Iron Oxide Copper-gold Mineralization Research Articles

Paragenetic and geological setting of the Starra iron oxide copper–gold deposits, Mount Isa Inlier, Queensland, Australia: constraints on IOCG deposit models

The five Starra iron oxide copper–gold (IOCG) deposits, which are located in the Cloncurry district of the Mount Isa Inlier, NW Queensland, are hosted in a N-trending zone of deformed iron-rich metasedimentary rocks that are underlain by two mineralogically distinct mafic–intermediate meta-igneous rocks. Copper–Au mineralisation is subdivided into two stages—an early main stage that transitioned from a magnetite-dominated Cu substage comprising chalcopyrite, pyrite, biotite and chlorite, to a hematite–muscovite-bearing Cu–Au substage with chalcopyrite, bornite and rare chalcocite, as well as Au–Ag-tellurides and native Au. This second stage was followed by a subordinate but nonetheless important carbonate–quartz–barite vein stage with minor but locally high-grade Cu–Au mineralisation characterised by abundant chalcocite and bornite, minor native bismuth and wittichenite (Cu3BiS3), together with minor Au–Ag telluride minerals. Bornite in these carbonate–quartz–barite veins contains considerable amounts of Au (>10 ppm), which appears to be deported either as lattice substitution in the bornite crystal structure or as homogeneously distributed Au0 nanoparticles. An earlier, coarse-grained mafic intrusion was affected by early Na–Ca alteration, whereas a second mafic intrusion lacks evidence of Na–Ca alteration but was exposed to K–Fe alteration and subsequent mineralisation at Starra 222. Mushketovite (magnetite after specular hematite) is only observed in ironstone lodes proximal to the mafic–intermediate rocks. The close spatial and mineralogical associations of the mafic–intermediate bodies and the ironstone lodes point to a stronger link between magmatic activity and IOCG mineralisation than has previously been recognised at Starra. Remobilisation of gold by late-stage hydrothermal fluids aided by the relatively low fluid temperatures during the main pulse of Cu–Au mineralisation refined gold grades at Starra, making it a relatively gold-rich IOCG deposit. We show that the Cu–Au deposits of the Starra trend feature mineralogical and geochemical elements common to both Cloncurry IOCG deposits (e.g. abundant magnetite) and IOCG deposits of the Tennant Creek district (e.g. Au–Cu–Bi mineralisation; hematite–bornite–chalcocite assemblages), making them a unique and important member of this complex family of deposits.

In situ apatite and carbonate Lu-Hf and molybdenite Re-Os geochronology for ore deposit research: Method validation and example application to Cu-Au mineralisation

The development of laser ablation inductively coupled plasma quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-Q-MS/MS) opens new opportunities to rapidly date a variety of hydrothermal minerals. Here we present in situ Lu-Hf and Re-Os dates for hydrothermal apatite and molybdenite, respectively. We further report the first in situ Lu-Hf dates for bastnäsite, dolomite, and siderite, and assess their potential for constraining ore deposit geochronology. For method validation, we report isotope-dilution Lu-Hf dates for apatite reference material Bamble-1 (1102 ± 5 Ma) and calcite reference material ME-1 (1531 ± 7 Ma), enabling improved accuracy on matrix-matched calibration for LA-ICP-MS/MS Lu-Hf dating. The new methods are applied to the Vulcan Iron-Oxide Copper-Gold (IOCG) prospect in the Olympic Cu-Au Province of South Australia. Such deposits have been difficult to accurately date, given the general lack of reliable mineral geochronometers that are cogenetic with IOCG mineralisation. Hydrothermal apatite Lu-Hf dates and molybdenite Re-Os dates demonstrate that mineralisation at Vulcan largely occurred at ca. 1.6 Ga, contemporaneous with the world class Olympic Dam deposit. Our data also indicates that the Lu-Hf system in apatite is more robust than the U-Pb system for determining the timing of primary apatite formation in an IOCG system. We further demonstrate that dolomite can retain Lu-Hf growth ages over an extended time period (>1.5 billion years), providing constraints on the timing of primary ore mineral crystallisation during brecciation and IOCG mineralisation. Finally, late Neoproterozoic (ca. 589–544 Ma) and Carboniferous (ca. 334 ± 7 Ma) Lu-Hf ages were obtained for texturally late Cu-bearing carbonate veins, illustrating that the carbonate Lu-Hf method allows direct dating of Cu remobilisation events. This has important implications for mineral exploration as the remobilised Cu may have been transferred to younger deposits hosted in Neoproterozoic sedimentary basins overlaying the Olympic IOCG province.

Sodic-calcic alteration and transpressional shear along the Atacama fault system during IOCG mineralization, Copiapó, Chile

AbstractThe Punta del Cobre district near Copiapó is a center of iron oxide-copper–gold (IOCG) mineralization spatially and temporally associated with regional sodic-calcic hydrothermal alteration, the Atacama fault system (AFS), and two phases of Early Cretaceous magmatism. Here, we investigate the spatiotemporal and geochemical relationships between magmatism, ductile deformation, and hydrothermal alteration along the ~ 200 to 300-m-thick steeply NW-dipping Sierra Chicharra shear zone, interpreted to be the major strand of the AFS. Mylonitic fabrics and oblique sinistral-reverse kinematic indicators together record coaxial flattening in a transpressional regime. Deformation on the AFS took place before, during, and after intrusion of the synkinematic Sierra Chicharra quartz diorite of the Coastal Cordillera arc at ~ 122 Ma and terminated before intrusion of the unstrained ~ 114 Ma Sierra Atacama diorite of the Copiapó batholith. Geochemical data show that the Copiapó batholith was more mafic and more K-rich than the calc-alkaline Coastal Cordillera arc. This time period thus overlaps IOCG mineralization in the Punta del Cobre district (~ 120 to 110 Ma). Multiple phases of sodic-calcic alteration in and around the AFS shear zone are recognized. Textures of altered rock in the shear zone show both synkinematic assemblages and post-kinematic hydrothermal oligoclase. A ~ 775-m-long andradite vein that cuts the shear zone formed broadly at the end of magmatism in the district (~ 95 Ma). Oxygen isotope ratios from the vein indicate that hydrothermal fluids were likely magmatically derived. Together, this work shows the AFS-related shear zone and nearby IOCG mineralization developed in a regional transpressional regime produced by SE-directed oblique convergence across a NE-striking shear zone. IOCG-related magmatic-hydrothermal fluids exploited this transcrustal shear zone to produce multiple episodes of regional sodic-calcic alteration formed from fluids exsolved from magmas or driven by the heat of the Coastal Cordillera arc and Copiapó batholith.

Geochemical signatures of the Neoarchean and Paleoproterozoic copper systems in the Carajás Mineral Province, NW Brazil: Implications for metal endowment

The main copper deposits of the Carajás Mineral Province are grouped into: i) iron oxide-copper-gold (IOCG), and ii) granite-related Cu-Au. They were formed during multiple mineralizing events in the Neoarchean (ca. 2.7; ca. 2.5 Ga) and Paleoproterozoic (ca. 2.1; ca. 1.8 Ga). A combination of non-composition and composition data analysis, molar element ratio, and principal component analysis using a lithogeochemical dataset (n = 1040) has been applied to recognize geochemical associations in these deposits. The Neoarchean IOCG deposits in the Northern and Southern Copper Belts of the Carajás Domain are controlled by ductile structures and comprise high-temperature hydrothermal associations within sodic (albite-scapolite), sodic-calcic (albite-actinolite-scapolite±hastingsite), calcic-iron (magnetite-actinolite-apatite), potassic (biotite-tourmaline±scapolite), potassic-iron (biotite-magnetite; almandine-grunerite-biotite) and iron-rich alteration zones. These zones envelop chalcopyrite-magnetite-actinolite-apatite (e.g., Sequeirinho orebody), magnetite-chalcopyrite-siderite (i.e., Igarapé Bahia deposit) breccias, or massive magnetite bodies with bornite-chalcocite (i.e., Salobo). The Fe-Cu-Au-P-REE association is common to all Neoarchean IOCG deposits of the province. Nevertheless, the IOCG deposits from the northern sector (ca. 2.5 Ga) are also enriched in Ba-Pb-Zn-Ag-Mo-REE ± Sn ± W ± Bi±U ± Nb ± Ta ± Y. Conversely, the chemical signature of Neoarchean (ca. 2.7 Ga) IOCG deposits from the southern sector display enrichment in V-Ni-Co-Cr. Part of these chemical variations may be due to differences in the nature of 7host rocks, including greenstone belt sequences in the south and metasedimentary exhalative rocks in north. Both in the northern and southern sectors, the sodic alteration is marked by Na, Ga, Ti, Sr, Th and Mo. The sodic-calcic displays Na, Ca, Mo, Mn, Mg, Pb, Zn and Sn enrichment. The iron-rich alteration zones (grunerite-almandine-magnetite) from the northern sector display a Fe, Mg, Ba, V, Ni, Co, Cr, Cu association. The calcic-iron alteration within the southern sector is marked by enrichment in Ca, Fe, V, Ni, Co, Cr, Mn, Mg, Th, P, HREE and Cu. The Fe-V-Ni-Co signature typical of the iron-rich and calcic-iron alteration stages is thus a lithogeochemical footprint of early Neoarchean IOCG mineralization, providing a useful proxy for exploration. Significant amounts of K, Rb, Ba, Al, Si, Nb, Ta, Th, U, Zr, Pb, Zn and Cu are common in potassic-iron alteration zones from Neoarchean deposits in both northern and southern sectors. The Paleoproterozoic IOCG and granite-related deposits are controlled by brittle structures and represent oxidized (muscovite-potassium feldspar-pyrite-hematite-chlorite), low temperature, sulfur-rich (pyrite-rich) and iron-deficient hydrothermal systems. The Paleoproterozoic IOCG deposits display potassic or potassic-iron alteration (potassium feldspar-biotite±magnetite), generally overprinted by chlorite alteration with late chalcopyrite-rich vein/breccia containing calcite-quartz-albite-chlorite-epidote-sericite. The Paleoproterozoic IOCG mineralized zones display enrichment in granitophile elements, defined by Sn-Mo-REE ± W ± Be±Bi±Nb ± Y. The granite-related deposits are marked by chlorite-rich or greisen alteration types characterized by enrichment in K, Sn, W, Mo, and Bi. The ore zones within these deposits are related to the Cu-Au-Mo-W-Sn-Bi-Be-Nb-U-Y signature. The recurrence and superposition of multiple hydrothermal events at a deposit-scale is evidenced by hybrid geochemical signatures, marked by an intermediate composition between the Neoarchean (Fe-V-Ni-Co-Ba-Pb-Zn) and Paleoproterozoic (Sn-W-Mo-Bi) signatures. The results obtained provide insights on the chemical evolution of the Carajás copper systems and demonstrate the influence of the multiple hydrothermal episodes on the geochemical signature of these deposits.

The Montecristo mining district, northern Chile: the relationship between vein-like magnetite-(apatite) and iron oxide-copper–gold deposits

The Montecristo district, northern Chile, is one of the few places worldwide where there is a direct relationship between magnetite-(apatite) (MtAp) mineralization and iron oxide-copper–gold (IOCG) mineralization. The MtAp mineralization includes Ti-poor magnetite, fluorapatite, and actinolite and is crosscut and partially replaced by a younger IOCG mineralization that includes a second generation of actinolite and magnetite with quartz, chalcopyrite, pyrite, and molybdenite. The MtAp stage at Montecristo is interpreted as the crystallized iron-rich melts that used the pre-existing structures of the Atacama Fault System as conduits. These rocks later acted as a trap for hydrothermal IOCG mineralization. Geochronology data at Montecristo indicate that the host diorite (U–Pb zircon 153.3 ± 1.8 Ma, 2-sigma), MtAp mineralization (40Ar-39Ar in actinolite, 154 ± 2 Ma and 153 ± 4 Ma, 2-sigma), and the IOCG event (Re-Os on molybdenite, 151.8 ± 0.6 Ma, 2-sigma) are coeval within error and took place in a time span of less than 3.4 Ma. The εHfi and εNdi values of the host diorite are + 8.0 to + 9.8 and + 4.3 to + 5.4, respectively. The whole-rock 87Sr/86Sri values of the IOCG mineralization (0.70425 to 0.70442) are in the lower end of those of the MtAp mineralization (0.70426–0.70629). In contrast, εNdi values for the IOCG mineralization (+ 5.4 and + 5.7) fall between those of the MtAp rocks (+ 6.6 to + 7.2) and the host diorite, which suggests that the IOCG event was related to fluids having a more crustal Nd (εNdi < + 5.7) composition than the MtAp mineralization. This likely reflects the mixing of Nd from the MtAp protolith and a deep magmatic-hydrothermal source, very likely an unexposed intrusion equivalent to the host diorite. Sulfur isotope compositions (δ34S, + 0.3 to + 3.4‰) are consistent with a magmatic source.

UAV-towed scalar magnetic gradiometry: A case study in relation to iron oxide copper-gold mineralization, Nautanen (Arctic Sweden)

Scalar magnetic surveying using unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platforms is slowly gaining momentum within geophysical applications. So far, only a handful of studies have dealt with UAV-towed scalar field measurements, while even fewer have considered towed scalar difference measurements (or gradients). In this paper, we demonstrate the possibilities and benefits of deploying precisely positioned noise-minimized UAV-towed scalar transverse horizontal difference (THD) measurements for mineral exploration purposes. UAV-towed gradiometry bird data are presented from the Nautanen area in northern Sweden and compared with ground magnetic surveys. This area is known for its iron oxide copper-gold mineralizations. The UAV survey spans a total area of 2.5 km2. It was covered using an average line spacing of 30 m and a constant flight altitude above ground level of 30 m. High-quality scalar total-field and THD data were collected with a dynamic noise level of the raw scalar data of about ±0.05 nT. Comparison with the ground magnetic data shows a strong correlation between magnetic anomaly lows and highs across the survey areas. A map with new structural information is presented based on subtle magnetic structures identified in discrete derivatives of the total magnetic intensity anomaly and THD data. Such systems may replace high-quality heliborne systems and reduce costs of the geophysical exploration phase. However, mapping with UAV-towed systems is not straightforward. With typical UAV flight speeds of only 10–12 m/s, the wind often disturbs the 3D attitude of the bird during flights. Hence, advanced processing is required to obtain the intended gradients. Similar challenges are less important in surveying, where the survey speed often greatly exceeds the wind speed.

Cathodoluminescent, chemical and strontium isotopic characteristics of apatite from Lanniping Fe-Cu deposit, southwestern China: Implications for fluid evolution in IOCG systems

Apatite occurs in diverse types of hydrothermal mineral deposits and has been widely used to constrain the nature and evolution of ore-forming fluid. The origin of ore fluids responsible for formation of iron oxide-copper–gold (IOCG) deposits remains controversial. Here we combine textural observations from optical microscopic cathodoluminescence (OM-CL) and backscattered electron (BSE) images with in situ chemical and strontium isotopic analyses of apatite in the Lanniping Fe-Cu deposit in Kangdian metallogenic province, SW China, to reconstruct the hydrothermal evolution history of this deposit. Paragenetic sequences of the deposit include pre-ore Na-alteration (stage I) of predominant albite, stage II iron-oxide mineralization with the associated Ca-Fe alteration characterized by magnetite and minor apatite, stage III Cu-Fe sulfides and the associated K-Fe alteration, and final stage IV Ca-Mg alteration. Three types of apatite at different paragenetic stages were identified in this deposit. The pristine Type 1 apatite are intergrown with stage II magnetite and show blue colors under OM-CL images. The Type 2 apatite, which are darker than Type 1 apatite under BSE images, show dark yellow CL colors. They commonly occur as metasomatized domains of Type 1 apatite and can contain chalcopyrite mineral inclusions, indicating that they are coeval products during stage III. The Type 3 apatite show bright yellow CL colors, and occur as overgrowth rims of both Type 1 and 2 apatite. The Type 1 apatite have highest REY contents (5342 to 12983 ppm) and primitive 87Sr/86Sr ratios ranging from 0.70630 to 0.71093, which overlap the associated igneous intrusions. In contrast, the Type 2 and Type 3 apatite have gradually lower REY contents (866 to 4255 ppm and 142 to 635 ppm, respectively) but higher 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.71009 to 0.71698 and 0.71904 to 0.72602, respectively). Our data hence suggest that the ore-forming fluids were mainly magmatic-hydrothermal origin and were gradually enriched in radiogenic Sr isotope by mixing with external fluid. Our case study highlights that texturally constrained apatite could be utilized to effectively trace fluid evolution of IOCG mineralization, and by reference, other hydrothermal mineralizing systems.

Mineralization in the andesitic lava from Kildyam volcanic complex, central Yakutia, Russia

This contribution presents the first detailed analysis of a new volcanic succession of olivine-pyroxenites, andesite, and dacite discovered in the Kildyam Late Jurassic complex in Central Yakutia. Petrographic and microprobe studies confirmed the liquid immiscibility in silicate melts during crystallization. Immiscible liquids are preserved as globules of one glass in another in andesites and as melted inclusions of native iron in matrix, clinopyroxene and plagioclase phenocrysts. Our analyses reveal the complex textural relationships between silicates and Fe-oxides, native iron and (Cu, Pb, Ag and Au)-rich phases, and provide unequivocal textural evidences, not observed previously. Purpose of this research is to preserve a very important data on IO (Iron Oxide) or IOCG (Iron Oxide Copper Gold) mineralization. Obtained results support occurrence and diverse of gold, silver, copper and lead minerals in magnetite lavas. During the early stage of fine-grained subvolcanic olivine-clinopyroxenite end pyrrhotite, globular igneous sulfides is a first proposed style of economic deposit formation. The second proposed style of economic mineralization in Kildyam is to be a magnetite-bearing lava; iron enrichment of the melilitic melt phase, followed by iron depletion and silica enrichment. The vesicle-hosted alloys and sulfides provide significant new data on metal transport and precipitation from high-temperature magmatic vapors. During syneruptive vapor phase exsolution, volatile metals (Cu-Zn, Fe-Al-Cu, Ni-Fe-Cu-Sn) and Ag-Cu-sulfides contribute to the formation of economic concentrations. Major conclusions contribute to 3-step genetic model. (1) Early-formed magmatic minerals led to partial dissolution of olivine-clinopyroxenite and their enrichment in Cu, Co and Ni relative to other metals, while troilite globules droplets grew.(2) First stage of division into two immiscible silicate and sulfide melt liquids (a) K-rich dacitic and rhyolithic glass, and (b) vesicles of heavy sulfide minerals with a large segregations and drops of native iron. (3) Lava of fused magnetite crystals and voids enriched in silver and gold, and (b) globular disseminated chalcopyrite in mineralized melilitic rocks.

ZIRCON TRACE ELEMENT GEOCHEMISTRY AS AN INDICATOR OF MAGMA FERTILITY IN IRON OXIDE COPPER-GOLD PROVINCES

Abstract Extrusive and intrusive felsic magmas occur throughout the evolution of silicic-dominated large igneous province magmatism that is temporally related to numerous economically significant iron oxide copper-gold (IOCG) deposits in southern Australia. We investigate zircon trace element signatures of the felsic magmas to assess whether zircon composition can be related to fertility of the volcanic and intrusive suites within IOCG-hosted mineral provinces. Consistent with zircon forming in oxidizing magmatic conditions, the rare earth element (REE) patterns of zircon sourced from both extrusive and intrusive magmatic rocks are characterized by light REE depletions and a range of positive Ce and negative Eu anomalies. The timing of the major phase of IOCG mineralization overlaps with the early part of the first phase of Lower Gawler Range Volcanics magmatism (1593.6–1590.4 Ma) and older intrusive magmatism of the Hiltaba Suite (1593.06–1590.50 Ma). Zircon in these mineralization-related intrusives and extrusives is distinguished from zircon in younger, mineralization-absent rocks by higher Eu/Eu*, Ce/Ce*, and Ti values and separate magma evolution paths with respect to Hf. These zircon characteristics correspond to lower degrees of fractionation and/or crustal assimilation, more oxidizing magmatic conditions, and higher magmatic temperatures, respectively, in magmas coeval with mineralization. In this respect, we consider higher oxidation state, lower degrees of fractionation, and higher magmatic temperatures to be features of fertile magmas in southern Australian IOCG terrains. Similar zircon REE characteristics are shared between magmas associated with southern Australian IOCG and iron oxide-apatite (IOA) rhyolites from the St. Francois Mountains, Missouri, namely high Ce/Ce* and high Dy/Yb, indicative of oxidized and dry magmas, respectively. The dry and more fractionated nature of the IOCG- and IOA-associated magmas contrasts with the hydrous and unfractionated nature of fertile porphyry Cu deposit magmas. As indicated by high Ce/Ce* ratios, the oxidized nature is considered a key element in magma fertility in IOCG-IOA terrains. In both IOCG and IOA terrains, the trace element compositions of zircon are able to broadly differentiate fertile from nonfertile magmatic rocks.

Structural Controls on Iron Oxide Copper-Gold Mineralization and Related Alteration in a Paleoproterozoic Supracrustal Belt: Insights from the Nautanen Deformation Zone and Surroundings, Northern Sweden

Abstract The Nautanen deformation zone in the Gällivare area of northern Sweden is a highly Cu-mineralized, magnetite-rich, large-scale shear zone with a long-lived (~100 m.y.) deformation, hydrothermal alteration, and mineralization history. This composite structure hosts the Aitik porphyry Cu-Au-Ag ± Mo deposit and several Cu-Au ± Fe ± Ag ± Mo occurrences assigned to the iron oxide copper-gold (IOCG) deposit class. The Nautanen deformation zone was a locus for polyphase deformation and intermittent metasomatic-hydrothermal activity that overprinted middle Orosirian (ca. 1.90–1.88 Ga) continental arc-related volcanic-plutonic rocks. The deformation zone is characterized by intense shearing fabrics that form a series of subvertical to moderately W-dipping, NNW-SSE–trending, first-order shear zones with oblique reverse kinematics and related NNE-SSW–oriented second-order shear zones that control hydrothermal alteration patterns and Cu-Au mineralization. Hydrothermal alteration in the study area formed during several phases. Volcanic-volcaniclastic rocks to the east and west of the Nautanen deformation zone display low to moderately intense, pervasive to selectively pervasive (i.e., patchy zones or bands, disseminations) sericite ± feldspar, amphibole + biotite + magnetite ± tourmaline, and K-feldspar + hematite alteration. Both the amphibole + biotite and K-feldspar + hematite associations occur adjacent to NNW- and NE-oriented deformation zones and are locally associated with minor sulfide. Within the deformation zone, a moderate to intense biotite + amphibole + garnet + magnetite + tourmaline + sericite alteration assemblage is typically associated with chalcopyrite + pyrrhotite + pyrite and forms linear and subparallel, mainly NNW-oriented seams, bands, and zones that locally appear to overprint possibly earlier scapolite + sericite ± feldspar alteration. Late-stage epidote ± quartz ± feldspar alteration (retrograde saussuritization) forms selectively pervasive zones and epidote veinlets across the area and is partly related to brittle faulting. A magnetite-amphibole-biotite–rich, penetrative S1 foliation records shortening during early Svecokarelian-related deformation (D1) and can be related to ca. 1.88 to 1.87 Ga arc accretion processes and basin inversion that overlaps with regional peak metamorphism to near mid-amphibolite facies conditions and a potential initial Cu mineralization event. Folding and repeated shearing along the Nautanen deformation zone can be assigned to a second, late-Svecokarelian deformation event (D2 stage, ca. 1.82–1.79 Ga) taking place at a higher crustal level. This D2 deformation phase is related to late-stage accretionary processes active during a transition to a stage of postorogenic collapse, and it was accompanied by abundant, syntectonic intrusions. D2-related magmatism produced high-temperature and low-pressure conditions and represents a regional magmatic-hydrothermal event that controlled the recrystallization/remobilization of magnetite, biotite, and amphibole. Associated shear zone reactivation during D2 favors the utilization of the Nautanen deformation zone as a fluid conduit, which preferentially controlled the siting and formation of epigenetic Cu-Au mineralization with distinctive IOCG characteristics within second-order shear zones.

Nanomineralogy of hydrothermal magnetite from Acropolis, South Australia: Genetic implications for iron-oxide copper gold mineralization

Abstract Magnetite is the dominant Fe-oxide at the Acropolis IOCG prospect, Olympic Dam district, South Australia. Complementary microbeam techniques, including scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), are used to characterize titanomagnetite from veins in volcanic rocks and Ti-poor magnetite from a granite body with uplifted position in the volcanic sequence. A temperature of 670 ± 50 °C is estimated for Ti-poor magnetite using XMg-in-magnetite thermometry. Titanomagnetite, typified by Ti-rich trellis lamellae of ilmenite in magnetite, also displays sub-micrometer inclusions forming densely mottled and orbicular subtypes of titanomagnetite with increasing degree of overprinting. STEM analysis shows nanoparticles (NPs) of spinels and TiO2 polymorphs, anatase, and rutile. These vary as dense, finest-scale, monophase-NPs of spinel sensu stricto in Ti-poor magnetite; two-phase, ulvöspinelhercynite NPs in primary titanomagnetite; and coarser clusters of NPs (hercynite±gahnite+TiO2-polymorphs), in mottled and orbicular subtypes. Nano-thermobarometry using ilmenite-magnetite pairs gives temperatures in the range ~510–570 (±50) °C, with mineral-pair re-equilibration from primary to orbicular titanomagnetite constrained by changes in fO2 from ilmenite-stable to magnetite+hematite-stable conditions. Epitaxial relationships between spinel and Fe-Ti-oxides along trellis lamellae and among phases forming the NPs support exsolution from magnetitess, followed by replacement via mineral-buffered reactions. Lattice-scale intergrowths between ulvöspinel and ilmenite within NPs are interpreted as exsolution recording cooling under O2-conserving conditions, whereas the presence of both TiO2-polymorphs displaying variable order-disorder phenomena is evidence for subtly fO2-buffered reactions from anatase (reducing) to rutile (more oxidizing) stabilities. Transient formation of O-deficient phases is retained during replacement of ilmenite by anatase displaying crystallographic-shear planes. Development of dense inclusion mottling and orbicular textures are associated with NP coarsening and clustering during vein re-opening. Fluid-assisted replacement locally recycles trace elements, forming gahnite NPs or discrete Sc-Ti-phases. Hydrothermal titanomagnetite from Acropolis is comparable with magmatic magnetite in granites across the district and typifies early, alkali-calcic alteration. Open-fracture circulation, inhibiting additional supply of Si, Ca, K, and so on during magnetite precipitation, prohibits formation of silician magnetite hosting calc-silicate NPs, as known from IOCG systems characterized by rock-buffered alteration of host lithologies. Obliteration of trellis textures during subsequent overprinting could explain the scarcity of this type of hydrothermal magnetite in other IOCG systems.

Monazite as an Exploration Tool for Iron Oxide-Copper-Gold Mineralisation in the Gawler Craton, South Australia

The chemistry of hydrothermal monazite from the Carrapateena and Prominent Hill iron oxide-copper-gold (IOCG) deposits in the IOCG-rich Gawler Craton, South Australia, is used here to define geochemical criteria for IOCG exploration in the Gawler Craton as follows: Monazite associated with IOCG mineralisation: La + Ce &gt; 63 wt% (where La &gt; 22.5 wt% and Ce &gt; 37 wt%), Y and/or Th &lt; 1 wt% and Nd &lt; 12.5 wt%; Intermediate composition monazite (between background and ore-related compositions): 45 wt% &lt; La + Ce &lt; 63 wt%, Y and/or Th &lt; 1 wt%. Intermediate monazite compositions preserving Nd &gt; 12.5 wt% are considered indicative of Carrapateena-style mineralisation; Background compositions: La + Ce &lt; 45 wt% or Y or Th &gt; 1 wt%. Mineralisation-related monazite compositions are recognised within monazite hosted within cover sequence materials that directly overly IOCG mineralisation at Carrapateena. Similar observations have been made at Prominent Hill. Recognition of these signatures within cover sequence materials demonstrates that the geochemical signatures can survive processes of weathering, erosion, transport and redeposition into younger cover sequence materials that overlie older, mineralised basement rocks. The monazite geochemical signatures therefore have the potential to be dispersed within the cover sequence, effectively increasing the geochemical footprint of mineralisation.

Iron Oxide Cu-Au (IOCG) Mineralizing Systems: The Eastern Yakutia (Russia) Perspective

Iron-Oxide-Copper-Gold (IOCG) are the worldwide economically attractive deposits with significant amount of iron oxides, copper minerals, gold and ± silver and REE. In order to obtain more gold resources in Eastern Yakutia (Russia) we provide a descriptive model for IOCG style mineralization for several new prospective sites, which were initially discovered on satellite images and subsequently certified by prospecting. We allocate three basic Fe-oxide-Cu-Au deposit styles in Eastern Yakutia. First is related to Mesozoic hypabyssal intrusions of granodiorites (Kis-Kuel, Kysyltas and Rep-Yure deposits). As follows from the REE behavior in magmatic rocks, the fractionation of the magmatic melt during cooling was extremely insignificant. Due to this, a substantial part of the iron did not fractionate into high-iron melts, and separated into hydrothermal solutions with rich iron oxide mineralization. Second is related to flows of the basaltic and andesitic lavas of the upper Devonian – lower Carboniferous age (Khurat, Rosomakha and Jalkan deposits). Significant accumulations of hematite with copper and gold are associated with calc-alkaline basalts. The appearance of iron oxides in basaltic lavas is a result of decomposition of ilmenite into hematite and pseudorutile. Third style belongs to magnetite rich lavas of upper Jurassic age (Kildyam deposit). Variolithic lava flows saturated with native iron, magnetite, troilite and pyrite, native iron usually spherical in shape. Intrusion related ore bodies are irregular shaped breccias with arrays of variably mineralized veins and veinlets inside intrusives and veins in the host rocks. Associated with basaltic and andesitic lavas deposits occur as massive, tabular bodies, stratified, pyroclastic ores. The gold grade in IOCG ore varies from less than 1 to more than 50 g/t, base metals are optional. Differences in gold’ fineness and admixtures characterize the genetic features of ore formation and is represented by a system of alloys: Au-Ag, Au-Ag-Cu and Au-Fe-Pd. Discovered iron-oxide copper gold mineralization in Eastern Yakutia analogous to several World class deposit types. Related to Mesozoic hypabyssal intrusions of granodiorites Kis-Kuel, Kysyltas and Rep-Yure deposits are close to Olympic Dam type. IOCG mineralization in basaltic and andesitic lavas of the Khurat, Rosomakha and Jalkan deposits looks similar to deposits of the Mount-Isa region (Eastern North-West Queensland, Australia). The Kildyam deposit rich iron-oxide ore bodies resemble lava flows and have share many common features with El Laco deposit in High Andes.

EXPLORATION OF IOCG MINERALIZATIONS USING INTEGRATION OF SPACE-BORNE REMOTE SENSING DATA WITH AIRBORNE GEOPHYSICAL DATA

Abstract. Nowadays, remote sensing technologies are playing a significant role in mineral potential mapping. To optimize the exploration approach along with a cost-effective way, narrow down the target areas for a more detailed study for mineral exploration using suitable data selection and accurate data processing approaches are crucial. To establish optimum procedures by integrating space-borne remote sensing data with other earth sciences data (e.g., airborne magnetic and electromagnetic) for exploration of Iron Oxide Copper Gold (IOCG) mineralization is the objective of this study. Further, the project focus is to test the effectiveness of Copernicus Sentinel-2 data in mineral potential mapping from the high Arctic region. Thus, Inglefield Land from northwest Greenland has been chosen as a study area to evaluate the developed approach. The altered minerals, including irons and clays, were mapped utilizing Sentinel-2 data through band ratio and principal component analysis (PCA) methods. Lineaments of the study area were extracted from Sentinel-2 data using directional filters. Self-Organizing Maps (SOM) and Support Vector Machines (SVM) were used for classification and analysing the available data. Further, various thematic maps (e.g., geological, geophysical, geochemical) were prepared from the study area. Finally, a mineral prospectively map was generated by integrating the above mentioned information using the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP). The prepared potential map for IOCG mineralization using the above approach of Inglefield Land shows a good agreement with the previous geological field studies.

Two episodes of REEs mineralization at the Sin Quyen IOCG deposit, NW Vietnam

The Sin Quyen iron oxide-copper–gold (IOCG) deposit in northwestern Vietnam contains a proven reserve of 52.8 Mt ores at 14% Fe, 0.91% Cu, 0.7% REEs (rare earth elements), and 0.44 g/t Au. REEs mineralization is hosted within Ca-silicate alteration zone and associated with Fe-Cu ore bodies in the gneiss, mica schist, and marble of the Upper Sin Quyen Formation. Two mineralization episodes are identified based on the field and petrographic relations. The first episode includes sodic alteration (stage I-1), calcic alteration and associated REE mineralization (stage I-2), and localized K-Fe alteration (stage I-3). The second episode is main stage mineralization and contains four main stages of alteration: pre-ore Na alteration (stage II-1), Ca-Fe alteration and the associated Fe-REE mineralization (stage II-2), K-Fe alteration and associated Cu-Au mineralization (stage II-3), and the final carbonate stage of quartz-carbonate veins (stage II-4) crosscutting the above-mentioned alteration phases and ores.Primary allanite and type 1 titanite (Tnt-1) from episode 1 yield weighted mean 206Pb/238U ages of 882 ± 3 Ma and 881 ± 8 Ma (2σ), respectively, which are interpreted as the timing of REE mineralization in episode 1. Secondary allanite and type 2 titanite (Tnt-2) associated with iron-oxide and Cu-Au ores, however, have U-Pb ages of 840 ± 7 Ma and 838 ± 5 Ma (2σ), respectively. These ages are hence considered to represent the timing of polymetallic IOCG mineralization in episode 2. ~880 Ma titanite grains have εNd(t) values ranging from −7.00 to −5.43, which are intermediate between the Neoproterozoic felsic intrusions and ore-hosting meta-sedimentary rocks in the region and likely reflect interaction between magmatic fluids and ore-hosting rocks. In contrast, ~840 Ma titanite have εNd(t) values ranging from −4.31 to −1.97, similar to those of the Neoproterozoic felsic intrusions, indicating a possible magmatic fluid source for the episode II IOCG mineralization. Multiple episodes of mineralization at Sin Quyen were likely formed during the prolonged tectonothermal events related to backarc extension during the Neoproterozoic subduction along the western margin of the Yangtze Block.

Paleoproterozoic Iron Oxide Apatite (IOA) and Iron Oxide-Copper-Gold (IOCG) mineralization in the East Arm Basin, Northwest Territories, Canada

The Paleoproterozoic East Arm Basin of Canada hosts polymetallic vein, iron oxide–apatite (IOA), and potential iron oxide–copper–gold (IOCG) mineral occurrences, mainly associated with a belt of ca. 1.87 Ga intermediate-composition sills termed the Compton intrusions. Advances in our knowledge of the East Arm Basin and of IOA and IOCG deposits within the broader context of iron oxide and alkali-calcic alteration systems enables a new regional analysis of this mineralization and facilitates comparison of these mineral occurrences and host rocks to the nearby Great Bear magmatic zone IOCG districts. The Compton intrusions and co-magmatic Pearson Formation volcanic rocks are comparable in age and composition to intrusive plus volcanic rocks of the Great Bear magmatic zone that host IOA–IOCG mineralization. Taking into account fault displacements, emplacement of Compton intrusions and Pearson Formation volcanic rocks are also consistent with the architecture of modern arcs, supporting a direct relationship with the Great Bear subduction zone. Trace element patterns of uraninite contained in IOA occurrences of the East Arm Basin are also similar to the patterns of uraninite from the Great Bear magmatic zone occurrences, consistent with both regions having experienced similar iron oxide and alkali-calcic alteration and mineralization. Our new results indicate that exploration for IOA, IOCG, and affiliated deposits in the East Arm Basin should focus on delineating increased potassic-iron alteration types and fault/breccia zones associated with these systems through field mapping and application of geochemical, radiometric, magnetic, and gravity surveys.

Which anomaly should I drill? Using spatial statistics to inform exploration in covered IOCG terranes

SummaryThis contribution presents a method for efficiently classifying geophysical anomalies and identifying regions and features that share characteristics of many known iron-oxide-copper-gold (IOCG) deposits of the Gawler Craton, and can therefore be used in drill target prioritization. Residual Bouguer gravity and reduced-to-pole total magnetic intensity grids over the Gawler Craton were transformed, generating polygon datasets representing populations of locally anomalous gravity and magnetic intensity. Taken as simple anomaly polygons, there are a very large number of features across the Gawler Craton (>39,000 TMI and >10,000 gravity). Superimposing mineral deposits over these features shows a clear spatial correlation between IOCG deposits and occurrences, and anomalies (>90% of deposits within 1,000 m of an anomaly), but leaves thousands of anomalies of varying magnitudes that cannot all be related to IOCG mineralization. Eliminating TMI and gravity anomalies with a separation of more than 1,000 m reduced the search space to ~20,000 TMI features and ~8,500 gravity features. Limiting the search to a statistically derived gravity threshold ≥0.4 mGal gravity anomalies, the exploration space is reduced to 798 gravity features with coincident TMI features within the Olympic Copper-Gold Province. The Anselin Local Morans I method was used to delineate geographic regions based upon spatial clustering of high magnitude anomalies. The spatial distribution and clustering characteristics of the gravity anomalies provide additional information and can be related to differing basement geology and deposit style. Terranes where lithologies and Cu-Au occurrences are commonly magnetite-rich show clustered high-magnitude gravity anomalies, and correlated spatially with the Mount Woods and Moonta domains within the eastern Gawler Craton. Importantly, it was found that the central, and currently most endowed, the Olympic Domain, was distinct in that it was dominated by spatial outliers (discrete high-magnitude density features).These results could be used as a starting point in developing IOCG exploration strategies, due to the high number of additional untested, spatially coincident gravity and magnetic anomalies that warrant further investigation.

The Olympic Cu-Au Province, Gawler Craton: A Review of the Lithospheric Architecture, Geodynamic Setting, Alteration Systems, Cover Successions and Prospectivity

The Olympic Cu-Au Province is a metallogenic province in South Australia that contains one of the world’s most significant Cu-Au-U resources in the Olympic Dam deposit. The Olympic Cu-Au Province also hosts a range of other iron oxide-copper-gold (IOCG) deposits including Prominent Hill and Carrapateena. This paper reviews the geology of the Olympic Cu-Au Province by investigating the lithospheric architecture, geodynamic setting and alteration systematics. In addition, since the province is almost entirely buried by post-mineral cover, the sedimentary cover sequences are also reviewed. The Olympic Cu-Au Province formed during the early Mesoproterozoic, ca. 1.6 Ga and is co-located with a fundamental lithospheric boundary in the eastern Gawler Craton. This metallogenic event was driven in part by melting of a fertile, metasomatized sub-continental lithospheric mantle during a major regional tectonothermal event. Fluid evolution and multiple fluid mixing resulted in alteration assemblages that range from albite, magnetite and other higher temperature minerals to lower temperature assemblages such as hematite, sericite and chlorite. IOCG mineralisation is associated with both high and low temperature assemblages, however, hematite-rich IOCGs are the most economically significant. Burial by Mesoproterzoic and Neoproterozoic-Cambrian sedimentary successions preserved the Olympic Cu-Au Province from erosion, while also providing a challenge for mineral exploration in the region. Mineral potential modelling identifies regions within the Olympic Cu-Au Province and adjacent Curnamona Province that have high prospects for future IOCG discoveries. Exploration success will rely on improvements in existing potential field and geochemical data, and be bolstered by new 3D magnetotelluric surveys. However, drilling remains the final method for discovery of new mineral resources.

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.

Macro-scale ore-controlling faults revealed by micro-geochemical anomalies

Whereas the mechanism of fluid flow, and thus structural control, linked with mineral deposit formation is quite understood, the specific structures that likely provided controls on mineralization at certain geographic scales are not readily known for a given region unless it is well-explored. This contributes uncertainty in mineral prospectivity analysis in poorly-explored regions (or greenfields). Here, because the spatial distribution of mineral deposits has been postulated to be fractals (i.e., the patterns of these features are self-similar across a range of spatial scales), we show for the first time that micro-geochemical anomalies (as proxies of micro-scale patterns of ore minerals), from few discrete parts of the Sossego iron-oxide copper-gold (IOCG) deposit in the Carajás Mineral Province (CMP) of Brazil, exhibit trends of macro-scale faults that are known to have controlled IOCG mineralization in the CMP. The methodology described here, which led to this novel finding, would help towards detecting mineral exploration targets as well as help towards understanding structural controls on mineralization in greenfields.