Petrotectonic evolution of the Cerro Áspero mining district and emplacement model of the wolframiferous deposits, Córdoba

Abstract

Metalliferous mineralization, disseminated and in hydraulic breccias, in connection with a mining group composed of three swarm systems of quartz veinlets, veins and sills striking NNW, WNW and N, is exposed in the geological setting related to the Cerro Aspero granitic intrusion located in the eastern part of the Sierra de Comechingones. The region was affected by polimetamorphism during the Pampean and Famatinian cycles. At least two events of simple shearing (D₃ and D₄) and penetrative structures (S₂, S₃ and S₄) were developed, favouring the anorogenic intrusion of Cerro Aspero batholith since late Devonian. This magmatic event was followed by a reactivation of deformation structures and circulation of hydrothermal fluids through rocks underlying a massive amphibolite level belonging to La Aguada formation, which mainly acted as an impermeable barrier in the area. A maximum stress s₁ directed 330º promoted the development of mineralized systems following the fracturing pattern of Riedel's model, and also the development of a principal mineralized path related to a simple dextral shear belt, 285º in direction (S₅). During the evolution of the magmatic-hydrothermal system, a high number of stages of fracturing and opening along rocks were registered, with sealing of cavities by mechanism of crack seal and pressure dissolution. By these mechanisms, fibrous habit silica was precipitated and metallic elements were concentrated, under a traction regime and a pore fluid pressure estimated in 195 MPa. The age of one of the mineralizing stages was determined in 343,8 ± 10,8 Ma through K/Ar dating in muscovite.