Laumontitization as an exploration indicator of epithermal gold deposits : A case study of the axi and other epithermal systems in West Tianshan, China
Abstract
Cibaliung is an area that is traversed by the Au-Ag-Cu mineralization pathway from low to intermediate sulfide epithermal system. The implemented techniques for delineating probable gold deposits by the lithology contact and structures that control epithermal gold mineralization systems in the area include first vertical derivative (FHD), vertical derivative (VD), second vertical derivative (SVD), analytic signal (SA), and tilt angle (TA). The results shows that high continuity of anomaly contrast in the direction of Northwest (NW), North-Northwest (NNW), and North-Northeast (NNE) is presumed to be the target geological structure of the study area. Furthermore, the contrast value of magnetic anomaly represents the lithology contact lies in the direction of the West and the East of the area.
Research subject. The high-sulfidation (HS-type) epithermal gold deposits of the Maletoyvayam ore field, which is located in the volcanic belts of the Kamchatka Peninsula. Materials and methods. The paper presents the results of geophysical and petrophysical studies carried out by “NPP VIRG-Rudgeofizika” (2016–2017 years) in the central part of the Maletoyvayam ore field hosting HS-type gold deposits. Results. The presented case study shows the potential of geophysical prospecting for HS-type epithermal gold deposits located within altered rock areas. On the basis of the conducted magnetic surveys, fragments of a ring structure broken by faults and the hydrothermally altered bodies within the Neogene volcanogenic-sedimentary sequence of the andesite composition were identified. Using the 3D inversion of magnetic data, the shape, size and structure of the hydrothermally altered bodies were estimated. The electrical survey data allowed the hydrothermally altered areas to be differentiated in terms of composition. As a result, zoning of hydrothermally altered areas was conducted, and ore-bearing sites and gold-bearing bodies of monoquartzites in the plan and cross-section were determined. Conclusions. Geophysical techniques for prospecting HS-type epithermal gold deposits are effective in distinguishing important gold-related features within the altered zone thereby facilitating identification of specific drill targets.
High resolution airborne geophysical data over broad areas have been found to optimize exploration for epithermal gold deposits in differing geological environments.Genetic exploration models may be tested in favourable sites by the recognition of geophysical signatures. These signatures reflect structural, lithological and alteration patterns arising from controls on ore deposits and can be applied at regional or detailed scales, using the same data set.At regional scale (e.g. 1:100,000) the magnetic data reflect the regional tectonics and divide the area into domains for the application of appropriate genetic models. At prospect scale (e.g. 1:25,000) the radiometric data allow the extrapolation of poorly outcropping geology to provide a cost-effective mapping technique. The magnetic data can be used to supplement this interpretation or can be used to target deeper sources for direct investigation by drilling.
Enhanced processing of magnetic data for delineating lithological boundary and geological structure of the epithermal gold mineralization control system - A case study: Cibaliung Area, Indonesia