Understanding regional structural controls on mineralization at the century deposit: A numerical modelling approach

Zhang, Yanhua; Roberts, P. J.; Murphy, Barry

doi:10.1016/j.gexplo.2009.09.004

Cited by 12 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 31 publications

(55 reference statements)

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“…However, in recent years, there have been increasing attempts in using numerical modeling to guide selection of exploration targets (e.g., Ord et al, 2002;Schaubs et al, 2006;Potma et al, 2008;Liu et al, 2010;Zhang et al, 2010Zhang et al, , 2011. It is known that many mineral deposits are controlled by structures, especially faults or fracture zones, but it is also known that mineral deposits only occur in some of the structures, while most structures are barren.…”

Section: Discussion: Significance and Limitation Of Hydrodynamic Studmentioning

confidence: 99%

An overview of hydrodynamic studies of mineralization

Chi

Xue

2011

Geoscience Frontiers

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Fluid flow is an integral part of hydrothermal mineralization, and its analysis and characterization constitute an important part of a mineralization model. The hydrodynamic study of mineralization deals with analyzing the driving forces, fluid pressure regimes, fluid flow rate and direction, and their relationships with localization of mineralization. This paper reviews the principles and methods of hydrodynamic studies of mineralization, and discusses their significance and limitations for ore deposit studies and mineral exploration. The driving forces of fluid flow may be related to fluid overpressure, topographic relief, tectonic deformation, and fluid density change due to heating or salinity variation, depending on specific geologic environments and mineralization processes. The study methods may be classified into three types, megascopic (field) observations, microscopic analyses, and numerical modeling. Megascopic features indicative of significantly overpressured (especially lithostatic or supralithostatic) fluid systems include horizontal veins, sand injection dikes, and hydraulic breccias. Microscopic studies, especially microthermometry of fluid inclusions and combined stress analysis and microthermometry of fluid inclusion planes (FIPs) can provide important information about fluid temperature, pressure, and fluid-structural relationships, thus constraining fluid flow models. Numerical modeling can be carried out to solve partial differential equations governing fluid flow, heat transfer, rock deformation and chemical reactions, in order to simulate the distribution of fluid pressure, temperature, fluid flow rate and direction, and mineral precipitation or dissolution in 2D or 3D space and through time. The results of hydrodynamic studies of mineralization can enhance our understanding of the formation processes of hydrothermal deposits, and can be used directly or indirectly in mineral exploration. ª 2011, China University of Geosciences (Beijing) and Peking University. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

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Section: Discussion: Significance and Limitation Of Hydrodynamic Studmentioning

confidence: 99%

An overview of hydrodynamic studies of mineralization

Chi

Xue

2011

Geoscience Frontiers

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“…For areas with major uncertainties on key structures, the numerical modelling can be used as a scenario tool (i.e., a series of models for all the possible structural scenarios; e.g. Potma et al, 2008;Zhang et al, 2010), rather than a definite prediction tool based on only one single speculative structure scenario. The two-phase modelling (i.e., reverse engineering modelling followed by predictive modelling) is also a useful approach, allowing initial application to an area with known mineral deposits (or other reliable geological/structural observations for validation), and then using the information gained, carrying out the further modelling study of a new or larger area.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The code is capable of simulating the interactions between deformation and fluid flow in porous media and has been previously used in the simulation of structural processes and controls on fluid flow (e.g. Strayer et al, 2001;Ord et al, 2002;Schaubs et al, 2006;Zhang et al, 2006Zhang et al, , 2010Zhang et al, , 2007Potma et al, 2008;Liu et al, 2010).…”

Section: Continuum Coupled Deformation and Fluid Flow Modellingmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Coupled deformation and fluid flow modelling has been previously used to study favourable structural and fluid flow locations for mineralization in a number of mineralrich terrains in the world (e.g. Ord et al, 2002;Schaubs et al, 2006;Zhang et al, 2007Zhang et al, , 2010Potma et al, 2008;Liu et al, 2010). This paper focuses on key aspects of structural controls on hydrothermal mineralization and demonstrates the capability of numerical modelling in simulating such controls at outcropdeposit scales.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Numerical modelling of structural controls on fluid flow and mineralization

Zhang

Robinson

Schaubs

2011

Geoscience Frontiers

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This paper presents the results of a set of numerical models focussing on structural controls on hydrothermal mineralization. We first give an overview of natural phenomena of structurally-controlled ore formation and the background theory and mechanisms for such controls. We then provide the results of a group of simple 2D numerical models validated through comparison with Cu-vein structure observed near the Shilu Copper deposit (Yangchun, Guangdong Province, China) and finally a case study of 3D numerical modelling applied to the Hodgkinson Province in North Queensland (Australia). Two modelling approaches, discrete deformation modelling and continuum coupled deformation and fluid flow modelling, are involved. The 2D model-derived patterns are remarkably consistent with the Cu-vein structure from the Shilu Copper deposit, and show that both modelling approaches can realistically simulate the mechanical behaviours of shear and dilatant fractures. The continuum coupled deformation and fluid flow model indicates that pattern of the Cuveins near the Shilu deposit is the result of shear strain localization, development of dilation and fluid focussing into the dilatant fracture segments. The 3D case-study models (with deformation and fluid flow coupling) on the Hodgkinson Province generated a number of potential gold mineralization targets. ª 2011, China University of Geosciences (Beijing) and Peking University. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

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“…Structure controls on mineralization in the upper crust of the Earth have been an important topic for many years (Cox, 1999;Hodgson, 1989;Leach and Rowan, 1986;Matthai, 2003;Norton and Knight, 1977;Oliver, 1995;Phillips, 1972;Valenta et al, 1994;Zhang et al, 2010). Since the main focus of this topic is on the fluid pressure gradient driven flow, the mechanical deformation of crustal rocks needs to be considered.…”

Section: Simulation Of Fluid Focusing and Mixing Associated With A MImentioning

confidence: 99%