PETROLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF MINERALIZATION OF THE PB-ZN-AG

TREASURE MOUNTAIN DEPOSIT, BRITISH COLUMBIA

by

JACQUELINE ARMSTRONG

A THESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF

THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (HONOURS)

in

THE FACULTY OF SCIENCE

(Combined Honours Degree in Geographical Biogeosciences and Geology)

This thesis conforms to the required standard

………………………………………
Supervisor
THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA

(Vancouver)

APRIL, 2012

© Jacqueline Laura Maria Armstrong, 2012

 ABSTRACT

Treasure Mountain is an epithermal style lead-zinc-silver deposit situated within the

northern extent of the Cascade Mountain range of southwestern British Columbia. Hand sample
and thin section analysis of 13 rock samples from the Treasure Mountain property displayed
boiling textures, fluid chemistry, ore mineralization, and alteration mineral assemblages
consistent with low sulphidation epithermal deposits. Dominant ore minerals observed include
sphalerite, galena, chalcopyrite, tetrahedrite, boulangerite and minor arsenopyrite. Local
alteration in veins, host rock, and nearby dyke appears dominantly phyllic. Veins hosting the ore
are typically zoned and vuggy, and dominantly consist of comb quartz edges, pink carbonate,
and central white carbonate. Carbonate vein gangue material that appears to have been emplaced
prior to ore mineralization indicates that circulating hydrothermal fluids likely had a neutral pH.
A neutral pH may have been achieved by ascending magmatic fluid that has equilibrated with the
surrounding country rock mixing with meteoric fluid.

The Pasayten group arkose-argillite bedded sequence that hosts the Treasure Mountain
deposit was contained detrital pyrite and may have been a significant source of sulfur to
circulating hydrothermal fluids. The clastic sedimentary host rock of the Treasure Mountain
deposit is not consistent with the classic definition of epithermal deposits, which are hosted in
volcanic rock. The silver-lead-zinc vein deposit model best fits the style of mineralization
studied. Silver-lead-zinc vein deposits are produced by low sulphidation epithermal systems
hosted by monotonous sequences of clastic rocks that have been intruded by gabbro to granitic
plutons.

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iii
iv
 LIST OF TABLES

Table 1: MINERALOGY OF LOW AND HIGH SULPHIDATION EPITHERMAL SYSTEMS 7

Table 3: Sample No. 1 - HANGING WALL ARGILLITE .......................................................... 31
Table 4: Sample No. 2 -MINERALIZED VEIN IN ARKOSE-ARGILLITE .............................. 32
Table 5: Sample No. 3 VUGGY MINERALIZED QZ-CARBONATE VEINS IN BRECCIATE
ARKOSE-ARGILLITE ................................................................................................................ 33
Table 6: Sample No. 4 - VUGGY MINERALIZED CARBONATE VEINS IN BRECCIATE
ARKOSE-ARGILLITE ................................................................................................................ 34
Table 7: Sample No. 5 - CARBONATE-QUARTZ VEIN WITH BOULANGERITE,
SPHALERITE, GALENA, PYRITE MINERALIZATION ......................................................... 35
Table 8: Sample No. 6 – BRECCIATED ARKOSE-ARGILLITE WITH VUGGY
CARBONATE VEINS ................................................................................................................. 36
Table 9: Sample No. 7 – BRECCIATED ARKOSE-ARGILLITE WITH CHALCOPYRITE ... 37
Table 10: Sample No. 8 – ARGILLITE WITH MASSIVE SPHALERITE VEIN ...................... 38
Table 11: Sample No. 9 – BRECCIATED ARGILLITE-ARKOSE WITH NET-TEXTURED
MAGNETITE ............................................................................................................................... 39
Table 12: Sample No. 10 – FELDSPAR PORPHYRY DYKE .................................................... 39
Table 13: Sample No. 11 – INTERBEDDED ARGILLITE-ARKOSE ....................................... 40
Table 14: Sample No. 12 – FELDSPAR PORPHYRY DYKE .................................................... 41
Table 15: Sample No. 13 – BRECCIATED ARKOSE-ARGILLITE WITH SPHALERITE AND
CHALCOPYRITE MINERALIZATION IN A QUARTZ-CARBONATE VEIN ...................... 42

v
 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I would like to thank my supervisors Ryan Sharp and Dr. Maya Kopylova for their help in
writing this thesis. I am indebted to both for their guidance and thoughtful insights. Thank
you to Huldra Silver for allowing me to work on the drill core from the Treasure Mountain
property. Thank you to Dr. James Scoates for use of lab equipment. Many thanks to Erin
Lane for organizing EOS 449 and to Dr. Elspeth Barnes for writing and formatting advice. I
would also like to thank the great field team I had the opportunity to work with last summer,
including Jim Cuttle, Sanjar Skrenes, Mark Birrell and Michael Frye.

vi
 1. INTRODUCTION

Hydrothermal deposits are an important source of a variety of ore, including lead, zinc, and
silver. British Columbia hosts many lead-zinc ± silver deposits generated by a range of
hydrothermal systems, including the sedimentary exhalative Sullivan deposit, the Robb Lake
Mississippi Valley Type deposit, the epithermal Equity Silver deposit, and the Kokanee Range
silver-lead-zinc vein deposit. Apart from being generated by hydrothermal circulation and
containing similar ore minerals, these systems are produced in different environments (including
pressure, temperature, and host rock) by fluids of varying composition. Thereby the resultant
mineralization, alteration mineral assemblages, and mineral textures are indicative of the type of
hydrothermal systems that yielded the deposit.

The Treasure Mountain deposit is situated within the northern extent of the Cascade
Mountain range of southeastern British Columbia (Ostensoe et al., 2011) (Fig. 1). The property
was originally discovered in 1892, however production on the property was very limited up until
Huldra Silver Inc. acquired ownership of the property in the 1980s.

The nature and origin of the lead-zinc-silver mineralization at Treasure Mountain is not well
understood, and has not been assigned to a specific deposit model. In literature the
mineralization has been described as likely mesothermal, which is defined “as a mineral deposit
formed at moderate depth hence at “moderate” temperature and pressures: said of a
hydrothermal mineral deposit formed in the temperature range of 200 – 300 degrees C”
(Ostensoe et al., 2011).

The purpose of this thesis is to determine the most likely genetic model for mineralization
observed at the Treasure Mountain property. Potential deposition styles considered consisted of
typical hydrothermal lead-zinc deposits, including sedimentary exhalative, Mississippi Valley
type, low and high sulphidation epithermal, and a subset of epithermal deposits known as silver-
lead-zinc vein deposits.

Petrographical analysis was carried out on ten rock samples and 13 thin sections collected
from five 2011 diamond drill holes on the Treasure Mountain property. Analysis included
observing mineralization and mineral association, alteration mineral assemblages, and mineral
textures in order to provide detailed lithological and mineralogical descriptions of the 13 rock

1
samples and 13 thin sections. These observations were then used to determine the likely genetic
model of deposition that produced mineralization at Treasure Mountain.

TREASURE
MOUNTAIN

Figure 1: Location of Treasure Mountain property in southern British Columbia. a) Satellite image
shows location of Treasure Mountain in southwestern Canada. b)Location with respect to
Vancouver. Square pin in points to the property location. Satellite image from Google Maps, inset
map from MapMine Mapper on infomine.com.

2
 2. GEOLOGY

2.1. Regional Geology

The Treasure Mountain deposit is situated within the northern extent of the Cascade
Mountain range of southwestern British Columbia, 29 km east of the town of Hope and 140 km
east of Vancouver (Ostensoe et al., 2011) (Fig. 1). The deposit sits within the Mesozoic
Tyaughton-Methow Terrane (McDougall, 1987). The terrane contains thick successions of
Jurassic and Cretaceous clastic strata deposited in marine and terrestrial environments that
overlie allochthonous Triassic oceanic crust (DeGraaff-Surpless et al., 2003). The detrital zircon
age signature of the clastic material suggests the terrane formed in a basin in close proximity to
the southern Canadian Cordillera (DeGraaff-Surpless et al., 2003). Formations within the terrane
include the Jurassic Dewdney Creek formation and the Cretaceous Pasayten formation (Ostensoe
et al., 2011) (Fig. 2). The Pasayten fault runs along the eastern edge of the Tyaughton-Methow
Terrane and separates the Pasayten formation from the Quesnellian terrane and Jurassic-
Cretaceous plutonic rocks to the east (Mahoney et al., 2009).

2.2. Local Geology

The Treasure Mountain region is underlain by northwest striking, southwest dipping volcanic
and sedimentary rocks of the Jurassic Dewdney Creek formation and the argillite, arkose, and
conglomerate bearing Cretaceous Pasayten formation (Ostensoe et al., 2011). The two
formations are separated by the northwest trending Chuwanten thrust fault (Schmitt and Stewart,
1991) (Fig. 2). The fault is believed to have provided the locus for intrusive and hydrothermal
activity which gave rise to silver-lead-zinc vein deposits in the Treasure Mountain region
(Schmitt and Stewart, 1991). Epigenetic structure controlled lead-zinc mineralization is hosted
within the Pasayten formation (McDougall, 1987; Ostensoe et al., 2011). Both the Pasayten and
Dewdney Creek formations are intersected by lamprophyre dykes and dioritic to gabbroic
intrusions of Tertiary age (Ostensoe et al., 2011). The east-west striking Treasure Mountain
Fault transects the property and is intruded by a feldspar porphyry dyke, referred to as the Mine
Dyke (Ostensoe et al., 2011). Mineralization, known as the “C”-vein, occurs on one or both

3
 sides of the Mine Dyke (Livgard, 1995). In addition to the ‘C’-vein, four other mineralized veins
(designated veins ‘A’, ‘B’, and ‘D’) have been observed on the property (Ostensoe et al., 2011).
The dyke is believed to have been emplaced prior to the onset of mineralization (Ostensoe et al,
2011).

Legend
ImJLaD: Jurassic – Dewdney Creek
N
Formation – coarse clastics
KPW: Cretaceous – Pasayten
Group – Winthrop Facies coarse
clastics
KPV: Cretaceous – Pasayten Group
– Virginia Ridge Facies coarse
KPW
clastics
EPra: Cenozoic – Princeton Group ImJLaD TREASURE
MOUNTAIN
Coarse clastics PROPERTY
OlMiCo
OlMiCo: Cenozoic – Coquihalla
Formation calc-alkaline volcanic
rocks

The dashed line that dissects the

Treasure Mountain property is the
Chuwanten Fault.

Figure 2: Regional Geology surrounding Treasure Mountain. Image and formation descriptions adapted
from Ostensoe et al., 2011

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 2.3. Previous Work on the Treasure Mountain Property

The Treasure Mountain Pb-Zn-Ag deposit is hosted within the arkose-argillite Pasayten
formation of the Tyaughton-Methow Terrane (Ostensoe et al., 2011). The Eagle Plutonic
Complex of Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous age lies three km to the east and the granodioritic
Eocene Needle Peak Pluton lies 10 km to the northwest (Ostensoe et al., 2011). The majority of
mineralization on the property is described as epigenetic occurring within fracture controlled
veins in a mesothermal-style deposit (Ostensoe et al., 2011). A mesothermal deposit is defined
by Ostensoe et al. as mineralization caused by a hydrothermal system that formed at moderate
depth between temperatures of 200 – 300°C.

Mineralized veins are from centimeters to two metres in width and contain galena (PbS),
sphalerite (ZnS), pyrite (FeS2) , chalcopyrite (CuFeS2), tetrahedrite ((Cu,Fe)12Sb4S13),
boulangerite (Pb5Sb4S11), bournonite (PbCuSbS3), and minor stibnite (Sb2S3) and native silver in
a gangue of quartz (including comb quartz), carbonates, (Livgard, 1995) and manganiferous
siderite (Ostensoe et al., 2011). The main ore bearing minerals are freibergite (silver,
(Ag,Cu,Fe)12(Sb,As)4S13), galena (lead) and brown sphalerite (zinc) that darkens to black with
depth (Livgard, 1995). Principle veins occur proximal to the Treasure Mountain Fault and a
feldspar porphyry dyke (the Mine Dyke) that partially occupies the fault (Ostensoe et al., 2011).
The dyke may be an off-shoot from granitic bodies that lie near the mine area, such as the Eagle
Plutonic Complex of late Jurassic to early Cretaceous age that lies three kilometres east, or the
Eocene Needle Peak Pluton of granodioritic composition that lies 10 kilometres northwest of
Treasure Mountain (Ostensoe et al., 2011). The concentration of silver in the Treasure Mountain
fault has been noted to increase with distance from the Mine Dyke (Vulimiri, 1986, quoted in
Ostensoe at al., 2011). Alternation zones consisting of pyritization, carbonization, and
chloritization occur in proximity to the dyke (Ostensoe et al., 2011).

The Treasure Mountain property sits about 20 kilometres north of Imperial Metals Giant
Copper property. The Giant Copper property hosts a porphyry related Cu-Au-Ag-Mo
hydrothermal system in the Ladner Dewdney Creek, Jackass Mountain and Pasayten Groups
(Pearson and Giroux, 2011). The property also hosts disseminated pyrite, galena, sphalerite and
minor chalcopyrite mineralization in hornfelsed, altered, fractured and brecciated polylithic
sedimentary rocks in contact with quartz diorite intrusive rocks (Pearson and Giroux, 2011).

5
 3. REVIEW OF PB-ZN(-AG) DEPOSITS

A wide variety of Pb-Zn (-Ag) deposits have been recognized and studied worldwide. Each
deposit type has unique characteristics related to their formation, mineralization and tectonic
setting. Potential analogues to the mineralization at the Treasure Mountain property are
described below.

3.1. Epithermal Vein Deposits

Hydrothermal deposits were initially divided into categories based on pressure and
temperature of formation (hypo-, meso-, epithermal in order of decreasing depth) and are
considered to have a magmatic affiliation (Lindgren, 1933; Beaudoin and Sangster, 1992).
Epithermal Au-Ag deposits form from hydrothermal systems within 1.5km of the Earth`s surface
(Taylor, 2007). They are commonly associated with areas with subduction generated
magmatism, but may also occur in shallow marine settings (Taylor, 2007). Epithermal veins are
structure controlled, and brecciated texture results from periodic episodes of fluid fracture filling
followed by brecciation due to an excess of internal fluid pressure (Taylor, 2007). Fluid
temperatures during ore deposition are typically less than 300°C and salinities are less than
3.5wt% NaCl equivalent (Taylor, 2007). Typical epithermal veins are hosted in volcanic rocks
and are surrounded by alteration zones (Panteleyev, 1986).

There are two end-member genetic types of epithermal mineralization: low sulphidation and
high sulphidation. These two types of epithermal deposits develop from fluids of contrasting
chemistry in contrasting geological environments (White and Hedenquist, 1995). In high
sulphidation (also known as acid-sulfate class) systems, the hydrothermal fluid has a low pH due
to HCl and SO2 volatiles from magmatic fluid mixing with groundwater to form highly acidic
conditions (White and Hedenquist, 1995). The geochemical signature of metal elements in high
sulphidation systems is the abundance of gold, copper, and arsenic (Panteleyev, 1996a).

Low sulphidation (also known as adularia-sericite class) epithermal deposits are

generated by near-neutral circulating meteoric fluid with a magmatic volatile source for carbon
and sulphide components (Cooke and Simmons, 2000). . In low sulphidation environments, the

6
hydrothermal fluid has a near neutral pH, is reduced, and is in equilibrium with the host rocks at
great depth (White and Hedenquist, 1995). Mineralization is the result of a combination of
country rock reacting with and reducing ore fluid, and subsequent boiling generated precipitation
of metals due to a decrease in pressure of ascending fluids (Hayashi et al., 2001). The
geochemical signature of metal elements in high sulphidation systems includes elevated values
of gold, silver, zinc, lead and copper (Panteleyev, 1996b). Important low sulphidation
epithermal ore minerals include pyrite, sphalerite, galena, arsenopyrite (FeAsS), and sulfosalts,
while gangue generally consists of quartz, adularia, and calcite (Taylor, 2007).

High and low sulphidation epithermal systems have some overlap in mineral
assemblages, but both systems have unique minerals that occurring more frequently or
abundantly in one system over another (table 1). The presence of adularia and calcite suggests a
low sulphidation deposit model, whereas the absence of the former and the presence of alunite is
likely a high sulphidation deposit (White and Hedenquist, 1995).

Table 1: Mineralogy of Low and High Sulphidation Epithermal Systems

Shown as: frequency of occurrence (abundance). After White and Hedenquist, 1995.

MINERALS LOW SULPHIDATION HIGH SULPHIDATION

ORE MINERALS
Pyrite Ubiquitous (abundant) Ubiquitous (abundant)
Sphalerite Common (variable) Common (very minor)
Galena Common (variable) Common (very minor)
Chalcopyrite Common (very minor) Common (minor)
Arsenopyrite Common (minor) Rare (very minor)
GANGUE
Quartz Ubiquitous (abundant) Ubiquitous (abundant)
Calcite Common (variable) Absent (except as overprint)
Adularia Common (variable) Absent
Alunite Absent (except as overprint) Common (minor)

7
 In the BCGS exploration guide for epithermal deposits it is noted that high sulphidation
epithermal Au-Ag deposits are much less common in the Canadian Cordillera than low
sulphidation epithermal veins (Panteleyev, 1996).

3.1.1. Hydrothermal Sediment Hosted Ag-Pb-Zn Vein Deposits

Beaudoin and Sangster (1992) differentiate between classic volcanic-hosted epithermal

veins (that are characterized by an Au-rich metal association, shallow depth of emplacement, and
regional alteration) from silver-lead-zinc vein deposits. Silver-lead-zinc veins are similar to low
sulphidation epithermal systems, but are hosted in clastic sedimentary rocks. Silver-lead-zinc
deposits are spatially associated with felsic intrusions of batholithic dimensions (Lindgren, 1933;
Guilbert and Park, 1986), but not those related to porphyry Cu mineralization (Beaudoin and
Sangster, 1992). Intrusions have been found in proximity to, or within, the Ag-Pb-Zn
mineralized area, or buried plutons have been inferred (Beaudoin and Sangster, 1992). Guilbert
and Park (1986) classified a subset of epigenetic hydrothermal sediment hosted Ag-Pb-Zn
deposits as ‘Cordilleran vein type’ which were formed by ascending hydrothermal fluids of
magmatic or meteoric origin but which they considered to be related to adjacent igneous activity.

The classic silver-lead-zinc vein districts as described by Beaudoin and Sangster (1992) are
found in the Cordilleran orogen of North America and the Variscan orogen of Europe. The
authors describe the vein districts as being hosted in sedimentary basins dominated by clastic
rocks that have been deformed, metamorphosed and intruded by igneous rocks, and in which the
mineralization occurred late in the tectonic evolution of the orogens. The mineralization is
structurally controlled, and the faults containing the veins are commonly proximal, or
mechanically related, to transcrustal shear zones at terrane boundaries (Beaudoin and Sangster,
1992). Veins comprise massive galena and sphalerite in a gangue of siderite, quartz, dolomite,
and/or calcite (Beaudoin and Sangster 1992). Mineralization is the product of sulphide
precipitation as the result of mixing and local boiling of meteoric hydrothermal fluids with a
deep seated metamorphic or magmatic fluid (Beaudoin and Sangster, 1992). At the time of
mineralization, ore fluids ranged in temperature from 250°-300°C and contained salinities of 0-
26wt % NaCl. Galena and sphalerite are commonly associated with minor pyrite, chalcopyrite,
and a suite of sulfosalts including tetrahedrite, and siderite and quartz are dominant gangue

8
minerals (Beaudoin and Sangster, 1992). Appendix III contains a detailed classification scheme
of silver-lead-zinc vein deposits.

Known silver-lead-zinc vein districts include the Keno Hill deposit in the Yukon, Kokanee
Range in British Columbia, and the Coeur d’Alene deposit in Idaho (Beaudoin and Sangster,
1992). The Keno Hill deposit is hosted by Cretaceous metasedimentary rocks within the Selwyn
Basin (Gilles and Farrow, 2011). The Kokanee Range Ag-Pb-Zn vein deposit is hosted in a mid-
Jurassic batholith (which is spatially, but not genetically associated with the mineralization) and
surrounding Cambrian-Triassic metasedimentary rocks (Beaudoin, 1991) of the Quesnellia, Slide
Mountain and Kootenay Terranes (Beaudoin et al., 1992a). In Kokanee range and Keno hill
districts, calcite and dolomite are typically, but not exclusively late stage minerals associated
with flooding of hydrothermal system by meteoric water (Beaudoin et al, 1992b, Beaudoin and
Sangster, 1992).

3.2. Sedimentary Exhalative Deposits

Sedimentary exhalative (SEDEX) deposits are a major sources of lead and zinc ore
(Goodfellow and Lydon, 2007). Deposits typically occur concordant to fine grain bedding in
extensional sedimentary basins (Cooke et al., 2000). Lead-zinc deposition results from a
decrease in metal solubility which produces either replacement of country rock or direct
deposition from the water column (Goodfellow and Lydon, 2007). Sullivan type SEDEX
deposits consists of a vent complex with alternation zones surrounding faults and permeable rock
that permitted hydrothermal circulation (Hamilton et al., 1982)

3.3. Mississippi Valley Type Pb-Zn Deposits

Mississippi Valley Type (MVT) deposits are epigenetic, stratabound, carbonate hosted
bodies containing galena, sphalerite, iron sulphides, dolomite, calcite, and quartz (Paradis et al.,
2007). Deposits range from massive replacement zones to open-space filling of breccias,
fractures, and vugs (Leach and Sangster, 1993; Paradis et al., 2007). Extensive hydrothermal
dolomite-replacement alteration forms an envelope around most deposits, which can extend up to
hundreds of metres beyond the sulphide bodies (Paradis et al., 2007). The deposits originate from

9
saline basinal metalliferous fluids at temperatures between 75 and 200°C (Leach and Sangster,
1993). MVT deposits are hosted in carbonate successions that developed on the flanks of
sedimentary basins that developed during contractional tectonic events, such as during the
Cretaceous-Tertiary (Paradis et al., 2007). In western Canada a coeval link exists between
Phanerozoic MVT and SEDEX deposits (Nelson et al., 2002). SEDEX deposits often occur in
continental rift basins adjacent MVT deposits (Nelson et al., 2002; Paradis et al., 2007).

4. METHODOLOGY

Multiple diamond drill holes were

conducted during the 2011 season at
the Treasure Mountain property. The
core from five holes (fig. 3) was
logged and from it thirteen rock
samples were obtained (Table 2). The
samples are representative of the
major lithologies encountered,
including the Pasayten group
interbedded arkose-argillite and the
feldspar porphyry dyke, and various
areas of mineralization. Studied
mineralized areas occurred in veins
both adjacent to the feldspar porphyry
dyke and distal to the dyke. Two
additional rock samples were taken
from just inside portal 3 (fig. 4).
These rock samples were of interest
due to their unique mineral content
and properties.

10
 The 13 rock samples were observed in hand sample and noted for their mineralogy,
associations and textures. The samples were then sent to the Sample Preparation and Thin
Section Lab at the University of Utah to be cut into polished thin sections for reflective and
transmitted petrographic microscope analysis. Transmitted light was used to determine gangue,
alteration, and dyke minerals and texture. Reflected light was used to analyze sulfide and
sulfosalts minerals and textures. Analysis included detailed mineralogical descriptions of the thin
sections (Appendix II), which involved identification and modal abundances of minerals,
alternation and replacement mineralization, and textures. Digital photographs of the samples in
transmitted and reflected light were taken using a Nikon camera mounted on a petrographic
microscope.

The petrographic analysis of the samples was then compared to the mineralization and
textures associated with various hydrothermal deposit types (SEDEX, MVT, low and high
sulphidation epithermal, and sediment hosted Ag-Pb-Zn veins) to determine the most favorable
model of hydrothermal activity that produced the Treasure Mountain deposit.

100m

Figure 3: Aerial image of Treasure Mountain with approximate drill collar locations. Image
from Google Earth.

11
 TREASURE MOUNTAIN Approximate Drilling
Locations of TM11-14,
Entrance Looking north-east 15, 16, 19, and 20
to portal 3

100m

Figure 4: Aerial image of Treasure Mountain with approximate locations of drill collars and entrance to portal 3.
Note scale shown is an estimate and is distorted with distance due to angle of image. From Google Maps.

12
 5. PETROGRAPHIC STUDY RESULTS

5.1. Overview of Drill Hole Core

In the TM11 drill cores, the vast majority of rock recovered was interbedded argillite and
arkose rock which is a part of the Cretaceous Pasayten group. The argillite is dark grey-black
whereas the arkose was typically light grey. Thicknesses of the arkose and argillite beds were
highly variable, ranging from millimetres to meters. The interbedded sequence may represent
turbidite deposits. The Pasayten group sediments were in areas faulted, deformed and brecciated.
Quartz-carbonate veins and veinlets frequently cut through the sediments and occasionally
contain minor pyrite, galena, chalcopyrite, and sphalerite.

The sedimentary rocks are dissected by a feldspar porphyry dyke. The observed sections of
the dyke contained up to 10% feldspar phenocrysts surrounded by a green-grey groundmass.
The feldspar phenocrysts retained their tabular habit, but appeared to have undergone sericitic
alteration. Chloritization and pyritization of Pasayten group rocks occurred proximal to the
feldspar porphyry dyke. Pyrite mineralization within the argillite and arkose rocks was sporadic,
fine grained, and disseminated. The presence of gouge material along the interface between the
Pasayten group sediments and the dyke supports the model that has the dyke occupying a fault.
Metallic mineralization was generally constrained to a quartz and carbonate veins adjacent to the
dyke, however the dyke itself did not appear to contain any metal mineralization. Mineralization
was observed both on the hanging wall and footwall of the dyke. Thinner veins and veinlets of
mineralization (dominated by pyrite, sphalerite, galena, and occasional chalcopyrite) also
occurred distal to the dyke in the Pasayten group arkose and argillite rocks.

Sphalerite, galena, and pyrite compromised the most abundant sulfide ore minerals observed
in the mineralized veins. Other minerals identified in core include chalcopyrite, magnetite
(Fe3O4), arsenopyrite (FeAsS), and boulangerite (Pb5Sb4S11). Native silver, monoclinic
pyrrhotite (Fe7O8) and bornite (Cu5FeS4) were also observed on the Treasure Mountain property
but not seen in the observed core.

Gangue material surrounding the mineralization is dominantly carbonates (weakly

effervescent and calcite) and quartz.

13
 5.2. Hand Sample Analysis

Detailed descriptions of each rock sample are listed in Appendix II.

The country rock surrounding quartz carbonate veins consists of well sorted laminations of
clay and sand. Occasionally, sand beds graded into argillite (fig.5), but often beds where too
disturbed and brecciated to see relict sedimentary structures. No obvious alteration zoning in the
Pasayten group arkose argillite rocks was observed.

Fractures in the rock contained quartz-carbonate and carbonate veins. Some thin (<0.5mm)
carbonate veins interpreted to be calcite reacted readily to 10%HCl. The majority of veins
contained pink-tan colored carbonate with a Moh’s hardness of about 4, a trigonal crystal system,
weak effervescence to 10%HCl after being scratched. In the widest veins (>1cm) the pink
carbonate zoned inwards to a white carbonate with similar properties to the pink carbonate apart
from a slightly softer hardness (Moh’s ~ 3.5-4). Mineralization of sulfides and sulfosalts was
preferentially within veins greater than 0.5cm wide. Vugs where observed in some carbonate
veins with widths greater than 0.5cm and were enveloped by drusy trigonal carbonate crystals.
Vugs were up to 1.5cm long and were contained within the centremost portion of the vein.

Mineralization appeared to be confined to veins, and was preferentially within veins greater
than 0.2mm. Some mineralization occurred both interstitial to gangue (such as the boulangerite
in sample 5, fig. 18) and after other sulphides (chalcopyrite occurring after sphalerite, fig. 20c).
However, the majority of sulphide mineralization consisted of discontinuous bands of black-
sliver sphalerite, occasionally containing galena, pyrite, and chalcopyrite, running through the
centre of carbonate veins. The two samples from portal three contained very fine grain
magnetite mineralization disseminated throughout argillite groundmass. Very fined grained
pyrite was observed sparsely disseminated throughout the arkose-argillite groundmass.

The dyke rock samples contained around 5% feldspar phenocrysts that had been
sericitized. The phenocrysts were euhedral-subhedral and up to 1cm in diameter. The remaining
ground mass was dark grey or grey-green and fine grained.

14
 5.3. Polished Thin Section Analysis

Quartz-carbonate veins typically <4mm wide cross-cut

the well sorted, often deformed, sand-clay laminations that
make of the Pasayten group. As seen in hand sample,
occasional grading from sand to clay grains was observed in
the arkose-argillite beds (fig. 5). Some degree of
brecciation and/or deformation of bedding were observed in
Figure 5: Grading of sand to clay
all samples (fig. 15 in appendix III). particles in the Pasayten Group beds.
Assuming normal grading, image is
The feldspar content of the arkose rock has virtually all correctly oriented. Sample 11 in
been replaced by sericite and clays, but around 50% of the transmitted PPL FOV: 7mm

arkose was likely feldspar. The arkose also contains around

20% quartz and 5% disseminated pyrite, with the remainder
comprising fine grains. Two forms of pyrite were observed
in the arkose-argillite country rock. Very fine grained
(<<0.1mm) rounded pyrite was sparsely disseminated
throughout the sediment. Occasional larger (<0.1-0.1mm),
euhedral, cubic pyrite crystals were observed preferentially
situated in the coarser grained arkose beds.
Figure 6: Typical zonation of gangue
Vein gangue was dominantly composed of fine grained observed in veins. Fine comb quartz
on edge of veins with carbonate in
carbonates, trigonal carbonates, and comb quartz. Most centre. Sample 13 in transmitted
veins were zoned with carbonates in the centre and comb PPL, FOV: 3mm.

quartz lining the edges (fig. 6), but some were completely
carbonate, and few were completely quartz. Bladed
carbonate crystallization was also observed in some veins
(fig. 7). The apart from the fine grained carbonate, the Vug
majority of carbonate and quartz vein minerals observed
were euhedral-subhedral. Comb quartz was occasionally
replaced by fine grained carbonate, particularly adjacent to
Vug
the vein wall contact. Fine grained carbonate also replaced
coarser grained carbonated crystals that were present in Figure 7: Typical zoned carbonate
mineralization in a vuggy vein. Sample 6
in transmitted PPL light. FOV: 1.5mm.
15
some veins (fig.7). Some of the fine grained carbonate
displayed a unique feather-like extinction pattern (fig. 15c
and 15d in appendix III)

The vast majority of sulfide and sulfosalt minerals

resided within the quartz-carbonate veins. As observed in
hand sample analysis, mineralization favored wider veins
apart from pyrite, which occurred both in wider veins and in
Figure 8: Boulangerite (black mineral),
stringers. sphalerite (red-yellow), and quartz (dusty
white). Boulangerite may have filled in
Sphalerite was the most dominate ore mineral observed. vuggy areas. Sample 5 in transmitted PPL.
Massive discontinuous bands or discontinuous chains of FOV: 1.5mm.
individual crystals of sphalerite were observed in most
mineralized veins. In veins with comb quartz, quartz
crystals appear to jut into the sphalerite mineralization Py
(fig.14 in appendix III). Sporadic inclusions of quartz and
pyrite were observed in some sphalerite crystals.
Chalcopyrite mineralization dominantly occurred within
Blt
sphalerite, and appeared to grow along sphalerite crystal
boundaries. Galena and tetrahedrite also appeared to be
Figure 9: Pyrite laths grow against quartz
associated with sphalerite, as they were observed to grains with interstitial boulangerite.
preferentially grow along the interface between sphalerite Sample 5 in transmitted PPL, FOV: 0.7
mm. Py = pyrite, Blt = boulangerite.
and carbonate gangue (fig.17 in appendix III). In
transmitted plane polar light, sphalerite minerals were
dominantly dark maroon, and were occasionally zoned from
amber yellow to dark maroon.

A central band of boulangerite mineralization was

observed in a quartz-carbonate vein in sample 5 (fig. 8 and
fig. 18 in appendix III). The boulangerite is surrounded by
euhedral quartz crystals with radial extinction. Fine
Figure 10: Disseminated very fine grained
boulangerite needles were observed overtop of the radial magnetite (light grey) in arkose replaced
by fine carbonates. Sample 9 in reflective
quartz crystals in plane polar transmitted light (fig. 18b in
PPL. FOV: 0.7mm.

16
appendix III). In reflected light euhedral-subhedral pyrite laths up to 0.1cm long were observed
to grow within the boulangerite along quartz grain boundaries. On average, approximately 10%
of the pyrite surface area contained inclusions of boulangerite.

Samples 8 and 9 (from portal 3) contained magnetite mineralization. The mineralization

appeared to occur between veins in arkose rock that was replaced by fine grained carbonates and
contained approximately 20% recrystallized fine grained quartz. The magnetite is very fine
grained, anhedral, rounded crystals in a net-textured and disseminated (fig. 10 and fig. 21 in
appendix III). Disseminated fine grained euhedral-subhedral pyrite laths and cubic arsenopyrite
crystals occur along the edges of areas containing magnetite mineralization (fig. 21c in appendix
III), and in areas absent of magnetite mineralization.

The feldspar porphyry dyke samples contained 3-5% plagioclase phenocrysts. The
plagioclase phenocrysts were subhedral laths that displayed polysynthetic twinning and are
dominantly replaced by fine grained sericite-clay and, to a lesser extent, chlorite. The
groundmass contained about 20% plagioclase laths and about 5% quartz. About 70% of the
samples consisted of secondary clay-sericite and chlorite replacement. 1% of the groundmass
consisted of sub-rounded fine grained partially dissolved pyrite grains. Otherwise, no sulphide
mineralization was observed in the dyke rocks. Sample 12, which was taken closer to a
mineralized vein than dyke sample 10, contained more sericite-clay and chlorite alteration.

6. DISSCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Textural evidence studied both in hand sample and thin section suggests that the vast
majority of mineralization observed resulted from episodic precipitation of minerals from
hydrothermal fluids in vein structures. Minerals that are typically found in hydrothermal
deposits, including sphalerite, galena, and boulangerite (Pracejus, 2008) were observed. Both the
Mississippi Valley Type and Sedimentary Exhalative deposit types were dismissed as potential
genetic models due to the absence of a carbonate host rock and the lack of stratiform
mineralization in the surrounding Pasayten group host rocks.

17
 Evidence for low-sulphidation epithermal generated deposit was observed. Vein textures
observed in the rock samples suggest the veins where developed by multiple boiling events.
These included comb quartz lining the vein walls, and drusy carbonates surrounding vuggy
areas. In Buchanan’s boiling model (1981) veins that transport hydrothermal fluids seal thereby
causing an increase in fluid pressure. The events that created the (vein filled) fractures within
arkose-argillite country rock likely caused a drop in fluid pressure that would promote mineral
precipitation. The zonation of pink to white carbonate observed in some wider veins may
represent two separate boiling events, the first perhaps rich in manganese (depositing such
minerals as a rhodochrosite or a manganese rich ankerite), the second lacking in manganese.
The observed oscillatory zoning of sphalerite suggests cyclical changes in pressure-temperature
and compositional conditions in the sphalerite forming hydrothermal fluids (Benedetto et al.,
2005).

The presence of carbonate vein gangue (that was deposited before or during the hydrothermal
activity that deposited the ore minerals) would reflects neutral pH fluid conditions. Neutral
hydrothermal fluids would be indicative of magmatic fluid that has equilibrated with the
surrounding country rock and mixed with meteoric fluid such as observed in a low-sulphidation
type epithermal deposit (Taylor, 2007) and silver-lead-zinc vein deposits (Beaudoin and
Sangster, 1992). The bladed euhedral carbonates seen in other veins may be a primary mineral
or may have also replaced quartz mineralization. However, these carbonates do appear to have
crystallized prior to ore mineralization supporting the neutral fluid theory.

A later (post ore formation) fine grained carbonate is also present in some veins (fig. 6). The
fine grained carbonates appear to replace earlier crystalized gangue minerals and may have
mineralized post-ore mineralization.

6.1. Paragenesis

The paragenesis of the observed samples from the Treasure Mountain deposit appeared to
form in three general stages (fig. 11). Initial mineralization of magnetite and pyrite occurs in the
Pasayten arkose-argillite host rock. A vein containing sphalerite and galena mineralization
appears to cross-cut the magnetite mineralization (fig. 17) suggesting that the latter superseded

18
the hydrothermal fracturing and ore forming activity. The mineralization may be associated with
earlier feldspar porphyry dyke emplacement. Disseminated and net-textured magnetite was
observed in the two portal 3 samples. Disseminated fine grained laths of pyrite and arsenopyrite
appear to have formed prior to and concurrent to magnetite mineralization.

The second stage of mineralization consisted of quartz-carbonate vein development. Vein

material is dominantly composed of bladed and fine grain carbonates bound by thin comb quartz
edges. In hand sample the carbonates varied in colour from white, to yellow-pink, to light pink.
Thin section analysis showed that many of the carbonates veins were very fine grained, but those
that were more euhedral displayed the trigonal crystal system. The carbonates weak reactivity
with 10% HCl, 3-4 Moh’s hardness, and trigonal crystal system suggest that they could be
dolomite, ankerite, rhodochrosite, or siderite. The pink carbonate observed may be a result of
high manganese content in the carbonate minerals. Previous petrographical and geochemical
analysis of gangue material in mineralized veins observed both ankerite and minor siderite
mineralization (Ostensoe et al., 2011). The gangue mineral paragenesis likely started to
crystallize from quartz, followed by bladed carbonate growth. Fine grained carbonates appear to
have replaced the bladed carbonates in some of the veins during the latter stage of ore
mineralization.

The final stage of ore formation was dominated by crystallization of ore minerals. Apart
from magnetite and pyrite (the latter of which does not appear constrained to a single
mineralization episode), all major ore mineralization occurred at this stage. When associated
with sphalerite, chalcopyrite and galena, the pyrite is generally cubic (fig. 20b, 20c), whereas it is
more lath-like when associated with boulangerite and magnetite mineralization (fig. 9, 18c, 21c).

Sphalerite appears be the next mineral to crystallize in bands and non-connected chains
within the quartz carbonate veins. Galena typically forms within sphalerite near or on the
sphalerite-vein gangue contact (fig. 20b and 20c). In sample 3, two individual grains which have
the reflective light properties of tetrahedrite appear to have formed after galena (fig. 17b).
Chalcopyrite also appears to preferentially grow within sphalerite crystals (fig. 20d), but was
also observed to grow interstitially between comb quartz grains (fig. 20c) suggesting that the
chalcopyrite may have also infilled former vugs.

19
 TIME

Non-vein ore
Vein Gangue Mineralization Vein Ore Mineralization
mineralization

Pyrite
Arsenopyrite

Magnetite

Quartz
Pink Carbonate

White Carbonate
Fine Grained Carbonate

Sphalerite

Chalcopyrite
Galena

Tetrahedrite

Boulangerite

Figure 11: Generalized paragenetic sequence that generated the Treasure Mountain deposit

20
 Fine hairs of boulangerite grow into and interstitially between galena and sphalerite
crystals and therefore likely crystallized after galena (fig. 8 and 18). Boulangerite also grows
into and within the pyrite laths that occur along the edge of hexagonal quartz crystals (fig. 18c).
The texture of the boulangerite seen in sample 5 suggests that it infilled a vug that was
surrounded by comb quartz crystals. The pyrite laths may have initially grown against the comb
quartz into the vug prior to simultaneous crystallization of pyrite and boulangerite, followed by
boulangerite-only crystallization.

6.2. Alteration Minerals

Epithermal systems generally contain some degree of hydrothermal alteration surrounding

fractures which acted as conduits for hydrothermal fluids (Panteleyev, 1986). In hand sample,
no obvious zoning in the Pasayten group arkose argillite rocks due to hydrothermal alteration
was observed. However, thin section analysis revealed significant clay and sericite overprinting
in the country rock, particularly in the arkose regions (fig. 5). Sericitization of feldspar
phenocrysts was also observed in the feldspar porphyry dyke (fig. 12a). The dyke’s groundmass
contained significant chlorite alteration. Interestingly, of the two dyke samples analyzed, the
sample nearest to mineralization (sample 12) contained the greatest amount of sericite and
chlorite alteration. This may be further evidence that the dyke was emplaced prior to
mineralization. Further alteration included fine carbonate replacement of quartz-carbonate veins
(fig. 12b), and minor pyritization of the country rock (fig. 5) and, to lesser extent, the feldspar
porphyry dyke (fig. 18).

The observed sericitization, chloritization, and pyritization suggest that local country rock
experienced phyllic alteration. However, discerning fine-grained clay from sericite was often
difficult, so the alteration observed may consist of argillic overprinting as well. Advanced
argillic alteration (dominantly consisting of andalusite, pyrophyllite, alunite, and kaolinite
alteration) is characteristic of high sulphidation epithermal systems (Panteleyev, 1996a).
Chloritization suggests that the observed alteration could be intermediate between phyllic and
argillic, or was initially phyllic then overprinted by argillic alteration.

21
 a b

Figure 12: Examples of alteration mineral assemblages observed. a) Feldspar porphyry

dyke, transmitted PPL. Chlorite (light green), clay-sericite (fine grained pink-orange),
and pyrite (opaque) mineralization observed. Sample 10, FOV: 7mm. b) Fine carbonate
replacement of a quartz-carbonate vein. Sample 6. FOV: 3mm

6.3. Implications for Deposit Model

Classic epithermal deposits are typically hosted in volcanic rocks (Beaudoin and Sangster,
1992; Panteleyev, 1996a, 1996b). The Pasayten group is dominantly bedded clay-sand
formations and therefore the Treasure Mountain Deposit does not fit the classic definition of
epithermal deposits.

The sub-category of epithermal systems known as silver-lead-zinc vein deposits appears to

best describe the nature of Treasure Mountain deposit based on the samples observed. Evidence
of this includes the basin-deposited sedimentary package that hosts the mineralization, the
observed dominantly phyllic alteration mineral assemblage, and the inferred epithermal nature of
the deposit observed (Beaudoin and Sangster, 1992).

6.3.1. Silver-Lead-Zinc Vein Model

Beaudoin and Sangster (1992) described seven major characteristics of silver-lead-zinc veins.
This section discusses the similarities and differences between the Treasure Mountain deposit

22
and the silver-lead-zinc vein model based on these seven characteristics Detailed description of
the characteristics of silver-lead-zinc vein deposits is given in Appendix I.

1. Silver-lead-zinc veins have a distinct mineralogy, metal ratio, and local phyllic alteration

Sulphide minerals in silver-lead-zinc vein deposits are dominantly galena and sphalerite,
whereas gangue minerals include siderite, quartz, dolomite, and calcite. All of the above
minerals were observed, however the proportions of siderite and dolomite were not determined.

Beaudoin and Sangster’s deposit model states that lead content is typically equal to or greater
than the deposits zinc content. Quantitative analyses of metal ratios were not performed, but in
the analyzed samples, typically more sphalerite was observed than galena. This implies that the
zinc content is greater than the lead content in the observed samples.

As discussed above, phyllic alteration is believed to exist in surrounding host rock and dyke
rock as observed by sericite, pyrite, and chlorite alteration.

2. Veins are in faults that are commonly associated with deep crustal breaks at terrane
boundaries.
On the Treasure Mountain property, the Jurassic Dewdney Creek formation and the
Cretaceous Pasayten formation are separated by the northwest trending Chuwanten thrust fault
(Schmitt and Stewart, 1991) (Fig. 2). The fault is believed to have provided the locus for
intrusive and hydrothermal activity which gave rise to silver-lead-zinc vein deposits in the region
surrounding Treasure Mountain (Schmitt and Stewart, 1991). The Tyaughton-Methow terrane is
separated from the Quesnellian terrane by the Pasayten fault. This terrane boundary lies
approximately 5 km east of the Chuwanten fault and runs directly parallel to it.

3. Veins are hosted by monotonous sequences of clastic rocks, deposited in basins that have
been intruded by gabbro to granitic plutons.
The Pasayten formation was formed within the Tyaughton-Methow Basin and consists of
interbedded graded arkose and argillite. The feldspar porphyry dyke may be an off-shoot from a
nearby granitic body, such as the Eagle Plutonic Complex of late Jurassic to early Cretaceous age

23
that lies three kilometres east, or the Eocene Needle Peak Pluton of granodioritic composition
that lies 10 kilometres northwest of Treasure Mountain (Ostensoe et al, 2011).

4. The veins occur late in the tectonic evolution of the orogen and, in some cases, are
associated with the extensional collapse of the orogen.
The time of mineralization with respect to the tectonic evolution of the Tyaughton-Methow
Basin was not analyzed in this study.

5. Vein materials were precipitated by mixing and local boiling of different hydrothermal fluids.
Fluids are typically a mixture of deep-seated or metamorphic or magmatic origin and
hydrothermal meteoric fluids that may be chemically and isotopically equilibrated with the
upper crust.
Vein textures (including comb quartz, banded sulphides, and vuggy veins) observed in the
rock samples suggest the veins were developed by multiple boiling events. Neutral fluid
conditions likely created this deposit assuming the carbonate vein gangue were deposited directly
from the hydrothermal fluids. Neutral hydrothermal fluids would be indicative of magmatic
fluid that has equilibrated with the surrounding country rock and mixed with meteoric fluid
(Taylor, 2007). The euhedral bladed carbonate observed in some veins appears to have formed
prior to ore mineralization. However, the fine-grained carbonates seen in many veins containing
ore minerals appear to replace earlier crystalized gangue minerals.

6. Mineralization from dilute to saline fluids between 250° to 300°C.

The temperature of hydrothermal fluids that precipitated the ore minerals at Treasure
Mountain is believed to be between 200-300°C (Ostensoe et al., 2011). The minerals identified
in this study, including sphalerite, galena, boulangerite, and tetrahedrite, can all crystallize in low
to moderate temperature hydrothermal veins (Pracejus, 2008; Pieczka et al., 2009), and therefore
could be derived from 250-300°C fluids.
The observed magnetite, which appears to have formed prior to vein ore mineralization, has a
crystallization temperature around 400°C (Kolb et al., 2002). Therefore, magnetite may be
associated with the earlier emplacement of the feldspar porphyry dyke.

24
7. Sulfur is derived from the local country rocks. Lead is mainly derived from local upper
crustal rocks but significant lower crustal or mantle contributions are identified in some
groups of deposits.

The fine anhedral sub-rounded pyrite observed with the sand-sized particles in the
country rock appear to have weathered and transported with the surrounding sediment.
Therefore the pyrite may have been deposited with the sediments during the development of
the Pasayten group. If this pyrite was present prior the development of hydrothermal
circulation, pyrite may be a significant local source of sulfur for the ore minerals. The source
of lead was not analyzed in this study.

6.4. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE WORK

The Treasure Mountain deposit is an epithermal lead-zinc-silver deposit. Hand sample and
thin section analysis of 13 rock samples from the Treasure Mountain property displayed boiling
textures, evidence of metal precipitation from neutral pH fluids, ore mineralization, and phyllic
alteration consistent with low sulphidation epithermal deposits. Due to the clastic sedimentary
lithology of the host rock, Beaudoin and Sangster’s model for silver-lead-zinc vein deposits best
fits the mineralization observed at the Treasure Mountain property rather than a classic
epithermal model.
The above observations are based purely on hand sample and thin section analysis. Future
research, including fluid inclusion studies, would help better establish and constrain
hydrothermal fluid properties, including temperature and chemistry. This research would lead to
a better understanding of the style mineralization observed at Treasure Mountain.

25
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29
 APPENDICES

APPENDIX I: Descriptive Model for Silver Lead Zinc Veins. After Beaudoin and
Sangster, 1992

Feature Summary
Metal Ratios
0.51 to 0.72

0.22 to 0.63

Mineralogy
Sulfides Galena and Sphalerite
Gangue Siderite, quartz, dolomite, and calcite
Alteration Local sericitization, silicification, pyritization
Host Rocks
Sedimentary Precambrian to Mesozoic fine- to medium grained clastic basins with
minor volcanic rocks
Plutonic Granite, granodiorite (most common), monzodiorite, syenites, I and S
type, collision to post collision
Metamorphism Mainly greenschist, up to granite
Age of mineralization Precambrian to Eocene, but later than the collision tectonic events in the
area
Maximum size of vein Length, 15 km; depth, 2,300 m; thickness1, 5 m
structure
Depth of mineralization 0 to 10 km; probable average: 6 km
Tectonic setting In faults conjugate or secondary to crustal shear zones which often are
terrane boundaries; late tectonic in orogeny history, after compression,
during or after crustal extension
Fluid inclusion Temperature; 250°-300°C; salinity: 0-26 wt. % NaCl equiv; CO2
abundant but not universal, minor CH4, N2
S Highly variable δ34S, correlated with local country rocks
C Variable δ13C between -14 and 0°C probably leached from local country
rocks;
Homogeneous δ13C between -8 and - 5°C probably deep seated from
mantle CO2 degassing
Pb Linear or scattered arrays, one to four groups of deposits upper crustal to
orogeny Pb, lower crustal and upper mantle components present locally

30
 APPENDIX II: Hand Sample and Thin section descriptions
Abbreviations: Qz=quartz, Py=pyrite, Cp=Chalcopyrite, Ga=galena, Sp=sphalerite

Table 3: Sample No. 1 - HANGING WALL ARGILLITE Drill Hole

TM11-15

Hand Sample Very fine grained (silt-clay)

Dark gray-blue
Finely laminated (some micro-fractures exist along bedding planes) – deformation
visible
<0.1-0.3cm wide Qz-carbonate veins both concordant and discordant to laminations
Fine grained (<0.1cm), disseminated (<0.1% rock) Py within and adjacent to carbonate
veins, most concentrated near edge of veins. A few Cp crystals (<0.1cm) also
observed along edges of Qz-carbonate veins
Thin Section Figures 13b and 13c
Qz-carbonate veins crosscut fine grained sediments
QZ-CARBONATE VEINS:
<0.1-0.3cm wide Qz-carbonate
Qz crystals are anhedral, most have undulatory extinction.
Carbonate occurs as <0.5mm grains, sub-anhedral., polysynthetic twinning visible
Fine grained carbonate occur on and interstitial to Qz
Very fine grained carbonate appears to be after Qz and larger carbonate grains
Sparsely disseminated fractured Py in veins, some cubic, but most anhedral
SEDIMENT:
Very well sorted fine grained (clay sized) sediment dominantly oriented in fine
laminations
Deformation of laminations visible, deformation verging towards foliation occurs
around veins and contain very fine grained and deformed biotite
Very fine grained Py sparsely disseminated throughout fine sediment

31
Table 4: Sample No. 2 -MINERALIZED VEIN IN Drill Hole
ARKOSE-ARGILLITE TM11-15

Hand Sample Interbedded clay and fine grained sand with three mineralized carbonate veins and
very thin (<0.1cm thick) unmineralized Qz veinlets throughout
In some beds, fine sand grades upwards into clay. Other sand-clay contacts are
more abrupt. Beds vary from 0.1cm - >4cm thick.
Three mineralized veins: 2-4mm thick.
Two thinner veins contain Qz gangue, brecciated fragments of surrounding argillite,
Cp, and brown Sp.
Thickest vein crosscuts smaller veins. Gangue is Qz along the edges of the vein and
carbonate in the centre. Carbonate is very light pink, Moh’s hardness~4 and weakly
effervescent (dolomite, siderite or ankerite)
Sulphide mineralization occurs within thick vein includes brown Sp (up to 2cm
long), Cp, and minor Ga blebs.
Thin Section Figures 14 and 15b
Well sorted graded sand to clay grains containing Qz-carbonate veins with
sphalerite mineralization
VEIN:
Zoned 2-4mm thick Qz-carbonate veins with bands of sphalerite mineralization
Sub-anhedral Qz crystals occur along edges of vein.
Very fine grained carbonate in interior of vein.
Sulphide mineralization (Sp) occurs in massive bands in the centre of the vein with
Qz along the edges.
Sporadic inclusions of Qz, Py and occur in Sp.
SEDIMENT:
Fine sand grains (20% Qz, 50% sericite alteration (likely replacing feldspars), 5%
Py, 1% clinopyroxene, 24% fine grains) grade to clay sized grains.
Very fine grained (<<0.1mm) rounded Py disseminated throughout the sediment.
Very occasional larger (<0.1mm) grain of euhedral Py in groundmass.

32
Table 5: Sample No. 3 VUGGY MINERALIZED QZ- Drill Hole
CARBONATE VEINS IN BRECCIATED ARKOSE- TM11-15
ARGILLITE
Hand Sample Brecciated arkose-argillite hosts stockwork zone of up to 3cm thick Sp-Ga
mineralized carbonate veins.
Vein is zoned with pink carbonate along edges and white carbonate in centre of
thicker veins (thin veins (<1cm) are completely pink carbonate).
Vugs (up to 1.5cm long and 0.2cm wide) occur in the centre of wider veins,
especially at vein intersections.
Pink and white gangue is slightly effervescent with 10%HCl, hardness~4mohs (pink
area slightly harder).
White carbonate may be dolomite, siderite or ankerite.
Pink carbonate may be ankerite (with high manganese content), or rhodochrosite
and contains the majority of Sp and Ga mineralization.
Sp (and minor Ga) occur in chains (~2mm wide), and as massive bands. The
sulphides dominantly occur within the pink carbonate area

Thin Section Figures: 16, 17b

Brecciated arkose-argillite hosts stockwork zone of up to 3cm thick Sp-Ga
mineralized carbonate veins.
VEINS:
<3cm thick quartz-carbonate vein with Sp-Ga mineralization
Bands and chains of Sp occur along edges (but still within) carbonate veins.
Sp is zoned: dominantly dark red in the centre and yellow on the edges.
Ga generally occurs within Sp.
One single 1mm grain of light-green non-pleochroic, Moh’s ~4, isotropic mineral
occurs at Ga-Sp boundary – likely tetrahedrite (Cu,Fe)12Sb4S13 (fig. 17b)
Gangue is euhedral-subhedral rhombohedral carbonate with ~0.1mm thick comb Qz
(sub-euhedral crystals growing inward) occurring along the vein walls.
SEDIMENT:
Same deformed arkose-argillite as seen in sample 2
Fine euhedral Py (<0.1mm) and very fine grained rounded Py (<<0.1mm)
disseminated throughout groundmass (5%).

33
Table 6: Sample No. 4 - VUGGY MINERALIZED Drill Hole
CARBONATE VEINS IN BRECCIATED ARKOSE- TM11-15
ARGILLITE
Hand Sample Brecciated arkose-argillite hosts stockwork of up to 3cm thick mineralized vuggy
carbonate veins.
3cm wide vein is zoned with pink carbonate along edges and white carbonate in
centre of thicker veins (thin veins (<1cm) are completely pink carbonate). A 1cm x
0.5cm vug occurs in the centre of the white carbonate.
Pink and white gangue material are slightly effervescent with 10%HCl, hardness
~4mohs (pink area slightly harder)
Pink carbonate contains majority of Sp mineralization.
Sp occurs as individual crystals (~2mm ) within the pink carbonate.

Thin Section VEIN:

Clusters of Sp occur along edges (but still within) carbonate veins. Sp is zoned:
dominantly dark red in the centre and yellow on the edges.
An unknown white-cream, non-pleochroic, slightly harder than Sp, isotropic
mineral is occurs in one Sp cluster
Gangue is euhedral-subhedral rhombohedral carbonate with ~0.1mm thick comb Qz
(sub-euhedral crystals growing inward) occurring along the vein walls.
SEDIMENT:
Same deformed arkose-argillite as seen in sample 2
Fine euhedral Py (<0.1mm) and very fine grained rounded Py (<<0.1mm)
disseminated throughout argillite groundmass (5%).

34
Table 7: Sample No. 5 - CARBONATE-QUARTZ VEIN Drill Hole
WITH BOULANGERITE, SPHALERITE, GALENA, TM11-16
PYRITE MINERALIZATION
Hand Sample Fine grained sediment (argillite) hosts a 2.5cm vein with light creamy-pink
carbonate edges (~0.5cm wide) with a Qz centre (~0.8cm).
Carbonate is weakly effervescent, hardness ~4 Moh’s Bands and clusters of Sp
occurs within the carbonate veins.
Ga occurs as bands (~0.2cm thick) overprinting Sp within and along edge of
carbonate vein.
Silver metallic mineral occurs interstitial to fine grained Qz (<1mm) within the
carbonate vein edges.

Thin Section FIGURE 9 and 18

Mineralized quartz-carbonate vein hosted in fine argillite.
VEIN:
Zoned vein (from edge towards centre): <0.1mm comb and granular Qz crystals,
subhedral carbonate, banded sphalerite containing galena, euhedral 1mm diameter
comb quartz, pyrite laths against, former vug containing boulangerite
Sp is zoned dark red-yellow.
Ga occurs within Sp along its interface with carbonate grains.
Comb quartz has distinct radial extinction
Boulangerite (Pb5Sb4S11) mineralization occurs interstitial to the Qz crystals and
fine needles of boulangerite are found in some of the surrounding Qz, carbonate,
and sphalerite grains
Py laths (up to 0.1cm long) occur within boulangerite along boulangerite-Qz
boundaries and contain inclusions of needle boulangerite.

35
Table 8: Sample No. 6 – BRECCIATED ARKOSE- Drill Hole
ARGILLITE WITH VUGGY CARBONATE VEINS TM11-19

Hand Sample Brecciated arkose-argillite hosts stockwork of up to 2.5cm thick mineralized

carbonate veins.
Veins greater than 0.5cm are generally zoned with pink carbonate (manganese rich
ankerite?) along edges and white carbonate (siderite, ankerite, or dolomite) in
centre. Centre of veins contain vugs surrounded by druse carbonate.
Thin veins (<0.5cm) are completely pink carbonate.
Minor disseminated clusters of Ga occur within pink sections of carbonate
Clusters (up to 3mm) of Cp occur within brecciated arkose-argillite with
disseminated Py.

Thin Section FIGURES: 15a, c, and d

Fragmental arkose-argillite laminations containing Qz and Qz-carbonate veins
VEINS:
Zoned Qz-carbonate veins: infrequent euhedral comb Qz crystals along edges of
vein that have been replaced by fine grain carbonate, carbonate mineralization in
centre (coarsens slightly towards centre) containing infrequent vugs (up to 1cm
long, 0.1cm wide)
Fragments of arkose-argillite breccia occur in some veins (fig. 15c)
1cm wide vein contains very fine grained carbonate (with feather-like extinction
pattern) and disseminated anhedral Py grains (fig. 15d)
Qz veinlets are unmineralized apart from sparsely disseminated euhedral-subhedral
Py.

36
Table 9: Sample No. 7 – BRECCIATED ARKOSE- Drill Hole
ARGILLITE WITH CHALCOPYRITE TM11-19

Hand Sample Brecciated arkose-argillite hosts stockwork of up to 2.5cm thick mineralized

carbonate veins.
Veins greater than 0.5cm are generally zoned with pink carbonate (manganese rich
ankerite) along edges and white carbonate (siderite, ankerite, or dolomite) in centre.
Centre of veins contain vugs surrounded by druse carbonate.
Thin veins (<0.5cm) are completely pink carbonate.
Minor disseminated clusters of Ga occur within pink sections of carbonate
Clusters (up to 3mm) of Cp occur within brecciated arkose-argillite with
disseminated Py

Thin Section FIGURES: 19, 20c

Brecciated arkose-argillite groundmass containing carbonate and quartz veins
VEINs:
Qz vein: euhedral comb quartz with Cp and Py mineralization. Cp is anhedral and
interstitial to surrounding Qz crystals and occurs in association with previously
mentioned unknown grey mineral
Carbonate Vein: 2.5cm wide. Edge (0.8cm) of vein is very fine grain carbonate
with feather like extinction pattern. Centre of vein is coarser grained (~0.1mm)
carbonate that contains 0.1cm vugs.
GROUNDMASS:
Groundmass contains subhedral disseminated Py crystals and sparse grey anhedral
sulphide mineral.

37
Table 10: Sample No. 8 – ARGILLITE WITH MASSIVE Rock Location
SPHALERITE VEIN Portal 3

Hand Sample Dark brown altered argillite rock hosts 5cm thick Qz vein dominantly overprinted
by massive brown-black Sp, with 0.2cm clusters of Ga and Cp occur along the out
edge of the vein.
Argillite groundmass is magnetic, mineral causing magnetism is to fine grained to
identify
Carbonate veinlets occur throughout argillite.

Thin Section FIGURES: 17a, 20a, 20c, and 21a

Heavily altered argillite rock replaced by sericite-clay and carbonates with an Sp,
Ga, Cp mineralized Qz vein
Argillite contains very fine grained disseminated medium grey, non-pleochroic,
isotropic – likely magnetite (fig. 21a)
VEIN:
Quartz gangue dominantly overprinted by massive brown-black Sp, with 0.2cm
clusters of Ga and Cp occur along the out edge of the vein.
Qz is deformed, subhedral, and some have radial extinction.
Outer edge of vein (1cm wide) contains Cp, Ga, and Py mineralization in a fine
grained Qz that has been 80% replaced by very fine grained carbonate.
Zoning of Sp observed: Dark brown (iron-rich) and yellow- brown (iron-poor)
A 1cm silver mineral (Mohs~3, light grey, non-pleochroic, isotropic) mineral within
Sp contains Cp

38
Table 11: Sample No. 9 – BRECCIATED ARGILLITE- Rock Location
ARKOSE WITH NET-TEXTURED MAGNETITE Portal 3
Hand Sample Brecciated argillite-arkose hosts magnetite, Py, Sp and Ga mineralization in a Qz-
carbonate vein
Argillite-Arkose rock contains fine grained disseminated dark-grey-black metallic
magnetic mineral – likely magnetite and fine grained disseminated Py
Thin Section FIGURES:
Argillite host with Qz and carbonate veins that have been all be dominantly
replaced by fine grained carbonates.
Disseminated and net textured very fine grained magnetite surrounds vein that has
been replaced by fine grained carbonates.
Disseminated euhedral-subhedral Py and arsenopyrite (FeAsS) occur along edges of
magnetite ‘veins’ and in surrounding areas not containing magnetite mineralization.

Table 12: Sample No. 10 – FELDSPAR PORPHYRY DYKE Drill Hole

TM11-14
Hand Sample Feldspar porphyry dyke with a dark grey groundmass
~3-5% feldspar, up to 1cm long, subhedral laths, sericitized

Thin Section FIGURES: 22a and 22b

Porphyritic
Phenocrysts (3%):
3% Subhedral plagioclase laths up to 0.7mm with polysynthetic twinning
dominantly replaced by sericite and clays
Groundmass (97%):
26% Sub-anhedral plagioclase laths with polysynthetic twinning overprinted by
sericite
3% Anhedral Qz
1% Sub-rounded anhedral fine-grained disseminated pyrite
Secondary
65% Sericite and clay after feldspar and quartz in groundmass
2% Chlorite after fine grained minerals in groundmass

39
Table 13: Sample No. 11 – INTERBEDDED ARGILLITE- Drill Hole
ARKOSE TM11-14
Hand Sample Brecciated and deformed interbedded argillite and arkose.
Arkose beds range from 0.1-0.8cm thick. Some beds show slight gradation from
fine sand to clay, whereas others have a more abrupt transition.
0.5cm thick carbonate vein and thinner carbonate veinlets cross-cut bedding.
0.5cm thick vein contains soft white mineral that is very reactive with 10% HCL –
likely calcite.
Fine grained sparsely disseminated Py occurs in arkose beds.

Thin Section FIGURE 13a

Brecciated and deformed interbedded argillite and arkose with occasional calcite
veinlets
Fine sand to clay gradational beds observed
Very fine grained anhedral, rounded Py grains throughout argillite and arkose beds.
ARKOSE COMPOSITION:
70% Feldspars in arkose groundmass have been altered by sericite and clays
15% Qz
12% Fine grains un-identifiable grains
3% Fine grained (up to 0.1mm) euhedral cubic Py and very fine grained anhedral
Py

40
Table 14: Sample No. 12 – FELDSPAR PORPHYRY DYKE Drill Hole
TM11-20
Hand Sample Feldspar porphyry dyke
5% - Feldspar phenocrysts, euhedral-subhedral, up to 0.5cm, sericitized
Groundmass is dark grey-green, contains micro-phenocrysts of Qz (<1mm)

Thin Section FIGURES: 22c and 22d

Porphyritic
Phenocrysts (3%):
3% Sub-anhedral plagioclase with polysynthetic twinning replaced by sericite,
clays, and carbonates
Groundmass (97%):
15% sub-anhedral plagioclase laths overprinted by clays and sericite
2% anhedral quartz overprinted by clays and sericite
2% Subhedral very fine grained disseminated opaque’s (in reflected light)
1% Subhedral very fine grained disseminated Py
Secondary
73% Sericite-clay after plagioclase phenocrysts, and plagioclase, Qz and other
fine grained minerals in groundmass
4% Chlorite after plagioclase phenocrysts and minerals in groundmass

41
Table 15: Sample No. 13 – BRECCIATED ARKOSE- Drill Hole
ARGILLITE WITH SPHALERITE AND
CHALCOPYRITE MINERALIZATION IN A QUARTZ- TM11-15
CARBONATE VEIN
Hand Sample Brecciated arkose-argillite with Qz-carbonate veins (0.1-2.5cm thick).
2.5cm thick vein contains Qz gangue and Sp and Cp mineralization.
Thinner veins light pink and are composed of weakly effervescent carbonate –
either ankerite, rhodochrosite, dolomite, or siderite.

Thin Section Brecciated arkose-argillite with sub-anhedral fine grained disseminated Py

throughout arkose.
VEINS:
2.5cm thick vein contains Qz gangue that is being replaced by fine grained
carbonate. Comb Qz crystals occur along edge of Sp mineralization. Sp, Py, and
Cp mineralization occurs within the Qz vein.
Sp zoning seen, Sp is more yellow (less iron rich) than previously observed Sp
crystals.
Minor anhedral, and deformed Ga occurs within Sp.
Minor amounts of anhedral Cp are found within Sp.
A cluster of euhedral-subhedral Py grains occur adjacent and within the Sp
mineralization and appear to have formed after the Sp
Most thinner veins are carbonate, or very fine grained carbonate with fine comb Qz
along edges. Qz veinlets are cross cut by the carbonate and Qz-carbonate veinlets.

42
 APPENDIX II: THIN SECTION IMAGES

a b

Figure 13: Arkose-argillite Textures in transmitted light PPL. FOV:

7mm. a) Sand to clay graded bedding. Sample 11. b) Carbonate veins
in arkose. Sample 1. c) Brecciated and deformed carbonate veins in
arkose, Sample 1.

43
 a

Sp

Py

Figure 14: Sphalerite mineralization in quartz carbonate vein. a) Transmitted light

in PPL. Comb quartz along edges of vein with fine carbonate in centre. b) Reflected
light in PPL. Sp=sphalerite, Py=pyrite. Sample 2, FOV: 7mm

44
a b

Vug

Vug

c d Figure 15: Vein gangue textures in

transmitted PPL light. a) Carbonate
vein with vugs. Sample 6. FOV:
1.5mm. b) Quartz carbonate vein in
argillite host. Comb quartz along edges
of vein with fine carbonate crystals in
centre of vein. Sphalerite at bottom of
image, opaque in top right of vein is
pyrite. Sample 2. FOV: 7mm. c)
Carbonate vein with feather-like
extinction. Sample 6. FOV: 7mm. d)
Feather-like extinction in carbonate.
Sample 6. FOV: 3mm.

45
 a

Ga

Sp

Figure 16: Sphalerite and galena in a quartz-carbonate vein in argillite. Sample 3,

FOV: 7mm. a) Transmitted light PPL. Gangue material from edge of vein inward: one
grain thick layer of fine grained comb quartz, very fine grained carbonate, coarse
grained carbonate. b) Reflected light PPL. Highly reflective mineral in groundmass is
pyrite. Sp=sphalerite, Ga=galena.
46
 a

Sp

Ga

Sp

Tt
Ga

Figure 17: Relationship between sphalerite, galena, and tetrahedrite (?) in

carbonate vein with one grain wide comb quartz edge. a) Galena occurs within
sphalerite in a carbonate vein that cross cuts magnetite mineralization (not seen),
sample 8, FOV: 7mm b) Galena occurs within sphalerite, and tetrahedrite (?) forms
in galena along galena-sphalerite boundaries. Sample 3, reflected PPL. FOV:
7mm. Ga=galena, Sp=sphalerite, Tt=tetrahedrite 47
a b

Blt

Blt

c d
Qz
Py

Blt

Blt

Ga
Sp

Figure 18: Boulangerite mineralization. Sample 5. a) Boulangerite appears to infill former vug surrounded by euhedral comb quartz.
Transmitted light PPL. FOV: 7mm. b) Fibrous boulangerite crystals over quartz and sphalerite (red). Transmitted light PPL. FOV:
1.5mm. c)Pyrite associated with boulangerite. Reflected PPL FOV: 0.7mm. d) Reflected PPL image of 18b. 1.5mm Sp=sphalerite,
Blt=boulangerite, Ga = galena, Qz=quartz. Reflected light PPL.
48
a

Py

Figure 19: Pyrite mineralization in carbonate vein. Sample 7. FOV: 7mm.

Py=pyrite. a) Transmitted light in PPL. b) FOV: Reflected light in PPL.

49
a b

Cp

Cp Py

c d
Py

Sp
Sp Cp

Cp As

Figure 20: Chalcopyrite mineralization in reflected PPL. a) Chalcopyrite in unknown grey mineral. Sample 8,
FOV: 7mm. b) Chalcopyrite and pyrite in an unknown grey mineral. Sample 8, FOV: 1.5mm. c) Chalcopyrite
growth interstitial to gangue, and after sphalerite. Sample 7, FOV: 3mm. d)Sphalerite with chalcopyrite and
arsenopyrite Sample 8, FOV: 3mm. Sp=sphalerite, Cp=chalcopyrite, Py=pyrite, As = arsenopyrite
50
a c

Py

Mg
b
As

Figure 21: Magnetite mineralization. Disseminated light grey mineral is

magnetite. Mg=magnetite, As = arsenopyrite, Py=pyrite, Reflected PPL. a)
Disseminated magnetite. Sample 8, FOV: 0.7mm. b) Coarser disseminated
magnetite. Sample 9, FOV: 0.7mm. c) Magnetite over lathy pyrite and
arsenopyrite. Sample 9, FOV: 0.7mm.

51
a b

c d

Figure 22: Feldspar porphyry dyke displaying sericite-clay alteration and chloritization. White laths are plagioclase
phenocrysts, black mineral is pyrite. transmitted PPL. a) Sericite-clay altered plagioclase lath. Sample 10, FOV: 7mm. b)
Sample 10, FOV: 7mm. c) Green chlorite replacement. Sample 12, FOV: 7mm, d) Feldspar lath with phyllic alteration. Sample
12, FOV: 7mm

52