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Exploration targeting in porphyry Cu systems using propylitic mineral chemistry: a case study of the El Teniente deposit, Chile

conference contribution
posted on 2023-05-23, 12:59 authored by Wilkinson, JJ, Michael BakerMichael Baker, David CookeDavid Cooke, Wilkinson, CC, Shaun Inglis
The mineral chemistry of epidote and chlorite from the propylitic halo at El Teniente, in samples collected at distances up to 6.6 km from the deposit centre, was determined by microprobe and LA-ICP-MS analysis. Results show that both minerals incorporate a range of trace elements in a systematic way that define a much larger footprint to the system than is easily recognised using conventional means. In chlorite, geothermometry temperatures, Ti and V are high proximal and Li, As, Co, Sr, Ca and Y are low proximal (high distal); ratios of these elements define gradients towards ore varying over 3-5 orders of magnitude. In epidote, As defines a broad proximal low and is generally elevated at distances of at least 3 km from the edge of the ore shell. Zn, La, Yb, Y and Zr amongst others appear to define a geochemical shoulder that surrounds the deposit. These patterns are broadly similar to those observed in previous work at Batu Hijau and in the Baguio District suggesting that these minerals behave consistently and can therefore provide useful exploration tools within propylitic “green rocks”.

Funding

AMIRA International Ltd

History

Publication title

Proceedings of the 14th SGA Biennial Meeting: Mineral Resources to Discover

Editors

P Mercier-Langevin, B Dube, M Bardoux, P-S Ross, C Dion

Pagination

1112-1114

ISBN

9782981689801

Department/School

School of Natural Sciences

Publisher

Society for Geology Applied to Mineral Deposits

Place of publication

Switzerland

Event title

14th SGA Biennial Meeting

Event Venue

Quebec City, Canada

Date of Event (Start Date)

2017-08-20

Date of Event (End Date)

2017-08-23

Rights statement

Copyright 2017 SGA

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Copper ore exploration

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