Geochemical and Petrology Properties of Zafarghand Index and Kahang Deposit of Porphyry Copper-Molybdenum

Abstract

The probability of the occurrence of porphyry copper ore associated with subduction zone of the Neo-Tethys ocean and volcanic arc of Iran (Urumieh-Dokhtar) justifies the necessity of exploration and prospection of this type of ore in Iran. Zafarghand index and Kahang deposit of porphyry copper-molybdenum located in Isfahan province, center of Iran using Satellite data interpretations were discovered in the years of 2010 and 2003, respectively. Geological studies have indicated the presence of argillic and propylitic alteration halos associated with porphyry copper systems. The 250 rock samples were systematically collected at a sampling distance of 100 m and in the center of the porphyry system by a distance o f 50 m in Zafarghand. Also, 377 samples of lithogeochemicals (185 rock samples and 192 soil samples) were extracted systematically from Kahang deposit. The study of geochemical data of rock and soil samples showed similarity of these two types of mineralization with other mineralization of porphyry copper-molybdenum elsewhere in the world. Finally, the comparison of geochemical anomalies copper with rock units and alteration zones showed that atmospheric waters had washed out the copper in some of these zones and probably the supergene zone was formed in depth as porphyry copper-molybdenum deposit.