scholarly journals Orogenic Gold in Transpression and Transtension Zones: Field and Remote Sensing Studies of the Barramiya–Mueilha Sector, Egypt

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (18) ◽  
pp. 2122 ◽  
Author(s):  
Basem Zoheir ◽  
Mohamed Abd El-Wahed ◽  
Amin Beiranvand Pour ◽  
Amr Abdelnasser
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Hydrothermal Alteration ◽  
Gold Mineralization ◽  
Shear Zones ◽  
Island Arc ◽  
Quartz Veins ◽  
Vein Formation ◽  
Time Space ◽  
Band Ratioing ◽  
Sentinel 2

Multi-sensor satellite imagery data promote fast, cost-efficient regional geological mapping that constantly forms a criterion for successful gold exploration programs in harsh and inaccessible regions. The Barramiya–Mueilha sector in the Central Eastern Desert of Egypt contains several occurrences of shear/fault-associated gold-bearing quartz veins with consistently simple mineralogy and narrow hydrothermal alteration haloes. Gold-quartz veins and zones of carbonate alteration and listvenitization are widespread along the ENE–WSW Barramiya–Um Salatit and Dungash–Mueilha shear belts. These belts are characterized by heterogeneous shear fabrics and asymmetrical or overturned folds. Sentinel-1, Phased Array type L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (PALSAR), Advanced Space borne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER), and Sentinel-2 are used herein to explicate the regional structural control of gold mineralization in the Barramiya–Mueilha sector. Feature-oriented Principal Components Selection (FPCS) applied to polarized backscatter ratio images of Sentinel-1 and PALSAR datasets show appreciable capability in tracing along the strike of regional structures and identification of potential dilation loci. The principal component analysis (PCA), band combination and band ratioing techniques are applied to the multispectral ASTER and Sentinel-2 datasets for lithological and hydrothermal alteration mapping. Ophiolites, island arc rocks, and Fe-oxides/hydroxides (ferrugination) and carbonate alteration zones are discriminated by using the PCA technique. Results of the band ratioing technique showed gossan, carbonate, and hydroxyl mineral assemblages in ductile shear zones, whereas irregular ferrugination zones are locally identified in the brittle shear zones. Gold occurrences are confined to major zones of fold superimposition and transpression along flexural planes in the foliated ophiolite-island arc belts. In the granitoid-gabbroid terranes, gold-quartz veins are rather controlled by fault and brittle shear zones. The uneven distribution of gold occurrences coupled with the variable recrystallization of the auriferous quartz veins suggests multistage gold mineralization in the area. Analysis of the host structures assessed by the remote sensing results denotes vein formation spanning the time–space from early transpression to late orogen collapse during the protracted tectonic evolution of the belt.

scholarly journals Multispectral and Radar Data for the Setting of Gold Mineralization in the South Eastern Desert, Egypt

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 1450 ◽  
Author(s):  
Basem Zoheir ◽  
Ashraf Emam ◽  
Mohamed Abdel-Wahed ◽  
Nehal Soliman
Keyword(s):  
Synthetic Aperture Radar ◽  
Gold Mineralization ◽  
Eastern Desert ◽  
Synthetic Aperture ◽  
The South ◽  
Quartz Veins ◽  
South Eastern ◽  
Vein Formation ◽  
Band Ratios ◽  
Sar Data

Satellite-based multi-sensor data coupled with field and microscopic investigations are used to unravel the setting and controls of gold mineralization in the Wadi Beitan–Wadi Rahaba area in the South Eastern Desert of Egypt. The satellite-based multispectral and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data promoted a vibrant litho-tectonic understanding and abetted in assessing the regional structural control of the scattered gold occurrences in the study area. The herein detailed approach includes band rationing, principal component and independent component analyses, directional filtering, and automated and semi-automated lineament extraction techniques to Landsat 8- Operational Land Imager (OLI), Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER), Phased Array L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (PALSAR), and Sentinel-1B data. Results of optical and SAR data processed as grayscale raster images of band ratios, Relative Absorption Band Depth (RBD), and (mafic–carbonate–hydrous) mineralogical indices are used to extract the representative pixels (regions of interest). The extracted pixels are then converted to vector shape files and are finally imported into the ArcMap environment. Similarly, manually and automatically extracted lineaments are merged with the band ratios and mineralogical indices vector layers. The data fusion approach used herein reveals no particular spatial association between gold occurrences and certain lithological units, but shows a preferential distribution of gold–quartz veins in zones of chlorite–epidote alteration overlapping with high-density intersections of lineaments. Structural features including en-echelon arrays of quartz veins and intense recrystallization and sub-grain development textures are consistent with vein formation and gold deposition syn-kinematic with the host shear zones. The mineralized, central-shear quartz veins, and the associated strong stretching lineation affirm vein formation amid stress build-up and stress relaxation of an enduring oblique convergence (assigned as Najd-related sinistral transpression; ~640–610 Ma). As the main outcome of this research, we present a priority map with zones defined as high potential targets for undiscovered gold resources.

scholarly journals A Remote Sensing-Based Application of Bayesian Networks for Epithermal Gold Potential Mapping in Ahar-Arasbaran Area, NW Iran

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seyed Mohammad Bolouki ◽  
Hamid Reza Ramazi ◽  
Abbas Maghsoudi ◽  
Amin Beiranvand Pour ◽  
Ghahraman Sohrabi
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Bayesian Network ◽  
Hydrothermal Alteration ◽  
Gold Mineralization ◽  
Epithermal Gold ◽  
Alteration Zones ◽  
Mineral Potential ◽  
Potential Map ◽  
Bayesian Network Classifier ◽  
Hydrothermal Alteration Zones

Mapping hydrothermal alteration minerals using multispectral remote sensing satellite imagery provides vital information for the exploration of porphyry and epithermal ore mineralizations. The Ahar-Arasbaran region, NW Iran, contains a variety of porphyry, skarn and epithermal ore deposits. Gold mineralization occurs in the form of epithermal veins and veinlets, which is associated with hydrothermal alteration zones. Thus, the identification of hydrothermal alteration zones is one of the key indicators for targeting new prospective zones of epithermal gold mineralization in the Ahar-Arasbaran region. In this study, Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mapper+ (Landsat-7 ETM+), Landsat-8 and Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) multispectral remote sensing datasets were processed to detect hydrothermal alteration zones associated with epithermal gold mineralization in the Ahar-Arasbaran region. Band ratio techniques and principal component analysis (PCA) were applied on Landsat-7 ETM+ and Landsat-8 data to map hydrothermal alteration zones. Advanced argillic, argillic-phyllic, propylitic and hydrous silica alteration zones were detected and discriminated by implementing band ratio, relative absorption band depth (RBD) and selective PCA to ASTER data. Subsequently, the Bayesian network classifier was used to synthesize the thematic layers of hydrothermal alteration zones. A mineral potential map was generated by the Bayesian network classifier, which shows several new prospective zones of epithermal gold mineralization in the Ahar-Arasbaran region. Besides, comprehensive field surveying and laboratory analysis were conducted to verify the remote sensing results and mineral potential map produced by the Bayesian network classifier. A good rate of agreement with field and laboratory data is achieved for remote sensing results and consequential mineral potential map. It is recommended that the Bayesian network classifier can be broadly used as a valuable model for fusing multi-sensor remote sensing results to generate mineral potential map for reconnaissance stages of epithermal gold exploration in the Ahar-Arasbaran region and other analogous metallogenic provinces around the world.

scholarly journals Comparison of Different Multispectral Images to Map Hydrothermal Alteration Zones in Kokap, Kulon Progo

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 86
Author(s):  
Bayu Raharja ◽  
Agung Setianto ◽  
Anastasia Dewi Titisari
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Hydrothermal Alteration ◽  
Remote Sensing Data ◽  
Component Analysis ◽  
Landsat 8 ◽  
Accuracy Evaluation ◽  
Multispectral Images ◽  
Band Ratio ◽  
Alteration Zones ◽  
Sentinel 2

Using remote sensing data for hydrothermal alteration mapping beside saving time and reducing  cost leads to increased accuracy. In this study, the result of multispectral remote sensing tehcniques has been compare for manifesting hydrothermal alteration in Kokap, Kulon Progo. Three multispectral images, including ASTER, Landsat 8, and Sentinel-2, were compared in order to find the highest overall accuracy using principle component analysis (PCA) and directed component analysis (DPC). Several subsets band combinations were used as PCA and DPC input to targeting the key mineral of alteration. Multispectral classification with the maximum likelihood algorithm was performed to map the alteration types based on training and testing data and followed by accuracy evaluation. Two alteration zones were succeeded to be mapped: argillic zone and propylitic zone. Results of these image classification techniques were compared with known alteration zones from previous study. DPC combination of band ratio images of 5:2 and 6:7 of Landsat 8 imagery yielded a classification accuracy of 56.4%, which was 5.05% and 10.13% higher than those of the ASTER and Sentinel-2 imagery. The used of DEM together with multispectral images was increase the accuracy of hydrothermal alteration mapping in the study area.

Regional setting of vein-style gold mineralization around the Goldlund mine, Sandybeach Lake area, northwestern Ontario

1990 ◽  
Vol 27 (12) ◽  
pp. 1590-1608 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lesley Chorlton
Keyword(s):  
Gold Mineralization ◽  
Shear Zones ◽  
Main Body ◽  
Lake Area ◽  
Lateral Shear ◽  
Quartz Veins ◽  
Northwestern Ontario ◽  
Stage 4 ◽  
Shear Sense ◽  
Stage 1

The Sandybeach Lake area was deformed in four stages. Stage 1 produced gently south-southeast-dipping foliations at low angles to bedding. Stage 2 involved draping of these planes and formation of contact-strain aureoles related to the emplacement of granitoid stocks. Stage 3 produced doubly plunging folds, steep foliations, and shear zones, which resulted from regional transpression, with a sinistral lateral shear sense along this arm of the Wabigoon greenstone belt. Stage 4 produced minor folds and shear displacements in some places and final tightening of stage 3 folds in others, compatible with final regional convergence.Regional quartz veins, including those carrying gold, appear to have filled tensional fractures related to bulk belt-perpendicular shortening and belt-parallel extension, sinistral shear, and tightening of folds in sheetlike competent bodies. Veins and mineralization thus coincided with late stage 3 deformation, possibly overlapping stage 4.Auriferous vein occurrences at the Goldlund mine display geometries similar to those of veins in the surrounding region. The main body of auriferous vein mineralization is hosted by a thick, composite metatonalite–metadiorite sheet. The vein system of this zone likely originated during the steepening and axial-plane transposition of the southeast-dipping limb near the southwest-plunging end of a stage 3 fold.

scholarly journals Carbonic fluids in the Hamadi gold deposit, Sudan: origin and contribution to gold mineralization

2017 ◽  
Vol 54 (5) ◽  
pp. 494-511 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xi-hui Cheng ◽  
Jiu-hua Xu ◽  
Jian-xiong Wang ◽  
Qing-po Xue ◽  
Hui Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Gold Deposit ◽  
Melting Temperature ◽  
Fluid Inclusions ◽  
Gold Mineralization ◽  
Narrow Range ◽  
Shear Zones ◽  
Quartz Veins ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Homogenization Temperatures ◽  
Gold Bearing

The Hamadi gold deposit is located in North Sudan, and occurs in the Neoproterozoic metamorphic strata of the Arabian–Nubian Shield. Two types of gold mineralization can be discerned: gold-bearing quartz veins and altered rock ores near ductile shear zones. The gold-bearing quartz veins are composed of white to gray quartz associated with small amounts of pyrite and other polymetallic sulfide minerals. Wall-rock alterations include mainly beresitization, epidotization, chloritization, and carbonatization. CO2-rich inclusions are commonly seen in gold-bearing quartz veins and quartz veinlets from gold-bearing altered rocks; these include mainly one-phase carbonic (CO2 ± CH4 ± N2) inclusions and CO2–H2O inclusions with CO2/H2O volumetric ratios of 30% to ∼80%. Laser Raman analysis does not show the H2O peak in carbonic inclusions. In quartz veins, the melting temperature of solid CO2 (Tm,CO2) of carbonic inclusions has a narrow range of −59.6 to −56.8 °C. Carbonic inclusions also have CO2 partial homogenization temperatures (Th,CO2) of −28.3 to +23.7 °C, with most of the values clustering between +4.0 and +20 °C; all of these inclusions are homogenized into the liquid CO2 state. The densities range from 0.73 to 1.03 g/cm3. XCH4 of carbonic fluid inclusions ranges from 0.004 to 0.14, with most XCH4 around 0.05. In CO2–H2O fluid inclusions, Tm,CO2 values are recorded mostly at around −57.5 °C. The melting temperature of clathrate is 3.8–8.9 °C. It is suggested that the lowest trapping pressures of CO2 fluids would be 100 to ∼400 MPa, on the basis of the Th,CO2 of CO2-bearing one-phase (LCO2) inclusions and the total homogenization temperatures (Th,tot) of paragenetic CO2-bearing two-phase (LCO2–LH2O) inclusions. For altered rocks, the Tm,CO2 of the carbonic inclusions has a narrow range of −58.4 to ∼−57.0 °C, whereas the Th,CO2 varies widely (−19 to ∼+29 °C). Most carbonic inclusions and the carbonic phases in the CO2–H2O inclusions are homogenized to liquid CO2 phases, which correspond to densities of 0.70 to ∼1.00 g/cm3. Fluid inclusions in a single fluid inclusion assemblage (FIA) have narrow Tm,CO2 and Th,CO2 values, but they vary widely in different FIAs and non-FIAs, which indicates that there was a wide range of trapping pressure and temperature (P–T) conditions during the ore-forming process in late retrograde metamorphism after the metamorphism peak period. The carbonic inclusions in the Hamadi gold deposit are interpreted to have resulted from unmixing of an originally homogeneous aqueous–carbonic mixture during retrogress metamorphism caused by decreasing P–T conditions. CO2 contributed to gold mineralization by buffering the pH range and increasing the gold concentration in the fluids.

Structural setting, textures, and timing of hydrothermal vein systems in the Val d'Or camp, Abitibi, Canada: implications for the evolution of transcrustal, second- and third-order fault zones and gold mineralization

2000 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 95-114 ◽  
Author(s):  
P Neumayr ◽  
S G Hagemann ◽  
J -F Couture
Keyword(s):  
Quartz Vein ◽  
Gold Mineralization ◽  
Shear Zones ◽  
Fault Zones ◽  
Third Order ◽  
Tectonic Zone ◽  
Quartz Veins ◽  
Fluid Systems ◽  
Quartz Grains ◽  
Order Structures

In the Val d'Or camp, Archean Abitibi greenstone belt, Canada, numerous gold-mineralized second- and third-order fault zones are spatially associated with the transcrustal Cadillac Tectonic Zone (CTZ). This situation is used to test whether fluid systems in the CTZ have a similar structural timing to those in the gold-hosting structures, and hence the CTZ could represent the main fluid conduit in the camp. The transcrustal CTZ at Orenada No. 2 contains structurally complex vein systems, with mineralized quartz-tourmaline veins related to both D2 oblique-reverse faulting and F3 dextral asymmetric folding, both of which have been overprinted by unmineralized subhorizontal and subvertical quartz veins. Quartz ± tourmaline veins within second- and third-order shear zones at Paramaque and Rivière Héva also formed during D2 deformation and have been, at least at Rivière Héva, deformed by F3 asymmetric folding. In contrast, mineralized quartz vein systems at Cartier Malartic are controlled by F3 folding and overprinted by late-stage D3 faults which host late quartz-tourmaline veins. Quartz vein textures are consistent with these timing relations, because D2-controlled veins contain deformed quartz grains, whereas quartz in D3-controlled veins is unstrained. The D2 and D3 timing of mineralized quartz veins in the transcrustal CTZ and in second- and third-order structures is consistent with the notion that the CTZ represents the main fluid conduit and that mineralization occurred in linked second- and third-order structures. The different timing of quartz-tourmaline veins in different shear zones indicates that the veins were probably hydraulically linked to the CTZ during at least two different episodes. The location of Cartier Malartic structurally below the CTZ indicates that fluids travelled either downward from the main conduit or that the shear zone was part of the CTZ.

scholarly journals The geological and structural controls of gold mineralization in Qala en Nahal-Um Sagata region, South Gedarif, Sudan

2020 ◽  
Vol 59 (3) ◽  
pp. 19-26
Author(s):  
Musab Awad Ahmed HASSAN ◽  
◽  
Aleksandr Evgen’yevich KOTEL’NIKOV ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Gold Mineralization ◽  
Mineral Exploration ◽  
Structural Evolution ◽  
Absorption Spectrometry ◽  
Shear Zones ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
Geological Structure ◽  
Geological Mapping ◽  
Quartz Veins ◽  
Ophiolitic Complex

Relevance and purpose of the work. The study area is located in Gedarif state in Sudan. The ongoing work is aimed at solving fundamental problems of the geological structure of the Qala En Nahal-Um Saqata Ophiolitic Complex and applied tasks of mineral exploration. Detailed studies are being conducted for the first time in this area. The purpose of the investigation is to study the geological and structural features of the region, as well as to obtain information about the localization of gold mineralization. Methods of research. Within the study area, a geological mapping of the ophiolitic complex was carried out. It’s included an analysis of structural elements for investigation of the structural evolution and the phases of deformation. Chemical analysis of the mineralized quartz veins to determine the gold was carried out by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) technique at the ALS Laboratory in Saudi Arabia. Results of the work. The investigation of the structural evolution revealed at least three phases of deformation. The gold mineralization occurs in auriferous quartz veins, which are hosted in metavocano-sedimentary, sheared synorogenic granites and listvenites. The auriferous quartz veins are structurally controlled by dominantly NE main shear directions. Conclusions. The gold mineralization in the area can be classified shear zone related mineralization, which is formed during the final event accomplished by crustal cooling, and formation of auriferous quartz vein along shear zones. Gold concentration were recorded in both quartz veins and associates alteration rocks. The area is promising for the presence of a gold deposit.

Relationship of hydrothermal alteration to structure and stratigraphy at the Coniaurum gold mine, northern Ontario

1988 ◽  
Vol 25 (12) ◽  
pp. 2028-2040
Author(s):  
Darwin W. Piroshco ◽  
C. Jay Hodgson
Keyword(s):  
Hydrothermal Alteration ◽  
Volcanic Rocks ◽  
Shear Zones ◽  
Wall Rock ◽  
Gold Mine ◽  
Northern Ontario ◽  
Quartz Veins ◽  
Mineral Assemblages ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
Ore Zones

The gold mineralized zones of the Coniaurum mine, Porcupine camp, northeastern Ontario, are on the eastern end of the northeast-trending Hollinger–Mclntyre ore system. The ore zones are quartz–ankerite (plus accessories) veins and vein systems and associated pyritic wall rock, hosted by a sequence of mafic volcanic rocks and discordant quartz–feldspar porphyry stocks of Archean age.A least altered facies and three alteration facies can be distinguished within the mafic volcanic rocks: a chlorite facies, an ankerite facies, and a vein envelope facies. The chlorite facies is widespread, overprints the least altered facies (i.e., chlorite replaces actinolite), and hosts barren and locally mineralized quartz veins bordered by vein envelope facies alteration. The ankerite facies is coextensive with subparallel shear zones, which crosscut me axial trace of the Coniaurum anticline, and hosts most of the mineralized vein systems. Addition mineralization occurs within graphitic sediments in the crest area of the Coniaurum anticline.On the basis of the above relationships, the shear zones, hydrothermal alteration, and mineralization are interpreted to be late (i.e., syn- to post-development of the Coniaurum anticline).The mineral assemblages of the chlorite and ankerite alteration facies are interpreted as resulting from lateral gradients in [Formula: see text]. Replacement textures between minerals at the alteration facies boundaries indicate the hydrothermal system first grew outwards but later collapsed inwards and the vein envelope facies is superimposed on the more widespread ankerite and chlorite facies.

Structural controls on hypozonal orogenic gold mineralization in the La Ronge Domain, Trans-Hudson Orogen, Saskatchewan

2004 ◽  
Vol 41 (12) ◽  
pp. 1453-1471
Author(s):  
Bruno Lafrance ◽  
Larry M Heaman
Keyword(s):  
Gold Mineralization ◽  
Shear Zones ◽  
Oceanic Lithosphere ◽  
Gold Deposits ◽  
Orogenic Gold ◽  
Lake Area ◽  
Structural Controls ◽  
Quartz Veins ◽  
Metavolcanic Rocks ◽  
Orogenic Gold Mineralization

The La Ronge Domain is a granite–greenstone belt in the Saskatchewan segment of the ca. 1.9–1.8 Ga Trans-Hudson Orogen. The La Ronge volcanic arc was accreted to the Archean Hearne craton from ca. 1.87 to 1.86 Ga. Subduction of oceanic lithosphere beneath the accreted La Ronge – Hearne margin produced a voluminous suite of continental-arc intrusions. In the Waddy Lake area, the 1852.6 ± 1.5 Ma Corner Lake stock and 1859 ± 4 Ma and 1861 ± 2 Ma feldspar porphyry dykes crystallized from magmas generated from melting of the subducted oceanic slab. During the ca. 1.83–1.80 Trans-Hudson collision of the Hearne craton with the Archean Sask and Superior cratons, a penetrative regional foliation and a steeply plunging lineation formed within the La Ronge Domain. During further contraction across the domain, the deformation became localized in dextral and oblique-slip shear zones that generally follow contacts between more competent and less competent rock units. Orogenic gold mineralization is associated with quartz veins that are surrounded by hypozonal potassic and sulfidic alteration zones. The Komis gold deposit, the only past-producing gold mine in the Waddy Lake area, formed in the strain shadow of the Round Lake stock during the development of the regional foliation and lineation. Mineralization is associated with quartz veins that cut through tonalite dykes that behaved more brittlely than the surrounding metavolcanic rocks. The Golden Heart and Corner Lake gold deposits are hosted by south-side-up oblique-slip shear zones, which belong to a regional system of structures that extend from Saskatchewan to Manitoba.

scholarly journals Petrographic Characterization of Hydrothermal Gold Deposits in Adi Gozomo Area, Northwestern Tigray, Ethiopia

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 801-807
Keyword(s):  
Gold Mineralization ◽  
Tectonic Setting ◽  
Shear Zones ◽  
Gold Deposits ◽  
Sulfide Deposit ◽  
Alteration Zone ◽  
Petrographic Analysis ◽  
Metasedimentary Rocks ◽  
Quartz Veins ◽  
Basement Rocks

Gold mineralization in Adi Gozomo area in northwestern Ethiopia was studied through petrographic analysis from both surface and core rock samples. Mineralization is associated with Neoproterozoic basement rocks comprised of metavolcanic, metasedimentary rocks and intrusives. Four phases of deformation and development of NE-SW foliation and shear zones were some of the common geological structures. The hydrothermal gold deposit s cramped to shear zones, 2nd generation quartz veins, 4th phase of deformation, silisifed and carbonatized alteration zone. Based on decreasing order of abundance the ore assemblage of the area includes pyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, pyrrhotite, arsenopyrite and gold. The petrographic data indicates that the deposit is hydrothermal vein related type and an island arc tectonic setting. The mineralization is comparable with other known orogenic sulfide deposit types of the country in particular and Arabian-Nubian Shield in general.

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