Porphyry-type and epithermal ore deposits in the Paramillos de Uspallata district, Mendoza, Argentina

Abstract

In the Paramillos de Uspallata mining district, both porphyry-style Cu-Mo-Au and epithermal mineralization occur within and dose to Miocene calc-alkaline stocks. Several porphyry-style deposits have peripheral precious metal mineralization: Paramillos Centro (San Bartolo), Paramillos Sur, Cerro Aspero (Cu-Mo-Au), Mantes de Cobre (Cu), Ores del Sur (Au) and Paramillos de Uspallata mineralized veins (Pb-Ag-Zn). The porphyry copper deposits at Paramillos de Uspallata show classical hydrothermal alteration patterns. Geochemical data suggest a close relationship between adakitic magmatism and the Paramillos Sur mineralization. Ores del Sur is an example of an alkalic-type epithermal gold system; the gold mineralization is spatially, temporally and genetically associated with the hydrothermal activity.