Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Thesis Format

Monograph

Degree

Master of Science

Program

Geology

Supervisor

Banerjee, Neil R.

Affiliation

Western University

2nd Supervisor

Van Loon, Lisa

Affiliation

Western University

Co-Supervisor

Abstract

The Monument Bay (MB) project is a greenstone hosted gold deposit, located in NE Manitoba. Previous studies show significant gold grades in the area. This research aims to characterize and delineate the mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of the hydrothermal footprint and mineralization of MB. Combined synchrotron X-ray fluorescence, synchrotron X-ray diffraction, petrography, and electron microprobe techniques were used to support this study. Results indicate sericite and carbonate are the main hydrothermal alteration minerals with homogeneity in their mineralogical, textural, and geochemical characteristics across the deposit. Also, a strong relationship between Au, sericite alteration, and arsenopyrite grains is observed associating the sericite alteration with the mineralization. The homogeneous mineralogical associations of the alteration minerals across the deposit suggest that the MB project is part of a single giant gold mineralizing system that formed through multiple different fluid events.

Summary for Lay Audience

The Monument Bay (MB) project is a gold deposit, located in NE Manitoba. Previous studies show significant gold grades in the area, suggesting that it might be a profitable Au deposit. This work aims to characterize and delineate the mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of the alteration hydrothermal footprint and mineralization of MB. The hydrothermal footprint are mineralogical and geochemical characteristics that a rock holds after interacting with hydrothermal fluids. Combined geochemical techniques and petrography were used to support this study. These techniques identify the elemental distribution and characterize the mineralogy and its textures. Results indicate that there are two main types of alteration mineralogy that occurs in all the extension of the project, sericite and carbonate alteration. The alterations show homogeneity in the textures and composition of the hydrothermal mineralogy across the MB project suggesting that all alteration fluids come from the same source. For this reason, it implies that MB is part of a single giant gold mineralizing system that is formed through multiple different fluid events from the same source.

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