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Silver Creek, Rico District
Colorado, USA
Main commodities: Mo


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The Silver Creek porphyry molybdenum deposit is located in the Rico District of south-west Colorado, USA, within the Colorado Mineral Belt.   With a Pliocene age it is the youngest known porphyry molybdenum deposit in the mineral belt and has associated sulphate replacement, epithermal Pb-Zn-Ag vein and replacement mineralisation and Recent hot spring activity.

The Silver Creek deposit is concealed 1.5 km below surface.   One main phase of molybdenum mineralisation appears to have produced a stockwork of molybdenite-quartz-veins with accessory early and late pyrite, orthoclase, fluorite and scheelite.   Alteration includes skarn and hydrothermal sulphate (anhydrite) deposits up to 30 m thick formed by replacement of limestone prior to the introduction of molybdenite.

Mineralisation and alteration in the Rico district is related to a 4 Ma Pliocene thermal anomaly which has modified many of the country rocks, both sediments and the abundant intrusives. The youngest and possibly causative intrusives of the district are 4 Ma granitoids.

Historically important Pb-Zn-Ag veins and replacement chimneys and mantos in Carboniferous (Pennsylvanian) carbonates produced 83 847 t Pb, 82 717 t Zn, 5637 t Cu, 450 t Ag, 2.58 t Au.

Drill indicated reserves at the Silver Creek porphyry molybdenum deposit are: 41 Mt @ 0.31% Mo, within a possible resource of up to 185 Mt.

For detail see the reference(s) listed below.

The most recent source geological information used to prepare this decription was dated: 1997.    
This description is a summary from published sources, the chief of which are listed below.
© Copyright Porter GeoConsultancy Pty Ltd.   Unauthorised copying, reproduction, storage or dissemination prohibited.


    Selected References
Wareham C D, Rice C M, Boyce A J, Rogers G  1998 - S, C, Sr, and Pb sources in the Pliocene Silver Creek Porphyry Mo system, Rico, Colorado: in    Econ. Geol.   v93 pp 32-46


Porter GeoConsultancy Pty Ltd (PorterGeo) provides access to this database at no charge.   It is largely based on scientific papers and reports in the public domain, and was current when the sources consulted were published.   While PorterGeo endeavour to ensure the information was accurate at the time of compilation and subsequent updating, PorterGeo, its employees and servants:   i). do not warrant, or make any representation regarding the use, or results of the use of the information contained herein as to its correctness, accuracy, currency, or otherwise; and   ii). expressly disclaim all liability or responsibility to any person using the information or conclusions contained herein.

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