You are on page 1of 29

JournalofGeochemicalExploration, 43 (1992) 127-155 Elsevier Science Publishers B.V.

, Amsterdam

127

Application of metal zoning to gold exploration in porphyry copper systems


Brian K. Jones
9851 South, 2270East, Sandy, UT84092, USA
(Received 20 November 1990; accepted after revision 6 June 1991 )

ABSTRACT Jones, B.K., 1992. Application of metal zoning to gold exploration in porphyry copper systems. J. Geochem. Explor., 43:127-155. Recent gold discoveries peripheral to gold-enriched porphyry copper deposits demonstrate the potential for gold mineralization within roughly concentric zones surrounding the copper deposits. In gold-enriched porphyry copper systems the close correlation between gold grade and copper grade in the potassic altered zone is well documented (Dos Pobres, Granisle, Bell, Dizon, and others). More recently discoveries at Fortitude (Copper Canyon ), Star Pointer (Ely), and elsewhere point to a goldrich zone that falls outside of the copper ore body, and inside of the lead-zinc halo. This zone, referred to as the intermediate gold zone, is partly coincident with the pyrite zone peripheral to many porphyry copper systems. Some Carlin-type gold deposits (Barneys Canyon, Bau, Yauricocha), located 3-5 kilometers from the outer margin of gold-enriched porphyry copper deposits, suggest the existence of a distal gold zone. Within an idealized gold-enriched porphyry system, a composite zoning pattern from the center of the system outward may include the following zones: ( 1) barren (or subeconomic ) core; ( 2 ) molybdenum; ( 3 ) bornite-gold; ( 4 ) chalcopyrite; ( 5 ) pyrite halo (gold in shear zones, and distal skarns); (6) lead-zinc-silver; and (or) (7) distal epithermal gold. Considerable variability exists from district to district in the details of the zoning relationships. Initial gold distribution can be significantly modified by late-stage remobilization and redeposition. In many gold-enriched porphyry copper districts there has been little systematic exploration for gold mineralization peripheral to the copper deposit. These zoning relations can define multiple gold target areas within gold-bearing porphyry systems, especially those intruding carbonate sequences. Metal ratios, particularly Pb/Cu, Pb+Zn/Cu, Cu/Au, and Au/Ag are useful for clarifying zoning patterns and, in conjunction with structure and stratigraphy, can be used to define and evaluate specific exploration targets.

INTRODUCTION Gold-enriched porphyry copper deposits are currently among the largest revenue generators in the mining industry, and are therefore an important exploration target. The exploration community has recognized for at least 80 years that gold deposits can be found in porphyry systems, and exploration in long-active camps has resulted in some remarkable gold discoveries in recent years.

0375-6742/92/$05.00 1992 Elsevier Science Publishers B.V. All rights reserved.

128

B.K.JONES

The cause of gold enrichment in some porphyry systems is a subject that has been addressed by Titley (1978), Kesler (1973), Sillitoe (1979), Keith (1984), Cox and Singer (1988), and Leveille et al. (1988). No simple relationship exists between petrologic association and gold-enriched porphyry systems; however, gold-enriched systems are most likely to form in slightly mafic igneous rocks (diorite, quartz diorite) and felsic to alkali-rich igneous rocks (granite, syenite). Typical quartz monzonite- or granodiorite-hosted porphyry copper deposits in the western United States or South America are generally gold-poor. Although these generalizations have some merit, there are notable exceptions. The Fortitude (Nevada), and, Ajo, and Dos Pobres (Arizona) systems are all gold-bearing porphyry copper deposits but are petrologically similar to other gold-poor quartz monzonite or granodiorite-hosted systems. A key in distinguishing gold-rich intermediate intrusions from goldpoor ones may lie in the oxidation state of the intrusive rock (Leveille et al., 1988 ). For example, the reduced state of the Battle Mountain, Nevada, intrusion is the principle petrologic characteristic distinguishing that system. This study is an attempt to explain the systematics of gold distribution within the metal and alteration zoning patterns characteristic of porphyry systems, with the idea of developing guidelines for gold exploration within such systems. GOLD IN PORPHYRYCOPPERZONING SCHEMES Classical studies of hypogene metal and mineralogical zoning were summarized by Emmons (1927). The application of his generalized empirical scheme to porphyry copper deposits is shown in Fig. 1. He recognized two gold zones, one in the central copper orebody, and another peripheral to the copper zone that more or less overlapped the lead-zinc mineralization. In a later review, Jerome (1966) outlined a gold-enriched porphyry copper ore body, surrounded by a pyrite halo with lead-zinc-silver-manganese mineralization roughly encircling the pyrite zone (Fig. 2 ). He did not describe any peripheral gold mineralization. The writer has examined the gold distribution in known gold-bearing porphyry copper systems. Four categories of gold-bearing porphyry copper systems are defined. These include systems having: ( 1 ) a central copper-gold zone; (2) an intermediate gold zone; ( 3 ) a distal gold zone; and (4) multiple gold zones. THE CENTRALCOPPER-GOLD ZONE The close correlation between the gold grade and copper grade in the potassic alteration zone of some porphyry copper deposits has been well documented (Sillitoe, 1979, 1988), (Perello and Cabello, 1989). Gold is often

APPLICATIONOF METALZONING TO GOLD EXPLORATIONIN PORPHYRYCOPPER SYSTEMS


Hg Sb Ag V Pb Zn Mn Au

129

(;;u
F9 Bi

Fig. 1. Classical hypogene metal and mineralogical zoning scheme of Emmons ( 1927 ) showing central and peripheral gold zones.

associated with bornite in a potassic assemblage dominated by secondary biotite and magnetite (Sillitoe, 1979; Cox and Singer, 1988 ). Many gold-bearing porphyry copper deposits have a high correlation between hypogene copper and gold grades. Examples include Dizon (Lowell, 1988 ), and Panguna (Clark, 1987 ), as well as Bell and Granisle (Carson et al., 1976 ), Dos Pobres (Langton and Williams, 1982 ), and Sapo Alegre (Cox et al., 1975).

Panguna
At the Panguna deposit, Papua New Guinea, mineralization is hosted in a diorite porphyry that intrudes andesitic volcanic rocks (Clark, 1987). Copper and gold are closely associated within the potassic altered zone and form a distinct zone around a barren core (Fig. 3 ). Gold grades are highest in bornite-rich areas. The potassic alteration is dominated by secondary biotite and abundant magnetite. A pyrite halo ( > 5% pyrite by volume) encircles the copper-gold deposit. Clark ( 1987 ) did not publish any data on the gold content in the pyrite halo.

130
ft

~.K.JONES

2 F
UJ

Py

Prop,/ ~
Itic

....... Potassic Phyllic Argillic


_

~_ <<: n-

//

\l

~DISSEMINATED COPPER ~ SKARN REPLACEMENT

:!iii i :!ii
, ~s ~

t\l

j'-/ ~"~IINTRLISION

[]LIMESTONE

Fig. 2. Porphyry copper zoning model of Jerome (1966). Note absence of peripheral gold zone.

Bell and Granisle, British Columbia


Primary dispersion halos at Bell Copper are described by Carson et al. (1976). Gold is concentrated in the copper zone, where it coincides with quartz-sericite alteration and shows a close positive spatial correlation with chalcopyrite and pyrite (Fig. 4 ) (Cuddy and Kesler, 1982 ). The average gold grade of the deposit is about 0.3 ppm. Lead and zinc both average less than 100 ppm in the copper deposit and are slightly higher in the periphery, with the maximum abundance near the outer edge of the pyrite halo. Although lead and zinc concentrations are low (Pb, 40-100 ppm; Zn, 100-1185 ppm ), their common distribution outlines a well defined Pb-Zn halo, particularly when Cu:Zn and Cu:Pb ratios are considered. Metal zoning at the Granisle deposit (not illustrated) is similar (Cuddy and Kesler, 1982 ). The average gold grade is 0.16 ppm. Gold is closely associated with bornite, and copper and gold maxima coincide closely in the center of the system. Lead and zinc, although low, clearly define a halo of mineralization coincident with the outer limit of the pyrite halo. According to Cuddy and Kesler ( 1982 ) only 17 samples were analyzed throughout the district for gold. This may be insufficient to determine the existence of a distal or intermediate gold zone.

A P P L I C A T I O N O F M E T A L Z O N I N G T O G O L D E X P L O R A T I O N IN P O R P H Y R Y C O P P E R S Y S T E M S

131

>0.5ppm ./

Au /"

f " - " "~, ~\

Cu grade contours

-,-r-r

r--~

..............~':i::~i:~i':ii~C "

,"~

--,
/ ~,,

.':':"":i. ~...~ .~.~:~:':-'"'":~'":i:i:!:::it . :.:.:-t ::::::::::::::.." . . ~ N ~:::::::;


~ i:i:i:i~:!:.: o -,I:.:i:i:i:!::~-~: ft

":0

,f,~ '--,4 ~fi::i::i::i::~ / ,~i::i::i::t::i::~i:~, \"-~ z--, " ~'~"ii~ ; !.l:i!iii!ii:;i:oii;iiii:I!i: !,." "~,"~ ".:~::i::i::!.t:~:~iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii~:~:iiii ~? } ( t, . ~ .... ~.;:ii~:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
_ ,.. ... -... ................. ......... o ."l

v'
-

- - \ - - ,,or.
-

~\v,~

,,~ 1 "~

,, < .,~ \ , ::~!ii:i:i:i:i:i:!:i:i:i:i:i~ z .~:.:..,....... ;~: =._ 4,.,, \. k ( 1 ~

",~":~::ii ~i!i!:!!i!iiiiiiiiii!i!:i::~:::::i:/:!::!i:~ "N"'::::!:!~ii :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


,

Fig. 3. C o r r e l a t i o n o f c o p p e r a n d gold grades, a n d a l t e r a t i o n zones, P a n g u n a deposit, P a p u a N e w G u i n e a . A f t e r Clark ( 1 9 8 7 ) .

Sapo Alegre, Puerto Rico


Cox et al. ( 1975 ) ran a detailed geological and geochemical traverse across the Sapo Alegre prospect beginning at a distance of 650 m from the deposit. Figure 5 shows that gold correlates with copper. The lead-zinc zone (represented by Zn, Fig. 5 ) is distinguishable geochemically, but these elements are only weakly anomalous. There is no evidence of peripheral gold enrichment.

Ok Tedi, Papua New Guinea


The Mt. Fubilan (Ok Tedi ) deposit (371 million metric tons of 0.81% Cu, 0.58 p p m Au, and 0.011% Mo) (not illustrated here) consists of a central orthoclase-rich intrusion containing most of the disseminated mineralization, a number of closely associated peripheral mineralized skarn bodies with high copper in massive magnetite zones, and a massive sulfide body with moderate copper grades associated with pyrite and pyrrhotite (Bamford, 1972).

132
Lead Zinc

B.K. JONES

/
I.
~ ~ .~.~. 0 0 o

/
.

~ ~

COPPERDEPOSIT 4%) (~.O. GOLDZONE(>O3ppm)

300

6OOm
I

Fig. 4. Metal zoning at Bell Copper, British Columbia. Modified from Carson et al. ( 1976 ).

Metal zoning is developed in proximal copper skarn that changes to a distal P b - Z n skarn (Bamford, 1972 ). This transition generally occurs at a distance of greater than 900 meters from the center of the Mt. Fubilan stock. The Gold Cap deposit overlies the copper ore body, within the leached cap ( 51 million metric tons grading 2.4 p p m Au) and has a doughnut shape surrounding a central barren breccia pipe (Lowell, 1988 ).

APPLICATION OF METAL ZONING TO GOLD EXPLORATION IN PORPHYRY COPPER SYSTEMS

133

1OOOO 5OOO 2OOO IOO0

Cu 500 (ppm/ 20o 100 50 20 500 30O


2O0

500 2OO 100


50

AU

20 (ppb)

10(1
(ppm) 10
5

Zn

S %

3
1

0.5 0.7 0.5

Te
(ppml

0.3 0.15 2000 1000 5OO

Mn
(ppm)

30O

/
J
,~

100

ALTERATION

o .Q

--

~,

Biotite

Chlorite

ROCK T Y P E

~uartz diorite p o r p h y ~ ,t 730m

meCavo4canic rocks

Fig. 5. G o l d d i s t r i b u t i o n at S a p o Alegre, P u e r t o R i c o ( C o x et al., 1975). A b b r e v i a t i o n s : q z = q u a r t z , ser = sericite, py = pyrite, ab = albite, chl = chlorite, b i o = biotite.

134 THE INTERMEDIATE GOLD ZONE

B.K.JONES

Gold mineralization in an intermediate position between the central copper zone and the lead-zinc zone of porphyry copper districts has been documented by many workers, (Sillitoe, 1983, 1988; Sillitoe and Bonham, 1990; Orris et al., 1987; Neuerburg, 1978; Lowell, 1988). Some camps with economically important intermediate zone gold mineralization are Copper Canyon, Nevada; Mr. Milligan, B.C.; Andacollo, Chile; Ely, Nevada; and Bingham, Utah. The distribution of gold in two systems-- San Manuel-Kalamazoo, Arizona, and Copper Canyon, Nevada-- suggests that both high-gold and lowgold porphyries may have intermediate gold zones.

San Manuel-Kalamazoo, Arizona


Chaffee ( 1976, 1982 ) documents the metal zoning at the San Manuel-Kalamazoo porphyry copper deposit in Arizona (Fig. 6). Although this system produces no byproduct gold (Gilmour, 1982 ), Chaffee has shown that there is weak gold enrichment (60-80 ppb) within the copper ore deposit, and a zone of weak gold-tellurium enrichment in the outer part of the pyrite halo. Zinc concentrations peripheral to Kalamazoo are low (40-65 ppm), but significantly higher than those closer to the deposit.

Copper Canyon, Nevada


Studies by Blake et al. (1984) and Wotruba et al. ( 1986 ), of the gold-rich Copper Canyon district define a concentric zoning pattern and a distinct halo
O- - 0 rn

iii !iii I

;iii!iI

500 m 0 200(3

"100( m

4000 %

'

.;;

PPM

'

~o;

'

PPB

'~oo

I 1!2 PPM

10

PPM 6 0

Cu

Mo

Au

Te

Zn

Fig. 6. The distribution of gold and other elements, San Manuel-Kalamazoo, Arizona (Chaffee, 1976, 1982) showing peripheral gold zone in a gold-poor porphyry system.

APPLICATION OF METAL ZONING TO GOLD EXPLORATION IN PORPHYRY COPPER SYSTEMS

135

of gold-silver mineralization. A central copper-gold-silver zone changes outward to a gold-silver zone, which in turn is succeeded by a lead-zinc-silver zone (Fig. 7). The precious-metal zone is related to an especially high concentration of iron sulfides, mostly pyrrhotite and pyrite, which are disseminated in and replace calcareous sedimentary rocks (Blake et al., 1984). Zoning in the Copper Canyon system is well displayed in a transect cutting the granodiorite intrusion and the West and Fortitude ore bodies (Fig. 8). The main Fortitude ore zone is a stratabound, gold-silver-sulfide skarn (Wotruba et al., 1986 ). Sulfide minerals are pyrrhotite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, marcasite, arsenopyrite, sphalerite, and galena. The average sulfide content of the ore is around 10% by volume, but locally sulfides exceed 50%. Sphalerite and galena veinlets, veins, and pods occur immediately beyond the deposit. The grade of the deposit is 5.1 ppm Au, and 29.8 ppm Ag with little copper (less than 0.1% ). Meinert ( 1989 ) has summarized the distribution of Cu-Au-Ag in relation to skarn zonation at Fortitude. Garnet, along with subordinate pyroxene and actinolite, are the dominant alteration minerals proximal to the intrusive. Pyroxene is the dominant skarn mineral in the distal zone, with only minor garnet and actinolite. According to Myers and Meinert ( 1988 ), this zoning reflects the change from a ferric dominant garnet zone to a ferrous
Pb - Z n - Ag

/ Fortitude~ ~

\ \

I / /

~. ~,'~OL ~

Minnie

3bOrn

Fig. 7. Metal zoning in the Copper Canyon, Nevada, porphyry system. After Wotruba et al. (1986).

136

B.K. JONES

- WEST-- I

I'-'- FORTITUDE

I GAR: PYX: ACT

I
iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii :

!!i!iii ii !ii!iii!!!iiii

Ag: Au

Cu: Au x 1000

iiiiiiiiiii!iiiiiiiiiiiiiI :;:i:i~:~:i~ i \ i

soo ft

Fig. 8. Generalized cross-section through the Copper Canyon, Nevada, district, showing metal zoning in the vicinity of the West copper ore body and the Fortitude gold deposit (Meinert, 1989 ). Abbreviations: gar = g a r n e t , p y x = p y r o x e n e , act = actinolite.

dominant pyroxene zone, suggesting that the oxidation state of the hydrothermal fluids was changing as they migrated away from the intrusion. The copper to gold ratio decreases dramatically from about 4:1 near the intrusive to 1:3 in the Fortitude ore body (Fig. 8). Silver/gold ratios vary from 12" l near the intrusive to 2: l within the Fortitude deposit, to 12:1 in the lead-zinc zone. Similar variations in copper-gold and gold-silver ratios are characteristic of intermediate gold zones in other porphyry copper systems.

Tanama and Helecho, Puerto Rico


The Tanama and Helecho porphyry copper systems (Cox, 1985) are examples of gold-enriched porphyry copper deposits with weakly developed in-

APPLICATION OF METAL ZONING TO GOLD EXPLORATION IN PORPHYRY COPPER SYSTEMS

137

0.6

0.5

0.4" E
0 0 0 0 o o o o 0 0 0

Q.

c~ O.3..J 0

0.2"
o

0 o

~
o o

0 0 0

o o

0.I
DCO

co

~ o o o o

o o

o o o

,0 OQ

ooo

000

o.I

o'.2

~.3

6.4

o'.5

d.s

o7

COPPER (%)

Fig. 9. Bivariate scatterplot of copper versus gold grades from drill core and surface samples in the Helecho, Puerto Rico porphyry system. Data from Cox ( 1 9 8 5 ).

termediate gold zones. The deposits are localized in Eocene tonalite porphyry stocks that intrude Cretaceous basalt and Eocene felsic volcanic rocks. A plot of gold versus copper concentrations in drill core and surface samples from the Helecho system shows no significant correlation (Fig. 9). A map of the distribution of gold values from drill core and surface samples at Helecho outlines a zone of gold enrichment that occurs both within and outside of the copper deposit (Fig. 10). This intermediate gold zone is better defined by plotting copper-gold ratios (Fig. 11 ). Many of the higher gold concentrations occur within the pyrite halo, which also contains the leadzinc-silver-manganese zone (Cox, 1985 ). Metal zoning at the Tanama deposit is similar. Copper-gold ratios (Fig. 12 ) define a zone of gold enrichment peripheral to the copper deposit, and roughly correlative with sulfur-selenium-chromium-cobalt anomalies in the pyrite halo, as defined by Cox ( 1985 ). The lead-zinc-silver-manganese halo is peripheral to the gold zone.

Robinson District, Nevada


The Robinson district has produced about 87 metric tons (2.8 million ounces) of gold from porphyry copper related ores, with current reserves standing at 19,284 kg (620,000 ounces) (Durgin, 1989). At Robinson a Cre-

138

B.K. JONES

OSurface sample

Oq~

Drill Hole

NO D~r,~
0 0 0 0

\
\ \

"% ,"
%,,,

0 Z

: ~ I ~ .
a~ --J,.,..
"-%. ~

...................... ~.7 ...: ................ ...

~i!ii!::i!i!~ i!~: :"

go

: ': : : : : : ........,..... : : 5"

;li::"...~.,::! ...........,...,..,./ .

-~-:.:.:.-t'
...

: :~', '~:,iiiiii:iiLi~.".'~-~i!i~ii,. . . . :-:. . .~ . ... . . , ~ . . . . . . . . . ::.~ . . .


\ "--.z" ~ \
~t...

..:.:.:.:.~ :::::::::::::::::::::
..::ii~iii!i!iii!i!ii!i: . . . . . . /

>3%

Sulfur

:.:.:.~.:.:.~:::.:.:::.:..
"

==================================================== ..

.-

========================================

~ > O . ~ m Au
~ -o.~ ~ m Ao

'7?" . . . .

Fig. 10. D i s t r i b u t i o n o f g o l d v a l u e s f r o m drill core a n d s u r f a c e s a m p l e s at H e l e c h o , P u e r t o Rico. D a t a f r o m C o x ( 1985 ). A b b r e v i a t i o n s : g a r = g a r n e t , p y x = p y r o x e n e , act = actinolite.

taceous ( 110 Ma) monzonitic stock was emplaced in a folded and thrustfaulted sequence of Upper Paleozoic carbonate and clastic rocks (Fig. 13a). Westra ( 1982 ) and James ( 1976 ) describe how later Basin and Range faulting segmented the system into an east west-elongated string of smaller deposits. Porphyry copper and skarn ore in the copper zone, especially the distal edges, are gold enriched, as are structurally and stratigraphically controlled silica-pyrite bodies that generally lie between the copper zone and the leadzinc zone (Fig. 13b). Gott and McCarthy (1966) and McCarthy and Gott (1978) conducted a comprehensive geochemical sampling program in the district, and their results, summarized in Fig. 14, show the position of gold relative to other elements in the system. Gold concentrations correlate with arsenic, silver, and antimony, and its distribution overlaps those of lead, zinc, copper and molybdenum in some areas. Manganese/copper ratios of greater than 20 indicate that one is well outside of the gold zone.

Mt. Milligan, British Columbia


The Mr. Milligan MBX porphyry gold-copper deposit (Fig. 15 ) contains 265.5 million metric tons grading of 0.19% Cu and 0.56 ppm Au (Faulkner

APPLICATION OF METAL ZONING TO GOLD EXPLORATION IN PORPHYRY COPPER SYSTEMS

139

oo

GOLD ZONE

.~ NO

0,47.,4

o
o
.

~ .
]7~'

.
. . . . . . .

Oo

\
o

\
~oo

o~ oa

~ %_~

f
\
~ .

!
.
.~'~

:/
./."
o

o I

. \ [~, .

o \\.
'~-~

\-,-~r

,.. ,1
~

~ t.
~

70

/"

./

>3% Sulfur

"

I Ii

" . i ~ ~ ; i ~ ;

IZONEl

Fig. 11. D i s t r i b u t i o n o f copper to gold ratios for samples shown in Fig. 10, H e l e c h o , Puerto Rico. Data from C o x ( 1985 ).

"T-~-V-'r.~

/
,~'*. ='04%COPPER

.2'

o ~ /

.0.
~

Cu:Au Ratio
:0<0.5 0.5-1.0
=.1.0

~-'~--~'-'~.~">'~

..~.s',oo

o et~lo~ Thresh-

Fig. 12. D i s t r i b u t i o n o f copper to gold ratios from the Tanama deposit, Puerto Rico. Data from Cox (1985).

et al., 1990). The deposit lies within the volcanic core of the Upper TriassicLower Jurassic Takla Group, consisting of alkalic pyroxene andesite, basalt, and pyroclastics. Intruding the volcanic rocks are a comagmatic suite of alkaline syenite and monzonite-diorite. Mineralization is hosted by andesitic and latitic flows, pyroclastics, trachytic tufts, and a porphyritic monzonite. Disseminated sulfide mineralization occurs in two deposits, the Mount Milligan, and the Southern Star. The Mr. Milligan deposit consists of three

140

(a)
~j,~ Km

B.K. JONES

//

/Km['
i I

Cx

Ps

j,/
)

/I \ \
t\

\
\)
/ \ \

\ ~

p, t j - ~ /

..--...~---~

-~

Pa

.~'--

~,

"~Ps

.--.

,~'~/~m-..~ K"
silicaipyrite

silica-pyrite

/" t~.11
I

Km: m o n z o n i t e miles 0
0 1 km

1
2

Pa: Paleozoic calcareous sedimentary rocks

(b)~~~p>,

~~~:i .. .

, km

Au>O.3ppm

P Fig. 13. Generalized geology (a) and metal distribution (b) in the Robinson district, Nevada. Modified from Gott and McCarthy (1966) and McCarthy and Gott ( 1978 ).

gradational zones: the West Breccia zone, the Magnetic Breccia zone (MBX Zone), and the 66 zone (Fig. 15) (Faulkner et al., 1990). The deposit is irregularly zoned with respect to total sulfides, gold, and copper. Pyrite in-

A P P L I C A T I O N O F M E T A L Z O N I N G T O G O L D E X P L O R A T I O N IN P O R P H Y R Y C O P P E R SYSTEMS

141

V-------q
pm

)pro pm m

Fig. 14. Schematic geochemical zoning scheme of the Robinson district, Nevada, showing the position of gold relative to other elements in the system. Modified from Gott and McCarthy (1966) and McCarthy and Gott (1978).

PolarizationSurvey SulfideContent

Fig. 15. Generalized sulfide distribution (based on induced polarization data) and metal zones at the Mt. Milligan deposit, British Columbia. From Rebagliati (1989) and Faulkner et al. (1990).

creases from 1 to 2% (by volume) in the MBX zone to 5 to 10% along the south and east margins of the deposit (Faulkner et al., 1990). Pyrite to chalcopyrite ratios are 1:1 north of the MBX zone and increase to the west and south to 20:1. There is a relative enrichment of gold with increasing pyrite to chalcopyrite ratio; consequently, the 66 zone is gold-rich, while the West

142

B.K.JONES

Breccia zone, and the northern part of the MBX zone are copper-rich. Induced polarization data define the higher sulfide zone wrapping around the MBX zone (Fig. 15 ). Gold-bearing polymetallic sulfide veins occur within the zone of propylitic alteration north and west of the two deposits. At least seven veins have been identified, including the Esker, Creek, and 79 veins (Fig. 15 ), which appear to radiate outward from the MBX stock. Each vein system consists of three to five subparallel veins of semi-massive to massive pyrite and chalcopyrite. Individual veins assay from 3 to 100 ppm gold and 0.2 to 10% copper and contain l to 3% sphalerite and traces of arsenopyrite and galena (Faulkner et al., 1990 ). Zoning relations at Mt. Milligan are complicated by the incursion of the Southern Star deposit from the south and the Goldmark stock from the west. THE DISTALGOLD ZONE Recent work by Sillitoe and Bonham (1990), at the Bau district in Sarawak, Malaysia, and a description of the Barneys Canyon deposit (Gunter et al., 1990) near Bingham Canyon, Utah; together with relationships at Yauricocha, Peru (Sillitoe and Bonham, 1990); and La Plata, Colorado (Eckel et al., 1949 ); suggest a genetic relationship between some epithermal preciousmetal systems and gold-bearing porphyry systems. Some examples of this association are described below.
Bau, Sarawak

Sillitoe and Bonham ( 1990 ) document a close spatial relationship between low-temperature, sediment-hosted gold mineralization and weak porphyry copper-style mineralization in a potassically altered stock. Chalcopyrite, bornite, molybdenite, and gold occur in the central potassic zone. Sedimenthosted mineralization ranges from gold-bearing skarns to gold deposits with Carlin-style characteristics. A recently discovered deposit at Bau occurs within decalcified, argillized, and weakly silicified shale cut by minor porphyry dikes some 2 km from the nearest outcropping stock. Other deposits are associated with abundant jasperoid and high concentrations of arsenic and antimony.
Yauricocha District, Peru

Alvarez and Noble (1988 ) describe base- and precious-metal deposits related to a potassically altered, Tertiary granodiorite stock emplaced in tightly folded cherts, limestones, and slates. The intrusion is weakly mineralized, carrying 0.1 to 0.2% copper and veinlet-hosted gold-silver mineralization. Pipe-like ore bodies of massive sulfides on the margins of the stock are zoned

APPLICATION OF METAL ZONING TO GOLD EXPLORATION IN PORPHYRY COPPER SYSTEMS

143

from inner enargite to enargite-chalcopyrite-bornite to outer sphalerite-galena. Disseminated gold-silver deposits lie outside of the lead-zinc zone, 300 m from the nearest enargite mineralization. These deposits are geochemically and texturally similar to Carlin-type deposits of Nevada. Alteration consists of decalcification and silicification of calcareous beds.

Barneys Canyon, Melco, and Mercur Deposits, Utah


In the Bingham district, Gunter et al. (1990) describe two recently discovered epithermal-style gold deposits, Barneys Canyon and Melco, which are located well outside the lead-zinc zone (5 to 8 km from the central stock) and may be part of the outermost halo at Bingham. Farther to the south, the Mercur deposit is another Carlin-type gold system. This deposit is not related to the Bingham system but may be related to the Ophir lead-zinc silver district five km north of Mercur. Both the Ophir district and the Mercur deposit occur along the axis of the Mercur anticline and

,/

--~'~

//)

AA

2mi

-'a:llV. 1~I:1:I:Tq74_

/ l

Ms
Kd

MESOZOIC & PALEOZOIC SEDIMENTARY ROCKS D I O R I T E TO S Y E N I T E I N T R U S I O N S notassic silicic alteration alteration

:~',
P A

Cu(PGE,Ag,Au) Pb(Ag,Au) Au(Te) Ag

Fig. 16. Distribution of mines and prospects, classified by metals produced, in the La Plata, Colorado, district. Data from Eckel et al. (1949) and Werle et al. (1984). Disseminated copper mineralization with minor amounts of the platinum group elements (PGE) and gold and silver occur in the center of the system, associated with potassic alteration. Lead mineralization (P) forms a halo around the potassic altered core. Pyrite-gold and gold-telluride skarns, veins, replacements, and disseminated deposits form a broader halo surrounding lead.

144

B.K. JONES

within the same host lithologies. Both deposits are also associated with the same enigmatic silver chert, a structurally controlled gold-silver-antimonybearing jasperoid breccia.

La Plata, Colorado
Late Cretaceous diorite sills at La Plata have invaded and domed a Mesozoic sandstone and shale package that includes a few carbonate beds. Potassically altered syenite bodies are in the center of the copper-gold district (Fig. 16 ) near the center of the dome. Gold values are generally low ( < 100 ppb ), in the central copper zone (Werle et al., 1984). Pyrite-gold and gold-telluride vein, replacement, and disseminated deposits form a broad halo around the copper deposits. Gold-bearing lead-zinc mineralization occurs between the copper and gold zones.
SYSTEMS W I T H M U L T I P L E G O L D ZONES

Several districts display central, intermediate, and distal gold zones. Characteristically, these districts contain giant porphyry copper deposits with exceptional gold endowment. Gold commonly occurs throughout these systems. In spite of this general distribution, gold generally shows a preference for deposition and enrichment in the gold zones described above.

Bingham Canyon, Utah


Bingham Canyon is a gold-enriched system with an average past production grade of approximately 0.2 ppm (James, 1978 ), and a total production of gold exceeding 466,500 kg ( 15,000,000 ounces ). Metal zoning at Bingham, as defined by James et al. ( 1961 ), John ( 1975, 1978) and Atkinson and Einaudi ( 1978 ), includes: ( 1 ) a central barren core, (2) a molybdenite zone, (3) a bornite zone, (4) a chalcopyrite zone, (5) a pyrite halo, (6) a leadzinc zone, and ( 7 ) gold-silver veins. A slightly modified version of these zoning relationships is shown in Fig. 17. Gold occurs in essentially every zone of the deposit. The gold grade in the porphyry copper deposit is approximately 0.44 ppm (Tooker, 1990). Gold occurs in the pyrite halo (copper-iron-gold ores of Boutwell ( 1905 ) ). Copper skarns of the Highland Boy mine contained 2.38 grams/ton Au (Einaudi, 1982 ). Fissure and replacement lead-zinc-silver ores contained 1-1.7 grams/ ton Au (Einaudi, 1982). Carlin-type mineralization at the Barneys Canyon and Melco gold deposits may be related to Bingham (Sillitoe and Bonham, 1990). The copper deposit contained a gold-enriched leached cap (Tooker, 1990). High-grade gold mineralization occurs as a late-stage overprint to copper-

APPLICATION OF METAL ZONING TO GOLD EXPLORATION IN PORPHYRY COPPER SYSTEMS

145

Extending ~veral

I .....

..+.$
~0~
/

...........
..~,~'-.
\

\ \ "~.
\

~.
\
.~ "

~
~

I I

,'

I,

'te~="\
\\ \\

""

\\'\
0 I 0

\,
\ \~

\. \

\
5()0

\ \

~
i I000

=~'-

~"
5000 It ? 1500 m

Fig. 17. East-west cross section of the Bingham district, Utah, showing generalized metal zones. Modified from John (1978).

EpithermalGol d

1
]
I

~\Oi v O -"
,f~,~.\~.

f .... ~ D~oosits // ,I~ " , Sl:i~lerito- ~ t i t e


.,~ bio., chl., set

Enargite Vein & I - ~ k ~ t : e ~ t

~!

, ~ ; ..~.~- -.~.x,. 3 - Bornite . Cl~log.. Mag.- Py.- O-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.~


Intrusion.Bio., Mag., K-soar

Fig. 18. Schematic cross-section showing location of gold-enriched deposits in the Lepanto district, Phillipines. After Lowell (1988).

gold skarn at the Carr Fork mine (Cameron and Garmoe, 1987). The gold mineralization, grading 10 ppm, is associated with quartz, clay, and pyrite, and anomalous arsenic, antimony, mercury, and thallium.

Lepanto, Philippines
Lowell (1988 ) describes the zoning relationships between the buried Lepanto copper-gold porphyry deposit, and the Lepanto enargite ore body. In this system bornite, chalcopyrite, pyrite, magnetite, specular hematite, and gold occur within the central potassic zone (Fig. 18 ). Gold is closely associated with bornite in a low total sulfide assemblage reminiscent of Dos Pobres, Arizona (Lowell, 1988 ). The potassic zone grades outward into a zone of biotite, chlorite, sericite, quartz with pyrite, sphalerite, and magnetite. This zone grades outward into the propylitic zone that hosts the enargite deposit.

146

B.K.JONES

Lowell notes that gold in the Lepanto district may be deposited in three different zones: (1) in the disseminated porphyry deposit associated with bornite; (2) in the propylitic zone associated with enargite; and perhaps ( 3 ) in epithermal quartz stockworks.
GEOCHEMISTRY

Geochemical data on the solubility of gold in chloride and bisulfide complexes may define a mechanism for the formation of intermediate and distal gold zones observed in the porphyry systems described above. Figure 19, modified from Meinert ( 1982 ), Large et al. ( 1988 ), and Huston and Large ( 1989 ), summarizes the evolution of fluid chemistry and alteration in a hypothetical porphyry copper deposit in carbonate wall rocks. Potassic alteration of the intrusive rock, calc-silication of carbonate wall rocks, and initial deposition of disseminated copper-molybdenum take place at temperatures of 400-650C (Point 1, Fig. 19). Maximum copper-iron deposition (Point 2, Fig. 19 ) occurs at lower temperatures (250-450 C), as the result of cool-

7Oo
-20

-25

,,::. .::....: ~'0/-- ~ ~iiiiii!!iii~:"

P(fluid)=0.5 kb
.-.

-30

~;.;'7

~'k

"II Xc2:0"1
i I = 10 O0 acI -2.5 at S = 10

r./.'.:.:.:..,t.,, :~!'.:':':': ~]-i:i~~" .~<~"

-35
69

.~),/," POTASSIC ALT

-40

~
,..:.~,

GA-PX-QZ ACT ACT-QZ-GA

-45

SO 2 ...'" . . " H2S


I I I I I

200

300

400 T (*C)

500

600

Fig. 19. Evolution of fluid chemistry and alteration in a porphyry copper deposit in carbonate wall rocks. Modified from Meinert (1982), Large et al. (1988), and Huston and Large (1989). Abbreviations: ga=garnet, p x = p y r o x e n e , q z = q u a r t z , act=actinolite, c a = c a l c i t e , ad=andradite, h m = h e m a t i t e , fr=forsterite, H M = h e m a t i t e - m a g n e t i t e buffer, and QFM = quartz-fayalite-magnetite buffer.

APPLICATION OF METAL Z O N I N G TO GOLD EXPLORATION IN PORPHYRY COPPER SYSTEMS

147

ing of the magmatic fluid phase and hydrolysis of SO2 to H 2 S and H2SO4 (Burnham and Ohmoto, 1980). Lead and zinc are deposited at lower temperatures (200-350 C) with alteration effects varying from skarn formation to weak recrystallization of limestone (Point 3, Fig. 19 ). Gold is probably transported as a chloride complex in initial porphyry fluids; however, gold reacts differently to some of the chemical changes outlined above than do iron and the base metals. Gold will not be deposited by sulfidation as are copper and iron (Point 2, Fig. 19). It will instead precipitate, along with them as a result of cooling and possibly pH increase in the copper zone. If the gold budget of the system allows, gold may continue to deposit beyond the copper zone into the pyrite zone. There is a solubility minimum of chloride complexed gold at about 300 C
T(C) 150 -20
J

T(C) 250
i -~.

200
=

300 350
17/. ~ i

150

200
I

250
i

300
i

350

-20

,oo -._6 ,,
-30 hrn -30

--.~e c-/

'j6

-40

log fO 2

log fO 2

/:/
-50

!
!
e
Au(H$)~ AuCI; I

://

-40

i
-60 a
i

_i

-50 aCI = 10 ' ar_S = 1 0-2.5 pH = 4.5

-7 /

J/[V

-~i/
b

,uc.- I ~ I

Fig. 20. Solubility of gold as chloride and bisulfide complexes in the porphyry copper environment. (a) and (b) are enlargements of part of temperature/oxidation state field shown in Fig. 19. (a) shows details of gold solubility as bisulfide and chloride complexes, and (b) shows details of base metal solubilities. Note the solubility minimum of chloride complexed gold at about 300 C, which may define the outer edge of the intermediate gold zone. Below this temperature, bisulfide becomes a more effective complcxing ligand for gold than chloride, and gold solubility increases again. Gold may be deposited from these cooler fluids by boiling, pH, and redox changes, resulting in the formation of the distal epithermal gold deposits. Modified from Huston and Large (1989).

148

B.K. JONES

(between Points 2 and 3, Fig. 19). This area of the figure is shown in more detail in Figs. 20a and 20b. The solubility minimum may define the outer edge of the intermediate gold zone that lies between the copper and lead-zinc zones. At about this point bisulfide becomes a more efficient complexing ligand for gold than does chloride. Gold now becomes more soluble in the fluid as it cools further and deposits lead and zinc. This relationship would explain why the lead-zinc zones of many porphyry systems are relatively low in gold. Gold may be deposited from these cooler (150-250C), base metal-depleted fluids by any mechanism that destabilizes the bisulfide complex, including boiling and pH and redox changes. Tlais process would result in the formation of the distal epithermal deposits found in some gold-enriched porphyry systems. Figure 20b outlines some of the gold-bearing assemblages predicted by this model. The general pattern of gold zoning in porphyry copper deposits, as well as many of the variations seen in the examples given above, may be explained using this sort of geochemical model; however, it has obvious weaknesses. These models do not include reliable experimental solubility data for gold chloride complexes. Bisulfide complexing of base metals is not accounted for, nor is the evolving chemistry of the fluid with time (especially changes in salinity and total-sulfur content) accurately reflected.
THE INFLUENCE OF HOST ROCKS, STRUCTURE, AND OTHER FACTORS

Although the generalized zoning relationships described above may apply to many porphyry deposits, each district will display unique variations. Peripheral zoning seems to be best developed and most obvious in districts with carbonate wall rocks, where skarn and limestone replacement ore bodies of copper, lead-zinc-silver, and gold are often of great economic significance (e.g., Bingham, Copper Canyon). Districts with non-reactive clastic, volcanic, plutonic, and metamorphic host rocks often have more subtle zoning relationships in and around the source pluton and rarely have economically significant peripheral lead-zinc-silver zones or distal gold zones. Exceptions exist where the non-reactive host rocks develop secondary permeability and porosity due to fracturing and alteration. Major structures can also act as conduits and traps for mineralizing fluids and thus distort any idealized zoning pattern. However, zoning along and outward from major fluid channelways is usually predictable using the zoning model, as Meinert ( 1987 ) demonstrated at the Groundhog zinc mine, adjacent to the Santa Rita porphyry copper deposit in New Mexico. Gold-enriched porphyry copper deposits are susceptible to the remobilization and redeposition of gold late in their cooling history. Examples of this relationship are found at the Star Pointer mine (Robinson district, Nevada) and the Carr Fork gold ore shoot (Bingham district, Utah) where structurally

APPLICATION OF METAL ZONING TO GOLD EXPLORATIONIN PORPHYRY COPPER SYSTEMS

149

controlled silica and silica-pyrite bodies, respectively, overprint earlier mineralization. The Carr Fork gold ore shoot contains a typical "epithermal" trace-element association (Cameron and Garmoe, 1987 ), and has low copper to gold ratios. Star Pointer is associated with elevated arsenic, fluorine, lead, and zinc (Smith et al., 1988). Late-stage overprint deposits are most likely to occur in areas that have been enriched in gold during earlier stages of metal deposition. As a result of this initial enrichment, gold grades can average > 0.3 ppm over large areas. Formation of low-grade gold ore ( I. 5 ppm ) within these zones would require an enrichment factor of only 5 to l, and, as discussed earlier, geochemical conditions during the cooling phase of a large porphyry system are amenable to the transport and redeposition of gold. Surface expressions of metal zones may be significantly changed by surface oxidation. The primary effect of this is the removal of major elements (calcium, magnesium, sodium, and sulfur) and some metals (copper, zinc, and silver) relative to gold, thus enhancing gold anomalies. This mechanism was partly responsible for the development of the siliceous gold cap at Bingham, Utah, and the Gold Cap deposit at Ok Tedi. In the wet tropical environment these effects are particularly strong. In many cases (i.e., the southwestern United States) wet tropical or sub-tropical environments affected deposits that now are found in arid or semi-arid climates. Some geochemical aspects of weathering on metal distribution in porphyry copper deposits are described by Anderson (1982).
APPLICATION OF ZONING TO EXPLORATION IN GOLD-RICH PORPHYRIES

Within an idealized gold-enriched porphyry system, a composite zoning pattern from the center of the system outward may include the following zones: ( 1 ) barren (or subeconomic) core; (2) molybdenum; ( 3 ) bornite-gold; (4) chalcopyrite; (5) pyrite halo (gold in shear zones, quartz-sericite-pyrite stockworks, and distal skarns); (6) lead-zinc-silver; and ( 7 ) distal epithermal gold. Within this framework the examples given above define some basic zoning patterns applicable to exploration in gold-rich porphyry systems. The metal zoning picture as defined by Emmons ( 1927 ) remains largely correct, with gold occurring: ( 1 ) most commonly in the center of the system associated with highest copper grades; (2) within an intermediate zone which lies outside of the copper zone, frequently inside the lead-zinc-silver zone, and largely coincident with the pyrite halo, and; (3) sometimes in a distal "epithermal" gold zone outside of the lead-zinc zone and extending up to several kilometers from the deposit (Fig. 21 ). Considerable variability exists in the exact number, location, and extent of gold zones from one deposit to another. All gold-rich porphyry copper districts should be considered candidates for peripheral gold deposits. Furthermore, the examples from La Plata, Bau, and

150
~ I

B.K.JONES
I
Copper

Iron
Intermediate Au

Lead Zinc S~Iver

Central Au
:

Oisla[ Au

(or pyrrhotite I

1%

0~

1% i-

Pb*l%[Zn 0/

I~ml 0
2

Ippml
0

CuPb

L~ c~

Dizon, Dos Pobres, Pan(June, 8ell~ Gronisle

81nghom.

Fortitude1 Star Pointer

Lork, U S Mine;

Sub-Economic HalosBell, Granisle

Borneys C(]nyon~

8ou~ M e r c u r YauriCocho

..~

~-

'

'

'

'

'

'

:
... ",.

q3
.

.%x..
. , N o

~." . ' . . . . , . ' . . . ' . . ' ~ ' . . . ' . . . . . . ' . "

Fig. 21. Generalized zoning model for gold-enriched porphyry copper systems showing changes in metal concentrations and metal ratios with distance from the source intrusion. All element concentrations are in ppm, unless "%" shown. Ag:Au is ppm Ag/ppm Au; Cu:Au is %Cu/ppmAu; and Cu:Pb is %Cu/%Pb.

APPLICATION OF METAL ZONING TO GOLD EXPLORATION IN PORPHYRY COPPER SYSTEMS

151

Yauricocha indicate that gold mineralization can occur peripheral to systems that contain a central, subeconomic copper core. Sillitoe ( 1988 ) has recommended exploration around such "failed" porphyry systems. Districts with reactive host rocks (including mafic volcanics rocks, limestones, dolomites, calcareous sandstones, and siltstones) are probably the most attractive from the explorationist's perspective. Copper-gold porphyry districts with non-reactive wall rocks should also be carefully investigated, especially for large volumes of intensely fractured rock peripheral to the copper zone. These districts have weakly developed lead-zinc mineralization ( 1001000 ppm level) and may require more extensive use of metal ratioing and low-level gold and trace-element geochemistry to establish the position of the prospective gold zone. Structure can be of critical importance in the localization of peripheral gold mineralization. The most favorable circumstance in any district may include the intersection of a predicted gold zone with major pre-mineral faults (fluid conduits ), areas of high fracture density, such as folded strata (permeabilityporosity), and favorable host- and cap-rocks (e.g., limestone beneath diorite sills ). Targets include: ( 1 ) gold-rich copper skarns (Carr Fork, Bingham district; and West Ore Body, Copper Canyon District) within and toward the outer margins of the copper zone, (2) gold skarns (Fortitude, Copper Canyon district ) in the high iron zone between the copper and lead-zinc zones. (3) auriferous replacement deposits between the copper and lead-zinc zones hosted in calcareous sandstones and calcareous siltstones (Star Pointer, Robinson district) or mafic volcanic rocks (island-arc systems). (4) structurally controlled veins and stockworks (79, Esker, and Creek deposits at Mt. Milligan; Andacollo, Chile; La Plata, Colorado ), (5) epithermal-style disseminated/replacement deposits in impure carbonates outside of the lead-zinc zone (Yauricocha, Peru; Barneys Canyon, Bingham district ), and ( 6 ) late-stage overprint deposits (Carr Fork gold, Bingham district). In order to define zoning relations in a porphyry system both production and broad-scale geochemical sampling are used. Geochemical samples are analyzed for base and precious metals, as well as applicable pathfinder elements (i.e., arsenic, tellurium, bismuth and others ). Metal ratioing is a useful data-smoothing technique for defining metal zones or portions of zones that are not detected by plotting raw geochemical data (compare Figs. 10 and 11, Helecho system). Several ratios are particularly useful for determining zoning relations in porphyry systems. Goodell and Petersen (1974) note that the large and systematic changes in the Pb/Cu ratio make it the single most useful zoning in-

152

B.K.JONES

dex. Pb/Mo, P b + Z n / C u , and P b / C u ratios are useful for defining the outer limit of the copper and molybdenum zones and the inner limits of the PbZn-Ag zone. Copper-gold and silver-gold ratios are particularly useful in defining zones of relative gold enrichment. In studying deposits where no peripheral gold zone has been defined, it is noteworthy that authors of some articles mention a scarcity of applicable gold data. Thus within some systems, further sampling may well define such zones, and lead to new discoveries. In some producing copper-gold deposits, drill core was not analyzed for any elements if a visual inspection of the core indicated less than 0.2% copper. Several of the largest gold producers in porphyry systems contain copper grades lower than this. Perhaps undetected oregrade gold intercepts are lying around in the dusty core sheds of some producing copper mines.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The author is grateful to the reviewers for their detailed and constructive changes to this manuscript. The author also appreciates the thoughtful reviews and comments by John Thompson, John Schloderer, Marshall Himes, and Larry Ott. This paper greatly benefited from contributions by Richard A. Leveille.
REFERENCES Alvarez, A.A. and Noble, D.C., 1988. Sedimentary rock-hosted disseminated precious metal mineralization at Purisma Concepcion, Yauricocha District, central Peru. Econ. Geol., 83: 1368-1378. Anderson, J.T., 1982. Characteristics of leached capping and techniques of appraisal. In: S.R. Titley (Editor), Advances in Geology of the Porphyry Copper Deposits. The University of Arizona Press, Tucson, AZ, pp. 275-296. Atkinson, W.W. Jr. and Einaudi, M.T., 1978. Skarn formation and mineralization in the contact aureole at Carr Fork, Bingham, Utah. Econ. Geol., 73:1326-1365. Bamford, R.W., 1972. The Mount Fubilan (Ok Tedi) porphyry copper deposit, Territory of Papua and New Guinea. Econ. Geol., 67: l 019-1033. Blake, D.W., Wotruba, P.R. and Theodore, T.G., 1984. Zonation in the skarn environment at the Tomboy-Minnie gold deposits, Lander County, Nevada. Ariz. Geol. Soc. Digest, 15: 6772. Boutwell, J.M., 1905. Economic geology of the Bingham mining district, Utah. U.S. Geol. Survey Prof. Pap. 38, 413 pp. Burnham, C.W. and Ohmoto, H., 1980. Late stage processes of felsic magmatism. In: S. Ishihara and S. Takenouchi (Editors), Granitic Magmatism and Related Mineralization. Soc. Min. Geol. Jpn. Spec. Iss., 8:1-11. Cameron, D.E. and Garmoe, W.J., 1987. Geology of skarn and high-grade gold in the Carr Fork mine, Utah. Econ. Geol., 82" 1319-1333. Carson, D.J., Jambor, J.L., Ogryzlo, P. and Richards, T.A., 1976. Bell Copper: Geology, geochemistry and genesis of a supergene-enriched, biotized porphyry copper deposit with a superimposed phyllic zone. Can. Inst. of Min. and Metall. Spec. Vol., 15: 245-263.

APPLICATION OF METAL ZONING TO GOLD EXPLORATION IN PORPHYRY COPPER SYSTEMS

15 3

Chaffee, M.A., 1976. The zonal distribution of selected elements above the Kalamazoo porphyry copper deposit, Pinal County, Arizona. J. Geochem. Explor., 5:145-165. Chaffee, M.A., 1982. A geochemical study of the Kalamazoo porphyry copper deposit. In: S.R. Titley (Editor), Advances in the Geology of the Porphyry Copper Deposits, Southwestern North America. The University of Arizona Press, Tucson, AZ, pp. 211-225. Clark, G.H., 1987. Geology and resource estimation at the Panguna porphyry copper/gold mine, Papua New Guinea. In: Proceedings of the Pacific Rim Congress 87, Aust. Inst. of Min. and Metall.: 549-555. Cox, D.P., 1985. Geology of the Tanama and Helecho porphyry copper deposits and vicinity, Puerto Rico. U.S. Geol. Surv. Prof. Pap. 1327, 57 pp. Cox, D.P., Perez, G. and Nash, J.T., 1975. Geology, geochemistry, and fluid inclusion petrography of the Sapo Alegre porphyry copper prospect and its metavolcanic wallrocks, westcentral Puerto Rico. U.S. Geol. Surv. J. Res., 3: 313-327. Cox, D.P. and Singer, D.A., 1988. Distribution of gold in porphyry copper deposits. U.S. Geol. Surv. Open-File Rept., 88-46, 23 pp. Cuddy, A.S. and Kesler, S., 1982. Gold in the Granisle and Bell Copper porphyry copper deposits, British Columbia. In: A.A. Levinson (Editor), Precious Metals in the Northern Cordillera. Assoc. of Explor. Geochem. Spec. Pub. 10:139-155. Durgin, D.C., 1989. Gold in the Robinson mining district. Amer. Inst. of Min. and Metall. Eng. preprint 89-42, 7 pp. Eckel, E.B., Williams, J.S. and Galbraith, F.W., 1949. Geology and ore deposits of the La Plata district, Colorado. U.S. Geol. Surv. Prof. Pap. 219, 179 pp. Einaudi, M.T., 1982. Description of skarns associated with porphyry copper plutons: southwestern North America. In: S.R. Titley (Editor), Advances in Geology of the Porphyry Copper Deposits, Southwestern North America. University of Arizona Press, Tucson, AZ, pp. 139-184. Emmons, W.H., 1927. Relations of metalliferous lode systems to igneous intrusives. Trans. Amer. Inst. of Mining and Metall. Eng., 74: 29-70. Faulkner, E.L., Preto, V.A., Rebagliati, C.M. and Schroeter, T.G., 1990. In: Exploration in British Columbia 1989. Geol. Branch, British Columbia Ministry of Energy, Mines and Pet. Resources. Inf. Circ. 1990-1: 181-192. Gilmour, P., 1982. Grades and tonnages of porphyry copper deposits. In: S.R. Titley (Editor), Advances in Geology of the Porphyry Copper Deposits, Southwestern North America. University of Arizona Press, Tucson, AZ, pp. 7-36. Goodell, P.C. and Petersen, U., 1974. Julcani mining district, Peru: A study of metal ratios. Econ. Geol., 69: 347-361. Gott, G.B. and McCarthy, J.H., Jr., 1966. Distribution of gold, silver, tellurium, and mercury in the Ely mining district, White Pine County, Nevada. U.S. Geol. Surv. Circ. 535, 5 pp. Gunter, W.L., Hammitt, J.W., Babcock, R.C., Gibson, T.R. and Presnell, R.D., 1990. Geology of the Barneys Canyon and Melco gold deposits, Salt Lake County, Utah. In: D.M. Hausen, D.E. Halbe, E.U. Petersen and W.J. Tafuri (Editors), Gold '90. The Proceedings of the Gold '90 Symposium. Soc. of Min. Metall. and Explor. Inc., Salt Lake City, UT, pp. 41-50. Huston, D.L. and Large, R.R., 1989. A chemical model for the distribution of gold in volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits. Ore Geol. Rev., 4:171-200. James, A.H., Smith, W.H. and Bray, R.E., 1961. Bingham district--a zoned porphyry ore deposit. In D.R. Cook (Editor), Geology of the Bingham Mining District and Northern Oquirrh Mountains. Utah Geol. Soc. Guidebook 16:81-100. James, L.P., 1976. Zoned alteration in limestone at porphyry copper deposits, Ely, Nevada: Econ. Geol., 71: 488-512. James, L.P., 1978. The Bingham copper deposits, Utah as an exploration target: history and pre-excavation geology. Econ. Geol., 73:1218-1227.

154

B.K.JONES

Jerome, S.E., 1966. Some features pertinent in exploration of porphyry copper deposits. In: S.R. Titley and C.L. Hicks (Editors), Geology of the Porphyry Copper Deposits, Southwestern North America. University of Arizona Press, Tucson, AZ, pp. 75-85. John, E.C., 1975. Mineral zones of the Bingham district. In: R.E. Bray and J.C. Wilson (Editors), Guidebook to the Bingham Mining District. Kennecott Copper Corp., Bingham Canyon, UT, pp. 59-72. John, E.C., 1978. Mineral zones in the Utah copper orebody, 1978. Econ. Geol., 73:1250-1259. Keith, S.B., 1984. Magma series and mineral deposits. Magmachem Explor. Inc., Phoenix, AZ, 60 pp. Kesler, S.E., 1973. Copper, molybdenum and gold abundances in porphyry copper deposits: Econ. Geol., 68:106-112. Langton, J.M. and Williams, S.A., 1982. Structural, petrological and mineralogical controls for the Dos Pobres orebody. In: S.R. Titley (Editor), Advances in Geology of the Porphyry Copper Deposits. University of Arizona Press, Tucson, AZ, pp. 335-352. Large, R., Huston, D., McGoldrick, P., McArthur, G. and Ruxton, P., 1988. Gold distribution and genesis in Paleozoic volcanogenic massive sulfide systems, eastern Australia. In: A.D.T. Goode, E.L. Smyth, W.D. Birch and L.I.Bosma (Editors), Bicentennial Gold 88, Ext. Abstr. Geol. Soc. of Aust. Inc., Sydney, pp. 121-126. Leveille, R.A., Newberry, R.J. and Bull, K.F., 1988. An alkalinity-oxidation state diagram for discriminating some gold-favorable plutons: An empirical and phenomenological approach (abstr.). Geol. Soc. ofAmer. Abstr. with Programs, 20: 42. Lowell, J.D., 1988. Gold mineralization in porphyry copper deposits. Soc. of Min. Eng. Preprint 88-117, 17pp. McCarthy, J.H. and Gott, G.B., 1978. Robinson (Ely) mining district, White Pine County, Nevada. In: J.H. McCarthy and G.B. Gott (Editors), Conceptual models in exploration geochemistry. J. Geochem. Explor., 9: 225-232. Meinert, L.D., 1982. Skarn, manto, and breccia pipe formation in sedimentary rocks of the Cananea mining district, Sonora, Mexico. Econ. Geol., 77:919-949. Meinert, L.D., 1987. Skarn zonation and fluid evolution in the Groundhog mine, Central mining district, New Mexico. Econ. Geol., 82: 523-545. Meinert, L.D., 1989. Gold skarn deposits--geology and exploration criteria. In: R.R. Keays, W.R.H. Ramsay and D.I. Groves (Editors), The geology of gold deposits: The perspective in 1988. Econ. Geol. Monograph 6, Newhaven, CT, pp. 537-552. Myers, G.L. and Meinert, L.D., 1988. Zonation of the Copper Canyon-Fortitude gold skarn system (abstr.). Geol. Soc. Amer. Abstracts with Programs, 20: A93. Neuerburg, G.J., 1978. The architecture of the porphyry-metal system as a prospecting stratagem in the southern Rocky Mountains. U.S. Geol. Surv. Open-File Rept. 78-130, 33 pp. Orris, G.J., Bliss, J.D., Hammarstrom, J.M. and Theodore, T.G., 1987. Description and grades and tonnages of gold-bearing skams. U.S. Geol. Surv. Open-File Rept., 87-273, 50 pp. Perello, J. and Cabeilo, J., 1989. Porfidos cupriferos ricos en oro: una revision. Rev. Geol. Chile, 16:73-92 (in Spanish). Rebagliati, M., 1989. Mt. Milligan: an alkaline intrusive related gold-copper deposit (Abstr.). In: T. Schroeter (Editor), Copper Gold Porphyry Workshop, Mineral Deposit Division, Geol. Assoc. of Canada. Vancouver, 1989, 3 pp. Sillitoe, R.H., 1979. Some thoughts on gold-rich porphyry copper deposits. Mineral. Deposit., 14: 161-174. Sillitoe, R.H., 1983. Styles of low-grade gold mineralization in volcano plutonic arcs. In: V.E. Kral, J.A. Hall, R.B. Blakestad, H.F. Bonham, G.B. Hartley, G.E. Mclelland and J.A. McGlasson (Editors), Precious Metals Symposium, Sparks, Nevada, 1980. Nev. Bur. of Mines and Geol. Rept., 36: 52-68. Sillitoe, R.H., 1988. Gold and silver deposits in porphyry systems. In: R.N. Schafer, J.J. Cooper and P.G. Vikre (Editors), Bulk Mineable Precious Metal Deposits of the Western United States. Symp. Proceedings, Geol. Soc. of Nevada, Reno, NV, pp. 233-257.

APPLICATION OF METAL ZONING TO GOLD EXPLORATION IN PORPHYRY COPPER SYSTEMS

15 5

Sillitoe, R.H. and Bonham, H.F., 1990, Sediment-hosted gold deposits: Distal products of magmatic-hydrothermal systems. Geology, 18:157-161. Smith, M.R., Wilson, W.R., Benham, J.A., Pescio, C.A. and Valenti, P., 1988. The Star Pointer gold deposit, Robinson Mining district, White Pine County, Nevada. In: R.N. Schafer, J.J. Cooper and P.G. Vikre (Editors), Bulk Mineable Precious Metal Deposits of the Western United States. Symposium Proceedings, Geol. Soc. of Nevada, Reno, NV, pp. 221-231. Titley, S.R., 1978. Copper, molybdenum, and gold content of some porphyry copper systems of the southwestern and western Pacific. Econ. Geol., 73:977-981. Tooker, E.D., 1990. Gold in the Bingham district, Utah. In: D.R. Shawe, R.P. Ashley and L.M.H. Carter (Editors), Gold in porphyry copper systems. U.S. Geol. Surv. Bull., 1857-E: E l -E 15. Werle, J.L., Ikramuddin, M. and Mutschler, F.E., 1984. Allard stock, La Plata Mountains, Colorado--an alkaline rock-hosted porphyry copper-precious metal deposit. Can. J. Earth Sci., 21: 630-641. Westra, G., 1982. Alteration and mineralization in the Ruth porphyry copper deposit near Ely, Nevada. Econ. Geol., 77: 950-970. Wotruba, P.R., Benson, R.G. and Schmidt, K.W., 1986. Geology of the Fortitude gold-silver deposit, Copper Canyon, Lander County, Nevada. Soc. of Min. Eng. preprint, 86-46, 7 pp.

You might also like