Strain Localisation, Fracturing and Hydrothermal Mineralisation: Numerical Models of the Mount Isa Copper Deposit, Australia

Abstract

There is substantial need in mineral exploration to understand the structural controls on ore deposition for these types of deposits in order to predict the localities of new ones. Application of basic principles of rock mechanics, and numerical simulations of deformation and fluid flow processes provide fundamental insights to Proterozoic hydrothermal mineralization atMount Isa, Australia. The rheology of layered meta-sedimentary rocks, and the orientation and position of these layered rocks relative to major fault systems were the key controls on ore deposition...