Authors / CoAuthors
Huston, D.L. | Relvas, J.M.R.S | Gemmell, J.B. | Drieberg, S.L.
Abstract
Assessment of geological, geochemical and isotopic data indicate that a subgroup of volcanic-hosted massive sulphide (VHMS) deposits has a major magmatic-hydrothermal source of ore fluids and metals. This group, which is characterised by high Cu and Au grades, is distinguished by aluminous advanced argillic alteration assemblages or metamorphosed equivalents. These characteristics are interpreted as the consequence of disproportionation of magmatic SO2. Other than deposits associated with advanced argillic alteration assemblages, the only deposit for which we ascribe a major magmatic-hydrothermal contribution is the Devonian Neves Corvo deposit. This deposit differs from other deposits in the Iberian Pyrite Belt and around the world in being extremely Sn-rich, Comparison with 'normal' VHMS deposits suggest that these subgroups of VHMS deposits may form in specialised tectonic environments. The Cu-Au-rich deposits appear to form adjacent to magmatic arcs, an environment conducive to the generation of hydrous, oxidised melts by melting metasomatised mantle in the wedge above the subducting slab. This contrasts with the back-arc setting of 'normal' VHMS deposits in which relatively dry granites formed by decompression melting drive seawater-dominated hydrothermal circulation. The tectonic setting of highly Sn-rich VHMS deposits such as Neves Corvo is less clear, however thick continental crust below the ore-hosting basin may be critical as it is in other Sn deposits.
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nonGeographicDataset
eCat Id
69933
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- External PublicationScientific Journal Paper
- ( Theme )
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- economic geology
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- mineral deposits
- ( Theme )
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- metallogenesis
- Australian and New Zealand Standard Research Classification (ANZSRC)
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- Earth Sciences
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- Published_Internal
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2009-12-08T00:00:00
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