Structural analysis of the Pingüino vein system, Deseado Massif, Argentina

JOVIC, SEBASTIÁN

2012-01-01/2012-10-10

1-45

Análisis estructural de mineralizaciones

Rec.Nat.No Renov.-Minerales metalicos

The main objective of this structural analysis applied to mineralisation is to identify how deformation influenced the enhancement or decrease of permeability in rocks, both spatially and over time. Structural geology does not aim to predict the concentration of ores and therefore cannot predict the location of mineraldeposits. Nonetheless, by understanding the spacing, geometry, development and mechanics of potentially mineralised structures, structural geology is aninvaluable tool to mineral exploration. This report reviews the vein system analysis and relation with the ore-shoots formation at deposit scale. The first part of this report reviews the structure of the Pingüino deposit area. The second part outlines the geometrical properties of Pingüino vein system, in the context of observations from vein distribution, extent, continuity, geometry, kinematics and the relation with the ore-shoots. Pingüino veins were studied by evaluating plan maps, cross-sections, longitudinal sections, and geophysics (regional-detail magnetometry and geoelectric surveys) and were followed by detail surface mapping over the entire veins. Crosscuttingrelationships between the different hydrothermal stages were examined by logging available drill cores.