Mineralogical and geochemical characterisation of polymetallic and precious metal mineralisation in the Miocene Morococha District, Central Peru

The PhD project is focused on the Miocene Morococha district in Central Peru where different styles of mineralization (porphyry, skarn, polymetallic and precious metals veins and mantos) occur. The highly mineralised historical district of Morococha is situated about 140 km east of Lima at an altitude between 4700 and 4900 m and lies within one of the world’s most prolific mineral belts for polymetallic ore deposits.

It presents an excellent opportunity to investigate the origin of different genetical types of ore bodies in a porphyry-related setting, and their relationship with the coeval magmatism and host sedimentary rocks. Two parallel projects (PhD theses) are being coordinated with and in part supported by the Pan American Silver Corporation, operating in the area.

Goals of this PhD project are to study and understand the different types of ore mineralisation in the district by detailed mapping of mineralised structures and ore bodies underground and on surface, and geochemical analyses of rock and ore samples taken in the field. This includes petrography, mineralogical studies, fluid inclusion and stable and radiogenic isotope analyses among others. The overall aim of this project is to establish a genetic model for the mineralising processes in the district, with particular attention to the ore fluid composition and origin.