Metamorphism and deformation of Archean gold deposits: the importance of structural documentation in the evaluation of gold mineralization
Archean gold deposits are comparable in almost all respects to their Phanerozoic counterparts, but differ in the extent of superimposed metamorphism-deformation. In many instances this has obscured the original mode of emplacement of the gold mineralization, in that (1) the primary structural-stratigraphic setting of the mineralization is disguised by later deformation, and (2) the deposits are almost invariably metamorphosed, and blocking temperatures established on the basis of current equilibrium ore-mineral assemblages or even fluid inclusion filling-temperatures are either suspect, or represent the P-T of subsequent metamorphic events. The effects of this overprint are particularly important when evaluating mineralization emplaced pre-peak metamorphism, in consequence of which there has been little support for the presence of Archean epithermal (unconformity - related) mineralization, or of epigenetic and/or exhalative mineralization emplaced contemporaneous with volcanism. This problem is examined in some major currently-producing West Australian gold mining camps, including Norseman (3.8 M.Oz), Kambalda (1.3 M.Oz) and the Kalgoorlie Golden Mile (36 M.Oz). The solution lies in detailed structural documentation and a reconstruction of the original environment of deposition of the gold mineralization, viewed through the larger-scale perspective of greenstone-belt evolution.
- Research Organization:
- Western Mining Corporation Ltd., Kalgoorlie (West Australia)
- OSTI ID:
- 6318110
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-8510489-
- Journal Information:
- Geol. Soc. Am., Abstr. Programs; (United States), Vol. 17; Conference: 98. annual meeting of the Geological Society of America, Orlando, FL, USA, 28 Oct 1985
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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