Behavior of Major and Trace Elements during Ore Deposition: Example from the Low‐Sulfidation Pantingan Gold System, Mount Mariveles, Bataan, Philippines

Abstract

The evaluation of the relatively fresh host rock and altered rock samples associated with the Pantingan Gold System exposed in Mount Mariveles, Bataan yield several notable observations that are useful in pinpointing potential gold pathfi nder elements. Geochemical and petrologic analysis showed that the altered rocks can be subdivided into rocks that underwent propylitic alteration (group 1), argillized rocks with silica contents similar to those of the fresh host rocks (group 2), argillized but not strongly silicifi ed rocks (group 3) and argillized and strongly silicifi ed rocks (group 4). Selected element ratio patterns in the altered rocks and gold concentrations in gold-bearing quartz veins vary between the rock groups. Moreover, mass balance calculation also refl ected the geochemical observations pertaining to the gains and losses of SiO 2, Fe 2 O 3 + MgO, CaO + Na 2 O and K 2 O, which are believed to be chemical reactions (i.e. breakdown of plagioclase, silica inundation or leaching, sulfi de and calcite formation) caused by the infl ux of hydrothermal fl uids.

About the Special Issue: Collection of Achievements on Earth Resources from AUN/SEED‐Net, Part II

“…Jimenez et al (2007) document fluid inclusion microthermometry and its implications for the mechanisms for ore‐grade gold mineralization, the Lalab orebody of the Sibutad deposit in Mindanao. Payot et al (2007) demonstrate the behavior of major and trace elements during ore deposition at the Pantingan low‐sulfidation gold system in Mount Mariveles, Bataan, Luzon.…”

“…Most papers were presented at the AUN/SEED‐Net eighth Fieldwise Seminar on Geological Engineering Field and the third International Symposium and Exhibition entitled “Contribution of Science and Engineering for Geo‐Hazard and Geo‐Resources Management Toward Sustainable Development” held on 3–4 August 2006 at Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Three papers describe magmatic and hydrothermal systems of porphyry‐type mineralization (Idrus et al , 2007; Imai et al , 2007; Suerte et al , 2007), while seven papers including one short communication report on hydrothermal systems associated with gold mineralization (Ariffin & Hewson, 2007; Crisostomo et al , 2007; Harijoko et al , 2007; Jimenez et al , 2007; Payot et al , 2007; Syafrizal et al, 2007; Warmada et al , 2007). In addition, one paper discusses temporal evolution of island arc magmatism (Polve et al , 2007).…”