Distal Alteration in The Ag-Mn-Pb-Zn Rosa Vein and Associated Replacement Deposits at Uchucchacua, Peru

Final report: Sources and Exhausts in Polymetallic Carbonate Rock-hosted Ore Deposits
Distal alteration in the Ag-Mn-Pb-Zn Rosa Vein and associated

replacement deposits at Uchucchacua, Peru
Introduction
Uchucchacua is the largest silver producer in Peru. The deposit consists of fault and
fracture controlled steeply dipping veins hosted in Jumasha Formation limestone. Porphyritic
dacite dikes and plugs share a crude spatial association with the mineralized veins, and a few
magmatic hydrothermal breccias (pebble dikes) occur along the same fault zones as mineralized
veins. The main ore veins are flanked by Mn-Fe-Ca silicate replacement bodies.
This study focused on proximal (20m) to distal (100m) alteration around the Rosa Vein at
all accessible elevations within and outside the Carmen mine. Visible alteration of host limestone
along the Rosa vein varies with depth from white to tan marble and skarn at the deepest levels
through silicified tan hornfels and Mn-Fe-Ca silicate replacement bodies in the main ore zone to
calcite vein swarms with Mn-oxide and Fe-oxide at surface. Trace elements, ultraviolet
fluorescence, and oxygen, carbon and strontium isotopes are used to trace fluid flow and define
alteration halos up to 50 metres beyond visible alteration.
Deposit Geology
The Ag-Mn-Pb-Zn Uchucchacua Vein Deposit is located in the eastern flank of the
western Peruvian Andes, at 10° 37’S and 76°41' W, at an average altitude of 4650 metres (Fig.
1). This deposit, 170 km north-northeast of Lima, consists principally of silver and manganese
rich veins and bonanza ore bodies with minor amounts of Pb, Zn and Cu, hosted in the Upper
Cretaceous Jumasha Formation. Local small and low-grade skarn bodies are also found within
the district associated with 25.3 Ma dacite intrusions that apparently pre-dated the main stage of
silver mineralization (Noble, 1980). Age of silver mineralization is not well constrained but
estimated to be within the interval of 15 to 8 Ma (Bussell et al, 1990).
In the district, the Jumasha Formation consists of approximately 1400 metres of fine-
grained, massive limestone interbedded with marly and nodular limestone. Angeles (2002)
described four distinct members (I-IV) of the Jumasha formation in the Uchucchacua area. Silver
and manganese-rich veins and ore bodies are hosted preferentially in member II (Angeles, 2002).
Several phases of folding and faulting mainly related to the first Andean major tectonic event
(Incaic phase; Romani, 1982) pre-date and exert a first order control on mineralization. The
dominant structures are the NW-SE Cachipampa anticline; NNW-SSE striking thrust faults, and
the NE-SW striking Socorro – Luz and Uchucchacua fault vein systems. East-west striking
conjugate fractures within the fault-vein systems (e.g., Rosa vein in Fig. 2) are import hosts to
ore deposition.
Mineralization is recognized on surface in a 4 by 1.5 km area, and consists of up to
1200m long, discontinuous, Mn-oxide rich calcite veins and irregular breccia bodies
(Sabastizagal, 2003). The vein and breccias are the surface expression of major fault-vein
systems which are most abundant between the Carmen and Socorro areas (Fig. 2). They are 1-1.5
km long and range from 0.1 to 30 metres wide (Sabastizagal, 2003), generally thinning with
depth. Manganese-Fe-Ca silicate tabular replacement bodies adjacent to veins form the main ore
bodies (Bussell et al, 1990; Petersen et al, 2004).
The Rosa vein is one of the most productive veins in the District. It has been traced at
surface for more than 1.5 km along an east-west strike with near vertical dip. The vein consists
of anastomozing calcite + Mn oxide veins up to several metres in width that thin to about 1 metre
1
at the deepest levels of the mine. The Rosa vein has undergone a greater vertical slip (~100 m)
than most other mineralized fractures in Uchucchacua (Bussell and Baxter, 1986). Replacement
ore bodies are tabular sheets that generally occupy the north wall of the Rosa vein (Bussell et al,
1990). Our study of alteration at Uchucchacua is focused mainly at the proximal (20m) to distal
(100m) halos around the Rosa vein.
Figure 1. Regional geological map of Uchucchacua. Modified from Cobbing and Garayar
(1998) Mapa Geologico del cuadrangulo do Oyon, hoja 22-j INGEMMET, Peru.
2
Intrusive Igneous Rocks

Intrusive rocks at Uchucchacua appear as kilometre long, thin, moderately propylitic-
altered dikes and sills that have been differentiated in a relatively older andesite and hornblende–
rich andesite, and a younger andesite to dacite porphyry (Bussell et al, 1990, Angeles, 2002).
Andesite and hornblende-rich andesite occurs as folded sill and dikes within the Cachipampa
syncline, and are altered to chlorite, calcite, quartz and clay, with traces of pyrite and magnetite.
Because of their location within the strongly folded sequence these dikes are thought to be older
than the Incaic deformation (Angeles, 2002).
Andesite–dacite porphyry dikes and plugs, and associated hydrothermal breccias, are
prominent at Nazareno Hill (Angeles, 2002), along the Sandra –Marion vein fault, and along the
Plomopampa 1 fault (Bussell et al, 1990). Argillic and propylitic alteration is common. Dacite
porphyry dikes are locally converted to garnet-wollastonite endoskarn (Bussell et al., 1990).
Poorly mineralized, metre-scale exoskarn - bleached marble aureoles are developed in limestone
3
adjacent to the dikes. A K-Ar age of 25.3 Ma reported for the dacite porphyry dikes (Noble,
1980), and was confirmed by the Ar/Ar dating of dacite dike biotite taken from the 4450 metre
level of the Casualidad mine: 25.28 ±0.44 Ma (this study).
Mineralogy and petrography

Gray, brownish gray, bituminous and marly limestone units of the Middle and Upper
Jumasha Formation enclose the Rosa vein (Fig. 2). Outside of the main ore zone, visible
alteration of limestone is limited in extent to a few metres. Small but conspicuous brown hornfels
silicification halos and tan to white marble patches bear a striking resemblance to similar
alteration products at Antamina. Limestone and alteration products were examined by
petrographic microscope, Portable Infrared Mineral Analyzer (PIMA), and X-ray diffraction
(XRD). These data, as well as sample locations, rock descriptions, and sampling transect maps
are included in the appendices.
Limestone
Gray limestone dominates the Jumasha Formation in the vicinity of the Carmen mine.
The gray colour reflects a moderate to high organic (graphite) content. Mineral content is similar
to Jumasha limestone at Antamina: calcite, K-feldspar, quartz and pyrite with minor amounts of
mica (biotite), ankerite and kaolinite. It is weakly to moderately recrystallized, and contains up to
65% fossils, mainly foraminifera and radiolaria, and 5% ooids. Calcarenite beds with high quartz
content (up to 45%), have been recognized within the sequence of massive and thin-bedded
limestones. Limestone contains abundance calcite veins and stylolites. Overprinting of calcite
veins by stylolites is one of the primary criteria for recognizing early calcite veins.
Hornfels
Hornfels is developed close to the Rosa vein and associated ore bodies at the 4360 level
and below. It consists of centimetre-scale brown halos developed along calcite + sulfide veins
and sulfide filled fractures (Fig. 3). Sharp contacts with host rocks and proximity to calcite veins
indicate they are the alteration products of limestone. Brown hornfels contains calcite, quartz,
biotite, pyrite, and trace clinopyroxene. Gray, white and greenish gray hornfels have not been
recognized in Uchucchacua.
Marble
Marble consists of light gray to white, discontinuous and irregular halos to dacite and andesite
porphyry dikes and as white to tan patches (1 to 100 cm across) close to the Rosa vein in the
deepest (4120 metre) levels of the Carmen mine (Fig. 3). At the western margin of Minas
Carmen and Casualidad, Marble halos are crosscut by mineralized faults such as the Sandra-
Marion fault-vein. Marble contains calcite +/- quartz, mica, garnet, wollastonite, siderite and
pyrite. It replaces oolitic and fossiliferous brownish gray limestone. The contact between marble
and limestone is sharp. This is contact also coincides with an absence of bitumen, suggesting a
bleaching origin similar to that at Antamina.
Skarn
Two types of calc-silicate skarn are recognized: Mn-Fe-Ca silicate replacement bodies
along the main ore veins, and garnet skarn with trace sulfides related to the emplacement of
dacite porphyry dikes.
4
Figure 3. A. White syn-tectonic calcite veins, Plomopampa. B. White calcite vein (black arrow)
with Mn-oxide (white arrow), Rosa vein at surface (4940 m level). C. Colloform calcite vein
with breccia containing clasts of calcite vein, Rosa vein ore zone (4450 m level). D. Brown
hornfels halo (white arrow) to calcite + sulfide vein, 4360 m level of Rosa vein. E. Mn-Fe-Ca
silicate + sulfide replacement ore shoot cutting syn-tectonic white calcite vein, Monica 4240 m
level.
Mn-Fe-Ca silicates are restricted to the veins and replacement ore bodies. Their
distribution is variable and they appear in the first stages of the paragenetic evolution of the
District closely associated to the Zn-Mn-Fe, Pb and Cu-Fe sulfides (Bussell et al, 1990). Calc-
5
silicate + sulfide orebodies contain quartz, ferroan tephroite, johannsonite, rhodonite, bustamite,
manganpyrosmalite, friedelite, and manganaxinite, partially replaced by carbonates and sulfides
(Bussell et al, 1990). The ore bodies are not in contact with dacite dikes.
Grossular to andradite garnet and trace amounts of wollastonite are found within
endoskarn alteration halo developed around dacite porphyry dikes and plugs at the western
margin of the Carmen and Casualidad mines (Bussell et al, 1990; Angeles, 2002). These halos
grade outward to grossular garnet exoskarn and white marble. Exoskarn contains trace amounts
of sphalerite, chalcopyrite and galena (Sabastizagal, 2003). The zonation from brown hornfels
and Ca-Mn-Ca silicate at moderate depths to garnet skarn and white to tan marble at the lowest
levels may reflect a thermal gradient during mineralization.
Veins
Centimetre-scale calcite veins are ubiquitous spatially and temporally throughout the
district. Pre-mineralization, syntectonic veins are white, ptygmatic and discontinuous. They are
fibrous, and are mutually crosscutting with stylolites.
White calcite vein swarms enclose the major fault-vein systems and appear in all stages
of mineralization (Bussell et al, 1990). Syn-mineral veins define crustiform and cavity-filling
textures (Alpers, 1980). At surface (4940, 4830 and 4725m elevation) large crustiform banded
white and gray calcite vein marks the barren upper level of the Rosa vein system. Underground,
abundant banded calcite vein swarms enclose the Rosa vein in both the footwall and hanging
wall. Silicates, carbonates, and sulfides form the main mineral stage; whereas the late stage
consists of carbonates, sulfides and sulfosalts (Bussell et al, 1990). Syn-mineralization veins
crosscut stylolites.
Post-mineral veins appear as millimetre to centimetre-scale veins, sometimes with
colloform textures, suggesting rapid precipitation of gelatinous calcium carbonate (Ramdohr,
1980, Enderlin, 2002).
Summary of main points

• Two calc-silicate zones appear in different parts of the mine: Mn-Fe-Ca silicates
associated with the Ag-rich mineralized veins, and Ca-silicates skarn aureoles with traces
of sulfides related to the emplacement of dacite porphyry dikes.
• Dacite porphyry dikes develop a poorly mineralized, garnet-wollastonite exoskarn -
bleached marble aureole in the host-rocks.
• Local, isolated, centimetre-scale, white to tan marble patches adjacent to the Rosa vein in
the deepest levels of the mine (4120m elevation) reflect fluid infiltration and bleaching.
• Hornfels is limited to local centimetre-scale brown halos developed along calcite +
sulfide veinlets and sulfide filled fractures close to the main veins and ore bodies.
• Calcite veining is the most striking feature at Uchucchacua. Veins occur in all
mineralization stages and also predate and postdate mineralization.
Trace Element Composition

Trace element abundance in rock samples from Uchucchacua was assessed for the same
suite of elements examined at Antamina. Two hundred and forty-two samples were analyzed (see
appendices for data). Samples have been collected at eight levels across the Rosa vein, spanning
a vertical interval of 800 metres. Three samples of unaltered Middle member of the Jumasha
Formation were taken around Añilcocha lake (2.5 km south of the mine) to constrain background
6
values for the District. Table 1 shows the threshold values for the Rosa vein host-rocks.
Background samples are only slightly higher than the average content estimated for limestone in
general (Rose et al, 1979; Marshall and Fairbridge, 1999). Trace element values of unaltered
limestone from Uchucchacua show slightly higher content of antimony and lower content of
bismuth, copper, lead and zinc than background samples taken in Antamina.
Table 1: Trace element threshold values for Jumasha limestone at Rosa Vein
Element ppm Element ppm Element ppm
Ba 100 Ag 0.1 As 20
Cu 10 Bi 0.1 Cd 5
Mn 800 Hg 0.02 In 0.02
Sb 1 Mo 1 Pb 25
Zn 100 Tl 1 W 1
Element mobility and alteration halos were identified using semi logarithm diagrams of
abundance versus distance to the Rosa vein at surface, and the 4450 m, 4360 m, 4180 m and
4120 m levels of the underground mining operations. All samples were collected from transects
where Rosa vein has small thickness and is isolated from other orebodies. At the 4300 metre
level, ore veins and bodies are so closely spaced that the alteration halos overlap and individual
halo thickness cannot be determined.
Intensity, size, and vertical extent of alteration halos were used to define four groups of
elements. The numbering of the groups was chosen to emphasize similarities with trace element
halos at Antamina:
Group 1 – Cu, Pb, Zn, W
Group 2 - Ag, As, Mn, Sb
Group 3 - Tl, Hg, Mo
Group 4 – Ba, Cd, In, Bi
Data for representative (underlined) elements of each group are plotted in figure 4. Plots for the
remaining elements are in the appendices. Figure 5A presents a summary of the distribution of
alteration halos for all elements.
Group 1 elements (e.g., Pb or Zn) have thin weak halos mid to deep levels. Group 2
elements (e.g., Mn, Ag, As) have strong, wide halos (in excess of 50 metres) at depth that thin to
about 20 metres at the shallowest levels. Group 3 elements (e.g., Tl) have weak to moderate
halos, typically less than ten metres wide, that span the deepest levels of the Rosa mine through
to the surface. Group 4 elements lack alteration halos.
7
Figure 4. Lateral and vertical trace element distribution at the Rosa vein.
8
Figure 4 cont’d. Lateral and vertical trace element distribution at the Rosa vein.
9
Figure 4 cont’d. Lateral and vertical trace element distribution at the Rosa vein.
10
Figure 5A. Summary of trace element halo distribution with depth on the Rosa vein.
Trace element halo groups are generally, but not universally, consistent with observations
at Antamina. In this interpretation, halos at Uchucchacua represent a continuation to a shallow
and lower temperature hydrothermal environment (Fig. 5B).
Calcite veins were sampled separately for trace element analysis. Banded calcite within
the Rosa vein at surface (4940 and 4725 metre elevation) contains weak anomalies in Ag, and
Mn. The most significant anomalies are associated with late Mn-bearing breccias and veinlets,
11
which locally contain more than 100 ppm Ag (Fig. 6), and strong Au, As, Cu, Pb, Sb, Tl, Zn, and
Hg anomalies.
Within Carmen mine 4450 to 4120 metre levels, calcite from the Rosa vein is
consistently mineralized and contains strong Ag, Mn, As, Hg, Sb, Tl, Pb, Zn, Cd, and P
anomalies and weak Au, Cu, Sn, W anomalies. The anomalies are restricted to veins, with little
dispersion into unveined carbonate wall rocks.
Figure 5B. Synthesis of Antamina and Uchucchacua trace element alteration.
12
Figure 6. Trace element content in calcite vein distal to the Rosa vein.
13
Figure 6 cont’d. Trace element content in calcite vein distal to the Rosa vein.
Correlation coefficients
Statistical correlations for the 49 elements analyzed from limestone (40 samples) distal to
large orebodies are shown in the appendices. In these samples Au correlates moderately with Hg,
Mn and Tl, and these last three elements show moderate correlation between each other (0.5 –
0.7). Silver and Pb correlate strongly only with each other (0.85) indicating a strong association
between them. The same feature is observed between Zn and Cd (0.99) that also show high
correlation with In (0.86) and, moderate correlation with Mo, Ni, and Re (0.50-0.70). Manganese
14
displays moderate (0.5-0.7) to high correlation (0.7-0.9) with Au, Ga, Sb, As, Hg, K, La, Tl and
W. Copper correlates strongly with Co and moderately with Bi, Ce, Fe, In, La, Na, S, and Tl.
Correlation coefficients for 37 samples from close to Ag-rich ore bodies and containing
abundant calcite + sulfide veinlets show a strong correlation between the base-metal suite of
elements: Au, Ag, As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Ga, Pb, S, Se, Te, Tl, W, and Zn (see appendices). Mercury,
Sb, and In correlate moderately with these elements and also between each other. Manganese
shows moderate correlation with Cu, Ga, Sb and Sn.
Correlations for 9 mineralized samples with Ag grades greater than 100 ppm are different
from lower grade samples. Ag correlates strongly with Cu (0.7) and weakly with Sb and S (0.45-
0.52). It has weak to no correlation with Mn, Pb, and Zn. Overall Ag-mineralized samples are
associated with very high Mn contents (2.9 to 33% Mn), although Ag has a negative correlation
with Mn (-0.03).
In conclusion, Mn, Hg and Tl correlate strongly in limestone without calcite veins from
all levels of the mine. Manganese also shows good correlation with As, Sb and W suggesting a
low to intermediate temperature for the mineralization of the deposit. These correlations are
consistent with the alteration halos defined in figures 4 and 5.

• Four groups of elements are recognized in the mine based on the anomalous geochemical
halos they define:
Group 1 – Cu, Pb, Zn, W
Group 2 - Ag, As, Mn, Sb
Group 3 - Tl, Hg, Mo
Group 4 – Ba, Cd, In, Bi
• These groupings are a continuation of the zonation at Antamina, with Uchucchacua
representing shallow levels of the composite system.
• Silver, Sb and As represent the widest and strongest halos at Antamina and Uchucchacua,
and extend for 10’s to 100’s of metres outward from major fluid conduits.
• The most significant anomalies are associated with late Mn-bearing breccias and veinlets,
which locally contain more than 100 ppm Ag, and strong Au, As, Cu, Pb, Sb, Tl, Zn, and Hg
anomalies
• Ag mineralized samples are associated with very high Mn contents (2.9 to 33% Mn),
although, within this group Ag has a negative correlation with Mn (-0.03).
• Host rock with small amount of calcite veinlets shows moderate correlation between Au, Hg,
Mn and Tl. Silver and lead correlate strongly only with each other (0.85) indicating a strong
association between them in the host rocks. These metal associations suggest a low to
intermediate temperature for the mineralization of the deposit.
Ultraviolet Fluorescence
Ultraviolet fluorescence (UVF) in calcite was assessed on samples from all levels and in
situ underground in the Carmen mine. The UVF data are tabulated in the appendices. Three
different fluorescent responses are recognized: white to yellow, light green, and orange-red (Fig.
7). The colour of UVF response correlates with vein timing. Pre-mineral veins do not fluoresce.
Syn-mineralization veins typically have strong orange red fluorescence. Yellow and white
fluorescent colors commonly occur as thin halos around orange red fluorescing mineralized
15
veins, and may reflect an alteration product of calcite. Fine gray, post- mineral veins typically do
not fluoresce, although they sometimes fluoresces very weak orange red.
Orange red fluorescence is widespread at the Carmen mine, and has been classified
according to the intensity of fluorescence. Moderate and strong orange red fluorescence typically
occurs proximal to sulfide-rich mineralized orebodies. However, this signature is also observed
in thin calcite veins containing small amounts of sulfide. For this reason, the orange red
fluorescence of calcite veins should be considered in conjunction with other indicators if used in
exploration. We define fluorescent halos as clusters of three or more calcite veins with moderate
to high orange red fluorescence, close to a main structure (Fig. 8). Orange-red fluorescence
defines strong alteration halos up to 30 metres in width at depth. The halos thin at shallow levels
(Fig. 8).
There is a correlation between trace element content and UVF in calcite (Fig. 9). Strong
orange red fluorescence correlates with high Mn (>10,000 ppm) and Ga (>1ppm) contents. Note
that most of the orange red fluorescent samples contain Mn in excess of the upper analytical limit
(15,000 ppm). Orange red fluorescence in calcite has been linked to the presence of Mn (Chang
et al., 1996) and Gallium-porphyrin (Haberlandt, 1944 in Chang et al., 1996). It can diminish at
high Mn content (> 3.5 mole % Mn), however, and is lost at Mn contents in excess of about 15
mole percent (Brown, 1934). Orange red fluorescence may therefore be of limited use in Mn-rich
systems such as MnCO3 replacement ore bodies (e.g.,Veronica-Monica). Veins at this locality do
not fluoresce. White and yellow fluorescence correlates with Be, P and V content (Fig. 9).
Magnesium, V, and Zr contents are elevated in light green UVF calcite. Carlson (1955)
demonstrated that the presence of Mg alters the bright white fluorescence color of calcite to
bluish green.

• Four different fluorescent colors have been recognized in the calcite veinlets at Uchucchacua:
white, yellow, light green and orange red
• Orange red fluorescence is strong near major ore bodies and fluid conduits, and correlates
with Mn content.
• At the deeper levels of Carmen mine, strong orange red UVF forms halos up to 30 metres in
width. The halos are thinner at shallow levels.
• The orange red fluorescence of calcite veins should be considered in conjunction with other
tracers in exploration.
16
Figure 7. Ultraviolet fluorescence in calcite veins. A. Faint blue fluorescence in syntectonic

veins, Plomopampa. B. White fluorescent vein adjacent to marble patch, Rosa vein (4120 m
level). C. Strong orange red fluorescence in calcite vein with brown hornfels halo, Rosa vein
(4360 m level). D. Cyclical fluorescence zoning in calcite vein at surface, Marion vein (4950
m). E. Strong orange red fluorescent vein cutting non-fluorescent syn-tectonic vein. Late yellow
fluorescent hairline veins cut orange red. Black-white scale bar in all photos is 2 cm.
17
Figure 8. Lateral and vertical extent of orange red UV fluorescence halos to the Rosa vein.
18
Figure 9. Relationship between chemical composition and fluorescence colour in calcite veins.
19
Oxygen and carbon isotopes

One hundred and forty-three samples from Uchucchacua have been analyzed for oxygen
and carbon isotope composition. Forty-four samples correspond to calcite veins and 99 to
limestone. Data are tabulated in the appendices.
A complete profile showing the variability of the oxygen and carbon isotopes in
limestone with depth is shown in figure 9. Limestone distal to ore bodies, including samples
from Anilcocha 2.5 km south of the mine, has oxygen and carbon isotope compositions similar
to unaltered Jumasha limestone from Antamina. As at Antamina, δ18O values decrease in the
vicinity of fluid conduits. Depletion in δ18O VSMOW to values less than 20 per mil are used to
define alteration halos. Oxygen isotope halos to the Rosa vein are up to 50 metres wide at depth.
The most depleted samples have δ18O values of about 15 per mil.
Oxygen isotope values from the Rosa vein plotted against elevation span of 3 to 4 per mil
at each level, and a trend toward heavier δ18O values with increasing elevation (Fig. 10). Vein
calcite generally has lower δ18O values than enclosing limestone, consistent with a low δ18O
fluid source. The lightest δ18O values in the Rosa vein are 14 per mil VSMOW.
Depletions to values as low as 14 per mil are consistent with alteration by moderate to
low temperature magmatic volatiles. Dacite dikes represent a possible source of magmatic
volatiles, but are thought to predate mineralization by more than 10 million years. Definitive
dates on the timing of mineralization, however, are lacking. A single analysis of δ18O in quartz
from a dacite dike gives a value of 10 per mil VSMOW (see appendices for details). This value
falls within the range defined for magmatic volatiles at Antamina.
The oxygen isotope composition of calcite in equilibrium with magmatic volatiles (using
the range from Antamina) is plotted versus temperature in figure 10. Oxygen isotope values of
the Rosa vein and δ18O depletions in limestone can be explained by exchange with cooling
magmatic volatiles that ascended the Rosa vein.
Stable isotope composition of calcite varies systematically with colour of fluorescence
(Fig. 11). Oxygen and carbon isotope values of orange red fluorescent veins span a large range of
values: 7.19 to 17.70 per mil, and –3.32 to –0.31 per mil respectively, which is in general slightly
lower than other vein types. White, yellow and light green fluorescent veins define a population
with relatively heavier δ18O and light d13C. In that sense, orange red fluorescent veins could be
interpreted to represent higher temperature fluid of similar origin as the other veins, or a fluid
that has exchanged O but not C with the host limestone.

• Oxygen isotope depletion defines alteration halos to the Rosa vein. The halos are widest
at depth, up to 50 metres, and thin to no halo at the surface.
• Rosa vein calcite has lower δ18O values than calcite in the limestone depletion halos. It
likely represents the composition of the mineralizing fluid.
• Rosa vein calcite is in oxygen isotope equilibrium with low temperature magmatic fluid.
• Oxygen isotope values of calcite veins vary consistently with UVF response.
• Orange red fluorescent veins could be interpreted to represent higher temperature fluid of
similar origin as the other veins, or a fluid that has exchanged O but not C with the host
limestone.
20
Figure 10. Oxygen isotope zonation vertical and lateral to the Rosa vein.
21
Figure 11. Vertical variation in oxygen isotope composition of Rosa vein.
Strontium Isotopes
Seven samples of calcite from vein with different fluorescence colours were submitted
for the 87Sr/86Sr analysis to further characterize the nature of mineralizing fluids. The data (see
appendices and Fig. 12) span the same range in composition as defined by Bussell et al. (1990).
Our data lie outside the range defined by magmatic volatiles (represented by the Cordillera
Blanca: 0.7049 – 0.7053) and the Jumasha limestone (represented by Albian to Turonain
seawater: 0.70715 – 0.70735; Burke et al., 1982). Bussell et al. (1990) interpreted similar data
from Uchucchacua to represent exchange of mineralizing fluids with Sr from the underlying
Lower Cretaceous Goyllarisquizga Group. In crustal fluid flow systems, it is common for oxygen
isotope alteration halos to migrate greater distances than Sr isotope halos. The strontium data are
therefore consistent with a magmatic source of mineralizing fluids if the fluid exchanged Sr with
underlying sediments as it ascended.

• New Sr isotope data define a similar range in content to a previous study.
• Vein Sr compositions lie outside the range defined by magmatic fluid and the host
Jumasha limestone.
• The most straightforward interpretation is that the Sr composition of the veins reflects
exchange with the underlying Goyllarisquizga Group.
22
Figure 12. Strontium and oxygen isotope composition of calcite veins. A. Variation in Sr with
elevation. B. Co-variation in 87Sr/86Sr and Manganese content. C. Co-variation in 87Sr/86Sr and
δ18O.
23
Summary and Synthesis

Alteration adjacent to the Rosa vein within and above Carmen mine defines visible and
cryptic alteration halos to mineralization. Vertical fault-vein systems that control mineralization
were the primary conduits of fluid escape. Outside of ore shoots, visible alteration is restricted to
calcite veins and centimetre to metre scale brown hornfels, tan to white marble, and garnet skarn
halos. Cryptic alteration includes ultraviolet fluorescence in vein calcite, trace element alteration,
and oxygen isotope depletion. All three of these tracers can help to distinguish ore-related calcite
veins from those that predate or post-date mineralization. Fluid flow at all levels was fracture
controlled. Oxygen isotope data implicate cooling, ascending magmatic volatiles as the primary
agent of mineralization. Strontium isotope data from vein calcite are equivocal, but consistent
with magmatic volatiles that exchange Sr with underlying sediments as they ascended.
Visible alteration, in particular brown hornfels and bleached marble, bears striking
resemblance to the alteration at Antamina. The type and width of cryptic alteration halos are also
similar to those observed at the highest levels of Antamina. The distribution of visible and
cryptic alteration in the two systems is summarized in figure 13 to emphasize the commonalities
between the highest levels of Antamina and the deepest levels of Uchucchacua. Alteration halos
are widest at depth (up to 200 metres thick) and thin at shallow levels. Visible alteration is more
prevalent at deeper levels. A combination of calcite fluorescence, trace element alteration and
oxygen isotope depletion define the largest targets at mid to shallow levels.
Figure 13A Synthesis of distal alteration to the Rosa vein.
24
Figure 13B Synthesis of distal alteration at Antamina and Uchucchacua.
25
References cited
Alpers, C.N., 1980, Mineralogy, paragenesis and zoning of the Luz Vein, Uchucchacua, Peru:
Unpub. A.B. thesis, Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard University, 138 p.
Angeles, C., 2002, Geologia estructural del sector Oriental del Distrito minero de Uchucchacua
(Prov. DeOyon, Dpto. De Lima), Informe interno para la Cia. De Minas Buenaventura
S.A.A., Lima, Enero,2002, 12p.
Banner, J.L., 2004, Radiogenic isotopes: systematics and applications to earth surface processes
and chemical stratigraphy. Earth Sciences Reviews 65, 141-194.
Benavides C., V., Orogenic Evolution of the Peruvian Andes: The Andean Cycle, Society of
Economic Geologists Special Publication 7, p. 61-108.
Buchanan, L.J., 1981, Precious Metal Deposits associated with Volcanic Environments in the
Southwest; in Relations of Tectonics to Ore Deposits in the Southern Cordillera; Arizona
Geological Society Digest, Volume 14, pages 237-262.
Burke, W.H., Denison, R.E., Hetherington, E.A., Koepnick, R.B., Nelson, H.F. and Otto, J.B.,
1982, Variations of seawater 87Sr/86Sr throughout phanerozoic time, Geology 10, 516-519.
Bussell, M.A., and Baxter, A.N., 1986, Structural controls on ore deposition in the Uchucchacua
District, central Peru: Lima, Peru, Cia de Minas Buenaventura S.A., unpub. report, 21 p.
Bussell, M.A., Alpers, C.M., Petersen, U., Shepherd, T.J., Bermudez, C., and Baxter, A.M.,
1990, The Ag-Mn-Pb-Zn vein, replacement, and skarn deposits of Uchucchacua, Peru:
Studies of structure, mineralogy, metal zoning, Sr isotopes and fluid inclusions: Economic
Geology, v.85, p. 1348-1383.
Carlson, S.J., 1955, Activation of photoluminescence in artificial calcite by stannous ion in
American Mineralogist 40, p 540-542.
Chang, L.L.Y., Howie, R.A., and Zussman, J., 1996, Rock-Forming minerals, Volume 5B: Non-
silicates: Sulfates, Carbonates and Halides, Longman Group Ltd. London, 383 pp.
Cobbing, E.J., Sanchez, A., Martinez, W., and Zarate, H., 1996, Geologia de los cuadrangulos de
Huaraz (20-h), Recuay (20-I), La Union (20-j), Chiquian (21-I), Yanahuanca (21-j). Boletin
76, Serie A: Carta Geologica Nacional, Instituto Geologico Minero y Metalurgico, Sector
Energia y Minas, Peru, 281p, 5 maps, 1:100,000 scale.
Marshall, C.P. and Fairbridge, R.W., 1999, Encyclopedia of Geochemistry, Kluwer Academic
publishers, London, 712 pp.
Noble, D.C., and McKee, E.H., 1999, The Miocene Metallogenic Belt of Central and Northern
Peru, Society of Economic Geologist Special Publication 7, p. 155-193.
Petersen, U., 1965, Regional Geology and Major Ore Deposits of Central Peru: Economic
Geology, vol 60, p.407-476.
Petersen, U., 1999, Magmatic and Metallogenetic Evolution of the Central Andes, Society of
Economic Geologists Special Publication 7, P. 109-154.
Petersen, U., Mayta, O., Gamarra, L., Vidal, C.E., and Sabastizagal, A., 2004, Uchucchacua: A
Major Silver Producer in South America: Society of Economic Geologists Special
Publication 11, p. 243-257.
Rose, A.W., Hawkes, H.E., and Webb, J.S., 1979, Geochemistry in Mineral Exploration, 2nd
edition, Academic Press, 657pp.
Romani, M., 1982, Geologia de la region minera Uchucchacua. Hacienda Otuto, Peru II. Tesis
presentadaen la Universidad de Grenoble I para obtener el titulo de Doctor de tercer ciclo de
Geologia Aplicada. Informe interno para la Cia. De minas Buenaventura S.A. y para el
Instituo Dolomieu, France, 68p.
26
Sabastizagal Vela, A., 2003, Inventario de reserves de mineral de la unidad de Produccion

Uchucchacua al 1ro de Enero del 2003. Memorandum interno, Cia de minas Buenaventura
S.A.A. Unidad de Produccion Uchucchacua, Febrero 2003, 348p.
White, W.T., 1975, Luminiscent materials. Transactions of the American Crystallographic
Association 11:31-491
27

Distal Alteration in The Ag-Mn-Pb-Zn Rosa Vein and Associated Replacement Deposits at Uchucchacua, Peru

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Distal Alteration in The Ag-Mn-Pb-Zn Rosa Vein and Associated Replacement Deposits at Uchucchacua, Peru

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

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

Distal alteration in the Ag-Mn-Pb-Zn Rosa Vein and associated

Intrusive Igneous Rocks

Mineralogy and petrography

Summary of main points

Trace Element Composition

Figure 5B. Synthesis of Antamina and Uchucchacua trace element alteration.

Summary of main points

Summary of main points

Figure 7. Ultraviolet fluorescence in calcite veins. A. Faint blue fluorescence in syntectonic

Oxygen and carbon isotopes

Summary of main points

Figure 11. Vertical variation in oxygen isotope composition of Rosa vein.

Summary of main points

Summary and Synthesis

Figure 13A Synthesis of distal alteration to the Rosa vein.

Figure 13B Synthesis of distal alteration at Antamina and Uchucchacua.

Sabastizagal Vela, A., 2003, Inventario de reserves de mineral de la unidad de Produccion

You might also like