Chlorite-sericite Alteration Research Articles

Shortwave infrared (SWIR) spectroscopy for greenfield exploration: Investigating the Bayi-Muchang prospect within the Jiama giant Porphyry-Skarn system

Jiama is a giant porphyry-skarn system (1,814 Mt ore @ 0.40 % Cu) within the Gangdese porphyry copper belt, Southern Tibet. Recently, copper, molybdenum, and tungsten anomalies, similar to those at Jiama, have been identified in the Bayi-Muchang prospect southwest of the deposit. However, the mineralization potential of this peripheral area and its genetic connection to Jiama remain poorly constrained. This study employs shortwave infrared (SWIR) spectroscopy to map alteration minerals in both the Bayi-Muchang prospect and compare them to those in the southwestern Jiama deposit. SWIR spectral results reveal that the Bayi-Muchang prospect is dominated by chlorite, phengite, quartz, and less carbonates from chlorite-sericite alteration with minor epidote and chlorite vein-halos, as well as pervasive propylitic assemblages with chlorite, epidote, and less carbonates, indicating the presence of an independent hydrothermal center where ore-forming fluids were concentrated and exsolved rather than an extension of the Jiama deposit. Key spectral indicators for mineralized zones, derived from Jiama samples, including wavelength of 2200 nm feature longer than 2207 nm and the illite spectral maturity higher than 1.4 in white mica, as well as the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 2335 nm feature longer than 36 nm in carbonate minerals. Additionally, carbonate minerals in the Duodigou Formation north of Bayi-Muchang record a contact metamorphism gradient, with the FWHM of the 2335 nm feature increasing from 36 to 56 nm from south to north. The northwest Bayi-Muchang area, near the hydrothermal center, is identified as a favorable target for skarn-type and porphyry-type mineralization. This study highlights the effectiveness of SWIR spectroscopy mapping in supporting exploration strategies within porphyry-skarn systems, particularly for greenfield targets.

New Geochemical and Geochronological Constraints on the Genesis of the Imourkhssen Cu±Mo±Au±Ag Porphyry Deposit (Ouzellagh-Siroua Salient, Anti-Atlas, Morocco): Geodynamic and Metallogenic Implications

The Imourkhssen porphyry Cu±Mo±Au±Ag deposit is located at the Ouzellagh-Siroua Salient (OSS) straddling the boundary between the central Anti-Atlas and the central High Atlas. It is characterized by a typical porphyry-style mineralization. The volcanic rocks are intruded by numerous magmatic rocks of the Ouarzazate Group (580–539 Ma), referred to as the Late Ediacaran magmatic suites (LEMS). Of these, the Askaoun, Imourkhssen, and Imourgane granites are the most significant as they are related to the porphyry mineralization. The entire set is intruded by the Zaghar mafic dyke swarms. Zircon U-Pb dating of the Imourkhssen granite and the ore-bearing granite porphyry shows that these intrusive rocks were emplaced at 558 ± 1 and 550 ± 2 Ma, respectively. Moreover, the whole-rock major and trace element geochemistry reveal a high-K calc-alkaline I-type composition, consistent with an emplacement in a post-collisional setting under a trans-tensional tectonic regime. Ore bodies are hosted by the Askaoun granodiorite as well as the Imourgane granite. The mineralization occurs as fine-grained dissemination and infills of hydrothermally altered NNE–SSW to N–S trending veins and veinlets. Ore-related hydrothermal alteration consists of potassic, chlorite-sericite, serecitic, and propylitic mineral assemblages along with pervasive silicification and pyritization, providing a porphyry-style alteration pattern. The ore periods comprise supergene and magmatic-hydrothermal periods. The latter includes primary dissemination and secondary NNE–SSW to N–S ore-bearing system stages. The occurrence of molybdenite is either restricted to the potassic and chlorite-sericite alteration zones of the ore-bearing granite as fine disseminations or alternatively as veinlet infills within the propylitic halos. The molybdenite occurrences along with pyrite, chalcopyrite, galena, and tennantite dissemination are assigned to the primary ore stage, while the NNE–SSW to N–S ore-bearing system is related to the secondary ore stage. It consists of pyrite, chalcopyrite, bornite, covellite, diagenite, sphalerite, hematite, galena, gold, and chenguodaite. The predominance of cockade and crack-and-seal textures suggest multiple episodes of ore-forming fluid circulations under epithermal conditions. The supergene stage is achieved by subordinate malachite, azurite, barite, hematite, epsomite, and chrysocolla. From the descriptions above, we argue that the Imourkhssen Cu±Mo±Au±Ag mineralization shares many mineralogical and paragenetic attributes of porphyry-copper deposits.

Alteration mineralogy, characteristics and shortwave infrared spectroscopy of white mica in the Zijinshan ore field, Fujian Province: Implications for porphyry Cu prospecting

The Zijinshan ore field is situated in the southeastern part of China. in which contains the large Zijinshan high-sulfidation Cu-Au deposit, the Luoboling porphyry Cu-Mo deposit, the Yueyang low-sulfidation Au-Ag deposit, the Longjiangting and the Wuziqilong tansitional Cu deposit, and the Xi’nan porphyry Cu-Mo prospect. Debates on genetic relationship among these deposits, especially the relationship between the Zijinshan Cu-Au deposit and the adjacent Luoboling deposit is a question of importance for further exploration in this ore field. In this contribution, the alteration mineralogy, alteration texture, zonation and mineral chemistry, in combination with shortwave infrared spectroscopy (SWIR) analysis of white mica were used to help focus exploration and assessment of hydrothermal deposits in the Zijinshan ore field.In this study, diaspore-pyrophyllite alteration zone, chlorite-sericite alteration zone and propylitic alteration zone were first identified in the deep drill core of the Zijinshan Cu-Au deposit, which gives way upward to quartz-alunite-kaolinite zone, quartz-alunite zone and the silicic alteration zone. In the Xi’nan Cu-Mo prospect, diaspore-pyrophyllite alteration zone was first recognized in the shallow level with the chlorite-sericite alteration zone and propylitic alteration zone in the deeper level. Andalusite- sericite ± diaspore alteration zone was first recognized in the upper part of the Luoboling Cu-Mo deposit and the deeper part of the Wuziqilong Cu deposit. It indicates that a pervasive occurrence of diaspore -pyrophyllite ± andalusite alteration zones in the Zijinshan ore field, which may potentially represent a transitional environment between the top of porphyry alteration zones and the base of advanced argillic alteration zones. Minerals of the white mica group are extensively distributed in various alteration zones of the Zijinshan ore field. The SWIR analysis of white mica indicated that the wavelength position of the Al-OH (∼2,200 nm; wAlOH) absorption feature increases gradually from the shallow kaolinite-dickite alteration zone to the deep potassic alteration zone. In the advanced argillic alteration zones, the range of wAlOH values of white mica is less than 2205 nm. Conversely, in the porphyry alteration zones, it always exceeds 2205 nm. It is evident that the andalusite-sericite alteration zone with higher wAlOH values (average of 2203 nm) is always proximal to the porphyry mineralization, which may act as indicators for deep porphyry prospecting. The results of electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) reveal that the early enrichment of Mg and depletion of Fe in white mica can be attributed to the preferential incorporation of Fe into iron oxides and iron sulfides in the potassic and propylitic alteration zones. Overall, there is a negative correlation between wAlOH and Al, while wAlOH exhibits a positive correlation with the sum of Fe + Mg + Mn. The distribution characteristics of alteration zones and the variation patterns of the wAlOH of white mica indicate that there are probably several paleo-thermal centers in the deep parts of the Zijinshan ore field, located respectively in the deep parts of the Xi’nan Cu-Mo prospect and the deep part of the Zijinshan Cu-Au deposit and the deep parts of the Wuziqilong Cu deposit, and the latest seems to be more fertile and deserves further exploration.

Discriminating Superimposed Alteration Associated with Epigenetic Base and Precious Metal Vein Systems in the Rouyn-Noranda Mining District, Quebec; Implications for Exploration in Ancient Volcanic Districts

Abstract The Rouyn-Noranda mining district of Quebec contains 20 Cu-Zn (±Au ±Ag) volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposits, including the giant and gold-rich Quemont and Horne deposits. Mineralized epigenetic veins are also present, but their origin and relative timing remain enigmatic. The nature and extent of their alteration signatures and the effect of their superposition on district-scale alteration patterns is unknown. The VMS-related quartz-sulfide Cu-Zn-Ag veins have δ18Oquartz values of 8.5 ± 0.8‰, reflecting δ18Ofluid compositions of –0.4 to 3.1‰ (250°–350°C) that are typical of Archean seawater. They are associated with a proximal Fe-rich chlorite alteration and marginal spotted sericite-chlorite alteration with whole-rock δ18O values of 2.9 to 5.9‰ and are interpreted to have formed within the structurally controlled discordant upflow zones of a VMS hydrothermal system. Younger gold-bearing quartz-carbonate veins were emplaced along mechanical anisotropies created by mafic dikes during north-south compression and the formation of regional E-trending faults, folds, and cleavage. They are characterized by δ18Oquartz values of 11.3 ± 0.8‰, reflecting δ18Ofluid compositions of 2.4 to 5.9‰ (250°–350°C), typical of a metamorphic fluid, possibly mixed with a lower δ18O upper crustal fluid. They are associated with ankerite, calcite, muscovite, chlorite, albite, and quartz ± hematite alteration with whole-rock δ18O values of 5.8 to 10.3‰. Chemical abrasion-isotope dilution-thermal ionization mass spectrometry (CA-ID-TIMS) U-Pb zircon ages for two tonalite intrusions constrain the maximum age of the Cu-Zn-Ag veins to 2697.6 ± 0.7 Ma and the minimum age to 2695.3 ± 1.0 Ma, which is also the maximum age of the gold quartz-carbonate veins. Superposition of alteration related to the gold quartz-carbonate veins on previously chlorite- and sericite-altered rocks has resulted in mixed alteration signals with whole-rock δ18O values of ~6 to 8‰ that have perturbed and masked regional alteration patterns related to older VMS mineralization, such as those found in the Quemont and Horne deposits. These results indicate that defining alteration vectors in camps that have superimposed hydrothermal systems requires full consideration of the hydrothermal history of the camp, and if such constraints are lacking, whole-rock δ18O values should not be used as a stand-alone exploration method.

Unveiling an early Paleozoic porphyry-epithermal gold system in Songshunangou district, North Qilian, northwest China: Geological and geochronological constraints

The Songshunangou district is located in the central part of the North Qilian orogenic belt and hosts both the Eastern and Western deposits. The Western deposit is a porphyry-Au deposit, characterized by concentrated high-grade Au mineralization within a quartz-dioritic porphyry and occurs along the contact to basaltic andesite. Alteration is concentric with potassic alteration associated with high-grade Au mineralization in the core zone, while surrounding propylitic alteration is associated with an only lower-grade Au mineralization. Barren sericite-chlorite alteration is restricted to shallow zones above or partially overprinted the potassic alteration. Mineralization, including chalcopyrite, bornite, pyrite, magnetite, native gold with minor galena, sphalerite, hematite, and covellite, is observed as quartz-sulfide stockworks and fine-grained disseminations in different alteration zones. LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb dating of samples from the ore-bearing quartz-dioritic porphyry, the post-mineralization dioritic porphyry and the granodioritic porphyry in the Western deposit yield mean 206Pb/238U ages of 456.3 ± 2.0 Ma to 454.9 ± 2.4 Ma, and 449.5 ± 4.5 Ma to 448.3 ± 1.4 Ma, respectively. Pyrite from quartz – chalcopyrite – bornite veinlets in the Western deposit yields a Re-Os isochron age of 454.6 ± 3.7 Ma. In the Eastern deposit, which is an intermediate-sulfidation epithermal deposit hosted in basaltic andesite, sericite-chlorite alteration is associated with the mineralization. The mineralization is predominantly found within veins and disseminated, primarily composed of galena, sphalerite, native gold, tetrahedrite, and minor chalcopyrite, pyrite, and covellite. The alteration mineral assemblage comprises sericite, chlorite, Mn-calcite, quartz, calcite, and minor epidote. A Mn-calcite – quartz – polymetallic vein from the Eastern deposit yields a calcite Sm-Nd isochron age of 453.2 ± 5.8 Ma, suggesting that intermediate-sulfidation mineralization was coeval with the emplacement of the ore-bearing quartz-dioritic porphyry and the porphyry mineralization in the Western deposit. Based on these geologic features and geochronological data, we conclude that an early Paleozoic porphyry-epithermal Au system developed in the Songshunangou district, which formed in an arc setting associated with the northward subduction of the North Qilian Ocean beneath the North Qilian orogenic belt. The occurrence of an early Paleozoic porphyry-epithermal Au system in the North Qilian orogenic belt provides new insights for regional mineral exploration.

Mineral chemistry and apatite Sr isotope signatures record overprinting mineralization in the Duobaoshan porphyry Cu deposit, Heilongjiang Province, NE China

Porphyry copper deposits can be deformed by subsequent magmatic-tectonic-metamorphic evolution, resulting in the remobilization of pre-existing ores and the consequent overprinting mineralization. This process might potentially increase the ore grade and/or resource. We focus on the Duobaoshan porphyry Cu (Mo) deposit, two periods were identified in this study, i.e., porphyry period (including Stage 1: potassic alteration; 2: propylitic alteration, and 3: chlorite-sericite alteration and porphyry mineralization) and overprinting period (including Stage 4–1: ductile–brittle deformation; Stage 4–2 and Stage 4–3: overprinting mineralization). Metal sulfide veins occur along the schist in Stage 4–2 and Stage 4–3, features that differ from the typical porphyry mineralization of Stage 3 (veinlets, stockworks, and dissemination). Here, we present in situ Sr isotope data for apatite and compositions of chlorite, epidote, and apatite to reveal the source and nature of fluids and mechanism of precipitation during overprinting mineralization. The in situ 87Sr/86Sr ratios of apatite from Stages 3, which range from 0.7030 to 0.7046, are slightly higher than those observed in the Ordovician granodiorite. Meanwhile, the Sr isotope ratios for apatite from Stages 4–2 and 4–3 are 07033–0.7040 and 0.7013–0.7045 respectively. These ratios broadly consistent with those of the surrounding Ordovician granodiorite and basaltic andesite, suggesting that the ore-forming fluids for all these stages originated from magmatic sources. Chlorite in Stage 4–2 has a higher Mn, Co, Ni, Zn content compared to chlorite in Stage 3, 4–3, whereas epidote and apatite in Stage 4–2 have higher Ca, Sr, Pb content compared to those in Stage 3, 4–3, implying that the fluids in Stage 4–2 underwent strongly water–rock reactions and extracted metal elements from surrounding rocks. Copper was only detected in Stage 4–3 chlorite (15.13–500.20 ppm) and epidote (7.91–19.29 ppm), indicating a high concentration of copper in the fluid, and due to the pre-existing magnetite dissolution, chlorite, epidote, and apatite in Stage 4–3 exhibit high V and Fe relative to other stages. Fluid mixing likely occurred during Stage 3, leading to the precipitation of copper. Strong water-reaction in Stage 4–2 produce changes in fluid natures that facilitate sulfide deposition during this stage. While in Stage 4–3, copper precipitation is controlled by a combination of rising pH and changing sulfur content and valence. Our study highlights that in the Duobaoshan deposit, late magmatic-hydrothermal fluids remobilized pre-existing ore bodies, and the copper precipitation mechanisms differed during the main copper mineralization events.

Geology and Structural Evolution of the La Huifa Ore Deposit, Central Chile: A Newly Discovered Porphyry Cu-Mo System in the El Teniente District

Abstract La Huifa is a breccia-related Cu-Mo porphyry deposit located in the Andes of central Chile, 3 km northeast of the giant El Teniente porphyry Cu-Mo orebody. It was discovered as part of CODELCO’s (Corporación Nacional del Cobre de Chile) brownfield exploration activities in the El Teniente district. It is the first major discovery in the area, and this work presents its first detailed geologic description. The La Huifa orebody is related to a complex of late Miocene diorite and granodiorite intrusions and hydrothermal breccias, the latter characterized by abundant tourmaline-anhydrite cement, emplaced in middle to late Miocene volcanic and subvolcanic rocks. The structural architecture of La Huifa is dominated by WNW-and NE-striking high angle faults. Usually, slip on the WNW-striking faults involves a sinistral component, whereas slip on the NE-striking faults is predominantly dextral. The main hydrothermal breccia body at La Huifa is located at the intersection of WNW- and NE-striking faults. Four stages are proposed for the tectono-magmatic-hydrothermal evolution of La Huifa:Premineralization, involving tourmaline-albite veins and sodic calcic alteration emplaced under a transpressive tectonic regime with a subhorizontal, ~E-W–trending σ1 (~N-S–trending σ3);Early mineralization, involving a polydirectional vein system associated with poorly developed potassic and transitional alteration zones with a scarce presence of Cu and Mo sulfides;Main mineralization, involving Cu- and Mo-rich anhydrite-tourmaline hydrothermal breccias and polydirectional veins associated with strong chlorite-sericite alteration with a 270° to 290°C emplacement temperature, obtained from chlorite geothermometry. The regional stress field during this period was exceeded by the local fluid pressure. These breccias and veins are followed by the emplacement of NE-striking C and D type veins associated with gray and white sericite alteration, respectively, which show a similar temperature range.Late mineralization, involving a NE-striking, carbonate-rich vein system containing polymetallic sulfides. It is associated with argillic alteration, whose temperature was 200° to 260°C. This stage occurred under a compressive tectonic regime with NE-trending σ1. The relatively low temperature at which mineralization was introduced in this deposit (~270°–290°C) and the predominantly vertical fluid flow pattern typical of hydrothermal breccia systems allow us to infer the presence of more mineralized rock at depth, below the recognized portion of the system. The association of Cu and Mo enrichment with chlorite-sericite alteration, instead of higher-temperature potassic or gray sericite alteration events, makes La Huifa a unique case among the porphyry deposits of central Chile and broadens the scope of mineralization styles that could be targeted in this belt. Finally, the intersection of arc-oblique, high-angle faults and, in particular, the presence of fault systems orthogonal to the main compression direction, favorable for magma storage and differentiation and metal concentration, constitute a valuable tool for exploring porphyry Cu deposits in similar geologic contexts.

Hydrothermal alteration, lithogeochemical marker units and vectors towards mineralisation at the Svärdsjö Zn-Pb-Cu deposit, Bergslagen, Sweden

ABSTRACT The Svärdsjö Zn-Pb-Cu deposit is situated in the heavily mineralised Bergslagen lithotectonic unit of the Fennoscandian shield, south-central Sweden. Intense hydrothermal alteration followed by a strong overprint by deformation and metamorphism during the Svecokarelian orogeny complicate interpretation of the local geology. Integration of whole-rock lithogeochemical and petrographic methods has allowed the mainly dacitic volcanic host succession and effects of ore-related hydrothermal alteration to be characterised. Mineralisation is hosted by 2–15 m thick, commonly skarn-altered dolomitic marble interbeds. Zones of strong–intense hydrothermal chlorite-sericite alteration envelop the marble units, recording mass gains of Fe and Mg, as well as Na depletion. Minerals such as cordierite, anthophyllite and sillimanite formed in these rocks during regional metamorphism. Mineralisation via sub-seafloor replacement is suggested for the deposit based on alteration zoning and the irregular, stratabound, marble-hosted style of sulphide lenses. It is inferred that mineralisation formed via neutralisation of hot, acidic metalliferous fluids. Geochemically and lithologically distinct units adjacent to the mineralised zones can serve as marker units to aid further exploration in the area. Mass change calculations reveal that Fe and Mg enrichment, as well as Na depletion exhibit detectable changes extending up to 100 m from the mineralised lenses, providing exploration vectors.

Geology and Geochronology of the Miocene Rio Blanco Porphyry Cu-Mo Deposit, Northern Peru

Abstract The Rio Blanco porphyry Cu-Mo deposit occurs at the north end of the Miocene metallogenic belt of northern Peru. It has a thick supergene enrichment blanket; while normal for hyperarid Chile, this is unusual in mountainous, cloud forest terrain. Rio Blanco is hosted by the Portachuela batholith. Zircon U-Pb dating shows that the youngest part of the batholith was emplaced at 12.43 ± 0.13 Ma. The deposit formed during three magmatic-hydrothermal cycles. Cycle 1, by far the most important, occurred at 11.50 ± 0.17 to 10.92 ± 0.14 Ma (zircon U-Pb). Two intermineralization intrusions caused early potassic and propylitic alteration. This was then overprinted by a blanket of quartz-sericite, grading down into sericite-chlorite alteration. Cycle 1 was finally cut by a quartz-sericite–cemented breccia, which contains the highest-grade hypogene Cu-Mo grades. A cycle 1 molybdenite-bearing vein has a molybdenite Re-Os model age of 11.43 ± 0.16 Ma. Molybdenite Re-Os dating of the quartz-sericite–cemented breccias shows brecciation occurred at 11.28 ± 0.24 to 11.11 ± 0.18 Ma. Cycle 2 was restricted to the east side, where narrow porphyritic dacite 1 dikes (dated by zircon U-Pb at 10.62 ± 0.16 Ma) show biotite alteration and economic copper. Cycle 3, at 10.02 ± 0.12 to 9.06 ± 0.09 Ma (zircon U-Pb), was triggered by a swarm of NE-striking quartz-plagioclase porphyry and porphyritic dacite 2 dikes. Alteration was milder, and this cycle did not introduce economic copper. Nonmineralized pebble dikes cut the system, emanating from a major diatreme, about 3 × 1.3 km in size, on the north side of the deposit. The magmatic-hydrothermal history spanned about 2.5 m.y., with economic mineralization over about 1.48 m.y. However, metals were mostly introduced during cycle 1, which lasted approximately 0.58 m.y. Our work shows that while multiple magmatic-hydrothermal cycles produced Rio Blanco, sufficient metals were introduced to form a giant porphyry deposit within a single magmatic-hydrothermal cycle.

Petrogenesis of the late Tonian arc-related Um Balad gabbro-diorite complex (Egypt) and insight into its spatially related orogenic gold mineralization

ABSTRACT The gabbro-diorite complex of the Um Balad prospect hosts lode gold mineralization. The complex is dated at 723 ± 4 Ma using the LA-ICP-MS U-Pb zircon method and is correlated with the late Tonian-early Cryogenian subduction-related magmatic stage during the evolution of the Arabian-Nubian Shield. The gabbro-diorite complex evolved through the crystallization of a calc-alkaline magma and the subduction signature of this magma is verified by primitive mantle-normalized trace element patterns that show enrichment in large ion lithophile elements, U, and Th relative to high field strength elements as well as negative Nb and Ti anomalies. The high La/Ybcn (3.1–9.4) and Ta/Yb (0.12–0.41) ratios are consistent with a continental arc rather than an oceanic arc system. Amphibole chemistry indicates that this complex might have crystallized under a moderately oxidizing condition from a hydrous magma (>6 wt% water content) at temperature and pressure estimates of about 800°C and 3 kbar, respectively. Gold mineralization in the Um Balad prospect is confined to structurally controlled massive quartz±carbonate veins and surrounding alteration halos. Alteration in the prospect is represented by localized sericitization and carbonation as well as pervasive chlorite-sericite alteration. The alteration halos are characterized by enrichment in K and Rb and depletion in Ca and Sr compared to their host rocks. The veins of the prospect are related to lower order extensional fractures associated with the regional first order transpressional Najd Fault System. The high Fe contents of the gabbro-diorite complex represent a suitable chemical trap for gold through sulfidation of the host rocks. Supergene alteration resulted in the formation of goethite in association with atacamite and chrysocolla. Free mill gold is associated with these supergene phases, which were deposited in near neutral to slightly alkaline conditions.

Multistage gold mineralization in the Hadamengou gold deposit in the northern margin of the North China Craton: Insights from in-situ trace element contents and sulfur isotope analyses of pyrite

Abstract The Hadamengou gold deposit is one of the largest gold deposits in the Wulashan-Daqingshan gold mineralization cluster, in the northern margin of the North China Craton. The gold deposit, which is hosted by Archean gneiss, comprises potassic alteration and abundant quartz-pyrite veins, with five types of hydrothermal pyrite associated with gold, tellurides, and sulfides. The earliest stage of pyrite (Py1) occurs as random disseminations within the limited volume of modified quartz-pyrite veins and was formed during or prior to the last episode of metamorphism. Py2, from the potassic and chlorite-sericite alteration zones, is related to the activity of potassic fluids, and contains inclusions of native gold, galena, melonite, electrum, and petzite. Py3, without inclusions, occurs as randomly- disseminated grains within the limited volume of grey quartz-pyrite veins. A few native gold grains are found along fractures of quartz associated with Py3. Py4 occurs as veinlets or aggregates in the milky quartz-pyrite veins and contains the highest Au concentrations. Abundant native gold, calaverite, and electrum occur along the grain boundaries and fractures, or as inclusions within Py4 and quartz. Py5 occurs as rounded and cataclastic shapes within the limited volume of quartz-carbonate veins and is depleted in Au. LA-ICP-MS trace element analysis of the pyrite shows that Py1 has a low content of gold (median of 0.07 ppm) and other trace elements (Ag, Te, Pb, Cu, Bi, and As). Potassic alteration, grey quartz-pyrite veins, and milky quartz-pyrite veins make a very large contribution to the gold endowment, with a relatively high gold content in pyrite, including Py2 (median of 0.8 ppm), Py3 (4.3 ppm), and Py4 (2.5 ppm). Other trace elements (e.g., Ag, Te, Pb, Mo, and Bi) are also significantly enriched within Py2 to Py4. Little or no gold was detected in Py5. Thus the potassic alteration and milky quartz-pyrite veins were major contributors to gold mineralization, based on the volume and Au content of pyrite within the Hadamengou deposit. In-situ LA-MC-ICP-MS sulfur isotope analyses of pyrite show negative values and a narrow range of variation of δ34S (averages of −11.4‰, −11.8‰, −10.5‰, and −9.4‰ for Py2-Py5, respectively), indicating an oxidized magmatic sulfur source for the pyrites in Hadamengou. Additionally, the occurrence of tellurium minerals associated with various pyrites, and the high Te concentration of various pyrites, also suggest that ore-forming fluids were derived from an oxidized alkaline magma. These results, combined with published geochronological data, suggest that during two episodes, Au-rich potassic and SiO2-rich fluids separated from the deep-lying Devonian alkaline magma during ascent along the EW-trending faults, and reacted together with the wall rocks to form potassic and chlorite-sericite alteration zones, resulting in gold precipitation.

Duration of Hydrothermal Alteration and Mineralization of the Don Manuel Porphyry Copper System, Central Chile

The Don Manuel porphyry copper system, located in the Miocene–Pliocene metallogenic belt of central Chile, contains spatially zoned alteration styles common to other porphyry copper deposits including extensive potassic alteration, propylitic alteration, localized sericite-chlorite alteration and argillic alteration but lacks pervasive hydrolytic alteration typical of some deposits. It is one of the youngest porphyry copper deposits in the Andes. Timing of mineralization and the hydrothermal system at Don Manuel are consistent with emplacement of the associated intrusions (ca. 4 and 3.6 Ma). Two molybdenite samples yielded consistent ages of 3.412 ± 0.037 and 3.425 ± 0.037 Ma. 40Ar/39Ar ages on hydrothermal biotites (3.57 ± 0.02, 3.51 ± 0.02, 3.41 ± 0.01, and 3.37 ± 0.01 Ma) are associated with potassic alteration. These ages are younger than the youngest intrusion by ~300 k.y. recording the cooling of the system below 350 °C. Such a time gap can be explained by fluxing of hot magmatic fluids from deeper magmatic sources.

Hydrothermal alteration characteristics of the Chating Cu-Au deposit in Xuancheng City, Anhui Province, China: Significance of sericite alteration for Cu-Au exploration

The Chating Cu-Au deposit in Xuancheng City, Anhui Province, is characterized by porphyry-style mineralization with intensive hydrothermal alteration. Short-wave infrared reflectance spectroscopy was used to systematically analyze the alteration of drill cores from two cross sections. Eleven alteration minerals—sericite, smectite, kaolinite, dickite, chlorite, epidote, gypsum, carbonate, iron oxide, saponite, and prehnite—were identified, and the relative abundances of individual minerals at various depths were calculated by depth of absorption peak. In these minerals, iron oxides and gypsum are probably related to supergene process and other alteration minerals are hydrothermal alteration minerals. The mineral assemblages and their spatial distributions indicate that the alteration patterns in this Cu-Au deposit were controlled mainly by water–rock interaction of the magmatic–hydrothermal process, resulting in a typical porphyry-style hydrothermal mineralization system. A saponite–smectite–K-feldspar–anhydrite (gypsum) alteration assemblage is located mainly in the host quartz diorite porphyry, and is minor in the wall rocks of limestone and a post-mineralization diorite porphyry. A sericite–chlorite alteration assemblage was widely developed in the quartz diorite porphyry, and the intensity of alteration decreases gradually outward from the center to the margins of the deposit. A kaolinite–calcite alteration assemblage is mainly located on the top of the quartz diorite porphyry and in the surrounding limestone. The physiochemical conditions of the hydrothermal fluid, such as temperature and pH, control the compositional variations of specific alteration minerals. The most remarkable feature is a subtle change in octahedral Al cation content of sericite, as identified by the change in wavelength of sericite Al-OH absorption peak position. Muscovite is the main component of sericite, with a trace amount of phengite. The Cu-Au grades are negatively correlated with the wavelength of sericite Al-OH absorption peak position, because high ore grades are associated with relatively shorter Al-OH wavelengths, corresponding to a high Al/Si ratio in sericite (i.e. towards muscovite). This correlation suggests that the ore metal tends to be enriched and precipitated in an acidic environment of the alteration system. In addition, a lateral variation across the deposit in Al-OH wavelength indicates that the acidity of the hydrothermal fluids decreases gradually from the center of the deposit outward to the wall rocks, whereas the variation of sericite Al-OH wavelength with depth suggests an increase in fluid pH with decreasing depth. The alteration patterns imply that during mineralization the ore-forming fluids probably migrated from the southwest in the deep part of the porphyry system towards the northeast near the surface. Based on the spectral alteration mapping, it is concluded that there were at least three stages of hydrothermal activity in the Chating mining district: an early potassic–skarn hydrothermal alteration stage, an intermediate propylitic–sericite medium-low temperature alteration stage, and a late kaolinite–dickite epithermal stage. The sericite alteration stage is temporally related to Cu-Au mineralization, leading to the formation of the main orebody at Chating. As the current exploration is still focused in the sericite alteration zone, it is inferred that deep exploration has great potential in the Chating district.

Overprinting porphyry‐type veinlets on the intrusive rocks and phreatomagmatic breccias in the Southwest prospect, southwestern Sto. Tomas II (Philex), Baguio District, Philippines

AbstractThe Southwest prospect is located at the southwestern periphery of the Sto. Tomas II porphyry copper–gold deposit in the Baguio District, northwestern Luzon, Philippines. The Southwest prospect hosts a copper‐gold mineralization related to a complex of porphyry intrusions, breccia facies, and overlapping porphyry‐type veinlets emplaced within the basement Pugo metavolcanics rocks and conglomerates of the Zigzag Formation. The occurrences of porphyry‐type veinlets and potassic alteration hosted in the complex are thought to be indications of the presence of blind porphyry deposits within the Sto. Tomas II vicinity. The complex is composed of at least four broadly mineralogically similar dioritic intrusive rocks that vary in texture and alteration type and intensity. These intrusions were accompanied with at least five breccia facies that were formed by the explosive brecciation, induced by the magmatic–hydrothermal processes and phreatomagmatic activities during the emplacement of the various intrusions. Hydrothermal alteration assemblages consisting of potassic, chlorite–magnetite, propylitic and sericite–chlorite alteration, and contemporaneous veinlet types were developed on the host rocks. Elevated copper and gold grades correspond to (a) chalcopyrite–bornite assemblage in the potassic alteration in the syn‐mineralization early‐mineralization diorite (EMD) and contemporaneous veinlets and (b) chalcopyrite‐rich mineralization associated with the chalcopyrite–magnetite–chlorite–actinolite±sericite veinlets contemporaneous with the chlorite–magnetite alteration. Erratic remarkable concentrations of gold were also present in the late‐mineralization Late Diorite (LD). High XMg of calcic amphiboles (>0.60) in the intrusive rocks indicate that the magmas have been oxidizing since the early stages of crystallization, while a gap in the composition of Al between the rim and the cores of the calcic amphiboles in the EMD and LD indicate decompression at some point during the crystallization of these intrusive rocks. Fluid inclusion microthermometry suggests the trapping of immiscible fluids that formed the potassic alteration, associated ore mineralization, and sheeted quartz veinlets. The corresponding formation conditions of the shallower and deeper quartz veinlets were estimated at pressures of 50 and 30 MPa and temperatures of 554 and 436°C at depths of 1.9 and 1.1 km. Temperature data from the chlorite indicate that the chalcopyrite‐rich mineralization associated with the chlorite–magnetite alteration was formed at a much lower temperature (ca. 290°C) than the potassic alteration. Evidence from the vein offsetting matrix suggests multiple intrusions within the EMD, despite the K‐Ar ages of the potassic alteration in EMD and hornblende in the LD of about the same age at 3.5 ± 0.3 Ma. The K‐Ar age of the potassic alteration was likely to be thermally reset as a result of the overprinting hydrothermal alteration. The constrained K‐Ar ages also indicate earlier formed intrusive rocks in the Southwest prospect, possibly coeval to the earliest “dark diorite” intrusion in the Sto. Tomas II deposit. In addition, the range of δ34S of sulfide minerals from +1.8‰ to +5.1‰ in the Southwest prospect closely overlaps with the rest of the porphyry copper and epithermal deposits in the Sto. Tomas II deposit and its vicinity. This indicates that the sulfides may have formed from a homogeneous source of the porphyry copper deposits and epithermal deposits in the Sto. Tomas II orebody and its vicinity. The evidence presented in this work proves that the porphyry copper‐type veinlets and the adjacent potassic alteration in the Southwest prospect are formed earlier and at a shallower level in contrast with the other porphyry deposits in the Baguio District.

Geological, mineralogical, and oxygen isotope studies of the Chandmani Uul iron oxide–copper–gold deposit in Dornogobi Province, Southeastern Mongolia

AbstractThe Chandmani Uul deposit is located in Dornogovi province, Southeastern Mongolia. Iron oxide ores are hosted in the andesitic rocks of the Shar Zeeg Formation of Neoproterozoic to Lower‐Cambrian age. Middle‐ to Upper‐Cambrian bodies of granitic rocks have intruded into the host rocks in the western and southern regions of the deposit. The wall rocks around the iron oxide ore bodies were hydrothermally altered to form potassic, epidote, and sericite–chlorite alteration zones, and calcite and quartz veinlets are ubiquitous in the late stage. Since granitic rocks also underwent potassic alteration, the activity of the granitic rocks must have a genetic relation to the ore deposit. The ore mineral assemblage is dominated by iron oxides such as mushketovite, euhedral magnetite with concentric and/or oscillatory zoning textures, and cauliflower magnetite. Lesser amounts of chalcopyrite and pyrite accompany the iron oxides. Among all these products, mushketovite is dominant and is distributed throughout the deposit. Meanwhile, euhedral magnetite appears in limited amounts at relatively shallow levels in the deposit. By contrast, cauliflower magnetite appears locally in the deeper parts of the deposit, and is associated with green‐colored garnet and calcite. Sulfide minerals are ubiquitously associated with these iron oxides. The oxygen isotope (δ18O) values of all types of magnetite, quartz, and epidote were found to be −5.9 to −2.8‰, 10.5 to 14.9‰, and 3.6 to 6.6‰, respectively. The δ18O values of quartz–magnetite pairs suggest an equilibrium isotopic temperature near 300°C. The calculated values of δ18O for the water responsible for magnetite ranged from 2 to 10‰. All the data obtained in this study suggest that the iron oxide deposit at the Chandmani Uul is a typical iron oxide–copper–gold deposit, and that this deposit was formed at an intermediate depth with potassic and sericite–chlorite alteration zones under the oxidized conditions of a hematite‐stable environment. The δ18O range estimated implies that the ore‐forming fluid was supplied by a crystallizing granodioritic magma exsolving fluids at depth with a significant contribution of meteoric water.

Evolution of the subseafloor hydrothermal system associated with the Ming VMS deposit, Newfoundland Appalachians, and its controls on base and precious metal distribution

The ~ 487 Ma Ming volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposit consists of four subparallel, elongated, semi-massive to massive sulfides lenses (the 1807, 1806, Ming North, and Ming South zones) hosted in rhyodacite of the Rambler Rhyolite formation, Newfoundland Appalachians. A discordant Cu-rich Lower Footwall zone underlies the semi-massive to massive sulfide lenses. Alteration associated with mineralization can be divided into nine facies that formed in three paragenetic stages: (1) weak quartz–calcite ± spessartine, quartz–sericite, and quartz–sericite–chlorite alteration (stage 1); (2) quartz–chlorite, quartz–chlorite–sulfide, and quartz–chlorite–sericite assemblages (stage 2); and (3) quartz–sericite–sulfide and localized Mn-rich carbonate assemblages (stage 3). A thin syngenetic silica-rich layer immediately overlies part of the VMS deposit and likely formed during the early stages. The volcanic architecture and synvolcanic faults controlled the lateral distribution of extrusive rocks and hydrothermal alteration. Precipitation of the high temperature, discordant to semi-conformable Cu-rich chloritic assemblages (stockwork), was laterally restricted to one of these synvolcanic faults and the transition from coherent- to volcaniclastic-dominated lithofacies. Lower temperature, sericitic assemblages (stages 1 and 3) are controlled by the distribution of volcaniclastic rocks and generally form the immediate footwall to the semi-massive to massive sulfide lenses. Lithogeochemical mass balance calculations illustrate the alteration minerals and mineralization: chlorite-rich assemblages—gains in SiO2, Fe2O3t, MgO, Cr, Ni, and Cu and losses in Na2O, MnO, and CaO and sericite-rich assemblages—gains in K2O, Zn, and Ag and losses in MnO, MgO, CaO, Na2O, and Y. Calcium- and magnesium-rich alteration assemblages are restricted to the northwest fringe of the deposit, distal to the main chloritic and sericitic alteration, and have elemental gains in P2O5, Y, and losses in K2O. The late stage 3 quartz–sericite–sulfide assemblage overprints most assemblages, hosts sphalerite–galena–sulfosalt–Ag–Au-rich veins, and is spatially associated with coherent volcanic rocks. The less permeable nature of these rocks is interpreted to have acted as a physical barrier for ascending metal-rich hydrothermal fluids. Results from the detailed reconstruction of the hydrothermal architecture and paragenetic evolution of the Ming deposit suggest that precious metals were introduced during the waning stage of the hydrothermal system, associated with decreases in temperature and pH of the hydrothermal fluids.

The South Um Mongul Cu-Mo-Au prospect in the northern Eastern Desert of Egypt: Tonian porphyry-style mineralization with an Ediacaran hydrothermal iron oxide overprint

The South Um Mongul prospect is occupied by Tonian porphyritic dacite (773 ± 6.9 Ma) intruded by Ediacaran post-collisional hornblende gabbro (603 ± 3.5 Ma) and monzogranite (558 ± 4.6 Ma). The dacite porphyry was formed in a continental arc and hosts a weakly mineralized porphyry system. The earliest veinlet stockwork contains mainly chalcopyrite and molybdenite, which is associated with biotite-rich potassic alteration. The sulfide-bearing system evolved to intermediate sulfidation veins and hosts chalcopyrite and tetrahedrite with minor sphalerite and cobaltite, while the alteration evolved to sericitic-argillic assemblages.A younger iron oxide-rich hydrothermal system is associated with the monzogranite overprinting the previous sulfide-bearing one. The iron oxide-rich system evolved from quartz-magnetite veins with potassic selvages to quartz-specularite and barite-specularite veins associated with more pervasive sericite-chlorite alteration. The sulfur isotopic signature of the barite indicates mainly a magmatic-hydrothermal origin with a limited involvement of meteoric water. The sulfur source may have been mafic melts accompanying the monzogranite, while the Ba was most likely leached from the host rocks, especially the varieties that were affected by potassic alteration. The magnetite hosts chalcopyrite inclusions. The monzogranite was probably derived from melting of an amphibolitic lower crust related to the formation of the earlier Tonian porphyry copper-hosted dacite porphyry. The earlier Tonian melting might have caused the low sulfide contents in the hydrous lower crust, which became fertile for Au-rich magmas during later remelting process, which caused the formation of monzogranite. This model is substantiated by the close association between the native gold and the supergene oxidation products of the chalcopyrite inclusions in the magnetite rather than the oxidation assemblages of the sulfides of the earlier Tonian porphyry system in the prospect.Supergene oxidation occurred under near-neutral to mildly alkaline conditions due to the scarcity of pyrite in the prospect. It is manifested by the formation of atacamite and chrysocolla in association with goethite and widespread incipient argillic alteration, which resulted in plagioclase alteration to clay minerals. Only the sericitic alteration, which is related to the early porphyry copper systems, contains jarosite, alunite and svanbergite, which indicate more acidic conditions during the formation of such argillic alteration. This reflects pyrite oxidation which is related to either supergene processes or hypogene processes accompanying the younger iron oxide-rich hydrothermal system.

Magnetic Exploration of Structurally Controlled Mineralization at Low Latitudes: A Case from the Masara Gold District, Mindanao, Philippines

Abstract Magnetic data transformations are applied to the high-resolution magnetic data from the Masara gold district in the southern Philippines to enhance features related to a porphyry copper prospect and epithermal gold deposit. Using several filtering methods and structural mapping techniques, we were able to highlight the signal coming from a shallow chlorite-sericite alteration zone. Although the epithermal veins are mainly composed of nonmagnetic minerals, calculation of the tilt derivative of the magnetic grid revealed linear features that are coincident with the surface projection of the gold-bearing veins. Furthermore, dip directions of the magnetic sources were determined using Euler deconvolution, and they were found to coincide with the dip directions of the veins as determined by structural measurements at different underground levels. Aside from showing the utility of the magnetic methods in epithermal gold deposit exploration, this study also demonstrates that challenges of processing and interpreting magnetic anomalies in areas near the equator can be overcome. This research outlines a processing workflow that can be adopted for further investigation of other mineralized areas.

Alteration and lithogeochemistry in the Masara gold District, Eastern Mindanao, Philippines, as tools for exploration targeting

The intermediate to low sulfidation epithermal gold deposit in Masara, Compostela Valley, Eastern Mindanao, Philippines, is associated with a diorite porphyry from the Late Miocene Lamingag Intrusive Complex. Detailed mineralogical investigation of the host rocks in the deposit reveals five major alteration zones and at least two mineralizing events. A potassic alteration zone characterized by stockwork magnetite veins, secondary biotite and magnetite and an early-stage chlorite-sericite alteration composed of quartz+chlorite+illite+sericite+pyrite±biotite±magnetite±calcite assemblages are interpreted to be linked with an earlier porphyry copper system in the area. These were overprinted by late-stage chlorite-sericite alteration consisting of quartz+chlorite+illite+sericite+pyrite±adularia±magnetite±epidote and sericite assemblages which generally contain quartz+illite+sericite+pyrite. These alteration overprints are inferred to be related to a younger low to intermediate-sulfidation epithermal gold mineralization which involved near-neutral fluids. Advanced argillic alteration comprising quartz+kaolinite+magnetite+dickite±illite±calcite was also observed in the area. Isocon analysis shows that alteration zones associated with epithermal mineralization are generally characterized by enrichment in SiO2 and K2O and depletion of CaO and Na2O as well asadditions of Au, Cu, Zn and Pb. Pearce Element Ratio (PER) analysis indicates high degrees of sericitization in the altered diorite porphyry, tuff and quartz diorite units. At least three major alteration centers are defined based on the spatial distribution of the Alteration Index of surface samples calculated from the PER analysis. The results of this study support the use of whole-rock geochemistry asa complement to traditional techniques in exploration geochemistry.

The Nuevo Chaquiro Cu-Au-(Mo) Porphyry Deposit, Middle Cauca Belt, Colombia: Geology, Alteration, Mineralization

Nuevo Chaquiro is a newly discovered blind porphyry Cu-Au-(Mo) deposit located in the Middle Cauca belt, Colombia, approximately 60 km south-southeast of Medellin. The most recent resource estimate was stated as 566 M tonnes (t) averaging 0.64% Cu, 0.31 g/t Au, 4.34 g/t Ag, and 127 ppm Mo. The geology of Nuevo Chaquiro consists of a Miocene volcanic sequence of andesitic tuffs, agglomerates, and flows (Combia Formation) intruded by small stocks and dikes of diorite and quartz diorite also of Miocene age. Sparsely occurring outcrops at Nuevo Chaquiro consist of a 1.2 × 0.8 km zone of pervasive sericitic alteration with locally well developed quartz-Fe oxide stockworks. The sericitic alteration grades downward into sericite-chlorite alteration and then predominantly potassic (biotite-magnetite) alteration at depths of 250 to 400 m. Calcic-potassic alteration, containing actinolite and epidote, occurs at greater depths. A high-grade sheeted vein complex occurs immediately adjacent to the upper contact of an Early quartz diorite intrusion. Quartz veinlet density in this area reaches up to 80% quartz by volume, accompanied by up to 5 vol % chalcopyrite. Later Intermineral porphyries created a second orebody slightly to the west but contiguous with the Early orebody. Here Cu-Au-Mo mineralization in an inverted bowl shape is associated with potassic alteration that manifests itself as secondary flooding of the tuff wall rock matrix by hydrothermal biotite, accompanied by disseminations and hair veinlets of chalcopyrite, magnetite, pyrite, and molybdenite. The porphyry system is also accompanied by intermediate-sulfidation carbonate–quartz-base metal veins, typically with sericitic alteration selvages, which occur on the upper western flank of the deposit. At Nuevo Chaquiro, multiple intrusions of Early and Intermineral porphyry contain calcic-potassic and potassic alteration, with a later overprint by sericite-chlorite alteration centered on intrusion apexes. The amount of sericite-chlorite overprinting varies with each intrusion. Collectively, these intrusions are all overprinted by a single, later sercitic (phyllic) alteration event that is superimposed as a broad cap upon the entire system. There is a consistent paragenesis for the alteration/mineralization associated with each intrusion, suggesting a relatively stable underlying shallow magma chamber that fluxed geochemically similar pulses of magmatic/hydrothermal fluid with each porphyry. In many aspects, Nuevo Chaquiro is a “typical” Au-rich porphyry copper system. However, the contrast between the mineralization styles between the Early and Intermineral orebodies as well the timing differences in copper deposition suggest that differences in porphyry mineralization styles also occur at Nuevo Chaquiro.