• Economic and Environmental Geology
• /
• v.45 no.5
• /
• pp.487-502
• /
• 2012

This paper is focused on mineral compositions, microstructures and distributional characters of remained grains in the fault rocks collected from a fault developed in Yongdang-ri, Yangbuk-myeon, Gyeongju City, Korea, using X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical microscope, laser grain size analysis and fractal dimension analysis methods. The exposed fault core zone is about 1.5 meter thick. On the average, the breccia zone is 1.2 meter and the gouge zone is 20cm thick, respectively. XRD results show that the breccia zone consists predominantly of rock-forming minerals including quartz and feldspar, but the gouge zone consists of abundant clay minerals such as chlorite, illite and kaolinite. Mineral vein, pyrite and altered minerals commonly observed in the fault rock support evidence of fault activity associated with hydrothermal alteration. Fractal dimensions based on box counting, image analysis and laser particle analysis suggest that mineral grains in the fault rock underwent fracturing process as well as abrasion that gave rise to diminution of grains during the fault activity. Fractal dimensions(D-values) calculated by three methods gradually increase from the breccia zone to the gouge zone which has commonly high D-values. There are no noticeable changes in D-values in the gouge zone with trend being constant. It means that the bulk-crushing process of mineral grains in the breccia zone was predominant, whereas abrasion of mineral grains in the gouge zone took place by continuous fault activity. It means that the bulk-crushing process of mineral grains in the breccia zone was predominant, whereas abrasion of mineral grains in the gouge zone took place by continuous fault activity. Mineral compositions in the fault zone and peculiar trends in grain distribution indicate that multiple fault activity had a considerable influence on the evolution of fault zones, together with hydrothermal alteration. Meanwhile, fractal dimension values(D) in the fault rock should be used with caution because there is possibility that different values are unexpectedly obtained depending on the measurement methods available even in the same sample.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
• /
• v.36 no.5
• /
• pp.321-328
• /
• 2003

The epithermal gold and base metal deposit of the Tanggeung district of West Java consists of four major veins(Celak, Cigodobras, Cilangkap and Pasirbedil) with NS to N10$^{\circ}$∼20$^{\circ}$E and N75$^{\circ}$W strikes. The veins occur within fractures cutting the crystal and lithic tuff of Jampang Formation(Oligo-Miocene) in and around the Mt. Subang of the western Java, Indonesia. The ore mineralization is characterized by the occurrence of pyrite, sphalerite, galena, chalcopyrite, and small amounts of bornite and Fe-oxides. Hydrothermal alteration, associated with the mineralization, was dominantly silicified and enveloped by the phyllitic(sericitic), argillic and propylitic alteration containing the disseminated pyrite. Gangue minerals consist of interstratified smectite-illite, chlorite, sericite, and minor kaolinite. The presence of vapor-rich fluid inclusions in quartz veins suggests that boiling occurred locally throughout ore deposition. Fluid inclusion studies suggest that the ore fluid evolved from initial high temperatures(〓34$0^{\circ}C$) to later lower temperatures(〓19$0^{\circ}C$). Salinities range from 0.0 to 8.3 wt percent NaCl equiv. The relatively high increase in salinity(up to 8.3 wt percent NaCl equiv) might be explained by a local boiling and by a participation of magmatic fluids, supported by the sulfur isotope results. Evidence of fluid boiling suggests that the pressure decreased from 200 bars to 120 bars. This corresponds to the depths of approximately 750 to 1,200 m in a hydrothermal system that changed from lithostatic to hydrostatic conditions. Using homogenization temperatures and paragenetic constraints, the calculated $\delta$$^{34}$ S values of $H_2S$ in ore fluid are -0.2 to 1.8 permil close to the 0 permil isotopic value of magmatic sulfur.

• Korean Journal of Mineralogy and Petrology
• /
• v.33 no.3
• /
• pp.195-214
• /
• 2020

The Samgwang Au-Ag deposit has been one of the largest deposits in Korea. The deposit consists of eight lens-shaped quartz veins which filled fractures along fault zones in Precambrian metasedimentary rock, which feature suggest that it is an orogenic-type deposit. The Ti-bearing minerals occur in wallrock (titanite, ilmenite and rutile) and laminated quartz vein (rutile). They occur minerals including biotite, muscovite, chlorite, white mica, monazite, zircon, apatite in wallrock and white mica, chlorite, arsenopyrite in laminated quartz vein. Chemical composition of titanite has maximum vaules of 3.94 wt.% (Al₂O₃), 0.49 wt.% (FeO), 0.52 wt.% (Nb₂O₅), 0.46 wt.% (Y₂O₃) and 0.43 wt.% (V₂O₅). Titanite with 0.06~0.14 (Fe/Al ratio) and 0.06~0.15 (X_Al (=Al/Al+Fe³⁺+Ti)) corresponds with metamorphic origin and low-Al variety. Chemical composition of ilmenite has maximum values of 0.07 wt.% (ZrO₂), 0.12 wt.% (HfO₂), 0.26 wt.% (Nb₂O₅), 0.04 wt.% (Sb₂O₅), 0.13 wt.% (Ta₂O₅), 2.62 wt.% (As₂O₅), 0.29 wt.% (V₂O₅), 0.12 wt.% (Al₂O₃) and 1.59 wt.% (ZnO). Chemical composition of rutile in wallrock and laminated quartz vein has maximum values of 0.35 wt.%, 0.65 wt.% (HfO₂), 2.52 wt.%, 0.19 wt.% (WO₃), 1.28 wt.%, 1.71 wt.% (Nb₂O₃), 0.03 wt.%, 0.07 wt.% (Sb₂O₃), 0.28 wt.%, 0.21 wt.% (As₂O₅), 0.68 wt.%, 0.70 wt.% (V₂O₃), 0.48 wt.%, 0.59 wt.% (Cr₂O₃), 0.70 wt.%, 1.90 wt.% (Al₂O₃) and 4.76 wt.%, 3.17 wt.% (FeO), respectively. Rutile in laminated quartz vein is higher contents (HfO₂, Nb₂O₃, As₂O₅, Cr₂O₃, Al₂O₃ and FeO) and lower content (WO₃) than rutile in wallrock. The substitutions of rutile in wallrock and laminated quatz vein are as followed : rutile in wallrock [(Fe³⁺, Al³⁺, Cr³⁺) + Hf⁴⁺ + (W⁵⁺, As⁵⁺, Nb⁵⁺) ⟵⟶ 2Ti⁴⁺ + V⁴⁺, 2Fe²⁺ + (Al³⁺, Cr³⁺) + Hf⁴⁺ + (W⁵⁺, As⁵⁺, Nb⁵⁺) ⟵⟶ 2Ti⁴⁺ + 2V⁴⁺], rutile in laminated quartz vein [(Fe³⁺, Al³⁺) + As⁵⁺ ⟵⟶ Ti⁴⁺ + V⁴⁺, (Fe³⁺, Al³⁺) + As⁵⁺ ⟵⟶ Ti⁴⁺ + Hf⁴⁺, 4(Fe³⁺, Al³⁺) ⟵⟶ Ti⁴⁺ + (W⁵⁺, Nb⁵⁺) + Cr³⁺], respectively. Based on these data, titanite, ilmenite and rutile in wallrock were formed by resolution and reconcentration of cations (W⁵⁺, Nb⁵⁺, As⁵⁺, Hf⁴⁺, V⁴⁺, Cr³⁺, Al³⁺, Fe³⁺, Fe²⁺) in minerals of wallrock during regional metamorphism. And then rutile in laminated quartz vein was formed by reconcentration of cations (Nb⁵⁺, As⁵⁺, Hf⁴⁺, Cr³⁺, Al³⁺, Fe³⁺, Fe²⁺) in alteration minerals (white mica, chlorite) and Ti-bearing minerals reaction between hydrothermal fluid originated during ductile shear and Ti-bearing minerals (titanite, ilmenite and rutile) in wallrock.

• Korean Journal of Mineralogy and Petrology
• /
• v.35 no.2
• /
• pp.83-100
• /
• 2022

The Zhenzigou Pb-Zn deposit, which is one of the largest Pb-Zn deposit in the northeast of China, is located at the Qingchengzi mineral field in Jiao Liao Ji belt. The geology of this deposit consists of Archean granulite, Paleoproterozoinc migmatitic granite, Paleo-Mesoproterozoic sodic granite, Paleoproterozoic Liaohe group, Mesozoic diorite and Mesozoic monzoritic granite. The Zhenzigou deposit which is a strata bound SEDEX or SEDEX type deposit occurs as layer ore and vein ore in Langzishan formation and Dashiqiao formation of the Paleoproterozoic Liaohe group. White mica from this deposit are occured only in layer ore and are classified four type (Type I : weak alteration (clastic dolomitic marble), Type II : strong alteration (dolomitic clastic rock), Type III : layer ore (dolomitic clastic rock), Type IV : layer ore (clastic dolomitic marble)). Type I white mica in weak alteration zone is associated with dolomite that is formed by dolomitization of hydrothermal metasomatism. Type II white mica in strong alteration zone is associated with dolomite, ankerite, quartz and alteration of K-feldspar by hydrothermal metasomatism. Type III white mica in layer ore is associated with dolomite, ankerite, calcite, quartz and alteration of K-feldspar by hydrothermal metasomatism. And type IV white mica in layer ore is associated with dolomite, quartz and alteration of K-feldspar by hydrothermal metasomatism. The structural formulars of white micas are determined to be (K_0.92-0.80Na_0.01-0.00Ca_0.02-0.01Ba_0.00Sr_0.01-0.00)_0.95-0.83(Al_1.72-1.57Mg_0.33-0.20Fe_0.01-0.00Mn_0.00Ti_0.02-0.00Cr_0.01-0.00V_0.00Sb_0.02-0.00Ni_0.00Co_0.02-0.00)_1.99-1.90(Si_3.40-3.29Al_0.71-0.60)_4.00O₁₀(OH_2.00-1.83F_0.17-0.00)_2.00, (K_1.03-0.84Na_0.03-0.00Ca_0.08-0.00Ba_0.00Sr_0.01-0.00)_1.08-0.85(Al_1.85-1.65Mg_0.20-0.06Fe_0.10-0.03Mn_0.00Ti_0.05-0.00Cr_0.03-0.00V_0.01-0.00Sb_0.02-0.00Ni_0.00Co_0.03-0.00)_1.99-1.93(Si_3.28-2.99Al_1.01-0.72)_4.00O₁₀(OH_1.96-1.90F_0.10-0.04)_2.00, (K_1.06-0.90Na_0.01-0.00Ca_0.01-0.00Ba_0.00Sr_0.02-0.01)_1.10-0.93(Al_1.93-1.64Mg_0.19-0.00Fe_0.12-0.01Mn_0.00Ti_0.01-0.00Cr_0.01-0.00V_0.00Sb_0.00Ni_0.00Co_0.05-0.01)_2.01-1.94(Si_3.32-2.96Al_1.04-0.68)_4.00O₁₀(OH_2.00-1.91F_0.09-0.00)_2.00 and (K_0.91-0.83Na_0.02-0.01Ca_0.02-0.00Ba_0.01-0.00Sr_0.00)_0.93-0.83(Al_1.84-1.67Mg_0.15-0.08Fe_0.07-0.02Mn_0.00Ti_0.04-0.00Cr_0.06-0.00V_0.02-0.00Sb_0.02-0.01Ni_0.00Co_0.00)_2.00-1.92(Si_3.27-3.16Al_0.84-0.73)_4.00O₁₀(OH_1.97-1.88F_0.12-0.03)_2.00, respectively. It indicated that white mica of from the Zhenzigou deposit has less K, Na and Ca, and more Si than theoretical dioctahedral mica. Compositional variations in white mica from the Zhenzigou deposit are caused by phengitic or Tschermark substitution [(Al³⁺)^VI+(Al³⁺)^IV <-> (Fe²⁺ or Mg²⁺)^VI+(Si⁴⁺)^IV] substitution. It means that the Fe in white mica exists as Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺, but mainly as Fe²⁺. Therefore, white mica from layer ore of the Zhenzigou deposit was formed in the process of remelting and re-precipitation of pre-existed minerals by hydrothermal metasomatism origined metamorphism (greenschist facies) associated with Paleoproterozoic intrusion. And compositional variations in white mica from the Zhenzigou deposit are caused by phengitic or Tschermark substitution [(Al³⁺)^VI+(Al³⁺)^IV <-> (Fe²⁺ or Mg²⁺)^VI+(Si⁴⁺)^IV] substitution during hydrothermal metasomatism depending on wallrock type, alteration degree and ore/gangue mineral occurrence frequency.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
• /
• v.36 no.6
• /
• pp.391-405
• /
• 2003

The Daebong gold-silver deposit consists of mesothermal massive quartz veins thar are filling the fractures along fault shear (NE, NW) Bones within banded or granitic gneiss of Precambrian Gyeonggi massif. Based on vein mineralogy, ore textures and paragenesis, ore mineralization of this deposits is composed of massive white quartz vein(stage I) which was formed in the same stage by multiple episodes of fracturing and healing, and transparent quartz vein(stage II) which is separated by a major faulting event. Stage I is divided into the 3 substages. Ore minerals of each substages are as follows: 1) early stage I=magnetite, pyrrhotite, arsenopyrite, pyrite, sphalerite, chalcopyrite, 2) middle stage I=pyrrhotite, arsenopyrite, pyrite, marcasite, sphalerite, chalcopyrite, galena, electrum and 3) late stage I=pyrite, sphalerite, chalcopyrite, galena, electrum, argentite, respectively. Ore minerals of the stage II are composed of pyrite, sphalerite, chalcopyrite, galena and electrum. Systematic studies (petrography and microthermometry) of fluid inclusions in stage I and II quartz veins show fluids from contrasting physical-chemical conditions: 1) $H_2O-CO_2-CH_4-NaCl{\pm}N-2$ fluid(early stage I=homogenization temperature: 203∼3$88^{\circ}C$, pressure: 1082∼2092 bar, salinity: 0.6∼13.4 wt.%, middle stage I=homogenization temperature: 215∼28$0^{\circ}C$, salinity: 0.2∼2.8 wt.%) related to the stage I sulfide deposition, 2) $H_2O-NaCl{\pm}CO_2$ fluid (late stage I=homogenization temperature: 205∼2$88^{\circ}C$, pressure: 670 bar, salinity: 4.5∼6.7 wt.%, stage II=homogenization temperature: 201-3$58^{\circ}C$, salinity: 0.4-4.2 wt.%) related to the late stage I and II sulfide deposition. $H_2O-CO_2-CH_4-NaCl{\pm}N_2$ fluid of early stage I is evolved to $H_2O-NaCl{\pm}CO_2$ fluid represented by the $CO_2$ unmixing due to decrease in fluid pressure and is diluted and cooled by the mixing of deep circulated meteoric waters ($H_2O$-NaCl fluid) possibly related to uplift and unloading of the mineralizing suites. $H_2O-NaCl{\pm}CO_2$ fluid of stage II was hotter than that of late stage I and occurred partly unmixing, mainly dilution and cooling for sulfide deposition. Calculated sulfur isotope compositions ({\gamma}^{34}S_{H2S}$) of hydrothermal fluids (3.5∼7.9%o) indicate that ore sulfur was derived from mainly an igneous source and partly sulfur of host rock. Measured and calculated oxygen and hydrogen isotope compositions ({\gamma}^{18}O_{H_2O}$, {\gamma}$D) of ore fluids (stage I: 1.1∼9.0$\textperthousand$, -92∼-86{\textperthansand}$, stage II: 0.3{\textperthansand}$, -93{\textperthansand}$) and ribbon-banded structure (graphitic lamination) indicate that mesothermal auriferous fluids of Daebong deposit were two different origin and their evolution. 1) Fluids of this deposit were likely mixtures of $H_2O$-rich, isotopically less evolved meteoric water and magmatic fluids and 2) were likely mixtures of $H_2O$-rich. isotopically heavier $\delta$D meteoric water and magmaticmetamorphic fluids.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
• /
• v.19 no.spc
• /
• pp.207-226
• /
• 1986

The skarn type tungsten deposits in Jechon area are developed in the contact aureole of Jurassic granodiorite and lower Paleozoic limestone beds. The Tong Myeong mine contains scheelitebearing skarns found at and near the contacts between crystalline limestone and hornfels. Although the skarns are heterogeneous, there are clear patterns in the preferred associations and nonassociations of minerals on all scales. The skarn show a zonal arrangement from limestone to hydrothermal vein as follow: wollastonite skarn, clinopyroxene skarn, clinopyroxene-garnet skarn, garnet skarn, and vesuvianite skarn. Scheelite, abundant in all skarn units except wollastonite skarn and also in quartz veins near orebodies, is everywhere strongly correlated with pyrrhotite. It is implied that it was a stable phase throughout the evolution of the zoned skarns, at least in pyrrhotite.forming environments. Deposition of scheelite was probably widely caused by increasing $a_{Ca^{2+}}$ in the fluid, resulting from associated and interrelated reactions: $FeCl_2\;aq+H_2S\;aq{\rightarrow}FeS+2H^{+}+2Cl^-$; and $CaCO_3+2H^+{\rightarrow}Ca^{+2}+H_2CO_3$. The spectral reflection powers of nine sulfide species were studied, for three mineralization stage. The shapes and characteristics of the spectral reflectivity profiles are significant in their control of other optical properties. The characteristics of the Vickers microhardness and the optical symmetry for the minerals studied are discussed. Broad radicle groupings of the sulfides can be made with regard to the reflectivity-microhardness values.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
• /
• v.28 no.6
• /
• pp.623-633
• /
• 1995

The Beonam deposits which is located in south-western part of Sobaeksan massif are emplaced along $N20{\sim}30^{\circ}E$ trending fissures in Precambrian Sobaeksan gneiss complex. Surrounding granites are inferred to be differentiated and formed from calc-alkaline magma which was generated from remelting or partial melting of the crustral material having igneous composition. The Sr isotope data of ore minerals showing significantly low initial Sr value relative to those of surrounding granite batholiths suggest that the ore-bearing fluid formed the Beonam Au-Ag mine are isotopically distinct from those of the wall rocks, and it indicates that there is no evidence of genetic relationship between ore-bearing fluids and surrounding granites, although further study should be needed. The results of paragenetic studies suggest three stages of hydrothermal mineralization; stage I: base-metal sulfides stage, stage II: late base-metal sulfides, electrum and silver-bearing sulfosalts stage, stage III: minor silverbearing minerals, barren quartz and carbonates stage. The temperature, salinity and pressure of the Beonam deposits estimated from mineral assemblage, chemical composition, fluid inclusion and sulfur isotope geothermometry are as follows; stage I: $200{\sim}315^{\circ}C$, 3.5~6.5 NaCl eq. wt%, 0.28~0.61 Kbar, stage II: $150{\sim}235^{\circ}C$, 4.5~7.4 NaCl eq. wt%, 0.11~0.15 Kbar. The estimated oxygen and sulfur fugacity during first stage mineralization, based on phase relation of associated minerals, range from $10^{35.1}{\sim}10^{-39.7}$ atm. and $10^{-11.0}{\sim}10^{-13.4}$ atm., respectively. All these evidences suggest that the Beonam deposits are polymetallic meso-epithermal ore deposits.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
• /
• v.3 no.2
• /
• pp.55-73
• /
• 1970

The district investigated covers the central and southern portions of the Uiryong Quadrangle amounting to $40km^2$ in area and is bounded approximately by geographical coordinates of $128^{\circ}$ 28' $40^{{\prime}{\prime}}{\sim}128^{\circ}$ 24' 25"E in longitude and $35^{\circ}10{\prime}{\sim}35^{\circ}14^{\prime}06^{{\prime}{\prime}}N$ in latitude. The purpose of this investigation was to provide basic information in drawing up a comprehensive development plan of the copper ore deposits known to exist in the HamanKumbuk district with special emphasis given to the ascertainment of geological and paragenetic characteristics. The area consists chiefly of shale, sandy shale and chert, all belong to Kyongsang System of Cretaceous age. Intruded into these rocks are andesite, granodiorite, basic dikes, and acidic dikes. The mineralization which took place in the area, consists of mostly fissure-filling vein deposits, numbering several tens, with varying magnitudes. The fissures and shear zones created in rocks, such as chert and granodiorite, hosted the deposition of mineralizing vapors and/or hydrothermal solutions along their openings. The strike lengths of these veins vary from 50 to 600 meters in extension and 0.1 to 3 meters in width. Although the degree of fluctuation in width is great, it averages 0.3m. The stuctural patterns, which apparently affected the deposition of veins, are fissure patterns, trend NS to $N30^{\circ}W$, and steep-pitching tension fractures as well as normal fault pattern. Ore minerals associated with vein matters are primarily chalcopyrite and small amounts of scheelite, cobaltiferous arsenopyrite, and gold and silver intimately associated with sulphide minerals. Associated with these ore mineral are pyrite, pyrrhotite, magnetite, specularite and arsenopyrite. Gangue minerals noted are quartz, calcite, chlorite, tourmaline and hornblende. In terms of the compositions of associated minerals, the vein deposits in the district could be grouped under the following four categories: 1. Pyrrhoitite, Arsenopyrite, Gold and Silver Bearing Copper Vein (Type I) 2. Calcite-Scheelite-Copper Vein (Type II) 3. Magnetite-Pyrite-Copper Vein (Type III) 4. Tourmaline Copper Vein (Type IV) Of the four types, the first and the fourth are presently yielding relatively higher grades: of copper ores and concentrates. The estimated ore reserves total some 222,000 metric tons with the following breakdown in terms of metal contents: Name of Mines Au(g/t) Ag(g/t) Cu(%) Reserves(M/T) Kunbuk 15.92 78.69 6,074 60.498 Cheil Kunbuk - - 1.040 60,847 Haman - - 2.688 101,204 222,549 As rehabilitation of old workings and/or exploration of veins at depth proceed, additional estimation of ore reserves may become apparent and necessary. With regard to the problem of beneficiation and upgrading of low-grade ores in the district, it would be advisable to make decisions on location, treating capacity and mill flowsheet after sufficient amount of exploration is completed as suggested in the report.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
• /
• v.26 no.3
• /
• pp.311-325
• /
• 1993

The Ohto and Tohyun copper mine which are located 4 km southeast of Euiseong, Gyeongsangbukdo, Republic of Korea show various common geologic and mineralogic features. Both copper deposits are of hydrothermal-vein types, and associated with fracture system developed during formation of the Geumseong-san caldera in late Cretaceous age. According to structures and mineral assemblages, the mineralization processes have progressed in four stages: three hypogene mineralization stages and one supergene stage. Three hypogene stages are 1) stage I forming $N5{\sim}20^{\circ}E$ veins in the Ohto mine, 2) stage II building $N5^{\circ}W{\sim}N5^{\circ}E$ veins in the Tohyun mine, and 3) stage ill bringing $N80^{\circ}E$ veins which crosscut veins of the stage II. The vein ores consist mainly of pyrite, arsenopyrite, galena and chalcopyrite, minor or trace amounts of magnetite, hematite, pyrrhotite, stannite, bournonite, boulangerite, stibnite, galenobismutite, native bismuth, marcasite, geothite and malachite. The main gangue minerals are quartz and calcite. Wallrock is altered by sericitization, chloritization, pyritization, carbonitization and argillization. Arsenic and copper contents in arsenopyrite increase from stage I to stage III (from 31.28 to 33043 atom.% As) and (from 0.04 to 0040 atom.% Co). Going from stage I to stage III Fe and Mn contents in sphalerite decreases from 12.56 to 0.44 wt.% and from 0.24 to 0.01 wt.%, respectively. The compositional data of arsenopyrite in the early stage I indicate a temperature of $420{\sim}365^{\circ}C$ and sulfur fugacity of $10^{-6.5}{\sim}10^{-8.3}$ atm. Chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite assemblage suggest that Middle stage I was deposited at below $334^{\circ}C$. The compositional data of arsenopyrite in early stage II suggest a temperature range of $425{\sim}390^{\circ}C$ and sulfur fugacity codition of $10^{-6.4}{\sim}10^{-7.3}$ atm. Based on fluid inclusion the Middle stage II was regarded as to be deposited at $420{\sim}337^{\circ}C$ (Chi et al., 1989). Referring composition of sphalerite and stannite middle-late stage II seem to be deposited around $246^{\circ}C$ and $10^{-16.5}$ atm. sulfur fugacity. The ${\delta}^{34}S$ values of sulfide minerals in the Stage I, II, III range from 4.9 to 7.6%0 and indicate igneous ore fluid origin. Based on differences in mineral assemblages, chemical composition and chemical environments of Ohto and Tohyun mine its mineralization are considered to be formed at diffent mineralization ages and by different ore fluids.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
• /
• v.43 no.5
• /
• pp.429-441
• /
• 2010

The Sunrise Dam gold deposit is located approximately 850 km ENE of Perth, in the eastern part of the Yilgam Craton, Western Australia. The mine has produced approximately 153 t of Au at an average grade of 4.2 g/t, which stands for the most significant gold discoveries during the last decade in Western Australia. The deposit occurs in the Laverton Tectonic Zone corresponding to the corridor of structural complexity in the Laverton greenstone belt, and characterized by tight folding and thrusting. The mine stratigraphy consists of a complexly deformed and altered volcaniclastic and volcanic rocks. These have been overlain by a turbidite sequence containing generally well-sorted siltstones, sandstones and magnetite-rich shales, which are consistently fining upwards. These sequences have been intruded by quartz diorite, ultramafic dikes, and rhyodacite porphyry (Archean), and lamprophyre dikes (Palaeoproterozoic). These rocks constitute the asymmetric NNE-trending Spartan anticline with north-plunging thrust duplication of the BIF unit. The deposit is located on the western limb of this structure. Transported, fluvial-lacustrine and aeolean sediments lie unconformably over the deposit showing significant variation in relief. Gold mineralization occurs intermittently along a NE-trending corridor of ca. 4.5 km length. The 20 currently defined orebodies are centered on a series of parallel, gently-dipping ($\sim30^{\circ}$) and NESW trending shear zones with a thrust-duplex architecture and high-strain characteristics. The paragenetic sequence of the Sunrise Dam deposit can be divided into five hydrothermal stages ($D_1$, $D_2$, $D_3$, $D_4a$, $D_4b$), which are supported by distinctive features of the mineralogical assemblages. Among them, the D4a stage is the dominant episode of Au deposition, followed by the $D_4b$ stage, which is characterized by more diverse ore mineralogy including base metal sulfides, sulfosalts, and telluride minerals. The $D_4a$ stage contains higher proportions of microscopic free gold (48%) than D4b stage (12%), and pyrite is the principal host for native gold (electrum) followed by tetrahedrite-group minerals in both stages.