PROCEEDINGS JOINT CONVENTION BALI 2007 The 32nd HAGI, The 36th IAGI, and The 29th IATMI

Annual Conference and Exhibition

GEOLOGY AND ALTERATION-MINERALIZATION CHARACTERISTICS OF TIMBAAN EPITHERMAL GOLD DEPOSIT IN SOUTH SOLOK , WEST SUMATRA, INDONESIA
Arif Zardi Dahlius1,*, Alison Purba1, Hendro Wibowo2 1PT.LAPI ITB, Bandung, Indonesia 2Laboratory of Volcanology and Geothermal, Department of Geology, ITB, Bandung, Indonesia

ABSTRACT Gold exploration is carried out at Timbaan block in South Solok Regency, West Sumatera, Indonesia. Geological, geochemical and geophysical surveys are conducted at the surface to locate the prospective gold occurrences in this area. Mineralization in the area consists of mainly gold with pyrite, copper-oxide and gossan. They are associated with quartz vein and volcanic rocks. Important feature observed is broken quartz veins at several locations consist of Fe and Cu - oxydes minerals associated with gold. Gold possibly presents in the matrix of hydrothermal breccia (breccia diatreme?) and veins. The results of this study suggest that epithermal processes may take part to alter the volcanic rocks and feed metals (copper, and gold) at several localities near Timbaan, restrained in between NNW fault set and its secondary NNE set. The well-developed NNW faults may provided fluid channels thus localized mineralisation processes within the rock mass. The IP survey interpretations confirmed this localization. Keywords: epithermal, hydrothermal breccia, quartz veins.

INTRODUCTION The study area of this paper covers Mining Rights Area of PT. Yabu Mining covering situated around Timbaan Hill to the north of Nagari Abai, South Solok Regency. Previous preliminary investigation conducted by PT. YABU MINING has found several anomalous and mineralization areas around Timbaan Hill. Subsequent exploration programs were planned and conducted by cooperative agreement between PT. LAPI ITB an PT. Yabu Mining to explore the area further, centering around Timbaan hills (Figure 1), conducting geological, geochemical mapping and geophysical prospecting before advancing into drilling programs. Timbaan Block administratively situated in the Sangir Batanghari District, South Solok Regency, West Sumatera Province. Geographically, the area lies between 10118 32 E and 101 20 46 E longitude and 1 17

141 18 59 latitude. The are is situated in the eastern flank of the Barisan Mountain - local name: Bukit Barisan - that stretched along Sumatra island. Gold alluvial deposit has been exploited by small artisanal gold mining near this area, most populates Sungai Penoh exploiting alluvium of Batang Hari River, and some exploits primary gold near and around Timbaan. PT Yabu Mining believed that primary source for alluvial gold deposits in Sungai Penoh was from Timbaan. PREVIOUS WORK PT. YABU MINING carried out general investigation in its KP (Mining Concession) area in West Sumatra in July 2006. A preliminary field work surveying an 5000 hectares area in Nagari Abai, collecting samples of rocks and stream sediments. Assay results of rocks samples showing elevated gold anomalies near Timbaan Hill.

PROCEEDINGS JOINT CONVENTION BALI 2007 The 32nd HAGI, The 36th IAGI, and The 29th IATMI Annual Conference and Exhibition

It has been known that previous exploration activities in the past was conducted by BTM (Barisan Tropical Mining) in this area, at this time no information and data available to be included in this paper. METHODS Geological Mapping and Rocks Sampling Geological mapping was done mostly covering southern half part of the concession area, focusing only in most mineralized area known before mapping activities begun. Artisanal gold mining around Timbaan were existed since 1998. Location of sampling and observation points mentioned in this paper are plotted in Figure 2. Sampling has been carried out during field activity of field works at observation points and sampling sites. Those mineralized and altered rocks are mostly collected from highlymoderately weathered outcrops (Figure 3). Fourteen (14) rock chip and channel samples representing observed abundant mineralization were analyzed for Au, Ag, Cu, Pb, and Zn contents. Twelve (12) thin section samples were also selected, observed and described under microscope to reliably determine the microcrystalline minerals contained. Several samples amounting to 37 samples in total were analyzed using XRD and PIMA to detect fine microcrystalline to clay minerals. Geophysical Prospecting Resistivity Graphite and most metallic sulphides conduct electricity fairly efficiently by the flow of electrons, but most of rock-forming minerals are very poor conductors. Ground currents are therefore mainly carried by ions in pore waters. Thus, resistivity cross-sections can be associated with fluid content and/or metallic minerals in rocks. It also may give structural information to support geological interpretation. In Timbaan block of West Sumatra, structural interpretation has been carried out based on resistivity profiles (Figure 4a). Several faults interpreted from resistivity information are confirmed by surface observations. However, more faults are inferred later, solely based on

resistivity profiles without being observed on the surface, because its resistivity contrast changes abruptly.

Chargeability The magnitude of IP response generally increases with the amount of mineralization up to the point where massive sulphide bodies can give large effects. However, in order for induced polarization to take place it is necessary that there be fluid-filled pores in a material. An electrolyte must be present, and in contact with the metallic minerals. With no pores and no electrolytes, there would be no appreciable IP effect and the resistivity of the material would be quite high. From the observed fact that natural mineralized rocks in place display an IP effect, we know that rocks in place are at least slightly fractured and porous and that they are wet. In Timbaan block of West Sumatra, the presence of metallic-luster mineral indication is sufficient to define an anomaly. It means there is appreciable amount of metallic mineral content in rocks to give chargeability phenomenon observed in IP measurements. The result of IP surveys in this area are presented in Figure 4b. Trends of some elongated IP anomalies at various depth in NNW direction are parallel with the inferred NNW faults that were not not found in the field. GEOLOGICAL SETTING Investigated area stratigraphically is composed of black phyllite, outcrop as little windows at the eastearn area. This unit could is equivalent with Permian Barisan Formation, regionally occur as Sumatera basement. Limestone as member of Barisan Formation (Rosidi et.al.,1976) deposited as giant lenses in the Barisan Formation. Limestone is characterized by its metasedimentary look: black dark gray, marbleized, massive, crystalline, with abundand calcite veins. Andesite unit and Tuff unit is probably equivalent with Permian Palepat Formation,

PROCEEDINGS JOINT CONVENTION BALI 2007 The 32nd HAGI, The 36th IAGI, and The 29th IATMI Annual Conference and Exhibition

interfingering with Bari san Formation. This unit at investigated area was mostly altered, its silica alteration in central Timbaan give steep morphologies, while argillic and phyllic ones ares strongly weathered and form valleys. Figure 5 showing geological map of Timbaan and surrounding area. Limestone lenses as member of Barisan Formation covering almost half parts of the mapped area, surrounding Timbaan deposit in the western and eastern parts. The unaltered and massive nature of the limestone suggesting that the limestone was played as boundaries to alteration and mineralisation. The three old formations form Sumatra basement to the east of Timbaaan block. It is believed that these formations at Timbaan area were intruded by Paleogene volcanism, with high level intrusion of microdiorite occur at Timbaan hill until maybe Pliocene. This tertiary intrusion causing diatreme breccia unit as phreatomagmatic eruption. Quaternary unit unconformably overlain this unit is Alluvial and Colluvial, consist of gravel, sand and clay (lacustrine sediment), mostly filling small pull-apart basin between two NNW trending faults. Structures Analysis of structural geology was based on the observed structure elements in the field, field data process, and cross-section reconstruction. Structural elements data in the field was supported by morphologies from satellite (Figure 6)and radar image. Identification made from them to delineate river, basin and creek lineament, elongated and separated hills lineament, and cliff lineament. Generated topographic contours from SRTM were also used as a base map due to the lack of topographic base map. Secondary structural features observed in the field consists of brecciation, fault (including fault zone), slickensides, fractures (tension and shear). Important structural elements observed and identified in Timbaan region are:

Fault Four NNW trending strike-slip faults, 3 E-W and ENE trending strike-slip faults were identified during field mapping. Dynamic and kinematics analysis were made for a central NNW trending strike-slip fault located in the west side along Timbaan stream to determine its plane and kind of movement based on field measurement of fractures. This fault is manifested on the surface as Topographic lineament of Timbaan River, its valley and partly flow patterns along NW-SE trend, and foothills to the northwest upstream, and Brecciation of country rocks trending N 345E, and the secondary micro faults at observation point LK-43J and YBR-A02 respectively. The result of both analysis is shown below: Stress = 1 : 6.6, N 10.8E; Pitch : 14.6; Net slip: 14.3, N 350.5E; 2 : 66.5, N 115.5E; 3 : 22.3, N 277.9E. Fault Type: Dextral (right lateral) Fault; Fault Plane: N 345E / 72. Other NNW trending strike-slip faults to the east as evidenced in the field having escarpment trending northwest, slickensides measured on a N 345E/65 plane, fault breccia, and brecciation trending trending N350E. They are located to the east of Timbaan fault were observed and interpreted to have a same mechanism with Timbaan Fault, probably of the same age, thus considered to be a dextral fault. The strike-slip east-northeast trending fault is located the southwest part of investigated area. Slickenside found in YBR-A04 on footwall of the N250E fault plane shows that this fault is a sinistral (left lateral) fault. Other faults intersected by Timbaan Fault is indicated by sharp bends in the lineament of hills, and There is evidence of a fault plane with N55E/85 brecciation trending N 55E at YBR-121, and slickensides on N 230E/80 fault plane showing same left lateral sense of movement. Fracture Sample locations for fracture data are obtained from area surrounding Timbaan river. Their sample numbers are C01-C08, LK 43R, Loc2 (BT 132-133), Loc3 (BT 129-131), YBR-129, YBR- 130, YBR-119, YBR-129, and YBR-213.

PROCEEDINGS JOINT CONVENTION BALI 2007 The 32nd HAGI, The 36th IAGI, and The 29th IATMI Annual Conference and Exhibition

The total number of measurements for fractures is 861, most (90%) are shear fractures and the rest are extensional fracture. Fracture orientation distribution in each location as shown in Figure 7 suggesting that there are two conjugate fracture systems, NE-SE and NWSE. The NE-SE conjugate fracture system is associated with Timbaan Dextral Fault, whereas NW-SE conjugate fault system is associated minor fault of second order. It can be interpreted that the fractures are formed inside a specific network relationship or associated with Timbaan Fault. A NE-SW normal fault at the southwest of the research area is indicated by sharp bends in the lineament of hills. There are slickensides on a fault plane with N20E/55 orientation at YBR130. Structural Mechanism By analysing the pattern of strike-slip and normal fault, it can be concluded that the structural mechanisms in this area conform to Simple Shear model (Harding, 1973). Tchalengko (1970) and Harding (1973) explained the coupling components along a fault zone. There are extension (E) and compression (C) components in the fault zone. Based on the model, the orientation of major stress in the study area has similar direction with a NNE trending normal fault. ALTERATION All rock units in the area are hydrothermally altered to some degrees at least to the nearest surface depth except in limestone (Figure 8). Common hydrothermal alteration found at outcrops are quartz and clay minerals. Most of the altered rocks in this area contains quartz as an alteration product at a wide temperature range and low-pH, suggesting probably early and wide area of silicification. Silicification most commonly found in altered volcanics. Though quartz was primarily found in volcanic rocks, but several varieties of secondary microcrystalline to glassy quartz like opal, cristobalite, trydimite were found, suggesting a

silica addition from silica rich hydrothermal solution. The most intensive silica alteration appears along the NW trending strike slip fault, which extends from the right tributary of Timbaan River to the SE to the left tributary of Timbaan River. But at some separated location, residual silica showing vuggy silica with brown chalcedony silica on wall rock, Fe-rich jasperoid, and similar Fe-rich veining in YBR103, YBR-104, YBR-108, YBRA07A. The residual silica is interpreted to be late oxidized part of the fault zones after intense leaching by hydrothermal fluids along the same path. Other mineral assemblages that were grouped into each alteration zone contains some degree of quartz, implying that silicification predates subsequent alteration phases. Quartz was always present in each of them. However, under megascopic and microscopic observation of collected samples, several minerals such epidote, sericite, carbonate and some clay minerals are identified. While using laboratory analysis by XRD detection, illite and smectite, nontronite (belongs to chlorite group), sericite (fine grain muscovite), and kaolinite are identified. Result of XRD analyses show clay minerals contained in the sample rocks are kaolinite in YBR-210, YBR-148, illite and smectite in YBRLB05, and sericite in YBR-120, A-07-A and compared with other similar samples. Surface alteration map then drawn to delineate the alteration group before interpreted. The mineral assemblages, e.g. quartz, chlorite +/epidote, quartz + sericite, and quartz + kaolinite + illite are classified into alteration zones of silica, prophyllitic, phyllic and argillic, respectively (see Appendix - Alteration Map). All those alteration zones are concentrated in Timbaan hill, in the eastern part of study area, north of field camp. The silica alteration is developed in varying degree of intensity, from weak to strong, and characterized by greenish to dark grey, hard and massive, and frequently associated with minor to abundant chlorite and pyrite as dissemination

PROCEEDINGS JOINT CONVENTION BALI 2007 The 32nd HAGI, The 36th IAGI, and The 29th IATMI Annual Conference and Exhibition

and fractures fillings. Several narrow zones of the Quartz-Sericite-Pyrite (phyllic) alteration, which are associated with veinlets of pyrite, chalcopyrite and enargite are developed along Timbaan Fault zones within the volcanics unit. Analytical results of diorite and tuffs altered to phyllic and narrow residual silica zones were represented by 1 sample (YBR-104) resulting high Au content: 2.060 ppm. Higher content of Cu = 1700 ppm or 0.17 % indicates higher mineralization. The chlorite-epidote-carbonate-quartz (propyllitic) alteration is developed within the diorite and the andesitic volcanics unit, and associated with pyrite as much as 1%-3% as dissemination and replacement of the tuff fragments. The assay results of the rock samples of this prophyllitc one indicate values of Au (< 0.05 ppm), Ag (<0.5 ppm), Cu (0.001%), Pb (n.d), Zn (246 ppm) from YBR-228; Au (1.364 ppm), Ag (1 ppm), Cu (0.006%), Pb (n.d), Zn (435 ppm) from YBR-231. Higher Au values maybe was caused by veining observed at the locations, occurred at the site locations, extended from Emak Fault to the west. Kaolinization, which belongs to a strong altered condition, is white to reddish brown in colour and easily crumble. The question is that either kaolin is primarily a product of hydrothermal alteration or weathering processes. This zone is commonly observed within diorite, tuffs, and locally within and around breccia diatreme unit. This zone is characterized by the presence of kaolin, illite, dickite, quartz. Several samples show jarosite (reddish Fe-clay), indicating strong weathering after the argilitization. Argillic alteration developed within the volcanics unit (breccia and tuff) around the diorite contact and along the fault zones, was commonly associated with pyrites, and limonite as either dissemination and fracture fillings. One sample (YBR-106CH) indicate highest Au assay value: 5.440 ppm, Ag: 5 ppm, Cu: 0.062%, and Zn=756 ppm. While other sample (YBR-108, 112, 155,) give Au values at 0.865 1.864 ppm. Alteration phase in the investigated area could be interpreted in the following. Early phase, acid

fluids (SO2 dominated) reacted with the host rocks of tuff, forming a phyllic zone, characterized by sericite minerals. The reaction was intensified by upward movement of hydrothermal fluid, mixed with meteoric water and changed the pH level into relatively neutral (SO2 absorption into H2S and H2SO4). During this time, a propyllitic zone was formed, which is characterized by chlorite/epidote minerals. This processed was then followed by hydrothermal fluid inclusion into vadose zone (H2S oxidation), which reincreased the fluid acidity, forming the argillic zone, characterized by illite, kaolinite, and dickite. Two types of vein alteration recognized, i.e. massive and vuggy quartz veins. The massive quartz vein is transparent, light reddish/brownish grey, massive, dense, hard, mostly barren and less vuggy, the thickness of these veins is 40 cm. The vuggy quartz vein is light grey, mostly weathered and characterized by the presence of comb, vuggy, sugary and pyrite/sulphide massive rocks textures. Intense both massive and vuggy quartz veins crop out in the northeastern part of Mt. Timbaan, trending NW. MINERALISATION Mineralisation observed at the surfaces is mainly gold with pyrite and oxide copper (chalcopyrite, bornite, malachite, azurite, calcosite) and gossan. It is associated with quartz vein and disseminated in volcanic rocks. Quartz veins predominantly are hosted by altered andesites, and disseminated mineralisation predominantly hosted by tuffs. Gold, which present in the matrix of hydrothermal breccia (breccia diatreme), is another type of gold deposit in the area. The presence of gold within this rocks is known by the locals. Moreover, a zone of oxidized quartz veins of up to 1.8 m width are commonly found. The vein is also strongly weathered, clays locally in filled in veins. When observed carefully within the oxidation zone, it can be seen that the broken quartz vein formed a channel way for acid hydrothermal fluids to alter the vein iron stain or iron oxidation.

PROCEEDINGS JOINT CONVENTION BALI 2007 The 32nd HAGI, The 36th IAGI, and The 29th IATMI Annual Conference and Exhibition

Disseminated ores are found within altered hydrothermal breccia and volcanics (tuff and andesitic lava). Field observation indicates that copper oxide ores are medium-coarse grained (coarse sand size), angular to sub angular and dark brown/grey with quartz (syngenetic) minerals as ore shoot. The concentration of ores within the weathered breccia is quite high. Beside this, gossan are commonly found within the weathered and leached volcanic rocks (tuff or andesite lava) showing limonite and jasperoids (hematite-clay). Pyrites and enargite is present either as veinlets or dissemination. Pyrites are hosted in both altered andesite lava, tuff and diorite, but found minor in massive silica zone. Base metal (chalcopyrite, sphalerite and galena) are found in altered volcanics. However, chalcopyrite commonly found in quartz-pyrite-chalcopyrite zone near Sungai Timbaan. Bornite, a high temperature (>350 C) copper sulfide is found as thin coats at veinlet surfaces on breccia fragments of breccia diatreme. While there are much evidence of low moderate temperature alteration and mineralization in this area, the existence of bornite probably indicates a deeper source of high temperature, meaning the fragments has been transported to upper level. CONCLUSION The exploration work has utilize the complete succession of the geological mapping, geochemical prospecting, and resistivity and IP survey. The aims to delineate mineralisation at surface and sub-surface (up to 60 m depth) mineralisation had succeeded and used in planning on going scout drilling locations. Timbaan Block are related to an EPITHERMAL GOLD SYSTEM, probably part of high sulphidation system. Major pyrite, chalcopyrite, and sphalerite mineralization were hosted in diatreme breccia and volcanics. The NNW strike-slip faults and their associated secondary faults are interpreted as being subordinate strand of the Great Sumatra Fault to

the west, and would be expected to have a history that included a significant lateral movement (since Eocene or about 60 My to the least) and role in controlling the emplacement of magma intrusion, which allowed magma to be emplaced at high crustal levels, The mineralization was mostly controlled by structure and/or lithology (vertical to subhorizontal) at least to several tens meters depths. Structural control on narrow zone mineralization is obviously confirmed by IP profiles at A, B, I, and C lines and probably structural and lithological controlled mineralisation at other IP profiles e.g. J, K, H, F, and G lines. The structural features mapped at surface outcrops have provided evidence of dominant NNW faults, and the associated NEE normal faults. The NNW faults is believed to be early and play dominant control on mineralisation near Timbaan hill and yet they are confirmed by IP results. Hydrotermal alteration mineral assemblages found at Timbaan Block is silicification which is dominated by Quartz+/-Pyrite; Propyllitic: Quartz+Chlorite+/-Epidote; and Phyllic: QuartzSericite-Pyrite, usually have a sharp contact between Illite-Kaoline-Dickite-Smectite Moderate to high grade gold anomalies are mostly found within argillic and phyllic alteration zones, while small portions of silica ridge near Timbaan Fault giving high gold anomalies. A drilling program need to be done to define alteration and mineralisation style at depth, involving scout drilling campaign. The program is still on going. ACKNOWLEDMENTS The authors wish to acknowledge PT. LAPI-ITB and PT. Yabu Mining for the permission to publish this paper, and to Hendri Priparis and Pak Kamal for their help during field works.

PROCEEDINGS JOINT CONVENTION BALI 2007 The 32nd HAGI, The 36th IAGI, and The 29th IATMI Annual Conference and Exhibition

REFERENCES ROSIDI, H.M.D., TJOKROSAPOETRO, S., & PENDOWO, B. 1976. The Geology of the Painan and Northeastern part of the Muarasiberut Quadrangles(5/VIII), Sumatra. Scale 1:250 000. Geological Survey of Indonesia, Directorate of

Mineral resources, Geological Research and Development Centre, Bandung. PT. YABU MINING. 2007. General Investigation Report on Timbaan Area, South Solok. Unpublished Report ALLIS, R.G., 1990. Geophysical anomalies over epithermal systems, Journal of Geochemical Exploration, 36, pp 339374.

PROCEEDINGS JOINT CONVENTION BALI 2007 The 32nd HAGI, The 36th IAGI, and The 29th IATMI Annual Conference and Exhibition

PROCEEDINGS JOINT CONVENTION BALI 2007 The 32nd HAGI, The 36th IAGI, and The 29th IATMI Annual Conference and Exhibition

PROCEEDINGS JOINT CONVENTION BALI 2007 The 32nd HAGI, The 36th IAGI, and The 29th IATMI Annual Conference and Exhibition

PROCEEDINGS JOINT CONVENTION BALI 2007 The 32nd HAGI, The 36th IAGI, and The 29th IATMI Annual Conference and Exhibition

PROCEEDINGS JOINT CONVENTION BALI 2007 The 32nd HAGI, The 36th IAGI, and The 29th IATMI Annual Conference and Exhibition

PROCEEDINGS JOINT CONVENTION BALI 2007 The 32nd HAGI, The 36th IAGI, and The 29th IATMI Annual Conference and Exhibition

PROCEEDINGS JOINT CONVENTION BALI 2007 The 32nd HAGI, The 36th IAGI, and The 29th IATMI Annual Conference and Exhibition

PROCEEDINGS JOINT CONVENTION BALI 2007 The 32nd HAGI, The 36th IAGI, and The 29th IATMI Annual Conference and Exhibition