Metallogenesis of the Rhyacian Lavra Velha gold-rich IOCG deposit in the São Francisco Craton, Brazil

Abstract

• The Lavra Velha deposit represents a new gold-rich IOCG mineralization at the São Francisco Craton . • The gold mineralization is associated with a hydrothermal breccia system with co-existing iron oxides and sulfides. • IOCG mineralization is related to the Rhyacian period of the northern São Francisco Craton. • Mineralization is marked by decreasing temperatures from the bottom to the top of the deposit. Lavra Velha is a newly discovered Rhyacian IOCG deposit in the northern portion of the São Francisco Craton, in the Bahia state of NE Brazil. Gold and copper mineralization is hosted by epigenetic hydrothermal breccia with large amounts of iron oxide. Multiple phases of breccia formation and hydrothermal alteration caused zoning from the base to the top of the deposit. The alteration is mainly characterized by hydrothermal calcite-epidote-magnetite, tourmaline-chlorite-magnetite, and sericite-hematite hydrothermal alteration styles. Tourmaline and chlorite chemistry indicates that low temperature alkaline fluids had variable Fe 2+ , Mg, Al, and Na contents throughout the evolution of the breccia complex. Magnetite and hematite display low vanadium content (≤0.24 wt%) and very low titanium content (≤0.06 wt%). The sulfide minerals are pyrite (with up to ~ 3 wt% Co), chalcopyrite, bornite, arsenopyrite, and covellite, in decreasing order of abundance. Coarse muscovite that is related to the latest stages of breccia displays a high barium content with an average of ≥ 1.27 wt%. Isotopic compositions of carbon and oxygen in calcite from the calcic breccia indicate that early mineralizing fluids were derived from a mixed magmatic/non-magmatic reservoir (δ 13 C ~ −2‰ and δ 18 O from 9.95 to 13.09‰ in calcite). The sulfur isotopic compositions of chalcopyrite and pyrite demonstrate that sulfur in the mineralized breccia was derived from cooling magmas that underwent weak contamination from oxidized fluids or host rocks (δ 34 S from 2.22 to 3.89‰). New U-Pb zircon ages indicate that mineralization occurred at approximately 2100 Ma, coeval with tourmaline-bearing porphyritic granite dikes that yield ages of 2098 ± 8 and 2112 ± 12 Ma respectively. Despite being considered a small deposit in relation to known reserves, Lavra Velha may be the first IOCG deposit recognized in the São Francisco Craton, particularly in the Gavião Block. Thus, it represents an important indicator for future precious and base metal exploration in the São Francisco Craton.