Granite-ore deposit relationships in Central Brazil

Abstract

Ore deposits related to granitic rocks in Central Brazil are associated with different Paleo- to Mesoproterozoic granite types. Sn and Au are the economic ore elements with important indium concentrations in some tin deposits. Tin mineralization is related to an A-type granite province, in the State of Goiás, composed of two distinct granite groups of 1.77 Ga and 1.58 Ga ages. The most important tin deposits are closely related to the younger group, hosted in or near to Li-mica±topaz leucogranites. Despite the chemical differences, both groups are enriched in F, Sn, Rb, Y, Th, Nb, Ga and REE. Their Nb/Ta>1 and their high F/Li ratios allow their classification as a NYF fertile granite association. Recent studies reveal indium concentrations that might be recoverable as by-product of tin. Besides indium minerals and In-bearing phases, cassiterite is the most important indium carrier (0.2–0.4% In). Primary gold mineralization is hosted in oxidized I-type calc-alkaline plutons in the northern Mato Grosso State, with characteristics either of volcanic arc or post-collisional granites. Gold occurs in small high grade vein type deposits or is disseminated in widespread hydrothermal zones with alteration such as sericitization, feldspathization and pyritization. δ 34S values between +1.3 and +3.5‰ of associated sulfides are typical of magmatic deposits. The association of gold with oxidized I-type granites and the style of hydrothermal alteration are analogous to those associations present in world-class porphyry-style deposits. Although the tectono-magmagtic setting of these granites is not well understood, such an association constitutes an important target in the search for gold in the northern region of the State of Mato Grosso.