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Resolving the origin of the Aguilar zinc-lead-silver deposit, Jujuy Province, north western Argentina
Rob Duncan
New constraints on the genesis of the Aguilar zinc-lead-silver deposit are provided by an improved understanding of its stratigraphic setting and age (based on Re-Os and Pb isotopic data on sulfides and a reinterpretation host rock index fossil ages). These data, along with key textural observations and mineralogical associations identified throughout the deposit, suggest that Aguilar formed during syn-burial replacement of carbonate- and baryte-bearing rocks at ~455 Ma, up to ~30 Myr after host rock deposition. This interpretation differs significantly from previous work and has important implications for future exploration in the Aguilar Belt. New U-Pb zircon age data for the nearby granites and Re-Os molybdenite model ages imply that intrusive activity occurred in the ~165 to 140 Ma range and is genetically unrelated to mineralization, but is associated with extensive thermal modification of pre-existing mineralization and the introduction of weak molybdenum mineralization to the system.
Rob Duncan is an economic geologist with over 12 years experience in academia and industry working across a variety of commodities in Australia, Europe and the Americas. He likes to combine boots-on-the-ground geological observations with innovative geochemical techniques to aid our understanding of large mineralized hydrothermal systems. He completed his undergraduate and Master’s degrees at Imperial College, London and Camborne School of Mines, respectively (so please don’t mention the rugby). He moved to Melbourne to complete his PhD at Monash University where he worked on the Mount Isa copper deposit. After seven years living and working (read skiing) in Colorado and Vancouver Rob recently started at the Geological Survey of Victoria, you can reach him at rob.duncan@ecodev.vic.gov.au.
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