Section Geology

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Conference Proceedings, 15 International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConferences SGEM, ISBN 978619-7105-31-5/ISSN 1314-2704, DOI: 10.5593 /SGEM2015/ B11/S1.055, Book 1, vol. 1, pp 435-442.

RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN CRUSTAL FAULTS, SHALLOW MAGMATIC

CHAMBER AND NEOGENE PORPHYRY CU-AU SYSTEMS
Dr. Ion Berbeleac1, Dr. Maria-Lidia Nuu1, Dr. Florina Chitea1,2
1
2

Institute of Geodynamics of Romanian Academy, Romania

University of Bucharest, Faculty of Geology and Geophysics, Romania

ABSTRACT
The Voia area is situated in the southern part of Golden Quadrilateral, Metaliferi
Mountains (Romania). In a very narrow area (~1km2) a set of three crustal faults (two
oriented E-W and one NE-SW) have been identified by means of deep
magnetotellurical sounding (EMS) data, partially checked with 18 exploration diamond
drillings. These faults were major migration channels for Neogene magmas and related
fluids rich in Cu, Au, Ag, Pb and Zn. The E to V-vergent faults are the hosts of three
low-grade porphyry epithermal Cu-Au and epi- mesothermal Au-Ag, Pb, Zn, Cu
systems. These systems are superimposed on a complex and poly-stage
hornblendebiotite quartz andesite-quartz porphyry microdiorite intrusions, probably
Sarmatian in age (12-11 My). According to exploration drillings the porphyry Cu-Au
systems are developed below -150 to -300 m (below sea level) (<0.1 %Cu) depth and
probably, continues under 1200 m depth (0.5 0.6 %Cu, ~ 0.6 g/t Au) as observed from
mineralogical data of the deepest drilling (e. g. no 19). The shape of these intrusions is
stocks-like with large lateral extents. The high sulfidation (HS) alteration is presents
until 700-800m down where, the dominant veins mineral assemblage (pyrite-marcasitegypsum-clay minerals chalcopyrite, magnetite, base metal sulfides) gradually
superposed with probably younger low sulfidation (LS) mineral assemblage (native
gold-base metal sulfides-carbonates-quartz anhydrite) (e.g. drilling no 17, vein m. 964 to -964.30 m = 87 g/t Au, this means ~306 m below the sea level. The porphyry
system gold is associated with chalcopyrite. The andesitic-microdioritic intrusions have
deeply roots extending till 2-2.5 km in the upper parts of a mini-shallow magmatic
chambers. The sizes and forms of these magmatic chambers have been especially
influenced by the old thrusting planes, fact that explain their overlap and poly-stage
evolution.
Keywords: Crustal faults, Shallow Magmatic Chamber, Neogene mineralization, Voia,
Metaliferi Mountains.

INTRODUCTION
The present study reveals for the first time the results obtained by
electromagnetical method (EMS) of a volcanic structure and also, discuss about the
direct relationships between crustal faults, shallow magma chambers, volcanicsubvolcanic structure and related magmatic-hydrothermal systems.
The Voia area is situated in southwestern part of the Metaliferi Mountains (MM)
and the South Apuseni Mountains (SAM), Western Romania. It lies at 4 km northeast of
the Hondol, and 7 km north of the Sacaramb-old mining centers, respectively (Fig. 1).
Along the last decades of former century Voia area (~10 km2) was the subject of
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numerous scientific investigations and and exploration works. In this period two state
companies, ISEM Bucharest and IPEG Deva accomplished the drilling program. The
next stage of investigation consisted in electromagnetical soundings conducted by
Geodynamic Institute of Romanian Academy. Usually, the copper porphyry deposits are
associated with advanced argillic alteration which in many situations represents 'the
host" of high-sulfidation (HS) epithermal deposits (e.g. Voia and Talagiu, Romania [1];
Lepanto, Filipine [2]).

Figure 1. A) Geological map of Voia region and, B) location of the MTS profiles.
Legend: 1) Hornblende, biotite, quartz pyroxene andesite (Cetras type): a. intrusion; b.
lava flows; 2) Hornblende, quartz biotite, pyroxene andesite (Sacaramb type): a.
intrusion; b. lava flows; 3) Hornblende, quartz biotite, pyroxene andesite (Sacaramb
type); 4) Hornblende, quartz biotite andesite (Sacaramb type); 5) Dykes: a. 1 hornblende quartz andesite (Barza type), b. 2 - Hornblende, quartz biotite andesite
(Sacaramb type); 6) Hornblende, biotite, quartz andesite (Draica type); 7) a. Badenian
volcano-sedimentary rocks, b. Badenian pyroclastics andesite; 8) Badenian volcanosedimentary hybrid rocks; 9) Hybrid rocks; 10) Badenian sedimentary rocks; 11)
Upper Cretaceous-Paleogene Fata Baii Formation; 12) Jurrasic ophiolites and insular
arc andesite; 13) a. Py-Au breccia, b. veins; 14) a. open pit, b. mine; 15) Fault; 16)
Aproximative contour of intense argillic alteration; 17) Drill; 18) EMS station.
REGIONAL AND LOCAL SETTING
Regional structures from MM are thought to be important in controlling the
distribution of porphyry deposits. Usually, the copper porphyry deposits are associated
with advanced argillic alteration which in many situations represents 'the host" of highsulfidation (HS) epithermal deposits (e.g. Voia and Talagiu, Romania [1]; Lepanto,
Filipine [2]).
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For example, the Halmagiu-Brad-Sacaramb volcano-tectonic basin, as other

similar Tertiary basins from MM (e. gr., Zarand, Zlatna-Stanija, [1]), is the focal point
of porphyry deposits. Also within these basins, cross-structures apparently controls the
individual deposits (e.g. Voia). The Tertiary geotectonic evolution of the south MM, in
the surroundings of Voia area, is pointed out by a restless tectonic regime associated to
main deformations which occurred within Tisza block (see [3] and the references
therein) and Transylvanide unit [4]. These basins appeared from rifting type processes,
accompanied by successive compression-extension Tertiary events. As a consequence
of these events, the basement crystalline schists and/or ophiolites and their Mesozoic
and Lower-Middle Miocene covering deposits underwent a great varieties of
deformations (faulting, rifting and graben-like small pull-apart basins), probably
partially caused by Miocene (14-12 My) rapid clockwise rotation of Tisza block (~60

C, see [3] and the references therein). This setting was favorable for development of the
Miocene (14-7.4 My) to Pliocene (1.6 My, [3],[5]) dominant andesitic, calc-alkaline,
partial adakitic-like volcanism and Miocene related mineralizations encountered in Voia
area.
GEOLOGY OF THE STUDY AREA
The upper part of Voia valley is located within a Paleogene Voia graben (VG)
structure, which is a Cenozoic rifting system belonging to Halmagiu-Brad-Sacaramb
basin, related to the active basin of back-arc continental margins. At the surface, in the
Voia area, dominantly are the lava flows and intrusions of Sarmatian-Pannonian
Sacaramb and Cetras types (Hb, BiPx quartz andesite) (12.4-10.27 My, [5]), and the
products of Coasta Mare (10.350.43 My), Geamana, Paua (12.401.04 to 10.270.64
My), Momeasa, Buha, Cetras (10.50.5 My) and Macris (11.5 My) volcanoes [6].
Further, to older as shown in Figure 2: a) a dominant andesitic Badenian-Sarmatian
volcano-sedimentary formation; b) Late Badenian (?) bedded layers of massive lapilliash tuffs of hybrid rocks [1] and, c) Paleogene Fata Baii volcano-sedimentary
formation. Towards the depth, these formations are well developed; in addition, it
appears (Fig. 1a): a) the Sarmatian quartz andesitic-microdioritic products of poly-stage
Voia subvolcanic body (VSB); b) Late Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous limestone and flysch
formations (Ardeu nappe); c) the Eo-Cretaceous granitoid intrusions; d) the Late
Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous sedimentary rocks (Ardeu nappe); e) the Middle Jurassic
ophiolites and Late Jurassic calc-alkaline island arc volcanic rocks of Drocea-Techereu
nappe; f) probably, the crystalline schists and, g) the mineralization-alteration products
related to VSB.

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Figure 2. Geo-tectonic section across South Apuseni Mountains (after [7]). Legend: 1.
Tertiary volcanics; 2) Late Miocene sedimentary deposits; 3) Upper Cretaceous-Lower
Miocene sedimentary and volcano-sedimentary continental deposits; 4) Upper
Cretaceous-Paleogene Fata Baii volcano-sedimentary deposits; 5) Barremian-Aptian
sedimentary deposits; 6) Barremian sediments; 7) Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous
limestone; 8) Middle Jurassic ophiolites-Late Jurassic calc-alkaline island arc volcanic
rocks; 9) Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous sediments ophiolites-nappe; 10) Paleozoic
schist; 11) Muncel-Baia de Aries nappe; 12) Curechi-Stanija Unit; 13) Biharia Unit; 14)
boundary; 15) unconformity; 16) fault; 17) nappe.
The hybrid rocks outcrops about 3km along Voia valley, at the tectonic contact
with Fata Baii formation. Other small outcrops appear in the upper part of Cetras
stream. The most expressive planar flow and lava flow lamination appears nearly to the
tip of lava front, in a small quarry (Fig. 1a). Planar flow laminations show as alternative
bands of white and pale green; synform and antiform are present. The hybrid rocks from
Cetras stream are rich in alunite and clay minerals.
FIELD CONDITIONS AND METHODOLOGY OF WORK
The Voia deep structural image is the result of field mapping, laboratory studies
and processing and interpretation of 29 EMS and 18 EDD data.
Field measurements were carried out with ADU-06 station using the LF1 and
LF2 frequency bands. For each EMS the maximum electrical resistivity data were
processed and using the specialized IPI-EMS inversion software. The EMS have been
performed on three profiles situated in upper part of Voia Valley (Macris Valley, Fig.
1b). The position of the EM stations was elected considering the location specific
topography (ranging from 45 to 5 slope angles). Consequently, the distance between
EM stations varied from 60 to 175 m. The total length pf the measured lines was about
2800 m, and the estimated depth was of 5000 m. results obtained on Profiles I and II are
presented in Figure 3.
Through data processing we have obtained the theoretical curves of resistivity at
a period of 0.01-3.00 seconds and related layered 1D electrical resistivity model for
each sounding. Individual EMS results were merged for computing electrical resistivity
sections (Fig. 3).
Several boreholes have been vertically drilled, roughly in 100x100 m network.
The depth of the boreholes varied being comprised between 450-1200 m depth,
totalizing about 15000 m. Each drill column has been documented (mapped, sampled an
studied) by one of the authors of this study.
RESULTS
The data integration of the resistivity values distribution for each EMS and their
cumulate values for each line (cross-section), together with field mapping, EDD data
and laboratory study revealed the following: a) the presence of three crustal faults; b)
the shallow magma chambers (SMC) formations, which are hosting porphyry and
hydrothermal systems; c) the existence of blind Cu-Au alteration-mineralization and
associate structures related poly-stadial calc-alkaline andesitic-microdioritic intrusion
and d) the hybrid rocks formations.
The set of the crustal faults (two of them extending E-W and the other NE-SW
directions) overpass 5km depth (Fig. 1-3). These faults have been the main pathways for
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magmas up-lift (forming also shallow magma chambers), and lead to the formation of
the Voia graben (pull-apart basin). These faults affects the linear dykes of Barza type
andesites (Fig. 1). The crustal faults cut on 5km depth the EMS investigated area and
divide it into four mini-blocks with distinct lithology and resistivity, noted I to IV (Fig.
3). The initial age of these fault systems was probably Jurassic for E-W system, and
Late Cretaceous for NE-SW system; both systems suffered a rejuvenation in Late
Badenian-Lower Sarmatian time. The image of resistivity variation in EMS area (Fig. 3)
also points out the fact that in its poly-stadial risings along the crustal faults, magmas
meet "obstacles". A consequence of these occurrences was the temporary stopping of
the magmas ascension and also of the associated fluids. The sub-horizontal nappe
planes of Precambrian-Paleozoic crystalline schists and Jurassic ophiolites have been
the main magma obstacles. When the magmas and related fluids migration towards the
surface was stopped, they accumulated around the "obstacles" zones.

Figure 3. Resistivity profiles from Voia deep structure along profile 1 (up) and 2
(down) (modified after [1]). Legend: 1) a. 1 - Badenian-Sarmatian volcano-sedimentary
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rocks, b. 1.1- incipient stage of alteration of crystalline schist; 2) Mineralized and

alterated andesite-microdiorite intrusions; 3) Mezozoic sedimntary rocks
mineralization; 4) Fata Baii formation; 5) Ardeu nappe limestone; 6) Jurassic limestones
of Drocea-Techereu nappe; 7) Crystalline rocks of Baia de Aries nappe (?); 8) a. 7.1 Bihor nappe (?), b. 7.2 - Baia de Aries nappe (?); 9) Unconformity boundary; 10)
Nappe; 11) Fault; 12) Sens of fault movement; 13) EMS; 14) Drill; 15) Mineralization.
A shallow magma chamber can be defined as a magma chamber located at
shallow depth beneath the Earth surface; most of the known SMC are commonly
located, between 1 to 10 km depth. In Voia area, the SMC are situated at 1 km depth,
while other small SMC appear at the intersection of crustal faults with nappe planes. If
magma resides in a chamber for a long period, a mineral stratification results. The lower
density components are rising to the top while the denser minerals will accumulate at
the base. Through cooling and crystallization of magmas remained close to the obstacle
surfaces and which migrated laterally, resulted poly-stadial intrusions and
mineralizations. The shallow magma chambers were observed by means of
magnetotelluric soundings, between EM stations 2-6, 8-9 and 30-33 on profile I, and
EM stations 23-17 and 14-34 from profile II.
The porphyry-Cu-Au (Mo) mineralization were intersected by the drills, at about
200 m reported to sea level (Fig. 4). Towards the surface, the mineralization presents
several transition zones, according to the alteration types; the argillic alteration is
characterized by Py, Gy, Anh, Fe oxides (He, Mt) or Cpy [1]; the propillitic alteration
with Py, albite, carbonates, epidote, argillic minerals or Fe oxides; the potassic
alteration is located to the upper part of the intrusion and where the ore fluids were
concentrated; the phillic alteration that makes the transition between the potassic to the
other alteration zone, and it is characterized by hydro-mice, argillic minerals, Anh, Py,
base metals. Economic minerals like chalcopyrite, bornite are present in the argillic
zones. Chalcopyrite is also present in the potassic alteration zones, as well as biotite,
potassic feldspar and albite, quartz and anhydrite.
The mineralization from the -200 m below sea level are situated both in
transformed sedimentary rock, mainly hornflence with biotite, and intrusive rocks. The
rich in Cu and Au ore deposits has irregular shapes and it is located within faults and
breccifiation zones. Also, it is characterized by the fissurations, breccias and quartz
veins. The magma and ore fluids supply channel appear to be situated in the 5 and 19
drill range (Fig. 4).
The Voia area presents some pin-point aspects due to the presence of porphyry
mineralizations with Fe-Cu-Au (Mo). These mineralizations can be recognized in drills
no. 19 (Fe-Cu-Au, -380 to -350 m; Cu-Au (Mo), -550 to -690 m), no. 17 (Fe-Cu-Au, 265 to -270 m; Cu-Au (Mo), -470 to -1000 m) and no. 13 (Fe-Cu-Au, -460 to -600 m;
Cu-Au (Mo), -360 to -600 m). In the other drills the presence of Fe minerals (He, Mt) is
rare. In addition, the drill no. 24 (-204 to -215 m and -250 to -270 m) shows
molybdenite dissemination together with base metal sulphides (Fig 1b).
In porphyry Cu-Au (Mo) system from Voia are present faults and veins with
gypsum-anhydrite base metal sulphides, and quartz-carbonates anhydtite, base
metal, native gold.
The poly-stadial porphyry quartz andesite-microdiorite intrusions from SMC
point out both, sheet-dykes and "inter-stratification" dykes with basement formations
(up to 14 such levels in drill no. 19).
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Figure 4. Geological cross-section through Voia volcanic body. Legend: 1) Andesitic

rocks; 2) a. Sedimentary rocks, and b. Volcano-sedimentary rocks; 3) Jurassic
ophiolites; 4) sedimentary rocks and skarne; 5) Porphyry mineralization in
predominantly microdiorite rocks; 6) Approximated lower limit of intense argillic
alteration; 7) Upper limit of Sarmation volcano-sedimentary formation; 8) Sarmatian
porphyry intrusions of quartz andesite-microditorite as sheeted dykes, with
mineralization; 9) Fault.
DISCUTIONS AND CONCLUSIONS
The current knowledge status, achieved by means of borehole information and
geophysical subsurface data, allows us to affirm that Voia area represents a very
complex Miocene volcanic structure. On a 10 km2 area are present 7 extinct volcanoes
with a circular arrangement (ring structure type). In the center of the ring structure type
there are linear dykes which makes the connection between volcanoes craters.
Due to volcanic activity occurred in the Sarmatian (10-12 My) resulted quartz
andesite corresponding to Cetras, Momeasa, Macris and Barza types, and hybrid rocks.
These volcanic rocks cut into a basement comprised from following formations: a)
Precambrian-Paleozoic crystalline schists; b) ophiollite and andesite of island-arc type
(Jurassic); c) Upper Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous volcano and volcano-sedimentary
(limestone, siliciclastic flysh); and, d) Upper Cretaceous-Badenian sedimentary and
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volcano-sedimentary (Fig. 1a). The crystalline schists and the Jurassic rocks are
grouped into Upper Cretaceous nappes.
The Voia area, along with the Metaliferi Mountains, was affected by numerous
deformation stages like compression, extension or faulting. In the studied area it
resulted a graben-like structure (pull-apart basin). A set of three pre-Tertiary crustal
faults were reactivated during Upper Miocene (Badenian). They are responsible of the
uprising of magmas towards the surface and the formation of both, the shallow
magmatic chambers and, poly-stadial porphyry quartz andesite-microdiorite intrusions
and related fluids.
The shallow magmatic chambers are hosting the poly-stadial intrusions and
associated mineralizations, like: a) porphyry magmatic-meteoric, epithermal with CuAu (Mo), Fe-Cu-Au (Mo), Mo-base metals, Py-Ca-Mg-skarne; and b) magmaticmeteoric, hydrothermal as high-sulphidation (anhydrite, Py, base metal veins, wargga,
Py-Au breccia) and low-sulphidation (native Au-Ag-Pb-Zn-Cu quartz-carbonates veins)
types.
REFERENCES
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Philippines, Bull. Soc. Ec. Geol., vol. 93, issue 4, pp 373-404, 1998.
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