Del 19 al 22 de Mayo

THE PORPHYRY - EPITHERMAL TRANSITION: GEOLOGICAL,

EXPLORATION & ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS

David R Cooke1, J. Bruce Gemmell1, Zhaoshan Chang1, Noel C. White1, Pete Hollings2 and Cari
L. Deyell1
CODES, University of Tasmania, AUSTRALIA
Lakehead University, CANADA

Discrete mineralised zones within porphyry-epithermal districts, including porphyry

copper deposits (PCDs), high sulfidation (HS) and intermediate or low sulfidation
epithermal deposits (IS/LS), are typically separated by gaps of barren veins and/or
background hydrothermal alteration assemblages. If indeed the deposits are produced
from an evolving magmatic-hydrothermal system, then there are only discrete points
along that evolutionary path where ore formation can occur.

Because we lack a comprehensive understanding of the links between different deposit

styles, exploration in these settings can be ad hoc. Seldom can minor mineralization or
background alteration be used to locate big deposits. Exploration is often complicated
by shallow-level alteration systems (e.g., lithocaps), structural complexities and
differences in erosional levels and host rocks. Exploration within lithocaps can be
particularly challenging, due to diverse possible origins (hypogene, steam-heated,
supergene, or combinations thereof), and the difficulties associated with assessing the
depth to mineralized zones. However, the rewards can be plentiful, with some of the
world’s major PCDs (e.g., Far Southeast, Philippines) and HS gold deposits (e.g.,
Yanacocha, Peru; Lepanto, Philippines) associated with lithocaps.

Below the lithocap, centers of magmatic-hydrothermal activity outboard from porphyry

deposits can include broad propylitic alteration halos and distal IS/LS epithermal
deposits. This ‘green rock’ environment is the domain that separates a porphyry
deposit from its distal and/or near-surface hydrothermal manifestations. Lateral
transitions between PCD and LS / IS epithermal deposits occur here (e.g., Baguio,
Philippines), but more likely relates to the superposition of two discrete types of
mineralization than to significant lateral fluid flow.