PROCEEDINGS JCM MAKASSAR 2011

The 36th HAGI and 40th IAGI Annual Convention and Exhibition
Makassar, 26 – 29 September 2011

HYDROTHERMAL ORE MINERALIZATION IN SULAWESI:

A VIEW POINT OF TECTONIC SETTING AND METALLOGENESIS

Arifudin Idrus1*, Sufriadin2, Irzal Nur2

1
Department of Geological Engineering, Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta 55281
2
Mining Engineering Study Program, Hasanuddin University, Makassar 90245
*Corresponding author: arifidrus@ugm.ac.id

ABSTRACT

This paper is aimed to review the potential and metallogenesis of hydrothermal-related ore deposits which
are particularly occurred along Neogene magmatic arc of Western Sulawesi and Paleozoic metamorphic-
hosted arm of Southeastern-Central Sulawesi. The Western Sulawesi arc can be devided into three
magmatic provinces of K-alkaline-shoshonitic (AK-SH), high-K calc-alkaline (KCA), and low-K-normal
calc-alkaline (TH-CA) affinity, referred to, respectively, South Sulawesi, Central Sulawesi and North
Sulawesi-Sangihe. From the tectonic setting and metallogenesis point of view, South Sulawesi magmatic
province, tend to be host of polymetallic deposits particularly base-metal epithermal veins (eg. Baturappe)
as well as porphyry Cu-Au mineralization (eg. Sassak), epithermal Au veins and Kuroko-type VMS (eg.
Sangkaropi, Rumanga). Central Sulawesi province acts preferably as a host of porphyry Mo deposits (eg.
Malala) which are associated with Dondo granioids. The origin of porphyry Mo system requires
involvement of continental crust in term of magma source. North Sulawesi-Sangihe is a most
mineralized “island arc” magmatic province of mantle source. The most prominent deposit types occurred
in the province are porphyry Cu-Au (eg. Buladigun, Tombulilato district, Taware (Sangihe)) and high-
and low sulphidation epithermal quartz veins which are abundantly occurred along the northern arm of
Sulawesi. Other potential deposit types are skarn and Carlin-style sediment hosted Au deposit (eg. Mesel,
Lobongan and Alason). Paleozoic metamorphic-hosted arm of Southeastern-Central Sulawesi evidently
acts as a potential host of metamorphogenic-related hydrothermal ore deposits, for instance, orogenic gold
deposits currently discovered in Wumbubangka, Bombana. Although those “hypotheses” are needed to be
further tested, the metallogenesis trends could be a guide in exploration program and mineral resources
development in Sulawesi.

Keywords: Magmatism, Western Sulawesi magmatic arc, Southeastern-Central Sulawesi arm, ore
hydrothermal deposit and metallogenesis.

INTRODUCTION constituted of ophiolite belt that obducted onto

Sulawesi with the K-shaped island is tectonically
and magmatically complex. It lies on the triple
junctions among the Eurasia, Indo-Australia and
Pacific megaplates. The complexities of this
island are reflected by its structures and
lithologies. The rock assemblages occupied
Sulawesi are broadly classified into three
provinces (Hamilton, 1979; Charlile et al, 1990):
(1) western Sulawesi is mainly composed of
sedimentary and Tertiary volcanic rocks, (2)
central-southeast Sulawesi is dominated by
metamorphic rock and (3) east Sulawesi that is
Paleozoic-Mesozoic sediments (Priadi et al.,
1994).
Western Sulawesi magmatic province
encompasses the southern arm (Makassar),
western part of central Sulawesi (Toraja, Mamuju,
Palu, and Toli-Toli) and northern arm (Gorontalo,
Minahasa, and Manado). The active arc of
Sangihe is also included in the discussion. This
paper presents the review of tectonic setting and
magmatism of Western Sulawesi arc in relation to
its hydrothermal mineralization potential based on
the updated references.
 PROCEEDINGS JCM MAKASSAR 2011
The 36th HAGI and 40th IAGI Annual Convention and Exhibition
Makassar, 26 – 29 September 2011
TECTONIC AND MAGMATISM OF THE
WESTERN SULAWESI ARC
Sulawesi island consists of three lithotectonic
belts (Fig. 1) comprising (1) western magmatic
arc, (2) central metamorphic belt and eastern
ophiolite nappe. In the eastern Sulawesi,
fragments of microcontinent are found including
microplates of Sula and Tukang Besi (Hamilton,
1979). The western magmatic arc has changed
characteristically from ensialic to be ensimatic to
the east from the northern arm of Sulawesi
(Carlile et al., 1990).
Soeria-Atmadja et al. (1999) simplify the
Sulawesi lithotectonic into two belts: (1) western
magmatic belt and (2) eastern ophiolite. Collision
between microcontinent of the east and west arc
has ceased subduction, leading to the arc reversal.
This has changed subduction from the northern
Sulawesi trough (Hamilton, 1979; Silver et al.,
1983). According to Solomon (1990),
mineralization of Cu-Au porphyry in the northern
arm is likely to be affected by this arc reversal.
The south and central part of western Sulawesi is
underlain by the basement of Mesozoic meta-
sedimentary rocks which is inferred to be a part of
Sundaland continental margin (Hamilton, 1979),
whereas the basement of northern Sulawesi might
be composed of transitional materials including
oceanic basalt that was related to Celebes sea
plate. The active volcanism occurring in the north
Sulawesi and it extends to the offshore of Sangihe
arc (Tatsumi et al., 1991).
West Sulawesi magmatic arc is divided into three
magmatic provinces (Fig. 2; Soeria-Atmadja et
al., 1999): (1) South Sulawesi with K-alkaline
shoshonitic (AK-SH) affinity, (2) Central
Sulawesi with affinity of high-K calc-alkaline
(KCA), and (3) north Sulawesi- Sangihe arc with
low-K-normal calc-alkaline (TH-CA) affinity.
Southern Sulawesi
According to van Bemmelen (1949) and Soeria-
Atmadja et al. (1999), K-alkaline and shoshonitic
(AK-SH) suits of magmatic rocks cover more
than 50% of the southern Sulawesi (Fig. 2). These
are composed of shoshonite, banakite, K-alkaline
basalt, trachybasalt, leucite-bearing basanite and
tephrite with plagioclase, sanidine, biotite and
pyroxene are the main mineral phases. In the
northern portion of this arm, a batholite of quartz
diorite, monzonite and granodiorite to
monzosyenite and syenite is present (Soeria-
Atmadja et al., 1999). The magmatism of AK-SH
took place in 13-2 Ma (Late Miocene – Pliocene)
(Sukamto, 1975; Yuwono et al., 1988; Priadi et
al., 1994; Soeria-Atmadja et al., 1999).
Formation of AK-AH was a product of magmatic
assimilation with limestone (van Bemellen,1949).
Katili (1978), Sukamto (1975), Hamilton (1979),
and Carlile & Mitchell (1994) believed that such
rocks are related to subduction process along the
Neogene arc or low slope of Benioff zone. van
Leeuwen (1981) state that such rocks were
derived from trapped-mantle of deep-seated faults
in the post-subduction. Yuwono et al. (1988) and
Leterrier (1990) proposed the model which
involed the partial melting from mantle sources.
Conversely, Coffield et al. (1993) argued that
AK-SH magmatism is related to continental
collision and mantle melting.
Central Sulawesi
The central portion of west Sulwesi arc may be
divided into two rock assemblages (Soeria-
Atmadja et al., 1999). The first is K-feldspar-
biotite group which is dominated by felsic
granitoid and minor comagmatic-volcanic having
similarities in mineralogy and chemistry. The
intrusive rocks constitute granite, quartz
monzonite and granodiorite with porphyritic and
equigranular texture. Individually, the pluton is
about km to 10 km in size and in some cases it
shows strong foliation. These rocks are mainly
composed of K-feldspar, plagioclase, quartz,
biotite and lesser amphibole with accessories of
apatite, magnetite and zircon.
KCA magmatism in central Sulawesi tends to be
associated with continental margin. The
enrichment of K, Cs, Th and U together with
higher isotope ratio of 87Sr/86Sr (0,710-0,715) and
143
Nd/144Nd (0,5121-0,5123) (Priadi, 1993 in
Soeria-Atmadja et al., 1999; van Leeuwen et al.,
1994) indicate that this rock has significant
continental signature. The lower crustal rocks that
exposed near Palu town are likely a source of
 PROCEEDINGS JCM MAKASSAR 2011
The 36th HAGI and 40th IAGI Annual Convention and Exhibition
Makassar, 26 – 29 September 2011
felsic granitoid with isotopic affinities of
Australian continent (Priadi et al., 1993).
North Sulawesi
Northern arm of Sulawesi is characterized by low
K - normal calc-alkaline magmatism (TH-CA) in
which basaltic – andesitic to ryolitic and they
extend to the actively arc of Sangihe (Fig. 2).
Magmatism appeared in two periods (Soeria-
Atmadja et al., 1999): (1) Late- Middle Miocene
and (2) Late Miocene -Present. Kavalieris et
al.,(1992) shows that the hiatus of magmatic
activity (13-9.5 Ma) is related to the collision of
this arc with Sula micro-continent.
The early stage of magmatism (Early- Middle
Miocene) seems to be dominated by hornblende
granodiorite which is exposed near Gorontalo.
Comagmatic volcanic rock mainly consisting of
andesite is also interbedded with greywacke, marl
and lesser limestone.
The second stage of magmatism (Late Miocene-
Present) result the rocks with vary in composition,
from basaltic andesitic to ryolite. Priadi, 1993 (in
Soeria-Atmadja et al., 1999 and Parello, 1994)
indicate that Late Miocene arc magmatism is
normal calc-alkaline, whereas Late Miocene-
Pliocene arc magmatism is low K (TH) up to
normal calc-alkaline (CA).
The Neogene evolution model of southern arm
might be started from westward subduction in
association with magmatic activity followed by
the collision with Sula microcontinent. This
collision leads to clockwise rotation from northern
arm, back-arc thrusting, and cause the subduction
to the south along Sulawesi trough (Hamilton,
1979; Carlile & Mitchell, 1994; Soeria-Atmadja
et al., 1999).
POTENTIAL OF HYDROTHERMAL
MAGMATIC ORES
Formation and occurrences of hydrothermal ore
deposits in the west Sulawesi arc are controlled by
tectonic framework and magmatism. The styles of
hydrothermal ores such as epithermal, porphyry,
sediment-hosted, VMS, base-metal vein, and
other have been found in this arc. Relationship
between tectonic framework and mineral deposit
occurrences is very crucial as guide in the
exploration of magmatic-hydrothermal deposit in
Sulawesi. The present paper discusses the review
of the metallogenesis of magmatic-hydrothermal
ores in the western Sulawesi arc (Fig. 2).
South Sulawesi
The siginificant porphyry Cu-Au deposit related
to AK-SH rock is found at Sassak, Toraja (Taylor
& van Leeuwen, 1980). This deposit is hosted in
quartz syenite intrusion with shoshonitic affinity
(Sukamto,1975). Sassak Cu-Au porphyry lies on
the southern flank of Mamasa monzonitic
batholite. Other base metal deposits are also found
in north edge of this rock and in Latimojong
Formation (Soeria-Atmadja et al., 1999). These
base metal veins might be categorized as
epithermal type in which is genetically related to
Sassak porphyry.
The Pb-Zn-Cu rich VMS (volcanogenic massive
sulphide) of Kuroko type is found at Sangkaropi,
Rumanga and Bilolo (Yoshida et al., 1982) of
Toraja regengy. Volcanic-stratigraphy and
paleontological studies indicate that this deposit is
closely related to submarine volcanism
(Kaharuddin, 2002), linking to the sea-floor
magmatism during rift separation between
Kalimantan and Sulawesi (Yuwono et al., 1988;
Kavalieris et al., 1992). Sangkaropi VMS deposit
is characterized by the presence of hypogene
sulphide minerals such as calcopyrite, sphalerite,
galena and pyrite hosted in dacitic-andesitic
pyroclastic. However, supergene minerals such as
covelite, malachite, and azurite are also present
(Irfan et al. 2009).
Hydrothermal Mn deposit is found at Ponre area
of Bone regency. According to Khalil AM.et al.,
(1997) this deposit is associted with shale and
limestone and occurs in two types: residual-Mn
and vein type deposits. Residual-Mn is
interpretated as result from the transported-Mn
nodule that formed by hydrothermal process of
primary manganese minerals such as rhodonite or
rodocrocite and they altered to pyrolusite and/or
psilomelane within the jasperoid or limestone.
The presence of jasperoid in shale and limestone
may indicate the higher content of primary Mn
 PROCEEDINGS JCM MAKASSAR 2011
The 36th HAGI and 40th IAGI Annual Convention and Exhibition
Makassar, 26 – 29 September 2011
minerals (1.3-6.19 % Mn). The source of
hydrothermal fluid might be derived from
andesitic rock that also contain Mn veins (0.66-
11.20 % Mn). The distribution of Mn deposit is
discontinuous and is structurally controlled.
Some indications of epithermal/mesothermal Au-
Ag deposits are found in the north Luwu,
Enrekang, Toraja, Gowa, Bulukumba and
southern Luwu (Abdulrahman, 2007).
Metamorphogenic veins hosted Au-Ag deposit
has also been found in Awak Mas, Luwu (van
Leeuwen, 1994; Carlile & Mitchell, 1994). This
has resources about 14.9 MT grading at 1.75 g/t
Au (van Leeuwen, 1994) and is associated with
quartz-albite-carbonate-pyrite veins/ stockwork
along the shear zones within the Cretaceous
matemorphic rock. Gold is commonly occurred as
inclusions in pyrite or quartz. Some accessory
sulphides such as calcopyrite, sphalerite, galena,
bornite, calcocite, tetrahydrite and covellite are
also present (van Leeuwen, 1994).
The base metal Pb-Zn-Ag deposit is also found in
the southern arm such as Takalar, Jeneponto and
Gowa (Sutisna, 1990; Abdurahman, 2007; Nur et
al., 2009). In the case of Baturappe deposit of
Gowa, PB-dominated base metal deposit is set
around periphery of diorite-granodiorite intrusive/
stock of Baturappe volcanic (Tpbv). Alkali-
gabbro intrusion that emplaced during the late
phase of volcanism might be a source of the base
metal mineralization (Yuwono et al., 1988). There
are some 50 units of dikes/sills/stocks that were
interpreted as sources of ore mineralization at
Baturappe. Pyrite, calcopyrite, sphalerite, galena,
covelite, magnetite and hematite are the principal
ore minerals (Nur et al., 2009).
Central Sulawesi
The porphyry Mo deposit in central Sulawesi is
associated with K-calc alkaline Dondo batolith,
whereas the Pani volcanic complex is related to
the low sulphidation Au mineralization (Soeria-
Atmadja et al., 1999). Porphyry Mo deposits lies
on the upper part of Malala porphyry (porphyrytic
granite-dominated). The formation of Malala
porphyry Mo deposit (100 MT @ 0.14 % MoS2;
van Leewen et al., 1994), was started from the
separation of silica-bearing solution with cooling
granitic magma, resulting in irregular barren
quartz veins mainly pod-like form (Stage I). This
was followed by escaping of vapour that
accumulated Mo and K in hydrothermal derived-
magma with high temperature and salinity.
Molybdenite (MoS2) and pyrite(FeS2) were
precipitated from fluid phases in the form of
quartz-K-feldspar-apatite veins (Stage II). The ore
mineralization stage was terminated when
meteoric infiltration into the magmatic system
was occurred. This event was followed by
serictic-chlorites-carbonate alteration and base
metal mineralization (Stage III). The last phase
was alteration of carbonate and kaolinite/dickite
filled fractures (Stage IV) (van Leeuwen et al.,
1994). Malala Mo porphyry can be classified as
calc-alkaline Mo stockwork deposit due to the
low F content.
The LS epithermal gold deposit is hosted in Pani
volcanic complex (Kavalieris et al., 1990), having
speculative resources up to 30 MT grading at 1-
1,5 g/t Au (Carlile et al., 1990). Pani complex
consists of volcanic domes with 3.5 km in
diameter and is composed of porphyritic lava,
intrusion, breccia and pyroclastic. Gold
mineralization is spacially related to Baganite
dome of Pani Complex (Soeria-Atmadja et al.,
1999). Low grade Au (< 1 ppm) is accurred as
disseminated, while the higher grade (1-3 ppm
Au) is formed at the flank of the dome. The
presence of hot fluid and higher salinity indicate
that gold mineralization is related to magmatic
solution (Soeria-Atmadja et al., 1999). Sillitoe
(1994) speculated that gold mineralization within
this complex might be corresponded to the deeper
part of Mo porphyry system.
An indication of metamorphogenic gold
mineralization (mesothermal gold) is found in the
neck of Central Sulawesi, however, the significant
signatures are occurred at Muotong-Molosipat
and upper Lariang river. Metamorphogenic Au
mineralization is formed in quartz veins and is
associated with mica schist, gneiss, and
amphibolite, whereas at Moutong-Molosipat,
metamorphic rock is dominated by green schist.
Quartz veins occurred as lenses in rock foliations.
Detail investigations of mesothermal gold
(orogenic lode gold) in Indonesia have not much
 PROCEEDINGS JCM MAKASSAR 2011
The 36th HAGI and 40th IAGI Annual Convention and Exhibition
Makassar, 26 – 29 September 2011
performed and it is a chalenge for the exploration
geologists in the future.
North Sulawesi and Sangihe
Northern Sulawesi arm and Sangihe arc are the
most mineralized areas of the western Sulawesi
magmatic arc (Kavalieris et al., 1992; Carlile &
Mitchell, 1994). It is indicated by the occurrence
of various hydrothermal ore deposits such as: (1)
porphyry Cu-Au, (2) Cu-Au-magnetite skarn, (3)
epithermal high sulphidation enargite-Au, (4) low
sulphidation epithermal Au-Ag, (5) Carlin-style
sediment hosted gold deposit (jasperoid type), and
(6) VMS Kuroko type deposit. All hydrothermal
ore deposits in these areas are though to be
Miocene-Pliocene in age.
Porphyry Cu-Au deposit is located in three
districts: Buladigun (Lubis et al., 1994);
Tambulilato-Tapadaa (Lowder & Dow, 1978;
Parello, 1994), and Sangihe (Carlile et al., 1990).
Porphyry Cu-Au mineralizations in north
Sulawesi is hosted in smaller stock and is
typically associated with potassic±magnetite
alteration with high Au.
Bulagidun Cu-Au prospect is included in breccia-
related porphyry system. It is covered by volcanic
sequence (9.4 Ma) and is intruded by diorite,
quartz-diorite, tonalite and post-mineral
porphyritic andesite with calc-alkaline affinity.
Three mineralized breccia zones have been
identified: Trench B, Central Anomaly and Main
Stream with the total resources more than 14.4
MT ores grading at 0.68 g/t Au and 0.61 % Cu
(Lubis et al., 1994). Other two hydrothermal
deposits that have been identified in this area are
skarn Cu-Au-magnetite in Matinan and
polymetallic veins in Paleleh-Sumalata.
Tambulilato-Tapadada Cu-Au district is located in
near Gorontalo. At least four porphyry centers
have been idientified: Cabang Kiri, Sungai Mak,
Kayubulan Ridge and Cabang Kanan with
resources estimation of Cabang Kiri (~140 MT @
0.43 % Cu and 0.58 g/t Au) and Sungai Mak (~82
MT @ 0.77 % Cu and 0.39 g/t Au (Parello, 1994).
These deposits are associated with volcanic
sequence of Bilungala and Motomboto. The
sequence is intruded by at least 8 high-crustal
level multiple intrusions from quartz-diorite to
porphyritic diorite with Pliocene in age.
Hydrothermal alteration shows typical porphyry
of island arc with the presence of potassic zone,
intermediate argillic and advanced argillic.
Copper is present in calcophyrite and bornite. LS
epithermal Cu-Au-Ag mineralization in
Motomboto and Kaidundu indicate co-genetic
with porphyry Cu-Au mineralization in
Tombulilato-Tapadaa district.
The weakly mineralized porphyry Cu-Au deposit
is found in Taware Ridge of Sangihe which is
associated with diorite intrusion (Carlile et al.,
1990). Sulphide minerals are present such as
pyrite, calcopyrite, galena and sphalerite. Higher
Au (up to 1 g/t) is correlated to magnetite
alteration zone (potassic?).
Skarn Cu-Au-magnetite deposits in Matinan is
associated with diorite stock which is Pliocene in
age (Kavalieris et al., 1992). The deposit is hosted
in shallow marine siltstone and graywacke that
possibly have formed in Lower Miocene. Such
skarn deposit may be co-magmatic with porphyry
type (Kavalieris et al., 1992). There is no detail
investigation on this deposit.
Epithermal high sulphidation Au-(Cu)-Ag
deposits in the north Sulawesi and Sangihe arc are
found in (1) Motomboto (Parello, 1994), (2)
Gunung Simbalang (Kavalieris et al., 1992) and
Riska Prospect (Nugroho et al., 2005) in
Kotamobagu, and (3) Binebase (Sangihe Island)
(van Leeuwen, 1994). These deposits are closely
related to the formation of porphyry Cu-Au
deposit in this region. Motomboto deposit might
be co-magmatic with Sungai Mak porphyry Cu-
Au (Tombulilato district). It is characterized by
the presence of enargite and luzonite in
associaiton with advanced argillic alteration and
vuggy silica (Perello, 1994).
Binebase high sulphidation epithermal in Sangihe
island is spatially located about ~10 km S-SW
from the Taware porpyry Cu-Au and is
interpretated to have co-genetic (Kavalieris et al.,
1992). However, the Riska prospect
(Kotamobagu) with resources ~14. 2 MT ores @
1.4 g/t Au, 4.4 g/t Ag that has been mined by PT.
Avocet Bolaang Mongondow (ABM) (Nugroho et
 PROCEEDINGS JCM MAKASSAR 2011
The 36th HAGI and 40th IAGI Annual Convention and Exhibition
Makassar, 26 – 29 September 2011
al., 2005) is not associated with porphyry
mineralization.
Many LS epithermal Au-Ag deposits have been
found in the north Sulawesi such as Mintu, Lanut,
Tobongan, Lobong, Patung, Tanoyan, and Pusian
(near Kotamobagu), Doup, Totopo, and
Bolangitang (Kavalieris et al., 1992). This type is
also found in Tombulilato as Kaidundu,
Mamungaa, Mootadaa and Bilolantunga (Perello,
1994). Epithermal LS Au-Ag is hosted in Lower
Miocene andesitic volcanic (Kavalieris et al.,
1992). Mineralization is commonly in the form of
quartz vein with lower grades and tonnages.
Quartz veins such as Kaidundu (Tombulilato
district) has about 350 m lenght, showing the
texures like comb and cockade. Gold is present as
Au-Ag-bearing tellurides and free gold (10-40
µm) filled fractures in pyrite. Gold content at
Kaidundu vein varies between 4 and 127 g/t with
average 33 g/t Au (Perello, 1994). Similarly with
Kapitu and Paulingan veins (Ranoyapo district)
that have cockade breccia, bladed texture (Kapitu)
and crackle breccia texture (Paulingan). In
Ranoyapo district many local miners dig
following the veins and they extract gold using
mercury.
Carlin-style sediment hosted Au deposit is
characterized by a tiny gold particles (< 10
micron) in arsenical pyrite) that is occurred as
dissemination in limestone host rock.The most
commonly is thinly-bedded, silty dolomite and
limestone. Mesel deposit (jasperoid-type) in
Ratatotok is a typical example of this deposit style
in Indonesia.
Mesel deposit with mineable reserves about 7.8
MT ore @7.3 g/t Au (2.0 g/t cut off; 1.8 M ounces
Au) is the largest gold deposit that have been
found in Ratatotok district. Gold mineralization is
concentrated in limestone at contact zone with
andesitic intrusion (13.9 Ma and 11.2 Ma; K/Ar
dating; Garwin et al., 1995). The age of limestone
was Middle Miocene based on foraminifera (N10-
N14) and nanofossil (NN6-NN8) (Garwin et al.,
1995). Andesitic intrusive acts as impermeable
layer and gold mineralization is controlled by
faults as channelways for hydrothermal fluids.
Hydrothermal alteration of carbonate rock is
characterized by the presence of decalcification,
dolomitisation and silicification. Argillic
alteration occurred at andesitic intrusion in
contact with limestone body. Gold was
precipitated when silicification and sulfidation of
submicron-sized auriferous arsenical pyrite
disseminated in silicified, decalcified and
dolimitized carbonate rocks occurred. Sulphide
minerals such as realgar, orpiment, stibnite and
cinnabar were formed in the late stage accompany
the alteration and mineralization of such gold
(Turner et al., 1994; Garwin et al., 1995).
Mineralization of Kuroko VMS style is found at
Bukal and Papayato of the western side of North
Sulawesi (Kavalieriset al., 1992). This deposit is
hosted in the Neogene volcanic and basement of
sedimentary rocks. Such Kuroko VMS style is
interpreted to be similar in age with Sangkaropi
VMS deposit. Bukal and Papayato are related to
felsic volcanic in the sea-floor magmatism during
rift separation of Sulawesi and Kalimantan.
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION
Conclusions
1. The complexities of Sulawesi in term of
tectonic and magmatism that are reflected by the
variaton in its structures lithologies have
implication to distincive occurrences and
metallogenesis of ore deposits within this area.
2. Western Sulawesi magmatic arc is
divided into 3 provinces: (1) South Sulawesi with
K-alkaline shoshonitic (AK-SH) affinity, (2)
Central Sulawesi with high-K calc-alkaline
(KCA) affinity, and (3) North Sulawesi-
Sangihearc with low-K-normal calc-alkaline (TH-
CA) affinity.
3. South Sulawesi magmatic province tends
to have highly potential of polymetallic ore
mineralization mainly Pb-Zn-Cu base metal in the
form of epithermal veins and Kuroko type VMS
deposit.
4. Central Sulawesi magmatic province
seems to have potential of porphyry Mo
mineralization that associated with Dondo
granitoid.
5. North Sulawesi-Sangihe arc magmatic
province is the most mineralized area of the
island. Its tectonic setting has implication to
highly potential of porphyry Cu-Au and
epithermal Au deposits. Other deposit types such
 PROCEEDINGS JCM MAKASSAR 2011
The 36th HAGI and 40th IAGI Annual Convention and Exhibition
Makassar, 26 – 29 September 2011
as skarn, VMS of Kuroko type and Carlin-style
sediment hosted Au deposit are also occur in this
region.
Recommendation for Exploration
Some suggestions for future exploration in this
island as follow:
1. In the southern arm of Sulawesi, the main
target for future exploration should be focused on
the polymetallic deposits mainly base metal-
quartz veins that is associated with Tertiary
volcanic. The exploration may be combined with
mapping of volcanic facies.
2. In the Central Sulawesi, the exploration
can be directed to search the porphyry Mo deposit
in which is associated with Dondo granitoid.
Structural mapping can be done in order to
discover the hydrothermal pathway.
3. In the Southeast Sulawesi, the new
finding of gold deposit in Bombana area hosted in
metamorphic rock leads to the exploration can
also be considered for the Au metamorphogenic
(mesothermal) as the future prospect.
4. In the North Sulawesi, the exploration can
be focused on Cu-Au porfiri and epithermal LS
and HS gold deposits.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors would like to acknowledge Ulva Ria
Irfan (Dept. of Geology, UNHAS) for discussion
and suggestion. This paper is much inspired and
referred to the work of Prof. Rubini Soeria-
Atmadja et al. (1999) and Dr. Bambang Priadi
(ITB). Thanks for their excellent works. Thanks
are also due to Fadhli Idrus for his help in
redrawing of some figures in this paper.
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Figure 1 Regional geological map of Sulawesi displaying the three lithotectonic units: North, South, and
East arms of Sulawesi (Hamilton, 1979; Carlile et al., 1990).
 PROCEEDINGS JCM MAKASSAR 2011
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Figure 2 The occurrences of significant hydrothermal ore mineralization in the Western Sulawesi Arc
(modified from Soeria-Atmadja et al., 1999).