Distinguishing regional- and local-scale metasomatic systems at the Prairie Downs Zn–Pb deposit

Abstract

Geochemical alteration in mafic rocks of the Fortescue Group around the Prairie Downs Zn–Pb–(Cu–Ag) deposit, Western Australia, is the result of two overprinting metasomatic systems. The first, a regional-scale event, well documented across the Fortescue Basin to the north, resulted in extensive depletion in alkalis, Mg, and heavier first transition series metals (Mn–Zn), and formation of mineral assemblages progressing towards pure epidote/pumpellyite-quartz end-members. The second, more localised event, was associated with Zn–Pb–(Cu–Ag) mineralisation and resulted in Ca-loss accompanied by enrichment in a broad transition metal and metalloid suite (Zn–Pb–Sn–Ag–K–Ba–Tl–Sb–Ge–U–Th–Cd–Hg–Se–REE) that is comparable to many sedimentary exhalative (SEDEX) systems, and possibly represents modification or remobilisation of an earlier ore system. The mineralisation-related alteration was superimposed on the earlier regional-scale metasomatism: previously unaltered basalts underwent Zn-bearing chlorite and biotite growth, with loss of amphibole and epidote; regionally metasomatised rocks now comprise assemblages dominated by quartz, muscovite and baileychlore (Zn chlorite). These altered basalts do not contain any sulphide minerals and all Zn is hosted within chlorite in a broad halo around the main sulphide zones, thereby providing a larger exploration target. Geochemical modelling with HCh indicates that the observed alteration assemblages can be generated through interaction of rocks with large volumes of a saline, Zn–K–bearing fluid (fluid/rock~1000). This study highlights the importance of understanding the regional geochemical background when investigating local metasomatic systems in order to correctly characterise them, determine their origin and position in a regional tectonic framework, and to correctly identify vectors towards mineralisation to aid future exploration.