Distribution and Characteristics of the Sulphide Ores of the Timmins Area

CIM Bulletin, 1971

Three main types of base metal sulphide mineralization are present in the Timmins area: (1) - Massive and stringer-type copper-zinc deposits occurring mainly in pyroclastic rocks, as typified by the mines of Kam-Kotia, Jameland and Canadian Jamieson, or within or close to possible breccia pipes as shown by the Genex and Kidd Creek mines. With the exception of the Kidd Creek mine, all of these orebodies occur northwest of Timmins (Kamiskotia area) and appear to lie within or close to a major center of volcanic activity characterized by a thick accumulation of felsic pyroclastic rocks and subordinate epizonal intrusions. The margins of the rhyolitic pile are interfingered with mafic volcanics; overlying sediments mark the termination of a volcanic cycle. The copper-zinc deposits in the Kamiskotia area are confined to a particular stratigraphic unit. Ore-bearing solutions were probably derived from the intrusive complex of the volcanic pile. (2) - Porphyry copper deposit of the Mcintyre mine. The deposit occurs in a quarz porphyry intrusion related to the volcanism in the area (Hurst, 1936). Mineralization was probably introduced at the time of intrusion, and subsequently redistributed within the porphyry during deformation. (3) - Massive and disseminated nickel mineralization, associated with serpentinized alpine-type ultramafic intrusions, as shown by the Alexo, McWatters, Hart, Inco and Texmont deposits. The nickel mineralization occurs at or near contacts of the serpentinites with felsic or mafic volcanics, or sulphide-bearing iron formations. The nickel deposits south of Timmins are confined to a particular stratigraphic unit along the margins of domical-shaped structures which appear to outline former volcanic centers. Sulphurization as proposed by Naldrett (1966) appears to be a workable hypothesis for the formation of some of the deposits.

Keywords: Deposits, felsic, peridotite, porphyry, pyrite, rhyolitic, Mine, mineralization, Mines, Porphyry, Volcanic, Volcanics