Hydrothermal alteration and geochemical proximity indicators to ore at the Metsämonttu Zn–Pb–Cu–Au–Ag deposit, Uusimaa belt, southern Finland

Abstract

The Paleoproterozoic Metsämonttu Zn–Pb–Cu–Ag–Au deposit (1.5 Mt at 3.5 wt% Zn, 0.8 wt% Pb, 0.3 wt% Cu, 13.2 wt% S, 25 g/t Ag, and 1.4 g/t Au, production 1952–1974) is the largest past-producing mine in the Aijala–Orijärvi area (Orijärvi formation, Aijala member) within the Uusimaa belt, southern Finland. The Aijala member is characterized by 1.9–1.88 Ga felsic-dominated volcanic-sedimentary supracrustal rocks with intercalated sedimentary carbonates and iron formations. The area is underexplored, and little deposit-scale research has been carried out, despite the lateral continuum to the world-class ore district of Bergslagen in south-central Sweden. To better understand the Metsämonttu VMS-related alteration system, we reassessed the previously described metamorphic mineral assemblages and their protolith rock compositions by using mobile and immobile element geochemistry. This resulted in the definition of four metamorphosed alteration mineral assemblages and eight chemostratigraphic rock units. The chemostratigraphic results suggest that the lithological and/or structural setting of the Metsämonttu succession is more complex than previously considered. The stratigraphic footwall is mainly characterized by an extensive cordierite + anthophyllite ± biotite ± phlogopite + pyrite ± pyrrhotite (Mg–Fe–S) assemblage dominated by mafic rocks, designated Mafic B1 and Mafic B2, and Andesite A1. The main sulfide mineralization is hosted by tremolite + diopside ± biotite ± phlogopite ± chlorite skarn (Ca–Mg–K). A sericite-bearing muscovite + quartz ± biotite ± phlogopite + pyrite (K–Si–S) assemblage is composed of felsic to mafic protoliths (Mafic B1–B2, Andesite A1, Dacite A1, Dacite B1, Dacite C1) and extends several tens of meters into the stratigraphic hanging-wall. A quartz + pyrite ± muscovite (Si–S) assemblage represents the immediate ore-proximal alteration and is derived from rocks with a rhyolitic composition (Rhyolite A1).

Limited drill core samples near Metsämonttu mineralization, along with restricted surface alteration, pose challenges in studying geochemical variations from distal to ore proximal areas and limits the ability to model the shape and size of the alteration zone. Large mass changes suggest that the alteration was hydrothermal, and due to several protolith compositions, the alteration is interpreted to be predominantly discordant to stratigraphy. A 60-m-wide alteration halo surrounds the Metsämonttu deposit. Major and trace elements, namely MgO, Na₂O, K₂O, SiO₂, Fe₂O₃, Cu, Zn, Pb, S, Ag, Tl, Hg, Se, Te, Sn, Sb, Rb, and Sr, and the indices modified alteration index (MAI), Ishikawa alteration index (AI), chlorite‑carbonate-pyrite index (CCPI), S/Na₂O can be used for chemical vectoring, which can assist regional or near-mine exploration. Elements MnO, Ba, Cd, Bi, As, Ni, Co, W, Ga, Mo, and indices Hashigushi index and advance argillic alteration index (AAAI) were less useful as geochemical exploration indicators.