Structural and lithological controls and hydrothermal evolution of the 123 ore zone, Casa Berardi deposit

The Casa Berardi mine is a significant gold producer in the northern Abitibi area. Exploration efforts for new mineralized zones in this region is complicated by a thick cover of surficial deposits and new exploration tools based on a better understanding of gold concentration are necessary to guide future exploration at depth. This project proposes to use one of the main ore zones of the Casa Berardi underground mine to document the stratigraphic and structural features, and the auriferous hydrothermal events that led to the formation of the higher grade mineralized zones. This will help to understand the timing of gold introduction relative to the complex geological history, and to identify the favorable context and guidelines for exploration of the Casa Berardi deposit, but also in this part of the Abitibi greenstone belt, which is much less understood relative to the Val-d’Or, Kirkland Lake or Rouyn-Noranda areas. To do so, it is proposed to undertake a detailed mapping program and conduct a mineralogical and geochemistry study of the ores and host rocks, that will be combined with U-Pb geochronology and geothermometry.

Faculty Supervisor:

Stéphane de Souza

Student:

Partner:

Hecla Québec

Discipline:

Earth science

Sector:

Mining

University:

Université du Québec à Montréal

Program: