Final report: Sources and Exhausts in Polymetallic Carbonate Rock-hosted Ore Deposits

Geology and distal alteration at Cachi Cachi and Mina Central,

Yauricocha, Perú

Introduction
The Yauricocha district, central Perú (Fig. 1), contains a Zn-Pb-Cu-Ag magmatic-
hydrothermal system zoned around the late Miocene equigranular quartz monzonite to quartz
diorite Yauricocha-Exito stock. Some 15.6 M tons at an average grade of 4.75% Pb, 2.45% Zn,
1.01% Cu, and 4.17 ounces Ag have been produced until 2004 (Rodríguez, 2004). These
deposits at elevations between 4100 and 4600 m along the crest of the Andean Cordillera are
principally skarn and carbonate replacement deposits (Petersen, 1965; Megaw, 1998; Noble and
McKee, 1999; Tumialán De La Cruz, 2002) localized along the steep to near vertical contact of
the Exito stock where it intrudes Cretaceous limestone, marl, and shale of the Jumasha and
Celendin Formation (e.g. Valdivia, 1996). Base metal veins and low-grade porphyry Cu are also
present within the intrusion, but these are of lesser economic significance and have only been
mined on a local scale. In this chapter, we review the geology of the district and present a
description of the visible alteration and geochemical halos that can be mapped at the current
outcrop surfaces outside the skarn orebody at Cachi Cachi and the carbonate replacement
orebodies at Mina Central (Fig. 2). In summary, there is a visible alteration sequence
accompanied by systematic variations in whole rock and vein types and chemistry that extends
up to almost 800 meters laterally from the intrusive contact, and over a similar vertical distance.

Figure 1. Carbonate hosted deposits and

prospects in central Perú showing location of
Yauricocha.

Geologic setting
The polymetallic district of Yauricocha (Fig. 2) is located in a portion of the western
Cordillera of central Perú where tectonic events have deformed the sedimentary rocks into a fold
and thrust belt (Megard et al., 1996). The sedimentary rocks outcrop in NW-trending anticlines
and synclines, which have been offset along near vertical NW-, NE- and E-striking faults and
fracture meshes systems (Megard, 1968; Megard et al., 1996). The NW-trending anticlines and

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 Final report: Sources and Exhausts in Polymetallic Carbonate Rock-hosted Ore Deposits

Figure 2. Generalized geologic and alteration map of the Yauricocha Mining District, central
Perú. Area of detailed geologic map at Mina Central and Cachi Cachi are enclosed in box.

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 Final report: Sources and Exhausts in Polymetallic Carbonate Rock-hosted Ore Deposits

synclines influenced emplacement of the Exito stock, and in combination with the NW-trending
Yauricocha Fault, exerts a strong control on the location of the sulphide carbonate replacement
deposits (CRD) and skarn deposits.
The Cretaceous Jumasha Formation is the principal host rock in the district, lying along the
west boundary of the Yauricocha-Exito stock. It consists of over 700 meters of light grey,
massive limestone. The base of the formation includes interbedded carbonaceous shales, overlain
by discontinuous brown-grey limestone lenses with local shale and siliceous beds up to 6 meters
thick. This unit also includes sedimentary breccias, and a basaltic sill up to 17 meters thick. The
Santonian Celendin Formation, conformably overlies the Jumasha Formation limestone, is
composed of about 400 meters of thin-bedded silicified shales and recrystallized limestone. It
outcrops mainly in the western edge of the intrusion. This lithologic unit is locally known as the
France Chert because it has been thermally metamorphosed in the aureole of the late Miocene
(7.47 ± 0.06 Ma) Yauricocha-Exito stock (Giletti and Day, 1968; recalculated by Noble and
McKee 1999; Bissig et al., 2003; Jurado et al., 2003).
The Exito stock and other minor, presumably related, intrusives have steep-contacts with
country rocks, and they intrude along regional structural trends. The intrusives range in size
from small bodies of a few hundred square meters to large bodies that cover several square
kilometers. Small apophyses and dikes or sills are common. The large intrusive body, the
Yauricocha-Exito stock, is locally reversely zoned from quartz diorite in the centers to quartz
monzonite on the margins. Plagioclase, orthoclase, biotite, hornblende and quartz are the main
minerals in the stock. Plagioclase varies from oligoclase to andesine, and commonly displays
porphyritic textures. All intrusions have metamorphic aureoles in the country rocks, which vary
in character and thickness with the host sedimentary rock types. A thermal aureole up to 0.6 km
wide is developed in limestone and marl along the western side of the stock. All known skarn
and carbonate replacement Pb-Zn-Ag orebodies occur within this thermal aureole (Fig. 2). Small
endoskarn (up to 3 m-thick) containing epidote, zoisite, tremolite, wollastonite, phlogopite,
garnet, diopside and chlorite are present in intrusive rocks. Up to 50-m thick skarn is found in
the adjoining limestone.
Diverse folds are the main structural features in the district (Fig. 2). These include the
Purisima Concepçión anticline and France Chert syncline in Mina Central area, Cachi Cachi
anticline and Huamanrripa syncline in the Cachi Cachi area, and the Quimpara syncline north of
the San Vicente mine, ca 10 km SE of Yauricocha (Fig. 2). The Purisima Concepçión anticline,
SW of Yauricocha, is an approximately N50°W trending tight fold plunging to the SE. Carlin-
type disseminated gold has been described in decalcified and silicified impure limestone located
at the east flank of the basaltic sill in the core of the anticline (Alvarez and Noble, 1988; Noble et
al., 2002). The France Chert syncline, NE of Mina Central, is another tight fold with an axial
trend varying from N35°W in the south to N65°W in the north. The Mina Central Zn-Pb-Cu-Ag
ore bodies are located on the western flank of this fold (Fig. 2). Here, the northwestern trend of
the folded sediments has been rotated about 30 degrees clockwise. The N80°W to N70°W
trending Cachi Cachi-Prometida anticline, 2 kilometers north of Mina Central, controlled the
emplacement of the orebodies in this area. This fold plunges north in Prometida and south in
Cachi Cachi. The axis of the Huamanrripa fold, SW of Cachi Cachi, and 1 km N of Mina
Central, is the northern extension of the France Chert syncline. To the east, the fold contains
recrystallized calcareous beds, and pipe-like breccia bodies. Approximately 10 km SE of Mina
Central, the N45°W trending Quimpara syncline composed of dark grey recrystallized calcareous
beds is intruded by the Exito stock at depth.

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 Final report: Sources and Exhausts in Polymetallic Carbonate Rock-hosted Ore Deposits

The NW-trending Yauricocha fault and associated shear zones developed before and during
the emplacement of the Yauricocha-Exito stock. The net structural fabric exerted a strong
control on the location of sulfide ore bodies. The fault parallels the regional strike of bedding,
and follows the contact between Jumasha Formation limestone and Celendin Formation shale.
The fault extends along strike great distance along Silacocha Lake from Ipillo mine in the south
toward the northern slope of Huamanrripa Hill (Fig. 2).

Sulfide orebodies in the Yauricocha District

The district contains several different styles of mineralization including carbonate
replacement deposits at Mina Central, skarn deposits at Cachi Cachi, Carlin-style Au at Purisima
Concepçión, base metal veins in the surrounding country rocks and within the late Miocene
intrusion, and low-grade porphyry-Cu and Au mineralization (Ward, 1959; Petersen, 1965;
Rado, 1977, 1997; Valdivia, 1996; Lavado, 2002; Rodriguez, 2004). The CRD and skarn
deposits are the focus of this study. The others are not mentioned further herein.
The main zone at Mina Central consists Pb-Zn-Cu-Ag irregular orebodies forming
replacement chimneys and in faults and fracture networks in limestone of the Jumasha Formation
(Table 1). Mineralized bodies typically occur in limestone near or at the contact with the
thermally metamorphosed Celendin Formation shales (France Chert), and next to the stock or
dikes. The vertical dimensions of ore bodies are usually greater that the horizontal. Some
sulfide ore bodies may extend for more than 650 m vertically with variable widths between 10 m
and 40 m. The distribution of ore bodies is irregular. Some of sulfide orebodies are
interconnected thereby forming extensive mineralized zones (e.g. Catas-Contacto Oriental-
Antacaca), whereas others appear partly interconnected over relatively large areas (i.e. Butz-
Pozo Rico-Violeta-Erika). Other sulfide orebodies are relatively small (i.e. Cuye, Mascota,
Sasacaca, Maritza, Carmencita, and Cuye Norte (Fig. 2). Sulfide bodies consist of massive fine-
to very coarse-grained pyrite, quartz, enargite, chalcopyrite, bornite, and covellite in the centre
with localized zones of massive to semi-massive sphalerite, galena and geocronite [Pb14(Sb,
As)6S23], with minor or no calc-silicate minerals.
The Cachi Cachi area, 1.5 km north of Mina Central, is smaller and shows changes in
mineralized character from near surface to depth (Table 2). Sphalerite and galena are associated
with massive pyrite replacement of limestone, local jasperiodal silicification, and minor
wollastonite and diopside in the near surface environment. At deeper levels, skarn-style
replacement predominates. A vertical zonation is evident with silicification, wollastonite content,
and gold grades increasing at higher levels, and pyroxene content increasing with depth.
Friable and massive pyrite is the most common sulfide in the Yauricocha district. Thomson
(1960) has distinguished up to 5 different types based on the different stages of formation. Three
types of marcasite are associated with chalcopyrite, galena and sphalerite. The main Cu-bearing
sulfide is enargite, which is present in irregular masses associated with quartz and pyrite.
Chalcopyrite is less abundant and replaces brecciated limestone, cements quartz and friable
pyrite, or fills small cavities. Chalcopyrite is associated with native gold and electrum. Bornite
is associated with chalcopyrite and in lesser amounts with enargite. Covellite and idaite are
intergrown with bornite as small sheets or as solid solutions. Small tetrahedrite and tennantite
are abundant in the outer margins of the enargite masses. Galena is disseminated in pyrite and
skarn bodies, and is always associated with chalcopyrite and sphalerite. Sphalerite is associated
with pyrite, galena and clays, generally on the edges of orebodies. Geocronite [Pb14(Sb, As)6S23]

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 Final report: Sources and Exhausts in Polymetallic Carbonate Rock-hosted Ore Deposits

Table 1. Characteristics of sulfide orebodies at Mina Central, Yauricocha Mine, central Perú. Data summarized from Rodriguez
(2002, 2004).
SULFIDE & GANGUE
OREBODY LOCATION HOST ROCK FORM ORIENTATION SIZE Depth OBSERVATIONS
MINERALS
Jumasha irregular & Lens oriented
galena, sphalerite & pyrite,
S of Mina limestone- rounded lens in 120°/85°NE; E-W 10-16m Surface to
Amoeba minor enargite, chalcopyrite
Central Yauricocha limestone; veins in trending fractures & wide level 410
& covellite
intrusive contact intrusive veins
friable & massive pyrite, Antacaca & Catas form a
Jumasha
galena, sphalerite, enargite & large, almost continuous, ore
limestone- from surface to
chalcopyrite. At central body, only separated by
S of Catas Celendin shales & fusiform lenses & level 520: plunge to Surface to
Antacaca zone: pyrite & quartz core limestone lenses.
orebody Jumasha breccias the S. Below level level 820
persistent from level 520 to Mineralized breccia occurs
limestone- 575: plunge to the N
below level 720. Galena & towards the W edge of
intrusive contacts
sphalerite at breccias orebodies
45m
between
levels 520 Part of Antacaca orebody;
friable pyrite, chalcopyrite,
W of Antacaca & 575, level 520 to connected to Sasacaca
Ramal fusiform lenses plunge from S to N enargite, minor galena &
orebody gradually level 670 orebody through a zone of
sphalerite
diminishin strong oxidation
g with
depth
galena, sphalerite & E-W trending normal
Butz massive/friable pyrite at EW faulting also control
trending veins mineralization
At level 520: well-defined
friable pyrite, enargite, orebody forming vein-like
Surface to
Butz W branch chalcopyrite, galena & branches towards surface; up
level 620
sphalerite to level 620: partially
oxidized narrow structure
Jumasha limestone connected massive NW-SE/NE
N of Pozo Rico & Jumasha orebodies & intercepted by massive orebody:
orebody limestone-Central brecciated narrow EW trending argentiferous galena,
stock contact structures veins dipping N sphalerite, friable pyrite &
Butz Central level 465 to chalcopyrite in quartz & massive orebody surrounded
branch level 575 fluorite gangue. Breccia: by mineralized breccia
galena, sphalerite & pyrite.
Mineralization decreases
with depth
friable pyrite, galena,
level 520 to residual limonite at partially
Butz E branch sphalerite, enargite &
level 620 oxidized E border
chalcopyrite

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 Final report: Sources and Exhausts in Polymetallic Carbonate Rock-hosted Ore Deposits

Table 1 (cont.). Characteristics of sulfide orebodies at Mina Central, Yauricocha Mine, central Perú. Data summarized from
Rodriguez (2002, 2004).
friable/massive pyrite,
sphalerite, galena, minor
chalcopyrite & bornite.
Massive/brecciated pyrite
Jumasha with enargite at the core;
Largest orebody at
limestone- loose masses of friable
Yauricocha. Limestone
Celendin shales & pyrite, galena, sphalerite &
lenses & barren pyrite very
Jumasha minor chalcopyrite, in
common parallel to main
limestone-main limestone gangue, form an
width orebody orientation. At E
SE of Cuye intrusive contacts, Surface to irregular cover around the
Catas Principal fusiform lenses NW-SE maximum edge, mineralization limited
orebody following bedding. level 720 core. Cu-Au rich orebody
at level 520 by Celendin shales; at W
Limestone strongly persists in depth with
border, intersected with
brecciated & chalcopyrite, pyrite, hematite
Contacto Oriental orebody &
fractured along & magnetite; transported
at S margin, connected with
NW-SE & E-W oxides: limonite, cuprite &
Antacaca orebody
trending systems native cooper. In the E
border, oxidation very
sallow. In the N edge,
oxidation deepens even
bellow level 410
abundant sphalerite, Apparently extension of
NW of Catas
Olguita pipe-like breccia argentiferous galena, pyrite Catas orebody, but different
orebody
& sparks of chalcopyrite mineralogy
Jumasha fusiform lenses in tendency to Levels 410,
sphalerite & argentiferous
Contacto limestone-Pique limestone & veins parallel to narrow 465, 520,
galena in pyrite, fluorite & Richest Ag-bearing orebody
Occidental Central stock SW parallel veins in 100°-110°/80°NE toward 575, 620,
quartz gangue
contact intrusive surface. 670 & 720
greater two types: massive mineral
extension with enargite, chalcopyrite, Linked with Pozo Rico
in level pyrite, sphalerite & galena orebody in level 465, Butz
Contacto level 360 to
fusiform lenses 520; width and brecciated mineral with orebody in levels 520 & 575
Oriental level 720
diminished limestone fragments & & Catas orebody in levels
Jumasha limestone from levels matrix with sphalerite, 465 & 520
W of Catas
proximal to Pique 575 to 670 galena & pyrite
orebody
Central stock elongated
Branch of Contacto Oriental
brecciated
matrix of sphalerite, galena, orebody. To the N: both
structure with level 410 to
Erika parallel to bedding argentiferous galena, pyrite became one orebody below
recrystallized level 520
& minor fluorite level 520. To the S: decrease
limestone
width
fragments

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 Final report: Sources and Exhausts in Polymetallic Carbonate Rock-hosted Ore Deposits

Table 1 (cont.). Characteristics of sulfide orebodies at Mina Central, Yauricocha Mine, central Perú. Data summarized from
Rodriguez (2002, 2004).
sphalerite, galena,
argentiferous galena &
geocronite. Locally
dissemination of red/ruby
Jumasha
silver (proustite &
Contacto Sur NW of Sur limestone-Sur 100m long Surface to
calcareous breccia E-W/80°N pyrargirite), native Ag,
Medio Medio intrusive Medio intrusive x 4m wide level 720
tetrahedrite in pyrite, calcite,
contact
rhodocrosite, realgar &
orpiment gangue; garnet,
sericite & sporadic limonite
close to the contact
Cu-Pb & Zn in the upper part
grading to Cu in depth.
Slight supergene enrichment
up to level 360.
Banded mineralization along
largest Mineralization cover by
N edge of tubular & irregular original bedding & E-W
Jumasha limestone length at banded residual silica rich in
mineralized orebody, locally trending fractures. Winding
located between E-W, dip varies level 575 Surface to Au & Ag. Pyrite-quartz &
Cuye zone of winding narrow contact with limestone above
Mascota stock & from S to N decreases level 720 pyrite with enargite &
Yauricocha brecciated zones level 465. Evidence of more
Celendin shales towards tetrahedrite at the core with
mine above level 465 mineralization below level
surface peripheral galena,
720
chalcopyrite, sphalerite &
pyrite. Chalcopyrite,
hematite, magnetite & gold
increase below level 720
argentiferous galena, galena,
sphalerite in pyrite, quartz,
calcite & fluorite gangue. E- Closely related to Mascota
Jumasha W trending galena & intrusion. Apparently
N of Cuye levels 410,
Cuye Norte limestone-Mascota lenses sphalerite veins in intrusive; northern continuation of the
orebody 575 & 620
intrusive E contact oxidized zones close to Cuye orebody, but different
intrusive: limonite, hematite, mineralogy.
pyrolusite, jarosite, cerussite
& gypsum
matrix of fine-grained black
calcareous breccia NW border: E-W clay with fine pyrite,
at level
N edge of Jumasha limestone with fine grained trending structures. sphalerite, galena & calcite. Apparent increase in sulfide
300: 60m level 245 to
Gallito Yauricocha close to Celendin dark grey Jumasha-Celendin Cu-rich S border with minerals and width with
long x 4m level 575
mine shales contact limestone formations contact: bornite, tetrahedrite & depth
wide
fragments 130°/65°-70°NE enargite core with peripheral
Pb & Zn-rich sulfides

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 Final report: Sources and Exhausts in Polymetallic Carbonate Rock-hosted Ore Deposits

Table 1 (cont.). Characteristics of sulfide orebodies at Mina Central, Yauricocha Mine, central Perú. Data summarized from
Rodriguez (2002, 2004).
calcareous oval
breccia with
W of Catas 28m long x level 410 to sphalerite, argentiferous
Jaqueline Jumasha limestone recrystallized 120° Contains barren central zone
orebody 12m wide level 465 galena & pyrite
limestone
fragments
Jumasha limestone
in contact with
Celendin shales in
zone of calcareous fine pyrite, sphalerite,
fusiform
breccia with argentiferous galena, galena,
brecciated lenses E-W trending structure:
NW of Cuye marbleized Surface to marcasite & anomalous gold
Juliana (Veta) & E-W trending structures dipping 0.20 to 5m
Norte intrusive limestone level 620 values in hyaline quartz,
veinlets at level 85°N wide
fragments in a green and violet fluorite &
360
calcareous crushed Ca & Mn carbonates gangue
matrix with
organic material
content
Jumasha levels 245 & 360:
limestone. slightly oval calcareous breccia: similar to
elongated
S of Juliana Calcareous irregular calcareous breccia: level 245 to Juliana orebody. Elongated
Juliana I structure:
orebody breccia: close to N calcareous breccia. dipping NE level 620 structure: massive galena,
5-7m wide
border of Cuye Level 620: sphalerite & pyrite
intrusion elongated structure
level 300:
110m long
to the S: x variable similar to Juliana orebody.
Jumasha calcareous breccia levels 245,
130°/70°NE. To the width. SE Levels 360, 410 & 520:
NW of Juliana limestone- with recrystallized 300, 360, Some sections connected
Juliana II N: E-W trending of contact: matrix of chalcopyrite,
orebody Celendin shales limestone 410, 520, with Juliana orebody
tensional jointing 2.50m enargite, pyrite, sphalerite &
contact fragments 575 & 620
dipping 75°N wide. W of argentiferous galena
contact: 6m
wide
contact breccia
Jumasha orebody with levels 465,
sphalerite & argentiferous Massive sulfides,
limestone-Pique limestone & structures: 100°- 520, 575,
Katty galena in gangue of pyrite, disseminations & breccias
Central intrusive S intrusive 110°/75°N 620, 670 &
fluorite & quartz spread into endoskarn
contact fragments, 720
structures

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 Final report: Sources and Exhausts in Polymetallic Carbonate Rock-hosted Ore Deposits

Table 1 (cont.). Characteristics of sulfide orebodies at Mina Central, Yauricocha Mine, central Perú. Data summarized from
Rodriguez (2002, 2004).
Jumasha
90m long x levels 465,
N of Mascota limestone- 100°/80°-85°NW, argentiferous galena,
Marita 0.20-3.0m 520, 575,
intrusive Celendin shales plunge 60°S sphalerite & pyrite
wide 620 & 720
contact
Small orebodies with high
grade Pb-Zn throughout
limestone-intrusive contact;
Jumasha limestone Ag-Au & silica rich residual
above level 465 & elongated structure oxides from level 360 to
E-W, dipping
W of Cuye Jumasha that above level Surface to level 670. Barren oxides Main oxidized orebodies at
Mascota steeply N. W branch
orebody limestone-Mascota 360 is divided into level 670 above level 230. Transported Yauricocha
dips S at level 230
stock W contact three branches oxides at three branches:
bellow level 465 malachite, cuprite, tenorite,
limonite, argento-jarosite,
plumbojarosite & native
cooper
sulfides located at the NW
zone, extended from level
360 to level 575 & separated
from oxidized zone by
barren limonite zone: Au- Mainly composed of oxides
funnel-shaped rich chalcopyrite & enargite; correlated with barren oxides
N of Pique 135m long Surface to
Pozo Rico Jumasha limestone orebody. Branches residual & transported of level 720. Primary
Central stock in level 360 level 575
above level 360 oxides divided in two zones sulfides zone joined with
of Cu separated by barren Catas orebody at level 410
limonite above level 410.
Transported oxides: azurite,
malachite, cuprite & tenorite
plus bornite
friable/massive pyrite with Connected to Antacaca
enargite & chalcopyrite core orebody between levels 520
Jumasha limestone
W of Antacaca level 465 to and peripheral loose masses & 575 through oxidized
Sasacaca surrounding Sur calcareous breccia NW-SE
orebody level 670 of friable pyrite, galena & zone; 10-15m wide skarn
intrusive
sphalerite in calcareous zone between orebody &
breccia intrusive
elongated &
brecciated small
orebodies/structure matrix of: sphalerite,
level 410 to Connected to Antacaca
Violeta s with 150° argentiferous galena, pyrite
level 720 orebody on southern margin
recrystallized & minor chalcopyrite
limestone
fragments

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 Final report: Sources and Exhausts in Polymetallic Carbonate Rock-hosted Ore Deposits

Table 1 (cont.). Characteristics of sulfide orebodies at Mina Central, Yauricocha Mine, central Perú. Data summarized from
Rodriguez (2002, 2004).
massive pipe-like massive orebody: abundant
orebody sphalerite, argentiferous
surrounded by galena, pyrite & Connected at depth with
20m SE of up to 1m in level 575 to
Violeta 329 Jumasha limestone calcareous breccia E-W/81°N rhodocrosite. Argillic & southern part of Central
Central intrusive diameter level 620
with recrystallized calcareous breccia brittle intrusive
limestone matrix: pyrite, sphalerite &
fragments argentiferous galena
footwall of Veta lenticular sandy
A Jumasha limestone level 620 sandy pyrite & chalcopyrite
A massive orebody
up to 300m
E-W lenticular Cu-rich connected to other
long x
narrow structures orebodies by pyrite veinlets.
Poderosa 2.5m wide
cutting others of Cu-Pb-Zn rich EW trending
above level
NE-SW trending lenticular structures
360
several irregular
155°/62°SW-NE-
lenticular lenses
vertical. Very up to 2.5m
Felicidad controlled by 2 sandy pyrite, enargite, quartz
noticeable wide
shear zones caused
horizontal &
by regional folding Located in reverse faults
vertical echelon
Celendin small scale horizontal & cutting shales beds of along
structures. Some E-
formation vertical zoning: Cu-rich core the Celendin & Jumasha
W trending narrow
& superficial with peripheral Pb-Zn at the formation contact
30m long x
lenticular structures edges. Above level 240:
3m wide.
seem to cut NE-SW massive pyrite with
Size
trending lenses Surface to chalcopyrite, secondary
El Norte lenticular lenses variable &
level 290 bornite & covellite. Below
apparently
level 240 massive pyrite with
decrease
chalcopyrite spots, enargite,
with depth.
hematite, minor bornite &
covellite filling up small
fractures.
sigmoid-like
structure with local Cluster of veins in the NW
70m long x levels 520, friable/massive pyrite loose
NW of Catas branches, extreme of Yauricocha mine;
Veta A Jumasha limestone 110°/73°-78°S 0.20-1.50m 575, 620 & masses, galena & sphalerite
orebody connected to Catas represents oldest veins
wide 670 in limestone gangue
(N edge) & Cuye developed in mine
(S edge) orebodies

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 Final report: Sources and Exhausts in Polymetallic Carbonate Rock-hosted Ore Deposits

Table 1 (cont.). Characteristics of sulfide orebodies at Mina Central, Yauricocha Mine, central Perú. Data summarized from
Rodriguez (2002, 2004).
sulfide zone: towards Catas
& Butz orebodies; friable
structure
pyrite loose masses, galena,
apparently
NW of Catas 120m long sphalerite & minor
connecting Catas 100°/75°S- levels 465,
Veta C orebody & S of x 0.20- chalcopyrite in limestone,
(middle zone) & subvertical 520 & 575
Veta A 1.50m wide clay & quartz gangue;
Butz Central
residual oxide zone: central
orebodies
zone; goethite, hematite,
quartz & kaolinite
structure
apparently
friable/massive pyrite loose
NE of Contacto connecting 130m long
levels 520, masses, galena, sphalerite &
Veta D Oriental Contacto Oriental 105°/80°S x 0.20-
575 & 620 minor chalcopyrite in
orebody (N edge) & Catas 2.50m wide
limestone gangue
orebodies. Locally
occurs in breccia
friable/massive pyrite
NW of Catas 060°/70°SE (second 30m long x levels 465 masses, galena, sphalerite & Second vein system
Veta F vein
orebody system) 3m wide & 520 minor chalcopyrite in developed
limestone gangue
SW of Jumasha vein at fault
090°/70°N (third pyrite, sphalerite & minor
Veta G Yauricocha limestone-intrusive breccia displacing 1.50m wide level 520 Third vein system developed
system) chalcopyrite
mine contact Sasacaca orebody
28m long
brecciated/brittle material
lenticular-like (level 410)
composed of pyrite,
S of Cuye elongated 075°-100°/85°N- 40m long levels 360
Veta Cuye Jumasha limestone sphalerite & argentiferous
orebody brecciated vertical (level 360) & 410
galena. Zoned chalcopyrite
structure x 2.5-6m
at central part
wide
S of Cuye
30m long x
orebody & N of level 620 to pyrite, enargite, sphalerite,
Veta Cuye Sur brecciated vein 080°/78°-80°S 0.20-3.0m
Catas orebody & level 670 galena
wide
Veta A
60m long x levels 360, sphalerite, galena, pyrite &
NW of Mascota
Veta Mascota 115°/80°SW 0.80-4.50m 410, 465 & rhodocrosite in limestone
orebody
wide 520 gangue

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 Final report: Sources and Exhausts in Polymetallic Carbonate Rock-hosted Ore Deposits

Table 2. Characteristics of sulfide orebodies at Cachi Cachi, Yauricocha Mine, central Perú. Data summarized from Rodriguez
(2002, 2004).
SULFIDE & GANGUE
OREBODY LOCATION HOST ROCK FORM ORIENTATION SIZE DEPTH
MINERALS
mixed breccia with
Jumasha limestone- 150°/65°SW, 18m long x Surface to
Privatizadora SW of Caprichosa limestone & intrusive galena, sphalerite & friable pyrite
intrusive plunge 52° 8m wide level 410
fragments
calcareous breccia galena, sphalerite & massive/sandy
130°/60°NE, plunge 25m long x 2-
Caprichosa SW of Carmencita with abundant sandy level 410 pyrite. 20m long calcareous footwall
57°NE 5m wide
pyrite with abundant sandy pyrite
intersects with
NW-SE/80°S, sphalerite, galena, pyrite & minor
Rossy S of Caprichosa Caprichosa orebody calcareous breccia
plunge 55°-60°NE quartz
at 4572m.a.s.l.
Jumasha limestone- 55m long x 2- Surface to sphalerite, galena, sandy pyrite &
Veta Carmencita S of Veta Dianita calcareous breccia 100°/75°S
intrusive 6m wide level 410 chalcopyrite
skarn-Jumasha 105°/85°S, plunge sphalerite, galena, pyrite &
Veta Dianita S of Veta Virginia vein level 410
limestone contact 60°NE chalcopyrite
Jumasha limestone-
Veta Virginia N of Cachi Cachi mine vein NW-SE/S 50m long level 410
intrusive

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 Final report: Sources and Exhausts in Polymetallic Carbonate Rock-hosted Ore Deposits

is associated with galena, sphalerite, tetrahedrite and quartz, filling fractures and sphalerite
cleavages.
Mineralogical zoning at the Yauricocha district is distinctive. Ore bodies replacing Jumasha
Formation limestone, near the contact with the France Chert and the Exito stock, have a nucleus
of enargite with lesser bornite and chalcopyrite. Lead-Zn, Ag-, and Au-sulfide rich orebodies lie
distal to the intrusion. The metal zonation is observed on the scale of orebodies as well. The
most abundant gangue mineral is quartz. Calcite veinlets are associated with quartz and
sphalerite. Fluorite is contemporaneous with galena and sphalerite. Specularite and siderite are
present in limestone and veins at the Exito and Ipillo mines.
The oxidation of ore bodies at Yauricocha is partial to complete (Lacy, 1949), and is present
from the surface (around 4645 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l.)) to level 720 (4182 m.a.s.l.).
Supergene enrichment of Cu-sulfides is associated with oxide minerals. Supergene covellite,
chalcocite, and digenite coexist in contact with the oxides. Goethite, jarosite, hematite, anglesite,
kaolinite, gypsum, quartz, gold and silver are present in the residual oxidation zone, whereas
cuprite, native cooper, malachite, azurite, brochantite, jarosite, cerusite, chrysocolla, and
manganese oxide are mobile.

Alteration zoning at Mina Central

Distal alteration on the surface above Mina Central have been separated into three zone (Fig.
3) based on the intensity and distribution of veinlets rich in Mn, orange-brown carbonate
minerals versus gray and white carbonate minerals and the presence of bleached limestone or
marble versus unbleached or gray limestone or marble. The zones are irregular in size and in
terms of horizontal and vertical distances with respect to the intrusive contact. The halo of
bleached marble versus gray marble and the distribution of the different types of veinlets are
mainly controlled by the fracture system and very locally by bedding. Contacts between the
alteration zones are diffuse, and pods of one zone can be found within the mapped limits of
another zone. The zones of distal alteration are:
Zone A: Veinlets, nodules, and lenses rich in Mn predominate. Zone varies from 0 to
400m away from the intrusive contact.
Zone B: Veinlets and distal lenses rich in brown carbonates predominate. Zone varies
from approximately 260m up to 700m away from the intrusive contact.
Zone C: Veinlets rich in white or gray carbonates predominate. The zone varies
approximately from 350m to 800m away from the intrusive contact.
Bleaching of limestone or bleached marble versus gray marble reaches horizontal distances
of up to at least 430m SW from the old open pit. The contact between the bleached or gray
marble with the fresh limestone is irregular. The bleached limestone extends to elevations of at
least 4,725 m.a.s.l. Near the intrusive contact, bleaching is pervasive (Fig. 4). Manganese oxide
minerals flood the bleached limestone near the CRD lodes (Fig. 5a).
Veinlets rich in Mn reach horizontal distances of up to at least 685m from the intrusion (Fig.
4), and at an altitude of up to 4,825 m.a.s.l. (Fig. 5a). Distinctive orange-brown carbonate
veinlets extend up to at least 780m from the intrusive contact, and are present at altitudes of up to
4,850 m.a.s.l in fine-grained fresh limestone of fine grain (Fig. 5 c,d). In a vertical profile within
the mine, the carbonate veinlet networks rich in Mn lie below networks of orange-brown
carbonate veinlets rich in Fe. Beyond the Mn-bearing and orange-brown carbonate veins are
white calcite veins, which can either be syntectonic veins that predated the hydrothermal system

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 Final report: Sources and Exhausts in Polymetallic Carbonate Rock-hosted Ore Deposits

or represent the distal exhausted hydrothermal fluids (Fig. 5f). Locally, white calcite veins cut
the Mn-oxide and orange-brown carbonate veins.

Figure 3. Geologic and alteration map of the surface outcrops around Mina Central,
Yauricocha District. Included on the map are the sample location and sample numbers that
correspond to analysis presented in the appendices.

Orange-brown carbonate veinlets and less common nodules, locally rich in manganese, are
the distinctive distal manifestation of the hydrothermal systems. They are also remarkably
similar to the orange brown carbonate veinlet noted at other deeper CRD or skarn deposits in
central Perú (Fig. 1). The density of these veinlets, locally rich in sulfide minerals, decreases
away from Mina Central and from the intrusion (Fig. 4).

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 Final report: Sources and Exhausts in Polymetallic Carbonate Rock-hosted Ore Deposits

Figure 4. Distribution of alteration and veins at Mina Central. Distance is from intrusive contact
just off the east edge of the geologic map shown in Figure 3.

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 Final report: Sources and Exhausts in Polymetallic Carbonate Rock-hosted Ore Deposits

Figure 5. Alteration and vein types at Mina Central. a) Pervasive sulfide-bearing manganese-
orange brown carbonate nodules and vein networks (vein type 3b) replacing recrystallized, grey
medium- to coarse-grained grey marble in the proximity of Mina Central main orebody. Grey
marble includes bleached marble patches (~10% of total rock volume) (Zone A, 275m SW of
Exito stock). b) Fluid escape structures formed by veinlet networks of sulfide-bearing
manganese-orange brown carbonate veins (vein type 3a) in recrystallized medium grained grey
marbles (Zone A, 280m SW of Exito stock). c) Close-up of replacement of recrystallized
bleached limestone by manganiferous carbonate mineral veins and pods (vein type 3a) (Zone B,
430m SW of Exito stock). d) Network of, up to 7cm wide, orange brown carbonate-quartz and
minor manganese veinlets (vein type 2b) mainly fracture controlled in dark grey limestone beds.
Decrease of manganese-carbonate is consistent with distance (Zone B, 425m SW of Exito stock).
e) Fractured controlled dense network of orange brown carbonate veinlets (vein type 2a) in
limestone at about 380m of Exito stock (Zone B). f) Thin white calcite veinlets (vein type 4d) in
pure limestone bed. Veins have no relation with mineralization (Zone C, 400m SW of Exito
stock). Note, photograph has been rotated clockwise 90°.

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 Final report: Sources and Exhausts in Polymetallic Carbonate Rock-hosted Ore Deposits

Figure 6. Geologic and alteration map of the surface outcrops around Cachi Cachi, Yauricocha
District. Included on the map are the sample location and sample numbers that correspond to
analysis presented in the appendices. A larger version of the figure is included in Plate 1 in the
appendices. Sample numbers can be seen more clearly on Plate 1 in the appendices.

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 Final report: Sources and Exhausts in Polymetallic Carbonate Rock-hosted Ore Deposits

Alteration zoning at Cachi Cachi

In the Cachi Cachi area, zones of bleached marble, gray marble and limestone (zones of
dolomitization), and vein swarm systems and distal veinlets in host rocks adjacent to orebodies
are distributed laterally from the intrusive contact (Figs. 6, 7). Distal alteration has also been
divided in three zones based on the intensity and distribution of the hydrothermal alteration. The
zones of distal alteration and their dominant characteristic are:
Zone A: Pervasive limestone bleaching (Zone A), located in the east end of the Cachi Cachi
pit nearest to the principal intrusive.
Zone B: Limestone bleaching is controlled by the stratigraphy resulting in a stripped outcrop
appearance.
Zone C: Discontinuous regional limestone bleaching controlled by the bedding most distal to
the main intrusive.
Pervasively bleached marble or pervasive bleaching of the limestone defines Zone A that
extends up to approximately 150 m from the contact of the mineralized zones and/or host rocks
with the main intrusive (Fig. 8a, b). The bleached marble is saccharoidal, crystalline and of
coarse to very coarse grained (1 to 2mm). Near the outer limit of Zone A, bleached marble
contains graphite clots as well as isolated pyrite-bearing, gray coarse-grained marble similar to
that in Zone B. Near the intrusion, yellow brown (grossularitic) garnet is present (Fig. 8c).
Calcsilicate (diopside and augite) and wollastonite veinlets (Fig. 8d) extend to farther distances
from the intrusive contact. Disseminated pyrite is present in all the calcsilicate veins.
In Zone B, bleaching of marble is confined to bedding such that the outcrop consists of
bedding-controlled stripes of white and grey marble. The marble is medium- to coarse-grained,
but generally finer grained than in Zone A. The confinement to and flow of hydrothermal fluids
along bedding is enhances as the bedding strikes generally 075° to 095° and dips S from 045° to
sub-vertical directly into the contact with the intrusive rocks (Fig. 6). Calc-silicate minerals and
orange-brown to white calcite fills the vein networks in the marble (Figs. 7, 8e-g).
Zone C lies outside Zones A and B (Fig. 6), some 250 to 500 meters from the intrusive
contact. It is an area of diffuse but penetrative bleaching of limestone (not marble) (Fig. 8h. The
carbonate rocks are noticeably finer grained than in Zone A and B. The bleaching is inferred to
be due to the oxidation of the graphite within the limestone. The oxidation is not accompanied
by recrystallization of limestone to marble. The contact between fine- to medium-grained white
or gray limestone with the fresh limestone is irregular with bleached and gray limestone layers as
fingers within the otherwise dark gray limestone of the Jumasha Formation.

Veins in the distal alteration zones

Four types, 1-4, of veins are recognized in the distal alteration zones (Table 3; Figs. 3 and 6).
Types 1-4 are found distributed sequentially outward at Cachi Cachi, whereas only type 2-4 are
present at Mina Central. Veins can be found as much as 700 meters laterally from the intrusive
contact. They furthermore extend over a vertical distance approaching 800 m along the sides of
the intrusion and polymetallic deposits.

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 Final report: Sources and Exhausts in Polymetallic Carbonate Rock-hosted Ore Deposits

Figure 7. Distribution of alteration and veins at Cachi Cachi. Distance is from intrusive contact
just off the east edge of the geologic map shown in Figure 6.

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 Final report: Sources and Exhausts in Polymetallic Carbonate Rock-hosted Ore Deposits

Figure 8 (previous page). Vein types and alteration at Cachi Cachi. a) East view of Zones A and
B at Cachi Cachi displaying pervasive to bedding controlled bleaching (white bands) and
bedding controlled vein swarm (dark bands). Note in the background the main intrusive (dark
grey) in contact with the bleached marbles. b) Pervasive (left) to bedded (right) controlled
bleaching. Sharp contact, between Zones A and B, occurs at about 150 m from sulfide-bearing
rock. c) Close-up of up pods of garnet (grossular) (vein type 1a) in very coarse-grained
recrystallized and bleached marble bed (Zone A, 170m west of main intrusive). d) Fluid escape
structures formed by veinlet networks of light green wollastonite-quartz (vein type 1b) cutting
dolomite (?) flooded, medium-grained pervasively bleached marble (Zone B, 415m W of main
intrusive). e) Close-up of vein swarm composed of light green wollastonite-quartz (vein type 1b)
in dolomite (?) flooded, fine-grained grey marble (Zone B, 422m W of main intrusive). f) Very
dense network of calc-silicate (diopside)-orange brown carbonate-quartz veinlets (vein type 1c)
forming fluid escape structures in a bleached marble bed (Zone B, 298m W of main intrusive).
g) Close-up of vein swarm composed of orange brown carbonate-quartz (vein type 2) in coarse-
grained marble (Zone B, 259m of main intrusive). h) Interfingered, recrystallized bleached
(white) and grey marbles (left) in contact with dark grey fine grained limestone (right) at about
450 meters (Zones B and C) from sulfide bearing rock. Bedding controls the bleaching of beds.

Type 1 veins and veinlets consist of grossular/andradite garnet, calcsilicates minerals,

(mainly diopside and wollastonite), and wollastonite. In addition, brown and dolomitic
carbonate minerals are present in the Type 1 veins near the sulfide orebodies. The abundance
and density of the lenses and clusters of veinlets decrease with the distance of the main intrusive
at Cachi Cachi (Fig. 8a,b). Veins and isolated clusters of garnet and calcsilicate minerals are
present in the marble and limestone up to 480 meters from the open pit. Veinlets of wollastonite
in a matrix of white carbonate minerals, quartz, and pyrites are present beginning about 450 m
west of the open pit. The mineral assemblages of vein Type 1 represents the high temperature
veins associated with the formation of the skarn. The garnet and calcsilicate veins are found
closer to the sulfide ore body, whereas the wollastonite veins are the distal manifestation of the
skarn system.
Type 2 veins are found in immediately fringing the carbonate replacement orebodies at Mina
Central and lie within zone B at Cachi Cachi. At Mina Central, the rocks adjacent to the
carbonate replacement bodies are flooded with manganese oxides (Type 3 veins). Outward,
there is increasing content of orange brown carbonate minerals in the veins (Type 3a) and a
decreasing content Mn oxide minerals (Type 2b). Outward in these veins, there is a decreasing
content of Mn and finally the veins are orange brown carbonate (Type 2a) only. Type 4 white
calcite veins form the distal fringe and also cut all the other vein types in alteration zones closer
to the sulfide orebody.
In general, vein Type 1 is oldest, vein Types 2 and 3 mutually cross cut each other and
represent an intermediate stage both temporally and distally. Vein Type 4 cut all other veins
throughout alteration zones at Mina Central and Cachi Cachi and are also found the most distal
from the sulfide ore bodies. Vein type 1 are controlled by the regional fracture mesh that
dominates the fold and thrust belt in the region (Fig. 9), where as the younger vein types become
more random, reflecting fracturing of the thermal aureole during hydrothermal circulation.

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 Final report: Sources and Exhausts in Polymetallic Carbonate Rock-hosted Ore Deposits

Figure 9. Rose diagrams showing the orientation by vein types at Cachi Cachi and Mina Central.

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 Final report: Sources and Exhausts in Polymetallic Carbonate Rock-hosted Ore Deposits

Table 3. Vein types found distally to sulfide orebodies at Cachi Cachi and Mina Central.
Vein type Compositon
1. Calcsilicate a. Garnet (grossular)
b. Wollastonite
c. Calcsilicate(diopside/augite) ± calcite/orange-brown
carbonate ± pyrite ± Mn-oxide

2. Orange-brown carbonate a. Orange-brown carbonate ± calcite±quartz ± pyrite

b. Orange-brown carbonate ± calcite±quartz ± pyrite ±
Mn-oxides

3. Mn-rich veins a. Mn-oxide ± orange-brown carbonate ± calcite ± quartz ±

pyrite
b. Pervasive Mn-oxide – orange brown carbonate
c. Mn oxide ± quartz ± pyrite

4. Calcite a. Dark grey calcite ± pyrite ± Mn oxide

b. Light grey calcite ± pyrite ± Mn oxide
c. White calcite ± pyrite (late) ± Mn oxide
d. White calcite

Geochemistry
Rock chip samples were collected and prepared and analyzed for trace element geochemistry
at ALS Chemex. Sample preparation was conducted at their facilities in Lima, and all the
geochemical analyses were completed at the ALS Chemex laboratory in Vancouver, B.C. All
samples were analyzed for Au by fire assay, 47 elements by a combination of ICP-MS and ICP-
AES. Mercury (Hg) was analyzed by conventional cold vapor atomic absorption spectroscopy.
Sample with high concentration of Ag, Pb, Zn, Cu and Mn were analyzed by AAS, or by
ICPAES in the case of Cu. Tables and graphs showing geochemical results are included in the
appendices.
The purpose of the study was to define an elemental distribution that reflects the alteration
and vein-types identified in the field. As such, examination of the elements is in context of their
distance from the intrusive contact. Representative elemental graphs illustrating the major
conclusions to be drawn from the data are shown herein (Figs. 10 and 11).
The best way to visualize the distribution of elements is through examining the element
distribution with respect to bleaching and recrystallization of the limestone to marble and by vein
type (Tables 4, 5). The bleached rocks represent pervasive fluid flow, and the rocks will have
interacted completely with the hydrothermal fluid. Examination of these rocks will be by the
alteration zones. The veins and veinlet swarms represent the fluid escape pathways, and their
mineralogy obviously represents very different physiochemical conditions of formation.
At Cachi Cachi, bleached marble nearest the intrusion in zone A is enriched in Zn with
weakly anomalous As, Mn, and Sb. In zone B, the bleached marble is enriched in Zn and As,
with weakly anomalous Sb and Tl. In zone C, only Mn shows any strong enrichment. A similar
pattern is evident at Mina Central, where Zn and Mn are enriched in zone A with weakly
anomalous Pb, As, Sb, Tl, and Au. In zone B, the bleached marble is only moderately enriched

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Final report: Sources and Exhausts in Polymetallic Carbonate Rock-hosted Ore Deposits

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 Final report: Sources and Exhausts in Polymetallic Carbonate Rock-hosted Ore Deposits

Figure 10. Distribution of Zn (a, b), As (c, d), Mn (e, f) and Sb (g, h) laterally from intrusive
contact with the host Jumasha Formation limestone at Mina Central.

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Final report: Sources and Exhausts in Polymetallic Carbonate Rock-hosted Ore Deposits

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 Final report: Sources and Exhausts in Polymetallic Carbonate Rock-hosted Ore Deposits

Figure 11. Distribution of Zn (a, b), As (c. d), Mn (e, f) and Sb (g, h) laterally from intrusive
contact with the host Jumasha Formation limestone at Cachi Cachi

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 Final report: Sources and Exhausts in Polymetallic Carbonate Rock-hosted Ore Deposits

in Zn, As, Mn, and Sb and weakly enriched in Pb. No element is enriched in the rocks of zone C
at Mina Central. Combining the two mineralized centers, Zn ± As is enriched in the rocks
nearest the intrusion with Mn forming a strong dispersion halo on the distal fringes. The
remainder of the “epithermal” suite of Sb-Tl±Au accompanies the base metal in the rocks and is
strongest near the sulfide orebodies.

Table 4. Distribution of anomalous elements in the bleached / grey marble and the distal veins at
Yauricocha separated by mineralized center. See Table 3 for vein types. Chemical data is
presented in the appendices to this chapter. W, weak; M, moderate; and S, strong
Mina Central
Bleached/grey marble Vein type 2 Vein type 3
Zones A B C A B C A B C
Zn S M - S S M S S M
Pb W W - S S M S S W
As W M - S S S S S S
Bi - - - - - - - - -
Ba - - - - - - W S -
Mn S M - S S M S S S
Sb W M - S S M S S S
Tl W - - M W - M S S
Ag - - - S M W S S M
Au W - - S M W S S S
Cu - - - M W W - W W
Mo - - - W - - W - -
Hg - - - - M M S M S
Cd - - - - W - W - -
W - - - M - - - - -

Cachi Cachi
Bleached/grey marble Vein type 1 Vein type 2 Vein type 3 Vein type 4
Zones A B C A B C A B C A B C A B C
Zn S S - S S - - - S - - S W - -
Pb - - - W S - - - S - - - W - -
As W S - S S - - S S - S S W - -
Bi - - - S S - S - - - - - - - -
Ba - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Mn W - S W - - - - S - - S - - -
Sb W W - W W - - - W - - S - - -
Tl - W - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Ag - - - - - - - - S - - S - - -
Au - - - W W - - W W - S S - - -
Cu - - - W - - - W W - - - - - -
Mo - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Hg - - - - - - - - W - - W - - -
Cd - - - W - - - - W - - - - - -

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 Final report: Sources and Exhausts in Polymetallic Carbonate Rock-hosted Ore Deposits

The veins present a comparable elemental halo that is much more systematic and indicative
of an evolving hydrothermal fluid. The high temperature Type 1 veins, where present, are
anomalous in Zn-Pb-As-Bi and weakly anomalous in Mn-Sb-Au±Cu-Cd. The Type 2 carbonate
and Type 3 Mn-rich veins are rich in Zn-Pb-As-Mn-Sb. Around Mina Central, the Type 3 veins
carry strongly anomalous values of As-Mn-Sb-Tl-Au and moderate to weakly anomalous Pb-Ag-
Cu in zone C, more than 400 meters from the intrusive contact and sulfide orebodies. At Cachi
Cachi, Type 2 orange brown carbonate veins in Zone A near the intrusion are strongly
anomalous in Bi but in Zone C are depleted in Bi but strongly anomalous in Zn-Pb-As-Mn and
weakly anomalous in Sb-Au-Cu-Hg-Cd. Type 3 Mn-rich veins at Cachi Cachi show a similar
distribution of elements. Late Type 4 calcite veins only contain weakly anomalous Zn-Pb-As
where found in Zone A at Cachi Cachi near to the skarn and intrusive contact.

Stable isotopes
Calcite and dolomite d18O and d13C isotopic compositions were measured in seventy-three
samples of limestone, marble, hornfels and vein types 1 through 4. Measurements were made at
the Pacific Centre for Isotopic and Geochemical Research at the University of British Columbia.
All data are available in the appendices. Plots of representative samples are included in figure
12. Data from Mina Central include 7 analyses of limestone, marble or hornfels, 6 analyses of
the ore body, 14 analyses of type 2 veins (with host rock contamination of 5 to 50%), and 16
analyses of type 3 veins. Cachi Cachi data include four analyses of limestone and marble, 11
analyses of type 1 veins, 9 analyses of type 2 veins, three analyses of type 3 veins, and three
analyses of type 4 veins. Vein samples from both Mina Central and Cachi Cachi include host
rock contamination from 50 to 0 %.
Sedimentary oxygen isotope composition of the Celendin and Jumasha Formations are
notably sparse within the Cachi Cachi and Mina Central areas. Four of 43 samples from Mina
Central and 12 of 30 samples from Cachi Cachi have d 18O values greater than 20 per mil
VSMOW. The widespread and consistent depletion in d18O reflects the pervasive percolation of
magmatic fluids through the study areas. As with the other study areas throughout central Perú,
d13C depletions generally correlate with d 18O depletion in the high temperature calc-silicate
systems.
The d18O depletion zone extends well into alteration zone C at Mina Central. Only two
samples of host rock record d18O values greater than 20 per mil, and both of these come from the
Celendin Formation, which is generally less altered than the Jumasha Formation at this locality.
In addition, two samples of type 2 veins, one from alteration Zone B and one from alteration
Zone C, have d18O greater than 20 per mil. Both of these samples are hosted within the Jumasha
Formation limestone, and both samples have approximately 50% contamination of host
limestone. Type 2 vein samples with less contamination consistently have d18O values less than
20 per mil; the purest samples have values that cluster near d18O values of 14 per mil. These data
are consistent with precipitation of type 2 veins from magmatic fluids (d18O of 9 to 11 per mil) at
temperatures of about 400°C (O’Neil et al., 1969).
Limestone samples from alteration Zone C of Cachi Cachi are also depleted in d18O. A single
sample of limestone from alteration Zone B is the only host rock sample to retain d18O values
greater than 20 per mil. Vein samples are more variably depleted. Type 1, 2, and 3 veins with
40% or greater wall rock contamination generally have d18O values greater than 20 per mil.

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 Final report: Sources and Exhausts in Polymetallic Carbonate Rock-hosted Ore Deposits

Figure 12. Oxygen and carbon isotopic compositions of (a) rocks and high-temperature Type 1
veins and (b) Types 2 and 3 veins at Cachi Cachi and Mina Central.

The isotope data from Cachi Cachi and Mina Central are generally similar. The d 18O
depletion halo within limestone extends into alteration zone C. Limestone, marble and hornfels
record depletions in d13C that correlate with d18O (Fig. 8). Ore samples and vein type 1 samples
display a similar trend (Fig, 12a). Type 2 and 3 veins also have low d18O values, but do not have

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 Final report: Sources and Exhausts in Polymetallic Carbonate Rock-hosted Ore Deposits

depleted d13C values (Fig, 12b). Wall rock selvedges to type 1, 2, and 3 veins appear to be
variably depleted. In areas of high vein density, fracture-focused fluid percolation may have
prevented extensive wall rock alteration.

Conclusion
The polymetallic skarn at Cachi Cachi and carbonate replacement deposits at Mina Central
share similar alteration halos that extend over the entire vertical length of the mineralized
system, and up to about 800 meters laterally from the sulfide ore bodies. The width of the
alteration zone is dependant upon the geometry of the intrusion with respect to the host
stratigraphy and structural fabric in those rocks. Where the stratigraphy or a structural fabric is
at high angles to the contact, the visible alteration halo is much wider than where the stratigraphy
or structural fabric is subparallel to the contact. Bleaching and conversion of the host limestone
to marble is closest to the intrusion. The effects of the bleaching, which is the oxidation of
organic carbon in the host limestone, extends well away from the intrusion and affect otherwise
non-recrystallized limestone 500+ meters from the contact. The oxygen isotopic data confirms
the pervasive percolation of magmatic driven fluids through the rocks.
Within the alteration halo there is furthermore a consistent arrangement of vein types. Veins
with higher temperature calcsilicate minerals such as diopside or garnet are near the intrusive
source, whereas wollastonite veinlets can be found far from the intrusion and mineralized
system. Orange-brown carbonate veins are the most ubiquitous distal veins and found
throughout the alteration halo. These veins carry trace amounts of sulfide, usually pyrite, and
near the sulfide bodies are intimately associated with Mn-oxides. Near the sulfide bodies, the
carbonate and Mn-rich veins are rich in Zn-Pb-As-Mn-Sb±Tl±Au. More than 400 meters from
the intrusive contact and sulfide orebodies, these veins are also moderate to weakly anomalous in
Pb-Ag-Cu. At Cachi Cachi, orange brown carbonate veins near the intrusion are strongly
anomalous in Bi but are depleted in Bi but strongly anomalous in Zn-Pb-As-Mn and weakly
anomalous in Sb-Au-Cu-Hg-Cd away from the intrusion.
In conclusion, the systematic zoning visible at Yauricocha provides a view of a dynamic
hydrothermal system that involved initially pervasive fluid flow along the structural and
stratigraphic permeability that collapsed and became focused along the open fluid channels. The
distribution of elements and minerals in these channels are controlled by the fluid rock
interactions coupled with the temperature of the fluid and the composition of that spent fluid as it
evolved moving away from the sites of sulfide deposition.

References cited
Alvarez, A.A., and Noble, D.C., 1988, Sedimentary rock-hosted disseminated precious-metal
mineralization at Purísima Concepción, Yauricocha district, central Peru: Economic
Geology, v. 83, p. 1368-1378.
Bissig, T., Ullrich, T. Tosdal, R. M., and Ebert, S., 2003, The late Eocene to late Miocene
magmatic arc of central Peru: New 40Ar/39Ar age constraints from Yauricocha to Cerro de
Pasco: Sociedad Geologica del Peru, XII Congreso Peruano de Geologia, Lima.
Giletti, B. W., and Day, H. W., 1968, Potassium-argon ages of igneous rocks of Peru: Nature, v.
220, p. 570-571.
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