The Potential for Prophyry Copper-Molybdenum Deposits in the Eastern United States

Professional Paper 907-E
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Abstract

Several significant porphyry-type deposits of Paleozoic age are known in New England and eastern Canada. Disseminated copper-molybdenum deposits of Paleozoic age are in the Southeastern United States, and copper is produced from porphyry-type deposits of both Precambrian and Paleozoic age in eastern Canada. Although these old deposits are surely less abundant than those in Cenozoic and Tertiary porphyry belts, the known Precrambrian and Paleozoic deposits in Eastern North America appear to be valid exploration targets. The difficult of 'prospecting in drift-covered and saprolite-mantled terrains suggests that all such deposits probably have not been discovered. Although such deposits are more costly to discover in this region than a massive sulfide deposit, the total amount of copper in even a medium-sized porphyry copper deposit is much greater than in most massive sulfide deposits. This report summarizes current knowledge of porphyry copper-molybdenum-type deposits in the Eastern United States and suggests more favorable areas for mineral exploration. Selected Canadian deposits are discussed because of their bearing on planning exploration in this country.

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Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title The Potential for Prophyry Copper-Molybdenum Deposits in the Eastern United States
Series title Professional Paper
Series number 907
Chapter E
DOI 10.3133/pp907E
Edition -
Year Published 1978
Language ENGLISH
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Contributing office(s) U.S. Geological Survey
Description vi, 31 p.
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