Macro-scale ore-controlling faults revealed by micro-geochemical anomalies

Area of Science:

• Economic Geology
• Geochemistry
• Structural Geology

Background:

• Understanding structural controls on mineral deposit formation is crucial for prospectivity analysis, especially in underexplored regions.
• The fractal nature of mineral deposit distribution suggests self-similarity across various spatial scales.
• Identifying specific structures controlling mineralization at different scales remains a challenge in greenfields exploration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between micro-geochemical anomalies and macro-scale structural controls in mineral deposits.
• To test the hypothesis that micro-scale patterns of ore minerals reflect larger structural trends.
• To develop a novel methodology for identifying mineral exploration targets in poorly-explored areas.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of micro-geochemical anomalies within discrete sections of the Sossego iron-oxide copper-gold (IOCG) deposit.
• Utilizing micro-geochemical data as proxies for micro-scale ore mineral patterns.
• Comparing observed micro-scale patterns with known macro-scale fault structures controlling IOCG mineralization in the Carajás Mineral Province.

Main Results:

• Micro-geochemical anomalies within the Sossego IOCG deposit exhibit trends that correlate with macro-scale faults.
• These findings demonstrate fractal-like behavior, linking micro-scale mineral distribution to large-scale structural controls.
• The study provides the first evidence of such a relationship at the Sossego deposit.

Conclusions:

• Micro-geochemical patterns can serve as indicators of macro-scale structural controls on mineralization.
• The developed methodology offers a novel approach to mineral exploration target detection in greenfields areas.
• This research enhances the understanding of structural controls on mineralization at various spatial scales.