Sato Porphyry Copper Prospect Geology and Alteration Zones

A 2026 report details the geology, alteration, and mineralization of the Sato porphyry copper prospect in southwestern Yukon. The study identifies four distinct alteration zones and correlates intrusive phases with Late Cretaceous volcanic suites using U-Pb zircon dating.

Use Cases

• Analyze the spatial relationship between the potassic, phyllic, albitic, and propylitic alteration zones and copper mineralization.
• Correlate intrusive phases like medium-grained diorite and porphyritic quartz monzodiorite with regional volcanic suites using the provided U-Pb zircon ages of 78.2 ± 0.1 Ma and 78.8 ± 0.2 Ma.
• Model the genesis of chalcopyrite and malachite mineralization based on its described occurrence as a replacement of magnetite and on weathered fracture surfaces.

Strengths

• Report provides specific U-Pb zircon dates (78.2 ± 0.1 Ma and 78.8 ± 0.2 Ma) for intrusive phases.
• Identifies and describes four distinct alteration zones (potassic, phyllic, albitic, propylitic) in order of decreasing intensity.
• Geological context is detailed, correlating rocks with named regional suites like the Early Jurassic Aishihik/Long Lake and Late Cretaceous Mount Creedon.

Limitations

• Data is presented as a descriptive report in HTML format, not as a structured, machine-readable table for direct analysis.
• Sample data and quantitative measurements beyond the two age dates are unavailable.
• The report focuses on a single prospect, limiting broader regional comparative analysis.

Provenance

Source

Government of Yukon

Collection Method

Geological field study and laboratory analysis including U-Pb zircon dating.

Time Range

Late Cretaceous (circa 78 Ma) for the intrusive complex.

Freshness

Last updated March 25, 2026.

Geography

Sato prospect between Aishihik Lake and Long Lake, southwestern Yukon Territory, Canada.