Comparing magmatism and hydrothermal alteration using magnetic modelling and stable isotopes at the Clementine porphyry copper prospect, Montana, USA

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Abstract

Recent mapping of the underexplored Clementine prospect in southwestern Montana has revealed evidence of hydrothermal alteration and mineralized breccia vein gossan interpreted to represent the upper expression of a Cretaceous, sediment-hosted copper porphyry system. The prospect is at the nexus of several Cretaceous granites, including the pre-mineralization Butte Granite and Big Hole Canyon plutons and local pre- to post-mineralization granite intrusions. Here, 3D magnetic inversions and stable isotope data are used to evaluate the spatial and genetic relationship of mineralization and Cretaceous magmatism. Magnetic inversions reveal a zone of high magnetic susceptibility beneath the prospect that is related to an exposure of unaltered, likely post-mineralization granite. The granite appears to connect to the Big Hole Canyon pluton at depth, suggesting it is a late-stage differentiate of the cooling, pre-mineralization pluton that may have been one of several potential heat sources for the mineral system at Clementine. This is supported by carbon isotope values of graphite that indicate organic material in shale of the Cretaceous Kootenai Formation was subject to metamorphism. Preliminary light hydrogen isotope values of actinolite hydrothermal orbs suggest formation following magmatic outgassing during thermal advection from an underlying intrusion.

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Publication type Conference Paper
Publication Subtype Conference Paper
Title Comparing magmatism and hydrothermal alteration using magnetic modelling and stable isotopes at the Clementine porphyry copper prospect, Montana, USA
Volume 2
Year Published 2025
Language English
Publisher Society for Geology Applied to Mineral Deposits
Contributing office(s) Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center
Description 4 p.
Larger Work Type Book
Larger Work Subtype Conference publication
Larger Work Title Proceedings of the 18th Biennial SGA Meeting
First page 471
Last page 474
Country United States
State Montana
Other Geospatial Clementine prospect
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