Skip to main content
Conference Proceedings

Seventh International Mining Geology Conference 2009

Conference Proceedings

Seventh International Mining Geology Conference 2009

Publication sale now on, get up to 70% off

PDF Add to cart

Mapping and Three-Dimensional Modelling of Structural Controls in the Chirano Gold Deposits, Ghana - Keys to Better Near-Mine Exploration Targeting

Gold deposits in the Chirano district in south-west Ghana are hosted in a variety of structural settings along the Chirano shear zone (CSZ), in Paleoproterozoic rocks of the Sefwi-Bibiani belt. Most gold mineralisation occurs in strongly sheared and hydrothermally altered Birimian mafic igneous rocks and tonalite intrusions within the CSZ. A recent program of open pit structural mapping, core logging, and three-dimensional modelling helped to define deposit-scale structural controls on gold mineralisation. These include strain domains, shear zone flexures, shear zone intersections and vein arrays associated with host-rock competency contrasts. Interestingly, the plunge of higher-grade shoots in some deposits appears to be associated with the intersection of the CSZ and broadly folded Tarkwaian sedimentary rocks, which are not significant gold hosts in the Chirano district. This paper presents the results of 3D modelling that were used to define structural controls on mineralisation in several open pits and one underground mine along a 9 km length of the CSZ. Leapfrog software was particularly useful because it highlighted the orientations of structural features that focused hydrothermal fluid flow during alteration and mineralisation. The improved understanding of structural controls provided two main benefits: near-mine exploration drill targets and better definition of structural domains for resource estimation._x000D_
FORMAL CITATION:Kenworthy, S, Noormohamed, K, Stuart, H and Hodkiewicz, P, 2009._x000D_
Mapping and three-dimensional modelling of structural controls in the Chirano Gold Deposits, Ghana - keys to better near-mine exploration targeting, in Proceedings Seventh International Mining Geology Conference 2009, pp 101-106 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).
Return to parent product
  • Mapping and Three-Dimensional Modelling of Structural Controls in the Chirano Gold Deposits, Ghana - Keys to Better Near-Mine Exploration Targeting
    PDF
    This product is exclusive to Digital library subscription
  • Mapping and Three-Dimensional Modelling of Structural Controls in the Chirano Gold Deposits, Ghana - Keys to Better Near-Mine Exploration Targeting
    PDF
    Normal price $22.00
    Member price from $0.00
    Add to cart

    Fees above are GST inclusive

PD Hours
Approved activity
  • Published: 2009
  • PDF Size: 10.257 Mb.
  • Unique ID: P200908015

Our site uses cookies

We use these to improve your browser experience. By continuing to use the website you agree to the use of cookies.