Integration of magnetotelluric and deep seismic data to map crustal architecture in the Mt Isa region, Northern Australia Implications for Mineral Prospectivity  

Authors / CoAuthors

Jiang, W. | Russell J. Korsch | Doublier, M. | Duan, J. | Costelloe, R.

Abstract

<div>Mount Isa Province in northern Australia is one of the world's most strongly endowed regions for base metals and host to major iron-oxide-copper-gold (IOCG) deposits. The Carpentaria Conductivity Anomaly at the eastern margin of the Province is a major electrical conductivity structure of the Australian continent. We have used magnetotelluric and deep seismic reflection data to image the crustal architecture in this complex region to understand the crustal-scale fluid pathways and potential mineral occurrences. The resistivity models reveal a number of prominent crustal-scale conductors, suggesting that the Carpentaria Conductivity Anomaly is likely caused by a series of isolated or interconnected bodies. These conductors characterise the position and geometry of the ancient Gidyea Suture Zone, interpreted as a west-dipping subduction zone. The conductivity anomaly may record the activity of fluid hydration involved during a subduction event, with the enhanced conductivity likely being caused by deformation or mineralisation of graphitic or sulfidic rocks during orogensis. The distribution of known gold and copper deposits shows a close spatial correlation with the suture zone, suggesting that this structure is potentially a fundamental control on IOCG deposits in its vicinity. The interpretation of the seismic image shows a good correlation with the resistivity models. The implication is that crustal-penetrating structures act as potential pathways for fluid movement to form mineral deposits in the upper crust. The significance of mapping such structures using geophysics is highlighted for mineral exploration.</div><div><br></div>This Abstract was submitted/presented to the 2022 Sub 22 Conference 28-30 November (http://sub22.w.tas.currinda.com/)

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document

eCat Id

147310

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Keywords

• magnetotelluris

• Reflection Seismic

• Minerals

theme.ANZRC Fields of Research.rdf

• Applied geophysics

• Published_External

Publication Date

2023-02-17T04:42:02

Creation Date

2022-10-15T20:00:00

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Australian Government Security Classification System    

Classification - unclassified

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Licence    

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completed

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sub22 conference abstract

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asNeeded

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geoscientificInformation

Series Information

Sub 22 Conference 28-30 November 2022 Adelaide SA

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<div>Abstract to be submitted to conference sub22</div>

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[-54.75, -9.2402, 112.92, 159.11]

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Spatial Resolution

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