eee naan Structural controls to porphyry cu-au and epithermal Au-Ag deposits G. J. Corbett | ap carrst, Now Syaney, NSW 2060 eps@speednetcomau Porphyry Cu-Au deposits formed by the emplacement of intrusions inthe 1-2 km depth ring, ad low or high sulphidation epithermal Aw-Ag deposit which occur at more clevated crasal setings entre character lteatiog {nd mineralisation (Corbet and Leach, 1998, Corbet, 2002 & references therein) Stucral contol is evden rom ‘epost to oe shoot scale. Critical factors in or formation include ‘¥Presynand pos mineral sctivtion of existing states locally with varying senses cf ovement and development ‘of new fate pate elated to diferent event, ' Creation of syn-mineral dilaton ofciitae the flow of hyohermal uid, containing enaned metals sully tg shallower ens level and eooter stings of mineral deposition, '¥ Bvoltion of hydrothermal Hid o frm different deposit ses at variable crustal setgs, _ Elective mechanisms of metal precipitation. Brecias are often a integral pat of structural ore contol (Corbet and Leach, 1998), buare not discussed in dtl in the space avaiable er. Localisation of ore systems Major tnoughgoing structures which may display protaced histories of variable activity provide dilations sis to facilitate rapid emplacement of ore system related introns iato elevated crustal stings overlying essentially compressional sub@iction zones (Corbet, 1994; Corbet and Leach 1998). Strctures‘ormed at high angles to the ‘gmat are include tansfersrctres(Porgera, Cental Chil), across which the nate (ip, speed, dicen) of Shbaction may vary, and as deep penetrating Tears may tp mane derived fds (Powers, Li). Other stuctural ‘omiorsransee magmatic ars a ess than normal angle, locally continuing for considerable distances, and localis ‘resystems commonly tinesections with ar paral structures (Pascua-Lama-Veladro Structure, Lachlan Transverse “Zone, Yanacocha} Lateral continous, stcep-ppng, tpl! structures, including terrain boundaries, formas part ofthe fabric of many maginate ares (Gilmore Suture, Falla Oests-Domeyko Fault, Philippine Fault Kalinantan Suture, Carin Tren). ‘Ore systems ae localised along these actus a dltional bends (exes, jogs, pa, nore), or intersections of high angle stuctres where side stopping jogs may develop. Transitory changes in the nae of convergence, Spica fiom compression to oblique convergence, Uggs rapid intrusion emplacement snd evelution of ore fluids to hight trav level in lata sites of are parallel structures (Corbet and Leach, 1998). Thus, ts kinematics of individual or epost may not be consistent with the overal regional tectonism (Chuquicamata, Ne) ‘While many stturesdepay pre-and postminealaetivaton, structural styles which provide dilation wo fcitate rminerlised hydothermal Suid flow daring etonsm inlude ‘ Reactivated elements ofthe strictarl rain of istrict might dilate to form ‘champion veins (nmed in oer mining Titrature), These ae mostly step dipping throughgoing linear Teaues, and may display varying stke-slp, onal, of reverse movement, ni are characterised by oe shoots 8 Stings of enhanced id ow andor metal precipitation. '¥ ovement on elements ofthe structural grin may form subjacent orehosingsubsiary or tension facts, and Shected fracture veins, in which vein width and metal grade may Yay in acord with angu reationships to conteling ' Perturbations in troughgoingstructres form distant ore environment side steps, flexure, ult jogs splays ot seta nd occur instep or ft scares aswell as those with normal strike-slipand reverse senses of movement “These typically represent or shoot in champion veins, commesly at siructuralnesetions, in steep dipping stuctrcs, there sa continuum of ore environments ro sual pll-apast basis, to underlying Assure veins (pitherma) and splays (porphyry at depth {Flat ore structures nclde reactivated (compressional) hrs varying to reverse faults, or (extensional) liste ats ‘With dramatic examples provided by the collapse of volcan edifices. Hanging wall rfotwal splits may give rise © Tat ore shots. = “an Ti of Csich to and ing '¥ Mgiate,pveatomaginaie and peal Breccia, create parmebiliy Tor rapid Mid ow in open pace resla osx and fractred wall rocks ‘Telescoping, normally regarded as collapse of later higher-level yp euler deeper alraton and mineralisation, represent » compaction of te hydrothermal system, commonly by eemoval of ovrving rock, by factors such as oleanc sector collape, or rapid are uplift including dhus-lted tectonic erosion. By coats, ditt structural Jetings may telescope mineralisation outwards fom source rocks at dep to form shected vn elated porphyry Cu-AU ‘ystems extending ito wal rocks, or latrally and vertically form epithermal Au-Ag depsit Porphyry systems orp textures in porphyry Cu-Au deposits are indicative of rapid and no dou feceful emplacement offen idence by repeated snd overrntng intrusion event in an apes to lage buried magmatic source rocks. While Some disseminated mineralisation i recognised, most ore coeur i association with acur’quart Veins, variably Asctbed as stockwork veins (random and oveprining) of sheeted veins (paalel and locally reactvatd), In many pophyties (St Thomas I, Didpi emplaced in strike-slip trans shected facture veins parallel the eietaton of | Gistant splays (ineloding horses, long recognised by peospoctr)- Other shocted factues mimic deep crustal Strctres wich ae formed at high anges to the magmatic ares and loclise the intusien sytem (Cadi. Distant Sheet, end ako sockwork fractres provide a mechanism forthe evolution of ore Buds fom the magmatic sure at Ceph to higher rast eels here mineral deposition occurs a cooler evel. Many extend nto the adjaceat host roks tus account forthe formation of wall rock porphyry systems. Mineraisd ar-dipingsheted veins may also mimic thrust alts (Hinoba-n, Orig), ‘Thus, there are inks between structures which locaise magmatic intrusions, Focus repeand porphyry emplacement (Gisberg, Ridgeway) ad fits the concentration of mineralised ore Huis from burid magmatic source rocks to cooler, higher erst level sites of mata deposition, within the porphyry, wall rocks, and peripheral epithe tvirnments. During exploration, itis imperative ocoretly detemine the rinaton of stocwork ad sheeted Veins oto optimise dein direction, commonly incorporating angle diamond dri oles nan program. Lav Sulphidaton Epithermal gold silver copper ‘Low sulphiation epithermal goldsiver (LSE) deposits are categorised asthe Are LSE deposit group, commonly related wo inrsins within magmatic ars, while Rif LSE deposits comprise banded adularie seit epithermal AWAR thine which acorn ita ae ior hae ae onvinmente (Coe, 200) ‘The hydrothermal Huis, which form the Arc LSE group of deposits, host metals enraine! within circulating waters ‘tat exploit ilatnt fractures, These fids evolve while migrating to higher rsa levels where varying ore sls rate todep, relationship intrusions, nd mechanism of tl deposition aided by mixing with groundwater (Corbet and each, 1998) ‘The quartz-sulphide gold + copper deposits commonly form at deeper levels close to “source” intrusions, some transitional fo wall rok porphyics and D veins ner to porphyry Cu-Mo-AW intrusions. Those formed cose to the inrsion source rocks may exploit pre-existing structures, wile ilatant ststures facilitate vei formation considerable Aistances from intasion source rocks (Mineral Hil, Aelong), and o shallow levels (Ravas) At the Ladolam god ‘epost Li Is, spoon shaped list faults formed by sideways collapse of the vosanie ec Which removed about {Vin fom above an ative poephyy, juxtapose lower temperature epthermal pyrite ors yon the porphyry A and nkyaice breccia ove. Statues Tord at mesothermal crustal levels maybe exhumed sad reactivated t host ore (Grenulation cleavage at Blimoia, or mylont at Hamat, laminated quart Reefton and Peajom). Fractured quate ‘overlying porpyry Cuhosts reat La Aren, while at Nolns at fractres in a carapace to bolt intrusion bave ‘oon reactivated. Beter grades and vein wide which ficilite economic mining ceca? i ore shoot at flexure i ‘trouphgoing stuctures Uaing Cha Ling, San Cristo), Carbonate tase meal god deposits develop a intrsion-rved re lds migrate win favourable structs to ‘levated settings where mineral deposition is promoted by mixing with bicarbonate groundaters. These are te most Dole SW Pacifc god producers and disply metal and gangue zonation (Corbett and Leach, 1998), Some cu as ‘ature veins intimately asociated wit high evel intrusions interpreted tobe derived from deeper magma source "ocks forthe ore Bids (Porger, Kelinn, Bulan). Others frm a tension style (Acupan) 0” chapion (Rio de Medio) ‘ins. some instances the evotion offi from iatason source rocks at depth to higher level cooler conditions of ‘mineral deposition is promoted hy preatomagnatcbrecias which contain ore within: Dreeia matrix at deeper eels (©, Montana Tunnel Mi Leyshon,intrabwecin rate veins (Acupan, Gold Ridge Criple Cree), or the adjacent “waa neo Gams‘acted oat rocks at higher elevations (Wau, Kerimenge, Kean), At Kelana fog ived Tat jog formed a pll-apaq basin which ost pre-mineral sedimentation, and later andesite and felsic magmatism with associated datreme ang tore breccias. This negative lower structare progresses downwards to control mineralisedshetedquartz-suphide ang ‘abonatebase metal eins. “Thepithemal quarts gover ores which form athe highest rust level of Arc LS deposits commonly display strongly itt characters consistent with considerable anspor of intasion elated ids. Best vein Widths and me ‘grades oscar in ore shoots formed at fult jogs (Porgra Zone VII, Viento at 1 Indo), and splays (ineuding footway ‘Sd hanging wall pit), ort intersection of groundwaterearingerss-als with data fractures (Thames). ‘Sediment hosted replacement gold (Calin) deposits comprise As, Hg, Sb anomalous pric replacement of reacting carbonate rocks, oclsed on major structural wends (Post Fauld), and display contos varying fom structure ad (Meikle to ihology at higher levels (Gols), commonly within the one deposit (Mes), Meru. Adulari-sericiteepthermalgod-siver vit, which constitute Rift LSE ors (Corbet, 2002), predominate witha ina are ifs Tolukuma, El Pe), or bak ae environments (Taupo Voleaie Zone, Cerro Vanguard) associate ‘wth bimodal volcanism These deposits require repeated reactivation of trongydilatantstuctures to enan culating {groundwater draw metals fom (Celi) magias at dept, and so form the caratristc banded veins with marginal Floating clast breceias Charpion veins form in diate trowghesing, commonly pre-nieral, faults (Vera Nancy “oluma) and display greater vein widths and higher metal grades in ore shoot, which may be regulary spaced lon the trougtgnng fault (Vera Ney) marginal splays indicative of components of srk (Telukuma), or poral fal ‘velopment (Golden Cross), Tension veins may host entire re systems formed a subsidiary actres to more reioal| ‘sretues (Wht, Cracow; Galadiel-Jua vein at Esquel Sito eta, 2002), best developed in settings of transient ‘Sik slip fing. Exhumed reactivated at Guctile faults may also host ore (Chae). Pveati or erpton bree ‘verie many major stacures as stings of venting Bui and are exploited by dilaat ore hosting sbected veins {MeLaughin, Yamada, Twin Hills). Competent host ocks tat readily fractre pemit ae formation. Many deposit ‘secur in ntmisive domes (Sado, looper), and rock competency contrasts may prove upward vein terminations forming bonanza ore shoot (Hishikar) oe stockwavks(Karangabak), igh Solphidaton epithermal gold copper = sllver deposits ‘igh sulpidation epidermal gold (HSE) deposits develop in response to voltilerch magmatic derived fds which ‘rapidly migrate fom deeper to higher crustal levels and evolve without significant interaction withthe bos reks or “ution by groundwates (Corbett and Lesh, 1998; Corbet, 2002), Depressing Mud exsolve volatiles (dominant 0, which nt oni o ezome ot, sonal acidic (pH <2) solution which by rection withthe host rocks crete ‘he zoned allaton and later sulphide deposition, AU-Ag-ch at high levels passing vo Cut depth [ficient plumbing promotes rapid ascent of intrusion derived Aus which evolve without host rock interaction and then at epithermal levels, structural, breccia and Itological permeability ciliate reforming rock reaction (Silitoe, 1995; Corbet, 2002) Here, Mud flow occurs in distant portions of throughgoing faults (El Indio, Peak Hil ‘bdr ractres (ME Kas), permeable oleae ithologicsPirna, La Coipa), and phretomagmatc breccia within treme fellow dome complexes (Yanacocha, where fi low may oocur within the Meceia matrix (Pscua-Lams, ‘eladero) or in the adjacent fractured host rocks (Lepant, Wa), HSE deposit are derived fom intrusion source rocks localised by regional toughgoing structural cotdars (Nena, Pascua-Lama, Velaro, Wat) which trough movement ‘provide ilbtan fractures which hort higher metal grades and vein width (ME Kasi 1 Tao, Peak Hi, locally tthe Intersection with pemeable ihologes (Nena, Gidginbung), or at margins of eccia pes (Lepant, La Vega) of ddomes (ME Kasi), As HSE deposits typically display Tow metal grades and difical sulphide mctallury high gree oe ‘shoots may be rita o deposit economics (I Indio, Mt Kas). The same stucural conciton are eaamonly evident from the regional cleo intrusion emplacement, to inivual HSE deposi, and ore shoc formation, Conclusion In magmatic aes major thoughgoing sutures display pre, sy, and post mineral activation as changes inthe ature of convergence may prometedifring senses of movement (ic. everse fo stke-ti) which acta riggers for Jinasion enpacement(poplyry Co-Aw minerlisition) and evolution of rapidly rising hydrothermal fds (HSE) locally with metals entrned in circulating groundwater (LSE). Fu low i filitate by diatant portions of the ‘major structures, subjacent subsidiary faces, breccia pipes (Are LSE and HSE), or interaction with permeable hos rocks (Are LSE replacement and some HSE). Thus, there a mappsble sod commonly prdcable continuum between the major ore leasing sractres and or hosting facture systems, ia a variety of estnguishable oe types. These relationships can be wet explore for ore and mst be taken no account when evaluating (il esting) vein systems x “alo Ta a Coand and pay a val eth ich ty i, hin cks the the for FE ‘Fekwowledgements ‘Co-workers oo numerous to mame assisted though discussion and acces to project. ferences Beet G1, 14 Repos ont of ete WAN occurences in Pp Nw Gi, Reon Rs Cesky ‘oortn and ming conte, ue 19, La Papas New Guin, Prattgs: Pte, he Asn ist ot faningand Mealy» 17, cate 61.20 Epteal Gl fr Explorist AIG Presiden Les tne (Gaet, & ach 99 Soules Pac pollo sens Soc, aes an iserlizion: Speci PL Soi of Esonomic Genoa 38 9. | stoe R199, Sis of High Sutin Gol, Sera Copper Minlizaton a Porphyry an Fpthermal Enviament in Pati 99 Proceeding, al ndoness; The Ausra nate of Mining and Metalry, Mebourve, 246. Site, RIL, Cooper C, Sal M4, Soecing, W, Echt, D, & Glade, JL, 2002, Dcovey and geology of the Exqul Low Supidation Eten gld depos, Pago, Argent Saity of Eooomic Golgi pil Publication 9p. 27 20, ‘it Tao