Hydrothermal Ore Systems Research Articles

Mercury isotopic compositions of iron oxide‑copper‑gold (IOCG) hydrothermal systems: Deep Hg cycling in intracontinental settings

Mercury isotopes display unique mass-independent fractionation (MIF), typically expressed as Δ199Hg, which relates to photochemical reactions occurring at Earth's surface. Pronounced Hg-MIF signals have been observed in various hydrothermal systems in both convergent margins and intracontinental settings, highlighting the recycling of Hg from marine or terrestrial reservoirs into shallow continental hydrothermal systems. However, the geochemical fate of Hg in deep continental environments of intracontinental settings remains poorly understood. Iron oxide‑copper‑gold (IOCG) hydrothermal systems typically involve the circulation of fluids from both deep magmatism and continental basins, providing an opportunity to investigate this issue. Here, we present the Hg isotopic compositions of ore minerals from five representative IOCG deposits in the Kangdian region, South China. All the studied ore samples display large mass-dependent fractionation with δ202Hg of −3.23 to 1.06‰, but a relatively narrow range of Δ199Hg of −0.17 to 0.11‰. These isotopic signatures support the hypothesis of binary mixing of Hg from two sources: (1) a magmatic endmember (∼two thirds) derived from the lithospheric mantle with low δ202Hg (−3 to −1‰) and near-zero Δ199Hg, and (2) a crustal source (∼one third) originating from the basement rocks with relatively higher δ202Hg (−1 to 1‰) and negative Δ199Hg (−0.2 to 0‰). Compared to the shallow Pb-Zn-Au-Sb hydrothermal systems which formed in intracontinental basins through the circulation of fluids in the upper crust, the Hg components (and by analogy, the ore metals) in the Kangdian IOCG system are dominated by a lithospheric mantle source. Our study sheds light on deep Hg cycling and confirms the Hg isotope tracer as a tool for revealing metal sources in hydrothermal ore systems.

Geochemistry and origin of hydrothermal apatite in Carlin-type Au deposits, southwestern China (Gaolong deposit)

Apatite can record the evolution of magmatic–hydrothermal ore systems, but it is unclear whether it is suitable for investigating low-temperature, sediment-hosted hydrothermal ore systems. To fill the knowledge gap. we investigated the Gaolong Carlin-type Au deposit in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, southwestern China (Youjiang Basin). Results show that the hydrothermal apatite occurs in quartz–sulfide ores, has an intact crystal form and homogeneous texture, and is F-rich (2.77–3.67 wt%) and Cl-poor (<0.01 wt%). The apatite is enriched in rare earth elements (REEs; ΣREE = 739–2481 ppm) and has middle-REE-enriched chondrite-normalized REE patterns with positive Eu anomalies (δEu = 1.35–2.00). These REE features were inherited from a reducing hydrothermal system in which anion complexation was dominant. The apatite has high Sr contents (up to 0. 9 wt%) and relatively uniform initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.709055–0.709208), suggesting that Sr was leached or derived from the deep continental crust. In situ U–Pb dating of 156.8 ± 8.3 Ma for apatite shows that the Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous was an important time for the formation of Carlin-type Au deposits in the Youjiang Basin. The Au mineralization was associated with far-field tectonism and deeply sourced hydrothermal ore-forming fluids. Hydrothermal apatite can be used to fingerprint low-temperature, sediment-hosted hydrothermal ore systems.

New Data for the Internal Structure of Ultramafic Hosted Seafloor Massive Sulfides (SMS) Deposits: Case Study of the Semenov-5 Hydrothermal Field (13°31′ N, MAR)

The internal structure of Seafloor Massive Sulfides (SMS) deposits is one of the most important and complex issues facing the study of modern hydrothermal ore systems. The Semenov-5 hydrothermal field is a unique area where mass wasting on the slope of the oceanic core complex (OCC) structure exposes the subsurface portion of the deposit and offers an exceptional opportunity to observe massive sulfides that have formed not only on the seafloor but in sub-seafloor zones as well. This paper examines the internal structure of the OCC-related Semenov-5 hydrothermal field along with analysis of the mineralogy and chemistry of different parts of sulfide deposit. The seafloor deposit is comprised of pyrite, marcasite, hematite, goethite, lepidocrocite, rare pyrrhotite, isocubanite and Co-rich pyrite. Sulfide chemistry indicates the prevailing influence of ultramafics on their composition irrespective of the spatial relation with basalt lavas. Sub-seafloor mineralization is associated with ultramafic rocks and is represented by massive and disseminated sulfides. Pyrrhotite, isocubanite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, Co-rich pyrite, quartz with rutile, quarts with hematite and Cr-spinels are fixed in massive subseafloor mineralization. The presence of Cr-spinels as well as a very high Cr content are regarded as indicators of the metasomatic nature of this part of the deposit that had formed as a result of ultramafic replacement. As a result, three zones of a hydrothermal ore-forming system have been described: massive sulfides precipitated from hot vents on the surface of the seafloor, massive sulfides formed due to replacement of ultramafics below the seafloor and disseminated sulfide mineralization-filled cracks in hosted rocks which have formed stockwork around metasomatic massive sulfides. Despite differences in the mineral and geochemical composition of sub-seafloor and seafloor mineralization, all minerals subject to the sample formed as a consequence of fluid circulation in ultramafic rocks and were linked by a common ore-forming process.

Geochemical and Cathodoluminescence Properties as Discriminators to Characterize K-Feldspar in Different Genetic Settings

ABSTRACTPotassic alteration is a common feature in hydrothermal ore systems, and both its occurrence and degree can be important features applicable to ore deposit exploration. Here we report results from optical cathodoluminescence (CL) and chemical composition investigations on K-feldspar of different origins in and around the Early Cretaceous lode gold deposits in the Xiaoqinling area, located along the southern margin of the North China Craton.We focus on K-feldspars from an Early Cretaceous biotite monzogranite (G-Kfs), a Paleoproterozoic migmatite (M-Kfs), and a hydrothermal alteration zone of Early Cretaceous gold deposits (H-Kfs). The grain size of G-Kfs ranges from 1 to 4 mm, usually exhibits tartan twinning, and occasionally shows evidence of exsolution. Part of the M-Kfs exhibits tartan twinning, and the grain size shows wide variation (from tens of microns to several centimeters), while the H-Kfs shows no twinning, and the grain size is generally less than 0.5 mm.Optical CL analyses show that the G-Kfs exhibits two emission bands at around 466–472 and 708–713 nm which occur in multiple, alternating dark red and blue zones. The M-Kfs exhibits blue, red, and/or violet-red luminescence resulting from two emission bands at 446–465 and 694–701 nm. The H-Kfs displays a distinct greenish-yellow luminescence resulting from an emission band at 545–550 nm.Electron probe microanalyses show that among the three K-feldspar types, the G-Kfs contains higher Na2O (average: 0.71 wt.%) and Al2O3 (average: 18.79 wt.%) and lower K2O (average: 15.62 wt.%), whereas the H-Kfs shows higher K2O (average: 16.31 wt.%) and lower Na2O (average: 0.45 wt.%) and Al2O3 (average: 18.61 wt.%). The K2O, Na2O, and Al2O3 contents of the M-Kfs are intermediate between those of the G-Kfs and H-Kfs. In transitioning from the G-Kfs, M-Kfs, to H-Kfs, it is noted that the concentrations of Sr, Ba, and Pb decrease progressively, whereas W, V, Zn, Mn, Sc, Ge, and Ga gradually increase. Concentrations of La, Ce, and Eu in the H-Kfs are lower than in the G-Kfs and M-Kfs, and the Cr and Cu concentrations in the G-Kfs are the lowest. Scatter diagrams constructed with Sr, Ba, Pb, and Rb concentrations show that the three types of K-feldspars fall into different fields. These, as well as the CL and spectral properties of K-feldspar, can clearly distinguish the K-feldspars of magmatic, metamorphic, and hydrothermal origin in the study area.

Formation of Gold Alloys during Crustal Differentiation of Convergent Zone Magmas: Constraints from an AU-Rich Websterite in the Stanovoy Suture Zone (Russian Far East)

Gold is typically transported by mafic and evolved magmas into the upper crust to be deposited in shallow oxidized porphyry and epithermal environments. However, the magmatic behavior of gold is still poorly understood and warrants further attention. Additional insights into the magmatic evolution of gold and other noble metals can be provided by investigations of primitive convergent zone magmas and products of their differentiation that contain primary-textured Au-alloys. One of the best examples of such Au-rich ultramafic cumulates is the Triassic (232–233 Ma) Ildeus intrusion, which was emplaced within the Mesozoic Stanovoy subduction zone in the Russian Far East. Some websterites from the Ildeus intrusion, representing cumulates crystallized from a primitive convergent zone magma, are enriched in Au (up to 596 ppm) and contain abundant Cu-Ag-Au micro-particles. Most of these Au-alloy micro-particles display compositions similar to those previously found in explosive pyroclastic rocks in the Lesser Khingan iron district, mantle wedge peridotites in Kamchatka and Cretaceous adakites in the Stanovoy suture zone. Textural and compositional characteristics suggest that Cu-Ag-Au alloys precipitated from a primitive calc-alkaline melt during its crustal differentiation in a Mesozoic paleo-subduction zone. Some large Cu-Ag-Au grains display an internal honeycomb-like structure with alternating Cu-rich and Cu-poor zones. Heating experiments under atmospheric conditions recorded a substantial loss of Cu from primary magmatic Cu-Ag-Au alloys, which appears to be a process characteristic of oxidized hydrothermal ore systems. We suggest that the later-stage hydrothermal alteration of differentiated igneous conduits containing magmatic gold alloys results in the formation of Cu-free gold mineralization comparable to the upper crustal porphyry and epithermal environments.

Fluid diversity in the gold-endowed Archean orogenic systems of the Abitibi greenstone belt (Canada) I: Constraining the PTX of prolonged hydrothermal systems

Although many aspects of orogenic gold systems are well understood, considerable debate surrounds the chemistry of the ore-forming fluids and their relevance to mineralization. This may in part relate to the lack of both regional-scale studies and a uniform approach in studying fluid inclusions in these complex and protracted hydrothermal ore systems. In order to address this problem, over 30 orogenic-type deposits covering a variety of geological settings were systematically studied using the fluid inclusion assemblage (FIA) protocol integrated with microthermometry in the gold-endowed Abitibi greenstone belt, Canada. A diversity of fluid inclusion types are documented (i.e., carbonic CO2-CH4, aqueous-carbonic, aqueous), in addition to complex textural features, in particular decrepitation clusters which are rarely reported in the literature or the deposits studied; together these data provide new insight to these ore systems. Furthermore, we note that the fluid composition is significantly affected by the proximity of carbon-rich sedimentary units which are capable of producing a carbonic-only fluid. In later stages of hydrothermal evolution, variable XCO2 in aqueous-carbonic inclusions reflects variable degrees of fluid-rock interaction. Pressure cycling is an integral part of these systems, but petrographic evidence of in situ fluid unmixing is lacking, and cannot be accounted for gold mineralization. Vein-style gold is not related to fluid chemistry and, where best constrained with petrography (i.e., visible Au near fluid inclusions), P-T estimates based on fluid inclusion microthermometry link the mineralization to the later, low-pressure (<1.5 kbar) stages of deposit evolution. Accordingly, gold is coeval with quartz vein formation in epizonal deposits whereas it postdates quartz in the ore dominant mesozonal ore systems.

Iron and magnesium isotope systematics from the Shuangwang gold deposit in the Qinling Orogen, central China

Iron and Magnesium isotopes have been increasingly widely applied to trace mineralization processes of hydrothermal ore systems. In this study, Fe and Mg isotope compositions of whole-rocks, Fe-bearing minerals (pyrite and ankerite) and Mg-bearing mineral (ankerite) from the Shuangwang gold deposits are investigated to evaluate Fe and Mg isotope behaviors in a gold deposit hydrothermal system and provide new constraints on ore-forming processes. The results showed that the magmatic rocks in the Shuangwang gold deposit (mainly granodiorite, monzonitic granite and lamprophyre) yielded δ56Fe values of 0.05–0.10‰ and δ26Mg values concentrated in a narrow range from −0.23‰ to −0.21‰. The gold orebodies are hosted by a NW-trending breccia belt. The wall rock samples (mainly argillaceous limestone, carbonaceous slate and albitite) have higher δ56Fe values of 0.12–0.29‰ and a wide δ26Mg range from −2.54‰ to −0.35‰. Pyrite mineral separates show larger δ56Fe variation from −0.44‰ to 0.16‰, whereas ankerite has a small δ56Fe range from −0.15‰ to −0.06 and a δ26Mg range from −0.66‰ to −0.35‰.

Deposit-scale structural controls on orogenic gold deposits: an integrated, physical process–based hypothesis and practical targeting implications

The application of deposit-scale structural targeting to orogenic gold deposits is primarily concerned with locating volumes of higher-grade mineralisation (ore shoots) within a broader, host structural system. Although empirical correlations between structural heterogeneities and ore shoots have long been noted and certain key physical processes elucidated, no integrated, system-based synthesis has been previously published. However, linking the existing understanding with important recent advances in understanding of the dynamic physical processes of emplacement of hydrothermal ore systems now provides the opportunity to develop such a synthesis. The most important of these new concepts includes the idea that deposits form in vertically extensive conduit systems linking source to sink and the related concept of the phenomena of injection-driven swarm behaviour. Integration of all of these elements leads to the proposal of a coherent physical process–based model for the structural emplacement of orogenic gold systems and the local formation of gold-enriched volumes. This model considers that an orogenic gold deposit must be viewed from the perspective of three different geometric elements, each with a particular meaning in terms of physical process, and which typically relate to different scales. These elements include (a) the integrated swarm volume (ISV), which is the rock volume which bounds the limits of the mineralisation-hosting structural system and is effectively the geological entity that defines a deposit; (b) fluid pathways, which are 3D pathways through the ISV where dynamic ore fluid emplacement has been repeatedly strongly focused; and (c) ore shoots, which are localised volumes of high-grade gold deposition that are interpreted to represent volumes of anomalous dilation or second-order valve sites within host fluid pathways. Consideration of this new framework suggests significant potential to improve the effectiveness of structural targeting at the deposit scale. In particular, ore shoots are only expected within fluid pathways, and equivalent dilatant zones outside such pathways are predicted to be barren. A key theme is that the rheological architecture of the host rock mass is the most important predictive input to targeting, both at the scale of emplacement of the ore-hosting conduit system and the scale of localised ore shoots.

Zircon at the Nanoscale Records Metasomatic Processes Leading to Large Magmatic–Hydrothermal Ore Systems

The petrography and geochemistry of zircon offers an exciting opportunity to better understand the genesis of, as well as identify pathfinders for, large magmatic–hydrothermal ore systems. Electron probe microanalysis, laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) imaging, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry STEM mapping/spot analysis were combined to characterize Proterozoic granitic zircon in the eastern Gawler Craton, South Australia. Granites from the ~1.85 Ga Donington Suite and ~1.6 Ga Hiltaba Suite were selected from locations that are either mineralized or not, with the same style of iron-oxide copper gold (IOCG) mineralization. Although Donington Suite granites are host to mineralization in several prospects, only Hiltaba Suite granites are considered “fertile” in that their emplacement at ~1.6 Ga is associated with generation of one of the best metal-endowed IOCG provinces on Earth. Crystal oscillatory zoning with respect to non-formula elements, notably Fe and Cl, are textural and chemical features preserved in zircon, with no evidence for U or Pb accumulation relating to amorphization effects. Bands with Fe and Ca show mottling with respect to chloro–hydroxy–zircon nanoprecipitates. Lattice defects occur along fractures crosscutting such nanoprecipitates indicating fluid infiltration post-mottling. Lattice stretching and screw dislocations leading to expansion of the zircon structure are the only nanoscale structures attributable to self-induced irradiation damage. These features increase in abundance in zircons from granites hosting IOCG mineralization, including from the world-class Olympic Dam Cu–U–Au–Ag deposit. The nano- to micron-scale features documented reflect interaction between magmatic zircon and corrosive Fe–Cl-bearing fluids in an initial metasomatic event that follows magmatic crystallization and immediately precedes deposition of IOCG mineralization. Quantification of α-decay damage that could relate zircon alteration to the first percolation point in zircon gives ~100 Ma, a time interval that cannot be reconciled with the 2–4 Ma period between magmatic crystallization and onset of hydrothermal fluid flow. Crystal oscillatory zoning and nanoprecipitate mottling in zircon intensify with proximity to mineralization and represent a potential pathfinder to locate fertile granites associated with Cu–Au mineralization.

Large-Scale Stable Isotope Alteration Around the Hydrothermal Carbonate-Replacement Cinco de Mayo Zn-Ag Deposit, Mexico

Carbonate-hosted hydrothermal deposits typically show narrow visible mineralogical and textural alteration halos, which inhibit exploration targeting. In contrast, hydrothermal modification of the country rock’s stable isotope composition usually extends far beyond the limited visible alteration. Hence, stable isotope studies should be an effective tool to aid exploration for carbonate-hosted deposits. Here we present new insight into the development of a large stable isotope alteration halo based on 910 O and C isotope analyses of carbonate veins and hydrothermally altered limestone hosting the Cinco de Mayo Pb-Zn-Ag (Au, Cu) carbonate replacement deposit (CRD), in Chihuahua, Mexico. Our results demonstrate that stable isotope alteration is consistent with reactive, magmatic fluid flow into unaltered limestone and represents a powerful tool for the characterization of these hydrothermal ore systems. Synmineralization veins are texturally and isotopically distinct from those formed during pre- and postmineralization diagenesis and fluid flow and show distinct gradients along the direction of mineralizing fluid flow: this appears to be a promising exploration vectoring tool. Downhole variations in wall-rock isotope values reveal aquifers and aquicludes and outline the principal hydrothermal flow paths. Furthermore, wall-rock δ18OVSMOW systematically decreases toward mineralization from ~23‰ to <17‰ over a distance of ~10 km, providing another vectoring tool. The extent of the stable isotope alteration halo likely reflects the overall fluid volume and areal extent of a fossil hydrothermal system, which may be expected to scale with the mineral endowment. This suggests that constraining the size, shape, and degree of isotopic alteration has direct application to mineral exploration by outlining the system and indicating the potential size of a deposit.

Cocrystallization coefficients of Cr, V, and Fe in hydrothermal ore systems (from experimental data)

The cocrystallization coefficients of Cr, V, and Fe (DMe/Fe) in magnetite and sulfide minerals (pyrite, chalcopyrite, and Fe-containing sphalerite) in multiphase associations are determined in hydrothermal-growth experiments with internal sampling at 450 °C and 100 MPa (1 kbar). The results are compared with previous data on DMn/Fe. Magnetite and pyrite are characterized by the highest DMe/Fe values for both Cr (1.2 and 2) and V (6.6 and 1.1). These minerals also show the highest mineral/solution distribution coefficients of Cr and V. For V and Cr in chalcopyrite, much lower DMe/Fe values (0.03 and 0.04, respectively) were obtained, which, however, are slightly higher than those for Mn in magnetite (0.01). Although the deposition of magnetite and iron sulfides has no significant effect on the evolution of Mn in solution and Mn-Fe partitioning, crystallization of magnetite and pyrite favors a decrease in Cr and V contents relative to Fe content in solution.The data obtained can be used to reconstruct the chemical composition of paleofluids. Spinel minerals with close contents of Mn, V, and Cr can form through a hydrothermal process provided that the solutions are highly enriched in Mn relative to Fe and have V and Cr contents close to the Fe one. Such solutions seem to be exotic. Usually, a magnetite-forming hydrothermal fluid contains V and Cr as millionths of Fe, while the Mn content in it can be of the same order of magnitude as the Fe content. The data obtained may be of interest for reconstructing the evolution of the chemical composition of the World Ocean in different geologic periods.The study has shown that the bulk distribution coefficient of variable-valence elements between mineral and hydrothermal solution varies over a wide range of values even at constant pressure, temperature, and solution composition and can be used only for qualitative estimation of the element compatibility. In contrast, the bulk cocrystallization coefficient of chemically similar elements is less dependent on physicochemical conditions, has a nearly three times lower variation coefficient, and permits an element partitioning analysis in heterogeneous mineral-fluid systems.

COCRYSTALLIZATION COEFFICIENTS OF Cr, V, AND Fe IN HYDROTHERMAL ORE SYSTEMS (from experimental data)

COCRYSTALLIZATION COEFFICIENTS OF Cr, V, AND Fe IN HYDROTHERMAL ORE SYSTEMS (from experimental data)

In situ multiple sulfur isotope analysis by SIMS of pyrite, chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite, and pentlandite to refine magmatic ore genetic models

With growing interest in the application of in situ multiple sulfur isotope analysis to a variety of mineral systems, we report here the development of a suite of sulfur isotope standards for distribution relevant to magmatic, magmatic-hydrothermal, and hydrothermal ore systems. These materials include Sierra pyrite (FeS2), Nifty-b chalcopyrite (CuFeS2), Alexo pyrrhotite (Fe(1−x)S), and VMSO pentlandite ((Fe,Ni)9S8) that have been chemically characterized by electron microprobe analysis, isotopically characterized for δ33S, δ34S, and δ36S by fluorination gas-source mass spectrometry, and tested for homogeneity at the micro-scale by secondary ion mass spectrometry. Beam-sample interaction as a function of crystallographic orientation is determined to have no effect on δ34S and Δ33S isotopic measurements of pentlandite. These new findings provided the basis for a case study on the genesis of the Long-Victor nickel-sulfide deposit located in the world class Kambalda nickel camp in the southern Kalgoorlie Terrane of Western Australia. Results demonstrate that precise multiple sulfur isotope analyses from magmatic pentlandite, pyrrhotite and chalcopyrite can better constrain genetic models related to ore-forming processes. Data indicate that pentlandite, pyrrhotite and chalcopyrite are in isotopic equilibrium and display similar Δ33S values +0.2‰. This isotopic equilibrium unequivocally fingerprints the isotopic signature of the magmatic assemblage. The three sulfide phases show slightly variable δ34S values (δ34Schalcopyrite=2.9±0.3‰, δ34Spentlandite=3.1±0.2‰, and δ34Spyrrhotite=3.9±0.5‰), which are indicative of natural fractionation. Careful in situ multiple sulfur isotope analysis of multiple sulfide phases is able to capture the subtle isotopic variability of the magmatic sulfide assemblage, which may help resolve the nature of the ore-forming process. Hence, this SIMS-based approach discriminates the magmatic sulfur isotope signature from that recorded in metamorphic- and alteration-related sulfides, which may not be resolved during bulk rock fluorination analysis. The results indicate that, unlike the giant dunite-hosted komatiite systems that thermo-mechanically assimilated volcanogenic massive sulfides proximal to vents and display negative Δ33S values, the Kambalda ores formed in relatively distal environments assimilating abyssal sulfidic shales.

Injection-Driven Swarm Seismicity and Permeability Enhancement: Implications for the Dynamics of Hydrothermal Ore Systems in High Fluid-Flux, Overpressured Faulting Regimes—An Invited Paper

Many types of hydrothermal ore deposits form at overpressured conditions during high fluid flux through fault zones in the continental seismogenic regime. These include many orogenic gold deposits, some types of Fe oxide Cu-Au systems, and a variety of intrusion-related deposits, including some high-sulfidation epithermal systems. The internal structures of these deposits indicate formation while faults were active, in a regime involving episodic slip. Partial to complete sealing of fault zones by precipitation of hydrothermal minerals occurs between slip episodes. Such ore deposits occur typically within low displacement faults, or networks of such faults. Lodes seldom occupy areas much greater than 1 km 2 of fault surfaces, and net slip accumulated during ore formation is typically less than 150 m. Fluid injection experiments in low-permeability rocks, and seismicity styles in hydrothermally active settings, provide new insights about the dynamics of ore formation in high fluid-flux faults. In particular, they indicate that swarm seismicity is the characteristic response to injection of large volumes of overpressured fluids into intrinsically low-permeability rock. Injection-driven swarm seismicity and related permeability enhancement involves repeated sequences of thousands of ruptures, mostly with moment magnitude M w in the range −2 w 2 ; maximum cumulative slip is usually less than a few centimeters. Diffusion-like migration of a seismicity front away from the injection source at rates up to hundreds of meters per day is a key characteristic of injection-driven seismicity, and correlates with migration of a fluid pressure front along activated faults. By analogy with injection experiments and natural injection-driven swarm seismicity, the formation of fault-related ore deposits in overpressured, high fluid-flux regimes is interpreted to involve swarm seismicity, rather than mainshock-aftershock sequences. Recurrence intervals of swarms in contemporary injection-driven swarm sequences indicate that the total slip associated with formation of fault-hosted lodes can accumulate in periods as short as 104 to 105 years, during thousands of swarm episodes, and commonly involve >10 6 ruptures with −2 w 4 to 10 5 m 3 of fluid at injection rates of at least several tens of L.s −1 . Up to tens of kg Au are deposited per swarm. Cascades of thousands of microseismic ruptures and associated permeability enhancement, coseismic dilatancy, and fluid pressure changes during individual injection-driven swarm sequences create very dynamic hydrologic and reaction regimes. Ore formation involving transitory bursts of rapid flow, abrupt fluctuations in flow rates and fluid pressures, and possibly also fluid temperatures, is likely to promote severe chemical disequilibrium. This has implications for controls on ore deposition and grade distribution in many fault-related ore systems.

Constraining regional scale fault architecture in the southern New England Orogen: integration of seismic, multiscale edges and surface mapping

SUMMARY Regional scale fault structures are considered a first order control on hydrothermal ore systems. Recognition and delineation of such features is essential for search space reduction and project selection in exploration. The New England Orogen in northeastern New South Wales has significant potential for the discovery of new hydrothermal ore systems. However, limits to interpretation of broad scale geophysics in the region and limited exposure for ground-based mapping have hampered the recognition of the first order fault architecture in many areas. As part of the Geological Survey of New South Wales 3D mapping program, we aim to further the understanding of strike extensive and depth penetrative regional scale fault architecture in the southern New England Orogen. The workflow for constraining the regional 3D fault architecture involves integrating a limited number of deep seismic lines with broader gravity and magnetic waveletbased multiscale edges. All the geophysical data sets are further constrained by the Geological Survey of New South Wales’ seamless geology mapping and surface structural orientation data. The work to date demonstrates correlation between the lateral position of multiscale edges and their dip inferred from upward continuation, with steeper dipping structures interpreted in seismic lines. Strike orientations of edges, or systematic breaks in edges, are broadly consistent with structural orientations previously recognised in mapping, but often not at the true regional scale as suggested by edge continuity. Known hydrothermal ore systems in the southern New England Orogen display a strong correlation with the deeply penetrating edges.

The effect of map scale on geological complexity for computer-aided exploration targeting

Mineralization in hydrothermal ore systems has proximity, association and abundance relationships with fluid pathways (e.g. faults and lithological contacts) based on the concept of deformation-induced permeability being localized along such features. To empirically calibrate the abundance relationship between these features and gold mineralization, a measure known as geological complexity has been quantified. A fractal dimension representing the degree of geological complexity is evaluated using a box-counting method on the combination of faults and lithological contacts on a series of maps over the Kurnalpi Terrane of the Archaean Yilgarn Craton. Using multi-scale geological datasets from the Kurnalpi Terrane, we show that geological complexity and its relationship to known occurrences of orogenic gold mineralization varies depending on scale and degree of interpretation of the maps analyzed. In terms of scale, stronger correlations are observed for higher resolution ‘outcrop’ geological and structural maps. Even when the percentage of outcrop was taken into consideration, the higher resolution maps still showed greater correlations between geological complexity and gold mineralization. Differing solid geological interpretations at the same scale significantly affect the degree of quantified geological complexity and its correlation with known gold mineralization. The study results also illustrate a negative correlation between gold mineralization and gradients in the geological complexity. This outcome is contrary to results obtained by previous workers, and indicates that geological complexity, rather than complexity gradients, is useful as an input predictor map for prospectivity analysis and exploration targeting in the Kurnalpi region and other regions containing similar orogenic gold systems. Furthermore, the results indicate that interpreted solid geology maps, while critical for manual conceptual targeting, may actually be less effective than outcrop maps as a predictive layer in automated conceptual and empirical prospectivity analysis.

Metallogeny by Trans-magmatic Fluids—Theoretical Analysis and Field Evidence

This paper is aimed at introducing and developing the principle of Metallogenic Theory through Trans-magmatic Fluids (MTTF) proposed by the Russian Kozhinskii's school. Some fundamental problems of metallogeny are discussed on geodynamic bases. In this theory, the trans-magmatic fluid is interpreted as a moving fluid passing through magma which is not yet consolidated. The intensive wallrock alteration of most of hydrothermal ore systems suggests that large scale fluid flow accompanies metallogenesis. However, geological observations and experiments imply a very limited solubility of fluids in magmas. In addition, the close relationship between small igneous bodies and large ore systems together with the difficulty of fluids that from the wallrocks might enter a magmatic body, which is under high pressure and temperature, need also to be considered. Those ore-bearing fluids that originate from a deep fluid system, are independent of magmas. Experiments show rapid increases of the solubility of ore-forming elements or their compounds in hydrothermal fluids. Therefore, the essential prerequisites for mineralization are (1) large volumes of deep ore-bearing fluids with high concentration of metals, and (2) the large amounts of metal accumulation depend on the rapid ascent of the deep ore-bearing fluid. Magmas are the favorable medium for the ascending fluids, because these magmas provide conditions that prevent re-equilibrium between the fluid and the wallrocks at different deep levels. The fluids in turn, may provide the driving force for the rapid ascent of magmas. Therefore, the two systems act together to account for the close relationship between magmatism and metallogeny. According to this theory, the scale and location of an ore-forming process are decided by (1) the volumetric ratio of the magma and the fluid systems, (2) the ascending rate of the ore-bearing fluid, (3) the boundary conditions for metal accumulation and (4) the segregation of the fluid from the magma. The field investigations of copper-bearing Melanocratic Macrogranular Enclaves (MME) in the Qushui massif, Gangdise belt are very helpful for understanding of source, transport and precipitation of ore-forming materials. In this example, it can be seen that fluid-rich MMEs is the source of the ore-forming element copper. Copper is transported out from MMEs by the fluid, following dispersal in the granitic magma. The copper-bearing fluid is then transferred through the magma and induced to deposit mineralization elsewhere. These processes have been noted when comparing the metallogenic features in both MME in the Qushui massif and the porphyry copper deposits in Yulong, eastern Tibet. It is obvious that MTTF is a very important theory for metallogeny of endogenic deposits. Using this theory, many paradoxes in metallogenesis can be interpreted in easier manner.