Geology
- Target Types
(last updated 31/07/2009)
Mineralization at Haquira is clearly related to porphyry-copper systems generated by the Oligocene intrusive rocks, including the Haquira Porphyry. Mineralization occurs not only in the form of sulphide-bearing stockworks and sheeted-vein systems of interesting grades in primary (hypogene) porphyry- copper style, but also as secondary (supergene) chalcocite and copper oxide bodies. In addition, there is good potential for skarns developed in carbonate rocks adjacent to the porphyry intrusive rocks.
The Andahuaylas-Yauri belt of southern Peru is host to significant skarn and porphyry-style Cu-Mo ±Au mineralization, including the skarn (Tintaya, Coroccohauyco) and porphyry copper deposits (Quechua, Antapaccay) of the Tintaya district, the skarns in the Bambas district, and the Los Chankas porphyry copper deposit. The occurrence at Haquira of shallow- to intermediate-level porphyry intrusive rocks, and alteration of calc-silicate (skarn), sericitic, and propylitic (chlorite-epidote) types, point to a porphyry-copper environment.
Drilling by Antares in late 2006 encountered high-grade intercepts of primary (hypogene) Cu-Mo ±Au porphyry type mineralization below the secondary-enriched Cu mineralization at Haquira East; the discovery of the high-grade primary sulphide Haquira East porphyry deposit which is the subject of this current report. Potential also exists for similar high-grade primary mineralization below the secondary Cu mineralization at Haquira West, as evidenced by a number of drill holes that bottom in primary Cu-Mo mineralization at Haquira West. Other targets with potential economic significance are copper-skarn deposits similar to those that occur in the Las Bambas area immediately to the north and contiguous to the Haquira property.
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