Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.17794/rgn.2026.4.10
STATISTICAL, GEOSTATISTICAL AND SPATIAL ANALYSIS OF TECHNOLOGY-CRITICAL ELEMENTS IN THE TREPÇA MINE
Berat Sinani
; Department of Petrology, Mineralogy and Geochemistry, Faculty of Natural and Technical Science, University “Goce Delchev”,2000 Stip, North Macedonia.
Blazo Boev
; Department of Petrology, Mineralogy and Geochemistry, Faculty of Natural and Technical Science, University “Goce Delchev”,2000 Stip, North Macedonia.
Arianit Reka
; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Tetova, 1200 Tetovo, North Macedonia.; Albanian Unit of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, NanoAlb, Academy of Sciences of Albania, Fan Noli Square, 1000 Tirana, Albania.
Bahri Sinani
; Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Natural and Technical Science, University “Goce Delchev”, 2000 Shtip,North Macedonia.
Ivan Boev
; Department of Petrology, Mineralogy and Geochemistry, Faculty of Natural and Technical Science, University “Goce Delchev”,2000 Stip, North Macedonia.
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* Corresponding author.
Abstract
This study investigates the presence, concentration, and spatial distribution of Technology-Critical Elements (TCEs) in the Trepça Mine, focusing on ore body horizons VIII-XI. During research in the relevant archives (Trepça, ICMM, GSK), it was noted that no statistical, geostatistical or spatial studies have been conducted in the Trepça Mine for Technology- Critical Elements. Mineralizations in Trepça mainly occur as vein structures known as ore bodies. In this study, all existing ore bodies from horizons VIII-XI, were sampled. Representative samples were collected from each active ore body and analysed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) to quantify elements including Bi, Co, Ge, V, W, Li, Ga, In, Te, and Nb. Statistical and geostatistical analyses were performed using Microsoft Excel, R Studio, and Golden Software Surfer to assess variability, correlations, and spatial trends. The highest concentrations were observed for Bi (avg. 98.81 ppm; max. 610.4 ppm), W (avg. 28.68 ppm), and Co (avg. 28.47 ppm), with significant variability across
horizons. Correlation analyses revealed strong positive relationships between several elements, such as W–V (r = 0.70), W–Ge (r = 0.65), and Bi–W (r = 0.60), suggesting possible common geological origins. These findings highlight the potential for the sustainable recovery of strategic elements from Trepça’s polymetallic ore zones and underscore the mine’s relevance, not only for traditional metals, but also for critical raw materials essential to low-carbon and high-tech industries.
Keywords
Geostatistics; Spatial; Distribution; TCE; Trepça
Hrčak ID:
349894
URI
Publication date:
21.7.2026.
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