Speculation regarding the genetic history of the Minto copper-gold deposit in the Carmacks map area (NTS 115I) has existed since its discovery. Minto copper sulphides are hosted in sheet-like expanses of biotite-rich, variably deformed granitoids surrounded by massive granodiorite. Attempts to explain Minto’s unusual mineralization style have ranged from digested red-bed copper, to aborted and deformed porphyry, and recently to an Iron Oxide Copper Gold (IOCG) type system. Although these commonly used genetic frameworks can explain many aspects of Minto-style mineralization, questions regarding chemistry, paragenesis, and structural controls on mineralization still remain. This paper is part of an MSc thesis project that will focus on characterizing mineral textures, mineral chemistry, mineral paragenesis and micro and macro structural analyses to improve our understanding of the Minto copper-gold mineralized system and to enhance regional exploration potential in the district. This paper summarizes some preliminary observations at the Minto deposit and outlines future research.
