Geochemical analysis of the Pingüino vein system, Patagonia, Argentina ? implications in exploration.

LOPEZ, LUCIANO; GUIDO, DIEGO; JOVIC, SEBASTIÁN; PAEZ, GERARDO; RUIZ, REMIGIO; PERMUY VIDAL, CONRADO

Mineral deposit research for a high-tech world

The Society for Geology Applied to Mineral Deposits and Geological Survey of Sweden

Lugar: UPSALA; Año: 2013; p. 833 - 836

Geochemical data from 19 of the 70 veins of the Pingüino project were analysed. The Pingüino vein system is characterized by two vein types: early polymetallic-rich veins, and late quartz-rich veins. Average vein metal values and spatial distribution of In, Au, Ag; Pb, Zn, Cu; As, Cd and Mn were determined in order to conform groups with similar geochemical behaviour. The distribution of individual elements shows a metals source indicated is the top of the interpreted Kasia dioritic intrusion, with other secondary metal sources at Kalia, Tranquilo, Luna, Fantasma, Marta Norte, Karina and Isla veins areas/intrusion. According to Ag/Au ratio and indium content three trends were identified; T1 (high In and low Ag/Au) is related to Lower Jurassic diorites and sulphide-rich veins. T2 (low to highest Au/Ag and low In values) is related to Middle Jurassic andesitic porphyries and Ag-rich quartz-rich veins. T3 veins (with intermediate In and Ag/Au values) reflects the mixing between the two main type of veins. These trends have a clear geographic association with the Kasia intrusion and show a zonation pattern. The geochemical distribution and relationship of metal sources with intrusions should be considered in future Deseado Massif exploration.