Significance of the precambrian basement and late Cretaceous thrust nappes on the location of tertiary ore deposits in the Oquirrh Mountains, Utah

Abstract

Five Sevier-age (Late Cretaceous) east-directed nappes in the Oquirrh Mountains, Utah overlie the nearly east-directed Uinta trend (Precambrian) basement lineament zone. Unique stratigraphic and structural features in two of the nappes containing Paleozoic carbonate-rich sedimentary rocks and intrusive Tertiary igneous stocks and fissures provide evidence for this favorable local geologic setting and the occurrence of base-and precious-metal ore deposits. These include the world-class Bingham gold, copper, molybdenum porphyry, the Ophir and Stockton base metal fissure and the Mercur disseminated gold mining districts.