Metallogeny of Manto-copper deposits, special view in Nasim copper deposit, northwest of Bardaskan, Khorasan Razavi

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

• Touran Ramezaniabbakhsh ¹
• Mohammad Hassan Karimpour ²
• Hossein Azizi ³
• Behnam Rahimi ⁴
• Saeed Saadat ⁵

¹ Ph.D. student, Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

² Research Center for Ore Deposit of Eastern Iran, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

³ Professor, Department of Mining, Faculty of Technical Engineering, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran

⁴ Professor, Research Center for Ore Deposit of Eastern Iran, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

⁵ Associate Professor, Department of Geology, Azad University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

10.22067/econg.2023.81591.1071

Abstract

The most important Manto-type deposits are located in the Coastal and Central Cordillera, northern Chile. Manto-type copper deposits have been reported in Iran in Saveh-Jiroft zone, the volcanoes of eastern Iran, the volcanic-intrusive complex of Alborz-Azerbaijan, Sabzevar zone, and Sanandaj-Sirjan zone. Nasim copper deposit is located in the northwest of Bardaskan, northeastern Iran. The deposit is part of the Iranian Plateau, Sabzevar Subzone, and Oryan region, located at the end part of the Khaf-Kashmar-Bardaskan magmatic belt. The geological units in the area include the Late Tertiary (Paleocene-Eocene), volcanic rocks, and sedimentary rocks including conglomerate and limestone. In Nasim deposit, mineralization has been done in conglomerate unit as a particular horizon. This unit is composed of volcanic fragments with carbonate and volcanic cements. Chalcocite is the most important and main sulphide mineral in the study area. Alteration can be divided into pre-mineralization and syn-mineralization stages. Pre-mineralization includes Celadonite, Carbonate, Silicified, and Propylitic alteration. Syn-mineralization consists of small amounts of Chlorite, Zeolite, and Calcite. In this system, the chemistry of solution is different from those of other systems such as IOCG, massive sulfide, porphyry etc., due to completely reduced and iron and silica-deficient solution.
 
Introduction
Nasim deposit is located in northeastern Iran, 50 kilometers northwest of Bardaskan. The study area is part of the Iranian Plateau, Sabzevar subzone, and Oryan region, which is located in the end part of the Khaf-Kashmar-Bardaskan magmatic belt. The most important Manto-type deposits of Iran are located in Bardaskan region. The study area includes Paleocene-Eocene volcanic rocks, major volcanic and minor intrusive fragments. In this study, the chemistry of solution was investigated based on alteration and paragenesis in Bardaskan region.
 
Material and Methods
This study was done in two parts: field studies and laboratory works. Sampling and structural studies were done while doing field studies. Logging drill cores was done for about 1000 meters in 20 boreholes. After field work, a total of 150 thin sections and 50 polished sections were prepared and studied to investigate petrography and mineralogy and to prepare geological map.
 
Discussion and Results
Geology of the area includes sequence of volcanic rocks of basalt, basaltic-andesite and andesite, respectively, formed in a non-marine environment. Conglomerate and limestone units formed after volcanic activity. Mineralization occurred only within the conglomerate unit due to useful porosity. Mineralization formed clearly post-dates conglomerate and limestone in the region. Chalcocite is the most important primary copper mineral in Manto Chalcocite systems, which has a high amount of copper and lacks iron. Mainly in the conglomerate unit, due to the good porosity of the conglomerate, the solution has risen up through the faults and penetrated into the conglomerate. Limited mineralization is observed in the carbonate rock. The mineralizations have no time and origin relationship with the volcanic cycle and the time of conglomerate formation. The porosity in the conglomerate and the fault structure in the region have played an important role in the mineralization.
Manto copper solution is a solution poor in iron and poor in silica, and it is completely reducing. This solution cannot react with lime under any conditions; so the mineralization rate is very low in lime, and this shows that the solution has a special chemistry.
Some exploration consultants have used the word agglomerate instead of conglomerate in Bardaskan. This is not acceptable because agglomerate is created during volcanic activity and its fragments consist of only one type of composition and have a rounded state (volcanic bomb). But conglomerate is formed during the erosion cycle and all the pieces are rounded when transported by river water or on the seashore. The use of the term agglomerate becomes a fundamental problem regarding the time and manner of formation of copper mineralization. Not knowing the exact time of Qata mineralization challenges the exploration.
 Alteration assemblage do not consist of epidote and quartz due to the lack of iron and silica in the solution. Moreover, the reducing solution is due to the presence of organic substances. Some researchers (e.g., Wilson and Zentilli, 2006; Tosdal and Munizaga, 2003) suggest a volcanic origin for Manto-type deposits. The volcanic rocks contain at least 5% primary magnetite. If the rocks are the origin, the solution will be rich in iron, but there is no evidence of iron-bearing minerals such as chalcopyrite and pyrite in the area.
Other researchers (e.g., Palacios, 1986; Oliveros et al., 2008) see intrusive rocks as the origin of these deposits. If the rocks are the origin, solution will be definitely rich in silica, iron, and aluminum, but there is no evidence of quartz-chalcocite mineral assemblage. Therefore, the determination of the origin of the deposits requires further studies and consideration of other factors.
 
Acknowledgments
We would like to thank Ferdowsi University of Mashhad and Kome Madan Pars Company for cooperating and supporting this research. We thanks the reviewers and editor(s) for their thoughtful contributions.

Keywords

• Chalcocite
• Andesite
• Nasim mine
• Bardasken
• Oryan region
• Sabzevar subzone

20.1001.1.20087306.1402.15.1.6.4

---

References

Abolipour, M., Rastad, E. and Rashidnejadomran, N., 2015. Manto-type copper mineralization in pyrobitumen-bearing porphyritic andesite, Koshkouieh district of Rafsanjan, Dehaj-Sardoiye subzone. Geoscience, 24(95): 123–144. https://doi.org/10.22071/gsj.2015.42418

Amini zahan, H., Malekzadeh Shafaroudi, A. and Karimpour, M.H., 2020. Geology, Mineralogy and Geochemistry in Kimia Mining Area, Northwest of Bardasken. 12th National Conference of Economic Geology Association, Bo Ali Sina University, Hamadan, Iran. Retrieved April 18, 2023 from https://profdoc.um.ac.ir/paper-abstract-1080963.html

Alizadeh, V., Momenzadeh, M. and Emami, M. H., 2012. Petrography, Geochemistry, Mineralogy, Fluid Inclusions and Mineralization Study of Vorezg- Qayen Copper Deposit. Scientific Quarterly Journal of Geosciences, 22(86): 47-58. https://doi.org/10.22071/gsj.2012.54056

Boveiri Konari, M., Rstad, E., Kojima, S. and Rashidnejad Omran, N., 2013. Volcanic redbed-type copper mineralization in the Lower Cretaceous volcano-sedimentary sequence of the Keshtmahaki deposit, southern Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone, Iran. Neues Jahrbuch für Mineralogie Abhandlungen, 190(2): 107–121. Retrieved April 18, 2023 from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/264972581

Boric, R., Holmgren, C., Wilson, N.‌S.‌F. and Zentilli, M., 2002. The geology of the El Soldado Manto type Cu (Ag) deposit, central Chile, In T.‌M. Porter (Editor), Hydrothermal iron oxide copper–gold and related deposits: A global perspective. PGC Publication, Adelaide, Australia: 2: 185-205. Retrieved April 19, 2023 from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/303374319

Cabral, A.‌R. and Beaudoin, G., 2007. Volcanic red-bed copper mineralization related to submarine basalt alteration, Mont Alexandre, Quebec Appalachians, Canada. Mineralium Deposita, 42(8)‌: 901–912. Retrieved April 18, 2023 from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/225330930

Camus, F., 1990. Geological characteristics of stratabound deposits associated with lacustrine sediments, central Chile. Mineral Depos, 8: 449–462. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-88282-1_34

Ebrahimi, S., Arab Amiri, A.R. and Ghanbari, H., 2018. Mineralogical Studies, Alteration, Fluid Intermediates and Stable Isotopes of Sharif Abad Copper Deposit, Bardeskan, North-East of Iran. Earth Science Quarterly, 30(117): 135-146. Retrieved April 15, 2023 from https://www.sid.ir/paper/392210/fa

Eftekharnejad, J., Aghanabati, A.  and Hamzehpour, B., 1976. 1:250000 Kashmar geological map. Geological Survey and Mining Exploration of Iran.

Entezarab, A., 2018. Geology, Mineralogy, Geochemistry and Geophysical Data Interpretation of Ternam Copper Mine, North-West of Bardaskan. M.Sc, Thesis, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran, 171 pp.

Entezari Harsini, A., Mazaheri, S.A., Saadat, A. and Santos, J., 2017. U-Pb Geochronolog, Sr-Nd Geochemistry, Petrogenesis and Tectonic setting of Gandab volcanic rocks, Northeastern Iran. Geochronometria, 44(1): 269–286. https://doi.org/10.1515/geochr-2015-0061

Ghelichkhani, M. and Malakzadeh Shafaroudi, A., 2018. Geology, alteration, mineralization, geochemistry of Zangalou copper mine area. 10th National Symposium of Economic Geology of Iran, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran. (in Persian) Retrieved April 20, 2023 from https://conf.ui.ac.ir/fa/article.php?lrId=104&cnfId=9

Ghelichkhani, M., Malekzadeh Shafaroudi, A., Karimpour, M.H. and Hommam, M., 2021. Petrography, geochemistry and tectonic setting of NW Bardaskan volcanic rocks: a case study of Zangalou mine, Petrological Journal, 12(2): 1-22.  https://doi.org/10.22108/ijp.2021.125200.1204 

Ghelichkhani, M., Malekzadeh Shafaroudi, A., Karimpour, M.H. and Homam, S.M., 2023. Zangalou Manto-type deposit in the Sabzevar zone, northeast Iran: Evidence of mineralogy, geochemistry, U–Pb dating, fluid inclusion, and stable isotopes. Geological Journal, 58(1): 465–496. https://doi.org/10.1002/gj.4607

Herazo, A., Reich, M., Barra, F., Morata, D., Real, I. and Pagès, A., 2020. Assessing the role of bitumen in the formation of stratabound Cu-(Ag) depos‐ its: Insights from the Lorena deposit, Las Luces district, northern Chile. Ore Geology Reviews. 124: 103639. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2020.103639

Jabbari, E., Malekzadeh Shafaroudi, A. and Karimpour, M.‌H., 2017. Kalabri stratabound (manto-type) copper deposit in Eocene volcanic-sedimentary complex of NW Bardeskan, NE Iran. Advanced Applied Geology, 7(1): 1–19. (in Persian) https://doi.org/10.22055/AAG.2017.13066

Jonidi, A. and Fardost, F., 2017. Mineralogy, geochemistry and genesis pattern of Rizab copper deposit, northwest of Bardeskan, Razavi Khorasan province, M.Sc, Thesis, Shahrood University of Technology, Shahrood, Iran, 185 pp.

Karimpour, M.H., Rezai, R., Zarasondi, A. and Malekzadeh Shafaroudi, A., 2021. Saveh-Nain-Jiroft Magmatic Belt replaces Urumieh-Dokhtar Magmatic Belt: Investigation of genetic relationship between porphyry copper deposits and adakitic and non-adakitic granitoids. Journal of Economic Geology, 13(3): 465-506. (in Persian with English abstract) https://doi.org/10.22067/ECONG.V13I3.1034  

Klohn, E., Holmgren, C. and Ruge, H., 1990. El Soldado, a strata-bound copper deposit associated with alkaline volcanism in the central Chilean Coastal Range. Mineral Depos, 8: 435–448. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-88282-1_33

Kojima, S., Astudillo, J., Rojo, J., Trista, D. and Hayashi, K., 2003. Ore mineralogy, fluid inclusion and stable isotopic characteristics of stratiform copper deposits in the coastal Cordillera of northern Chile. Mineralium Deposita, 38 :208–216.  https://doi.org/10.1007/s00126-002-0304-5

Kojima, S., Trista, D., Guilera, A. and Ken-ichiro ayashi, H., 2009.  Genetic Aspects of the Manto-type Copper Deposits Based on Geochemical Studies of North Chilean Deposits. Resource Geology, 59‌(1): 87‌–‌98. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-3928.2008.00081.x

Maghfouri, S., Hosseinzadeh, M. R., Moayyed, M., Movahednia, M. and Choulet, F., 2017. Geology, mineralization and sulfur isotopes geochemistry of the Mari Cu (Ag) Manto-type deposit, northern Zanjan, Iran. Ore Geology Reviews, 81(1): 10–22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2016.10.025

Maghfouri, S. and Movahednia, M., 2015. Investigation of geology and mineralization of Abbas Abad copper deposit and camper with Mantotype deposit. 18th Symposium on Iranian Geosciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran. (in Persian) Retrieved April 19, 2023 from https://civilica.com/doc/391458/download

Mahvashi, M. and Malekzadeh Shafaroudi, A., 2016. Cheshmegaz (Nasim) copper deposit, NW Bardeskan, mineralogy, alteration, geochemistry and model determining. Iranian Journal of Crystallography and Mineralogy, 24(3): 41–434(in Persian). Retrieved April 19, 2023 from http://ijcm.ir/article-1-76-fa.html

Munizaga, F. and Zentilli, M., 1994. Sulfur Isotope Characterization of Stratabound Copper Deposits in Chile. University of Chile, Santiago, Chile, 45‌: 127–134. Retrieved April 15, 2023 from https://cir.nii.ac.jp/crid/1573950400981914880

Najmi, F., Mazaheri, S.A., Saadat, S. and Entezari, A., 2017. Geology, alteration, mineralization and geochemical study in copper mine, Golcheshmeh Area, South of Neyshbour. Iranian Journal of Geology, 11(43): 27-44. (in Persian) Retrieved April 18, 2023 from https://rimag.ricest.ac.ir/en/Article/Download/9505

Nishihara, H., 1957. Origin of the “Manto”Copper deposits in lower California, Mexico. Economic Geology, 52(8): 944–951. https://doi.org/10.2113/gsecongeo.52.8.944

Oliveros, V., Feraud, G., Aguirre, L., Ramirez, L., Fornary, M. and Palacios, C., 2008. Detailed 40Ar/39Ar dating of geologic events associated with the Mantos Blancos copper deposit, northern Chile, Mineralium Deposita, 43: 281–293. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00126-007-0146-2

Oyarzun, R., Ortega, L., Sierra, J., Lunar, R. and Oyarzun, J., 1998. Cu, Mn, and Ag mineralization in the Quebrada Marquesa Quadrangle, Chile: The Talcuna and Arqueros districts. Mineralium Deposita, 33: 547‌–‌559. https://doi.org/10.1007/s001260050171

Palacios, C., 1986. Subvolcanic copper deposits in the coastal range of northern Chile. entral Journal for Geology and Palaontology, 1985(9-10(: 1605–1615. https://doi.org/10.1127/zbl_geol_pal_1/1985/1986/1605

Qaemi F. and Mousavi Harami R., 2006, map 1:100000, Iran Geological and Mineral Exploration Organization.

Ramírez, L.E., Palacios, C., Townley, B., Parada, M.A., Sial, A.N., Fernandez-Turiel, J.L., Gimeno, D., Garcia-Valles, M. and Lehmann, B., 2006. The Mantos Blancos copper deposit: an upper Jurassic breccia-style hydrothermal system in the coastal range of northern Chile. Mineralium Deposita 41: 246–258. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00126-006-0055-9

Ruiz, C., Aguilar, A., Egert, E., Espinoza, W., Puebles, F., Quezada, R. and Serrano, M., 1971. Strata-bound copper sulphide deposits of Chile. Society of Mineralogy and Geology of Jappan, 3(3): 252–260. Retrieved April 18, 2023 from https://jglobal.jst.go.jp/en/detail?JGLOBAL_ID=201602002399151546

Saric, N., Kreft, C. and Huete, C., 2003. Geología del yacimiento Lo Aguirre, Chile. Revista geológica de Chile, 30(2): 317–331.  Retrieved April 15, 2023 from http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0716-02082003000200010

Sasaki, A., Ulriksen, C.E., Sato, K. and Ishihara, S., 1984. Sulfur isotope reconnaissance of porphyry copper and manto-type deposits in Chile and the Philippines. Bulletin of the Geological Survey of Japan. 35: 615–622. Retrieved April 20, 2023 from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/291839946

Sato, T., 1984. Manto type copper deposits in Chile, a review. Bulletin of the geological survey of Japan, 35(11): 565–582. Retrieved April 15, 2023 from https://www.gsj.jp/data/bull-gsj/35-11_04.pdf

Shafaii Moghadam, H., Zaki Khedr, M., Arai, S., Stern, R.J., Ghorbani, G., Tamura, A. and Ottley, C.J., 2015. Arc-related harzburgite–dunite–chromitite complexes in the mantle section of the Sabzevar ophiolite, Iran: a model for formation of podiform chromitites. Gondwana Research, 27(2): 575–593. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gr.2013.09.007

Shahrabi, M. Hosseini, M. and Shabani, K., 2006, geological map 1:100000 Bardasken, Geological and Mineral Exploration Organization of Iran. 

Soltani, A. and Fardost, F., 2016. Mineralogy, geochemistry and genesis of Abri copper deposit, Dari and Cheshme Marzieh, northwest of Doruneh. M.Sc, Thesis, Shahrood University of Technolog, Shahrood, Iran, 212 pp.

Spiro, B. and Puig, A., 1988. The source of sulphur in polymetallic deposits in the Cretaceous magmatic arc, Chilean Andes. Journal of South American Earth Sciences, 1(3): 261-266.  https://doi.org/10.1016/0895-9811(88)90004-1

Tosdal, R.‌M. and Munizaga, F., 2003. Lead sources in Mesozoic and Cenozoic Andean ore deposits, north-central Chile (30-34S). Mineralium Deposita, 38: 234–250. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00126-002-0307-2

Vivallo, W. and Henríquez, F., 1998. Génesis común de los yacimientos estratoligados y vetiformes de cobre del Jurásico Medio a Superior en la Cordillera de la Costa, Región de Antofagasta, Chile. Revista geológica de Chile, 25(2): 199–228. http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0716-02081998000200006

Whitney, D.L. and Evans, B.W., 2010. Abbreviations for names of rock-forming minerals. American Mineralogist, 95(1): 185–187. https://doi.org/10.2138/am.2010.3371

Wilson, N.S.F., 1998. The role of petroleum in the formation of the El Soldado copper deposit, Chile: Hydrothermal replacement of a biodegraded petroleum reservoir. Ph.D. thesis, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada: 418 pp.

Wilson, N.S.F. and Zentilli, M., 1999. The role of organic matter in the genesis of the El Soldado volcanic-hosted manto-type Cu deposit, Chile. Economic Geology, 94(7): 1115–1136. https://doi.org/10.2113/gsecongeo.94.7.1115

Wilson, N.‌S.‌F. and Zentilli, M., 2006. Association of pyrobitumen with copper mineralization from the Uchumi and Talcuna districts, central Chil. International Journal of Coal Geology, 65(1-2): 158–‌169. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coal.2005.04.012

Wilson N.S.F., Zentilli, M. and Spiro B., 2003. A Sulfur, Carbon, Oxygen, and Strontium Isotope Study of the Volcanic-Hosted El Soldado Manto-Type Copper Deposit, Chile, The Essential Role of Bacteria and Petroleum. Economic Geology, 98‌(1): 163–174. https://doi.org/10.2113/gsecongeo.98.1.163

Zentilli, M., 1974. Geological Evolution and Metallogenetic Relationships in the Andes of Northern Chile Between 26˚ and 29˚ South. Ph.D. thesis - Queen’s University, Kingstone, Canada,  317 pp. Retrieved April 20, 2023 from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/284939021

Zentilli, M., Munizaga, F. Graves, M.C., Boric, R., Wilson, N.S.F., Mukhopadhayay, P.K. and Snowdon, L.T., 1997. Hydrocarbon involvement in the genesis of ore deposits: an example in Cretaceous strata-bound (manto-type) copper deposits of central Chile. International Geology Review 39(1): 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1080/00206819709465257