Gold Ore Deposit Models

Their Importance in Research and Exploration

Noel C White
Honorary Lecturer, Society of Economic Geologists

SEG-MGEI Workshop, Bandung and Mataram, Indonesia

November, 2010
What is an Ore Deposit Model?

It is a synthesis of available information on the deposit type,

including the most informative and reliable characteristics
recognized on a variety of scales
They are typically both descriptive and genetic
Ore deposit models change as our knowledge advances
DESCRIPTIVE

GENETIC
Why are Ore Deposit Models Important?
Ore deposits are complex and involve many different
characteristics
Tectonic setting Hydrothermal alteration
Host environment mineralogy and zoning
Host rocks Structural setting
Shape and form of orebody Structural controls
Textures of ore Post-depositional modification
Mineralogy of ore (deformation, metamorphism,
weathering)
Chemistry of ore
Geophysical character of ore
Age of host rocks and ore and host rocks (density,
Source and composition of magnetism, chargeability,
fluids conductivity)
Chemical and mineralogical
zoning
Ore deposit models bring the key characteristics together in a brief
and understandable way
The Role of Models in Exploration

Ore Deposit Models are important in exploration

They allow us to convert commodities to geology
e.g., change looking for gold to looking for an epithermal gold deposit
They allow us to select favorable geology to maximize chances of
success
Because we know the geological setting and localizing controls on ore
They help us to design effective exploration strategies using the
most suitable techniques
Because we know the character of the ore and host rocks
Why Models can be Dangerous
Deciding on a model for a deposit should
follow, not lead, study
It is too easy to look at a few superficial
characteristics and then force a deposit into a
preconceived model
Rather than fairly evaluating a deposits
characteristics, some researchers (and
explorers) force their observations to fit a
model
Not every deposit is adequately described in
known models but do not casually set up
new models without adequate justification
 increase in
gold price and
cyanide
processing

20th century: Increase from 500 t/yr to 2500 t/yr

Last decade: Gold steady at 2500 50 t/yr, but with slight decline
Lack of growth due to:
1. 50% decrease in South African production in last 12 years
2. Fewer and small discoveries
Estimated world reserves: 42,000-85,0000 t Au (17-34 years)
New wealth in BRIC countries: Increasing demand
 Gold Production
Larger Tonnages, Lower Grades
after Peattie, Anglogold Ashanti, 2008


Clans of Gold Deposits

GSC models, after Poulsen et al, 2000

Fluid Flow Models and Au
Tectonic Settings of Gold
Some Important Models Gold
Witwatersrand type deposits
Porphyry copper-gold deposits
Epithermal gold deposits (high-, intermediate- and low-sulfidation)
Orogenic gold deposits (mesothermal, slate belt, Archaean
lode gold deposits)
Carlin type gold deposits (and Carlin-like deposits)
Intrusion-related gold deposits
Skarn gold deposits
Placer gold deposits
 Now
We will talk about two of
the best-known ore
deposit models that are
important for gold
As you will see, even for
these, we are still
learning

Almalyk Au-Cu porphyry mine, Uzbekistan