Implications of early halo type veins at the IKE copper-molybdenum-silver porphyry deposit, British Columbia, Canada: alteration studies as a guide to ore grade

The IKE deposit is a Cu-Mo-Ag porphyry deposit located in the southern portion of the Canadian Cordillera in British Columbia, Canada. Significant amounts of early halo type (EHT) veins are found throughout the deposit, which are typically associated with deep-seated porphyry deposits. This project investigates the geochemical properties of EHT veins and how they relate to mineralization. Petrographic studies were carried out on EHT veins to identify the mineral and fluid inclusion assemblages in the EHT veins, and how IKE compares to other deposits. Cathodoluminescence studies confirm a large overprint of potassic alteration, with a limited expression of alteration zoning typically seen in porphyry deposits. Shortwave infrared spectroscopy was used to identify subtle geochemical changes in the alteration minerals. The primary mineral picks, white mica and chlorite absorption features, and illite crystallinity values were examined to qualitatively determine fluid composition and pathways in the deposit and aid in future exploration.