The role of geochemistry in understanding mineral systems

Abstract

Summary The mineral system concept is a valuable framework to use for mineral exploration because it allows the user to interpret their data with more flexibility than for traditional ore deposit models. Better context is provided by a well constructed mineral deposit model because fundamental processes can be adapted to a broad range of systems. Geochemistry adds much needed detail to any mineral deposit model in three main areas: (1) immobile element geochemistry to better constrain lithological units and define a more detailed stratigraphy, (2) alteration geochemistry to quantify mass balance leading to a better understanding of hydrothermal fluid flow and potential trap sites, and (3) metal enrichment signatures and how they vary across a mineral system so that exploration can be focussed on those parts of the mineral system that have the highest likelihood of exploration success.