The Conrad zone, east-central Yukon is a newly discovered gold prospect. It is strongly analogous to Carlin-type mineralization, and represents the first Carlin-type gold deposit discovered in Yukon. The regional geological framework and style of mineralization bear similarities to the Carlin trend in Nevada. Structurally, the Conrad area is bounded to the south by the regional-scale Dawson thrust and the Kathleen Lakes fault to the north. This structural setting lies at the interface between the dominantly clastic Neoproterozoic to Paleozoic rocks of Selwyn basin and coeval carbonate rocks of Mackenzie platform. The principal host rock to mineralization is a variably decarbonatized silty limestone, although where permeability has been enhanced by shearing, siliciclastic rocks may also contain significant amounts of gold. Alteration and associated processes related to mineralization include decarbonatization of host limestone with subsequent silicification and brecciation. Gold is hosted within arsenic-rich pyrite growth rims around pre-existing pyrite. Significant post-mineralization realgar, orpiment, calcite, and trace stibnite are found locally as open-space minerals.
