The Zn-Pb Mineralization of Florida Canyon, an Evaporite-Related Mississippi Valley-Type Deposit in the Bongará District, Northern Peru

Abstract

Abstract The Florida Canyon evaporite-related Zn-Pb sulfide deposit, in northern Peru, is one of the largest Mississippi Valley-type deposits in South America. Triassic carbonate and former evaporite-bearing rocks of the Pucará Group host the orebodies that constitute two different styles: (1) predominantly stratabound ore associated with hydrocarbon-rich porous dolostones and evaporite dissolution breccias and (2) high-grade ore associated with evaporite breccias representing diapiric injections along faults. A dome structure that controls the location of the ore deposit was defined by drill hole spatial data; the dome likely resulted from halokinetic processes during Andean deformation. NNE-trending, steeply dipping secondary faults linked to major northwest structures appear to control the distribution of ore grades in the deposit. Mineralization postdated hydrocarbon migration and accumulation. Strontium, carbon, and oxygen data isotope signatures allow distinction between pre- and synmineralization carbonate stages. The sulfur isotope composition of sulfides in the deposit suggests they precipitated as the result of mixing of a metal-rich fluid with resident hydrogen sulfide in the dome. Local thermochemical sulfate reduction may have contributed to the reduced sulfur budget during mineralization.