High-Sulphidation Gold Deposits of the World

Michael Thomsen
August 2006

Abstract
High-sulphidation gold systems are a unique and increasingly important type of mineral deposit.
These systems are formed within a vertical continuum from shallow epithermal environments to
the upper portions of porphyry copper/gold deposits. This paper presents information on some of
the largest and most important high-sulphidation (HS) gold districts in the world. This deposit
type has become the dominant model for many international mineral exploration programs. While
the three largest HS districts in the world are located in Latin America (Yanacocha in Peru,
Pueblo Viejo in the Dominican Republic, and Pascua/Lama/Veladero in Chile/Argentina), these
types of gold systems have been found in virtually every Cretaceous/Tertiary volcanic terrain that
also hosts productive porphyry copper-gold mineralization. The recent gold discoveries at
Pierina, Veladero, Alto Chicama, Santa Rosa (Puno) and Cerro Aruntani indicate that a focused
exploration program targeting the geologic characteristics favorable for high sulphidation gold
mineralization will meet with success. Interestingly, three of the four most recent Andean high
sulphidation gold discoveries have been made by junior companies (Arequipa Resources,
Argentina Gold, and Mra. Del Hill). Only the Alto Chicama deposit was discovered by a major
company (Barrick). This string of discoveries has reignited gold exploration in the Andes and in
other favourable volcanic terrains, particularly the Tethyan Belt extending from Turkey through
Iran and into Pakistan.

Characteristics of the HS Deposit Type

The usage of the term high-sulphidation refers to the fundamental genetic state of the
hydrothermal system (i.e., the highly oxidized state of sulphur). The terms acid sulfate, enargitegold, Goldfield-type, high sulfur, quartz-alunite-Au and alunite-kaolinite were previously used to
describe this type of deposit. This group of deposits shows a common set of diagnostic minerals
indicating high-sulphidation states (pyrite, enargite, luzonite) and acidic fluid conditions (alunite,
kaolinite and pyrophyllite). The dominant and ubiquitous alteration feature of HS deposits is the
presence of fracture controlled vuggy silica which is the result of intensive acid leaching. Lateral
to a central vuggy leached silica zone, quartz occurs with magmatic-hydrothermal alunite and
minerals such as pyrophyllite, kaolinite, diaspore, dickite and zunyite which are typical of
hypogene acidic conditions.
HS deposits display a wide variety of styles of mineralization that include hydrothermal breccia
bodies, stockworks, veins, and disseminations. Some HS deposits are hosted entirely within a
single dome (Summitville) while and others are located within a dome complex such as
Yanacocha, Pueblo Viejo, and Julcani.

New High Sulphidation Gold Discoveries in the Last Five Years

While the worlds five largest high sulphidation gold districts have been found in Latin America,
there has been a recent string of new discoveries elsewhere in the world that has reignited
exploration for these types of volcanic hosted gold systems.

Select List of High-Sulphidation Gold Deposits

Deposit

Country

Observations/Comments

+40 million ounce HS systems:

Yanacocha
Peru
Pueblo Viejo
Dominican Republic
Pascua//Lama/Veladero Chile/Argentina

50 M oz. reserve/resource/past production

40 M oz. combined district resource
40 M oz. combined district resource

5 to 15 million ounce HS systems:

Alto Chicama
Chelopech
Chinkuashih
El Indio/Tambo
Goldfield
Lepanto
Pierina

Peru
Bulgaria
Taiwan
Chile
United States
Philippines
Peru

Discovery in 2002 in Peru

Currently the largest gold deposit in Europe
Contains high grade breccia pipes and veins
Primarily high grade veins and breccias
High grade veins and the alunite ledge
HS system with FSE porphyry and Victoria
Discovered by Arequipa Resources

Select HS systems containing less than 5 million ounces:

Angostura
Colombia
Bor
Yugoslavia
Choquelimpie Chile
El Sauzal
Mexico
Famatina
Argentina
Guanaco
Chile
La Coipa
Chile
Majdanpek
Yugoslavia
Mount Kasi
Fiji
Nalesbitan
Philippines
Nena
PNG
Paradise Peak USA
Santa Rosa (Puno) Peru
Sipan
Peru
Srednogorie
Bulgaria
Tantahuatay
Peru
Wafi
PNG

Aruntani
La Zanja
El Hueso
Enasen
Furtei
Julcani
Lahoca
Motomboto
Mulatos
Nansatsu
Osilo
Rodalquilar
Seongsan
Spahievo
Summitville
Temora
Zijinshan

Peru
Peru
Chile
Sweden
Italy
Peru
Hungary
Indonesia
Mexico
Japan
Italy
Spain
South Korea
Bulgaria
USA
Australia
China

Table from: High-Sulphidation Gold Deposits of the World, Michael Thomsen, August 2006
Email: mithx@aol.com