Abstract
The Permian (~273–274 Ma) Ice volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) deposit represents a mound shaped Cyprus (mafic)-type VMS deposit (~4.5 Mt @ 1.5% Cu) hosted in basaltic rocks of Slide Mountain terrane. The deposit consists of massive sulphides that are underlain by a chlorite-sulphide-hematite-rich stringer pipe, and overlain by a hematite-(pyrite)-rich exhalative chert. The sulphides are divided into five facies: (1) pyrite-rich; (2) pyrite-bornite-rich; (3) pyrite-chalcopyrite-rich; (4) hematite-pyrite; and (5) stringer sulphide. The sulphides have a distinct paragenetic and textural evolution in the massive sulphide that reflect: (1) an early, low temperature stage (<250 °C dominated by Fe-Zn-Cu-rich mineralization; (2) an intermediate, high temperature stage (>300 °C) dominated by Cu-Fe-rich mineralization; and (3) a late, low temperature phase (<150 °C) dominated by Fe-rich mineralization. In situ sulphur isotope data pyrite and chalcopyrite (by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS)) range from δ34S = +1.8‰ to +8.2‰, but vary as a function of paragenesis and temperature of deposition. Both early and late forming sulfides were dominated by sulphur from partial thermochemical sulphate reduction (TSR) of seawater sulfate, whereas intermediate, high temperature mineralization was dominated leached, igneous sulphur from basement rocks. These results are similar to modern seafloor vents and many ancient VMS deposits.
Highlights
IntroductionCyprus-type ( known as mafic-type) volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) deposits have been historically important contributors to global metal production [1,2], and are the focus of mineral exploration in certain jurisdictions (e.g., Newfoundland Appalachians and Scandinavian Caledonides)
Cyprus-type volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) deposits have been historically important contributors to global metal production [1,2], and are the focus of mineral exploration in certain jurisdictions (e.g., Newfoundland Appalachians and Scandinavian Caledonides).These deposits are hosted in basaltic sequences, commonly ophiolites (e.g., References [1,3]), and are considered ancient analogues to modern basalt-hosted VMS deposits [1,4,5]
In this paper we provide a detailed sulphide mineral, textural, and in situ secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) study of sulphide mineralization from the Ice VMS deposit, southeast Yukon, Canada
Summary
Cyprus-type ( known as mafic-type) volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) deposits have been historically important contributors to global metal production [1,2], and are the focus of mineral exploration in certain jurisdictions (e.g., Newfoundland Appalachians and Scandinavian Caledonides) These deposits are hosted in basaltic sequences, commonly ophiolites (e.g., References [1,3]), and are considered ancient analogues to modern basalt-hosted VMS deposits [1,4,5]. In this paper we provide a detailed sulphide mineral, textural, and in situ secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) study of sulphide mineralization from the Ice VMS deposit, southeast Yukon, Canada This deposit provides a unique opportunity to study a relatively pristine, Cyprus-type
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