Kohistan Island Arc Research Articles

Mapping Alteration Zones for Detection of Economic Minerals using Integrated Tools in District Lower Dir, Northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

The study area is the part of Lower Dir which is geographically situated in the NW of Khyber Pakhtunkhwaprovince, Pakistan. Geologically this area lies in the western part of the well-known Kohistan Island Arc. It representsthe best exposure to subduction-related island arc and has been regarded as the prominent metallogenic belt that hosts avariety of various minerals. The area has experienced various tectonic episodes in the past and altered the rockassemblages which developed the huge potential of copper and other precious base metals. To detect and monitor thesealteration zones, remote sensing techniques coupled with field observation were evaluated in the current study.Landsat-7, Landsat-8, and Sentinel-2B images were processed under the shelter of Principal component (Crostatechnique) analysis to demarcate the separate alteration zones. It was confirmed from the results that the signature ofthe mapped alteration zone reflects the ground truth observation of copper mineralization in the target area.Furthermore, remote sensing signatures were correlated with the petrographic details which also confirmed thesealteration zones. Spectrometry of the selected samples also delineates the same signature which is best fitted with theremote sensing data. From our current analysis, we suggest that a principal component technique in terms of medium tohigh-resolution remote sensing data is more beneficial for mineral exploration

Concentration and distribution patterns of rare earth elements (REEs) in stream sediments of Pakistan

Currently, the metals of Rare Earth Elements (REEs) have become very critical to various modern technologies ranging from cell phones and televisions to LED light bulbs and wind turbines. This work was carried out as the Pakistani contribution to the National-scale Geochemical Survey of South and Central Asia (NGSSCA) project. The objective of this study was to document and study the amounts and distribution of REEs in stream sediment of Pakistan, where such national-scale geochemical mapping was launched for the first time. A total of 4277 regular and 168 duplicate samples were collected, encompassing approximately 360,000 km2 of Pakistani outcrop regions. The findings from the geochemical analysis of stream sediment in Pakistan revealed a spectrum in the total Rare Earth Elements (ΣREE) concentration, spanning from 10.22 mg/kg to 1403.1 mg/kg, averaging at 132.5 mg/kg. LREEs are relatively enriched compared to HREEs with an average of LREEs/HREEs of 3.08. The distribution patterns of REEs in stream sediment are demonstrated. It's has been concluded that high concentrations of REEs are mainly distributed in the Himalayan fold and thrust belt, the Karakoram terrane and the Kohistan island arc in the northern part of Pakistan. The bedrock mineralogy and lithology significantly affect the distribution patterns of REEs in stream sediments. The national geochemical mapping of Pakistan provides a useful method for locating alkaline igneous rocks and identifying potential REE mineralization.

Petrographic and Geotechnical Features of Dir Volcanics as Dimension Stone, Upper Dir, North Pakistan

The utilization of dimension stone in construction has been prevalent since ancient times; however, its application in modern construction has gained significant attention over the last few decades. This research aimed to assess the physical and strength properties of volcanic rocks from the Kohistan Island Arc for their potential use as dimension stone. Five types of andesites (MMA, PMA-1, PMA-2, CMA, and FMA) and two types of agglomerates (AG-1 and AG-2) were identified based on their composition, color, and texture. The samples were characterized in terms of their petrography (compositional and textural), physical properties (specific gravity, water absorption, and porosity), and strength properties (unconfined compressive strength and unconfined tensile strength). Two non-destructive tests (ultrasonic pulse velocity test and Schmidt hammer) were conducted, and the degree of polishing was evaluated. Correlation analyses were carried out to establish possible relationships among these parameters. The presence of chlorite, epidote, sericite, and recrystallized quartz indicated signs of low-grade metamorphism in andesites. The study revealed that feldspar, amphibole, and quartz imparted good physical and strength properties to samples MMA, CMA, FMA, AG1, and AG2. On the other hand, PMA-1 and PMA-2 exhibited reduced physical and strength properties due to the abundance of alteration products like chlorite, sericite, and epidote. The unconfined compressive strength exhibited a strong correlation with ultrasonic pulse velocity, skeletal density, porosity, and water absorption. Weathering grade considerably affected the values of ultrasonic pulse velocity and Schmidt hammer. Consequently, samples PMA-1 and PMA-2 are not recommended for load-bearing masonry units and outdoor applications due to their high water absorption and low strength values. On the other hand, samples FMA and MMA exhibited excellent properties like high strength and good polishing, indicating their potential use as decorative and facing stones, external pavement, ashlar, rubbles, and load-bearing masonry units.

Crustal study based on integrated geophysical techniques in the Northwestern Himalayas, Pakistan

The present research aims to explicate the tectonics of the northwest Himalayas, Pakistan, based on integrated gravity, magnetic and earthquake data. The raw gravity and magnetic data were processed, and seven isoanomaly maps were prepared for qualitative interpretation, whereas a gravity model was prepared along the selected profile for quantitative interpretation. The local earthquake data have also been used to identify the various seismogenic layers in the subsurface and to understand how seismicity relates to regional structural features. Three northwest‐trending thick‐skinned blind basement faults are identified from the present study, namely the Indus Kohistan Seismic Zone (IKSZ), Bagh Basement Fault and Hazara Lower Seismic Zone. The IKSZ is the tectonically most active among them and responsible for the 2005 Kashmir earthquake (Mw = 7.6) and 1974 Pattan earthquake (Mw = 6.2) in the region. The present study also delineated the prominent location of the Main Central Thrust in which the high‐grade metamorphic rocks of Higher Himalayan Crystalline thrust over low‐grade metamorphic rocks of Lesser Himalayas along this thick‐skinned fault. The field evidence such as ductile deformation, zone of inverted metamorphism, and brittle deformation also confirm this location. The sharp bending of the crystalline crust, as well as deep basement just south of Kohistan Island Arc (KIA), indicate that the high density and susceptibility rocks of this arc thrust on the leading margin of the Indian Plate along the Main Mantle Thrust. This thrust fault is a major suture zone separating the KIA in the north from the Indian Plate in the south. The other faults in the region exist in the sedimentary/meta‐sedimentary wedge and are thin‐skinned. It is inferred from the current investigation that the study area exhibits a composite style of deformation. Moreover, the gravity model combined with earthquake data suggested the existence of multiple décollement zones below the Hazara‐Kashmir Syntaxis. The model envisaged an increase in the thickness of the Indian Plate continental crust in the northeast direction.

Fluid source and physicochemical conditions of the polymetallic mineralization in Gawuch Formation, Kohistan Island Arc, NW Pakistan

The Cu-Sb-Pb polymetallic vein deposit is hosted by metavolcanics rocks of the Gawuch Formation at the Kaldom Gol area of the northwest Kohistan arc terrain in northern Pakistan. The mineralization is closely associated with the dioritic to granodioritic rocks of the Lowari pluton, which was intruded into the Gawuch metavolcanics. Details of ore characterization and processes of ore genesis of this evidently hydrothermal mineralization are not well documented. Integrating petrographic, mineral-chemical and isotopic investigations, this study aims to comprehend the source of hydrothermal fluids, geochemical evolution, mineral inclusions and physicochemical conditions of the Cu-Sb-Pb polymetallic vein deposit in Gawuch metavolcanics in the Kohistan arc terrain in northern Pakistan. The mineralization is distinguished into three types of ore-gangue associations: Type Ia, Type Ib, and Type II. The textural study revealed two pyrite generations: (i) Py1 displaying euhedral to subhedral habits and containing scarce inclusions, and (ii) Py2 occurring as anhedral grains hosting abundant inclusions. Type Ia is characterized by Py1 associated with abundant quartz (Qz) showing comb texture, sericite (Ser), and minor chlorite (Chl). Type Ib comprises Qz + Ser + Chl and Py2, chalcopyrite (Ccp), and magnetite (Mag). Type II is represented by mosaic quartz, rhombic adularia, and bladed calcite, and the ore minerals fahlore and galena. Alteration zones composed of Qz-Ser ± Chl and Qz-Ser-Chl, surround Type I (a, b) and Type II veins, respectively. Fahlore and galena mostly replace pyrite of Type Ia and chalcopyrite of Type Ib. In addition, malachite, azurite, hematite and covellite occur as secondary (supergene) minerals. The Co/Ni ratios (>1) of Kaldom Gol pyrites suggest that the ore-forming fluids were hydrothermal in origin and Py1 and Py2 solidified at 221–304 °C and 225–261 °C, respectively. The LA-ICP-MS time-resolved depth profiles confirm the existence of sphalerite, and chalcopyrite inclusions in pyrite (Py1 and Py2) and millerite, bravoite, vaesite, Au-tellurides, native Au and galena inclusions in chalcopyrite and fahlore. Sulfur isotope compositions of pyrites (δ34S = Py1, −0.58 to +2 ‰; δ34S = Py2, −0.24 to +2.04 ‰) indicate that the ore-forming fluids were derived from magmatic source (s). The mineral assemblage, hydrothermal alterations, textures, temperature and δ34S of pyrites suggest that the Cu-Sb-Pb polymetallic mineralization at Kaldom Gol represents an intermediate-sulfidation type of epithermal deposit.

Making the Juvenile lower continental crust by melting of contaminated oceanic mantle wedge: Evidence from the Chilas Complex in the Kohistan Island Arc, North Pakistan

Making the Juvenile lower continental crust by melting of contaminated oceanic mantle wedge: Evidence from the Chilas Complex in the Kohistan Island Arc, North Pakistan

Petrotectonic framework of Siwalik Group in Khairi Murat-Kauliar area, Potwar Sub-Basin, Pakistan

The Khairi Murat-Kauliar area lies between the Salt Range Thrust (SRT) in the south whereas Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) in the north which is the part of the Potwar Sub Basin. Eocene to Recent succession is exposed in the study area. The selected siliciclastic Siwalik Group display various facies in a fluviatile environment, with different lithologies, and sedimentary features. The petrographic studies of Siwalik Group delineate different microfacies including feldspathic litharenite, litharenite and sub arkose. The provenance study of sandstones depicted the terrane of dissected arc and recycled orogeny, indicating that the detritus was received from sedimentary, metamorphic, plutonic and volcanic rocks from the northern domain of Indian Plate, Karakoram Ranges and Kohistan Island arc. The Siwalik sandstone also contains heavy mineral assemblage such as tourmaline, garnet, epidote, hornblende and chlorite. This heavy detritus assemblage depicted that the deposits were received from metamorphic and igneous origin. A modified dynamic depositional stages of the Siwalik Group with respect to Himalayan orogeny is further built using outcrop data, microfacies and heavy minerals analysis. According to this concept, the group was deposited along Himalayan uprising and thrusting, on the depository in targeted area. The Siwalik Group depicted different phase of Himalayan tectonics and these molasse sequence were deposited in a subsiding foreland basin under the conditions of rapid erosion and quick deposition.

Mineralogy, Fluid Inclusions, and Isotopic Study of the Kargah Cu-Pb Polymetallic Vein-Type Deposit, Kohistan Island Arc, Northern Pakistan: Implication for Ore Genesis

The Kargah Cu-Pb polymetallic deposit is a newly discovered ore deposit from the Gilgit-Baltistan region, located in the Kohistan Island Arc, northern Pakistan. However, this area is poorly researched on the ore genesis, and its origin and the evolution of its magmatic-hydrothermal system remain unclear. Three stages of mineralization were identified, including quartz-pyrite, quartz-sulfide, and carbonate representing early, middle, and late stages, respectively. The major ore minerals are pyrite, chalcopyrite, galena, and zincian tetrahedrite with minor native silver, and native gold mainly distributed in pyrite. Here, we present a systematic study on ore geology, hydrothermal alterations, trace element composition of pyrite, fluid inclusions, and isotopes (S and Pb) characteristics to gain insights into the nature of the ore-forming fluids, types of unknown deposits, and hydrothermal fluid evolution. The high Co/Ni ratio (1.3–16.4) and Co content (average 1201 ppm), the low Mo/Ni ratio (0.43–0.94) and Mo contents (average 108 ppm) of both Py-I and Py-II suggest a mafic source for the mineralization. The Au-Ni plots, Co-As-Ni correlation, and the δ34S values range from −2.8 to 6.4‰ (average of 3.4‰) indicating the affiliation of the mineralization with a mantle-derived magmatic-hydrothermal provenance. The Pb isotope data showing the narrow variations in 206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb and 208Pb/204Pb values suggest a single lead source from crustal-derived materials. The microthermometry data suggest that the dominant mechanisms are fluid boiling and mixing for mineral precipitation at temperatures ranging between 155 and 555 °C, and represent an intrusion-related magmatic-hydrothermal environment for the Kargah Cu-Pb polymetallic deposit.

The Mineralization and Structural Geology of the Porphyry Copper Deposits of Pakistan

The purpose of this review is to shed light on copper deposits found in different regions of Pakistan. The geological attributes of copper deposits have been considered with their tectonic context. The porphyry copper deposits can be traced in Pakistan from the north through Kohistan Island Arc (KIA) up to the south to Chaghi Magmatic Arc (CMA). These deposits are mainly found in and around the Late Tertiary–Early Tertiary Himalayan Belt, Kohistan magmatic arc, Karakorum Block Foreland fold and thrust belt, Ophiolite Thrust belt, Suture zone and Chaghi Magmatic Arc. These deposits in Pakistan are chiefly established in different episodes of tectonic regimes, including subduction processes, oceanic island arc, continental arc, along with Chaman- OrnachNal Fault system and post-collisional settings.

Phase equilibria and microstructural constraints on the high‐T building of the Kohistan island arc: The Jijal garnet granulites, northern Pakistan

AbstractThe Kohistan island arc represents a >50 km thick and completely exposed Late Cretaceous–Eocene Neo‐Tethyan island arc sequence between the Indian and Eurasian plates in the western Himalaya. At the base of the Kohistan Arc, the Jijal Complex exposes a continuous sequence from ultramafic upper mantle rocks to mafic rocks of the lower crust across the Moho transition zone. In the shallower mafic section of the Jijal Complex, widespread garnet–clinopyroxene gabbros are uniform in assemblage but show a spectrum of microstructural variation involving two distinguishable styles of garnet growth. Uncertainty surrounds the genetic origin of these equilibria across the sequence which have been variably proposed to derive either from (a) dehydration melting of amphibole‐bearing precursor rocks, (b) subsolidus recrystallization of gabbronorite, or (c) primary magmatic crystallization. Owing to extensive high‐T re‐equilibration, compositional records of magmatic precursors and the pre‐peak evolution across the complex have been erased. However, quantitative textural analysis evidences a progressively increasing departure from microstructural randomness from deep to shallow levels of the upper Jijal Complex. This is interpreted to reflect the increased propensity for shallow garnet–clinopyroxene gabbros to have been derived from solid‐state recrystallization of a cumulate gabbronorite precursor, resulting in the development of coronitic garnet microstructures. In the deepest portions of the mafic sequence, both cumulate textures and thermodynamic modelling attest to the basal levels of the Kohistan arc crust at ~10–14 kbar crystallizing primary magmatic garnet and clinopyroxene from low H2O (<6 wt%) basaltic–andesitic melts. Granulite facies metamorphism and re‐equilibration across the whole upper Jijal Complex—shown via phase equilibrium modelling to be associated with over‐accretion in the mid‐arc crust and a pressure increase of 2–3 kbar to 850–1,050℃ and 11–14 kbar—was followed by a period of approximately isobaric cooling across ~200℃ and amphibolitization. Compositions of low‐volume leucosome‐hosted garnet indicate melting occurred prior to, or during, this re‐equilibration period and melt reintegration simulations suggest that dehydration melting of amphibole‐bearing precursors played only a minor role in the genesis of the Jijal garnet–clinopyroxene gabbros. By combining field relationships, petrological and textural analysis, interpretations of mineral compositions, and phase equilibrium modelling, we therefore provide detailed constraints on crustal thickening and the thermal evolution of the lowermost arc crust.

Reply to the comment on Zafar et al., 2020: “Petrogenesis, platinum-group element geochemistry and geodynamic evolution of Cretaceous Chilas gabbros, Kohistan island arc, NE Pakistan” by Hussain et al., 2021

Reply to the comment on Zafar et al., 2020: “Petrogenesis, platinum-group element geochemistry and geodynamic evolution of Cretaceous Chilas gabbros, Kohistan island arc, NE Pakistan” by Hussain et al., 2021

Fluid source, element mobility and physicochemical conditions of porphyry-style hydrothermal alteration-mineralization at Mirkhani, Southern Chitral, Pakistan

The Cretaceous calc-alkaline granodioritic rocks in north-western Kohistan island arc host porphyry-type mineralization at Mirkhani in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. In this paper, we present whole-rock geochemistry, mass-change calculations, and type and degree of element mobility regarding the hydrothermal mineralization-alteration processes. There are two distinct types of pyrite mineralization: (1) euhedral to subhedral pyrite (Py1) and cataclastic pyrite (Py2). To comprehend the source of hydrothermal fluids and their physicochemical conditions, trace element and S (sulfur) isotope compositions of the two types of pyrite were determined. Besides, the pyrite and silicate minerals were investigated through electron probe microanalysis (EPMA).The average low Ni (46), Zn (5), Cd (below detection level), and Bi (1) contents (in ppm), high Co/Ni ratio (>10) of both Py1 and Py2, and the range of sulfur isotope values for Py1 (−0.84‰ to 1.49‰) and Py2 (−0.93‰ to 1.84‰) indicate affiliation of the mineralization with felsic magma-derived hydrothermal fluids. The average low and high contents (ppm) of Se (0.7), As (2.6) and Zn (2), and Co (1089), respectively, in Py1 than Py2 (Se = 1.3, As = 4, Zn = 6 and Co = 747) indicates that former pyrite grains crystallized at a higher temperature than the latter, however, both types of pyrites were formed in medium to high-temperature conditions.The observed strong mobility of REE (rare earth elements) and HFSE (high field strength elements), high La/Yb ratios (avg. 23), and low (<1) Nb/La and Th/La ratios in the altered rocks reflect mobilization by slightly acidic solutions dominated by chloride and fluoride-rich complexes (±SO4 and OH). The gain-loss calculations reveal that SiO2, CaO, and TiO2 were leached out, whereas Al2O3, Fe2O3, MgO, P2O5, K2O, Cu, As, Mo, Ag, Au, Bi, and REE, HFSE, and LILE (large-ion lithophile elements) were variably added to the rocks during the hydrothermal process.Temperature calculation for chlorite formation and the type of gangue and ore mineral assemblage (epidote + sericite + albite + pyrite) implies a mineralization temperature range between ~ 215 °C and ~ 322 °C. The porphyry style of hydrothermal alteration-mineralization, trace element and S isotope composition of pyrite, and elemental gain and loss indicates that the mineralization at Mirkhani could be a part of a major porphyry Cu-Au system.

Landslide susceptibility assessment along the Dubair-Dudishal section of the Karakoram Highway, Northwestern Himalayas, Pakistan

The primary objective of this study is to analyze and characterize landslides in North Pakistan along Karakoram Highway (KKH) to produce a landslide susceptibility map using GIS and remote sensing technology. Using satellite images followed by field investigations, spatial distribution of landslide database was generated. Next, an integrated study was undertaken in the study area to perform the landslide susceptibility mapping. Dubaur-Dudishal section of KKH (about 150 km) which is a part of Kohistan Island Arc, is investigated in this study with a buffer zone of about 8 km along both sides of the KKH. Several thematic maps, e.g., lithology, distance to faults, distance to streams, distance to roads, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), slope, aspect, elevation, relative relief, plan-curvature and profile-curvature were prepared. Subsequently, these thematic data layers were analyzed by frequency ratio (FR) model and weights-of-evidence (WoE) model to generate the landslide susceptibility maps. In order to check the accuracy of the models, the area under the curve (AUC) was to quantitatively compare the two models used in this study. The predictive ability of AUC values indicate that the success rates of FR model and WoE model are 0.807 and 0.866, whereas the prediction rates are 0.785 and 0.846, respectively. Both methods show that nearly 50 % landslides in the study area fall in either high or very high susceptibility zones. The landslide susceptibility maps presented in this study are of great importance to the policy makers and the engineers for highway construction as well as the mega dams construction projects (Dasu dam and Bhasha dam which lie within the vicinity of the study area); so that proper prevention as well as mitigation could be done in advance to avoid the possible economic as well as the human loss in future.

Remagnetization of Jutal dykes in Gilgit area of the Kohistan Island Arc: Perspectives from the India–Asia collision

SUMMARY The Kohistan Island Arc (KIA) occupies the northwestern region of the Himalayan Mountains, sandwiched between Asia and India plates. Its formation, collision with plate boundaries, and evolution has been controversially discussed for a couple of decades. To better understand this, a palaeomagnetic study has been conducted on the Jutal dykes (ca. 75 Ma), intruded in the northeastern part of the KIA. Comprehensive rock magnetic investigations reveal that the magnetic carrier minerals are pyrrhotite and magnetite. An intermediate temperature component (ITC) predominates the natural remanent magnetization and shows good coincidence within-site; it is carried by pyrrhotite and is considered reliable, yielding a mean direction at Dg/Ig = 11.5°/39.9° (kg = 28.4, α95 = 3.5°) before and Ds/Is = 8.6°/12.1° (ks = 5.1, α95 = 9.1°) after tilt correction. A high-temperature component that is carried by magnetite exhibits random distribution within-site. The fold test for the ITC is negative, indicating a post-folding origin. Scanning electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy indicates that the magnetic carrier minerals were influenced by metamorphism or thermochemical fluids. The comparison of mean palaeolatitude (22.6 ± 3.5°N) of the ITC with the collisional settings and thermal history of the study area implies that the remagnetization occurred at ∼50–35 Ma, consistent with the previous reported palaeomagnetic data of the KIA. We propose a tectonic model that shows the evolution of the Jutal dykes, supporting the concept that India collided with the KIA first, followed by a later collision with Asia.

Comment on : “Platinum-group element geochemistry and geodynamic evolution of Chilas complex gabbros, Kohistan Island Arc NE Pakistan”

An article (Zafar et al., 2020, 372–373, 105,691) recently published in Lithos proposes new petrogenetic interpretations regarding the Chilas Complex (CC) gabbros, and collisional history of the Kohistan Island Arc (KIA). Geochemical modeling based on bulk analysis of a single rock type has led the authors to argue against the previously proposed interpretations about the (1) genesis of CC through diapirism or rift-related magmatism and (2) timing of the collision of the Indian continental plate with KIA. The authors have postulated that the CC gabbroic rocks originated as a result of the northward subduction of the Indian plate beneath the Eurasian plate at ca. 85 Ma; mature arc-type magmatism in the Neo-Tethys Ocean. The irrefutable evidence for the existence of the thousands of km thick Kohistan-Ladakh Island Arc (KLA) system and the Neo-Tethys Ocean between the Indian and Eurasian plates preclude the possibility for such subduction and direct collision in the northern territory of Pakistan. Furthermore, the geochemical signatures do not offer unequivocal evidence for arc-continent collisional setting; instead petrogenetic modeling based on a re-evaluation of Zafar et al. (2020) data favors a back-arc basin (BAB) origin for the CC gabbros and thus endorses the previously proposed BAB tectonic setting for CC. Hence a thorough investigation of the data acquired and rationality of the interpretation by Zafar et al. (2020) is warranted since it contradicts the previously proposed and generally accepted concepts regarding the genesis of CC and collision of KIA with the Indian and Eurasian plates.

Host rock peculiarities and influence of major structures on gold and base metal sulfide mineralization in northern Pakistan

For decades, the streams and rivers in northern areas of Pakistan are being explored for gold but the source rock for primary gold is yet to be located. Recent geological surveys have identified several areas for follow-up study for Cu-Au mineralization in Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan regions. The rocks exposed at various localities are variably altered and/ or mineralized and intensely deformed, which mostly include diorite, granodiorite, greenschists, limestones and undeformed volcanic rocks and granitoids of the Kohistan island arc. The results of petrographic and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses of a variety of representative rock samples from a number sites have revealed that mineralization in the Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan regions is dominantly in the form of pyrite, tetrahedrite, chalcopyrite and galena with subordinate amounts of magnetite, malachite and azurite. The associated/ gangue minerals include albite, quartz, actinolite, biotite, chlorite, epidote, calcite, garnet, illite and titanite (sphene). Diffraction patterns of glycolated samples did not show the existence of swelling clay (e.g., smectite). Sericitic, chloritic and carbonatic alterations have been observed in the studied altered rocks. Mass balance calculations indicate that most of the sulfide-bearing samples are enriched in Cu, Au, Sb, As and Pb and depleted in the rest of the metals reflecting differences in elements mobility during the ore-forming processes. Some of the mineralized rocks especially limestone have experienced a significant volume change due to mobilization of some of the major element oxides e.g. CaO, Fe2O3, SiO2 and ore-forming components e.g. Cu and Pb. The mineralization is of epithermal type in most of the investigated sites, however a few areas show ore formation though orogenic processes and very rarely the ore deposit displays features of the volcanogenic massive sulfide type. Some of the areas are quite promising with respect to their ore element contents and the highly mineralized zones lie in close proximity to major structures in the region. Besides, results from the current study indicate that the mineralization shows close spatial association and hence a strong genetic link with strike slip faults especially where they bend and merge together.

Gabbronorite from Jijal Complex, Kamila Amphibolite Belt and Chilas Complex, Northern Pakistan: Implications for Arc Genesis

Rocks of gabbronoritic composition occur in three principal tectono-stratigraphic units forming the lower andmiddle parts of the Kohistan Island arc (KIA). These include the Jijal complex (JC), the Kamila Amphibolite belt (KAB)and the Chilas complex (CHC). The Jijal complex constitutes the lowermost part and hence is regarded as the root zoneof KIA. Its north-eastern part adjacent to KAB contains gabbronorite as a minor component in the form of small irregularpatches and layers within garnet granulite. The JC gabbronorite is sub-equigranular, medium to coarse grained, largelymassive and consists of variable amounts of plagioclase (53-71 %), orthopyroxene (14-27 %) and clinopyroxene (11-19%) as essential constituents and accessory to minor amounts of amphibole (1-9 %), opaque ore (1-6 %) and orthoclase(1-4 %). The occurrence and distribution of biotite, epidote, chlorite, clay, sericite, muscovite, quartz and actinolite inthe studied samples suggest their formation through alteration and/ or reaction between pre-existing minerals. In manycases, these minerals are disposed such that a variety of simple and complex corona structures are produced. The principalpetrographic features (modal composition, optical properties of the major mineral phases, exsolution in pyroxenes,products of alteration and reactions and the resulting corona textures) of the JC gabbronorite are broadly similar togabbronorites from both the KAB and CHC. Although the observed similarities could reflect identical physico-chemicalconditions during subsolidus or metamorphic re-equilibration, the possibility of a genetic relationship amonggabbronorites from all the three tectono-magmatic units of the KIA (i.e. the JC, KAB and CHC) cannot be ruled out.

Geochronology, mineral chemistry and genesis of REE mineralization in alkaline rocks from the Kohistan Island Arc, Pakistan

Alkaline igneous-related rare earth element (REE) deposits constitute a major global economic resource of REE. However, our understanding of their geodynamic settings and magmatic-hydrothermal processes remains uncertain. Here, we present an investigation of petrography, geochronology and mineral chemistry of newly discovered REE mineralization in the alkaline syenite and pegmatite from the Kohistan Batholith in the Kohistan Island Arc, Pakistan. The pegmatite contains abundant chevkinite and monazite (up to 10–35% in volume), which formed from crystallization of a REE-oversaturated evolved melt and are the main REE-bearing phases. U-Th-Pb isotopic dating of zircon from the syenite yields the emplacement age of 31.2 ± 0.3 Ma, which closely matches the ages of zircon and monazite from the pegmatite (30.1 ± 0.3 Ma and 30.9 ± 0.3 Ma, respectively). Zircons from the syenite and the pegmatite have similar ɛHf(t) values, ranging from + 0.2 to + 2.5, indicating that the syenite and the pegmatite are co-magmatic in origin. The alkaline magma likely formed by partial melting of the enriched lithospheric mantle induced by the asthenospheric upwelling, which was related to slab break-off at the post-collisional stage following the collision of the Kohistan Island Arc with the Indian Plate. Zircons show the evolutional trend in trace element compositions from the syenite to the pegmatite, marked by increases in REE, Hf, Y, U, volatiles and fo2. These changes reflect prolonged fractional crystallization processes of the alkaline magma, which were responsible for the REE enrichment in the residual pegmatitic melt. Post-collisional alkaline magmatic rocks are widely distributed in many places along the Tethyan orogenic belt. These observations suggest that these post-collisional alkaline rocks may be good targets for REE exploration.

Effects of tectonically induced fabrics on geomechanical properties of rocks, NW Pakistan

The Chakdara Granitic Gneisses (CGG) of the Indian plate and Kamila Amphibolite of the Kohistan Island Arc (KIA) along the Main Mantle Thrust (MMT) in Shigo Kas, Talash Dir Lower, indicate that tectonically induced foliations and lineations strongly affected the geomechanical properties of these rocks. The earlier S1 crenulated cleavages are well preserved in the microlithon of a well-developed ENE-WSW trending S2 crenulation cleavage. The pervasive S2 foliations, D2 fold axes, and L22 lineations are induced by NNW-SSE horizontal bulk shortening. The core samples obtained parallel and perpendicular to the main ENE-WSW trending S2 and L22 have higher and lower uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) values, respectively. The UCS and uniaxial tensile strength (UTS) average values of four core samples obtained parallel and perpendicular to the main S2 are 51.8 MPa and 12.21 MPa versus 45.65 MPa and 12.45 MPa, respectively. Core samples from the weakly foliated S-2 specimen shows little variation in the UCS and UTS values. The variation in the UCS values in the core samples cut perpendicular and parallel to the main tectonic fabric has been controlled by micro-shear zones at the contact zones of crenulated and crenulation cleavages and sigmoidal mica fish. The UCS values are higher in the core samples parallel to the pervasive S2 and L22 because the parallel shear on the sigmoidal crenulated cleavages in microlithon of the S2 and S2 mica fish counterbalance the parallel external applied load. However, the UCS values decrease in the core samples that were cut perpendicular to the pervasive S2 and L22 because the perpendicular shear on the sigmoidal crenulated cleavages in microlithon of the S2 and S2 mica fish enhances the external applied load, which lead to the failure of core samples.

Morphological, thermoelectrical, geochemical and isotopic anatomy of auriferous pyrite from the Bagrote valley placer deposits, North Pakistan: Implications for ore genesis and gold exploration

The Bagrote valley in North Pakistan, belonging to the Kohistan island arc, is well-known for regional placer gold mining. However, no economically feasible in situ hydrothermal gold deposits have been discovered in this region due to rugged terrain and remote nature of its location in the western Himalaya. The streams draining the Main Karakoram Thrust (MKT)/Shyoke suture zone carry placer gold in sediments as well as old river terraces, although the primary source remains unknown. In this paper, we employ a multiparametric approach including, X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis, thermoelectricity, major and trace element geochemistry and isotopic characteristics of pyrite associated with placer gold with a view to identify the nature of the unknown deposits and ore forming fluids on the catchment of the Bagrote valley. Pyrite in the Bagrote valley placers is euhedral to subhedral indicating the proximal gold sources. The high rate of occurrence of N-type thermoelectric coefficients (89%) with low P-type (11%) and crystallization temperature (290 °C−380 °C) combined with chemical features indicate that the pyrite was derived from porphyry or epithermal type of magmatic hydrothermal gold deposits from the hinterlands of the Bagrote valley. The X-Ray elemental maps show that Fe, As, Mo and Ni are homogenously distributed from core to rim suggesting stable crystallization condition without any alteration by later fluids. The calculated chemical formula of pyrite of our samples is [Au0.0006Fe] S2.004], plots of Au-As and Au-Fe shows that gold occurs in pyrite as micro to nano inclusion as Au0. The δ34 SV-CDT values of pyrite range from – 0.6‰ to 0.9‰ with an average of −0.02‰, indicating the derivation of sulfur from a homogeneous magmatic source. The Pb isotope data indicates that the Pb was sourced from orogenic-type source, with minor contribution of lower crust. The narrow variations in 206Pb/204Pb and 208Pb/204Pb values suggest a single lead source. The low, medium and high Mo/Ni ratios reflect a mixed provenance for the auriferous pyrite. The average value of γ (71.8%), of pyrite computed from thermoelectric parameters (XnP), suggests that the dominant part of the primary source that contributes to the placers might have already been eroded. However, the proximal source and with high content of gold in the pyrite grains (up to 1160 ppm) suggest the possibility of significant economic mineralisation below the present erosion level of the deposits in the hinterlands of Bagrote Valley.