Abstract At least 30 gold deposits verified by means of one or more notable diamond drill hole results have been discovered in Central Lapland in the last 20 years, and these can be divided spatially into groups, between which the metal composition varies. The deposits contain varying amounts of sulphides and sulpharsenides as well as gold. Pyrite is the most common sulphide mineral in the gold deposits associated with volcanic rocks, and usually pyrrhotite in those associated with sedimentary rocks. The principal sulphide minerals in those connected with banded iron formations are pyrite and arsenopyrite. A separate group of formations consists of the palaeoplacer gold deposits associated with the molasse-like quartzites and conglomerates of Central Lapland. The iron oxide-copper-gold deposits of Central Lapland, which are a significant potential source of copper and gold, are mostly associated with skarn rocks at the eastern contact of the acidic intrusive rocks of Western Lapland and with skarn rocks occurring as interlayers in metavolcanic and metasedimentary rocks. The gold deposits that have led to actual mining activities in Central Lapland are Saattopora in Kittilä and Pahtavaara in Sodankylä. Apart from the Laurinoja iron oxide-copper-gold ore body in Kolari, copper concentrate has been produced from the Saattopora gold ore deposit and the Pahtavuoma copper ore deposit. Only one gold ore in Central Lapland is being actively exploited at present, that of the Pahtavaara mine, which was worked in 1995–2000 and reopened in 2003. The best starting point for successful gold ore exploration in Central Lapland can be achieved through a thorough knowledge of the deformation zones and their structures and alteration processes and the application of geochemical methods. Magnetic surveys can be of help in identifying and locating deformation zones of interest for exploration purposes and the majority of the associated shear zones and faults. Ore-critical zones usually feature graphite-bearing schists and iron sulphide-bearing sequences that can be traced by electrical methods and used as marker zones to verify the results of geological mapping. Geological, geophysical and geochemical techniques have been used in great diversity, and in particular till geochemistry and bedrock drilling have been methods by which the gold and copper deposits in Central Lapland have been discovered. A total of 7.6 million tonnes of gold and copper ores, including the Laurinoja iron oxide-copper-gold ore, were extracted in Central Lapland over the period 1982–2000. The resulting production of gold during this period was 10 800 kg, together with 21 000 tonnes of copper in concentrates and 4500 kg of silver. The gold and copper ores have been concentrated by gravity separation and/or flotation, since the ores so far taken into production has been of the free milling type. However, a substantial proportion of the deposits in the area contain copper, nickel, cobalt and arsenic as well, in the form of sulphides or sulpharsenides, so that the achievement of commercially saleable products calls for the use of different leaching processes. Deposits have also been found in Central Lapland that have consisted partly or entirely of refractory gold ore in which gold is lying in the crystal lattice of pyrite and/or arsenopyrite, the processing of which by the above-mentioned methods is not economic, as it requires pre-treatment by bio-oxidation or pressure oxidation in order to convert the gold to a cyanide-soluble form.

La connaissance des réseaux de fractures est essentielle pour comprendre la circulation des fluides dans un réservoir. Cette thèse s’appuie sur la reconnaissance du réseau de fractures naturelles qui chenalisent les circulations à l’échelle des deux forages profonds GRT-1 et GRT-2 de Rittershoffen (Alsace, France) qui ont recoupé les sédiments gréseux triasiques et le socle granitique altéré dans le cadre d’un projet industriel de géothermie. L’étude structurale de ce réseau de fractures a été réalisée à partir d’imageries de paroi acoustiques corrélées à des diagraphies géophysiques standard tandis que l’étude pétro-minéralogique se base sur les échantillons de cuttings. Les zones de fractures perméables des puits de Rittershoffen montrent une organisation asymétrique de la perméabilité. Des fractures ouvertes à l’échelle du puits semblent agir comme des drains perméables entourés de halos d’altération hydrothermale. Ces zones de fractures sont associées à des perturbations locales du profil de température dans le puits. La présence de minéraux illitiques hétérogènes pourrait être un indicateur pour prospecter les zones de circulations actuelles et passées à l’échelle des puits. Cette étude géologique permet d’évoluer vers un modèle de forage hydrothermal possédant des connexions favorables avec le réservoir sans avoir recours à des opérations de stimulation. / The knowledge of the fracture network is a key challenge to understand the fluid circulation through a reservoir. The aim of this PhD project is to investigate the natural fracture network that channelized the hydrothermal circulations into two deep wells GRT-1 and GRT-2 at Rittershoffen (Alsace, France) that intersect Triassic sandstones and altered granitic basement in the framework of an industrial geothermal project. The structural study of the fracture network was based on acoustic image logs correlated with standard geophysical logs, whereas the mineralogical study was based on cutting samples. Permeable fracture zones of wells at Rittershoffen present an asymmetrical organization of permeability. Open fractures at the borehole scale act as fluid pathways surrounded by halos of hydrothermal alteration. These fracture zones are associated with local thermal anomalies in the temperature profiles at the borehole scale. Occurrences of heterogeneous illitic minerals could be a good indicator to prospect zones of actual and past circulations at the borehole scale.

Abstract The metamorphosed Palaeoproterozoic Orivesi gold deposit in southern Finland is located within the Tampere Schist Belt, which belongs to the Svecofennian domain. The Orivesi mine, run by Outokumpu Mining Oy, was in production from 1994 to 2003, during which time a total of approximately 1.7 million tons of ore was extracted, with an Au content of 9.31 g/t, implying a total output 13.115 tons of gold in concentrate. The hydrothermal alteration halo can be divided successively into chlorite-dominant, sericite-dominant and quartz-dominant rocks from the outer zone inwards. The host rocks of the ore are quartz rocks with andalusite-rich quartz rocks. Topaz-bearing rocks also occur in the inner part of the alteration halo. In addition to Au, the elements Ag, Te, Bi, Sb, S, As, Se, Cu, Zn, Pb, Sn and Mo are enriched to varying degrees within the alteration halo. The main ore minerals include base metal sulphides, sulphosalts and tellurides. Pyrite is the most common sulphide. The sulphosalts are represented by tetrahedrite, bournonite, boulangerite and meneghinite. The most common gold, gold-silver and silver tellurides are calaverite, montbrayite, petzite, kostovite, sylvanite and hessite. Other known tellurides include tellurobismuthite, altaite, melonite, frohbergite, tsumoite, tetradymite and rucklidgeite. Gold occurs mostly in fine-grained native grains containing an average of 5% Ag. The native gold is usually of very small grain size, generally < 20 µm. Most of the gold grains in the deposit occur as intergrowths with tellurides. The adjacent hypabyssal intrusion is an obvious source of both hydrothermal fluids and metals. A comb quartz layering has been discovered in the transition zone between the intrusion and the alteration halo. The Orivesi deposit is thought to belong to the high-sulphidation epithermal type. Soon after its formation the deposit encountered deformation and metamorphism that amounted to lower amphibolite facies conditions. The subsequent retrograde metamorphism caused the reappearance of some hydrothermal minerals typical of high-sulphidation epithermal deposits.

The Postmasburg Manganese Field (PMF), located in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa, once represented one of the largest sources of manganese ore worldwide. However, the discovery of the giant manganese deposits of the Kalahari Manganese Field (KMF) led to the gradual decline in manganese mining activity in the PMF. Two belts of manganese ore deposits have been distinguished in the PMF, namely the Western Belt of ferruginous manganese ores and the Eastern Belt of siliceous manganese ores. Prevailing models of ore formation in these two belts invoke karstification of manganese-rich dolomites and residual accumulation of manganese wad which later underwent diagenetic and low-grade metamorphic processes. For the most part, the role of hydrothermal processes in ore formation and metasomatic alteration is not addressed. The identification of an abundance of common and some rare Al-, Na-, K- and Ba-bearing minerals, particularly aegirine, albite, microcline, banalsite, sérandite-pectolite, paragonite and natrolite in the PMF ores studied in this thesis, is indicative of the influence of hydrothermal activity. Enrichments in Na, K and/or Ba in the ores are generally on a percentage level for the majority of samples analysed through bulk-rock techniques. The discovery of a Ba-Mn arsenate/vanadate similar to gamagarite may also indicate that the hydrothermal fluid affecting the ores was not only alkali-rich but also probably contained some As and V. The fluid was likely to be oxidized and alkaline in nature and is thought to have been a mature basinal brine. Various replacement textures, particularly of Na- and Krich minerals by Ba-bearing phases, suggest sequential deposition of gangue as well as oreminerals from the hydrothermal fluid, with Ba phases being deposited at a later stage. The stratigraphic variability of the studied ores and the deviation of their character from the pigeon-hole-type classification of ferruginous and siliceous ores in the literature, suggests that a re-evaluation of genetic models is warranted. The discovery of hydrothermallydeposited alkali-rich assemblages in the PMF and KMF provides grounding for further investigation into a possible regional-scale hydrothermal event at least re-constituting the ores. Some shortcomings in previous works include disregard for the highly variable nature of the PMF deposits, the effects of hydrothermal activity of the ores and the existence of stratigraphic discrepancies. This study provides a single, broad model for the development of all manganese deposits of the PMF. The source of metals is attributed to all formations that stratigraphically overly the Reivilo Formation of the Campbellrand Subgroup (including the Reivilo Formation itself). The main process by which metals are accumulated is attributed to karstification of the dolomites. The interaction of oxidized, alkaline brines with the ores is considered and the overlying Asbestos Hills Subgroup BIF is suggested as a potential source of alkali metals.

Orientadores: Roberto Perez Xavier, Antônio João Paes de Barros / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Geociências / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-18T19:24:22Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Assis_RafaelRodriguesde_M.pdf: 63971305 bytes, checksum: 10519618069ab0467e9938bc90213f76 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011 / Resumo: A Província Aurífera de Alta Floresta, porção centro-sul do Craton Amazônico, localiza-se entre os limites das províncias geocronológicas Ventuari - Tapajós (1,95-1,8 Ga) e Rio Negro - Juruena (1,8-1,55 Ga). Corresponde a uma unidade tectônica essencialmente composta por sequências plutono-vulcânicas geradas em ambiente de arcos magmáticos que se desenvolveram e se agregaram progressivamente no Paleoproterozóico. No segmento leste da província, na região que compreende os municípios de Nova Santa Helena - Peixoto de Azevedo - Guarantã do Norte - Novo Mundo (MT), rochas plutônicas e vulcânicas são as hospedeiras de mais de uma centena de depósitos auríferos que ocorrem concentrados ao longo do Cinturão Peru-Trairão, de direção NW-SW. Inseridos neste contexto, estão os depósitos Pé Quente e Francisco, alvos de estudo deste trabalho. O Depósito Pé Quente hospeda-se na suíte homônima, que compreende quartzo monzodiorito-monzodiorito a leucomonzonito, isotrópicos, inequigranulares a equigranulares. Apatita, rutilo e zircão correspondem às fases acessórias comuns na suíte. Nos arredores do depósito são individualizadas uma série de manifestações plutônicas mais tardias, não cogenéticas a Suíte Pé Quente, de composição eminentemente granítica e com biotita, hornblenda, titanita, apatita e magnetita como fases acessórias. Diques de vulcânicas são comuns na região e truncam todas as suítes supracitadas. A Suíte Pé Quente exibe afinidade geoquímica com as séries cálcio-alcalinas de médio K, metaa peraluminosas e magnesianas, semelhante aos granitos orogênicos do tipo I, enquanto que as demais suítes são cálcio-alcalinas de médio a alto K, metaluminosas e magnesianas, mas ligeiramente ferrosas. No geral, as observações petrográficas e geoquímicas indicam que essas suítes plutônicas correspondem a granitos do tipo I que teriam se originado em ambiente de arcos vulcânicos evoluindo para arcabouço pós-colisional. A Suíte Pé Quente foi submetida a expressivos estágios de alteração hidrotermal, a destacar: (i) forte alteração sódica com albita; (ii) alteração potássica com ortoclásio + microclínio; (iii) alteração sericítica; (iv) carbonatação; (v) alteração pervasiva a venular com muscovita grossa fibro-radial; (vi) silicificação com brechas e veios com textura do tipo pente subordinadas; (vii) alteração sódica fissural com quartzo + albita e; (viii) alteração propilítica mais tardia e regional. O minério no Deposto Pé Quente é representado pela paragênese pirita + barita ± hematita ± calcopirita ± galena, associada tanto à alteração sódica pervasiva mais precoce quanto à fissural (quartzo + albita). O ouro é mais frequente na alteração pervasiva, na qual ocorre incluso na pirita e exibe concentrações em Ag que variam de 14,2 a 46,3%. Estudos preliminares de inclusões fluidas na zona de minério disseminado indicam fluidos eminentemente aquo-carbônicos em coexistência com fluidos aquosos bifásicos. Os principais atributos geológicos do Depósito Pé Quente correspondem: (i) íntima associação com rochas originadas em arcabouço de arcos vulcânicos (granitos tipo I); (ii) alteração hidrotermal extensa e zonada, com oscilações nas aNa+, aK+, aH+ and aCa2+; (iii) minério que representa fluidos de natureza oxidada. Neste sentido, o Depósito Pé Quente reflete um sistema com múltiplos pulsos de fluidos hidrotermais possivelmente relacionados a estágios de desgaseificação da câmara magmática em um contínuo gradativo de rebaixamento da temperatura. A precipitação do minério aurífero teria ocorrido mediante imiscibilidade de fluidos em um sistema magmático-hidrotermal a elevadas temperaturas e ¿O2, típicos das raízes de sistemas auríferos do tipo pórfiro. O contexto geológico do Depósito do Francisco, no entanto, é distinto daquele observado no Depósito Pé Quente. A região de União do Norte, onde se localiza o Depósito do Francisco, é constituída por uma Unidade Vulcanoclástica epiclástica que aloja uma série de intrusões graníticas paleoproterozóicas. Essa unidade vulcanoclástica é composta por arenito arcoseano, arenito arcoseano lítico, grauvaca-feldspática e lentes de conglomerado polimítico matriz suportada, todos vulcanoclásticos. Esses sedimentos teriam sido provenientes da dissecação de antigos edifícios vulcânicos de composição intermediária e depositados em uma bacia de retroarco, próxima à área fonte. As suítes intrusivas são temporalmente representadas por plútons de (i) granodiorito com tonalito e quartzo monzodiorito subordinados; (ii) sieno-monzogranito e; (iii) pelo Pórfiro União do Norte, uma manifestação sub-vulcânica que consiste de álcali-feldspato granito porfirítico a monzogranito porfirítico. As duas primeiras suítes são cogenéticas e correlacionáveis à Suíte Intrusiva Matupá (1.872 ±12Ma), enquanto que o granito sub-vulcânico estaria relacionado as manifestações graníticas pós-colisionais do tipo A da Suíte Intrusiva Teles Pires (1.782 ±17 Ma a 1.757 ±16 Ma). Truncando todas essas unidades ocorrem diques de vulcânicas de composição traquibasáltica a dacítica. A litogeoquímica do Pórfiro União do Norte indica magmatismo eminentemente alcalino de alto potássico, ferroso e meta- a peraluminoso, enquanto que os diques de vulcânicas e as demais suítes plutônicas exibem afinididades geoquímicas com as séries cálcio-alcalinas de alto K, metaluminosas, magnesianas a ligeiramente ferrosas. Evidências de campo em conjunto com os dados litogeoquímicos ainda apontam para uma evolução do magmatismo com geração de rochas mais primitivas em ambiente de arcos vulcânicos (granodiorito; Suíte Intrusiva Matupá) até o alojamento de corpos altamente evoluídos (Pórfiro União do Norte; Suíte Intrusiva Teles Pires) em contexto pós-colisional. Todas essas unidades são ainda recobertas pelos sedimentos arenáceos da Formação Dardanelos, com idade máxima de deposição entre 1.987 ±4 Ma a 1.377 ±13 Ma. Na região de União do Norte desponta o Depósito do Francisco, o primeiro depósito epitermal polimetálico de intermediária sulfetação da Província Aurífera de Alta Floresta, e ao qual o ouro está associado a elevadas concentrações de metais de base (Zn+Pb±Cu). As zonas mineralizadas são representadas pela associação pirita + esfalerita + galena + hematita ± calcopirita ± magnetita ± digenita. O minério ocorre hospedado na Unidade Vulcanoclástica em veios com intensa silicificação e extenso halo de alteração sericítica. As alterações potássica, argílica e propilítica são as mais distais ao minério, sendo que as duas primeiras ocorrem intimamente associadas ao Pórfiro União do Norte. Estudos premilimares de inclusões fluidas realizados nas zonas mineralizadas indicam regime de fluidos eminentemente aquosos, com inclusões aquosas primárias que exibem heterogeneidade no grau de preenchimento pela fase de vapor (10-70%). Os principais atributos geológicos do depósito do Francisco podem ser considerados: (i) alteração hidrotermal e minério íntimamente associados a um granito sub-vulcânico (Pórfiro União do Norte) que teria se saturado em uma fase aquosa residual decorrente de sua cristalização; (ii) alunita, embora em pequenas concentrações, associadas a ocorrênicas de silica cap; (iii) minério hospedado em rochas sedimentares epiclásticas; (iv) zonas mineralizadas que frequentemente exibem texturas indicativas da percolação de fluidos em nível crustal raso; (v) minério aurífero associado tanto a elevadas concentrações de metais de base quanto de prata; (vi) paragênese do minério dominada por fases ricas em sulfetos, o que indica oscilações no estado de sulfetação do enxofre. Todas essas características são similares àquelas encontradas em depósitos epitermais polimetálicos de intermediária sulfetação. Devido à presença constante de texturas que tipificam a percolação de fluidos em nível crustal raso nas regiões internas, proximais e de contato do Pórfiro União do Norte, além da existência de apófises sub-vulcânicas intensamente sericitizadas e/ou silicificadas, é proposto que esta suíte tenha correspondido ao evento termal causativo da mineralização aurífera associada a metais de base do Depósito do Francisco. Desta forma, sugere-se que a Suíte Intrusiva Teles Pires, até o momento conhecida por ser estéril a ouro, possa ter potencial, mesmo que restrito às suas ocorrências sub-vulcânicas, para hospedar mineralizações auríferas com metais de base associados. Em adicional, o contexto pós-colisional em que o depósito se formou teria promovido a sua preservação quanto aos agentes erosivos, metamórficos e de deformação que posteriormente poderiam ter afetado e destruído o depósito. Neste contexto, a deposição do ouro no Depósito do Francisco ocorreu mediante aumento das condições de ¿O2 do fluido (precipitação de hematita) decorrente da entrada de fluidos externos e oxidantes (meteóricos), potencializada por eventos de fraturamento hidráulico quando o granito sub-vulcânico se saturou em uma fase fluida residual (expansão adiabática seguida de ebulição). As elevadas concentrações de metais de base aliadas ao processo de ebulição ainda sugerem que variações na temperatura e pH foram importantes na precipitação do minério. Neste cenário, as suítes plutônicas individualizadas neste trabalho começaram a ser geradas em um momento anterior ao magmatismo da Suíte Intrusiva Matupá (1.872 ±12Ma), com a colocação da Suíte Pé Quente. Com a continuidade do envento magmático, suítes graníticas mais evoluídas foram sendo geradas, até o alojamento da Suíte Intrusiva Teles Pires (~ 1.757 Ma), que representa a colocação de intrusões mais tardias (Pórfiro União do Norte), em plataforma continental pós-colisional (granito tipo A). A depender do modelo geotectônico adotado, o conjunto dessas suítes, portanto, teria sido criado durante a instalação dos arcos magmáticos Cuiú-Cuiú (2,1-1,9 Ga) e Juruena (1,8-1,75 Ga), ou então, no decorrer do Arco Magmático Ventuari-Tapajós (1,95 e 1,8 Ga). As informações aqui reunidas indicam que os depósitos estudados podem ser enquadrados em distintos sistemas mineralizados no modelo geral dos depósitos do tipo ouro pórfiro - epitermal, no qual a colocação de intrusões paleoproterozóicas teria correspondido às fontes geradoras de calor, fluidos e metais necessários para a instalação de um sistema magmático-hidrotermal. O Depósito Pé Quente corresponderia a um sistema de maior profundidade e temperatura, no qual a forte alteração sódica com albita, com fluidos oxidados eminentemente aquosos e aquo-carbônicos representariam as zonas mais profundas de depósitos auríferos do tipo pórfiro. Em contraste, o Depósito do Francisco seria correlato às mineralizações de níveis crustais mais raros, com grande aporte de fluidos meteóricos, e relativamente distais de intrusivas félsicas. Deste modo, as mineralizações auríferas com metais de base associados seriam equivalentes aos depósitos epitermais polimetálicos de intermediária sulfetação. / Abstract: The Alta Floresta Gold Province, eastern portion of the Amazon Craton, extends between the Ventuari - Tapajós (1.95 to 1.8 Ga) and Rio Negro - Juruena (1.8 to 1.55 Ga) geochronological provinces. This provinces represents a tectonic unit composed primarily of plutono-volcanic sequences generated in continental arc settings during the Paleoproterozoic. At the easternmost segment of the province, in region that comprises the districts of Nova Santa Helena - Peixoto de Azevedo - Guarantã do Norte - Novo Mundo (MT), a significant number of gold deposits are distributed along a NW-SW striking belt (Peru - Trairão belt). Within this belt, the Pé Quente and Francisco gold deposits, currently exploited by local prospectors (garimpeiros), are the main case studies of this work. The Pé Quente deposit is hosted by the Pé Quente Suite that consists of quartz-monzodiorite to leucomonzonite with apatite, rutile and zircon as accessory phases. Several other later granitic intrusions occur in the vicinity of the deposit, but geological relationships and geochemical data suggest neither genetic nor temporal links to the Pé Quente Suite. These suites are mainly granitic composition and have biotite, hornblende, titanite, apatite and magnetite as accessory phases. Volcanic dikes are often in the area and crosscut all these plutonic suites. The Pé Quente suite exhibits geochemistry affinities to the medium-K, calc-alkaline, meta- to peraluminous and magnesian granitic series, thus similar to the I-type orogenic granites, whereas the other suites are medium to high-K, metaluminous and magnesian, but slightly ferroan. Additionally, petrographic and geochemical data indicate that these rocks correspond to I-type granitic series that probably had been generated in a volcanic arc setting that have also evolved to a post-collisional one. The Pé Quente Suite has been affected by the following hydrothermal alteration types (temporal sequence): (i) strong sodic alteration with albite; (ii) potassic alteration with orthoclase and microcline; (iii) sericitic alteration; (iv) carbonate alteration represented by calcite; (v) pervasive to venular coarse muscovite alteration; (vi) silicification with breccias and comb-texture quartz veins; (vii) fissural sodic alteration that consists of quartz + albite and; (viii) later and regional propylitic alteration. The ore zones comprise pyrite + barite ± hematite ± chalcopyrite ± galena that are related to both earlier sodic alteration and later veins with quartz and albite. Gold generally occurs as small inclusions within pyrite and shows Ag concentrations that range from 14.2 to 46.3%. Preliminary studies of fluid inclusions within the disseminated ore-zones indicate carbonic fluids that coexisting with aqueous biphasic. The main geological feautures of this deposit are: (i) close association with rocks that have been originated in the onset of volcanic arcs (granite type I), (ii) widespread and zoned hydrothermal alteration, with oscillations in aNa+, aK+, aH+ and aCa2 +; (iii) ore that represents oxidized fluids. Therefore, the Pé Quente deposit is interpreted to have been formed from multiple pulses of hydrotermal fluids, possibly generated by episodes of magma degassing. The ore precipitation might have taken place by fluid immiscibility within a high-temperature and high-¿O2 system, similar to those related to root zones of porphyry systems. Very dissimilar from the Pé Quente gold deposit, the Francisco gold deposit, in the União do Norte region, is hosted by an epiclastic volcaniclastic unit that is crosscut by a series of Paleoproterozoic granitic intrusions. This unit contains mainly feldspathic-arenite and feldspathic-wake, besides lenses of matrix-supported conglomerate, both volcaniclastics. The sediments that compose the rocks of this unit have possibly derived from the erosion of old volcanic centers of intermediate composition in a active continental setting. Furthermore, the sediments might have been deposited in a retroarc basin, near to the source-area. The intrusive suites are sequentially represented by: (i) granodiorite with tonalite and quartz-monzodiorite subordinate; (ii) sieno- to monzogranite and; (iii) União do Norte Porphyry, a subvolcanic manifestation that comprises porphyritic alkali-feldspar granite and porphyritic monzogranite. The firt two suites are tentatively correlated with the Matupá Intrusive Suite (1.872 ±12Ma), whereas the porphyry could be related to the post-collisional A-type granitic rocks from the Teles Pires Intrusive Suite (1.782 ±17 Ma to 1.757 ±16 Ma). Mafic to felsic volcanic dikes that consist of trachybasalt, basaltic-trachyandesite, andesite and dacite crosscut both the volcaniclastic unit and the granitic suites. Litogeochemical data from the União do Norte Porphyry indicate that this suite represents an alkaline, high-K, magnesian to ferroan, meta- to slightly peraluminous magmatism, whereas the volcanic dikes and the two other plutonic suites exhibit geochemical affinities with to the calc-alkaline, high-K, metaluminous and magnesian to slightly ferroan series. Additionally, field and geochemical data indicate that the granitic suites represent a magmatic series that were probably formed in the onset of a volcanic arc setting, manly with granodioritic rocks (Matupá Intrusive Suite), which evolved to the emplacement of highly-evolved granitic rocks, such as the União do Norte Porphyry (Teles Pires Intrusive Suite) in a postcollisional setting. All these units are still overlain by arenaceous sediments of the Dardanelos Formation (1.987 ±4Ma to 1.377 ±13Ma). In this geological setting, the Francisco deposit represents the first intermediate-sulfidation epithermal gold mineralization associated with base metals (Zn+ Pb±Cu) in the Alta Floresta Gold Province. Pyrite + sphalerite + galena + chalcopyrite ± hematite ± magnetite ± digenite represent the ore zones, hosted at the Volcanilcasto unit. The ore occurs in veins with strong silicification and extensive sericitic halo. The potassic (ortoclase ± hematite ± quartz ± biotite), argillic (kaolinite + sericite + quartz ± hematite), propilitic (chlorite + epidote + magnetite ± actinolite ±calcite ± apatite ± pyrite ± chalcopyrite ± quartz ± shalerite ± margarite) alterations, plus the late-hematite veins, correspond to the distal hydrothermal alterations to the ore zone. The potassic and argililic alterations generally are closely associated to the União do Norte Porphyry. Preliminary studies of fluid inclusions within the ore zones indicate the presence of an aqueous fluid system represented by primary aqueous inclusions with heterogeneity in the vapor-phase filling degree (10-70%). The main geological feautures of the deposit are: (i) hydrothermal alteration and ore closely associated with a subvolcanic granite (União do Norte Porphyry) that could have saturated in an residual aqueous fluid phase due to its crystallization; (ii) alunite, although in small concentrations, associated to the occurrences of silica cap; (iii) ore zones hosted in epiclastic sedimentary rocks; (iv) ore zones that often exhibit textures that indicate fluid percolation at shallow crustal level; (v) gold ore associated either to high concentration of base metals and silver; (vi) ore paragenesis dominated by phases rich in sulfides that are indicative of oscillations in the sulfidation state of the sulfur. All these feautures are similar to those found in epithermal polymetallic deposits of intermediate sulfidation. Due to the constant presence of textures that typify the percolation of fluids in shallow crustal level in the inner, proximal and contact regions of the Porphyry North Union, besides the existence of subvolcanic apophyses strongly sericitized and/or silicified, it is proposed that this suite has been responsible by the causative thermal event of gold mineralization associated with base metals at the Francisco deposit. Therefore, it is suggested that the Teles Pires Intrusive Suite, so far known to be barren of gold mineralizations, may have potencial, even if restricted to occurrences of the subvolcanic from this suite, to host gold mineralizations with associated base metals. In addition, the post-collisional setting in which the deposit have been formed would have promoted its preservation from the later erosion, metamorphism and deformation events, which could have affected and destroyed the deposit. The ore precipitation might have taken place by increase in the ¿O2 of the fluid (hematite precipitation), possibly due to influx of oxidizing external fluids (meteoric) after hydraulic fracturing events when the subvolcanic granite had been oversaturated in a residual aqueous fluid phase. The high concentrations of base metals suggest that the variations on the temperature and pH of the fluid could have been an important key in the formation of the mineralized ore zones. In this context, the identified plutonic suites around the Pé Quente and Francisco would have been initially formed before the magmatic event that resulted in the Matupá Intrusive Suite (1.872 ±12Ma), with the emplacement of the Pé Quente suite. With the continuity of the magmatic event, more evolved granitic suites would have been created by the emplacement of the Teles Pires Intrusive Suite (~ 1757 Ma), which represents the later intrusions (União do Norte Porphyry) within a post-collisional setting. Therefore, depending on the tectonic model adopted, all of these suites would have been created during the installation of the magmatic arc Cuiú-Cuiú (2.1-1.9 Ga) and Juruena (1.8-1.75 Ga), or then, during the Ventuari-Tapajós Magmatic Arc (1.95 to 1.8 Ga). In this scenario, the Pé Quente and Francisco deposits could be classified as different mineralizing systems within the general model of gold-porphyry - epithermal, which the emplacement of Paleoproterozoic granitic intrusions may have served as source of heat, fluids and metals to the installation of the magmatic-hydrothermal system. The Pé Quente deposit, for instance, could correspond a system of greater depth and higher temperature, where the strong pervasive albite alteration plus highly oxidized-aqueous and carbonic fluids represent the root zones of porphyry gold deposits. The Francisco deposit, however, could be correlated to mineralization nested in shallow crustal levels with great influx of meteoric fluids and relatively distal from felsic intrusive subvolcanic granite. Therefore, the Francisco deposit could be similar to the polymetallic epithermal deposits of intermediate-sulfidation. / Mestrado / Metalogenese / Mestre em Geociências

Orientador: Roberto Perez Xavier / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Geociências / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-28T02:16:57Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Trevisan_VeronicaGodinho_M.pdf: 12082378 bytes, checksum: 8a62864dd0b76538367589ff9f11e172 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015 / Resumo: O setor leste da Província Aurífera de Alta Floresta, Cráton Amazônico, Brasil, hospeda um grande número de depósitos de ouro na forma de veios, sistemas de veios em stockwork e disseminados associados à sequências plutôno-vulcânicas paleoproterozóicas, incluindo os depósitos filonares de Au + metais base Luiz e Au ± Cu Paraíba e Pezão. Descrição de testemunhos de sondagem, petrografia e geocronologia U-Pb SHRIMP IIe em zircão permitiram a caracterização dos diferentes atributos geológicos desses depósitos. A rocha hospedeira do depósito Paraíba é representada por biotita tonalito, enquanto que nos depósitos Luiz e Pezão corresponde a um biotita granodiorito intrudido por feldspato-pórfiro e sienogranito cortado por quartzo-pórfiro, respectivamente. As zonas de metassomatismo incluem as alterações clorítica, potássica com biotita e sericítica e, em direção aos setores distais, alterações potássica com K-feldspato e propilítica, preenchimento por carbonato, silicificação + preenchimento por quartzo e, vênulas pós-mineralização compostas por quartzo, carbonato, epidoto, sericita e/ou clorita. O veio de quartzo aurífero dos três depósitos apresenta textura maciça, enquanto que nos depósitos Luiz e Pezão é comum a ocorrência de texturas de preenchimento de espaços vazios em veios de quartzo e/ou quartzo + carbonato não mineralizados. As zonas mineralizadas do depósito Paraíba e Pezão são representadas por pirita + calcopirita, enquanto que no depósito Luiz a paragênese do minério é caracterizada por pirita + esfalerita + galena ± calcopirita. O regime de fluidos nas zonas de minério do depósito Paraíba é representado essencialmente por fluidos aquo-carbônicos, enquanto que nos depósitos Luiz e Pezão por fluidos aquosos bifásicos de baixa salinidade. Análises U-Pb SHRIMP IIe em zircão das rochas hospedeiras e feldspato-pórfiro Luiz forneceram idades de cristalização entre 2,01 e 1,97 Ga. A evolução do sistema hidrotermal dos depósitos indica redução da temperatura e incremento da ¿O2 e pH dos fluidos mineralizantes. A precipitação do minério no depósito Paraíba deve estar relacionada com o processo de imiscibilidade e interações fluido-rocha, enquanto que nos depósitos Luiz e Pezão pode ser atribuída a expansão adiabática seguida por boiling. A integração dos dados sugere que o depósito Paraíba se formou em um nível crustal mais profundo, enquanto que os depósitos Luiz e Pezão em níveis crustais mais rasos. A estreita relação espacial com plútons graníticos sugere que os depósitos Paraíba, Luiz e Pezão possam representar sistemas magmático-hidrotermais que se desenvolveram a partir da cristalização de corpos sub-vulcânicos (e.g. pórfiros), considerados com a possível fonte de fluidos, calor e metais para estes sistemas. Neste contexto, o depósito Paraíba pode ser considerado como um sistema filonar rico em ouro-quartzo hospedado por intrusões, enquanto que os depósitos Luiz e Pezão podem representar sistemas mineralizados similares a depósitos epitermais polimetálicos de sulfuração intermediária e rico em ouro-cobre de baixa sulfuração, respectivamente. Embora a idade da mineralização seja ainda desconhecida nos três depósitos, as relações geológicas entre as hospedeiras, os corpos sub-vulcânicos e zonas de minério, combinadas com os dados geocronológicos obtidos neste estudo e disponíveis na literatura, abrem a possibilidade de que a metalogênese do ouro no setor leste da província não esteja restrita a um único evento intrusivo (1.787 ± 3.2 a 1.786 ± 1 Ma), mas apontam para a possível existência de pelo menos dois eventos mineralizantes (~1.78 e ~1.97 Ga). Os dados geocronológicos U-Pb SHRIMP em zircão obtidos neste estudo sugerem a correlação das rochas graníticas hospedeiras com o primeiro evento magmático (1.98 a 1.97 Ga) do setor leste da província, ou mesmo a expansão desse intervalo de idades / Abstract: The easternmost sector of the Alta Floresta Gold Province, Amazon Craton, Brazil, hosts a significant number of disseminated, stockwork and vein-type gold deposits associated with paleoproterozoic plutonic-volcanic sequences, including the Luiz Au + base metals and the Paraíba and Pezão Au ± Cu vein-type deposits. Description of drill cores, petrography and U-Pb sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe (SHRIMP) IIe zircon geochronology allowed the characterization of the different geological attributes of these three deposits. At the Paraíba deposit the host lithotype is represented by biotite tonalite, whereas at the Luiz and Pezão deposits the host rocks encompass a biotite granodiorite intruded by a feldspar-porphyry and a syenogranite truncated by a quartz-porphyry, respectively. Metasomatic zones include chloritic, sericitic and potassic (biotite) alteration, and, outwards from the ore zones, carbonate infill, silicification plus quartz infill, potassic (K-feldspar) and propylitic alteration, besides post-mineralization quartz, carbonate, epidote, sericite and/or chlorite veinlets. The auriferous quartz veins in all deposits display massive texture, whereas barren quartz and/or quartz + carbonate veins at the Luiz and Pezão deposits commonly display open-space filling textures. Ore zones at Paraíba and Pezão deposits are represented by pyrite + chalcopyrite, whereas at Luiz deposit is characterized by pyrite + sphalerite + galena ± chalcopyrite. Fluid regime at the Paraíba ore zones encompasses aqueous-carbonic fluids, whereas at the Luiz and Pezão deposits are essentially characterized by low salinity two-phase aqueous fluids. U-Pb SHRIMP IIe zircon analysis of host rocks and Luiz feldspar-porphyry provided crystallization ages between 2,01 and 1,97 Ga. The evolution of the hydrothermal systems of these three deposits indicates a decrease in temperature and an increase in ¿O2 and pH of the fluid. Ore precipitation at the Paraíba deposit would be related to a combination of immiscibility process and fluid-rock interactions, while at the Luiz and Pezão deposits can be attributed to adiabatic expansion followed by boiling process. Data integration suggest that the Paraiba deposit may have originated at deeper crustal levels, whereas the Luiz and Pezão deposits would be positioned at shallower crustal levels. The close spatial relationship with granitic plutons suggests that the Paraíba, Pezão and Luiz deposits may be genetically linked to magmatic-hydrothermal systems, which developed as a result of the crystallization of sub-volcanic rocks (e.g. porphyries), considered as the possible source of fluids, heat and metals for these systems. In this context, the Paraíba deposit can be classified as an intrusion-hosted gold-quartz vein system, whereas the Luiz and Pezão deposits may represent mineralized systems similar to intermediate sulfidation polymettalic and low sulfidation gold-copper-bearing epithermal deposits, respectively. Although the mineralization ages are still unknown for these three deposits, the geological relationships between host and sub-volcanic rocks and ore zones, combined with geochronological data from this study and from literature, open the possibility that gold metallogeny within the province is not restricted to a single paleoproterozoic intrusive event (1.787 ± 3.2 to ± 1.786 1 Ma), but point to the possible existence of at least two mineralizing events (~ 1.78 and ~ 1.97 Ga). The U-Pb zircon geochronological data from this study suggest the correlation of the granitic rocks to the first magmatic event (1.98 to 1.97 Ga) in the easternmost portion of the province, or even an expansion of this age interval / Mestrado / Geologia e Recursos Naturais / Mestra em Geociências

[pt] Com base nos frequentes relatos de problemas associados à alteração hidrotermal, durante a escavação de túneis na cidade do Rio de Janeiro, com destaque para a ação de argilas expansivas e/ou minerais secundários, decidiu-se estudar profundamente os aspectos petrográficos-genéticos básicos das rochas que afloram num túnel da região de Jacarepaguá e avaliar até que ponto a influência da alteração hidrotermal favorece as modificações de resistência dos maciços que afloram naquela região. Para isso foram realizadas investigações detalhadas das amostras coletadas dentro do túnel e no bota fora. No laboratório as amostras foram submetidas à análise petrográfica na lupa e microscópio, análises por difração de raios-x e ensaio de resistência. Foram estabelecidas correlações entre as transformações químicas mineralógicas ocorridas nos litotipos que afloram no túnel com a sua resistência. Com os resultados obtidos foi constatada a importância da alteração hidrotermal nos projetos de túneis e desta forma pode-se concluir que pequenas abordagens geológicas podem minimizar vários problemas de engenharia. / [en] Based on the frequent problems of reports associated with hydrothermal alteration, during the excavation of tunnels in the city of Rio de Janeiro, especially the action of swelling clays and/or secondary mineral, it decided to deeply study the basic aspects petrographic-genetic this rocks appear in the tunnel of Jacarepaguá region and assess to what extent the influence of hydrothermal alteration favors changes massive resistance that appear in the region. For that were conducted detailed investigations of the samples collected in the tunnel and the slag heap. In the laboratory, the samples were subjected to petrographic analysis on the magnifying glass and microscope, analysis by diffraction of x-rays and strength test. Correlations were established between the mineralogical chemical transformations in rock types that appear in the tunnel with their resistance. With the results, it was found the importance of hydrothermal alteration in the projects of tunnels and thus it can be concluded that small geological approaches can minimize various engineering problems.

Les gisements de sulfures massifs encaissés dans les massifs hercyniens marocains des Jebilets et Guemassa sont de type (VMS) déformés et métamorphisés. Il manque toutefois une évaluation de la contribution de cette déformation à leur structuration actuelle, et l’éventuel impact de celle-ci sur le plan économique et en termes d’exploration. Par conséquent, cette contribution vise principalement à définir le contexte structural de ces minéralisations, en vue d’en déduire un modèle structural relatif au VMS de Hajjar.Le VMS de Hajjar, appartenant au domaine des Guemassa (Meseta occidentale). Il est encaissé dans des terrains d’origine volcanosédimentaire composés de pélites, de grès et de lentilles et barres calcaires intrudés par des sills et dykes felsique et basique. Les principaux corps volcaniques correspondent aux dômes rhyolitiquesLe gisement de Hajjar est composé de 3 corps minéralisés : le corps principal (CP), le corps Nord-Est (CNE) et les corps ouest et extrême ouest descenderie (CWD, CEWD). Le gisement de Hajjar est affecté par un seul plan XY d’aplatissement subvertical de directions N0 à N45. L’encaissant et les corps sulfurés présentent les mêmes assemblages métamorphiques silicatés, qui présentent soit une texture granoblastique « statique » lorsque la déformation est faible, soit des caractéristiques prés à syn-tectoniques lorsque la schistosité est fortement exprimée. La texture, les formes des biotites et d'andalousites (± cordiérite suspectée) sont typiques du métamorphisme de contact HT / BP des faciès de cornéennes. L'assemblage syntectonique est composé de quartz + chlorite + micas blancs (± calcite), et remplace partiellement les anciennes biotites et andalousites. Les données de surface du bloc N'Fis montrent la présence d'un seul plan XY subvertical orienté N130. Les biotites du métamorphisme de contact sont allongées parallèlement à la schistosité. L’ensemble des données indiquent que le VMS de Hajjar et le bloc N'Fis sont affectés par une seule schistosité qui est synchrone d’un métamorphisme de contact de HT / BP. La virgation importante de la schistosité des affleurements d'Imarine au VMS de Hajjar est dû à une importante zone de cisaillement - transpressive de direction ENE-WSW. Près de la mine Hajjar, une telle zone de cisaillement à l’échelle régionale est reconnue pour la première fois, et constitue une caractéristique structurale-clé du district de Hajjar.La minéralisation de Hajjar est fortement déformée et métamorphisée. Elle est affectée par le plissement, la schistosité et la mylonitisation dans un contexte cisaillant. Les structures minéralisées stratiformes sous forme de rubans riches en pyrrhotite précèdent clairement la déformation et le métamorphisme de contact. D’autres structures minéralisés riche en (Zn, Cu, Pb) présentent un rubanement tectonique issu de la remobilisation par fluide de la minéralisation précoce Le stade précoce est caractérisé par la précipitation de la pyrrhotite, pyrite, arsénopyrite, sphalérite et la galène, alors que le stade syncinématique constitue l’événement concentrateur majeur caractérisé par la dissolution et la recristallisation de la paragenèse précoce avec un enrichissement en Zn, Cu. Le stade tardif post-cinématique est responsable la néoformation de sulfures, à savoir la chalcopyrite, la pyrite et quelques traces de sphalérite.Nous avons mis en évidence un épaississement tectonique dans les zones de charnières. Le métamorphisme pré à syntectonique favorise le comportement ductile et la recristallisation des sulfures (Po, Cpy et Sph). Les veines triangulaires polymétalliques à l'extrémité des lentilles de sulfures massifs sont le témoin d'une remobilisation hydrothermale assistée par un fluide pendant la déformation. L’ensemble de nos études débouche sur la proposition d’un modèle 3D tectonométamorphique pour le VMS des Guemassa et des propositions pour rechercher des extensions de la minéralisation. / The massive sulphide deposits hosted in the Moroccan Hercynian massifs of Jebilets and Guemassa are Volcanogenic Massive Sulfide (SMV), deformed and metamorphosed. However, an assessment of the contribution of this deformation to their current structure and the eventual impact on the economy and in terms of exploration is missing. Therefore, this contribution aims mainly to define the structural context of these mineralizations, in order to deduce a structural model relating to Hajjar's VMS.The VMS of Hajjar, belonging to the domain of Guemassa (Western Meseta). It is hosted in volcanosedimentary terrain composed of pelites, sandstones and lentils and limestone bars intruded by felic and basic sills and dykes. The main volcanic bodies correspond to the rhyolitic plugs.The Hajjar deposit is composed of 3 mineralized bodies: main body (CP); north-eastern body (CNE); western body (CWD) and extreme western body(CEWD.). The Hajjar deposit is affected by a single XY plane of subvertical flattening of directions N0 to N45. The host rock and sulphide bodies have the same silicate metamorphic assemblages, which exhibit either a "static" granoblastic texture when the strain is low or pre to syn-tectonic features when the foliation is strongly expressed. The texture shapes, and aggregates of the biotite and andalousite (± suspected cordierite) are typical of HT/LP “contact” metamorphism in the hornfels facies. The syn-tectonic assemblage is composed of quartz + chlorite + white micas (± calcite) and partially replaced the former biotite and andalousite blasts. The data from the N’Fis block show the occurrence of a single sub-vertical XY plane oriented N130. The biotites of contact metamorphism are elongated parallel to the foliation. These data imply that the Hajjar MSD and the N’Fis block are affected by a single foliation which encompasses a HT/LP contact metamorphism. The significant inflexion of foliation from Imarine outcrops to Hajjar VMS is due to major right-lateral ENE-trending transpressive shear zone at Hajjar. Near the Hajjar mine, such a regional shear zone is recognized for the first time, and is a structural key feature of the Hajjar district.The mineralization of Hajjar is strongly deformed and metamorphosed. It is affected by folding, foliation and mylonitic bands within a regional scale shear zone. Structures such as pyrrhotite-rich ribbons clearly pre-date the deformation and the HT/LP contact metamorphism. The early stage is characterized by the precipitation of pyrrhotite, pyrite, arsenopyrite, sphalerite, and galena, whereas the synkinematic stage constitutes major concentrator event characterized by the dissolution and recrystallization of early paragenesis with enrichment in Zn, Cu. The late post-kinematic stage is responsible for the neoformation of sulphides, namely chalcopyrite, pyrite and some traces of sphalerite.We have demonstrated a tectonic thickening within the fold hinge zone. pre-syntectonic metamorphism favors ductile behavior and sulfide recrystallization (Po, Cpy, and Sph). The polymetallic veins argue for hydrothermal fluid-assisted remobilization during deformation. All of our studies lead to the proposal of a 3D tectono-metamorphic model for the VMS of Guemassa and proposals to search extensions of the mineralization.

La zone de Vieux-Habitants rassemble les indices permettant de supposer la présence d’un système hydrothermal de haute température. Les données géophysiques acquises pour la prospection de ce système ne suffisent pas à sa compréhension qui nécessite l’analyse d’analogues. Pour proposer un modèle de système géothermique de cette zone, une analyse multiscalaire de la déformation fragile et une caractérisation des propriétés pétrophysiques des formations volcaniques ont été ménées sur trois paléo systèmes. L’analyse des populations de fractures montre que leur organisation n’est pas régie par une seule loi mathématique. Les faciès volcano-sédimentaires sont peu déformés ou de manière très localisée contrairement aux laves dont les densités de fracturation sont fortes. L’analyse de la distribution des faciès hydrothermalisés par rapport à ces structures indique qu’à l’échelle kilométrique, certaines intersections de failles contrôlent le drainage des fluides et localisent les zones d’altération hydrothermale prononcée. Les faciès sont divisés en grands groupes en fonction de leur nature et de leur degré d’altération. Ils montrent une grande variabilité des propriétés pétrophysiques. A l’état sain, les laves d’une part et les faciès pyroclastiques et de coulées de débris d’autre part, constituent deux groupes bien distincts. L’altération hydrothermale induit une restructuration totale du squelette matriciel et du réseau poreux. Elle permet une forte atténuation du signal magnétique et le développement d’un groupe ayant des propriétés réservoirs intermédiaires en diminuant les propriétés réservoirs des dépôts volcano-sédimentaires et en améliorant celles des laves. Le modèle de réservoir ainsi disponible conjugue des éléments structuraux et des hétérogénéités lithologiques permettant le transfert rapide des fluides, alors que les propriétés matricielles d’origines primaire et secondaire vont plutôt contrôler les propriétés de stockage de fluide et de chaleur. / The Vieux-Habitants area gathers indicators allowing to suppose a high-temperature hydrothermal system. The interpretation of geophysical data acquired for the exploration of this system requires the analysis of analogues. Several hydrothermal paleo-systems were studied in order to propose a conceptual model of a geothermal system for the Vieux-Habitants area. Studies of these analogues are based on a multi-scale study of the brittle deformation and a petrophysical characterization of the different volcanic rocks. The organization of fractures indicates the occurrence of a characteristic scale for each level of observation. Volcano-sedimentary units are far less deformed compared to highly fractured lavas. The brittle deformation in volcano-sedimentary deposits is highly localized in fractured corridors. Some fault intersections control major fluid flow at the kilometer scale. Moreover, the most hydrothermalized rocks are localized in the vicinity of these intersections. Volcanic rocks are divided according to their mechanism of formation (lava, debris flow…) and their degree of alteration. They exhibit strong heterogeneities of petrophysical properties. Fresh rocks are separated in two distinct groups, on one side lavas and on the other side debris flows and pyroclastic deposits. Hydrothermal alteration produces mineralogical replacements involving a complete reorganization of both the matrix skeleton and the pore network. It is marked by a removal of magnetic signal, an increase of porosity and permeability in lavas and a decrease of these properties in debris flows and pyroclastic deposits. Therefore, hydrothermalized rocks form a group with intermediate reservoir properties between the two groups of fresh rocks. The reservoir model combines both structural components and lithological heterogeneities that allow an efficient fluid transfer, whereas the matrix properties of primary and secondary origins will rather control the fluid and heat storage properties.

Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2005. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The availability of multispectral data from the satellite-borne ASTER (Advanced Space borne Thermal Emission Reflection Radiometer) sensor with 14 spectral bands, launched on 18 December 1999, ushers in a new dimension in large-scale mineral exploration. The ASTER bands are strategically positioned to map distinctive absorptive features for mapping alteration mineralogy, which has increased the potential to map hydrothermal alteration zones as compared to the conventional Landsat TM satellite and aerial photographs. This research tests the ability of ASTER to map hydrothermal alteration zones by applying various image enhancement techniques and comparing them. The study area is the Haib copper prospect in Namibia. The Crosta technique, standard colour composites, spectral band ratioing, the software defoliant technique, log residuals and spectral linear unmixing were applied and compared against results from the previous detailed geophysical and geochemical exploration. The results from all the techniques corresponded with published geological maps from previous work and indicated ASTER's ability to detect alteration zonations. Comparison of the methods applied showed that choice of technique is usually dependent of the level of detail which one seeks to achieve. Standard colour composite and log residuals are more useful for a generalized overview of the alteration mineralogy, whilst uniquely defining mineral end members is achieved by application of the Crosta technique, ratioing and spectral linear unmixing. Application of the software defoliant techniques involved ratioing results, which are affected by spectral interferences from other minerals. The presence of a highly fractured system has been established by application of Sobel filtering. A spatial association of the extracted fracture system with alteration areas suggest mineralization at the Haib is fracture controlled. The results support the presence of argillicphyllic and prophylitic alteration zones on a regional scale, a scenario which can be equated to the Lowell-Guilbert model. The potassic-phyllic zone boundary could not be spectrally detected which also supports previous studies which suggest the potassic zone is nondefinitive and is over-printed by the phyllic zone. The results demonstrate that ASTER is an effective tool to map hydrothermal alteration systems in arid areas. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Multispektrale data van die ASTER (' Advanced Space Borne Thermal Emmission Reflection Radiometer') sensors bestaande uit 14 spektrale bande, afkomstig van 'n satelliet gelanseer op 18 Desember 1999 lui 'n nuwe era in vir grootskaalse minerale eksplorasie. Die ASTER bande is strategies sodanig op die spektrum geposisioneer om onderskeidende absorberende verskynsels van veranderde mineralisasie te identifiseer. Hierdie data het die potensiaal verhoog om hidrotermale veranderingstelsels meer suksesvol te karteer as met konvensionele Landsat TM beelde en lugfotos. Hierdie navorsing toets die vermoeëns van ASTER om hidrotermale veranderingstelsels te karteer deur 'n wye reeks beeldverrykings tegnieke toe te pas en te vergelyk. Die studiegebied IS die Haib koperafsetting in Namibië. Die Crosta tegniek, standaard kleursamestellings ('colour composites'), ratio-tegnieke, plantegroeistroping ('software defoiliant'), log residuele ('log residual '), en spektrale lineêre ontmenging ('spectral linear unmixing') is toegepas en die resultate met vorige gedetailleerde geofisiese en geo-chemiese veldopnames te vergelyk. Die verkreë resultate van al die verskillende tegnieke het grootliks met gepubliseerde geologiese kaarte van die gebied ooreengestem en bevestig dat ASTER data geskik is om sulke mineralogies veranderde gebiede te karteer. Vergelykings tussen die tegnieke het getoon dat die keuse van tegniek bepaal word deur die vlak en tipe detail wat verlang word. Standaard kleursamestellings en die log residuele tegnieke lewer goeie resultate om veralgemeende oorsigte van mineralogies veranderde sones te verskaf, terwyl die Crosta-, ratio- en spektrale lineêre ontmengingstegnieke meer suksesvol is om spesifieke minerale te identifiseer. Die plantegroei stropingtegniek is nodig in gevalle waar spektrale ratios deur plantegroeiresponse geaffekeer word. Die aanwesigheid van 'n intensief gefraktuurde sisteem is bepaal deur 'n Sobel filter toe te pas. Ruimtelike assosiasies tussen die voorkoms van die gefraktuurde sone met en die minealogies gewysigde sones dui aan dat mineralogiese wysiging in die Haib gebied deur frakturering beheer is. Die resultate steun die aanwesigheid van argillities-fillitiese enpropolities gewysigde sones op 'n streekskaal, 'n scenario wat deur die Lowell-Guilbertmodel voorgehou word. Die grense van die kalium-fillitiese sone kon nie spektraal waargeneem word nie. Dit steun ook vorige studies wat suggereer dat die kaliumsone nieafbakenbaar is en waarskynlik deur die fillitiese sone oorlê word. Die resultate bevestig onomwonde dat ASTER data benut kan word om hidrotermaal veranderde sones in semiariede gebiede effektief te karteer.