Geochemical dispersion in wallrocks associated with the Norbec deposit, Noranda, Quebec

Increasing emphasis is being given to the search for blind mineral deposits and the presence of geochemical dispersion halos in wallrocks may significantly enhance the chances of exploration success. Accordingly, the nature of wallrock dispersion associated with the Lake Dufault Cu-Zn-Au-Ag massive sulphide deposit, Noranda, Quebec, was examined to see if any such patterns existed. On the basis of relatively well defined geology, the area offered an opportunity to establish the relation between geochemical alteration and metallogeny, texture, structure and mineralogy.Anomalous element contents spatially related to mineralization are confined to the stratigraphic footwall (Waite Rhyolite) where Na₂O, SiO₂ and possibly CaO depletions and total Fe₁ Mn and MgO enrichments can be related to the hydrothermal vent. Dispersion halos 150–500 m in diameter are at least twice as wide as the obvious mineralogical alteration halo. Cu, Zn, Ag and S distributions show roughly similar patterns which are not obviously related to the main alteration pipe but do reveal broad enrichment zones in the general area of mineralization.The dispersion appears to be partly controlled by texture. Because of greater primary permeability, the halos produced in rhyolite breccia are wider and better defined than those in more massive rhyolites. On a wider scale (10 km²) dispersion patterns are related to the fault and fracture systems of the area.As many as five stages of metamorphism have affected the area, altering all rocks to some extent. Samples can be classified petrographically into alteration groups, both related and unrelated to mineralization. Comparison of these groups reveals the inadequacy of certain elements for outlining alteration related to mineralization. For example, the range of K₂O in relatively unaltered rhyolite overlaps the composition of all other groups, including those related to mineralization. Similarly apparent is that the distribution of certain elements, e.g., Na₂O, may adequately define one part of an alteration zone such as the sericite-rich zone, but not another.It is concluded that careful use of lithogeochemistry in conjunction with detailed geological mapping and core logging can provide information otherwise obtainable only by time-consuming petrographic analysis. Thus it can be a potent weapon in the search for blind ore deposits.