Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
Cu and lode gold deposits: Case studies at the Highland Valley
Copper and Canadian Malartic Au deposits Canada
Robert G. Lee – MDRU‐University of British Columbia
ProExplo 2019
May 23 2019
• Introduction, overview of course, background of NSERC‐CMIC project, Key points for
identifying cryptic alteration and collection of data sets
• Sampling strategy: workflows, feldspar staining, SWIR, magnetic susceptibility
• Break – 10:30‐10:50
• Lithochemistry and isotopic composition, vectoring in porphyry and gold deposits
• Age dating and mineral chemistry, fingerprinting ore deposits for improved
exploration
• Lunch – 13:00‐14:00
1
Agenda Day 1 ‐ Afternoon NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
• Alteration assemblages and paragenesis of the Highland Valley Copper district and
Canadian Malartic region
• Break – 15:30‐15:50
• Surficial processes – soil, till, overburden stripping
• 16:40‐17:00 Open discussion and overview of topics covered
• Hyperspectral imaging (process and background) –
Guest Speaker Sam Scher Corescan
• Application of spectral imaging to NSERC‐CMIC footprints project
• Break – 10:30‐10:50
• Structure and alteration model of the HVC, reconstruction of the paleobatholith
• Lunch – 13:00‐14:00
2
Agenda Day 2 ‐ Afternoon NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
• Data management, Geoscience INTEGRATOR
• Common Earth Model – 3D modelling & geophysical inversions
• Break – 15:30‐15:50
• Synthetic data set mapping exercise – application of lessons learned from project
• 16:40‐17:00 Open discussion and overview of topics covered
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Acknowledgements – Industry/Academia
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
3
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Current issues with mineral exploration projects
• Volume of data: Surveys are being conducted faster than ever before,
frequently exceeding the capacity to assemble and interpret them, leaving
vast amounts of quantitative information unused
• Subjective data selection: Conventional methods of handling the data are
no longer sufficient to extract their full value and expensive data are
regularly dismissed on the basis of subjective evaluations
• Consistency: Lack of consistency in the quality and resolution of different
data sets creates problems in comparing and integrating data
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Current issues with mineral exploration projects
• Incomplete quantitative analysis: Most exploration models have typically
not been populated with quantitative data for more than a few parameters
or at the range of scales necessary for effective exploration
• Data interrogation/relationships: Even where data are abundant, they are
often interrogated individually or without qualification that may emphasize
their relationship to an economic deposit
4
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Goals of NSERC‐CMIC ‘Footprints’ project
• Enhance the ability of the Canadian mining industry to
recognize the entire footprint of an ore deposit from its high‐
grade (minable) core to most distant cryptic margin
• Develop methods that truly integrate (not just layer) the wide
range of complex geological‐structural‐lithological‐
mineralogical‐geochemical‐petrophysical‐geophysical data
that define the footprint of an ore deposit
• Formalized methodologies for how specialists in each of
those areas need to interact in order to accomplish these
goals
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Objectives ‐ Ore System Footprint
How do we
Can we tie responses define/identify
together? this?
5
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Objectives – Integration of data
Geology/Structure
integrated
Most models
Geochemistry multi-
include only a few
parameter
characteristics and Mineralogy model
are layered, but not
truly integrated Rock Properties Common Earth
Model – “CEM”
Geophysics
Issues:
Involves multiple parties across various disciplines
Communication imperative, leadership roles
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Objectives ‐ Workflows
Actual Geology
Imperfectly Sampled/Imaged at Large and Small Scales
Mapping Optical, Elements, Density, Mag, EM, Multimedia,
Core Logs, Spectral, Isotopes, Mag Sus, Gravity, Clean Till,
Structure Cluster XRD Leaches Res, IP Seismic Heavy Min
Geochemistry
Petrophysics
Geophysics
Mineralogy
Geology
Surficial
Constraints Constraints
Inverted Inverted
Geochemistry Geophysics
Data Integration
Leveling and Interpolation
Cluster Heat Maps
K-Means Clustering
Hypercube
Self-Organizing Maps
Deposit Footprints
6
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Objectives – for this course
• Highlights from the NSERC‐CMIC project
• Workflows and sampling strategies for
exploration projects
• Methods and workflows
• Alteration identification
• Data interpretation/integration
NSERC-CMIC
NSERC‐CMIC Study Sites FOOTPRINTS
• Agnico Eagle Canadian
Malartic Gold deposit
• Cameco McArthur River ‐
Millenium Uranium
deposit
• Teck Resources Limited
Highland Valley Porphyry
Copper deposit
7
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
CMIC Research Methods
• Full ore systems from distal edges to ore zones (5‐30km region), both at
surface and at depth, and including the
highest density of data and sampling
opportunities
• Compilation of new and legacy data,
with emphasis on high‐quality
multi‐parameter measurements on the
same samples at each site
• 3D data constrained using multi‐
parameter data from representative
cross sections and surface/level plans
through each ore system
Site/Technology NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Groups
• Same teams of researchers
worked on all three sites with
student participation between
sites to ensure a uniform
approach to defining the ore‐
system footprints
• Communication through day to
day interaction, monthly
meetings, workshops, annual
general meeting,
8
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Common Focus of Subprojects
• Collated and integrated all available
existing data sets – lithochemical
and geophysical
• Identified key sections to
characterize the deposit footprint
• New analytical work conducted to
fill critical gaps in multi‐parameter
data sets
• Identification of unique parameters
and combination thereof at
appropriate scales ‐ resolution
Highland Valley Copper view to south, Valley in foreground
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Highlights of project: Geochemistry
• Whole‐Rock Geochemistry
– pXRF analysis of outcrop and assay pulps
– Molar element ratios eliminate closure issues
– Variable leach techniques for mineral‐specific geochemistry
– Fluid pathways from fracture mineralogy and geochemistry
– High‐sensitivity, low‐cost C, O, S, and Pb isotopic analysis
• Mineral Chemistry
– Hyperspectral mapping of mine faces/samples/cores/surficial materials
– Pathfinder models based on mineral‐chemical data
– Cluster analysis Rietveld XRD for alteration mapping
– Modernization of field techniques (e.g., spectral analysis of stained core)
9
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Surficial processing
• Glacial stratigraphic controls on
detrital minerals
• “Clean” silt and sand‐sized till samples
used for geochemical analysis
• Mineral‐chemical signatures of
heavy minerals (e.g., W in rutile, Eu/Eu* in
zircon, epidote trace element composition)
• Hyperspectral analysis of glacial
materials (e.g., phengitic mica)
• Supervised classification of
radiometrics in surficial materials R:2160 nm, G:2205 nm, B:2350 nm
Phengitic WM
Taylor et al. in prep
Petrophysics NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
• Physical properties aided geological correlation and alteration mapping
• IP responses of altered, mineralized, and barren lithologies
• Multiparameter magnetics to detect syn‐mineralization pyrrhotite
• Inversion of WR geochemical data to derive physical properties
• Derived physical properties from 3D geophysical data
Structural Geology
• Quantitative analysis of bedding attitudes to identify favourable structural domains
• Application of variograms to establish spatial continuity in structural analysis,
petrophysics, and geochemistry
• Programing application to identifying structures, dips, and corridors for potential
fluid pathways
10
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Geophysical processing
• Seismics • Electromagnetics
– Image enhancement – Surface mag sus from AEM
– Physical property derivatives – 3D multi‐electrode
– Q factor (anelastic attenuation) BH resistivity and IP
to define alteration – Merged resistivity and spectral IP
• Magnetics • Inversions
– High‐frequency anomalies – Constrained and joint inversions for
(e.g., fault geometry, alteration) overburden stripping
– Derived signals from borehole – Open source code for multi‐model
navigation logs inversions
– 3D inversions – Instrumental/model limitations (e.g.,
low Mag Sus contrasts)
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
• QA/QC protocols
Z-Score Cluster 1 Cluster 2 Cluster 3 Cluster 4 Cluster 5 Cluster 6
Normalized Data (σ)
4 High Al
Al
Si
Si
for data integration 0 Cluster 4
O5
Ti
Co
Co
Fe
K
K
Ti
Fe
• Machine learning -2 Rb Rb
V
V
Ba Ba
Ca
Ca
-4 Low Sr
–
Sr
Clustered heat maps S
S
4 Approximate
Distance
– K‐means clustering 5
2
0 to Malartic
Core (km)
– Self‐organizing maps Alteration
4
Strength 3
– Hypercube 2
• Geoscience INTEGRATOR
1
8 Pyrite
4 (%)
• Common Earth Models Au
8
4
0
(ppm)
0
Cluster 1 Cluster 2 Cluster 4 Cluster 5
O3 O2 O1 O4
11
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Location of Cu Site
Highland Valley Copper is a
calc-alkaline porphyry copper
deposit located in South-
Central British Columbia
hosted in the late Triassic
Guichon Creek batholith
NSERC-CMIC
Western Canada belts
FOOTPRINTS
Calc‐Alkalic
Cu (‐Au, Mo)
Alkalic Cu‐Au
Logan and Mihalynuk, 2014
12
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Highland Valley background
• Located in the Intermontane
belt in center of Guichon
Creek batholith
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
13
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Gump Lake previously believed to be post
Guichon Creek
New dating yielded 218 Ma, pushes back
magmatism in the region by 7 m.y.
Lee et al. in prep; D’Angelo et al. 2017
14
Major rock units
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Name Gump Lake Border Guichon Chataway Bethlehem Skeena Bethsaida Dykes
Rock granodiorite gabbro to
granodiorite
granodiorite
granodiorite
granodiorite granodiorite FPM-QFP
Type Qtz monzonite Qtz diorite Qtz monzonite monzogranite monzogranite aplite
Age (Ma) 218.0±0.2 211.0±0.2 210.7±0.2 210.5±0.3 209.5±0.5 208.4±0.3 208.6±0.2 209-207
image
Byrne et al., 2013; Lesage et al., 2016; D’Angelo et al. 2017; Lee et al., 2017
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Petrography ‐ paragenesis
D’Angelo 2016
15
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Magmatic genesis
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Location of Au Site
Canadian Malartic: >18.6 Moz
Au
South of the Cadillac - Larder
Lake Deformation Zone,
Québec
Oxidized intrusion-related
deposit (Helt et al., 2012, Economic Geology)
Stockwork-disseminated
system (De Souza et al., 2016, Economic Geology)
16
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Malartic
• Structurally-controlled
biotite, calcite and pyrite
alteration (Derry, 1939, Econ. Geol.)
• Geophysics does not work
for direct ore targeting
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Revised Map
• Updated mapping of the
Pontiac Subprovince, south of
the Canadian Malartic deposit
• ~1000 samples collected in
region
• Structural setting revised
using airborne geophysical
surveys constrained by ground
samples
• Mineralization controlled by
felsic intrusive bodies and
deformation (x3) events
Perrouty et al., 2017 ore geology review
17
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Vectors
• 118 structural,
geophysical, geochemical,
mineralogical, and
petrophysical haloes
• Sizes range from 0.5 to 6
km from the core of the
system
• Multiple alteration centers
(CM, Cartier,
Bravo/Odyssey)
• New models: structural/
metamorphic/hydrothermal
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Goals completed for NSERC‐CMIC
Developed comprehensive and robust lithological and structural models of the
deposit sites and footprints that occur distally from the three large‐scale ore‐
forming deposit types, combining geological, mineralogical, geochemical, and
physical rock properties from the local to the camp scale
Developed several methods and updated techniques for integrating and
interrogating multiple data sets, processes that enhance exploration strategy and
have answered fundamental questions about the origins of large‐scale ore‐forming
systems
Present the best combination of geological, geophysical, petrophysical,
mineralogical, and geochemical tools to detect the footprints of the Highland Valley,
Canadian Malartic, and McArthur River‐Millenium ore‐forming systems, application
potential for other systems in Canada and the world
18
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
CMIC‐Cu Sampling
New geologic and structure map of
region from five+ grid transects
1:5000 & 1:10,000
Over 1000 samples collected for
project
• Field measurements
• Field mag sus
• Rock (+soil/till/vegetation)
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Lithochemistry ‐ Cu
19
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Lithochemistry ‐ Au
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Petrography ‐> Integration
• Petrography ‐> K‐staining ‐> Spectral ‐> chemical composition
• Lithochem ‐> petrophysical properties ‐> proxies for model
• Data combined with field observations to define alteration maps
Feldspar staining
20
Alteration NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
assemblage
• New alteration map defines fluid
pathways and footprint vectors
• Distribution of mapping and
sampling extends identified
alteration assemblages
previously unrecognized
NSERC-CMIC
Petrophysical FOOTPRINTS
properties
• Porosity
• Density
• Magnetic susceptibility
• Chargeability
• Resistivity
• Gamma
• Tie between geophysics and
bedrock
21
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Outcrop magnetic susceptibility
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Geophysical processing
• Processing of legacy
geophysical data sets
(gravity, magnetics, IP,
seismic)
• Constrained inversions and
modeling with petrophysical
property measurements
from outcrop and rock
samples
• Correlate old data with new
models
22
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Updated structure model ‐ Cu
• 3D modeling of structural corridors
highlights fluid pathways
• Modeled through multiple
parameters (geophysics, mapping,
communication with field
geologists, modellers, and
geophysists)
• Alteration assemblages confined by
structure
• Batholith reconstruction ‐> original
location of deposits/alteration
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Updated structure model ‐ Au
• 3 deformation events:
• 2 structural controls: E‐W Sladen Fault and NW‐SE high‐strain zones (Derry, 1939,
Econ. Geol., 34, 495‐523)
23
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
3D Common Earth Model
• GOCAD® and INTEGRATOR®
models
• Constrained surfaces and
structures
• All mapped orientations,
sections, stations
• Database with chemistry,
petrophysical properties, SWIR,
spectral imaging
• Block model ‐ interpretations
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
3D Common Earth Model
24
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Key features HVC
• Alteration assemblage
– high temperature: Ksp, Qtz, Bio,
Mus in core;
– low temp sodic/propylitic distal:
Alb, Ep, Chl, WM, Prh, Tur
• Normalized lithochemical
concentration increase from margin
to core Cu, Ag, Mo
• Isotopic change S, C, O
• Mineral chemistry change in Chlorite,
Zircon, White Mica, Epidote
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Key features vectors & footprints
0-0.5 km 0-0.5 km 1.5-6 km 3-15 km >15 km
Mineralized Proximal Medial Distal Fresh Method(s)
Cu-Ni-Au-Mo ICP-OES/FA
Whole Rock Fe-Mg-Zn-Pb ICP-OES
13C CF-IRMS
Abundance Petrography
Bn-Ccp Petrography
Sulfide
Py Petrography
34S IRMS
Abundance Petrography
Carbonate
13C CF-IRMS
Zircon
Eu/Eu* LA-ICP-MS
Ti-temp LA-ICP-MS
Petrophysics Mag Susc Susceptibility Meter
25
Key features
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Canadian
Malartic
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Key features vectors & footprints
26
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Key features vectors & footprints
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Detailed features presented in this course
• Workflows and sampling strategy from NSERC‐CMIC project
• Spectral imaging and feldspar staining can identify subtle
features not observable in the field
• Mineral first approach to mapping – Assemblages define distal
vs proximal (regional) alteration
• Lithochemical and mineral chemical composition fingerprints
ore deposits – controls on fertility
• Models constrained by integrating lithochemical,
petrophysical properties with geophysical surveys and
mapping
27
Section 2 – Sampling strategy and workflows:
magnetic susceptibility, feldspar staining, SWIR
Robert G. Lee
ProExplo 2019
May 23 2019
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Objectives
• Identify alteration assemblages present at the district
scale – distance can vary (land availability)
• Determine extent of alteration for each assemblage
• Collect magnetic susceptibility data, vein orientations and
representative samples of each assemblage across the
region both adjacent and distal to ore deposit
• Use qualitative and quantitative methods to characterize
alteration
28
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Work Flow – 1000 samples
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Magnetic susceptibility
• Rock magnetic susceptibility is mainly a
function of its magnetite content
• Most alteration assemblages in porphyry
systems are magnetite destructive
(especially distal alteration)
• Use of outcrop‐scale magnetic
susceptibility measurements can help
quantify intensity of alteration
Byrne et al., 2019
29
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Magnetic susceptibility
• Analyses conducted at
outcrop scale (K10 mag sus
meter)
• Samples also collected and
analyzed on hand sample
scale
• Comparison of data sets – tie
to airborne magnetic surveys
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Magnetic susceptibility
• Study site north of Bethlehem
• Flat and unobscured outcrops
• 10 measurements per outcrop zone,
repeated 10 times
• Relate mean, standard deviation and
coefficient of variation to mapped vein
and alteration halo density
Byrne et al., 2019
30
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Magnetic susceptibility
• Increasing alteration intensity
from Zone 1 to Zone 4
• Zone 1
– Mainly high mag susc
• Zone 4
– Abundant high mag susc
– Abundant low mag susc
Byrne et al., 2019
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Magnetic susceptibility
• Decrease in mag susc, and increase in CV with increasing
vein and alteration intensity
• Large magnitude in change for CV from Zone 1 to Zone 4
Byrne et al., 2019
31
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Magnetic susceptibility
• Data organized by altered rock vol.
bins estimated from outcrop
mapping
• Host rocks range from ~15 to
60x10‐3 SI
• >12.5% alt. vol. have higher CV
and lower mean
• 3 response domains for mag susc
mean: fresh rocks, fresh and
altered, and altered rocks
Byrne et al., 2019
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Magnetic susceptibility
• Alteration intensity can be
classified by plotting mag susc
mean against CV
– High mean + low CV = least
altered
– Intermediate mean + high CV =
Moderate alteration
– Low mean + low CV = strong
pervasive alteration
Byrne et al., 2019
32
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Mag sus summary
• Mag sus mean alone does not
provide full picture because the
response primarily maps
lithology
• Mag sus CV maps rock
heterogeneity (i.e., alteration)
Byrne et al., 2019
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Mag sus summary
• Anomalous
(>75th%ile) CV
response for up
to 5km away
from the PCD’s
• Identify features
and vectors
related to
changes in
magnetic
composition
Byrne et al., 2019
33
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Feldspar staining
• Staining is done in a designated area under a fume hood
• PPE must be worn at all times and staining should only be done by suitably
trained staff
• Acid etching is done by soaking samples in
HF (1 minute)
• Staining for calcic plagioclase
– Amaranth (5 seconds)
• Staining for K‐feldspar
– Sodium Cobaltinitrate (30 seconds)
• Rinse samples thoroughly and let dry
between every step of the staining
process
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Feldspar staining photography
• Stained slabs are photographed using a high resolution camera and
a fixed setup
• Diffuse lighting is used on both sides of the camera to reduce glare
• A remote trigger is used to reduce camera
movement
• Black background and scale are included in the
photo
• Same zoom is used for all photos taken for
sample batches
• File format used is high quality RAW or tiff
photos (highest editing capability)
34
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Feldspar staining image analysis
• Image analysis of stained slabs can help
quantify alteration
– K‐feldspar formation
– Feldspar destruction
• Image properties that can be quantified
– Modal percentage
– Particle count
– Average particle size
– Total particle perimeter
– Major and minor axis length of best fit ellipse around
particles
– Particle circularity (4π*area/perimeter2)
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Feldspar staining image analysis
35
Short‐wave infrared Halley, 2008
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
spectroscopy
• Reflectance of minerals (percentage of
incident radiation reflected off) is dependent
on their crystallographic structure
• Molecular bonds have specific vibrations that
absorb radiation at certain wavelengths
– Hydroxyl radicals (~1400 nm)
– Water molecules (~1900 nm)
– Al‐OH (~2200 nm)
– Fe‐OH (~2250 nm)
– Mg‐OH (~2350 nm)
• Effectively characterize clays and
phyllosilicates
Short‐wave infrared NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
spectroscopy
• Clays and/or
phyllosilicates are
present in most
porphyry‐related
alteration assemblages
• In white mica, Al‐OH
wavelength shifts can
be used to map
gradients in
hydrothermal fluid
composition,
temperature and pH
Halley et al., 2015 GMEX, 2008
36
Short‐wave infrared NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
spectroscopy
• Typical Al‐OH absorption feature
wavelengths
– >2195 nm for paragonite
– ~2197–2208 nm for muscovite
– >2208 nm for phengite
– 2206–2010 nm for illite
– 2206–2208 nm for kaolinite
– 2200–2213 nm for montmorillonite
– 2181–2199 nm for beidellite
• Crystallinity affect sharpness of
absorption features (depth, width)
GMEX, 2008
Short‐wave infrared NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
spectroscopy
• Typical Al‐OH absorption feature
wavelengths
– >2195 nm for paragonite
– ~2197–2208 nm for muscovite
– >2208 nm for phengite
– 2206–2010 nm for illite
– 2206–2208 nm for kaolinite
– 2200–2213 nm for montmorillonite
– 2181–2199 nm for beidellite
• Crystallinity affect sharpness of
absorption features (depth, width)
GMEX, 2008
37
SWIR – Spot NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
sampling
• Terraspec
• ~2.5 cm field‐of‐view
• 1000–2500 nm range
• 2 nm spectral resolution
• Portable
• Measured spectra are a combination of
all spectrally active minerals present in
the field‐of‐view
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Summary
• Mapping done along five 10 to 14 kilometer long transects
• 10 magnetic susceptibility measurements per outcrop
• Vein orientation, thickness and density/m measured in the field
• Samples collected every 250 m to 500 m
• Alteration intensity quantified by measuring
– Outcrop magnetic susceptibility mean and CV
– Whole rock geochemistry / Mineral chemistry
– Feldspar staining
– SWIR (Hyperspectral scanning)
38
Section 3 – Lithochemistry and isotopic
composition
Robert G. Lee
ProExplo 2019
May 23 2019
Porphyry and NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
epithermal deposits
• Chemical composition
derived from
magmatic and
external fluids
• Minerals incorporate
these signatures or
are formed from the
high/low temperature
acidic to neutral fluids
• Composition varies in
mineral grains based
on multiple
parameters
Tosdal et al., 2009
39
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Key elements in Porphyry Copper deposits
• Cu, Au, Mo, S, Ag, As, B, Ba, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Cs, F, Fe, Hg,
In, K, La, Li, Na, Ni, Pb, Rb, Re, Sb, Se, Sn, Sr, Te, Tl, U, V,
W, Zn
• Analytical packages target specific elements:
– Cu‐Mo (‐Re) (‐Sn‐W‐Bi) (‐Co) (‐K ‐Tl)
– Pb‐Zn‐Cd (‐Ag‐Mn‐Bi‐V‐Ba) (‐Ce) (‐LREE)
– Au‐Ag
– As‐Sb‐Hg‐Tl‐Se‐Te
• Identify anomalous signatures – positive & negative
Porphyry Cu NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
element zones
• “Chemical Halos”
• Lateral and
vertical
distribution
• Cu‐Mo cores
• Pb‐Zn distal
• Alteration
assemblages
Sillitoe, 2011
40
Guichon Creek NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
batholith legacy data
• Distribution of historic
chemical assays – Rock, Till,
Stream sediment
• Focus on major ore discoveries
– anomalous metals and
pathfinder elements
• Cover extensive in district – till
and sediment basins
Lee et al., 2015
batholith legacy data
• Distribution of historic
mapped alteration –
chlorite & sericite
• Zoning not clear cut
• Structurally controlled fluid
flow
41
CMIC project sample NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
distribution
Over 1000 samples collected for
project at each site
• Rock (soil/till/vegetation)
• Multiple element – ICP‐OES
• Mineral chemistry & isotopic
composition
• Aqua regia – soil and vegetation
• Till sampling and chemistry
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Major element whole rock chemistry – “fresh”
42
NSERC-CMIC
Lithochemistry FOOTPRINTS
by rock type
• Distribution of
lithology
chemistry
consistent
• Normalize
results to
lithology fields
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Whole rock trace element chemistry
• Trace element
signature
define
increased
fluid content
– magmatic
processes
43
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Major element whole rock chemistry – all CMIC data
• Alteration signatures with enrichment and
depletion of elements
• Identify change in anticipated signal
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Canadian Malartic Mafic Dike Chem
• Three groups of mafic dikes outline the footprint of the deposit
Perrouty et al., 2017
44
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Canadian Malartic Mafic Dike Chem
• Group 1 dikes are least‐altered, characterized by amphibole‐
rich regional metamorphic assemblages, and distributed
throughout the Pontiac Subprovince
• Groups 2 and 3 dikes underwent ore‐related hydrothermal
biotite‐calcite‐pyrite alteration, and are associated with
density and volume‐adjusted concentration gains of over
100% in Au‐W‐Te‐C‐S‐Ag‐Cs‐Mo‐Cu‐K‐Rb‐Se‐U‐Pb‐Ba‐F‐Bi‐Sn
• They define a metasomatic footprint up to 6 km away from
the deposit toward the SE and up to 2 km away from the
deposit toward the SW
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Mass Balance – normalize to rock
• Calculated average concentration change factors
for A) Group 2 and B) Group 3 dikes relative to
Group 1 dikes
• Blue: WD‐XRF analyses, Black: Na2O2 fusion ICP‐
MS, LECO, and ISE, Red: aqua regia digest ICP‐
MS
• Colored bars represent max and min
concentration change factors calculated using
the method of Gresens (1967, Chem. Geol. 2,
47‐65) and Appleyard (1980, Ont.Geol. Sur.
MP93)
• Red marks represent concentration change
factors calculated using the multiple protolith
method of MacLean (1990, Mineral. Dep. 25, 44‐
49) ‐ the two methods provide similar results
Perrouty et al., 2017
45
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Alteration Halos
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Alteration Halos
46
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Workflow ‐ lithochemistry
• Combine mapping, stain and spectral data to define alteration assemblages and
their domains / trends
• Evaluate host rock composition and group accordingly
• Level major and minor element response to host rock composition
• Identify overlapping anomalies and gradients associated with each alteration
facies; note, absolute values and extents may not be exportable to other PCD’s
sampling petrography
lithochemistry Normalized variance
Pathfinder NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
elements
• Compare alteration type
and lithology
• Vectoring potential with
enrichment/depletion
• Muscovite and clay
(kaolin) alteration show
elevated Cu, Ag, Mo, Mn,
Rb, As, Cs near center
• K alt high Rb
47
NSERC-CMIC
Pearce FOOTPRINTS
Element
Ratios
quartz
Si-2Ca-3Na-3K / Ti
Addition of
quartz
feldspar
Al-Ca / Ti
Byrne, 2019
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Principal Component Analysis
• Fifty‐eight variables that define halos around the Canadian
Malartic deposit were identified and integrated using principal
component analysis
– PC1 (30% of variance) separates least‐mobile elements from ore‐
related elements, and is interpreted to reflect the ore‐forming
alteration process
– PC2 (16%) and PC3 (11%) represent igneous processes
– PC4 (8%) reflects calcite‐pyrite and biotite alteration
• Spatial variations of the modal abundances of amphibole,
biotite, calcite, and pyrite are the simplest expression of the
metasomatic footprint, and can easily be documented during
exploration at the camp scale
48
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
PCA Validation
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
PCA Results
49
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Stable Isotopic Analysis
• Whole rock and mineral acquisition
• 18O and 2H – Canadian Malartic
• 13C an 34S – Highland Valley Copper
• Thermal fluids extend from primary magmatic
source outwards into country rock
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Canadian Malartic Isotope Footprint
• The Canadian Malartic Au deposit was produced by a hydrothermal
system that altered the host metasedimentary rocks of the Pontiac
Group, metavolcanic rocks of the Piché Group, and associated
porphyritic intrusions and mafic dikes
• The isotopic footprint in Pontiac metasedimentary rocks is marked
by an increase in d2H values from ‐91‰ near mineralization to
background values of ca. ‐59‰, whereas 18O values remain
relatively constant near 10‰
• The isotopic footprint in mafic dikes is marked by an increase in 2H
values from ‐84‰ near mineralization to background values of ca. ‐
73‰, and a decrease in d18O values from 9.8‰ near mineralization
to background values of ca. 8.3‰
50
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Canadian Malartic Isotope Footprint
• Mafic dike footprint defined by 18O
values >8.3‰
• Greywacke footprint defined by 2H
values <‐59‰
NSERC-CMIC
18O and 2H Footprint
FOOTPRINTS
• The isotopic composition of the metamorphic fluid in
equilibrium with the average least altered greywacke at
upper greenschist to amphibolite conditions of ca. 550°C is
approximately 18O = 8.6‰ and 2H = ‐19‰
• This is close to the composition of the mineralizing fluid at
the Canadian Malartic deposit reported by previous studies
• Fluid/rock H and O isotope exchange modeling indicates
that the isotopic footprint formed at relatively low
fluid/rock ratios up to 0.5 at temperatures near 350‐400 °C
51
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Fluid reservoir
• At 550°C, the fluid is in
equilibrium with the
least‐altered Pontiac
greywacke
• The composition of the
Canadian Malartic water
is similar to that from
quartz‐biotite veins
• Altered and mineralized
greywacke are
characterized by low 2H
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Implications of 18O and 2H Footprint
• Whole‐rock H and O isotope compositions indicate a
cryptic footprint up from 0.5 to 2 km outside of the
open‐pit.
• This metric is very sensitive at low fluid/rock ratios and
therefore leaves a large footprint
• Isotopic exchange between the mineralizing fluid and
the rocks throughout the footprint is preserved in
whole‐rock isotopic data, whereas biotite‐quartz O
isotopes were reset at 475 oC during later (or
overprinting) metamorphism
52
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Fluid/Rock Model
• Fluid compositions in
equilibrium with least‐
altered greywacke
• Fluid/Rock models
– Ratio remained low, typically <0.5
– Alteration temperature of about 350‐
400 oC (best fit)
– The shift to high 18O in mafic dikes is
attributed to epigenetic carbonates
Age dating in mineral exploration: techniques
and methods for improved decision making
Robert G. Lee
ProExplo 2019
May 23 2019
53
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Mineral characteristics: What they can tell us
• Geochronologic ‐ U‐Th‐Pb, U‐Th, U‐Th‐He, Ar‐Ar, Fission track (zircon, amphibole,
sericite, apatite, monazite)
• Thermometer ‐ Ti concentration used to determine crystallization temperatures
(zircon, quartz)
• Petrogenesis ‐ Modeling the formation and evolution of magma systems
• Trace elements also used to indicate fractionation/source
• Fertility ‐ Concentration of rare earth elements Eu and Ce (zircon) used as proxies
for oxidation/fluid state of parental magma – mineralized systems form under high
oxidation/fluid content
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Age dating and mineral exploration
• What question are you trying to answer?
– What is the age of metalogenic belt?
– What is the age of the deposit?
– What is the age of mineralization?
• Answers reflect resolution of method used and
material
• Ages define units/stratigraphy – building better maps
• better maps leads to improved understanding of deposit
54
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Methods and techniques
• Ar‐Ar, K‐Ar – whole rock, mineral separates (amph,
bio, musc, adularia…)
• U‐Th‐Pb – zircon, apatite, monazite
– CA‐TIMS, SHRIMP‐RG, LA‐ICPMS, MC‐ICPMS
• Re‐Os ‐ molybdenite
• Lu‐Hf – whole rock, garnet
• Rb‐Sr – whole rock, feldspar
• Sm‐Nd – whole rock, volcanics, metamorphic rocks
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Best sampling methods
• Metamorphic vs igneous rocks Mineral closure temperatures
• Type of mineral(s) present
• Ages defined by closure temperature U‐Pb dating
of mineral sampled
• In porphyry systems minerals produced
through hydrothermal alteration can be
dated by Ar‐Ar method (ser, bio, clay…)
• Proxy for mineralization age
• Potassium bearing material Ar‐Ar dating
• Samples irradiated to produce 39Ar from
39K; Step heating measures 40Ar/39Ar and
age calculated on best statistically‐
justified plateau age
55
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Dating mineralization
• Age commonly determined by Re‐Os dating on
molybdenite
• Mine‐site setting – can be obtained on satellite or
distal showings for comparison
• Difficult to date Cu‐minerals although isochron
ages on pyrite can be done
• Clay minerals can be dated by Ar‐Ar or other
techniques to determine alteration/fluid age
D’Angelo et al. 2017
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
• Ages can be skewed older depending on sampling size due to Re distribution in grain
• Important to obtain large representative samples of molybdenite from deposit
Hart, 2004
56
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Metamorphism @ Canadian Malartic
• An E‐W lepidoblastic ductile micaceous foliation defines the
regional D2 fabric
• Garnet and staurolite porphyroblasts are interpreted to be late‐ to
post‐kinematic to the regional fabric
• Locally, cordierite porphyroblasts pseudomorphed by muscovite are
wrapped by the main foliation indicating that a potential high
temperature – low pressure metamorphism (M1) preceded the
main episode of deformation and Barrovian metamorphism (M2)
• P‐T forward thermodynamic modelling on a water‐saturated
pseudosection yielded peak conditions of 550‐600 ⁰C and 5‐6 kbar
during a prograde, clockwise P‐T path for M2
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Metamorphic Dating – Malartic
• Lu‐Hf dating of garnet from 3 different locations within the
staurolite zone yielded a weighted average age of 2657.5 ± 4.4 Ma
(95% confidence level) that is inferred to be representative of these
conditions
• The results of this study imply that at least one stage of Au
mineralization at the Canadian Malartic deposit that is 2664 Ma,
inferred from a Re‐Os date on molybdenite (de Souza et al., 2016,
Rev. Econ. Geol. vol. 19, 29 p.), is older or synchronous with the
garnet growth episode in the staurolite zone S of the ore body
• The age of garnet growth calls into question the previous tectonic
interpretation of the Abitibi and Pontiac Subprovinces and is more
coherent with the rafted ribbon continent model of Bédard (2018,
Geosci. Front. 9, 19‐49)
57
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Garnet Lu‐Hf Geochronology
• 3 Lu‐Hf isochrons on garnet: • Combined isochron:
– South of Canadian Malartic 2657.8 ± 5.7 Ma
– South of Val‐d’Or
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Importance for CM Footprint
• Key minerals (white mica, biotite) are both hydrothermal and
metamorphic
58
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Metamorphic Gradient
• Isograds from N to S:
– Biotite zone
– Garnet zone
– Staurolite zone
• Porphyroblasts near Canadian Malartic
are syn‐ to late‐kinematic
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Garnet Petrology
• Major elements:
– Different from sample
to sample
– Growth zoning
preserved
– Evidence for peak T
homogenization
– Evidence for retrograde
diffusion
• Trace elements:
– Rayleigh fractionation profiles for all samples
– Growth zoning
• 2657.8 ± 5.7 Ma Lu‐Hf age is a growth age
59
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
P‐T Conditions
• Peak conditions in staurolite
zone
– >1400m south of the pit
– ~600 ⁰C and 5.8 kbar
• Clockwise P‐T path
– Garnet inclusions in staurolite
– Growth zoning
• Greenschist assemblage
stability
– Ms and Chl out, St in
• Garnet growth during
thickening:
– Samples went from 520 ⁰C and 5 kbar) to 560
⁰C and 5.8 kbar at ca. 2658 Ma
Piette-Lauziere et al., 2018 MnNCKFMASHTO
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Summary
• Cordierite porphyroblasts
pseudomorphed by muscovite
define a high temperature – low
pressure M1 metamorphic event
• Garnet porphyroblasts define a
medium T – medium P
(Barrovian) M2 metamorphic
event dated at 2657.5 ± 4.4 Ma
by Lu‐Hf TIMS methods
• Garnet rim, biotite, and staurolite
Fe‐Mg compositions re‐
equilibrated during slow cooling
• The results of this study indicate
that the Pontiac Group could be a
rift‐related basin
60
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Methods: Chemical Abrasion – Thermal Ionization Mass
Spectrometry (CA‐TIMS also ID‐TIMS) single grain analysis
Laser Ablation Induced Coupled Plasma NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Mass Spectrometry – LA‐ICPMS
• Technique to acquire composition
of mineral separates
61
Methods: Laser Ablation‐Inductively Coupled‐MS NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Laser Laser
Cell
ICP-MS
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
• Gump Lake previously believed to be
post Guichon Creek batholith
• New dating yielded 218 Ma pushes
back magmatism in the region by 7 m.y.
Lee et al. 2017; D’Angelo et al. 2017
62
Key Factors:
1. Presence/absence
Porphyry deposits and minerals NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
2. Oxidation state
3. Temperature
4. Pressure (depth)
5. Water
6. Metal
7. Chlorine
8. Sulphur
Key Minerals*:
1. Zircon
2. Titanite
3. Apatite
4. Magnetite
5. Rutile
Indicator minerals display unique physical and chemical properties that allow their presence in surficial
materials to be linked back to a porphyry deposit, related intrusion or alteration assemblage.
Bouzari et al., 2017
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Minerals that can be analyzed
• Zircon – dating & magma composition
• Epidote – chemistry
• Garnet – dating & REE
• Feldspar – Pb isotopes & chemistry
• Sulfide/FeOx ‐ chemistry
• Apatite – chemistry – dating?
• Monazite ‐ dating
• Mica ‐ chemistry
63
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Pros vs Cons to LA‐ICP‐MS method
• Lower relative cost • Lower precision to CA‐
compared to higher TIMS or HR‐MC
sensitive multicollectors
• Rapid acquisition of data • Larger spot size (80‐30
(400+ in 12 hour run, can m)
run overnight) • Higher cost per sample
• Composition (TE & compared to assays
isotopes) along with age
dating • Turnaround time…
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Multi‐element collection with ICP
• Trace element composition & U‐Th‐Pb chronology
for zircon – not avaible on other dating techniques!
• Major elements ‐ Si, Ca, K, Zr, Fe used as internal
calibration – calculated trace element values with
known concentration
• All major and trace non‐gas elements can be
analyzed
64
NSERC-CMIC
• Up to 40+ isotope
masses per analytical
run
USGS, 2018
Zircon Fertile magmas are
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
more oxidized*
• Geochronology: U‐Pb
• Fractionation (Hf)
• Oxidation state (Eu, Ce)
• Thermometer: Ti activity
Dating and composition can be
tied to regional provenance
studies. Exploration tool for
discovery
Lee et al., 2017; Loader et al., 2017
65
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Zircon fertility diagrams
Composition differences observed in magmatic
suites that host or form ore deposits compared
with un‐mineralized magmas
Lu et al., 2016 Loader et al., 2017
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Zircon TE fractionation/mixing trends
Lee et al., 2017
66
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Zircon composition Guichon Creek
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Application to exploration program
• Dating can provide identification of fertile belts of
large scale regional sampling programs
• Igneous/volcanic rocks = Ar‐Ar or U‐Pb method
• Camp to district scale dating can use more precise
methods/techniques – CA‐TIMS; Re‐OS
• LA‐ICPMS technique provides both age and
composition for “fertility” assessment
67
NSERC-CMIC
Application to exploration program FOOTPRINTS
• Dating of rock samples to define metalogenic belts
• Key accessory minerals have been shown to have unique
characteristics within porphyry and epithermal systems.
• Mineral identification (in rocks) has been used as tool to
identify potential targets.
• Mineral separates (stream sediments, till, soil, float) source
of any anomalous chemistry.
• Rapid acquisition of compositional features that reflect
magma fertility or formation by hydrothermal fluids.
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Bedrock Geology Mount Freegold District, Dawson Range, Yukon
Application
• Sampling scale –
– Regional : 5‐10 –
(Ub‐Pb)
– Local : 3‐5 (U‐Pb)
– Mineral : 2‐3 – viable
material (Re‐Os, Ar‐Ar)
• Building better maps through dating and characterization of igneous
and metamorphic processes
• Identifying areas for further exploration – detrital*
Allan & Friend, 2018
68
Section 5 – Alteration assemblages and fluid
paragenesis
Robert G. Lee
ProExplo 2019
NSERC-CMIC
Tectonic setting of porphyry Cu±Mo±Au±Ag FOOTPRINTS
69
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Porphyry and upper magma chamber x‐section
External fluids
Heat/fluid source
Metals?
John et al., 2010
70
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Lowell and Guilbert, 1970
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Chemical
composition
of porphyry
systems
Tosdal et al., 2009
71
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Phase diagram • Fluid flow path will
determine mineral
of porphyry assemblage
systems • Vertical flow –
magmatic – acidic
fluids form clay
alteration, steam
heated epithermal
• Lateral flow –
buffered by country
rock and meteoric
fluids
Modified from Seedorf et al., 2005
Alteration zones vary dependent on system NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
72
Alteration zones vary dependent on system NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Wilson, 2006
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Sericitic alteration
• Alteration formed from addition of H+, K+, S‐2,
SiO2 with loss of Na+, Ca+2, & Mg+2
• Assemblage of quartz – sericite (muscovite) –
sulfide ± chlorite ± topaz ± tourmaline ±
anhydrite ± carbonate ± illite
• Strongly vein dominated with pervasive
selvages/halos that can exceed 1 km3
73
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Propylitic alteration
• Addition of O2, CO2, S2, & H2O to form hydrous
minerals
• Assemblage(s) of epidote – chlorite – carbonate ±
actinolite ± hematite ± illite‐sericite (WM) ±
prehnite ± sulfide (pyrite)
• Fracture controlled to pervasive
• Primary distal assemblage observed in porphyry
copper systems
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
• Sericitic (phyllic) alteration
• Can be texturally destructive,
fine‐grained locally coarse,
muscovite (phengite)
K(AlMg)₂(OH)₂(SiAl)₄O₁₀
• Propyllitic alteration
• Fine‐ to coarse‐grained
epidote‐chlorite‐calcite
• Mafic replacement generally
fracture fill, clotty/blebs,
pervasive
Tay Zar et al., 2016
74
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Sodic‐calcic alteration
• Strong alkali alteration with addition of Na‐
and Ca‐rich minerals and destruction of K‐Fe‐
bearing minerals
• Assemblage of albite – actinolite – epidote –
chlorite ± titanite ± garnet
• Form adjacent to below porphyry deposits
with mixing of connate/brine waters
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Sodic‐calcic alteration
• Generally fracture controlled
alteration although can be
pervasive if selvages extend
outwards to coalesce
• Albite generally dominant mineral
phase that defines alteration
assemblage
• Can be misidentified as propylitic
alteration
Veined epidote with albite selvage
75
NSERC-CMIC
Distal alteration summary FOOTPRINTS
• Distal propylitic “Green Rock” assemblages defined
by epidote – chlorite – carbonate ± actinolite ±
hematite ± illite‐sericite (WM) ± prehnite ± sulfide
(pyrite); albite may be present
• Sodic‐calcic assemblage defined by albite –
actinolite – epidote – chlorite ± titanite ± garnet
NSERC-CMIC
Distal alteration summary FOOTPRINTS
• Alteration controlled by mixing of magmatic and
external fluids
• Temperature, acidity, pressure, host rock key factors
in formation of alteration assemblage
• Can extend distally multiple km (>12) from deposit
as well as overprinting within the core
76
Section 6 – Surficial processes, soil, till,
overburden sampling techniques and results
Robert G. Lee – MDRU‐University of British Columbia
ProExplo 2019
May 23 2019
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Soil sampling
• Soil sampling
techniques and
results from Guichon
Creek batholith
77
NSERC-CMIC
Buried targets at HVC FOOTPRINTS
• J.A. under avg. 170 m
(up to 300 m) glacial
and pre‐glacial
sediments *Depth
too deep to identify
soil response
• Highmont South
under 2‒10 m till
• Transect vs. grid
sampling
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Soil sampling Highmont South
Chouinard, 2018
78
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Soil vs glacial cover – subglacial till blanket
• Major faults extending to surface are visible in the topography/geophysics:
• Transport of fluids/volatiles
Chouinard, 2018
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Chemistry
• Aqua regia upper
B horizon
<180m
• Anomalies over
known
mineralization
and fault traces
Chouinard, 2018
79
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Chemistry
• Aqua regia upper
B horizon
<180m
• Mobile elements
transport under
Eh/Ph acidic
conditions
Chouinard, 2018
NSERC-CMIC
Pine needle Cu Soil tridecane FOOTPRINTS
(C13H28)
Chemistry
• Biogeochem
(aqua regia ICP) ‐
anomaly
• Hydrocarbon
(AGI Sampler,
TD‐GC/MS)‐ Pine needle Mo Soil pentadecane (C15H32)
anomaly
Chouinard, 2018
80
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Summary soil sampling
• Cu, Ag, Mo, Bi, As, Sb, W, Cd, Pb, Zn, Mn
anomalous in upper B horizon soil
• Cd, Pb, Zn, Mn only anomalous over fault:
mobile in Eh/pH environment
• Mo, Bi, ± As only clastic response over
mineralization: relatively immobile in Eh/pH
environment – Mo anomaly in biochem
NSERC-CMIC
FOOTPRINTS
Summary soil sampling
• Upper B‐horizon soil
– fine fraction (‐180)
• Not a high conductivity unit,
• No salt
• High solubility environment, elements have to fix to
substrate.
• Track along structures (blind vs known)
81