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Vein Hosted Copper Deposits of the Allihies Mining Area, Southwest Ireland – A New Structural and Chronological Evaluation

Lang, J; Meere, P.A; Johnson, S.C; Solferino, G; Torremans, K; Selby, D; Kyne, R

Vein Hosted Copper Deposits of the Allihies Mining Area, Southwest Ireland – A New Structural and Chronological Evaluation Thumbnail


Authors

J Lang

P.A Meere

S.C Johnson

G Solferino

K Torremans

R Kyne



Abstract

This paper presents new data for historical vein-hosted copper sulfide deposits in the Late Paleozoic Munster and South Munster basins of SW Ireland. Detailed mapping, 3D modelling, fluid inclusion microthermometry and geochronology from the Allihies area of the Beara Peninsula have led to a new interpretation of the timing and development of ore mineralization. Macro- and microstructural studies reveal that the ore-bearing, mainly east–west-striking quartz veins are directly related to early extensional, basinal normal faults. Molybdenite Re–Os dating of the main-stage Cu lode yields ages from 367.3 ± 5.5 to 366.4 ± 1.9 Ma. This early vein system experienced subsequent late Carboniferous Variscan deformation, including cleavage development, sinistral SW–NE strike-slip faulting, cataclastic deformation and recrystallization. The new timing of Cu mineralization in SW Ireland has major implications for its relationship to the base metal deposits of the Irish Midlands.

Citation

Lang, J., Meere, P., Johnson, S., Solferino, G., Torremans, K., Selby, D., & Kyne, R. (2020). Vein Hosted Copper Deposits of the Allihies Mining Area, Southwest Ireland – A New Structural and Chronological Evaluation. Journal of the Geological Society, 177(4), 671-685. https://doi.org/10.1144/jgs2019-154

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Feb 27, 2020
Publication Date 2020-07
Deposit Date Feb 28, 2020
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal Journal of the Geological Society
Print ISSN 0016-7649
Electronic ISSN 2041-479X
Publisher The Geological Society
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 177
Issue 4
Pages 671-685
DOI https://doi.org/10.1144/jgs2019-154

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Copyright Statement
Lang, J, Meere, P.A, Johnson, S.C, Solferino, G, Torremans, K, Selby, D & Kyne, R (2020). Vein Hosted Copper Deposits of the Allihies Mining Area, Southwest Ireland – A New Structural and Chronological Evaluation. Journal of the Geological Society 177(4): 671-685. https://doi.org/10.1144/jgs2019-154. © Geological Society of London 2020.





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