Structural-Geochemical Controls on Mineralization Localization in the Vakijvari Ore Field, Georgia
Keywords:
Hydrothermal alteration, ore field, intrusive rocks, rift-related magmatism, structural controlAbstract
The Vakijvari Ore Field represents a structurally and geologically complex system formed through multiphase magmatic-hydrothermal processes, genetically linked to the Middle Eocene subvolcanic magmatism of the Adjara-Trialeti rift-fold zone. This study presents an integrated analysis based on petrological, mineralogical, geochemical, and remote sensing data. Microscopic and mineralographic investigations revealed the presence of copper-polymetallic mineralization formed due to fractional crystallization and hydrothermal metasomatism. Using ASTER satellite imagery and DIPS structural analysis software, NE–SW and NW–SE oriented fault systems were identified, which directly control the zoning and localization of mineralization. The integrated dataset demonstrates that structural control, magmatic evolution, and late-stage hydrothermal alteration collectively drive ore body formation, establishing the Vakijvari Ore Field as a significant target for future geological and mineral resource exploration and evaluation.
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