Thesis Format
Integrated Article
Degree
Master of Science
Program
Geology
Supervisor
Blamey, Nigel
2nd Supervisor
Banerjee, Neil
Co-Supervisor
Abstract
The Troilus gold-copper deposit of Quebec is a past producing, low-grade, high-tonnage project hosted by Archaean volcano-plutonic sequences in the Frotet-Evans greenstone belt, Opatica Subprovince, Superior Province. A lack of consensus on the deposit genesis has presented problems for continued exploration. This work seeks to constrain a genetic model for the deposit by characterizing ore mineral assemblages and hydrothermal fluid signatures. A multi-technique approach consisting of petrography, laboratory and synchrotron X-ray fluorescence, electron probe microanalysis, microthermometry, and quantitative fluid inclusion gas analysis mass spectrometry were used in support of this work. Results indicate a complex deposit genesis consisting of at least four distinct hydrothermal events associated with synvolcanic and metamorphic metal endowments and remobilization separated in time by peak metamorphic conditions in the region. The diverse characteristics of the Troilus deposit suggest the superimposition of mineralization within a favourable geochemical and structural setting were key conditions for ore deposit development.
Summary for Lay Audience
The Troilus gold-copper deposit is a past producing mine being reexplored in north-central Quebec. Previously, the origin of economic metals in the area have been of considerable debate, hindering the further development of the deposit. This work seeks to understand the formation of the Troilus deposit by studying the geochemistry and mineralogy of ore mineral assemblages and their associated hydrothermal fluid signatures. Hydrothermal fluids carry and deposit metals, shedding light on the sources and depositional mechanisms responsible for developing economic concentrations of metals. An analytical package consisting of optical and geochemical techniques were used to conduct this work. These techniques are used to identify elemental signatures and mineral assemblages related to gold and copper mineralization. Results indicate the Troilus deposit formed as the result of at least four temporally distinct events, with fluids derived from different sources. The characteristics identified through this work suggest the additive nature of these hydrothermal fluid events developed the Troilus deposit in an area favourable for trapping significant amounts of metal.
Recommended Citation
Enno, Tavis, "Genesis of the Archaean Troilus Gold-Copper Deposit, Quebec. Evidence for a Multi-Stage, Mixed Genetic Origin" (2025). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 10697.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/10697
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
