Mafic-dominated volcanogenic sulphide deposits in the Troodos ophiolite,Cyprus Part 2 – A review of genetic models and guides for exploration

Abstract

Cyprus sulphide deposits belong to the mafic type of Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide (VMS) deposits and are associated with the Troodos ophiolite which formed in a supra-subduction zone fore-arc setting around 91 ma. The deposits are commonly exhalative, and occur at various stratigraphic levels within the ophiolite from the top of the Upper Pillow Lavas to the top of the Sheeted Complex. Structures often play a controlling role in ore deposition; however, in some deposits the presence of structural control is obscure, and an underlying heat source may have been the primary driver of hydrothermal fluids. Alteration associated with the mineralisation is typified by feldspar-destruction, with quartz–chlorite growth, and removal of alkali elements from the inner parts of the ore zone and deposition in the periphery of the orebodies. As surface indications of mineralisation have been exhaustively explored, the search for concealed deposits must make effective use of their geophysical signature, coupled with techniques which are least affected by the conductive cover.

Keywords

TROODOS OPHIOLITE GENETIC MODELS VMS DEPOSITS COPPER EXPLORATION

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