Mineralogy and Geochemistry of Polymetallic Deposits at Ketza River Gold Mine

Yukon's Ketza River gold mine produced 400 tonnes of oxide ore daily from 1988 to 1990. This report details four distinct mineralization styles hosted in Cambrian limestone, with fluid inclusion data indicating formation temperatures around 325°C. Stable isotope studies characterize meteoric mineralizing and oxidizing fluids.

Use Cases

• Classify four mineralization styles (Type I-IV) based on host lithology and sulphide mineralogy described in the report.
• Analyze the relationship between oxidation in fractured areas and increased gold grade for deposit targeting.
• Model fluid evolution using stable isotope values (delta (18)Ofluid, delta Dfluid) from meteoric sources.
• Assess deposit formation conditions using fluid inclusion microthermometry data on temperature (325°C) and pressure (>600 bars).
• Map the approximately 75km² oxygen-18 depletion halo around the deposits to understand pervasive fluid flow.

Strengths

• Provides detailed geochemical and mineralogical characterization for four distinct mineralization types.
• Includes specific quantitative data: ore production rate (400 tonnes/day), formation temperature (325°C), and fluid composition (11 mole% CO2±CH4).
• Defines a clear spatial and geological context within the Cassiar Terrane of the Pelly Mountains, Yukon.

Limitations

• Data is presented in a descriptive report format (HTML), not as a structured, queryable table.
• Sample-level analytical data and precise geographic coordinates for individual measurements are not provided.
• The information is specific to a single, historically mined deposit, limiting generalizability.

Provenance

Source

Government of Yukon

Collection Method

Geological study and report.

Time Range

Mining activity from 1988 to 1990; study period unspecified.

Freshness

Last updated March 2026.

Geography

Ketza River gold mine, Pelly Mountains, central Yukon Territory, Canada.