Structural control and hydrothermal alteration pattern of Chaucha Porphyry Copper, Ecuador

Abstract

The intrusives and associated volcanic activity, the hydrothermal alteration pattern, and mineralization of the Chaucha porphyry copper deposit appear to be strongly controlled by the intersection of two major structures: the Chaucha fault and the Cordillera fault. Stockwork development and dynamic foliation of the intrusives and surrounding rocks respond to the same control. The fault movements affect the diorite and granodiorite intrusions and largely predate the mineralization and the quartz monzonite intrusion. The lithologies and peculiar geological setting favor a volcanic origin of the Chaucha porphyry copper. Using structural relations and other geological criteria, the Chaucha porphyry copper is tentatively placed in the plate tectonic model.