Broken Hill Type Deposits: A Litho-structural Perspective

Tony Webster
Mining Geoscience

October 2018
Scope of this Discussion
Geological characteristics of Broken Hill Type (BHT) mineral
systems, focussed on sytem ‘architecture’
• Key Features of the class – focussed on the type example at
Broken Hill, NSW, Australia
• Distinctive characteristics - that set them apart from their hosts
• What are and what aren’t BHT’s
• Large vs small BHT systems – there are differences
• The relationships between BHT systems and their host
sequences
• The stratigraphic relationships between mineralised horizons
and their companion lithologies (including amphibolite), and
• Some speculation about BHT systems and their origins
Examples Discussed
Bias to Australian deposits
Examples I have worked on and/or are well-documented in the
public domain.
Large Deposits
• Broken Hill – type example (including Potosi, Silver Peak)
• Cannington
Small Deposits
South Africa
• Pinnacles
Aggeneys –Gamsberg, Black Mountain, Broken Hill**
• Pegmont
• Maronan** North America
Franklin Furnace - Sterling Hill
WHAT IS A BROKEN HILL
TYPE DEPOSIT?

Reconstruction of the topography of the ‘broken hill’ c1883 (looking northwest)

What is a Broken Hill Type
A class of stratiform lead-zinc-silver deposit
• The syngenetic model of ore deposits was first developed at Broken Hill (King
and Thompson, 1953), building on the work of Gustafson et al (1939;
Gustafson (1950).
• Developed by mining geologists, through systematic underground geological
mapping. 1951 Level
Mapping – ZC
Mines
• Proved that the orebodies were
conformable with their host strata
• Immediately triggered a debate
with CSIRO research geologists
about deposit genesis (e.g. Stillwell
and Edwards, (1956), Stillwell (1959)
What is a Broken Hill Type
A class of stratiform lead-zinc-silver deposit
• The syngenetic model of ore deposits was first developed at Broken Hill (King
and Thompson, 1953), building on the work of Gustafson et al (1939;
Gustafson (1950).
Applied
• Developed to multiple
by mining deposits
geologists, through across
systematic the world
underground geological
mapping. 1951 Level
Mapping – ZC
Mines
• Proved that the orebodies were
conformable with their host strata
• Immediately triggered a debate
with CSIRO research geologists
about deposit genesis (e.g. Stillwell
and Edwards, (1956), Stillwell (1959)
What is a Broken Hill Type? Definitions
Beeson (1990) – identified the type
• Beeson, R. , 1990. Broken Hill type lead-zinc deposits - an overview of their
occurrence and geological setting. Institution of Mining and Metallurgy,
Transactions, Section B99, 163-175.
Parr and Plimer (1993)
• Parr, J. M., and Plimer, I. K., 1993. Models for Broken Hill Type lead-zinc-silver
deposits. In Kirkham, R. V., Sinclair, W. D., Thorpe, R. I. And Duke, J. M., (Eds):
Mineral Deposit Modeling. Geological Association of Canada Special Paper 40:
253-288
Published in hard-to access locations
• Walters (1996) – most readily accessible
• Spry et al (2009) – classification revision
Broken Hill Type Pb Zn Ag Deposits
Regional geological criteria
• Restricted age range: lower-mid Proterozoic mobile
belts with a long thermal history.
• Hosted in amphibolite- granulite facies metamorphic
terranes
• Rift-related tectonic setting, with transition from
quartzofeldspathic-dominant lower stratigraphy to
psammopelitic and pelitic sequences in upper
stratigraphy.
• BHT mineralisation concentrated at transition from
lower to upper sequences.
• Oxidised clastic metasediments most probable host
lithology, although metamorphism is a complicating
factor in interpretation of protoliths.
Local geological criteria
• Thin exhalite units (e.g. quartz-gahnites) define
lateral markers and prospective packages.
• Multiple 'exhalite' horizons common.
• Graphite and pyrite not common in near-ore
environments.
• Concentration of amphibolites and possible acid
volcanics in near-ore and footwall sequences.
Mineralisation features
• Mineralisation hosted by diverse range of
skarn-like Ca-Mn-Fe-P-F rich assemblages.
• Galena-sphalerite dominant with subordinate
pyrrhotite and minor pyrite; variable
magnetite.
• Coarse-grained recrystallised and annealed
textures, with complex ductile breccias.
• Stacking of low-aspect ore lenses common.
• Strong Pb-Zn zonation, rapid internal
variation.
• High Mn-Ca-Fe expressed as garnets,
pyroxenes and pyroxenoids, e.g. bustamite,
pyroxmangite, rhodonite and spessartine.
• Structural upgrading and complex retrograde
metasomatism characteristic features.
Walters (1996)
Broken Hill Type Pb Zn Ag Deposits
Regional geological criteria Mineralisation features
• Restricted age range: lower-mid Proterozoic mobile
1. beltsRestricted age range: lower-mid
with a long thermal history.
• Mineralisation hosted by diverse range of
Proterozoic mobile belts skarn-like Ca-Mn-Fe-P-F rich assemblages.
• Hosted in amphibolite- granulite facieswith a
metamorphic
long thermal history.
terranes • Galena-sphalerite dominant with subordinate
• Rift-related tectonic setting, with transition from pyrrhotite and minor pyrite; variable
2. quartzofeldspathic-dominant
Hosted in amphibolite-lower stratigraphy to
granulite
psammopelitic and pelitic sequences in upper
magnetite.
facies metamorphic terranes.
stratigraphy. • Coarse-grained recrystallised and annealed
• BHT mineralisation concentrated at transition from textures, with complex ductile breccias.
3. lower
Thin exhalite
to upper units (e.g. quartz-
sequences. • Stacking of low-aspect ore lenses common.
• Oxidised clastic metasediments
gahnites) define mostmarkers
lateral probable host • Strong Pb-Zn zonation, rapid internal
lithology, although metamorphism is a complicating
and prospective packages. variation.
factor in interpretation of protoliths.
Local geological criteria • High Mn-Ca-Fe expressed as garnets,
4.
• ThinMultiple 'exhalite'
exhalite units horizonsdefine
(e.g. quartz-gahnites) pyroxenes and pyroxenoids, e.g. bustamite,
lateral markers and prospective packages. pyroxmangite, rhodonite and spessartine.
common.
• Multiple 'exhalite' horizons common.
• Structural upgrading and complex retrograde
• Graphite and pyrite not common in near-ore
environments. metasomatism characteristic features.
• Concentration of amphibolites and possible acid
volcanics in near-ore and footwall sequences. Walters (1996)
 Examples and Distribution
Examples Discussed - Size Range
• Broken Hill Main Lode (New South
Wales),
• Cannington (Queensland),

• Pinnacles (New South Wales)

• Pegmont (Queensland)
• Maronan (Queensland)

(Aggeneys-Gamsberg, South Africa)

 Examples and Distribution
Examples Discussed - Size Range
• Broken Hill Main Lode (New South
Wales),
• Cannington (Queensland),

• Pinnacles (New South Wales)

• Pegmont (Queensland)
• Maronan (Queensland)

(Aggeneys-Gamsberg, South Africa)

It is worth remembering
that most BHT systems
are small
Examples and Distribution

From Dugmore, 2015

CHARACTERISTICS THAT
SET BHT’S APART FROM
OTHER SEDIMENT-
HOSTED SYNGENETIC
Pb-Zn-Ag DEPOSITS
Differences Between BHT and SEDEX Deposits
Differences between BHT and SEDEX deposits
BHT SEDEX
• deposits are metal-rich, sulphur- • deposits are metal- and sulphur-rich
poor
• Stratiform
• Stratiform
• weak manganese halo
• intense manganese halo
• hosted within a very reduced
• Hosted within sediments which package of sediments, indicative of
include oxidised facies indicative of an anoxic water column.
an oxic water column.
• Total orebody sulphur is a mixture of
• Sulphur has a similar source to the reduced basin sulphate and
metals, as H2S in the ore fluids hydrothermal H2S

Large, Bodon, Davidson and Cooke 1996

Geometry of Large vs Small BHT Systems
Small deposits comprise areally Pinnacles Lead Lode

extensive sheets Tightly folded but persistent mineralised

horizon. Parallel ‘zinc lode’ horizons lie
• Pinnacles above and below (modelled data source:
Enterprise Exploration (1957) and Teas (1966)
• Pegmont
500m
Large systems are linear mounds
with high aspect ratios
Granite
• BH
• Cannington
• Maronan?
AMPH

Pegmont Mineralised BIF Horizon

Strongly folded but persistent mineralised BIF horizons
(modelled data source: Locsei (1977) and open source data of
500m
Vendetta Mining Corp
STRATIGRAPHIC
SETTING AND
RELATIONSHIPS
WITH HOST ROCKS
Broken Hill - Stratigraphic Setting
Regional Geology

The Broken Hill Domain

(Palaeoproterozoic)
Broken Hill Stratigraphic Setting – Conformable with Host Strata

Despite the variable effects

of deformation, the
orebodies are still mostly
conformable with the
surrounding Mine Sequence
strata
Strata exposed in the southwest
wall of Blackwoods Open Cut.
3 Lens timber stopes

Context & Interp (Section

from Gustafson, 1939)
Broken Hill Stratigraphic Setting – Conformable with Host Strata

Despite the variable effects

of deformation, the
orebodies are still mostly
conformable with the
surrounding Mine Sequence
strata
Strata exposed in the southwest
wall of Blackwoods Open Cut.
3 Lens timber stopes

Context & Interp (Section

from Gustafson, 1939)
Broken Hill Stratigraphic Setting – Conformable with Host Strata

Despite the variable effects

of deformation, the
orebodies are still mostly
conformable with the
surrounding Mine Sequence
strata
Strata exposed in the southwest
wall of Blackwoods Open Cut.
3 Lens timber stopes

Context & Interp (Section

from Gustafson, 1939)
Broken Hill Stratigraphic Setting – Conformable with Host Strata
Sulphide-silicate-carbonate ore
horizons and companion
lithologies remain conformable
with host strata, even in the most
structurally complex areas – e.g.
the British Mine
Broken Hill Stratigraphic Setting – Conformable with Host Strata
20 Level, Perilya Southern Operations

300m
Key marker units in the wall rocks remain conformable with
the orebodies in regions of complex folding
Blue = 1 Lens Potosi Gneiss
Red = 2 Lens Amphibolite
Pink = 3 Lens Garnet Quartzite
Green = garnet sandstone / lode rocks

Perilya Mine XS 26
Looking North
Broken Hill Stratigraphic Setting – Graded Bedding

Cannington

Pegmont
Broken Hill Stratigraphic Setting – Graded Bedding

Cannington

Pegmont Sundown Group

Broken Hill northern leases
Broken Hill Stratigraphic Setting – Graded Bedding

Cannington

Fine-grained, ‘shale’-like rocks, chert and finely

laminated ore types at the margins of the
Cannington ore system suggest that it may have
formed in a quieter, less energetic sedimentary
environment.

Pegmont Sundown Group

Broken Hill northern leases
MINE SEQUENCE
LODE SEQUENCE
AND
LODE HORIZON

Pinnacles Deposit – No 2 Level Geology

Tightly folded but persistent mineralised horizon (‘lead lode) = red

Overlying, parallel amphibolite modelled in dark green

Overlying haematitic ironstone (‘BIF’) modelled in brown

(modelled data source: Enterprise Exploration (1957) and Teas (1966
Broken Hill Stratigraphic Setting – Host Sequence The Mine Sequence

Stratigraphy of the Mine Sequence (host succession to BH mineralisation). After Webster (2004)
 Broken Hill Stratigraphic Setting – Host Sequence The Mine Sequence

Line of Lode

Surface Geology - Mine Sequence Broken Hill.

Potosi Type Gneiss
Footwall Quartzofeldspathic Gneiss Amphibolite
 Broken Hill Stratigraphic Setting – Host Sequence The Mine Sequence

Mine Sequence – key marker units 14 Level Perilya Mine

TOWN AMPHIBOLITES
UPPER POTOSI TYPE QUARTZOFELDSPATHIC GNEISS
ABM POTOSI TYPE QUARTZOFELDSPATHIC GNEISS
CONSOLS AMPHIBOLITE
FOOTWALL QUARTZOFELDSPATHIC GNEISS
Broken Hill Stratigraphic Setting – Host Sequence
Margin of a Volcano-sedimentary Complex?

The main BH mineralised system is located on;

The northwest flank of a volcano-sedimentary complex that is represented by the Footwall
Quartzofeldspathic Gneiss, Consols Amphibolites & the ABM Potosi Type
Quartzofeldspathic Gneiss.
Broken Hill Stratigraphic Setting – Host Sequence
Margin of a Volcano-sedimentary Complex?

The main BH mineralised system is located on;

The northwest
The flank of a of
long axis volcano-sedimentary complex
the mineralised system that that
parallels is represented by the Footwall
of the complex.
Quartzofeldspathic Gneiss, Consols Amphibolites & the ABM Potosi Type
Quartzofeldspathic Gneiss.
Broken Hill Stratigraphic Setting – Host Sequence
Margin of a Volcano-sedimentary Complex?

The deposit is located at the thinned, SW end of the complex & lies at the position where the
metavolcanic rocks lens out into clastic metasediments
 The Broken Hill Host Sequence The Lode Sequence
The Lode Sequence is a package of mineralised stratigraphy in the Mine
Sequence that hosts the most significant sulphide occurrences in the
Broken Hill region
In the mines area, it is a package ranging from 50 to 250
metres thick comprising;
• the orebodies,
• sub-economic sulphide occurrences,
• associated companion lithologies (‘lode rocks’), and
• intervening pelitic & psammitic clastic metasediments.
 The Broken Hill Host Sequence The Lode Sequence
The Lode Sequence is a package of mineralised stratigraphy in the Mine
Sequence that hosts the most significant sulphide occurrences in the
Broken Hill region
It is characterised by ‘lode rocks’, including ‘garnet quartzite’,
In the mines area, it is a package ranging from 50 to 250
‘garnet
metres thick sandstone’,
comprising; blue quartz-garnet (+/- gahnite) rocks,
•blue
the quartz-bearing
orebodies, psammopelitic rocks and green feldspar
• sub-economic sulphide occurrences, pegmatite
• associated companion lithologies (‘lode rocks’), and
• intervening pelitic & psammitic clastic metasediments.
The BH Lode Sequence Stratigraphic variation in the Lode Sequence
Stacked level plans of the 10-12 Levels Perilya Mine (southwest mining
NE
field) showing Garnet Quartzite & B Lode Horizons
SW

BLUE QUARTZ ROCKS (INCLUDING B LODE HORIZON): LIGHT GREEN)

GARNET QUARTZITE HORIZON: YELLOW

300m
GREY = PEGMATITE
ORANGE = B LODE
BRIGHT GREEN = A LODE LOWER & UPPER (high grade portion)
BLUE = 1 LENS
RED = 2 LENS (GREEN = RHODONITE)
PINK = 3 LENS
The Broken Hill Host Sequence - ‘Lode Horizon’
Regional Expression of Part of the Mineralised System

– Thin (1-5 metre) lensoid units

that define regionally
prospective packages (50-200
m thick) – easily overlooked
– Most common markers are
siliceous ± gahnite-garnet, with
‘lode pegmatites’.

– Thin ‘BIF’s’ occur in most BHT

districts but not a common
direct marker to ore
– Lode horizon contributes to the
Outcrop of quartz-gahnite Lode Horizon – Round Hill geochemical ‘smoke’ that
characterises all BHT districts.
– Prospective packages host
numerous small prospects and
rarely a big one.
The Broken Hill Host Sequence - ‘Lode Horizon’
Regional Expression of Part of the Mineralised System

– Thin (1-5 metre) lensoid units

that define regionally
prospective packages (50-200
m thick) – easily overlooked
Lode Horizon represents the district-scale marker
– Most common for partareof
markers
siliceous ± gahnite-garnet, with
the BH main lode position.
‘lode pegmatites’.
NOTE: The two largest orebodies (2 Lens and 3 Lens) have no
– Thin ‘BIF’s’ occur in most BHT
regional expression. They have sharp contacts with
districts but not a clastic
common
metasedimentary host rocks and no associated ‘alteration’
direct marker to ore
– Lode horizon contributes to the
Outcrop of quartz-gahnite Lode Horizon – Round Hill geochemical ‘smoke’ that
characterises all BHT districts.
– Prospective packages host
numerous small prospects and
rarely a big one.
COMPLEXLY STRATIFIED
MINERALISED SYSTEMS

Representative ore type

reference set – Cannington
Inveravon Ore - Cannington
Compiled by Lucy Jones
 Complexly Stratified Mineralised Systems
Remarkably Diverse Internal Zonation in the Large Ore Systems
• Calcitic ore (lead-rich)**
• Siliceous ore
• Manganese and/or iron-rich
sediments
• Cherts/quartzites
• Fluorite layers / bands
• Apatite bands / layers
• Weakly mineralised to
barren pyroxenoid layers
• Syn-tectonic/syn-
metamorphic overprints
create the “skarn” minerals.
Cannington – Bedded Inveravon Ore
 Complexly Stratified Systems - Broken Hill Deposit

The system is comprised of a series of orebodies Metal Production 1883-1994

(‘lenses’)
• 19.3 mt Pb,
Convoluted and closely interfolded
• 16.6 mt Zn,
sheets/pancakes
• 28.7 million Kg Ag,
At least nine spatially associated, flattened &
• 23 t Au (a bi-product of base metal mining)
ribbon-like stratiform orebodies within a
sequence of distinctive companion lithologies Pasminco Ltd, unpublished data (1995)
Orebodies are conformable with the host strata
Complexly Stratified Systems - Broken Hill Deposit
3 Lens

3 Lens & 2 Lens extend for most of the length of the field, >8.5 km
Until recently accounted for most production.
Complexly Stratified Systems - Broken Hill Deposit
2 Lens

Branches of 2L
• 1 Lens Upper (1LU)
• 1 Lens Lower (1LL) - immediately above 2L.
3 Lens & 2 Lens extend for most of the length of the field, >8.5 km
Until recently accounted for most production.
 Complexly Stratified Systems - Broken Hill Deposit
A Lode Lower/Upper/Southern, Western AL / Western Min, Southern 1 Lens

Several lesser-mineralised horizons predominate in the

SW & now account for most of the production of the
field.

• A Lode Upper (ALU)

• A Lode Lower (ALL)
• Southern 1 Lens

Southern A Lode lies in the same stratigraphic position relative to BL as ALU but is a distinct occurrence to the southwest,
and

Southern 1 Lens is a separate ore horizon occupying the 1L stratigraphic position in the south-western Perilya Mine.
Probably more closely akin to B Lode,
 Complexly Stratified Systems - Broken Hill Deposit
B Lode

Several lesser-mineralised horizons predominate in the

SW & now account for most of the production of the
field.

• Stratified and layered – banded ore

• Lies at the top of the lesser mineralised horizons
• Transition to the regionally significant blue-quartz garnet ‘B Lode Horizon’
 Complexly Stratified Systems - Broken Hill Deposit
‘C Lode’ & 4.5 Mineralisation

The 4.5 Mineralisation lies outside the Hores Gneiss

C Lode Mineralisation is mostly derived from B Lode (structurally emplaced)

Complexly Stratified Systems - Broken Hill Deposit
Complexly Stratified Systems - Broken Hill Orebody Types
“Zinc Lodes” and “Lead Lodes” Don’t Exist
• ‘Zinc lodes’ and ‘lead lodes’ are mining classifications and not based on geological
characteristics.
• There is a transition from 3 Lens to B Lode. Lead diminishes but zinc remains relatively
constant
• The geological relationships of orebodies are more complex.
Calcitic Orebodies - mostly hosted in clastic meta-sedimentary rocks containing calcium-rich
lithologies
• 2 Lens
• 1 Lens Lower
• 1 Lens Upper

Siliceous Orebodies - associated with the manganiferous Garnet Quartzite and B Lode Horizons
• 3 Lens
• A Lode Lower 14 Level Perilya Southern Operations Mine Geology
• Alode Upper
• B Lode
Complexly Stratified Orebodies – Broken Hill
The picture can't be displayed.

S0 BANDING & LAYERS IN THE OREBODIES

2 Lens
50 Metres

1 Lens Upper & Lower

Geology of 2 Lens, Perilya Mine 20 Level, 17m Contour

The stratigraphy of 2 Lens (and 1 Lens) is recognised wherever detailed mapping has been carried
out. B Lode and A Lode Lower are also stratified
CALCITIC ORE
(SULPHIDE-BEARING
MARBLE)

Broken Hill – Banded Calcite Ore

Stratification of the Orebodies – Calcitic Ore
Broken Hill
The picture can't be displayed.

S0 BANDING & LAYERS IN THE OREBODIES

BANDED CALCITE-SILICATE
MINERALISATION
FOLDED BY F2 FOLD

D3B FAULT

Geology of 2 Lens, 19
Level Sill Perilya Mine

METRES

Location
Stratification of the Orebodies – Calcitic Ore
Broken Hill

Calcitic Ore, Perliya

Southern Operations,
2 Lens

Marble, North Mine 2 Lens

Stratification of the Orebodies – Calcitic Ore
Cannington

5cm
Stratification of the Orebodies – Calcitic Ore
Maronan

Banded carbonate with lead sulphides

Photos from Red Metal Pty Ltd

 Other Components of the Ore Cannington
Graphite in calcitic ore – Broken Hill Cherty quartzite - Cannington

• Fluorite layers (2 Lens, 3 Lens)

• Apatite layers (2 Lens)
• Quartz-fluorite bands

Dismembered quartz band in

Glenholm Ore - Cannington
 Calc-silicates Broken Hill & Cannington
Precursor to most of the ‘skarn’ mineralogy at
Broken Hill and Cannington – syn-metamorphic

Banded amphibole-
garnet and saccharoidal
quartz – Cannington
Fayalite (black) in Rhodonite and Sample from Lucy Jones
Calcite – Broken Hill

Bustamite (pink) in coarse calcite

- Broken Hill
 MASSIVE
PYROXENOID
LAYERS
Stratification of the Orebodies – Massive Pyroxenoid Layers
The Broken Hill and Cannington orebodies both contain
distinctive payers of barren to weakly mineralised,
equigranular pyroxenoids

• Broken Hill – Rhodonite (Manganese-rich)

• Cannington - Hedenbergite (iron-rich)
At Cannington, the hedenbergite zones can be
massive and equigranular to banded (bedded?)
Hedenbergite is also present at Pegmont

Cannington bedded
hedenbergite

Cannington massive
hedenbergite
Broken Hill, various rhodonite textural types
Stratification of the Orebodies – Massive Pyroxenoid Layers

The picture can't be displayed.

S0 BANDING & LAYERS IN THE OREBODIES

MASSIVE RHODONITE
FOLDED BY F2 FOLD

D3B FAULT

Geology of 2 Lens, 19
Level Sill Perilya Mine

METRES

Location
 Stratification of the Orebodies – Pyroxenoid Layers
Pegmont

Hedenbergite in mineralised BIF horizons

Photo from Vendetta P/L

 COMPANION
LITHOLOGIES:
‘LODE ROCKS’
 GARNETITES
’GARNET QUARTZITE’

‘GARNET SANDSTONE’
 Garnet ‘Quartzite’ and Garnet ‘Sandstone’
• Local terms used at BH
• Usage has spread to other fields
(e.g. Mt Isa Eastern Succession)
• Researchers prefer ‘garnetite’
(e.g. Spry)
• Multiple modes of formation from

• Syngenetic sediment precursor to

• syntectonic alteration (D1 – D3A)
Companion Lithologies: Garnet Quartzite

Cannington Pegmont Broken Hill

Companion Lithologies: Garnet Quartzite

Cannington Pegmont Broken Hill

Companion Lithologies: Garnet Quartzite

Garnet Quartzite is a DOMINANT part of

the (southern) ore system at Broken Hill

It is only a minor component at Cannington

and Pegmont

Cannington Pegmont Broken Hill

Companion Lithologies: Garnet Quartzite

Garnet Quartzite is a DOMINANT part of

Could beore
the (southern) considered as a Hill
system at Broken
‘banded manganese formation’
It is only a minor component at Cannington
equivalent to the iron-rich BIF
and Pegmont

Cannington Pegmont Broken Hill

 Companion Lithologies: Garnet Sandstone
Lens cap

Broken Hill
 Companion Lithologies: Garnet Sandstone
Lens cap

Syntectonic alteration of garnet quartzite

precursor

Broken Hill
Relationship of Garnet Quartzite Horizon with Ore Lenses

• Garnet Quartzite Interlayered with encompassing metasedimentary rocks

• Does NOT encompass all ore lenses, only some of the ‘zinc lodes’

• Only weakly developed relationship with 3L and 2L (in contact with 2L

hangingwall) – the largest orebodies of the field

14 Level Perilya Southern Operations Mine Geology

Relationship of Garnet Quartzite Horizon with Ore Lenses

• Garnet Quartzite Interlayered with encompassing metasedimentary rocks

• Does NOT encompass all ore lenses, only some of the ‘zinc lodes’
The relationships between garnet quartzite and the
• surrounding
Only sedimentary
weakly developed rocks
relationship with is 2L
3L and the(in primary
contact withreason
2L
hangingwall) – the largest orebodies of the field
why this is not considered to be a preserved alteration
halo
14 Level Perilya Southern Operations Mine Geology
BLUE QUARTZ-GARNET-
GAHNITE ROCKS
(‘LODE’)
Companion Lithologies: Blue Quartz-Garnet-Gahnite

Blue Quartz ‘Lode Rocks’ Broken Hill

Syn-deformational ‘Lode’ Rocks
North Mine
‘BANDED IRON
FORMATION’

Mt Lucas, Pegmont Prospect

Relationship Between Mineralisation and BIF
Relationship between BIF and the ore horizons

Broken Hill Footwall. Very weak to non-existent

>40m stratigraphically above ore horizons

Pinnacles (Hangingwall). Very weak
Laterally equivalent, merges with orebody
Cannington
position
Probably laterally equivalent, merges with
Pegmont
orebody position
Relationship Between Mineralisation and BIF

‘Banded Iron Formation’ is a

DOMINANT and integral part of the
ore system at Cannington, Pegmont
& Maronan (& in the South African
BHT’s)

It is only a MINOR component of the

Lode Sequence at Broken Hill

Cannington
 Cross section

AMPHIBOLITE

Pinnacles Deposit
Tightly folded but persistent mineralised horizon (‘lead lode) = red
Overlying, parallel amphibolite modelled in green

Overlying haematitic ironstone (‘BIF’) modelled in brown

(modelled data source: Enterprise Exploration (1957) and Teas (1966
Amphibolites
• Broken Hill – extensively developed in
footwall but less in hangingwall. Have
only a weak spatial relationship.
Insignificant in mine area.
• Cannington – ‘Core Amphibolite’, is
intimately associated with orebody.
• Multiple amphibolite sills in surrounding host
strata lie paralle to orebody boundaries

• Pegmont – in footwall and

hangingwall - may cross-cut
mineralised BIF horizons
• Pinnacles – single sheet > 70m above
Lead Lode Cannington
Amphibolites
• Broken Hill – extensively developed in
footwall but less in hangingwall. Have
only a weak spatial relationship.
Variable appearance
Insignificant – from gabbroic to doleritic, to fine-grained
in mine area.
Probably
• Cannington – ‘Core Amphibolite’, is sills
intimately
Mostly associated
intrusive originwith orebody.
but some calc-silicate-derived amphibolites
• Multiple amphibolite sills in surrounding host
strata lie paralle toare observed
orebody (e.g. Broken Hill)
boundaries

• Pegmont – in footwall
Mostand
significant at Cannington
hangingwall - may cross-cut
mineralised BIF horizons
• Pinnacles – single sheet > 70m above
Lead Lode Cannington
ALTERATION
Alteration Footprints
• No obvious focussed footwall feeder Any such alteration would manifest as a
zones with intense alteration. recognisable rock type following
metamorphism.
• More abundant sillimanite and
disseminated garnet form large-scale
stratabound alteration envelopes in Possibly the SHMU at Cannington?
host quartzofeldspathic sequences.
• High levels of K -feldspar in alteration
halos are associated with 'lode Syn-metamorphic
pegmatite' sweats, often with pale-
green Pb bearing microcline.
Garnet quartzite is not an alteration halo.
• Fe-Mn garnet 'quartzites' and It appears to inter-digitate with the other parts of the
'sandstones' form immediate Lode Sequence.
envelope to ore system It has little association with 2 Lens and 3 Lens
Walters (1996)
Alteration Footprints
• No obvious focussed footwall feeder Any such alteration would manifest as a
zones with intense alteration. recognisable rock type following
metamorphism.
• More abundant sillimanite and
There is little garnet
disseminated evidenceformobserved
large-scale in BHT systems to suggest that they
stratabound alteration envelopes in Possibly the SHMU at Cannington?
had primary alteration systems associated with primary ore
host quartzofeldspathic sequences. deposition
• High levels of K -feldspar in alteration
Allare
halos ofassociated
the observed alteration is syn-tectonic/metamorphic
with 'lode Syn-metamorphic
pegmatite' sweats, often with pale-
green Pb bearing microcline.
Garnet quartzite is not an alteration halo.
• Fe-Mn garnet 'quartzites' and It appears to inter-digitate with the other parts of the
'sandstones' form immediate Lode Sequence.
envelope to ore system It has little association with 2 Lens and 3 Lens
Walters (1996)
STRUCTURAL AND
METAMORPHIC
MODIFICATION
The Deposit – Orebody Structure
Structure of Orebodies

NORTH MINE 27 LEVEL SILL

SHOWING STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS

-------- = S2
=-------- = S2 foliation (galena)
F2 fold trace
= F4 fold trace = F2 fold trace
= F4 fold trace

100m North Mine 28 Level

3L & 2L
SOME CONCLUDING
REMARKS
 Some Conclusion about BHT Genesis from
Observations of Deposit Architecture
• BHT’s are stratiform, syngenetic deposits. King and O’Driscoll
(1953) and the ZC Mines Geology team got it right
• BHT systems preserve a remarkable number of syn-depositional
features. Bedding and internal stratification. Those features
could not have formed beneath the sea floor
• Large BHT’s formed in high energy sedimentary environments.
However, the large stratified ore systems formed as chemical
sediments within that environment – in very localised ‘quiet’
zones(?), or from an active accretionary process (e.g.
reef/mound)
• Smaller systems probably formed in quieter sedimentary
environments
 Some Conclusion about BHT Genesis from
Observations of Deposit Architecture
• Large systems are often very metal rich and internally stratified
– with high aspect ratios that are an original feature (e.g. Broken
Hill, and possibly Cannington and Maronan)
• Smaller systems are sheet-like layers (e.g. Pegmont and
Pinnacles) and areally extensive, suggesting a different
sedimentary environment of deposition.
• There is probably a spectrum of BHT types. Ranging from iron- to
manganese- and possibly calcium-rich end members.
• Calcite (marble) is a significant component of THE BEST Pb
mineralisation in BHT systems.
The Spectrum of BHT’s
Iron-rich end members Manganese-rich rich end members
Cannington, Pegmont, Broken Hill
Maronan Pinnacles
(lies on the spectrum?)
(South Africa - Aggeneys)

Close geological Close geological association with

association with banded banded manganese rocks
magnetite rocks (garnet quartzite and its altered
(banded iron formation) derivates such as garnet sandstone)

Contain hedenbergite Contain rhodonite / bustamite

The Spectrum of BHT’s
Iron-rich end members Manganese-rich rich end members
Cannington, Pegmont, Broken Hill
Maronan Pinnacles
(lies on the spectrum?)
(South Africa - Aggeneys)

This
Closeidea support’s Spry et al’s (2009) revision
geological of the association
Close geological type intowith a
association with banded banded manganese rocks
series of ‘true’
magnetite rocks BHT’s and a variety of deposits with variable “BHT
(garnet quartzite and its altered
(banded iron formation) affinities” derivates such as garnet sandstone)
Contain hedenbergite Contain rhodonite / bustamite
The Spectrum of BHT’s
Iron-rich end members Manganese-rich end members
Cannington, Pegmont, Broken Hill
Maronan Pinnacles
(lies on the spectrum?)
(South Africa - Aggeneys)

This
Closeidea support’s Spry et al’s (2009) revision
geological of the association
Close geological type intowith a
association with banded banded manganese rocks
series of ‘true’
magnetite rocks BHT’s and a variety of deposits with variable “BHT
(garnet quartzite and its altered
(banded iron formation) affinities” derivates such as garnet sandstone)
Contain hedenbergite Contain rhodonite / bustamite
There may also be a spectrum from calcium-poor to calcium-rich and sulphur
poor to sulphur-rich varieties. The Franklin Furnace and Sterling Hill deposits in
New Jersey, USA may lie at the extreme calcium enriched (and sulphur depleted)
end of a series. Both Hitzman et al (2003) and Spry et al (2009) have suggested
that these deposits have ‘BHT affinities’.
Are There BHT Systems Without Pb Zn Ag?
If there is a spectrum of BHT’s, then could we learn more about
the genesis of these systems by studying

• manganese and

• iron deposits?

In similar Palaeo- and Mesoproterozoic geological environments?

Conclusions
Broken Hill, the ‘type example’ – differs from all other
BHT’s because:
• BIF is insignificant. BIF is strongly-developed in association with
other BHT systems (e.g. Cannington, Pegmont) but less so at the
Pinnacles

• Garnet quartzite is much more strongly developed at Broken Hill

than in other BHT’s. The large volume of GQ is not observed in
other BHT systems (where it is a minor component)
Conclusions
Broken Hill, the ‘type example’ – differs from all other
BHT’s because:
• BIFBroken Hill BIF
is insignificant. is istherefore not ain very
strongly-developed good
association with
other BHT systems (e.g. Cannington, Pegmont) but less so at the
Pinnacles
exemplar of the ‘type’
• Garnet quartzite is much more strongly developed at Broken Hill
than in other BHT’s. The large volume of GQ is not observed in
other BHT systems (where it is a minor component)
Conclusions
Apparently complex BHT systems are easy to
understand because:
• Key examples have been (and continue to be)
well-documented by mining geologists
• This allows limited research observations to
be placed in a deposit-scale context
 Acknowledgements
The Central Geological Survey (CGS) - Research software
1936-39
John Kyle Gustafson ARANZ Geo
Herbert Cayford Burrell
Michael Duhan Garretty Seequent
Ralph R Wallace (draughtsman and surveyor)

Noel Carroll (Perilya Exploration)

Danny Huisman and Mark Sheppard

The Broken Hill and Cannington mine

geology teams
END