An application of factor analysis to the interpretation of the genesis of magnetite in the smallwood mine, labrador

Abstract

The Smallwood Mine at Labrador City, Newfoundland, contains two recoverable iron ore minerals: specularite and magnetite. This paper inquires specifically into the genesis of magnetite using a model that statistically relates the measured variation of four variables to ideal causes that were responsible for these variations. Through the interpretation of the results of factor analysis, a theory of magnetite genesis is proposed which tentatively indentifies the Grenville orogeny as the factor largely responsible for the formation of magnetite. However, it is proposed to enlarge the factor model to include additional chemical variables which may reduce the unexplained variance in this system of variables and more clearly specify the common factors.