Mineralising fluid pathways are controlled by pressure gradients, buoyancy effects and permeability.
Being aware of these important ore controls, GEUS is qualified to assess the kinematics and timing of faulting and shearing in the process of creating permeability.
Through this work, faults and shears can be assessed to establish whether they form part of a fertile mineralising system, as defined by a given metallogenic model.
Alternatively, structural studies have assisted in establishing folding geometries of horizons favourable to host stratabound mineralisation.
Below, the photogeological mapping of stratigraphical and structural features illustrates the distribution of an horizon controlling the distribution of Zn-Pb mineralization, NW of the RTZ Discovery showing in Kangerluarsuk Fjord, Karrat, West Greenland: