive guide combines regional plate tectonics with practical ore prospecting techniques to equip the geological community with the insights needed to unlock the mineral potential of this billion-dollar belt. The bridge between Academy and Industry! P. Geo. Ricardo A Valls, M. Sc. and Geo Gadfly Valls Geoconsultant ORCID ID- https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5421-0914 Scopus Author ID: 7003369619/35335510700 ResearcherID: S-6604-2018 If you like this content, please "buy me a coffee" https://www.buymeacoffee.com/goldendroplets #VallsGeoconsultant #GuatemalaGeology #NickelLaterites #Ophiolites Some references Cruz Martín, J. (2022). The nickel-cobalt potential of the Santa Anita II project, Izabal, Northeast Guatemala [Technical report]. Rio Nickel, S.A. Valls Alvarez, R. A. (2006). Geology and geochemical evolution of the ophiolitic belts in Guatemala: Field guide to nickel bearing laterites (6th ed.). Nichromet Extraction Inc./Valls Geoconsultant. Valls, R. A. (2007). Izabal nickel laterites, Guatemala [Poster]. Valls Geoconsultant. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/285234165_Izabal_nickel_laterites_Guatemala Valls, R. A. (n.d.). The Izabal Geosol — A case of arrested development of a nickel laterite in Central America [Unpublished manuscript]. Valls Geoconsultant. Jaguar poised to revive Guatemalan nickel. (2004, March 1). The Northern Miner. https://www.northernminer.com/news/jaguar-poised-to-revive-guatemalan-nickel/1000143205/ Nichromet's Ricardo Valls rises to life's challenges - and nickel's. (n.d.). The Northern Miner. https://www.northernminer.com/news/nichromet-s-ricardo-valls-rises-to-life-s-challenges-and-nickel-s/1000201016/ Valls Geoconsultant. (2007). Mapa de BVP [Map]. Valls Geoconsultant. Valls Geoconsultant. (n.d.). Mapa de IZB [Map]. Valls Geoconsultant. Valls, R. [Ricardo Valls]. (2023, April 20). Guatemala’s secret nickel and cobalt treasure! [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIsmH4h1f6Y Valls, R. [Ricardo Valls]. (2023, April 1). Ni Co in Guatemala [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9Yy68S-28s