Synchrotron data - Pearce 11946 (June 2017) - Trace-element and oxidation state variations in pophyry copper systems: the story according to epidote

Porphyry-copper deposits (PCDs) are a major global source of metal. Most shallow, giant PCDs have been discovered. New exploration techniques are required to explore beneath cover. Cooke et al. (2014) demonstrated that epidote mineral chemistry changes systematically with distance from a PCD, making epidote chemistry a valuable exploration tool. Unfortunately, multiple generations of epidote typically exist in a PCD, with only one generation associated with mineralisation. Using the XFM beamline, we will quantitatively map the trace element signature and oxidation state of elements in two generations of epidote from the Ann Mason deposit, Nevada to identify and characterise PCD-related epidote.