UNIVERSIDAD DE CHILE

FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS FISICAS Y MATEMATICAS

DEPARTAMENTO DE GEOLOGÍA

PETROGÉNESIS DE ROCAS INTRUSIVAS DEL YACIMIENTO EL TENIENTE

Y EVOLUCIÓN DEL MAGMATISMO CENOZOICO
DE CHILE CENTRAL (33º00’-34º30’S)

TESIS PARA OPTAR AL GRADO DE DOCTORA EN

CIENCIAS MENCIÓN GEOLOGÍA

MARCIA ALEJANDRA MUÑOZ GÓMEZ

SANTIAGO DE CHILE
AGOSTO 2011
 UNIVERSIDAD DE CHILE
FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS FISICAS Y MATEMATICAS
DEPARTAMENTO DE GEOLOGÍA

PETROGÉNESIS DE ROCAS INTRUSIVAS DEL YACIMIENTO EL TENIENTE

Y EVOLUCIÓN DEL MAGMATISMO CENOZOICO
DE CHILE CENTRAL (33º00’-34º30’S)

TESIS PARA OPTAR AL GRADO DE DOCTORA EN

CIENCIAS MENCIÓN GEOLOGÍA

MARCIA ALEJANDRA MUÑOZ GÓMEZ

PROFESOR GUÍA:
REYNALDO CHARRIER GONZÁLEZ

MIEMBROS DE LA COMISIÓN:
FERNANDO BARRA PANTOJA
KATJA DECKART
VÍCTOR MAKSAEV JURCHUC
ÁLVARO PUIG GODOY

SANTIAGO DE CHILE
AGOSTO 2011
 Resumen de la Tesis para optar al grado de Doctora en
Ciencias mención Geología
Por: Marcia Alejandra Muñoz Gómez
Fecha: 02/08/2011
Profesor Guía: Reynaldo Charrier González

PETROGÉNESIS DE ROCAS INTRUSIVAS DEL YACIMIENTO EL TENIENTE Y EVOLUCIÓN

DEL MAGMATISMO CENOZOICO DE CHILE CENTRAL (33º00’-34º30’S)
En la presente tesis se estudia e integra la petrogénesis de dos grupos de rocas ígneas cenozoicas
de Chile central: (1) intrusivos syn- y post-mineralización del pórfido de Cu-Mo El Teniente (34º04’S-
70º21’W), y (2) unidades dispersas del área cordillerana entre 33º00’-34º30’S representativas del
magmatismo de arco desarrollado entre el Oligoceno medio-Plioceno en el margen continental. El estudio
de las primeras se realizó en base a determinaciones con técnicas microanalíticas en cristales de circón,
para estudios de morfología y estructura cristalina, y análisis de composición química e isotópica. En el
caso de las segundas, se realizó un muestreo a nivel regional en la zona comprendida entre 33º45’-
34º30’S y 70º20’-69º50’W y se aplicaron estas mismas metodologías y, además, determinaciones
geocronológicas, químicas e isotópicas tradicionales. Los resultados globales obtenidos en este estudio,
que incorpora la información existente en la literatura, muestran un condicionamiento de primer orden en
la composición isotópica de los magmas andinos cenozoicos por dos grandes variables: (1) la
arquitectura litosférica heredada, y (2) los procesos tectónicos mayores que han moldeado esta litósfera
durante la construcción del orógeno moderno. Esto incluye tanto magmas estériles de la región como
magmas asociados a la mineralización de pórfido cuprífero de El Teniente.
Las unidades ígneas cenozoicas muestran una segmentación isotópica espacial y temporal en la
región. Espacialmente, están delimitadas por la ocurrencia en dos porciones morfoestructurales distintas
del orógeno: la Cordillera Principal occidental (CPW; formaciones Abanico y Farellones), y la Cordillera
Principal oriental (CPE; series volcanosedimentarias mesozoicas). El magmatismo albergado por la CPE
muestra una composición más enriquecida (εHfI:-4 a +4; εNdI:0 a +3) respecto de aquel albergado por la
CPW (εHfI:+5 a +10; εNdI:+2 a +7). Temporalmente, esta segmentación desaparece cuando las unidades
de ambas áreas comparten una composición enriquecida común (εNdI:-2 a +2), la que puede ser
entendida como una expansión hacia el oeste de las signaturas de la CPE, en un proceso que ocurre
como máximo a partir de los 4,8 Ma. Los antecedentes estudiados indican que la composición isotópica
observada es, en gran medida, una característica primaria que resulta de la evolución temprana de los
magmas que ascienden desde el manto en zonas MASH de la litósfera profunda. Bajo esta hipótesis, la
segmentación espacial pre-4,8 Ma radica en diferencias composicionales, al menos isotópicas, del
basamento bajo estas dos regiones. Se ha inferido que la expansión de la signatura enriquecida de la
CPE hacia la CPW, desarrollada post-4,8 Ma, es el resultado de un transporte de material de este a oeste
a niveles corticales profundos que es responsable, también, del alzamiento Andino en Chile central.
Las rocas intrusivas del yacimiento El Teniente son parte del magmatismo desarrollado en la CPW
(εHfI:+6,1 a +8,4). Sus cristales de circón muestran una serie de características morfológicas y
composicionales que indican la conservación de una impronta primaria y descartan procesos de
contaminación cortical significativos a través de la evolución magmática. Ellas indican, también, que la
composición isotópica de Hf y O es heredada de la fuente. La signatura isotópica de Hf de estos magmas
es indistinguible de aquella del magmatismo estéril precedente desarrollado en este sector. Ello sugiere
una fuente común e indica que ambos eventos derivan del dominio MASH inferido bajo la CPW. Bajo el
marco de la evolución tectónica y magmática cenozoica de Chile central, se ha considerado que la
ocurrencia de fusión por deshidratación en este dominio es un proceso fundamental en la génesis de los
magmas de El Teniente. Estos tendrían en mayor proporción un componente derivado de este proceso
respecto del magmatismo cenozoico precedente, cuyo componente principal derivaría de la evolución de
magmas ascendentes del manto. La modelación realizada del fraccionamiento isotópico de O en una
reacción de este tipo indica que ésta puede producir fundidos con una signatura deprimida y en el rango
composicional de las rocas de El Teniente. Los ~25 Ma de magmatismo que preceden la formación del
yacimiento se consideran fundamentales en el enriquecimiento progresivo de la zona MASH bajo la CPW,
convirtiéndola así en un reservorio fértil de donde extraer magmas potencialmente mineralizadores. En un
área del margen continental bajo una misma evolución geológica, la fusión por deshidratación puede
ocurrir a escala regional y explicar la generación simultánea de yacimientos a través de la CPW. Este
proceso puede considerarse como clave en la generación de los depósitos gigantes de pórfido cuprífero,
pero no exclusivo de la generación de los yacimientos este tipo.
Abstract

PETROGENESIS OF INTRUSIVE ROCKS FROM EL TENIENTE ORE DEPOSIT AND

EVOLUTION OF CENTRAL CHILE CENOZOIC MAGMATISM (33º00’-34º30’S)

The following dissertation presents the results of a petrogenetic study on two groups of Cenozoic igneous
rocks from Central Chile. These two groups are: (1) syn- and post-mineralization intrusive rocks from the
El Teniente porphyry Cu-Mo deposit (34º04’S-70º21’W), and (2) scattered units from the main Andean
range between 33º00’-34º30’S, which are representative of the arc magmatism developed on the
continental margin from mid Oligocene to Pliocene. Zircons were separated from these igneous rocks and
their crystal morphology and structure was studied followed by chemical and isotopic determinations using
microanalytical techniques. Additionally, the same analyses along with geochronological, geochemical and
isotopic determinations by traditional analytical methods were performed on rocks collected between
33º45’-34º30’S and 70º20’-69º50’W. Data from this study was compared and complemented with previous
published works. Results of this study show that two main variables exert a first order control over the
isotopic composition of Cenozoic Andean magmas: (1) the inherited lithospheric architecture, and (2)
major tectonic processes that have modeled this lithosphere during construction of the modern Andean
orogen. These constraints apply to both barren intrusions present in the area and mineralized porphyry
intrusions of El Teniente.
In the study area, Cenozoic magmatism show a spatial and temporal segmentation. Spatially,
segmentation is delimited by igneous units occurring in two morphostructurally different portions of the
orogen: (1) the Western Principal Cordillera (WPC; Abanico and Farellones formations), and (2) Eastern
Principal Cordillera (EPC; Mesozoic volcano-sedimentary series). Magmatism hosted by the EPC shows
an enriched Hf isotopic composition (εHfI:-4 to +4; εNdI:0 to +3) relative to that hosted by the WPC (εHfI:+5
to +10; εNdI:+2 to +7). Temporally, this segmentation ceases when igneous units from both areas share a
common enriched composition (εNdI:-2 to +2), which reflects an expansion to the west of previous EPC
isotopic signatures in a process occurring no later than 4.8 Ma. Isotopic compositions of all these units is a
primary characteristic that reflect the early evolution of the ascending subduction-related, mantle-derived
magmas in deep lithospheric MASH zones. Following this hypothesis, pre-4.8 Ma spatial segmentation is
caused by isotopic differences of the basement under these two regions. The expansion of EPC enriched
signatures towards WPC, developed post 4.8 Ma, is interpreted as the result of deep crustal material
transport from east to west, a process which is also responsible for the concurrent main Andean uplift
event in Central Chile.
Intrusive rocks from El Teniente Cu-Mo deposit belong to magmatism hosted by the CPW (εHfI:+6.1 to
+8.4). El Teniente zircons show morphological and compositional characteristics that indicate preservation
of the magmatic signature and preclude significant crustal contamination processes involved through
magma evolution. Furthermore, Hf and O isotopic compositions are a primary characteristic inherited from
the magma source. El Teniente Hf isotopic signatures are indistinguishable from Cenozoic barren
intrusions from the CPW. This suggests a common source and indicates that the inferred MASH domain
under the CPW host the formation of both events. Based on the tectonic and magmatic evolution of
Central Chile during the Cenozoic, it is considered that the occurrence of a dehydration melting reaction in
this domain is a fundamental process in the origin of El Teniente intrusions. These magmas would have a
higher proportion of components derived from this process than preceding Cenozoic barren intrusions,
whose main components would derive from the evolution of mantle-derived melts. Modeling of O isotopes
fractionation indicates that dehydration melting reactions can produce melts with a low-O signature and
within the compositional range observed for El Teniente intrusive rocks. The ~25 m.y. of magmatism that
preceded the porphyry Cu-Mo deposit formation are considered fundamental in leading to a progressive
enrichment of the MASH zone under the WPC, thus making it a fertile reservoir from where to extract
potential ore forming magmas. In a continental margin area following the same geologic evolution,
dehydration melting is a regional scale process that can explain simultaneous generation of deposits
along the WPC. This can be considered as a key process in the formation of giant porphyry copper
deposits, but is not an exclusive one in the formation of all deposits of this type.
A Laura y Arturo,

mis padres
 Agradecimientos

El presente trabajo de tesis fue financiado principalmente por CONICYT a través

de los proyectos Anillo ACT18, PBCT-ACI21, y una beca de doctorado de 4 años.
Financiamiento adicional fue proporcionado por el Depto. de Postgrado y Postítulo de la
Universidad de Chile. Adicionalmente, la autorización de acceso y el apoyo logístico
provisto por la Superintendencia de Geología, División El Teniente, fue fundamental
para el desarrollo de algunas de las campañas de terreno de este estudio.
Quisiera agradecer en primer lugar al Prof. Reynaldo Charrier, quien ha sido un
guía incansable durante estos años. Él junto a Diana Comte, como directores del
Proyecto Anillo, generosamente me apoyaron y aconsejaron en las distintas etapas del
desarrollo de este trabajo. Sobre todo les agradezco su calidez en esta entrega, que sin
duda es responsable de la humanidad de los grupos de trabajo que Uds. conforman y
en los que tuve el privilegio de participar.
A mis tutores durante las estadías en el extranjero, M. Fanning y M. Polvé, les
agradezco su entrega incondicional durante los trabajos que realizamos, y seguimos
realizando, en conjunto. Agradezco también a G. Hérail quien, a través del IRD,
gestionó e hizo posible las estadías en el LMTG; a K. Deckart por su constante
disposición y diligencia; a M. Farías por las innumerables discusiones y, sobre todo, por
su amistad.
Mis agradecimientos a los profesores del departamento, a quienes debo los inicios
de esta formación, y a los funcionarios, que en sus tareas han colaborado para ello
mucho más allá de lo obligatorio. A Cristina y Maritza quienes, en sus tiempos, se
ocuparon de este doctorado con una sonrisa. Especialmente a Maria Rosa para quien
no me alcanzan las palabras, afortunadamente bien sabe todo lo que quiero decir.
Quiero agradecer también a los investigadores y técnicos del RSES-ANU y del LMTG, y
a Juan vargas, por su disposición y ayuda en los trabajos de laboratorio. Quisiera
también agradecer a los geólogos P. Zúñiga, R. Floody y J. Seguel, y los funcionarios
M. Cereceda y R. Padilla, por la asistencia que me prestaron en la organización y
ejecución de las campañas de terreno en El Teniente.
Agradezco a mis amigos Carolina, Paulina, Ely, Emilie; Anneli y Eduardo; Andrés
F., Rodrigo R.; Filiberto; Brian, Rodrigo L.; Cindy; Daniel C.; Andrés T.; David, Kike. El
apoyo que me han brindado durante estos años ha sido fundamental, en los buenos y
malos momentos.
Finalmente, quisiera terminar agradeciendo a mi familia… por todo. A Laura-mamá
y Arturo-papá, Pancho, Lucia, Paloma, Chris, Paula, Fernando y Wladimir… mi punto de
partida, oasis en el camino, y siempre puerto de llegada.
ÍNDICE

CAPÍTULO I: INTRODUCCIÓN ...............................................................................1

I.1.- Introducción .............................................................................................................1
I.2.- Génesis de Rocas Intrusivas asociadas a la Mineralización de Pórfido Cuprífero:
Antecedentes, Modelos e Hipótesis................................................................................3
I.2.1.- Aspectos Generales..........................................................................................3
I.2.2.- Consideraciones Preliminares sobre el Magmatismo “Adakítico” .....................5
I.2.3.- Procesos Sublitosféricos: la Cuña Astenosférica y la Losa Oceánica
Subductada .................................................................................................................8
I.2.4.- Procesos en el Manto Litosférico Subcontinental y la Corteza Inferior .............9
I.2.5.- Procesos en la Corteza Superior ....................................................................11
I.3.- Proyecto de Investigación de la Tesis de Doctorado .............................................12
I.3.1.- Fundamentos y Descripción General ..............................................................12
I.3.2.- Metodología ....................................................................................................13
a.- Trabajo de Gabinete y de Terreno .............................................................13
b.- Trabajo de Laboratorio ...............................................................................13

CAPÍTULO II: EL YACIMIENTO EL TENIENTE Y LA FRANJA

METALOGÉNICA NEÓGENA EN CHILE CENTRAL ...........................................16
II.1.- Introducción ..........................................................................................................16
II.2.- La Franja Metalogénica Neógena en Chile Central ..............................................16
II.2.1.- Marco Geológico ............................................................................................16
II.2.2.- Evolución Geológica del Margen Continental Chileno ...................................19
II.2.3.- Marco Geodinámico Neógeno-Pleistoceno....................................................21
a.- Evolución Tectónica ...................................................................................21
b.- Evolución Magmática .................................................................................24
II.3.- El yacimiento de El Teniente ................................................................................26
II.3.1.- Aspectos Generales y Geología Local ...........................................................26
II.3.2.- Geología del Yacimiento El Teniente .............................................................29
a.- Aspectos Generales ...................................................................................29
b.- Unidades Litológicas Principales................................................................29
c.- Cronología de los Eventos Intrusivos y la Chimenea Braden.....................32
d.- Alteración y Mineralización: Características Generales, Fuente de los
Fluidos y Metales, y Relación con los Intrusivos .............................................34
i
 e.- Estructuras Principales...............................................................................36

CAPÍTULO III: PETROGÉNESIS DE ROCAS INTRUSIVAS DEL YACIMIENTO

EL TENIENTE ........................................................................................................37
III.1.- Introducción .........................................................................................................37
III.2.- Artículo: “Zircon trace element and O-Hf isotope analyses of mineralized
intrusions from El Teniente deposit, Chilean Andes: constraints on the source and
magmatic evolution of Porphyry Cu-Mo related magmas” ............................................38
Abstract .....................................................................................................................39
Introduction ...............................................................................................................41
General Background .................................................................................................44
Regional Geology and Geodynamic Setting....................................................44
El Teniente Porphyry Cu-Mo deposit...............................................................46
Sampled units and Previous zircon U-Pb age data .........................................48
Analytical Techniques ...............................................................................................50
Results ......................................................................................................................52
Zircon crystal morphology and internal structure .............................................52
A Porphyry ...............................................................................................53
Sewell Stock, Central Diorite and Northern Diorite...................................53
Teniente Porphyry and Late Dacite Dike..................................................54
Zircon chemistry and Ti-in zircon thermometry................................................54
Zircon Hf and O isotopes.................................................................................56
Discussion.................................................................................................................57
Magmatic vs. hydrothermal origin of zircon .....................................................57
Zircon records of magmatic evolution..............................................................60
Magma generation: constraints on the source and melting processes ............63
Magmatic Model and Final Remarks ...............................................................72
Conclusions...............................................................................................................74
Funding .....................................................................................................................76
Acknowledgments .....................................................................................................76
References................................................................................................................77
Figure Captions.........................................................................................................92

CAPÍTULO IV: EVOLUCIÓN DEL MAGMATISMO DURANTE EL CENOZOICO

EN CHILE CENTRAL...........................................................................................116
IV.1.- Introducción.......................................................................................................116

ii
 IV.2.- Artículo: “New geochronological data on Neogene-Quaternary intrusive rocks
from the high Andes of central Chile (33º45’-34º30’S)”...............................................117
Introduction .............................................................................................................117
Geochronological Data............................................................................................117
Discussion...............................................................................................................118
References..............................................................................................................120
IV.3.- Artículo: “Magmatic fingerprints of lithospheric constitution and Cenozoic
orogenic processes in the Andes of Central Chile”. ....................................................121
Abstract ...................................................................................................................121
Introduction .............................................................................................................122
Geological and Geodynamic Setting .......................................................................123
Methods and Sampled Units ...................................................................................124
Hf-Nd Isotopic Composition of Cenozoic Andean Magmas.....................................125
Spatial and temporal isotopic segmentation ..................................................125
Processes that control magmatic isotopic composition .................................126
Magmatism pre-4.8 Ma ..........................................................................126
Magmatism post-4.8 Ma.........................................................................128
Summary.................................................................................................................129
Acknowledgments ...................................................................................................129
References Cited ....................................................................................................130
Figure Captions.......................................................................................................132
Data Repository ......................................................................................................136
DR.1: Analytical Techniques .........................................................................136

CAPÍTULO V: DISCUSIÓN Y CONCLUSIONES ................................................146

REFERENCIAS ....................................................................................................153

ANEXO: Publicaciones presentadas a congresos

iii
ÍNDICE DE FIGURAS

Capítulo I:

Fig. I.1: Figura esquemática de un margen continental activo y los principales procesos
que afectan la composición y evolución de los magmas en estos ambientes.............4
Fig. I.2: Figura esquemática de la hibridación y evolución de magmas derivados del
manto mediante procesos MASH en la litósfera profunda. .......................................10
Fig. I.3: Figura esquemática del sistema magmático involucrado en la generación de
depósitos de pórfido cuprífero en la corteza superior. ..............................................12

Capítulo II:

Fig. II.1: Marco Geológico de la Franja Metalogénica Neógena en Chile central. ............18
Fig. II.2: Distribución de terrenos alóctonos acrecionados en Sudamérica. .....................20
Fig. II.3: Perfiles de la evolución paleogeográfica de Chile central durante el Cenozoico.23
Fig. II.4: Patrones de evolución temporal de la composición isotópica Sr-Nd y de la
razón La/Yb que muestran las rocas ígneas cenozoicas de Chile central. ...............26
Fig. II.5: Geología de superficie en las inmediaciones del yacimiento El Teniente. .........28
Fig. II.6: Mapa geológico del yacimiento El Teniente. ......................................................31
Fig. II.7: Cronología de los principales eventos magmáticos e hidrotermales en el
yacimiento El Teniente. .............................................................................................34

Capítulo III:

Fig. 1: Main tectonic and geologic features of central chilean Andes where El Teniente
deposit is located.. ....................................................................................................98
Fig. 2: Geologic map of El Teniente deposit.....................................................................99
Fig. 3: Cathodoluminiscence and transmited light images of zircons from El Teniente
deposit.....................................................................................................................100
Fig. 4: Main morphological features of zircons from El Teniente deposit.. .....................101
Fig. 5: Diagrams of REE patterns and Ce- and Eu- anomalies of zircons from El
Teniente deposit......................................................................................................102
Fig. 6: Trace element concentration (U, Th, Y, Hf) of zircons from El Teniente deposit..103
Fig. 7: Ti-in zircon thermometry of El Teniente deposit.. ................................................103
Fig. 8: Initial εHf isotopic composition of zircons from El Teniente deposit.....................103

iv
Fig. 9: δ18O isotopic composition of zircons from El Teniente deposit............................104
Fig. 10: Zircon initial εHf isotopic composition of Cenozoic igneous units from central
chilean Andes. Coeval main tectonic processes occurring during construction of the
modern Andean orogen are shown for reference....................................................104
Fig. 11: Pressure-temperature diagram showing solidus for dehydration melting of
amphibolites (gray segmented lines; Lopez & Castro, 2001) along with linear and
perturbed geothermal gradients (Annen et al., 2006)..............................................105
Fig. 12: Model of δ18O fractionation in an experimental dehydration melting reactions of
a natural amphibolites.. ...........................................................................................105
Fig. 13: Schematic genetic model of El Teniente magmas within the context of central
Chile Cenozoic geological evolution........................................................................106

Capítulo IV, Sección IV.2:

Fig. 1: Location of Neogene intrusive units in the Andean Principal Cordillera of Central
Chile.. ......................................................................................................................119

Capítulo IV, Sección IV.3:

Fig. 1: Geologic map of the Andes of central Chile and westernmost Argentina and
schematic geological profile of surface geology extended until the Chilean coast ..134
Fig. 2: Initial εHf isotopic composition of Cenozoic Andean magmas from Western and
Eastern principal cordilleras. ...................................................................................134
Fig. 3: Initial εNd isotopic composition of Cenozoic Andean magmas from Western and
Eastern principal cordilleras. ...................................................................................135
Fig. 4: Scheme of shortening by simple shear mode for the Cenozoic Andean thickening
and uplifting processes and its impact over isotopic signature of coeval magmas..135

v
ÍNDICE DE TABLAS

Capítulo III:

Table 1: Sample location and U, Th, Th/U and U-Pb age data of zircon spots from El
Teniente deposit analyzed in this study (extracted from Maksaev et al., 2004).. ....107
Table 2: REE, Y and Hf concentrations for zircons from El Teniente deposit.................109
Table 3: Ti concentration and Tº estimates for zircons from El Teniente deposit.. .........112
Table 4: Lu and Hf isotopic data for zircons from El Teniente deposit............................113
Table 5: δ18O (VSMOW) of zircons from El Teniente deposit.........................................115

Capítulo IV, Sección IV.2:

Table 1: Geochronological results.. ................................................................................117

Capítulo IV, Sección IV.3:

Table DR.2: Basic information on analyzed samples. ....................................................139

Table DR.3: SHRIMP U-Pb zircon data..........................................................................140
Table DR.3: Zircon Lu and Hf isotopic composition........................................................143
Table DR.5: Whole rock Sm, Nd and SiO2 contents and Nd isotope ratios. ...................145

vi
Capítulo I: INTRODUCCIÓN

I.1.- Introducción

Los depósitos de tipo pórfido cuprífero constituyen la principal fuente explotable

de Cu en el mundo y son además reservorios importantes de Mo y, en menor medida,
Au. Su formación es el resultado de procesos magmáticos e hidrotermales que operan
en arcos volcánicos asociados a subducción. Aún así, ello constituye una anomalía en
la evolución de la actividad de los arcos que los contienen puesto que corresponden a
procesos localizados, breves en el tiempo, y con características químicas y
mineralógicas particulares. Debido a su importancia económica, estos depósitos han
sido objeto de innumerables estudios desde la óptica de diversas disciplinas. Además
de generar una caracterización para ellos, estos estudios han apuntado a establecer las
condiciones propicias para su formación, aspectos que son fundamentales, tanto para
entender su génesis como para el desarrollo de herramientas de exploración.

Actualmente, la asociación directa entre la mineralización y la actividad

magmática está fuera de discusión. Sin embargo, existen diversos aspectos
relacionados a la génesis magmática que no han sido resueltos y son materia de
controversia. ¿Corresponden los altos contenidos de metales preciosos a una
característica de los magmas adquirida en la fuente o son producto de procesos
posteriores de enriquecimiento?, ¿Cuáles son las condiciones particulares que
propician la generación de un magma productor de pórfidos cupríferos con respecto a
uno estéril?. Cualquier estudio que se refiera a estos temas debe considerar, además,
como se insertan estos sistemas dentro de la evolución del arco volcánico que los
contiene y la corteza en la que se desarrolla éste, ya que ello constituye el marco
geológico y geodinámico global que ineludiblemente condicionará la evolución y
composición final de los magmas.

El margen continental chileno es propicio para el estudio de los aspectos

relativos a la formación de pórfidos cupríferos producto de los numerosos depósitos de
este tipo que hospeda. Su evolución geológica ha estado ligada a abundante actividad
magmática y volcánica como consecuencia de la continua convergencia, al menos
desde el Jurásico, entre las placas Nazca y Sudamericana. Esta interacción ha dado
lugar al desarrollo de sucesivos arcos a lo largo del margen, los que son
progresivamente más jóvenes hacia el este, desde el arco jurásico en la Cordillera de la
Costa hasta el arco actual en la Cordillera Principal (Mpodozis & Ramos, 1989; Charrier
& Muñoz, 1994). A través de esta evolución, varios de los arcos desarrollados en el
margen han culminado su evolución, previo al cese definitivo de la actividad y posterior

1
migración, con la generación puntual, espacial y temporalmente, de pórfidos cupríferos.
Esta asociación entre arco magmático y pórfidos cupríferos ha dado lugar a franjas de
depósitos de distintas edades (asociadas a distintos arcos) a lo largo del margen
continental (Camus, 2003 y referencias ahí citadas). En un marco más amplio, estas
conforman algunas de las franjas metalogénicas más importantes reconocidas en Chile.

El estudio de la génesis de rocas intrusivas asociadas a la mineralización de

pórfido cuprífero es problemático. Los múltiples eventos de alteración y mineralización
sobreimpuestos en los depósitos alteran pervasivamente las rocas hospedantes, lo que
influye negativamente en la toma de datos cuando se pretende estudiar características
geoquímicas primarias. Esto restringe el uso de técnicas analíticas tradicionales y
resalta la necesidad de la aplicación de técnicas más penetrativas para avanzar en el
estudio de la formación de este tipo de depósitos.

La investigación de la presente Tesis de Doctorado se aboca al estudio de la

génesis de rocas intrusivas asociadas a la mineralización de pórfido cuprífero. Con este
fin, se estudió la petrogénesis de los intrusivos félsicos del yacimiento El Teniente
(34º04’S-70º21’W), ello dentro del marco de la evolución del arco mioceno tardío –
plioceno del área cordillerana entre 33º00’-34º30’S. Esta región en particular fue elegida
considerando el área abarcada por el proyecto Anillo-ACT18 (CONICYT) bajo el cual se
desarrolló el presente estudio. Por otra parte, en las últimas dos décadas se han
realizado numerosos trabajos en este depósito y sus alrededores configurándose una
base de conocimiento geológico-geoquímico. Ello permitió la aplicación de nuevas
metodologías de estudio en esta investigación que corresponden, fundamentalmente, a
técnicas de análisis microanalítico en cristales individuales de circón.

Esta tesis se organiza en 5 capítulos. En las secciones siguientes de este

capítulo introductorio se revisan los principales modelos invocados en la literatura sobre
la génesis de rocas intrusivas asociadas a la mineralización de pórfido cuprífero.
Posteriormente, y en base a esta revisión, se presenta una descripción general del tema
de investigación llevado a cabo durante el desarrollo de la Tesis de Doctorado. En el
Capítulo II se presenta una revisión de antecedentes a escala regional y local. A escala
regional, se revisan la geología y el contexto tectónico del área de estudio,
correspondiente a los Andes de Chile central, y la evolución geológica del margen
continental chileno con énfasis en el marco geodinámico bajo el cual se forman los
pórfidos cupríferos mio-pliocenos en esta área. A escala local, se revisan la geología del
yacimiento El Teniente junto con las principales características de las unidades
intrusivas presentes, la cronología de eventos, y aspectos relativos a los procesos de
alteración y mineralización, y su fuente. El Capítulo III se presentan y analizan los
resultados obtenidos mediante el estudio de circones de unidades intrusivas del
yacimiento El Teniente. Se comparan, además, los resultados de la isotopía de Hf con

2
la signatura de rocas cenozoicas estériles de Chile central y, finalmente, se propone un
modelo petrogénético contextualizado en la evolución geodinámica del margen durante
la formación del yacimiento. En Capítulo IV se integran y discuten diversos análisis
geoquímicos, geocronológicos e isotópicos que revelan aspectos relativos al rol de la
corteza continental inferior, la arquitectura litosférica, y los procesos tectónicos mayores
de construcción del orógeno andino en la signatura y evolución isotópica del
magmatismo cenozoico de Chile central. En el Capítulo V se exponen y discuten los
principales resultados obtenidos en esta investigación.

I.2.- Génesis de Rocas Intrusivas asociadas a la Mineralización de

Pórfido Cuprífero: Antecedentes, Modelos e Hipótesis

I.2.1.- Aspectos Generales

A escala global, la formación de los yacimientos de pórfido cuprífero está

asociada a actividad magmática de afinidad calcoalcalina de márgenes convergentes.
Varias características composicionales de los magmas de arco, como los altos
contenidos de H2O y S, entre otros, hacen de ellos potenciales productores de este tipo
de depósitos y son el resultado del proceso de subducción. De este modo, la génesis de
rocas intrusivas asociadas a la mineralización se enmarca dentro del mismo esquema
global de formación y evolución de magmas en estos ambientes. Las rocas ígneas
formadas en márgenes convergentes asociados a subducción son el resultado de
procesos magmáticos multi-estadio y multi-componente. Los distintos materiales con los
que puede interactuar un magma a través de las distintas etapas de su evolución,
desde su formación hasta los estadios tardíos durante el emplazamiento, condicionarán
su composición final.

Clásicamente, se considera que los magmas de arco son producto de la fusión

hidratada de la cuña astenosférica, siendo los volátiles y otros componentes aportados
por los agentes llevados a la fuente durante la subducción (corteza oceánica,
sedimentos, productos de la erosión por subducción, etc., Fig. I.1). Las características
químicas distintivas que presentan los magmas de arco se atribuyen al metasomatismo
de la cuña astenosférica por los fluidos y/o fundidos aportados durante este proceso por
la losa oceánica (e.g., Tatsumi et al., 1986; Tatsumi, 1989; Peacock, 1993; Pearce &
Peate, 1995). Dentro de estas se encuentran los altos contenidos de H2O y S, el
carácter oxidado respecto de otros magmas derivados del manto, el enriquecimiento de
elementos LILE (large ion lithophile elements) sobre elementos HFSE (high field
strength elements), y el empobrecimiento relativo de Nb, Ta y Ti, entre otras.

3
 Fig. I.1: Figura esquemática de un margen continental activo y los principales procesos que
afectan la composición y evolución de los magmas formados en estos ambientes.
Procesos asociados a la deshidratación de la losa oceánica subductada: (1) deshidratación y
perdida de fluidos en el antearco, (2) deshidratación e hibridación del componente de subducción
y del manto, (3) arrastre del manto metasomatizado inducido por la subducción, (4) deshidratación
profunda de distintas fases minerales, (5) inicio de la fusión hidratada del manto por sobre los
1000-1100ºC, (6) migración de fundidos a la base de la columna de fusión. Procesos asociados a
la fuente mantélica: (7) flujo astenosférico inducido por la subducción, (8) aporte de material a la
columna de fusión por advección del manto astenosférico, (9) enriquecimiento de la astenósfera
producto de la delaminación del manto litosférico subcontinental, (10) fusión por descompresión a
partir de, aproximadamente, 60 km de profundidad. Procesos en la litósfera superior: (11)
segregación de fundidos a la base de la litósfera sobreyacente, (12) zona de interacción y
cristalización de los magmas provenientes del manto en niveles litosféricos profundos (MASH),
(13) cristalización y asimilación en zonas corticales someras. Modificado de Pearce & Peate
(1995) y Richards (2003).

Las características particulares y la configuración global del margen convergente

son también condicionantes de la evolución y composición final de los magmas. Así, por
ejemplo, el ángulo de subducción, la velocidad de convergencia, el régimen termal de la
zona de subducción, y el espesor de la litósfera sobre la zona de generación de
magmas, condicionarán aspectos como la eficiencia del aporte de volátiles y otros
componentes a la fuente, el grado de fusión parcial, y los procesos de evolución
composicional de magmas en la fuente (Fig. I.1). Así mismo, durante el tránsito de los
magmas a través de la litósfera sobreyacente, características tales como el espesor
cortical y litosférico, su composición química y mineralógica, y el estado termal y de
stress al que ésta está sujeta, condicionaran procesos como la evolución química y

4
mineralógica de los magmas, y la eficiencia de los procesos MASH (meeting,
assimilation, storage, homogenization, Hildreth & Moorbath, 1988) y de contaminación
cortical (Fig. I.1).

Los depósitos de pórfido cuprífero constituyen anomalías químicas y

mineralógicas en la corteza que se caracterizan por presentar altos contenidos de S y K
y, subordinadamente, de elementos de interés económico como Cu y Mo (± Au, Ag). Su
concentración es el resultado de la actividad de sistemas hidrotermales que derivan de
la exolución de fluidos de magmas de composición intermedia a ácida. Estos magmas,
que constituyen la principal fuente de los elementos posteriormente concentrados en los
yacimientos (e.g., Gustafson & Hunt, 1975; Burnham, 1979; Cline & Bodnar, 1991),
muestran una fuerte signatura mantélica y evidencian una limitada contaminación
cortical (e.g., Clark, 1993; Mathur et al., 2000). Cabe destacar que, en muchos casos,
se ha reportado para las intrusiones asociadas a la mineralización una signatura
química similar a la de las adakitas (Oyarzún et al., 2001; Rabbia et al., 2000; Reich et
al., 2003; Kay et al., 2005; Richards et al., 2007; Shafiei et al., 2009). En términos del
marco geodinámico global, la formación de los depósitos de pórfido cuprífero está
asociada a las etapas finales de ciclos tectono-magmáticos desarrollados en la litósfera
superior. Esto es, junto con, o posterior a, la ocurrencia de eventos compresivos en la
corteza y durante las etapas finales de la actividad de los arcos magmáticos que los
contienen, previo al cese o migración de su actividad (e.g., Maksaev & Zentilli, 1988;
McKee & Noble, 1989; Richards, 2003, 2005; Sillitoe & Perelló, 2005).

Las rocas intrusivas asociadas a la mineralización de pórfido cuprífero han sido

objeto de innumerables estudios. El origen de los contenidos anómalamente altos en los
componentes que sustentan la actividad hidrotermal y constituyen la alteración y
mineralización es un tema ampliamente debatido. Se han propuesto numerosos
modelos e hipótesis para explicar estas características. Ellos invocan una variada gama
de procesos y componentes involucrados desde la zona de generación de magmas, en
la cuña astenosférica, hasta la zona de emplazamiento final, a niveles corticales
someros. Los principales de estos se revisan a continuación, donde se destacan
fundamentalmente aquellos que podrían considerarse como anómalos dentro del
esquema clásico de generación magmática en márgenes continentales activos.

I.2.2.- Consideraciones Preliminares sobre el Magmatismo “Adakítico”

Siguiendo el trabajo de Kay (1978), las adakitas fueron definidas por Defant &
Drummond (1990) sobre un conjunto de rocas de arco, extrusivas e intrusivas, de la isla
de Adak en las Aleutianas. Químicamente, corresponden a una suite de rocas
andesíticas a dacíticas, con ausencia de unidades más básicas, de altos contenidos de
Na2O (3,5-7,5 wt%), Sr (>400 ppm), Ni (24 ppm) y Cr (36 ppm), altos Mg# (~0,51),

5
patrones de tierras raras (REE) muy fraccionados (La/Yb>8), y bajos contenidos de
tierras raras pesadas (HREE; Yb<1,8 ppm; Y<18; Defant & Drummond, 1990, 1993;
Drummond & Defant, 1990; Martin, 1999, Martin et al., 2005). Adicionalmente, estas
rocas presentan una signatura isotópica no radiogénica de Pb y Sr lo que descarta un
origen a partir de contaminación cortical. Según los autores, a excepción de los altos
contenidos de Mg, Cr y Ni, la composición química de las adakitas corresponde a
aquella de magmas derivados de la fusión de un protolito máfico con un arreglo
mineralógico residual, de alta presión, con granate y sin plagioclasa. Esto fue
corroborado más tarde en los estudios experimentales de Rapp et al. (1991), Sen &
Dunn (1994), Wolf & Wyllie (1994), y Rapp & Watson (1995). De este modo, y
enmarcado en el contexto geodinámico de las Aleutianas, fue propuesto que las
adakitas derivan de la fusión de la corteza oceánica subductada cuya edad es
relativamente joven (< 25 m.a.). Los contenidos altos de Mg, Cr y Ni, relativo a lo
esperado en este modelo, fueron explicados como producto de la interacción variable
de los fundidos con la cuña astenosférica peridotítica durante el ascenso.

La fusión de corteza oceánica durante la subducción es un tema controversial.

De acuerdo a los modelos clásicos de la evolución termal de la losa oceánica en estos
ambientes, ésta sufre una progresiva deshidratación de acuerdo a los cambios
metamórficos que se suceden con el aumento de la presión y temperatura (Tatsumi et
al., 1986; Tatsumi, 1989; Schmidt & Poli, 1998; Forneris & Holloway, 2003). Aún así,
algunos estudios han indicado que, bajo condiciones particulares la temperatura
alcanzada durante la subducción puede ser lo suficientemente alta para que la losa
oceánica alcance la fusión. Esto ocurriría en el caso de la subducción de una corteza
oceánica joven y boyante (< 25 m.a.; Defant & Drummond, 1990) o cuando la losa
oceánica alcanza temperaturas anómalamente altas a baja profundidad. Esto último
ocurriría en casos como el de una subducción subhorizontal y/o de velocidad de
convergencia baja a nula (Peacock et al., 1994; Gutscher et al., 2000); subducción de
un ridge oceánico (Kay et al., 1993; Guivel et al., 2003), subducción de una corteza
oceánica desgarrada (Gao et al., 2007; König et al., 2007) o de una ventana
astenosférica (Yogodzinski et al., 2001); y subducción en una convergencia de alta
oblicuidad (Yogodzinski et al., 1995).

Defant & Drummond (1990, 1993) introdujeron el uso de dos diagramas químicos
para diferenciar las adakitas de las rocas de arco clásicas, Sr/Y versus Y y La/Yb versus
Yb. El primero destaca el rol del fraccionamiento de granate en magmas adakíticos,
excluyentemente, respecto del fraccionamiento de plagioclasa en magmas derivados de
la cuña astenosférica metasomatizada. El segundo enfatiza el marcado
empobrecimiento de HREE relativo a las tierras raras livianas (LREE) en los magmas
adakíticos respecto de los magmas de arco en general, también producto de la
presencia de granate. Ambos diagramas han sido frecuentemente utilizados en la

6
literatura como un criterio diagnóstico. Ello ha generado que un amplio espectro
composicional de rocas intermedias a ácidas, de alto Sr/Y y alto La/Yb, sean
consideradas como adakíticas o tipo-adakitas, más allá de las implicancias
petrogenéticas de esta clasificación. En el caso de marcos geodinámicos favorables a la
hipótesis de fusión de corteza oceánica, se han caracterizado variaciones en la
composición química adakítica de acuerdo al grado de interacción de los fundidos con
la cuña astenosférica peridotítica durante el ascenso (e.g., Rapp et al., 1999; Martin et
al., 2005). Por el contrario, en contextos desfavorables a este proceso, el origen de la
composición adakítica ha sido atribuido a procesos magmáticos que ocurren en la
litósfera superior. En márgenes convergentes, el protolito necesario para generar
magmas de composición adakítica se encuentra no sólo en la corteza oceánica
subductada sino, también, en la base de la corteza continental engrosada (> 40-45 km).
Los fundidos derivados de esta fuente poseen composiciones químicas similares a las
de las adakitas, pero con contenidos menores de Na, Mg, Cr y Ni (Atherton & Petford,
1993; Petford & Atherton, 1996; Martin et al., 2005). Aún otros procesos magmáticos
han sido invocados como responsables de la generación de rocas de esta composición.
Este el caso de magmas que: (1) se hayan equilibrado en la corteza con una
mineralogía de alta presión granatífera y carente de plagioclasa (Rapp & Watson, 1995;
Richards et al., 2007); (2) deriven de una diferenciación extensiva en grandes cámaras
magmáticas (Stern & Skewes, 2005; Richards & Kerrich, 2007); y (3) deriven de la
diferenciación de magmas de arco altamente hidratados y oxidados producidos por un
alto grado de fusión parcial (Sellés et al., 2004; Rodríguez et al., 2007).

Las rocas de composición adakítica sin duda representan una singularidad

dentro del espectro composicional común de los magmas de arco. La diversidad de
procesos y componentes involucrados en la génesis magmática en estos ambientes
hacen fundamental para su estudio una caracterización adecuada de la química y, en
particular, de la isotopía. En este sentido, se deben destacar los resultados obtenidos
por Bindeman et al. (2005) en isotopía de O de numerosas adakitas consideradas como
clásicas a nivel mundial. Estas rocas muestran casi invariablemente una signatura en
equilibrio isotópico con peridotitas mantélicas, cuestionando fuertemente la hipótesis de
fusión de corteza oceánica involucrada incluso en la generación de las adakitas
clásicas. Estos resultados enfatizan la necesidad de nuevos estudios en los que las
determinaciones isotópicas, de sistemas estables y radiogénicos, son herramientas
valiosas en la investigación de los procesos magmáticos involucrados en la génesis de
estas rocas.

A nivel mundial, las intrusiones relacionadas a la mineralización de pórfido

cuprífero comparten algunas características químicas de las adakitas clásicas (Richards
& Kerrich, 2007 y referencias ahí citadas). Invariablemente, estas rocas son de
composición intermedia a ácida, aunque algunas suites incluyen miembros más

7
básicos. En muchos casos se han reportado patrones fraccionados de REE, bajas
concentraciones de HREE e Y, altos contenidos de Sr y Na2O, y altas razones Sr/Y y
La/Yb. Estos dos últimos parámetros han sido ampliamente utilizados para resaltar la
signatura tipo-adakita que presentan estas rocas. Los contenidos de Ni y Cr son
variables en los distintos depósitos, y los Mg# suelen ser inferiores a 0,51. Se han
propuesto numerosos modelos para explicar la génesis de magmas asociados a la
mineralización, la mayoría de los cuales han considerado procesos que den cuenta de
la signatura tipo-adakita de estas rocas (ver secciones siguientes). Una vez más, si bien
estos consideran aspectos químicos fundamentales, la carencia de una caracterización
isotópica adecuada ha mermado la posibilidad de una evaluación más rigurosa.
Finalmente, se debe notar que las rocas presentes en estos depósitos se encuentran
pervasivamente alteradas por la actividad hidrotermal. Ello constituye un problema
mayor cuando se pretende caracterizar aspectos químicos primarios y, con ello, asignar
una afinidad geoquímica. En el caso de las características adakíticas, las
determinaciones de concentración de Ni, Cr, Mg y, particularmente, de Na y Sr,
constituyen parámetros poco confiables ya que suelen comportarse como móviles
durante estos procesos.

I.2.3.- Procesos Sublitosféricos: la Cuña Astenosférica y la Losa Oceánica

Subductada

Como fue mencionado anteriormente, la metasomatización del manto por los

fluidos/fundidos aportados por la losa oceánica subductada corresponde al proceso más
importante de la generación magmática en márgenes convergentes. Este proceso es
responsable de los cambios químicos y mineralógicos que modifican el manto
astenosférico y condiciona, en parte, el grado de fusión parcial (e.g., Tatsumi et al.,
1986; Tatsumi, 1989; Pearce & Peate, 1995).

El alto estado de oxidación de la cuña astenosférica, con respecto a otras rocas

mantélicas no relacionadas a subducción, es también producto del metasomatismo al
que ésta está sometida. A su vez, ello controla la especiación y solubilidad del S,
además de la estabilidad de fases residuales en el manto durante la fusión parcial (e.g.,
Mungall et al., 2002). En condiciones mantélicas los elementos calcófilos y siderófilos,
como el Cu y el Au, se particionan fuertemente a fases sulfuradas con respecto a los
fundidos silicatados. Bajo condiciones oxidantes, las fases sulfuradas son
progresivamente desestabilizadas y aumentan la solubilidad del S y las fases sulfatadas
disueltas en los fundidos (Carroll & Rutherford, 1985; Mungall et al., 2002). De este
modo, el aumento de la fugacidad de oxígeno genera que elementos como el Cu y Au
se comporten como incompatibles durante la fusión parcial del manto y puedan ser
concentrados en los fundidos, al mismo tiempo que estos últimos aumentan sus

8
contenidos de S. Así, como señala Richards (2003), todos los magmas primarios de
arco debieran contener relativamente altas concentraciones de estos elementos con
respecto a otros magmas más reducidos derivados del manto.

Mungall (2002) ha indicado que los fundidos provenientes de la losa oceánica

son más eficientes en oxidar la cuña astenosférica que los fluidos. Bajo esta hipótesis,
la adición de un componente de subducción fundido a la fuente astenosférica
promovería la generación de magmas particularmente enriquecidos y potencialmente
mineralizadores. Ello explicaría, además, la composición química similar a la de las
adakíticas que frecuentemente se ha reportado para las rocas intrusivas asociadas a
mineralización (Oyarzún et al., 2001; Reich et al., 2003; Kay et al., 2005; Richards &
Kerrich, 2007; Shafiei et al., 2009).

I.2.4.- Procesos en el Manto Litosférico Subcontinental y la Corteza Inferior

La mayoría de los procesos magmáticos a niveles litosféricos profundos pueden

considerarse como parte de los procesos MASH (Fig. I.2). Estos fueron definidos por
Hildreth & Moorbath (1988) para explicar las variaciones composicionales que muestra
el volcanismo actual en la Zona Volcánica Sur de los Andes, aunque se considera que
ellos operan a nivel general en los márgenes continentales activos. Los autores
postulan la existencia de zonas de fusión, asimilación, almacenamiento y
homogeneización bajo los grandes centros magmáticos. Estas zonas se ubicarían en la
corteza inferior o en la transición corteza-manto, lugar donde los magmas basálticos
primarios que ascienden desde la cuña astenosférica alcanzan un nivel de flotabilidad
neutral. Una vez allí, es esperable que ellos induzcan localmente fusión parcial y estén
sometidos a procesos de asimilación y mezcla, que culminen ya sea con la
cristalización completa del nuevo magma o con un nuevo ascenso por diferencias de
densidad producto de su fraccionamiento (Fig. I.2). En términos generales, el resultado
de todos estos procesos es la generación de magmas relativamente homogéneos que
son producto de la hibridación de magmas derivados del manto, y cuyas características
químicas e isotópicas son particulares del dominio MASH que enmarca su formación.

9
 Fig. I.2: Figura esquemática de la hibridación y evolución de magmas derivados del manto
mediante procesos MASH en la litósfera profunda.
Tomado de Richards (2003; modificado de Hildreth [1981] y Huppert & Sparks [1988]).

En la última década, varios autores han destacado la posibilidad de fusión de la

litósfera superior profunda, modificada por el magmatismo de arco, como un proceso
capaz de generar magmas relacionados a la mineralización de pórfidos de Cu±Mo±Au
(Kay & Mpodozis, 2001; Richards et al., 2009; Shafiei et al., 2009). El magmatismo de
arco es, esencialmente, un medio de transporte de material de la losa oceánica y el
manto astenosférico a la litósfera sobreyacente. La diferenciación temprana de los
magmas primarios ascendentes desde el manto en la litósfera profunda resulta en la
formación de cumulados hidratados de composición máfica a ultramáfica (Rudnick &
Fountain, 1995). En estas zonas, la acumulación de anfíbola y de fases residuales
sulfuradas puede almacenar cantidades importantes de agua y metales en la litósfera
superior (e.g., Jagoutz et al., 2007; McInnes et al., 1999; Davidson et al., 2007;
Richards, 2009). De este modo, después de periodos prolongados de magmatismo, las
raíces litosféricas constituyen un reservorio fértil de donde extraer magmas
potencialmente formadores de depósitos. Adicionalmente, la fusión de un protolito como
éste generaría magmas con características composicionales similares a las de las
adakitas.

Complementariamente al modelo acumulativo anterior, Core et al. (2006) han

propuesto un modelo de generación para los magmas asociados a la mineralización de
pórfido cuprífero de Bingham (Utah, EEUU). Estos derivarían de una fuente
puntualmente enriquecida en Cu ubicada en la corteza inferior. Según los autores, las
fuentes profundas ricas en Cu pueden corresponder a terrenos metamórficos que
contienen depósitos de Cu, o bien, a cumulados de sulfuros en intrusiones máficas. En
el primer caso, la distribución heterogénea de la fuente rica en Cu puede producir
depósitos de pórfido cuprífero aislados como el yacimiento de Bingham. En el segundo

10
caso, la distribución más homogénea de la fuente enriquecida puede producir provincias
de este tipo de depósitos, como ocurre en los casos de Indonesia, Papua Nueva Guinea
y Chile, entre otros.

I.2.5.- Procesos en la Corteza Superior

La corteza superior es la zona donde se forman los depósitos de pórfido

cuprífero. Estos son el resultado de la actividad magmático-hidrotermal de intrusiones
subvolcánicas emplazadas a menos de 5 km de profundidad. Siendo ésta la zona de
explotación, y por ello una zona accesible, se han realizado innumerables estudios
acerca de los procesos de formación de estos depósitos (e.g., Lowell & Gilbert, 1970;
Sillitoe, 1973; Gustafson & Hunt, 1975; Tosdal & Richards, 2001). Actualmente, existe
un amplio consenso en el rol de los intrusivos como fuente de los elementos que
conforman los yacimientos. De este modo, éstos se emplazan ya con una composición
adecuada para originar la actividad hidrotermal y la consecuente alteración y
mineralización.

En términos volumétricos, los intrusivos asociados a estos depósitos no superan

los 100 km3. Aunque la concentración de Cu en magmas intermedios a ácidos es
bastante baja, se calcula que ~30-80 km3 de un magma de estas composiciones es
suficiente para formar un depósito de pórfido cuprífero de un tamaño moderado (1-10
Mt Cu; Cline & Bodnar, 1991; Cline, 1995). Por otra parte, para la formación de un
depósito gigante (10-100 Mt Cu), como El Teniente, se estima que es necesario un
volumen de magma del orden de 102-103 km3 (e.g., Dilles & Proffett, 1995; Cloos, 2002;
Richards, 2003, 2005; Stern & Skewes, 2005). Estas estimaciones disminuyen cerca de
un orden de magnitud cuando se consideran composiciones más máficas. Aún así,
persiste una gran discrepancia entre el volumen requerido para generar la
mineralización que albergan los depósitos gigantes y el volumen real de intrusiones en
ellos, las que son además de composición predominantemente ácida.

Las consideraciones de balance de masa expuestas sustentan la hipótesis de la

existencia de cámaras magmáticas de grandes dimensiones, en niveles corticales
medios, que constituyan la fuente de los elementos necesarios para la formación de
este tipo de depósitos, o al menos de los de mayor tamaño (e.g., Dilles & Proffett, 1995;
Cloos, 2002; Richards 2003, 2005; Stern & Skewes, 2005; Fig. I.3). Bajo esta hipótesis,
las intrusiones presentes en los yacimientos representan apófisis enraizados en
cámaras más profundas cuyo rol es el de transportar los productos de la diferenciación
de estas últimas (Fig. I.3). Se debe notar que uno de los elementos fundamentales para
formar y mantener una cámara magmática de grandes dimensiones es la tasa del
aporte de magma (e.g., Cruden, 1998; de Saint-Blanquat et al., 2001). Si ésta es
adecuada y se mantiene en el tiempo, proveerá del calor y material necesario para que

11
la cámara pueda crecer y se mantenga fundida y en evolución. Adicionalmente, el
aporte sostenido de magma puede proveer de elementos como S y Cu que, a través de
la evolución, se verán enriquecidos en los productos de la diferenciación (e.g., Cline &
Bodnar, 1991; Cline, 1995; Cloos, 2002; Richards, 2003, 2005; Stern & Skewes, 2005).

Fig. I.3: Figura esquemática del sistema magmático involucrado en la generación de depósitos de
pórfido cuprífero en la corteza superior.
Los stocks y diques presentes en los depósitos corresponden a apófisis enraizados en cámaras
magmáticas profundas. Ellos son producto de la diferenciación en estas cámaras y actúan como
agentes de transporte de los elementos que constituyen la mineralización y alteración a niveles
corticales someros. Tomado de Richards (2003).

I.3.- Proyecto de Investigación de la Tesis de Doctorado

I.3.1.- Fundamentos y Descripción General

Como se desprende de la revisión precedente, se han propuesto numerosos

modelos para explicar la génesis de rocas intrusivas asociadas a la mineralización de
pórfido cuprífero. En ellos se invoca una amplia gama de procesos que influencian la
composición de los magmas de márgenes convergentes, muchos de los cuales no son
necesariamente excluyentes. Estos procesos están fuertemente condicionados por
factores externos relacionados a la configuración y características globales del margen
donde se forman y evolucionan los magmas. Por ello, el estudio de la génesis de
intrusivos asociados a la mineralización debe estar contextualizado dentro de éste

12
esquema global, y ser complementado con el estudio de rocas intrusivas coetáneas
pero estériles. Este enfoque, llevado a cabo con técnicas analíticas que proporcionen
nuevos datos sobre el tema, es adecuado cuando se pretende identificar los procesos
involucrados en la formación de este tipo de magmas. Adicionalmente, se debe tener en
cuenta que, aún cuando la formación de estos depósitos es una particularidad dentro de
la historia tectóno-magmática de los arcos que los contienen, los procesos y
condiciones que culminan en ello deben ser reproducibles a nivel general en márgenes
convergentes dada su presencia a escala mundial en estos ambientes.

El tema de investigación de la presente Tesis de Doctorado es la génesis de

magmas asociados a la mineralización de pórfido cuprífero, lo que se ha llevado a cabo
a través del estudio del yacimiento El Teniente (Chile central; 34º04’S-70º21’W). El
objetivo principal de este trabajo es estudiar la petrogénesis de los intrusivos félsicos de
El Teniente y como se inserta este magmatismo en el contexto de la evolución del arco
mioceno tardío – plioceno de la región. Para ello se consideró necesario,
específicamente, establecer una caracterización química, isotópica, y cronológica de
unidades representativas de ambos eventos con el fin de identificar los componentes y
procesos, tanto en la fuente como en la litósfera superior, involucrados en su
generación.

I.3.2.- Metodología

En orden de cumplir los objetivos mencionados anteriormente, la metodología de

estudio aplicada en esta investigación comprendió distintas áreas de trabajo. Éstas
pueden ser agrupadas en Trabajo de Gabinete y de Terreno y Trabajo de Laboratorio.

a.- Trabajo de Gabinete y de Terreno

La determinación de las áreas de muestreo fue realizada en base a una

recopilación bibliográfica y el estudio de imágenes satelitales y fotografías aéreas.
Durante Diciembre del 2006 y Febrero del 2007 se realizó una recolección de muestras
en el área de estudio. A nivel regional se recolectaron muestras representativas del arco
mioceno tardío – plioceno entre los 33º45’-34º30’S y los 70º20’-69º50’W. A nivel local
se recolectaron muestras en el yacimiento El Teniente (34º04’S-70º21’W).

b.- Trabajo de Laboratorio

Metodologías y técnicas analíticas tradicionales

El trabajo de laboratorio incluyó varias técnicas y metodologías de estudio
tradicionales como: estudio petrográfico de cortes transparentes, separación de
minerales, química de roca total mediante ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma - mass

13
spectrometry) e ICP–AES (inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry),
isotopía de Sr y Nd mediante TIMS (thermal ionization mass spectrometry), y
dataciones 40Ar/39Ar por pasos de calentamiento. Las determinaciones analíticas
descritas fueron consideradas exclusivamente para aquellas rocas representativas del
arco mioceno tardío – plioceno. Los análisis químicos mediante ICP-MS y de isotopía
mediante TIMS fueron realizadas en dos estadías cortas de investigación (2007 y 2008)
en el Laboratoire des Mécanismes et Transferts en Géologie, Observatoire Midi-
Pyrénées - Université Paul-Sabatier, Toulouse, Francia, bajo la tutela de la Dr. Mireille
Polvé. El resto de los trabajos de laboratorio se realizaron en el Departamento de
Geología de la Universidad de Chile, exceptuando las dataciones 40Ar/39Ar que fueron
encargadas al laboratorio de geocronología del College of Oceanic and Atmospheric
Sciences, Oregon State University (COAS-OSU, EEUU). Se debe notar que aunque no
todos los resultados de estos análisis están incluidos en la presente tesis, ellos están
siendo considerados para futuras publicaciones.

Técnicas microanalíticas: Estudio de Circones

Dado que las rocas del yacimiento están severamente alteradas, no es factible la
aplicación de las técnicas analíticas mencionadas para la determinación de sus
características químicas e isotópicas primarias. En este trabajo, éstas se han abordado
a través del estudio microanalítico de cristales individuales de circón (ZrSiO4). Éste
corresponde a un mineral accesorio común en rocas ígneas félsicas y constituye un
robusto trazador de procesos petrogenéticos, lo que deriva de una combinación de
factores relacionados con su estructura y composición.

El circón es un mineral física y químicamente resistente y, además, es altamente

estable ante el re-equilibrio por difusión a alta temperatura (e.g., Watson, 1996; Watson
& Cherniak, 1997; Cherniak & Watson, 2003). Gracias a estas características, el circón
se comporta generalmente como un sistema físico-químico cerrado ante la
sobreimposición de eventos de alteración que afecten la roca hospedante. En términos
composicionales, este mineral tiende a incorporar distintos elementos, incluyendo
elementos radiogénicos, que lo hacen especialmente valioso como herramienta de
estudios petrogenéticos. De estos elementos, destacan aquellos del grupo de las REE
además de Y, Hf, U, Pb y Th, entre otros. Las altas concentraciones de U-Pb que
presenta permiten una buena determinación de la edad de los cristales. La
determinación de isotopías de Hf y O permite trazar sensitivamente procesos corticales
y mantélicos (e.g., Taylor & McLennan, 1985; Vervoot & Blichert-Toft, 1999, Valley,
2003). La incorporación de elementos de como Ce y Eu en el circón, dependiendo de su
valencia, permite una estimación de las condiciones de fugacidad de oxígeno durante la
formación del cristal (e.g., Ballard et al., 2002; Hoskin & Schalgger, 2003).
Adicionalmente, la concentración de Ti en este mineral permite realizar determinaciones

14
de geotermometría, dada la dependencia de la temperatura en la incorporación de Ti en
su estructura (Watson et al., 2006; Ferry & Watson, 2007; Fu et al., 2008).

La morfología de los circones depende principalmente de la temperatura y

composición del medio donde cristalizan (e.g., Pupin, 1980, Vavra, 1990, 1993). De este
modo, las variaciones en la morfología y patrones de crecimiento de un cristal registran
los cambios y/o evolución de estas variables dentro de la historia del magma a partir del
cual ha cristalizado (e.g., Belousova et al., 2006). Así, distintas zonas de un mismo
cristal registran cualitativamente cambios de temperatura y composición. Más aún, con
el uso de técnicas microanalíticas adecuadas, es posible caracterizar en términos de
química e isotopía estos cambios en la historia del magma hospedante (e.g., Griffin et
al., 2002; Belousova et al., 2006), una información imposible de obtener con
metodologías analíticas que involucren el sistema roca total.

En esta investigación se han utilizado una serie de técnicas microanalíticas para

el estudio de cristales individuales de circón, tanto en muestras de El Teniente como en
aquellas representativas del arco mioceno tardío – plioceno. Este trabajo fue llevado a
cabo en dos estadías cortas de investigación (2007 y 2008) en laboratorios del
Research School of Earth Sciences – Australian National University, Canberra,
Australia, bajo la tutela del Prof. Mark Fanning. Las metodologías utilizadas
corresponden a: estudios de morfología y estructura interna de circones mediante
imágenes CL-SEM (cátodoluminiscencia, scanning electron microscope) y
determinación de contenidos de REE, Hf, Y, U, Th, Ti e isotopía de Hf y O mediante
SHRIMP (sensitive high resolution ion microprobe) y LA-ICP-MS (laser ablation -
inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry). Las muestras estudiadas del
yacimiento El Teniente, interior mina, fueron provistas por el Dr. V. Maksaev, y
colaboradores, quienes realizaron anteriormente dataciones U-Pb SHRIMP en ellas
(Maksaev et al., 2004). El resto de las muestras analizadas con estas metodologías
fueron recolectadas durante el desarrollo de este trabajo.

15
Capítulo II: EL YACIMIENTO EL TENIENTE Y LA FRANJA
METALOGÉNICA NEÓGENA EN CHILE CENTRAL

II.1.- Introducción

Tres de los mayores pórfidos cupríferos chilenos se emplazan entre los 31º y
36ºS: Los Pelambres (31º43’S), Río Blanco – Los Bronces (33º08’S) y El Teniente
(34º04’S; Fig. II.1). Estos depósitos son de edad Mioceno superior – Plioceno y
corresponden a los más jóvenes reconocidos en el margen continental chileno.
Pertenecen a la denominada Franja Metalogénica Neógena la que, entre los 31º y 36ºS,
se extiende en dirección norte-sur a lo largo del flanco occidental de la Cordillera de los
Andes (Fig. II.1). Al norte de los 31ºS esta franja incluye, además, los depósitos de
Au±Cu de las franjas de Maricunga y El Indio.

II.2.- La Franja Metalogénica Neógena en Chile Central

II.2.1.- Marco Geológico

En Chile central la Franja Metalogénica Neógena se distribuye, entre los 31º y

36ºS, a través de dos segmentos de distinta configuración del margen continental que
se desarrollan a partir de los 33ºS. Esta segmentación ha sido interpretada como un
rasgo resultante de las características de la convergencia de placas.

La subducción de la placa de Nazca bajo el continente Sudamericano constituye

el proceso tectónico más importante a lo largo de la cadena andina. Actualmente, la
convergencia relativa es de 8 cm/año y dirección N78ºE a lo largo de gran parte del
margen, entre 5 y 46ºS. En Chile central, la subducción de la dorsal de Juan Fernández
alrededor de los 33ºS es la característica más distintiva de esta convergencia (Fig. II.1).
Al norte de esta región el volcanismo cuaternario desaparece, la cadena y la fosa
cambian de orientación, y cambia la segmentación morfoestructural andina (Mpodozis &
Ramos, 1989; Jordan et al., 1983; Ramos et al., 2002; Kay et al., 2005; Fig. II.1). Al
norte de los 33ºS la vertiente occidental de los Andes es prácticamente continua desde
el mar hacia el este, mientras que al sur de esta latitud la cadena está segmentada por
la Depresión Central que separa la Cordillera de la Costa de la Cordillera Principal.
Estos cambios han sido relacionados con la disminución del ángulo de subducción
hacia el norte, o desarrollo del segmento de subducción subhorizontal (27º-33ºS), el
que es probablemente producto de la subducción de la dorsal de Juan Fernández

16
(Barazangi & Isacks, 1976; Fig. II.1). Hacia el sur de la dorsal, a partir de los 33ºS, la
geometría de la placa subductante de Nazca bajo el continente Sudamericano muestra
un aumento progresivo del ángulo de subducción hasta los 34ºS. A partir de esta latitud
la subducción se desarrolla con un manteo normal de 30º (Bevis & Isacks, 1984; Cahill
& Isacks, 1992, Pardo et al., 2002; Fig. II.1).

El área de la Cordillera Principal en esta región está dominada por afloramientos

de rocas cuyas edades abarcan desde el Mesozoico hasta la actualidad. Las unidades
mesozoicas y cenozoicas, hasta el Mioceno-Plioceno, se distribuyen en franjas de
dirección elongada norte-sur que, en términos generales, se hacen progresivamente
más jóvenes hacia el oeste (Fig. II.1). La zona más oriental de los afloramientos,
cercana al límite chileno-argentino, corresponde a sucesiones sedimentarias marinas,
volcánicas y clásticas continentales mesozoicas. Estas abarcan edades entre el
Jurásico y Cretácico medio y corresponden a las rocas más antiguas de la Cordillera
Principal en este sector de los Andes, ya que el basamento pre-Jurásico aflora hacia el
este en la Cordillera Frontal en Argentina (Fig. II.1). A lo largo del flanco occidental de la
Cordillera Principal, sobreyacen a la columna mesozoica sucesiones volcanoclásticas
continentales del Eoceno superior al Mioceno (Fig. II.1). Éstas constituyen un cinturón
magmático que se extiende por cerca de 1.300 km, entre los 25º-35ºS, que en Chile
central está representado por las formaciones Abanico y Farellones (Fig. II.1). La Franja
Metalogénica Neógena está emplazada a lo largo de este cinturón magmático y
coincide específicamente con la ubicación de la Formación Farellones (Fig. II.1).
Abarcando desde el Plioceno hasta la actualidad se reconocen en la zona cordillerana
depósitos volcánicos y continentales no consolidados dispersos, pero ampliamente
distribuidos en toda el área (Fig. II.1). Los cuerpos intrusivos que afloran en esta región
tienen en su mayoría edades del Cenozoico superior e intruyen hasta las sucesiones
miocenas (Fig. II.1).

En el sector de los Andes al sur de los 33ºS se desarrollan en la Cordillera

Principal dos sistemas estructurales principales. En su borde occidental, ella limita con
la Depresión Central mediante un sistema de fallas inversas de vergencia oeste
correspondiente a la Falla Pocuro-San Ramón (Fig. II.1; Rauld, 2002; Rauld et al.,
2006). Cercano al límite chileno-argentino, las unidades mesozoicas se encuentran
afectadas por un sistema de fallas inversas de vergencia al este constituyendo la Faja
Plegada y Corrida del Aconcagua (Fig. II.1; Ramos et al., 1996, 2004; Giambiagi &
Ramos, 2002).

17
 Fig. II.1: Marco Geológico de la Franja Metalogénica Neógena en Chile central.
(a) Esquema con las principales características tectónicas de convergencia entre el sureste de la
Placa de Nazca y el margen continental chileno. (b) Mapa geológico de la región cordillerana
chileno-argentina central donde se emplaza el yacimiento El Teniente. Mapa geológico modificado
de Farías (2007), unidades intrusivas cenozoicas tomadas de Thiele (1980), Charrier (1983),
Malbrán (1986), Arcos (1987), Godoy & Lara (1994), Ramos et al. (1997) y Vidal (2007).

18
 La actividad magmática y de mineralización de los depósitos de pórfido cuprífero
de la Franja Metalogénica Neógena abarca una edad entre los 12 y 4 Ma y está
relacionada a la actividad plutónico-volcánica tardía del arco mioceno – plioceno (e.g.
Cuadra, 1986; Mathur et al., 2000; Deckart et al., 2003, 2005; Maksaev et al., 2004;
Cannell, 2004; Cannell et al., 2005; Perelló et al., 2009). Los depósitos ocurren dentro
de zonas de alteración hidrotermal relacionadas con intrusiones multifásicas de stocks
porfíricos cuyas composiciones varían de cuarzo-dioritas a granodioritas. Las
intrusiones y sus rocas de caja albergan densos stocks de venillas que contienen
sulfuros y complejos de brecha asociados. Aunque en términos generales se reconoce
una asociación directa de este tipo de depósitos con estructuras regionales mayores,
estas estructuras parecen ausentes en la Franja Metalogénica Neógena. Aún así, se ha
sugerido su relación con estructuras corticales profundas sin expresiones superficiales
(e.g., Hanus et al., 2000). Adicionalmente, para cada depósito se reconocen estructuras
mayores a nivel local y estructuras menores asociadas a su formación (e.g., Camus,
2003 y referencias ahí citadas).

II.2.2.- Evolución Geológica del Margen Continental Chileno

De acuerdo a lo propuesto por Mpodozis & Ramos (1989), la evolución de la

región chilena del margen continental Sudamericano está comprendida
mayoritariamente por tres ciclos tectónicos sucesivos. Estos se desarrollan a partir del
Paleozoico inferior, a lo largo del borde occidental de Gondwana, hasta el Cenozoico y
corresponden a: (1) Ciclo Famantiniano (Paleozoico inferior); (2) Ciclo Gondwánico
(Paleozoico superior); y (3) Ciclo Andino (Mesozoico-Cenozoico).

La evolución inicial corresponde al período construccional del borde continental

relacionado a la acreción de terrenos alóctonos al margen occidental de Gondwana,
período que abarca parte del Ciclo Pampeano (Proterozoico tardío), la totalidad del
Ciclo Famantiniano, y el inicio del Ciclo Gondwánico. Durante esta evolución, las
sucesivas acreciones habrían determinado la ocurrencia de diferentes fases orogénicas
y se configura la constitución y arquitectura primaria de la litósfera Sudamericana (Fig.
II.2). Los terrenos acrecionados se disponen principalmente en franjas NNW-SSE (Fig.
II.2). Esta configuración primaria parece haber condicionado de manera importante la
geometría y dinámica de los procesos tectónico-magmáticos mayores desarrollados
posteriormente en el margen. A la latitud de Chile central el basamento heredado de la
evolución durante este ciclo está compuesto por tres terrenos. De acuerdo a la
cronología de las acreciones, de más antiguo a más joven, éstos corresponden a las
Sierras Pampeanas (Proterozoico superior), Cuyania-Precordillera (Ordovícico) y
Chilenia (Devónico inferior; Fig. II.2). Aún así, no existen afloramientos de ellos en esta
zona; sólo en el norte del país y en la región occidental de Argentina se encuentran

19
unidades dispersas que serían representativas de ellos. Finalmente, cabe destacar que
el terreno de Chilenia constituiría el basamento sobre la cual se desarrolla la posterior
evolución del margen continental del área de Chile central (Fig. II.2).

Fig. II.2: Distribución de terrenos alóctonos acrecionados en Sudamérica.

(a) Mapa de la región austral de Sudamérica, tomado de Chernicoff & Zappettini (2003). (b)
Detalle de la distribución de terrenos en Chile central y la región occidental de Argentina, tomado
de Ramos et al. (2004).

El ciclo tectónico Gondwánico se desarrolla a partir del Devónico inferior. Las

etapas tempranas están asociadas a la formación y evolución de un arco magmático y
un prisma de acreción en el margen producto de la subducción de la placa Pacífico bajo
el continente. Durante el Pérmico medio la subducción habría cesado después de un
episodio de deformación compresiva, asociado con procesos de alzamiento y
acortamiento, conocido en el norte de Chile como la fase orogénica de San Rafael
(Mpodozis & Kay, 1992). Posteriormente, un episodio extensional, relacionado a escala
global con el inicio del desmembramiento de Gondwana, afecta todo el margen
continental. En sus etapas tempranas este episodio está acompañado de abundante
magmatismo ácido, en parte como producto de anatexis cortical, representado en el

20
norte de Chile y oeste de Argentina por las rocas del Grupo Choiyoi (Mpodozis & Kay,
1992). La extensión habría continuado durante el Triásico a Jurásico inferior con el
desarrollo de cuencas de dirección NNW-SSE, sub-paralelas al margen cratónico (e.g.,
Charrier, 1979; Mpodozis & Kay, 1992). Esta orientación habría estado determinada por
zonas de debilidad relacionadas a las suturas que delimitan los diferentes terrenos
alóctonos acrecionados previamente al margen. Más aún, estas estructuras serían
condicionantes de primer orden de la segmentación de la corteza continental previo al
desarrollo del ciclo Andino (Ramos, 1994).

El ciclo tectónico Andino comienza en el Jurásico inferior con la reorganización

paleogeográfica del borde occidental de Gondwana y el reinicio de la subducción activa.
La configuración general del margen continental chileno en este período hasta el
Cretácico inferior está caracterizada por el desarrollo de un arco, ubicado en la actual
Cordillera de la Costa, y una amplia cuenca de trasarco extensional afectada por
transgresiones y regresiones marinas (Charrier & Muñoz, 1994). En la zona de los
Andes de Chile y Argentina central ésta corresponde a la cuenca de Neuquén. Durante
el Cretácico superior un evento compresivo, que ha sido relacionado al término de la
separación progresiva entre Sudamérica y África, provoca la inversión y alzamiento de
las cuencas de trasarco (Charrier & Muñoz, 1994). La evolución posterior, hasta el
Eoceno inferior, está representada en Chile central sólo por una marcada discordancia
de erosión por lo que no ha sido bien constreñida. A partir de los ~40 Ma un evento
extensional afecta nuevamente el margen continental desarrollándose, en la región
andina actual, una cuenca de intra-arco extensional y subsidente donde se deposita la
sucesión volcano sedimentaria de la Formación Abanico (e.g., Godoy et al., 1999;
Charrier et al., 2002; Fuentes, 2004; Kay et al., 2005). La inversión de esta cuenca
durante en el Mioceno inferior, producto de un evento contraccional, da paso al régimen
tectónico que ha producido la actual configuración estructural y morfológica de los
Andes a estas latitudes (e.g., Godoy et al., 1999; Charrier et al., 2002; Giambiagi &
Ramos, 2002; Fock, 2005; Fock et al., 2006; Farías, 2007; Farías et al., 2008, 2010).

II.2.3.- Marco Geodinámico Neógeno-Pleistoceno

a.- Evolución Tectónica

El desarrollo de la cuenca de Abanico marca el inicio de la evolución cenozoica

de Chile central. Durante el Eoceno a Oligoceno más de 2.500 m de depósitos
volcánicos y volcanoclásticos, con lentes sedimentarios, fueron depositados en cuencas
de intra-arco extensionales y subsidentes subparalelas al margen continental (Godoy et
al., 1999; Charrier et al., 2002; Nyström et al., 2003; Kay et al., 2005; Fock, 2005; Fock
et al., 2006). La extensión habría comenzado alrededor de los 40 Ma (Wyss et al., 1994;

21
Fock et al., 2006) y habría estado principalmente controlada por la actividad de fallas
normales, posteriormente invertidas, que delimitan los afloramientos actuales de la
Formación Abanico (Godoy et al., 1999; Charrier et al., 2002; Fock et al., 2006; Fig.
II.3).

A partir de la inversión de la cuenca de Abanico se reconocen en Chile central

varios pulsos de deformación, los que han migrado progresivamente hacia el este. En
términos generales estos pueden resumirse en: (1) Oligoceno superior a Mioceno
inferior, se inicia la inversión (Godoy et al., 1999; Charrier et al., 2002, Fock et al.,
2006), (2) Mioceno medio – superior, la deformación migra hacia el este hasta afectar
los depósitos mesozoicos del flanco occidental de la Cordillera Principal, generándose
con ello la faja plegada y corrida del Aconcagua y de la Ramada (Giambiagi & Ramos,
2002; Giambiagi et al., 2003, Fock, 2005, Fock et al., 2006), (3) Mioceno superior hasta
los inicios del Plioceno, alzamiento de la Cordillera Frontal y continuación de la
deformación asociada a la faja plegada y corrida a través de retrocorrimientos y
corrimientos fuera de secuencia en el borde oriental de la antigua cuenca de Abanico
(Giambiagi & Ramos, 2002; Fock, 2005, Fock et al., 2006; Fig. II.3). Posteriormente a
este último evento y hasta la actualidad, se desarrollan procesos de deformación y
acortamiento en el antepaís y de deformación de rumbo en la Cordillera Principal
(Giambiagi & Ramos, 2002; Farías, 2007; Farías et al., 2010; Fig. II.3).

Sincrónicamente al evento mioceno superior - plioceno se produce el mayor

alzamiento de superficie y exhumación regional en los Andes (Skewes & Holmgren,
1993; Kurtz et al., 1997; McInnes et al., 2005; Farías et al., 2008; Maksaev et al., 2009).
Para la zona comprendida entre 33º y 34ºS se ha estimado que este evento habría
ocurrido entre los 10 y 4 Ma acumulando un total de 2 km de alzamiento en 2 m.a.
(Farías et al., 2008).

Los eventos de alzamiento y exhumación del orógeno andino son el resultado del
progresivo engrosamiento cortical que sucede a la inversión de la cuenca de Abanico.
El engrosamiento ha sido inferido principalmente en base a estudios de la evolución
composicional que muestran las unidades magmáticas entre los 32º y 34º30’S durante
este período (Kay et al., 1991; Kay & Mpodozis, 2001, 2002; Kay et al., 2005). De este
modo, se ha estimado que el grosor de la corteza previo a la inversión habría sido de
alrededor de 30-35 km, mientras que actualmente éste es de alrededor de 60 km bajo la
Cordillera Principal (e.g., Tassara et al., 2006). Cabe destacar que el engrosamiento ha
sido atribuido fundamentalmente a procesos de acortamiento cortical (e.g., Jordan et al.,
2001; Kay et al., 2005; Farías et al., 2010).

22
Fig. II.3: Perfiles de la evolución paleogeográfica de Chile central durante el Cenozoico.
Tomado de Fock (2005). FPC: faja plegada y corrida.

23
 De acuerdo a las reconstrucciones de la convergencia entre las placas de Nazca
y Sudamericana, la dorsal de Juan Fernández habría arribado al margen continental
chileno y migrado al sur hasta alcanzar su posición actual durante el Mioceno (Yañez et
al., 2001). De acuerdo a distintos estudios, ésta sería una característica de la
convergencia del área entre los 29 y 32ºS a partir de los ~12-7 Ma (Yañez et al., 2001;
Le Roux et al., 2005). Varios efectos han sido atribuidos a este proceso, tales como la
disminución del ángulo de subducción, el favorecer procesos de erosión por
subducción, y cambios en el estado de stress de la corteza, entre otros. Ellos han sido
invocados como determinantes en la evolución geológica del margen durante este
período. En términos generales, los eventos de deformación ocurridos durante el
Mioceno superior – Plioceno junto la ocurrencia progresivamente más tardía de estos
de norte a sur en la región, han sido atribuidos al arribo y subsecuente migración al sur
de la dorsal de Juan Fernández (e.g., Kay & Mpodozis, 2001; Ramos et al., 2002).

b.- Evolución Magmática

El magmatismo cenozoico de Chile central está representado por las rocas

volcánicas de las formaciones Abanico y Farellones, y sus intrusivos asociados, y por
numerosas rocas ígneas posteriores dispersas a lo largo de la Cordillera Principal (Fig.
II.1). Estas unidades muestran composiciones químicas e isotópicas que sugieren un
origen en la cuña astenosférica modificada por la subducción, al igual que las rocas
ígneas andinas y los magmas de arco en general (e.g., Kay et al., 1991; Stern &
Skewes, 1995; Kay & Mpodozis, 2001, 2002; Fuentes, 2004; Kay et al., 2005;
Montecinos et al., 2008). En términos generales, a través de este período, el
magmatismo sufre también cambios importantes de manera progresiva. Estos pueden
resumirse en tres aspectos globales: (1) una evolución hacia composiciones más
diferenciadas, fraccionadas y enriquecidas, (2) una reducción de la actividad magmática
y volcánica, y (3) una migración del arco hacia el este hasta alcanzar la posición actual
representada por los volcanes de la parte norte de la Zona Volcánica Sur.

La primera etapa de la evolución magmática cenozoica de la región está

caracterizada por un abundante volcanismo de arco de edad Eoceno - Oligoceno
superior, desarrollado durante la depositación de la Formación Abanico. (e.g., Charrier
et al., 2002; Nyström et al., 2003; Kay et al., 2005). Las rocas ígneas de este período
son de composición predominantemente básica a intermedia, de afinidad toleiítica, y
muestran una signatura isotópica de Sr-Nd poco enriquecida, similar a las rocas de la
parte sur de la Zona Volcánica Sur de los Andes (e.g., Nyström et al., 1993, 2003;
Fuentes, 2004; Kay et al., 2005; Fig. II.4a). Adicionalmente, presentan un carácter poco
fraccionado, en términos de los patrones de REE, lo que ha sido interpretado como
representativo de un fraccionamiento de arreglos minerales de baja presión (e.g.,
Nyström et al., 2003; Fuentes, 2004; Kay et al., 2005; Fig. II.4b). En base a estas

24
características se ha inferido que el magmatismo de este período habría evolucionado
en una corteza de alrededor de ~35-40 km de espesor (Fig. II.3). A partir de la inversión
de la cuenca de Abanico, durante el Mioceno inferior, la actividad magmática de la
región presenta características químicas que evidencian un cambio progresivo hacia
signaturas más evolucionadas. Ello está representado en la evolución temporal hacia
una afinidad calcoalcalina y un carácter más fraccionado y más enriquecido, en
términos de la isotopía de Sr-Nd, que muestran las rocas ígneas de la Formación
Farellones y las unidades posteriores (Nyström et al., 2003; Fuentes, 2004; Kay et al.,
2005; Fig. II.4a). Estos cambios han sido atribuidos, en parte, al progresivo aumento del
espesor cortical que sucede a la inversión (Fig. II.3).

Numerosos estudios han mostrado, en base a análisis de roca total, que el

magmatismo cenozoico de Chile central desarrolla un patrón de evolución temporal
hacia signaturas de Sr-Nd progresivamente más enriquecidas (e.g., Nyström et al.,
1993, 2003; Kay et al., 2005; Fig. II.4a). Las características composicionales de este
magmatismo sugieren que la signatura isotópica observada corresponde a una
característica primaria, aunque su origen es materia de controversia. Mientras algunos
autores la consideran únicamente como resultado de una contaminación de la fuente
astenosférica producto de procesos de erosión por subducción (Stern & Skewes, 1995),
otros la atribuyen a una combinación de esto último con procesos MASH en la base de
la corteza (Kay et al., 2005). Ambos modelos han sido fuertemente cuestionados por
Montecinos et al. (2008) quienes realizaron determinaciones isotópicas de Pb, Nd, Sr y
Hf en minerales individuales de rocas ígneas de la región. De acuerdo a estos
resultados, al menos el magmatismo desarrollado entre los 28 y 11 Ma presenta una
signatura isotópica constante la que, según los autores, estaría controlada por un
reservorio en el manto litosférico subcontinental. Cabe destacar, además, que los
trabajos de isotopía de Hf en circones de Deckart et al. (2010) y Muñoz et al. (2009;
Anexo) confirman y extienden los resultados obtenidos por Montecinos et al. (2008) al
menos hasta los 4,8 Ma.

El arribo y migración al sur de la dorsal de Juan Fernández también ha sido

considerado como determinante en la evolución magmática de Chile central. Este
proceso sería el responsable de: (1) la disminución y el posterior cese del volcanismo
después de los 9 Ma al norte de los 33ºS (Kay et al., 1991; Kay & Mpodozis, 2002), (2)
el desplazamiento al este del arco mioceno superior – plioceno en los últimos 2 m.a. al
sur de esta latitud (Stern, 1989; Stern & Skewes, 1995, 2005; Kay & Mpodozis, 2002;
Kay et al., 2005), y (3) la migración al sur del límite norte de la Zona Volcánica Sur
(Stern, 1989; Stern & Skewes, 1995, 2005).

25
 Fig. II.4: Patrones de evolución temporal de la composición isotópica Sr-Nd y de la razón La/Yb que
muestran las rocas ígneas cenozoicas de Chile central.
(a) Gráfico razones iniciales εNd versus 87Sr/86Sr de centros volcánicos de la ZVS, muestras de
batolitos paleozoicos, y unidades ígneas cenozoicas de Chile central. Notar el patrón general hacia
valores mayores de 87Sr/86Sr y menores de εNd que muestran estas últimas. La curva corresponde a
un modelo de mezcla simple entre un magma tipo “Abanico” y un contaminante tipo corteza
continental de edad Paleozoico superior-Triásico. En ésta, los círculos etiquetados con números
indican el porcentaje de contaminación. (b) Gráfico del rango de razones La/Yb versus: (i) edad de
unidades ígneas cenozoicas de Chile central (eje superior), y (ii) ubicación de centros volcánicos de la
ZVS (barras negras sólidas eje inferior). Ambos gráficos tomados y simplificados de Kay et al. (2005).

II.3.- El yacimiento de El Teniente

II.3.1.- Aspectos Generales y Geología Local

El pórfido de Cu-Mo El Teniente se encuentra ubicado cerca de 70 km al sureste

de Santiago (34º04’S-70º21’W) y corresponde al yacimiento en explotación más

26
meridional albergado por la Franja Metalogénica Neógena (Fig. II.1). Es unos de los
depósitos de pórfido cuprífero más grandes del mundo con un contenido de Cu total
estimado en 93,5 Mt (16.756 Mt, 0,558% de Cu; CODELCO, 2010). Ha estado en
continua explotación desde 1906 y es actualmente operado por la División El Teniente
de CODELCO-CHILE. La mayor parte de la mineralización es de naturaleza hipógena
con leyes de entre 0,65% a 1,50% de Cu, aunque se reconocen localmente leyes aún
mayores en brechas hidrotermales y stockworks mineralizados (Camus, 2003 y
referencias ahí citadas). Adicionalmente, el depósito alberga mineralización supérgena
a través de un perfil de enriquecimiento secundario (956 Mt, 1,68% Cu), aunque en la
actualidad sus reservas de Cu se encuentran prácticamente agotadas. Las operaciones
de minería subterránea abarcan un área de cerca de 4 km2 en un área vertical de
>1.000 m, entre los 1.983 (Teniente nivel 8) y los 3.173 (Teniente nivel J) m s.n.m. El
yacimiento de Cu reconocido cubre un área de al menos 2,7 por 2 km y posee una
extensión vertical de >2.000 m entre la superficie, a 3.200 m s.n.m., y el punto más
profundo intersectado por sondajes a 1.200 m s.n.m (Camus, 2003 y referencias ahí
citadas).

El yacimiento está emplazado en el flanco occidental de la Cordillera Principal en

rocas de la Formación Farellones, formación que corresponde a la principal sucesión
estratificada que domina la geología de superficie en sus inmediaciones (< 6 km a la
redonda; Fig. II.1, Fig. II.5). De manera subordinada, existen en la zona depósitos
laháricos no consolidados y flujos de lava de edad Plioceno-Pleistoceno, agrupados en
la Formación Colón-Coya, y depósitos no consolidados recientes (Fig. II.5; Floody &
Huete, 1998; Gómez, 2001). Adicionalmente, numerosos cuerpos intrusivos miocenos,
de tamaño y composición variable, afloran en toda el área y completan las unidades
litológicas principales de este sector (Fig. II.5).

Las estructuras reconocidas en la inmediaciones del yacimiento son de carácter

local y muestran un predominio de aquellas de orientación NE por sobre las de
orientación NW (Fig. II.5; Howell & Molloy, 1960; Garrido et al., 1994). Éstas se
consideran como parte de un corredor estructural, conocido como Zona de Falla
Teniente, que se desarrolla en superficie con una dirección N65ºE por alrededor de 14
km de largo y 3 km de ancho, entre la falla Agua Amarga y los ríos Teniente y Coya
(Fig. II.5; Garrido et al., 1994). Para la Zona de Falla Teniente se ha descrito un
movimiento principal de transcurrencia dextral, con desplazamiento de hasta 1 km o
más (Garrido et al., 1994), y uno subordinado normal que alza el bloque suroriental
(Howell & Molloy, 1960; Koeppen & Godoy, 1994). El yacimiento está emplazado en el
límite NE de la Zona de Falla Teniente cuya terminación es poco conocida, aunque se
considera que ésta sea probablemente contra el sistema de fallas Puquios-Codegua
(Fig. II.5).

27
 Fig. II.5: Geología de superficie en las inmediaciones del yacimiento El Teniente.
Mapa geológico simplificado de Floody & Huete (1998). Simbología en la página siguiente.

28
 (Continuación Fig. II.5)

II.3.2.- Geología del Yacimiento El Teniente

a.- Aspectos Generales

La geología del yacimiento está compuesta por una serie de stocks y diques, de
composición intermedia a ácida, y complejos de brechas magmático-hidrotermales
albergados en un complejo intrusivo máfico (Fig. II.6; Lindgren & Bastin, 1922; Howell &
Molloy, 1960; Camus, 1975, 2003; Cuadra, 1986; Skewes et al., 2002, 2005). Alrededor
del 80% de la mineralización hipógena se hospeda en este complejo, mientras que el
20% restante está hospedada en las unidades intrusivas alteradas. Numerosos análisis
radiométricos muestran que la actividad magmática al interior del yacimiento se
desarrolló de manera relativamente continua al menos desde los 8,9 Ma hasta los 3,8
Ma (Cuadra, 1986; Skewes et al., 2005; Maksaev et al., 2004). Aún así, se reconocen
en superficie unidades volcánicas de hasta 1,8 Ma (Charrier & Munizaga, 1979). Por
otra parte, se han registrado episodios de actividad hidrotermal al menos entre 7 y 4,7
Ma, aunque la cronología de los eventos principales de mineralización dentro de este
período es un tema controversial (Skewes et al., 2002, 2005; Maksaev et al., 2004;
Stern & Skewes, 2005; Cannell et al., 2005). Las estructuras presentes al interior del
yacimiento son principalmente el resultado de la actividad magmática e hidrotermal,
pero restringidamente se reconocen algunas controladas por el campo de stress
regional (e.g., Cannell, 2004; Cannell et al., 2005).

b.- Unidades Litológicas Principales

En el yacimiento El Teniente se reconocen una serie de brechas y cuerpos

intrusivos que pueden ser agrupados en las siguientes unidades mayores: Chimenea
Braden, Complejo Máfico Teniente, Stock Sewell, Pórfido A, dioritas Norte y Central,
Pórfido Teniente, Diques de Dacita tardíos, y Diques Andesíticos de Hornblenda (Fig.
II.6). Cabe destacar que para las unidades intrusivas estas denominaciones no

29
representan necesariamente la litología, pero se ha optado aquí por mantenerlas
considerando su arraigo en la literatura sobre El Teniente.

El Complejo Máfico Teniente, también conocido como “Andesitas de la Mina”,

corresponde a un complejo de rocas intrusivas máficas que conforman un lacolito
hospedado en la Formación Farellones (Lindgren & Bastin, 1922; Skewes & Arévalo,
2000; Skewes et al., 2002). Es la roca de caja de todos los eventos magmático-
hidrotermales dentro del yacimiento por lo que sus rasgos primarios se encuentran
característicamente obliterados. Litológicamente, está constituido por diabasas y diques
basálticos y basáltico andesíticos porfíricos con contenidos de SiO2 entre 47% a 54%
(Skewes, 1997; Skewes et al., 2002, Skewes & Arévalo, 2000; Burgos, 2002; Cannell,
2004).

El Stock Sewell, el Pórfido A, las dioritas Central y Norte y el Pórfido Teniente

corresponden a las unidades intrusivas mayores reconocidas al interior del yacimiento
(Fig. II.6). Entre ellas destaca el Stock Sewell como la de mayor tamaño, con un
volumen estimado de 30 km3 respecto de volúmenes inferiores a 1 km3 que presentan
las unidades restantes. El Stock Sewell es, además, la unidad más antigua del grupo y
corresponde a una intrusión félsica compuesta ubicada en el sector sureste del
yacimiento (Fig. II.6; Faunes, 1981; Cuadra, 1986). En este mismo sector se ubica el
Pórfido A, también denominado “Pórfido Gris”, intruyendo rocas del Stock Sewell y el
Complejo Máfico Teniente, y corresponde al único stock máfico de importancia. Esta
unidad contiene numerosos enclaves de las rocas de caja y en sus contactos genera un
volumen importante de brechas ígneas e hidrotermales, lo que ha llevado a algunos
autores a clasificarla más bien como una brecha ígnea (Hitschfeld, 2006; Stern et al.,
2007). Las dioritas Central y Norte agrupan un conjunto de cuerpos intrusivos cuarzo-
dioríticos a tonalíticos que se disponen en una franja de dirección N-NW en el sector
oriental del yacimiento (Fig. II.6). Corresponden a stocks félsicos de forma cilíndrica que
se encuentran intruyendo rocas del Complejo Máfico Teniente. El Pórfido Teniente
corresponde a un stock granodiorítico tabular, de cerca de 200 m de ancho y 1.500 m
de largo, de orientación NS a N-NW y manteo subvertical, ubicado en el sector norte del
yacimiento (Fig. II.6). Esta unidad es una intrusión compuesta hospedada en el
Complejo Máfico Teniente cuyo límite sur se encuentra truncado por la Chimenea
Braden (Fig. II.6).

Numerosos diques andesíticos y dacíticos, tardíos con respecto a la mayoría de

los eventos magmáticos e hidrotermales, completan las unidades ígneas principales.
Los Diques de Dacita corresponden a una serie de intrusiones félsicas de entre 2 y 15
m de ancho ubicados principalmente en la parte suroeste y noroeste del yacimiento
(Fig. II.6). Ocurren como diques concéntricos alrededor de la Brecha Braden y también
como diques planares con direcciones NE y NW (Fig. II.6). Los Diques Andesíticos de

30
Hornblenda, también denominados “diques de lamprófido”, corresponden al último
evento magmático y cortan todas las rocas, incluyendo la mineralización y los distintos
tipos de alteración. Se ubican predominantemente en la parte sur del yacimiento y
corresponden a diques tabulares de < 2 m de ancho de orientación general NE (Fig.
II.6).

Fig. II.6: Mapa geológico del yacimiento El Teniente.

Mapa simplificado de la base de datos de la División El Teniente, tomado de Cannell (2004).

Las unidades ígneas félsicas descritas varían composicionalmente entre cuarzo

dioritas, tonalitas y granodioritas de contenidos de SiO2 entre 60% y 70% (Skewes,
1997; Reich, 2001; Rojas, 2003; González, 2006; Hitschfeld, 2006; Cannell, 2004;
Cannell et al., 2005). El Pórfido A, en cambio, corresponde a una cuarzo diorita de
contenidos de SiO2 entre 54% a 62% (Cannell, 2004; Cannell et al., 2005; Hitschfeld,
2006; Stern et al., 2007), mientras que los Diques Andesíticos de Hornblenda presentan
contenidos de SiO2 de entre 56% a 64% (Skewes et al., 2002; Cannell, 2004; Cannell et

31
al., 2005). A excepción de estos últimos, todas estas unidades presentan patrones de
REE muy fraccionados, con valores de La/Yb ~ 9-55 (Fig. II.4), y altos valores de la
razón Sr/Y (~ 18-253; Rojas, 2003; González, 2006; Hitschfeld, 2006; Stern & Skewes,
2005). Estas características “adakíticas” son compartidas por algunas intrusiones de
edad similar cercanas al yacimiento (Rabbia et al., 2000; Reich, 2001), pero están
mayoritariamente ausentes en todas las rocas ígneas precedentes y posteriores de la
región (e.g., Kay et al., 2005; Fig. II.4).

La Chimenea Braden corresponde a un complejo de brechas con forma de cono

invertido emplazado en la parte central del yacimiento (Fig. II.6). Constituye la unidad
litológica principal con cerca de 1.200 m de diámetro en superficie y una extensión
vertical reconocida de 1.800 m (Cuadra, 1986). Este complejo incluye dos unidades
mayores correspondientes a la Brecha Braden y la Brecha Marginal (Fig. II.6). La
Brecha Braden está constituida por brechas polimícticas, de mala selección, con clastos
redondeados a subredondeados soportados por una matriz tufácea (Sillitoe, 1985;
Cuadra, 1986; Vega, 2004). Se ha interpretado su formación como el resultado de una
explosión freatomagmática catastrófica (e.g., Sillitoe, 1985; Vega 2004). La Brecha
Marginal corresponde a una brecha mineralizada, monomíctica y clasto soportada, de
hasta 60 m de espesor que ocurre alrededor de la Brecha Braden (Cuadra, 1986; Vega,
2004).

c.- Cronología de los Eventos Intrusivos y la Chimenea Braden

En el yacimiento El Teniente se han llevado a cabo numerosas dataciones

radiométricas con el fin de determinar la cronología de los distintos eventos magmáticos
e hidrotermales y, más importante aún, la relación entre ellos. La intensa alteración que
afecta a la gran mayoría de las rocas ha sido la principal limitante de este tipo de
determinaciones. Las primeras edades radiométricas fueron obtenidas mediante el
método K-Ar y proveyeron de una cronología básica de los distintos eventos (e.g., Clark
et al., 1983; Cuadra, 1986). Posteriormente, la realización de estudios geocronológicos
detallados, y basados en distintos métodos de datación, ha puesto en evidencia la
complejidad en la interpretación de los resultados debido a la sobreimposición general
de la alteración hidrotermal de alta temperatura (e.g., Cannell, 2004; Maksaev et al.,
2004). Así, se ha mostrado que los sistemas geocronológicos K-Ar o 40Ar/39Ar están
perturbados en la gran mayoría de las fases minerales y que las edades asociadas
reflejan, más bien, la historia de enfriamiento de todo el sistema durante sus etapas
tardías (Cannell, 2004; Maksaev et al., 2004). Las últimas determinaciones
radiométricas en intrusivos del yacimiento han sido efectuadas mediante el método U-
Pb SHRIMP en circón, que constituye un sistema geocronológico más robusto ante los
efectos de la alteración hidrotermal (Maksaev et al., 2004). Aún cuando las edades
obtenidas han constreñido la ocurrencia de los eventos magmáticos, ellas han sido

32
objeto de distintas interpretaciones (Maksaev et al., 2002, 2004; Cannell et al., 2005;
Skewes et al., 2005, 2007).

El Complejo Máfico Teniente es la unidad cuya edad ha sido más pobremente

constreñida por determinaciones in-situ. Para éste sólo se ha reportado una edad de
formación de 8,9 ± 2,3 Ma, obtenida mediante trazas de fisión en apatito (Maksaev et
al., 2004). La roca datada está ubicada 5 km al oeste de la mina y corresponde a un sill
máfico emplazado en la Formación Farellones que se extiende de forma continua hasta
el yacimiento (Skewes et al., 2002). Por otra parte, en base a sus características
geoquímicas, el Complejo Máfico Teniente ha sido correlacionado con rocas de la
Formación Farellones de edades entre 14 y 9 Ma (Godoy, 1993; Kay et al., 2005;
Burgos, 2002).

Maksaev et al. (2002, 2004) realizaron una serie de dataciones U-Pb SHRIMP en
circones de los intrusivos félsicos en el yacimiento y el Pórfido A. Para las unidades
correspondientes al Stock Sewell, dioritas Central y Norte, y Pórfido A se obtuvieron
resultados que muestran una distribución bimodal en cada una. En conjunto, las edades
se agrupan entre 6,46 ± 0,11 a 6,11 ± 0,13 Ma, para las poblaciones dominantes de
cada unidad, y 5,67 ± 0,19 a 5,48 ± 0,19, para las poblaciones subordinadas (Fig. II.7).
Las edades totales, que consideran todos los análisis, varían entre 6,27 y 5,91 Ma (Fig.
II.7). Maksaev et al. (2002) indicaron que la distribución bimodal tendría un origen
magmático y sería el resultado de dos pulsos de cristalización de los circones datados,
siendo el más antiguo heredado de una cristalización temprana y el más joven asociado
a la cristalización final durante el emplazamiento. Más tarde, Maksaev et al. (2004)
reinterpretaron estos análisis indicando que el grupo de edades más antiguas estaría
relacionado a la cristalización de circón a nivel del emplazamiento, mientras que las
edades más jóvenes estrían relacionadas a la alteración hidrotermal. Lo anterior basado
en características químicas y texturales de los minerales datados, así como también en
la correspondencia de las edades jóvenes con aquellas obtenidas por otros métodos
para registrar la cronología de los eventos hidrotermales. Aún así, se debe notar que la
hipótesis de un origen magmático para explicar la bimodalidad de edades es aún
adoptada en algunos trabajos (Cannell, 2004; Cannell et al., 2005). Por otra parte,
Skewes et al. (2005, 2007) han cuestionado en base a distintos argumentos los
resultados e interpretaciones presentados por Maksaev et al. (2002, 2004). Aún
considerando las distintas interpretaciones, es posible señalar que la cristalización de
estos intrusivos habría ocurrido entre 6,46 y 5,48 Ma.

Para el Pórfido Teniente se ha obtenido una edad U-Pb SHRIMP en circón de

5,28 ± 0,19 Ma (Maksaev et al., 2002, 2004). Ésta es más antigua que las edades de
entre 4 y 5 Ma obtenidas anteriormente mediante K-Ar en biotita (Cuadra, 1986) y que
probablemente representan los efectos de la alteración hidrotermal. Los Diques de

33
Dacita han sido datados en 4,82 ± 0,09 Ma (U-Pb SHRIMP en circón; Maksaev et al.,
2002, 2004), mientras que para los Diques Andesíticos de Hornblenda se han obtenido
edades de 3,8 ± 0,3 y 2,9 ± 0,6 Ma (K-Ar en roca total y hornblenda, respectivamente;
Cuadra, 1986). La formación de la Brecha Braden habría ocurrido entre los 4,5 y 4,7
Ma, según indican las edades obtenidas en clastos sericíticos que ésta contiene (K-Ar,
roca total; Cuadra, 1986; Fig. II.7).

Fig. II.7: Cronología de los principales eventos magmáticos e hidrotermales en el yacimiento El

Teniente.
Edades de los distintos eventos tomadas de Cuadra (1986), Cannell (2004), Maksaev et al. (2004)
y Cannell et al. (2005).

d.- Alteración y Mineralización: Características Generales, Fuente de los

Fluidos y Metales, y Relación con los Intrusivos

La evolución de los procesos de alteración y mineralización del yacimiento El

Teniente ha sido clásicamente dividida en tres etapas: (1) Hidrotermal Temprana o
Tradimagmática, asociada a alteración potásica; (2) Hidrotermal Principal, asociada a la
formación de venillas con halos de cuarzo-sericita; e (3) Hidrotermal Tardía, asociada a
la alteración cuarzo-sericítica (Camus, 2003 y referencias ahí citadas; Fig. II.7).
Adicionalmente, previo a estas etapas se ha reconocido una fase premineralización de
alteración calco-sódica, y posterior a ellas una etapa de alteración y mineralización
supérgena. Sin embargo, éste corresponde a un esquema general ya que existen
numerosas evidencias de procesos hidrotermales de alteración, mineralización y
brechización que ocurren a niveles locales dentro del yacimiento (e.g., Cuadra, 1986;
Arredondo, 1994; Skewes et al., 2002, 2005; Cannell, 2004; Cannell et al., 2005;
Maksaev et al., 2004; Stern & Skewes 2005; Vry et al., 2010). Todos estos procesos
han redundado en una evolución compleja que está caracterizada por la
sobreimposición de numerosos eventos magmáticos e hidrotermales. Más aún, es

34
probable que las altas concentraciones en metales que hacen del yacimiento El
Teniente un depósito gigante de Cu sean, en parte, el resultado de esta evolución
particular (Skewes et al., 2002, 2005; Cannell et al., 2005; Maksaev et al., 2004; Stern &
Skewes 2005; Vry et al., 2010).

La fuente de los metales ha sido estudiada mediante la isotopía de Os en

distintos sulfuros cogenéticos (Freydier et al., 1997). De esta forma se ha inferido que el
Os, y por consecuencia el Cu y Mo, son de origen magmático. Así mismo, la isotopía y
química de sulfuros y minerales de alteración muestra una afinidad magmática, junto
con la ausencia de un componente meteórico significativo, para los fluidos involucrados
en los eventos hidrotermales (Skewes et al., 2001; 2002; Cannell, 2004; Klemm et al.,
2007).

Actualmente, el origen magmático de la mineralización y alteración está fuera de

discusión, aunque existe un amplio debate acerca de los intrusivos que corresponden a
la fuente específica. Más aún, esto ha redundado en la formulación de dos modelos
genéticos distintos para el yacimiento. Clásicamente, éste ha sido considerado como un
depósito de pórfido cuprífero en el cual la mineralización primaria está genéticamente
asociada al emplazamiento de los intrusivos félsicos (e.g., Howell & Molloy, 1960).
Numerosos trabajos han adoptado este modelo aportando distintas evidencias de su
consistencia con lo observado en el yacimiento (e.g., Camus, 1975, 2003; Cuadra,
1986; Maksaev et al., 2002, 2004; Cannell, 2004; Cannell et al., 2005; Vry et al., 2010).
Alternativamente, éste ha sido considerado como un depósito de megabrecha en el cual
la mineralización estaría relacionada a las brechas hidrotermales presentes (Skewes et
al., 2002; Stern & Skewes, 2005). Este modelo considera que estas últimas estarían
enraizadas en una cámara magmática de dimensiones batolíticas en profundidad y que
los intrusivos presentes serían eventos tardíos y estériles. Aún cuando en torno a
ambos modelos se ha mantenido un intenso debate en los últimos años ellos no son del
todo irreconciliables (e.g., Cannell et al., 2007), aunque es necesario realizar más
estudios de detalle para avanzar en esta discusión.

La estrecha asociación espacial y temporal de los intrusivos de El Teniente,

además de la naturaleza compuesta de intrusiones como el Stock Sewell o el Pórfido
Teniente, revela un período de intensa actividad magmática prácticamente continua y
focalizada bajo la zona del yacimiento. Más aún, es evidente que cuerpos intrusivos
adicionales están presentes a niveles más profundos que los expuestos actualmente
dentro de la mina, ello considerando las numerosas brechas hidrotermales que no están
asociadas directamente a las intrusiones observadas. El mejor ejemplo de ello es la
Chimenea Braden, cuyas raíces magmáticas en profundidad son aún desconocidas. Así
mismo, varios conjuntos de estructuras al interior del yacimiento han sido atribuidos a
actividad magmática en profundidad y coetánea a la intrusión de los stocks y diques del

35
yacimiento (Cannell et al., 2005). Este conjunto de características sugiere que la
actividad magmática deriva de una fuente común y capaz de mantener un suministro
sostenido de material, al menos en el lapso de tiempo durante el cual se producen los
eventos magmáticos e hidrotermales. De este modo, ya sea que la mineralización esté
relacionada directamente a los intrusivos presentes o a las brechas hidrotermales no
relacionadas directamente a ellos, o a ambos, ella deriva finalmente de la evolución de
un sistema magmático común que engloba la ocurrencia de ambos tipos de eventos.

e.- Estructuras Principales

Los sistemas de estructuras más importantes dentro del yacimiento

corresponden a los enrejados de venillas que alojan parte de la mineralización y
alteración (e.g., Cuadra, 1986; Cannell, 2004; Cannell et al., 2005). Estos presentan una
distribución general en dos direcciones; una concéntrica a, y de manteo hacia, la
Chimenea Braden y otra radial a la misma. Por otra parte, numerosos diques y brechas
tardías, posteriores a los enrejados de venilla principales, muestran orientaciones
preferenciales concéntricas a la Chimenea Braden y un manteo subvertical. Este
sistema estructural sería el resultado del stress inducido a nivel del depósito durante los
distintos estadios de la evolución magmática e hidrotermal (e.g., Cannell, 2004; Cannell
et al., 2005).

Las fallas no son muy comunes a nivel del yacimiento. Se presentan en general
como estructuras subverticales, con desplazamientos de escalas centimétricas a
métricas, y de anchos que van desde milímetros hasta 120 cm (Cannell, 2004). Algunas
de estas han sido interpretadas como el resultado de un control estructural regional
ejercido por movimientos en la Zona de Falla Teniente (e.g., Cuadra, 1986; Garrido et
al., 1994; Cannell et al., 2005). Adicionalmente, la existencia de diques y stocks
orientados ha sido interpretada como resultado del relleno con estos materiales de
fracturas preexistentes (Cuadra, 1986; Garrido et al., 1994; Cannell et al., 2005).

Es probable que las fallas reconocidas en superficie, principalmente la Falla

Puquios-Codegua y la Zona de Falla Teniente (Fig. II.5), hayan tenido un rol
fundamental en la localización del magmatismo del yacimiento. Sin embargo, las
características de los sistemas estructurales al interior de éste muestran que el stress
dominante durante su formación fue inducido y controlado por los eventos magmáticos
(Cannell et al., 2005). Sólo en momentos puntuales de su desarrollo el stress regional
fue dominante sobre el stress local (Cannell et al., 2005).

36
Capítulo III: PETROGÉNESIS DE ROCAS INTRUSIVAS DEL
YACIMIENTO EL TENIENTE

III.1.- Introducción

En este capítulo se presenta: (1) los resultados del estudio con técnicas
microanalíticas de cristales de circón de las unidades intrusivas principales del
yacimiento El Teniente, (2) el análisis de estos resultados, y (3) un modelo de
generación de magmas asociados a la mineralización de tipo pórfido cuprífero. Estos
tópicos son discutidos a continuación en un manuscrito aceptado en la revista Journal of
Petrology y actualmente en revisión. Durante las etapas de análisis e interpretación de
resultados, previo a la confección del manuscrito final, varios resúmenes fueron
presentados en conferencias internacionales mostrando los principales avances de esta
investigación. Ellos se encuentran adjuntos en el Anexo.

37
III.2.- Artículo:

Zircon trace element and O-Hf isotope analyses of mineralized

intrusions from El Teniente deposit, Chilean Andes: constraints on

the source and magmatic evolution of Porphyry Cu-Mo related

magmas

M. MUÑOZ1, R. CHARRIER1, C.M. FANNING2, V. MAKSAEV1, K. DECKART1

1
UNIVERSIDAD DE CHILE, DEPARTAMENTO DE GEOLOGÍA, PLAZA ERCILLA 803,

CASILLA 13518, CORREO 21, SANTIAGO CHILE

2
RESEARCH SCHOOL OF EARTH SCIENCES, AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY,

CANBERRA ACT 0200, AUSTRALIA

1
Corresponding author. Telephone: 56 2 9784533. Fax: 56 2 6963050. E-mail address:

marmunoz@ing.uchile.cl

38
ABSTRACT

Intrusive rocks related to porphyry copper mineralization are part of the wide diversity of

subduction-related mantle-derived igneous rocks generated in convergent margin settings. Why

such mineralized rocks are different from barren igneous rocks results ultimately from the

multicomponent and multistage processes that condition magma composition in these settings.

Unfortunately the petrogenetic history is largely obscured by the pervasive alteration that affects

rocks in these deposits. We address this issue through the study of zircon grains from El

Teniente, one of the largest known porphyry Cu-Mo deposit in the world. El Teniente belongs to

the Miocene-Pliocene Cu-Mo belt of Central Chilean Andes, which formed in a relatively short

time during the Cenozoic constructive period of the orogen. Previously U-Pb dated zircon grains

were selected for re-examination of their morphological characteristics and in-situ analysis of

chemical (REE, Hf, Y and Ti contents) and isotopic (Hf, O) composition. They are from six

intermediate to felsic syn- to late-mineralization intrusive units covering a timespan of ~1.6 m.y.

The El Teniente zircons have compositional and morphological characteristics indicating

crystallization from a series of cogenetic melts. However a minor but significant hydrothermal

imprint is documented in the presence of crystals with mottled surfaces that correspond to thin

high U-Th overgrowth rims (low-luminescent features in CL images). In terms of any other

chemical and isotopic characteristic, these are indistinguishable from the main mineral

populations. Zircons define morphological and chemical trends reflecting an evolution towards

more differentiated compositions, lower crystallization temperatures and increased cooling rates

with decreasing age of intrusion. Hf and O isotopic compositions are remarkably uniform at

grain, sample and deposit scale. This together with the general absence of older inherited zircon

components, the lack of correlations between isotopic signature and whole rock composition and

high initial εHf values (total average 7.4 ± 1.2, 2σ) rules out any significant crustal contamination

involved in the genesis of El Teniente magmas. The Hf isotopic composition indicates a

39
relatively juvenile source, but with some crustal residence time. The δ18OZrc weighted mean of

4.76 ± 0.12‰ (2σ; 61 analyses) is in the lower limit of the normal mantle zircon range of 5.3 ±

0.6‰ (2σ), and might reflect crystallization from low-18O magmas. The El Teniente Hf isotopic

compositions have a restricted range in initial εHf values between +6 and +10, identical to

preceding Cenozoic barren magmatic activity in Central Chile. All together these rocks are the

product of nearly 25 m.y. of subduction-related magmatic activity developed under contrasting

tectonic regimes and margin configurations. This suggests a primary control of the isotopic

signature by a stable long-lived MASH-type reservoir in the deep lithosphere. In the context of

Cenozoic evolution of Central Chile, we argue that dehydration melting of enriched cumulate

residues left in this reservoir occurred as a consequence of increasing crustal thickness, and was

prompted by a high thermal regime derived from long-lasting preceding magmatism. This

process can also fractionate O to generate low-18O magmas. At the time of El Teniente formation,

dehydration melting occurred coevally with arc migration, which influenced the fertility of

magmas by increasing the melt component derived from this process while decreasing the

component derived from primary basalt differentiation. At a regional scale, dehydration melting

reactions are expected to occur as a consequence of progressive crustal thickening during the

constructive period of the Andes, and explain the simultaneous generation of porphyry deposits

in the Miocene-Pliocene Cu-Mo belt of Central Chile.

KEY WORDS: El Teniente, porphyry Cu-Mo deposit, zircon, O-Hf isotopes, dehydration

melting.

40
INTRODUCTION

The relation between porphyry Cu-Mo deposit formation and active continental margin

magmatism has been well documented (e.g., Lindgren, 1933; Sillitoe, 1972; Burnham, 1979;

Cline & Bodnar, 1991; Hedenquist & Lowenstern, 1994). Magmas are the main source of H2O,

S, and Cu, among other elements and compounds, of the hydrothermal systems whose evolution

results in the formation of these deposits. However, whilst magmatic and hydrothermal processes

develop widely in subduction-related arcs settings, the formation of large economic porphyry

copper deposits is quite restricted. These deposits constitute localized chemical and mineralogical

anomalies formed during a relatively short timespan, and at specific moments during the lifetime

of the host magmatic arc (Maksaev & Zentilli, 1988; McKee & Noble, 1989; Cornejo et al.,

1997; Richards et al., 2001). The many studies performed on these deposits have well

characterized the numerous tectonic, structural, magmatic and chemical conditions optimal for

their formation. However, the genesis of magmas related to porphyry copper mineralization

remains a highly debated issue. Different models have been proposed, from those invoking a

primary enrichment due to key processes during magma genesis (Oyarzún et al., 2001; Mungall,

2002; Kay & Mpodozis, 2001; Core et al., 2006; Shafiei et al., 2009), to those considering them

as products of the convergence of normal processes operating in arcs (Richards, 2003, 2005;

Stern & Skewes, 2005; Chiaradia et al., 2009; Stern et al., 2010). These models are not

necessarily exclusive, but further research is needed in order to understand more accurately the

processes and/or components involved in the genesis of porphyry copper related magmas at their

source as well as during their subsequent evolution in their passage through the upper lithosphere.

The main problem in studying intrusive rocks in such deposits is the widespread pervasive

hydrothermal alteration that has modified their primary textural and chemical characteristics.

This has greatly restricted reliable characterization of geochemical and isotopic primary

signatures by conventional methods. However, the study of single minerals, made possible by the

41
development of microanalytical techniques over the past few decades, enables an insight into the

primary characteristics of heavily altered rocks by selectively avoiding the effects of whole rock

alteration. Zircon is a common accessory mineral particularly well suited for this kind of study.

The physical and chemical stability of zircon, its resistance to high temperature diffusive re-

equilibration (Watson, 1996; Watson & Cherniak, 1997; Cherniak & Watson, 2003), and its

tendency to incorporate numerous trace and radiogenic elements make it an ideal mineral to see

through the subsequent alteration commonly seen on the whole rock scale. Additionally, zircon is

abundant in intermediate to felsic igneous rocks such as those related to porphyry copper

deposits, making it a valuable tool to track and characterize the petrogenetic processes of the

magmas from which it crystallized.

The Chilean continental margin is ideal to examine different aspects of porphyry copper systems

as it hosts the numerous deposits of this type. Its geological evolution has been largely linked to

abundant magmatic and volcanic activity as a consequence of plate convergence. The current

volcanic arc is located along the axis of the main range and is represented by the Chilean

Northern and Southern volcanic zones (Fig. 1). Trenchwards, igneous rocks outcropping in

different north-south trending belts are the remnants of several arcs developed in the continental

margin since Paleozoic times (Mpodozis & Ramos, 1989; Charrier et al., 2007), some of which

host numerous porphyry copper deposits. Their formation is restricted to a short time interval

during the last stages of the related arc lifespan characterized by the waning of widespread

magmatic and volcanic activity in a regime of crustal shortening, thickening, and uplifting (see

Camus, 2003, Maksaev et al., 2007 and Charrier et al., 2009 for reviews).

The El Teniente porphyry Cu-Mo deposit is the youngest known deposit of this type in the

Chilean continental margin and one of the largest in the world with 93.7 Mt (megatonnes) of

contained copper, current resources plus past production (16,756 Mt at 0.558% Cu; CODELCO,

2010). It belongs to the north-south trending Neogene Metallogenic belt of Central Chile, which

42
extends along the western slope of the Chilean Andes (32º-34.5ºS, Fig. 1). This belt includes

other giant deposits and constitutes one of the most richly endowed copper provinces in the world

with more than 220 Mt of contained Cu (Camus, 2003; CODELCO, 2008; Antofagasta plc,

2009). The objective of the present study is to track the petrogenetic evolution of El Teniente

related magmas, from the source to emplacement levels, as recorded by zircon grains and to

frame this evolution within the continental margin global geodynamic setting during deposit

formation. For this purpose, isotopic (O, Hf) and trace element (Ti, Y, Hf, REE) compositions

have been determined in zircons with previously known U-Pb ages and U-Th content (Maksaev

et al., 2004). These analyses are complemented by the study of external morphology and internal

structure by standard optical methods and cathodoluminescence (CL) images. The main results

reveal patterns of magmatic evolution and a common source for the different intrusive pulses of

the El Teniente deposit. This source is indistinguishable from that of preceding barren magmatic

activity in the region. We argue that this is a consequence of long-lived MASH-type processes, as

originally defined by Hildreth & Moorbath (1988), where ascending subduction-related mantle-

derived magmas are hybridized in deep lithospheric zones of melting, assimilation, storage and

homogenization. Such processes can control the isotopic characteristics of magmatism during

extended periods of time and throughout contrasting tectonic regimes in the margin, as seen for

this portion of the Andean range. We argue that El Teniente mineralization-related fertile

magmas are a mixture of melt components derived from dehydration melting of the enriched

cumulate residues of the MASH reservoir and from primary basalt differentiation. Additionally,

we show that a dehydration melting reaction can fractionate O to generate low-δ18O magmas, and

finally we discuss how dehydration melting at the base of a thickened crust favors the formation

of giant porphyry copper deposits simultaneously and in a regional context.

43
GENERAL BACKGROUND

Regional Geology and Geodynamic Setting

The three major known porphyry Cu-Mo deposits of the central Chile Neogene Metallogenic Belt

are located between 32º-34ºS: Los Pelambres-El Pachón (32ºS), Río Blanco-Los Bronces

(33º08’S), and El Teniente (34º04’S; Fig. 1). These deposits formed between late Miocene–

Pliocene times, the northernmost one being older (~10-12 Ma; Perelló et al., 2009) than the

remaining two which are considered coeval (~6-4 Ma; Maksaev et al., 2004; Deckart et al.,

2005). They are distributed along the western slope of the Andean range through two

morphostructurally different segments of the continental margin separated at 33ºS. This latitude

also coincides with the current locus of subduction of the Juan Fernández Ridge, the southern

limit of the flat-slab subduction segment (27º-33ºS) and the beginning of the Chilean Southern

Volcanic Zone (33º-46ºS; Fig. 1a).

The western slope of the central Chilean Andes Principal Cordillera is dominated by Cenozoic

igneous rocks distributed along a ~60 km wide north-south trending belt (Fig. 1b). Older units are

exposed to the east, Mesozoic sedimentary sequences outcrop near the Chilean-Argentinean

border and Triassic volcanic rocks and crystalline Paleozoic basement compose the Argentinean

Frontal Cordillera (Fig. 1b). In marked contrast with other metallogenic belts in the Chilean

continental margin, major trench-parallel structures spatially related to the Neogene Metallogenic

Belt appear to be absent. The main structural systems developed in this part of the Andean range

are the west vergent Pocuro-San Ramón Fault, bounding the Principal Cordillera to the west, and

the east vergent Aconcagua Fold and Thrust Belt affecting the Mesozoic deposits near the

Chilean-Argentinean border (Fig. 1b). However, local structures have been described for each

deposit and have been related to reactivation of pre-Cenozoic basement structures during the

development of the Andean Cordillera (e.g., Rivera & Cembrano, 2000; Rivera & Falcón, 2000).

44
The Central Chilean Andes Cenozoic rocks are the product of a prolonged and intense period of

arc-related igneous activity lasting from <36 to 6 Ma. They form a nearly 5,500 m thick volcanic-

volcaniclastic sequence that comprises the Farellones and Abanico (=Coya Machalí) formations

(Charrier et al., 2002). The Abanico Formation was deposited during Oligocene-early Miocene in

a tholeiitic arc setting, overlying a ~30-35 km thick continental crust, during basin development

under crustal extension (Charrier et al., 2002; Nyström et al., 2003; Kay et al., 2005). Continued

volcanic activity after basin inversion, between 21-15 Ma (Charrier et al., 2002), lead to

deposition of the Farellones Formation during Miocene. Igneous rocks formed during this time

show a progressively more calc-alkaline affinity with respect to preceding magmatism and were

formed in an arc setting over a progressively thickening crust. This has been inferred to have

reached no more than ~45-50 km (Kay et al., 2005; Charrier et al., 2002), the current estimated

crustal thickness under the central Chilean Cenozoic magmatic belt (Tassara et al., 2006).

Diminished magmatic activity followed these episodes and is represented in numerous isolated

intrusive bodies and less abundant volcanic rocks throughout the entire region. Overall, these

rocks young to the east until reaching the current active volcanic zone near the Chilean-

Argentinean border, revealing the progressive arc migration that followed Farellones Formation

deposition (Stern & Skewes, 1995; Kay et al., 2005).

The Abanico basin inversion during early to middle Miocene time marks the onset of the

constructive period of the Andean orogen in central Chile, characterized by shortening,

thickening, and uplifting processes (Mpodozis & Ramos, 1989; Giambiagi & Ramos, 2002; Kay

et al., 2005; Farías et al., 2008, 2010). During this period, shortening was accommodated by

different structural systems and migrated to the east in three stages: (1) early to middle Miocene

inversion of basin-bounding normal faults currently bounding Abanico Formation outcrops, (2)

middle to late Miocene development of the Aconcagua Fold and Thrust Belt, and (3) late

Miocene to Pliocene activity of high angle reverse faults that uplifted the Frontal Cordillera in

45
Argentina and a series of out-of-sequence thrusting in the eastern Principal Cordillera (Fig. 1;

Mpodozis & Ramos, 1989; Charrier et al., 2002; Giambiagi & Ramos, 2002; Fock et al., 2006).

Concomitant progressive crustal thickening during this evolution has been inferred mostly from

geochemical signatures of coeval igneous rocks from Abanico and Farellones formations (Kay &

Mpodozis, 2002; Kay et al., 2005). Overall uplift of the Andean Principal Cordillera occurred

during late Miocene-Pliocene time, resulting in an accumulated 2 km of uplift in 2 m.y. during an

event taking place sometime between 10-4 Ma (Farías et al., 2008). Additionally, high

exhumation rates have been registered locally and regionally in the area during this same time

interval, particularly in the Western Principal Cordillera south of 33ºS where Río Blanco-Los

Bronces and El Teniente deposits are located (Skewes & Holmgren, 1993; Maksaev et al., 2009).

El Teniente Porphyry Cu-Mo deposit

El Teniente is genetically linked to late Miocene-early Pliocene magmatic-hydrothermal

processes (Howell & Molloy, 1960; Cuadra, 1986; Skewes et al., 2002; Camus, 2003). The

deposit is hosted by a mafic volcano-plutonic complex, known as the Teniente Mafic Complex,

comprised of pervasively altered dark-grey to black basalt, andesite, diabase sills, and gabbro

intrusions forming a >50 km3 laccolith emplaced in the Farellones Formation (Fig. 2; Lindgren &

Bastin, 1922; Skewes et al., 2002). Intensive alteration has prevented an accurate age

determination for this intrusive unit. However, an apatite fission track age of 8.9 ± 2.8 Ma has

been obtained in corresponding rocks near the mine (all ages indicated with ±2σ error level;

Skewes et al., 2002; Maksaev et al., 2004), which agrees with K-Ar ages ranging between 12-6

Ma for the Farellones Formation in the region (Cuadra, 1986; Kay et al., 2005). A series of felsic

to intermediate stocks and dikes intruded the Teniente Mafic Complex between ~6.5-2.9 Ma (Fig.

2; Cuadra, 1986; Maksaev et al., 2004). They are quartz-diorites, tonalites, and granodiorites with

subordinate diorites and hornblende-rich andesitic dykes. The main intrusive igneous events are

46
represented by intrusions comprising the Sewell Stock, A Porphyry, Central and Northern

diorites, Teniente Porphyry, and Late Dacite and Hornblende dikes (these correspond to informal

names widely adopted in the literature; Fig. 2). The youngest igneous activity within the deposit

is represented by the post-mineralization and alteration-free Late Hornblende Dikes (3.8-2.9 Ma:

Cuadra, 1986; Maksaev et al., 2004). Multiple magmatic and hydrothermal breccia complexes

complete the deposit geology (Fig. 2). The Braden Pipe, the largest breccia and main lithological

feature, is an inverted cone-shaped weakly mineralized diatreme body composed of two facies

(Fig. 2). These represent late to post-mineralization events dated between 4.4-4.8 Ma (Cuadra,

1986; Maksaev et al., 2004).

Hypogene mineralization at El Teniente is mostly distributed within a dense vein stockwork and

a variety of magmatic-hydrothermal breccias (Camus, 1975; Cuadra, 1986; Skewes et al., 2002).

Alteration assemblages have been classically divided into three main hypogene subsequent

stages, but this is an oversimplified scheme as a variety of localized hydrothermal events have

been identified reflecting an evolution derived from multistage processes (Cuadra, 1986; Skewes

et al., 2002, 2005; Maksaev et al., 2004; Cannell et al., 2005; Vry et al., 2010). The

superimposition of multiple discrete magmatic and hydrothermal events has lead to complex

alteration and mineralization patterns, but is also probably responsible for the high metal

concentrations in El Teniente (Skewes et al., 2002, 2005; Maksaev et al., 2004; Cannell et al.,

2005; Vry et al., 2010). Isotopic evidence has shown that the main budget of metals, water and

sulfur is of magmatic origin (Kusakabe et al., 1984, 1990; Skewes et al., 2001). However, in the

last decade, there has been an intensive debate over the agents responsible for their introduction

into the deposit (Skewes et al., 2002, 2005; Maksaev et al., 2004; Cannell et al., 2005, 2007;

Stern & Skewes 2005; Skewes & Stern, 2007; Vry et al., 2010). Since early investigations, El

Teniente has been considered to be a typical porphyry deposit in terms of its alteration

assemblages, vein and breccia style, and spatial and temporal relationships between Cu-Mo

47
mineralization and felsic porphyries (e.g., Howell & Molloy, 1960; Camus, 1975; Cuadra, 1986).

The felsic porphyries are considered to have been conduits for mineralizing fluids sourced from a

deeper-level magma chamber (e.g., Cannell et al., 2005; Klemm et al., 2007; Vry et al., 2010).

Skewes et al. (2002) argued that felsic intrusions correspond to small, late, copper-poor stocks

that merely redistributed earlier copper mineralization that had already been introduced by

previously unmapped early-formed breccia pipes. This mineralization would ultimately originate

as a fluid discharge from an unexposed evolving magma chamber of batholitic dimensions (Stern

& Skewes, 2005; Skewes et al., 2005; Stern et al., 2010). The differing interpretations arise

mainly as a consequence of the complexity of the mineralization and alteration patterns, together

with the variable interpretations of the time relationships for the intrusive events as determined

by the numerous K-Ar, Ar-Ar, Re-Os, and U-Pb ages reported. However, these studies agree that

ultimately the breccias, veining, and intrusions are linked to a deep magma chamber located

below the mine level and are thus derived from the evolution of a common magmatic system.

Recently published data on alteration and mineralization patterns and their relation to intrusive

events has strongly argued in favor of the porphyry-style model indicating that El Teniente

represents a nested, but otherwise typical porphyry Cu-Mo deposit (Vry et al., 2010).

Sampled Units and Previous zircon U-Pb age data

We address the petrogenesis of the intrusive rocks related to the El Teniente deposit through new

morphological, chemical and isotopic studies of selected single zircon grains that have previously

been dated (see the complete U-Pb dataset in Maksaev et al., 2004; a selection of these data

relevant for this study is presented in Table 1). The zircon grains are from six intrusive units that

cover a time of ~1.6 m.y. and are located inside the mine, within the limits of the ore body, that is

the Sewell Stock, the A Porphyry, the Northern and Central diorites, the Teniente Porphyry, and a

Late Dacite Dike (Fig. 2). The Sewell Stock, located in the southeastern part of the deposit (Fig.

48
2), is the oldest intrusion and largest (~30 km3) compared to the younger intrusive bodies (<1

km3). It shows two textural varieties with transitional contacts suggesting emplacement as a

composite intrusion (Faunes, 1981). The A Porphyry and the Central and Northern diorites are

thin, cylindrical to irregularly shaped intrusions located in the southeastern and eastern portion of

the deposit (Fig. 2). The Teniente Porphyry is a north-south trending tabular stock whose

southern edge has been truncated by the Braden Breccia (Fig. 2). Similar to the Sewell Stock, two

textural varieties have been identified in the Teniente Porphyry and have been attributed to at

least two independent intrusive pulses from a common magmatic source (Rojas, 2003). The Late

Dacite Dike belongs to a series of 2 m to 15 m wide felsic dikes located mainly in the southwest

and northeast part of the deposit. They occur as concentric dikes surrounding the Braden Breccia

and also as northeast to northwest trending planar dikes (Fig. 2). Compositionally, all these

intrusive units are felsic dacitic igneous rocks ranging between 60-69 wt% SiO2, except for the

relatively more mafic A Porphyry which has an andesitic composition with SiO2 contents

between 56-62 wt% (Rojas, 2003; Cannell et al., 2005; González, 2006; Hitschfeld, 2006; Stern

et al., 2007, 2010). They show strongly fractionated rare earth elements (REE) with La/YbN ~ 9–

44 along with high Sr/Y ~ 24–253. These “adakite-like” characteristics are shared by a few

coeval intrusive rocks exposed nearby to the deposit (Rabbia et al., 2000; Reich, 2001), but are

otherwise absent in any of the earlier or later igneous rocks in the region (e.g., Kay et al., 2005).

As with central Chile Cenozoic magmatism in general, intrusive rocks from El Teniente are

considered primarily as subduction-related mantle-derived magmas. “Adakite-like”

characteristics have been attributed by Kay et al. (2005) to a combination of source

contamination by subduction erosion and incorporation of a component derived from melting at

the base of the thickened lower crust. Alternatively, Stern & Skewes (2005) and Stern et al.

(2010) argue that they result mainly from the fractionation of igneous phases and extensive fluid

transfer to the top of a crystallizing batholitic-size magma.

49
Zircon U-Pb age determinations have constrained crystallization ages that were previously biased

by the use of K-Ar and Ar-Ar chronometers in the pervasively altered rocks of El Teniente (Fig.

2; Maksaev et al., 2004). However, the final interpretation of these ages has been open to debate

(Cannell et al., 2005, 2007; Skewes et al., 2005, 2007). Maksaev et al. (2004) showed that zircon

U-Pb ages for the Sewell Stock, A Porphyry and Northern and Central diorites have a bimodal

distribution with peaks between 6.4 to 6.1 Ma and 5.6 to 5.4 Ma for the dominant and subordinate

age populations, respectively. Older ages were interpreted to correspond to the intrusion age and

younger ones to be related to hydrothermal activity. The remaining units show unimodal age

distributions with peaks at 5.28 ± 0.19 Ma for the Teniente Porphyry and 4.82 ± 0.09 Ma for the

Late Dacite Dike.

ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES

Zircon separation was carried out at the University of Chile mineral separation facility and

further selection along with imaging studies and compositional analyses were performed at the

Research School of Earth Sciences of the National Australian University (RSES-ANU). Zircon

grains were separated from total rock samples using standard crushing, washing, heavy liquid

(Sp. Gr. 2.96 and 3.3), and paramagnetic procedures. Hand selected zircon grains were placed

onto double-sided tape, mounted in epoxy together with chips of the reference zircons (Temora

and SL13), sectioned approximately in half, and polished. Reflected and transmitted light

photomicrographs were prepared for all zircons, as were cathodoluminescence (CL) Scanning

Electron Microscope (SEM) images. These CL images were used to decipher the internal

structures of the sectioned grains and to ensure that the ~20 µm SHRIMP spot was wholly within

a single age component within the sectioned grains.

REE data were acquired using SHRIMP II in spots adjacent to the ones analyzed for U–Pb–Th

geochronology and belonging to the same crystal sector according to CL images. The energy

50
filtering method was used to reduce isobaric interferences (Ireland & Wlotzka, 1992). Operating

conditions and data reduction methods are similar to those described in Hoskin (1998). REE

detection limits are in the vicinity of 0.01 ppm for the analysis spots that are 30 μm across and a

few micrometers deep. The in situ Ti analyses were also made using SHRIMP II in a separate

probe session using methods similar to those described in Hiess et al. (2008). Previous U-Pb-Th

analytical spots were lightly polished then the same area within the grains was analyzed.

Oxygen isotope analyses were made using the SHRIMP II fitted with a Cs source and electron

gun for charge compensation following methods described by Ickert et al. (2008). The SHRIMP

U-Pb, REE and Ti analytical spots, craters approximately 20 µm in diameter by 1-2 µm deep,

were polished from the mount surface. The oxygen isotope analyses were then made on exactly

the same location used for the U-Pb analyses. Oxygen isotope ratios were determined in multiple

collector mode using an axial continuous electron multiplier (CEM) triplet collector, and two

floating heads with interchangeable CEM - Faraday Cups. The Temora II reference zircon was
18
analyzed to monitor and correct for isotope fractionation. The measured O/16O ratios and

calculated δ18O values have been normalized relative to a Temora II weighted mean δ18O value

of +8.2‰ (Ickert et al., 2008). Reproducibility in the Temora II reference zircon δ18O value was

± 0.551 and 0.715‰ (2σ uncertainty) for the analytical sessions. As a secondary reference,

zircons from the Duluth Gabbro sample FC1 analyzed in the same analytical sessions gave a δ18O

value of 5.405 ± 0.348‰ and 5.415 ± 0.615‰ (2σ uncertainty), in agreement with data reported

by Ickert et al. (2008).

Lu-Hf isotopic measurements were conducted by laser ablation multicollector inductively

coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (LA-MC-ICPMS) using the RSES Neptune MC-ICPMS

coupled with a 193 nm ArF Excimer laser; similar to procedures described in Munizaga et al.

(2008). Laser ablation analyses were performed on the same locations within single zircon grains

51
used for both the U-Pb and oxygen isotope analyses. For all analyses of unknowns or secondary

standards, the laser spot size was ca. 47 µm in diameter. The mass spectrometer was first tuned to

optimal sensitivity using a large grain of zircon from the Monastery kimberlite. Isotopic masses

were measured simultaneously in static-collection mode. A gas blank was acquired at regular

intervals throughout the analytical session (every ~10 analyses). The laser was fired with

typically 5-8 Hz repetition rate and 60 mJ energy. Data were acquired for 100 seconds, but in

many cases only a selected interval from the total acquisition was used in data reduction.

Throughout the analytical session mostly FC1 along with other widely used reference zircons

(91500, Temora-2, Monastery and Mud Tank) were analyzed to monitor data quality. FC1 gave a
176
weighted mean of Hf/177Hf fractionation corrected ratio of 0.282173 ± 12 (2σ uncertainty) for

11 analyses, which is within uncertainty of reported solution values (Woodhead & Hergt, 2005;

Vervoort, 2010). Signal intensity was typically ca. 5-6 V for total Hf at the beginning of ablation,
176 176
and decreased over the acquisition time to 2 V or less. Isobaric interferences of Lu and Yb

on the 176Hf signal were corrected by monitoring signal intensities of 175Lu and 173Yb, 172Yb and
171 176
Yb. The calculation of signal intensity for Hf also involved independent mass bias

corrections for Lu and Yb.

RESULTS

Zircon crystal morphology and internal structure

Zircon grains from the six studied units have mainly euhedral external morphologies and zoned

inner structures typical of igneous zircons (Fig. 3). Overall, the crystals show the development of

prism ({100} and {110}) and pyramidal faces ({211} and {101}), and internal oscillatory and

sector zoning. However, there are marked variations of these characteristics among different

units. Disruptions of the inner structure, such as internal cracks or resorption textures, are absent

and inherited cores are extremely scarce (Table 1). Only a few grains show features suggesting an

52
hydrothermal imprint (Fig. 3a, d). All these characteristics are detailed in the following

discussion where intrusive units have been grouped according to common morphological and

structural parameters of their zircon populations.

A Porphyry

Zircons of the A Porphyry are the largest among the El Teniente zircons. They are commonly ca.

100 to 300 μm equidimensional to stubby euhedral crystals, with aspect ratios mostly between 1-

1.5 (Figs. 3a, 4). CL images show the development of a weak euhedral oscillatory zoning

overprinted by a strong sector zoning (Fig. 3a). Their morphology is characterized by well-

developed {100} and {110} prism forms and the presence of two pyramids, with the {101} form

being predominant over the {211} form (Figs. 3a, 4). Subordinately, crystals show mottled

surfaces, observed in transmitted light images, that correspond to irregular crystal rims of low

luminescent contrast in CL images (Fig. 3a: grain 11). These features are associated with high U

and Th contents, but not with any other particular chemical or isotopic composition, or U-Pb age,

among those determined in the whole population of A Porphyry zircon grains.

Sewell Stock, Central Diorite and Northern Diorite

These units have similar zircon populations that are less homogeneous in morphological types

and size distribution than zircons from the rest of the units. Crystals are euhedral to subhedral

with short prismatic and subordinately equidimensional habits and show oscillatory and sector

zoning (Figs. 3b-d). They range from between 100-250 μm in length to 100-150 μm in width,

with aspect ratios between 1 to 3.5 (Fig. 4). Morphological types are varied, though overall there

is a similar development of both prismatic and pyramidal forms (Fig. 3b-d, 4). Several grains

show euhedral to rounded cores that preserve inner zoned igneous structures. Their rims are

oscillatory zoned euhedral overgrowths usually brighter under CL (Fig. 3b: grain 3; 3c: grains 3

and 5; 3d: grains 5, 6 and 8). Chemical, isotopic and age determinations in both of these crystal

sectors show no discernable difference, except in the Northern Diorite where three inherited cores

53
are identified by their significantly older ages (Fig. 3d: grain 8). As in the A Porphyry, some

grains from the Sewell Stock show a mottled texture at surfaces, observed as low luminescent

rims in CL images, which are associated with high U-Th contents (Fig. 3b: all grains).

Teniente Porphyry and Late Dacite Dike

Zircons from these units are euhedral, elongated, prismatic crystals ranging from 100-250 μm in

length and 80-100 μm in width (Fig. 3e-f). Aspect ratios are mostly between 1.5-2.5 and 2-3 for

the Teniente Porphyry and the Late Dacite dike, respectively (Fig. 4). Zircon grains are relatively

simple with a single continuous pattern of oscillatory and/or sector zoning throughout the crystal

(Fig. 3e-f). Morphological types are characterized by the {110} prismatic form and the

predominance of the pyramidal form {211} over the {101} (Fig. 4). Few crystals develop the

{100} prism which is more common in zircons from the Teniente Porphyry than those from the

Late Dacite Dike (Fig. 3e-f, 4).

Zircon chemistry and Ti-in zircon thermometry

Trace element data for El Teniente zircons are given in Table 2. They include the determinations

of rare earth element (REE), Y and Hf concentrations analyzed in this study. All zircons define a

single group in terms of their REE contents and normalized patterns. ΣREE abundances are

moderately low among values reported for crustal zircons (~250-5000 ppm, Hoskin &

Schaltegger, 2003) ranging between 114 to 727 ppm (Table 2). Chondrite-normalized REE

patterns are characterized by a steep increase from LaN to LuN with a strong positive Ce-anomaly

((Ce/Ce*)N: 6 – 111) and a slight negative Eu-anomaly ((Eu/Eu*)N: 0.1 – 0.6; Fig. 5). Zircon

Ce4+/Ce3+ ratios, which primarily depend on the oxidation state of the magma (Ballard et al.,

2002), show a wide range of values between 26 to 2717 (Fig. 5). A slight decrease in (Eu/Eu*)N

ratios and an increase in (Ce/Ce*)N and Ce4+/Ce3+ ratios is observed with decreasing age (Fig. 5).

Additionally, Ce4+/Ce3+ and (Eu/Eu*)N values are mostly within the range defined by zircons of

54
mineralization-related intrusions from porphyry copper deposits in northern Chile (Ballard et al.,

2002; Fig. 5). Overall, zircon REE patterns and concentrations are typical of those reported for

crustal zircons in general.

U and Th contents can be grouped by crystal sectors showing simple igneous structures (fine

oscillatory or sector zoning) and those from low luminescent overgrowth rims, both

characteristics observed in CL images (Table 1; Fig. 3). For the former, U and Th range between

36-1570 ppm and 18-920 ppm, respectively, and individual grains show inner compositional

variations up to one order of magnitude in concentration. Low luminescent overgrowth rims,

observed only in zircons from the A Porphyry and the Sewell Stock, show comparatively higher

U and Th contents ranging between 1125-4160 ppm and 329-3481 ppm, respectively. These

concentrations are one to two orders of magnitude higher than those of their respective grain

cores (Table 1). Zircon Th/U ratios are relatively uniform between 0.5-1 irrespective of the unit

or crystal sector considered (Table 1; Fig. 6). Hf concentration varies between 2300-2400 ppm

(Table 1; Fig. 6) and Y between 130-920 ppm (Table 2; Fig. 6), both within the range reported

for crustal zircons (Hoskin & Schaltegger, 2003). Overall, Hf, U, and Th contents of zircons from

the Teniente Porphyry and the Late Dacite Dike extend to progressively higher values relative to

older units (Fig. 6).

Temperatures were estimated using the Ti-in-zircon thermometer from the equations of Ferry &

Watson (2007) whose calibration assumes crystallization under rutile- and quartz-saturated

conditions (aTiO2=1; aSiO2=1) at 10 kbar. Though present, rutile has not been reported in the

deposit as part of the magmatic mineral assemblages and is generally considered to have a

hydrothermal origin (Rabbia, 2002). Thus, an aTiO2=0.6 has been used in calculations according

with the general presence of other Fe-Ti oxides (e.g., Ferry & Watson, 2007; Fu et al., 2008).

Calculated temperatures vary between 613º to 813ºC for a total range in Ti concentrations

between 1.2-11.8 ppm (n=62; n=number of analyses; Fig. 7; Table 3). They decrease

55
systematically with decreasing age from an average of 777 ± 50ºC in zircons from the A

Porphyry to 681 ± 78ºC in zircons from the Late Dacite Dike (dispersion from averages given at

2σ, Fig. 7). Pressure corrections for these temperatures would lower these estimates up to 50ºC,

but most of them would still record higher temperatures than the highest estimated for the

hydrothermal activity within the orebody (500-600ºC; Cannell, 2004), and are within the general

range of felsic to intermediate igneous rock crystallization temperatures (Fu et al., 2008).

Zircon Hf and O isotopes

The range in Hf and O isotopic compositions of El Teniente zircons are remarkably uniform

between the various intrusive units. Importantly, isotopic values show no correlation with respect

to spot location within a single zircon grain (core/rim), any chemical parameter, the U-Pb ages, or
176
between each other (Table 4, 5). Zircon Hf ratios are characterized by a high initial Hf/177Hf

that varies between 0.283010-0.282945 (n=57; Table 4). Corresponding initial εHf values range

from +8.4 to +6.1, with an average of +7.4 ± 1.2, and intra-grain variation is less than 1 εHf unit

(Fig. 8). These characteristics, together with the general absence of inherited zircons or zircon

cores, are consistent with a common magmatic system for the respective different intrusions

within the deposit. Two stage Depleted Mantle model ages range from ~480 to ~630 m.y. (TDM2;

Table 4).

O isotope composition for all Teniente zircons define a range of δ18OZrc values between 5.6 and

3.6‰ with an arithmetic average of 4.7 ± 1.0‰ (Fig. 9; Table 5). At a single grain scale the δ18O

values are mostly within analytical uncertainty, with an intragrain variation lower than 0.8‰,

whilst variations within samples of different units are up to 1.1 to 1.7‰. It is noteworthy that the

El Teniente δ18OZrc average is in the lower limit of normal mantle zircon values of 5.3 ± 0.6‰

(2σ; Valley et al., 1998). Despite some scatter, the entire data set is remarkably uniform in that

the δ18OZrc values closely describe a unimodal normal distribution (Fig. 9). As such, the weighted

56
mean of 4.76 ± 0.12‰ (MSWD = 2.0; 61 analyses) should be a good representation of the zircon

population. Although a MSWD of 2.0 for the whole data set of δ18OZrc might be indicating a

scatter larger than expected from analytical error, the uniform distribution of the O data does not

reveal the existence of different populations. Moreover, the absence of substantial differences

between intrusive units and of any correlations against crystal sector analyzed or compositional

and age parameters further precludes this possibility.

DISCUSSION

Magmatic vs. hydrothermal origin of zircon

A key question to be investigated in this study relates to the nature of the zircon, whether it is of

magmatic origin or if there is a significant zircon that can be interpreted to be of hydrothermal

origin. As such, zircon compositional and morphological features may be a consequence of fluid

circulation in hydrothermal systems with new zircon growth and/or recrystallization. Diffusion of

most elements in zircon is unlikely, unless assisted by defects in the crystal structure as in

cracked or metamictic zircons (Cherniak & Watson, 2003). However, such areas can be

recognized as being altered through imaging techniques and are thus avoided for analysis.

The principal evidence for an hydrothermal imprint in El Teniente zircons comes from particular

textural and chemical features shown by several grains. Texturally, they show a mottled external

texture in transmitted light images. Similar features have been recognized in other hydrothermal

deposits for zircons that chemically and isotopicaly preserve primary magmatic characteristics

(van Dongen et al., 2010). In El Teniente this surficial mottling feature also corresponds

internally to low luminescent high U-Th rims (Fig. 3). The bimodal U-Pb age distribution shown

by zircon populations from the four older units have been previously interpreted as representing

the crystallization and alteration age of the respective intrusions (Maksaev et al., 2004). This

interpretation is also supported by the agreement of the latter age with alteration, mineralization,

57
and intrusive event ages obtained by different geochronological systems (Ar-Ar and Re-Os) on

different mineral phases. The younger units, the Teniente Porphyry and the Late Dacite Dike,

show unimodal zircon U-Pb age distributions interpreted as representing the crystallization ages.

Samples studied from all units correspond to massive intrusive rocks that are heavily altered, as is

characteristic for rocks within the deposit. Because the main objective of this work was to study

the genesis of magmas related to porphyry copper mineralization, most of the analyses were

made in zircon spots inferred to be magmatic in origin. However, it is still necessary to consider

to what extent a hydrothermal imprint might have affected the chemical and isotopic

characteristics of magmatic zircons grains, both for crystal sectors inferred to be magmatic and

for those that are suspected of being affected by the hydrothermal imprint.

The CL images of El Teniente zircons show preservation of an euhedral morphology and a well

developed zoned structure, both common to simple zoned igneous zircon (Fig. 3). Exceptions to

this norm are the low luminescent, high U-Th rims developed around some grains from the

Sewell Stock and the A Porphyry (Fig. 3). These rims are not associated with any other particular

compositional signature or U-Pb age group. Overall the zircon populations show rather

homogeneous morphological features that are distinctive for different intrusive units. These

characteristics argue against hydrothermal recrystallization for most zircons and suggest that

either this process or new zircon growth is restricted to the limited development of overgrowth

rims. Therefore, in general the zircon grains from individual intrusions are compositionally

homogeneous, and in terms of Y + REE contents and O-Hf isotopic composition are

indistinguishable between units. Discernable compositional variations arise in the somewhat

higher relative contents of U, Th and Hf in zircons from the younger intrusives, the Teniente

Porphyry and the Late Dacite Dike, and the general trend of decreasing zircon Ti contents with

decreasing age (Figs. 6, 7). Zircon-Ti thermometry records temperatures that are higher than the

maximum estimated for hydrothermal fluids during the deposit formation (500-600ºC; Cannell,

58
2004). Overall, all these characteristics are consistent with zircons being formed by

crystallization from a series of cogenetic melts at magmatic temperatures. Particular

morphological and chemical features are probably a first order result of individual melt

composition and variations within the magmatic evolution of each intrusive unit.

The origin of the low δ18OZrc in El Teniente intrusives, whether magmatic or hydrothermal, has

profound implications in terms of the petrogenetic processes. If this feature were produced by

hydrothermal alteration of the zircon grains, which are devoid of crystal defects, the process

would have occurred through isotopic exchange by volume diffusion inwards from grain

boundaries. Watson & Cherniak (1997) have shown experimentally that even under wet

conditions oxygen diffusion in zircon is extremely sluggish. For grains between 100-300 μm, the

range of El Teniente zircons, timescales to achieve complete isotopic exchange at 600ºC are

between 216 to 1,945 Ma, respectively. Lower timescales of 33 to 299 Ma are obtained using the

empirical determinations for wet diffusion of Zheng & Fu (1998), but they are still unreasonably

high when considering the timescales of hydrothermal processes within the El Teniente deposit

(Cuadra, 1986; Maksaev et al., 2004; Cannell et al., 2005). Additionally, partial exchange by

diffusion is expected to produce zircons with isotopic zonation, and the process should proceed

faster in smaller grains than in bigger ones. Both characteristics are absent from El Teniente. This

strongly suggests preservation of magmatic δ18OZrc values through hydrothermal alteration

processes and, consequently, to reflect a primary magmatic signature.

In summary, morphological, chemical and isotopic characteristics of El Teniente zircons support

the conclusion that the areas analyzed relate to the primary magmatic signature. A possible

hydrothermal imprint is evidenced by the presence of overgrowth rims and a mottled texture, and

in the bimodal U-Pb age distribution in older units. However, from the available data, the

interpretation that the younger U-Pb ages represent hydrothermal alteration events relies heavily

59
on their agreement with ages obtained for gangue and ore minerals by other geochronological

methods (Ar-Ar and Re-Os; Maksaev et al 2004).

Zircon records of magmatic evolution

As noted above, zircon morphological characteristics are a first order result of the melt

composition from which they crystallize, along with the temperature and cooling rates during

crystallization. With decreasing age the El Teniente zircons show a progressive reduction of the

{100} prismatic form, against an increase in the {110} form (Fig. 3, 4). In the Teniente Porphyry,

the {100} form is poorly developed and is almost completely absent in crystals from the Late

Dacite Dike (Fig. 3, 4). The size relations between the two prismatic morphologies in zircon is

strongly dependent on chemical parameters of the growth medium. Development of a {110}-

dominated form is favored by a growth blocking effect produced by the adsorption of protons,

provided in growth environment by H20-molecules and hydrated complexes, and of elements as

U, Th, P and Y (Benisek & Finger, 1993; Vavra, 1994), all of which are expected to increase in

concentration with the degree of melt fractionation. In the El Teniente zircons this mechanism

controlling prism development is documented by the higher concentration of elements as U, Th

and Y shown by populations from the younger units (Fig. 6). This morphological and chemical

evolution reflects a progressively more differentiated nature of the younger intrusions.

Additionally, zircon crystals show a systematic increase in aspect ratio with decreasing age (Fig.

4), a parameter which has been empirically shown to depend on cooling rates during

crystallization. Thus, besides the decreasing crystallization temperatures recorded by the Ti-in

zircon thermometry, conditions of increasing cooling rates can be inferred from zircon aspect

ratios. Evolution of these parameters proceed in accordance with the progressive waning of

igneous activity within the deposit. Additionally, strong regional uplift and unroofing in the

60
Andean range during this period (Farías et al., 2008; Maksaev et al., 2009) are probably also key

factors controlling this evolution.

Despite the compositional differences observed between the A Porphyry (SiO2~57%) and the

remaining felsic porphyries (SiO2~67%), all zircons share a similar Hf-O isotopic compositions

(Figs. 8, 9). This, along with the with the general absence of older inherited zircon components,

argue against significant crustal contamination involved in the magmatic processes responsible

for generating the different members of the suite. However, the El Teniente range of initial εHf

values between +6.4 to +8.4 records an enrichment that, unless inherited from the source, could

result from crustal contamination processes during early stages of magma evolution. Recently

published data on Hf isotopic composition of Cenozoic igneous rocks from central Chile show

that these units share a similar signature to that of El Teniente (Montecinos et al., 2008; Deckart

et al., 2010; Fig. 10). With the exception of intrusive units that are about 15 Ma in age, Cenozoic

magmatism has remained remarkably uniform with initial εHf values between +6 and +10 for just

over 25 m.y. This holds true despite the fact that it includes compositionally different rocks

formed under contrasting tectonic regimes and margin configurations (Fig. 10). The

predominantly basic to intermediate igneous rocks from the Oligocene-early Miocene Abanico

Formation, formed in an extensional setting over a thinned crust and with minimal crustal

contamination, are indistinguishable from the fractionated middle Miocene-Pliocene ones formed

under a contractional regime in a progressively thickening crust (Fig. 10). This indicates that the

control of Hf isotopic enrichment observed in El Teniente, and in Cenozoic magmatism in

general, resides in the source and rules out significant crustal contamination in their genesis.

As previously discussed, coherent morphological, chemical and Hf isotopic characteristics of El

Teniente zircons from the different units studied indicates crystallization from a series of

cogenetic melts. These observations fully agree with the model of Stern et al. (2010) who argued

that the Late Miocene and Pliocene plutonic rocks that host the deposit were derived from a large,

61
long-lived, thermally and chemically stratified, open-system magma chamber, or magmatic

plumbing system. Moreover, this hypothesis has also been favored in explaining the structural

patterns and the chemical evolution of the hydrothermal systems within the deposit (Cannell et

al., 2005; Klemm et al., 2007). The El Teniente δ18OZrc weighted mean of 4.76 ± 0.12‰ is

considered to be a primary igneous feature, therefore might result from crystallization from low-
18
O magmas. In the context of El Teniente, sourced by a long-lived magmatic system with an

extensive record of hydrothermal activity, a likely scenario to produce this composition is the

assimilation of hydrothermally altered rocks. Simple mixing calculations indicate that the average

of δ18OZrc ~ 4.7‰ could be reproduced by a mantle derived magma with 8-11% bulk assimilation

of a crustal material with δ18OWR between -2 to 0‰. Though limited, such an amount of crustal

contamination restricts possible contaminants to the nearly 6 km thick sequence of Oligocene-

Miocene igneous rocks where the deposit is emplaced. If contaminated by Mesozoic or Paleozoic

rock, such as those that outcrop near the Chilean-Argentinean border and that probably underlie

the whole region (Fig. 2), then the El Teniente Hf isotopic composition would be shifted towards

radiogenic values inconsistent with those observed. Wall rock magma assimilation in upper

crustal conditions can proceed either by AFC-type processes (DePaolo, 1981) or by the

incorporation of a low degree partial melt (Campbell & Turner, 1987; Huppert & Sparks, 1988).

However, in El Teniente characteristics such as the lack of zircon intragrain δ18O variation and

the homogeneous δ18OZrc values shown by intrusives irrespective of time of intrusion or

composition argue strongly against AFC-type processes. The second possibility involves the

formation of a magma layer by melting of the roof rocks of an underlying basaltic magma

chamber which provides the heat for melting (Campbell & Turner, 1987; Huppert & Sparks,

1988). Models show that the melted material will remain at the top of the chamber and be

chemically isolated from the basaltic magma at the bottom, thus separating assimilation from

crystallization in space and time. This process predicts the formation of granodiorite/tonalite

62
melts and can occur at upper levels of the crust only where the rocks have already been pre-

heated by earlier intrusions. Although this scenario seems likely in the case of El Teniente

magmatism, this process is not consistent with two main observations: (1) the general absence of

inherited zircons or zircon cores, and (2) the simultaneous generation of melts of dacitic to

andesitic composition which also have the same O isotopic signature. Although the occurrence of

this process can not be ruled out, it seems unlikely to be fully responsible for generating the

diverse magmas with low-O isotopic composition from El Teniente.

Another process capable of lowering a magma δ18O signature is through fractionation of O

isotopes during degasification. However, high temperature magma volatile loss is expected to

produce a relatively minor shift towards lower δ18O values in the resulting melt in the case of a

pure H2O volatile phase, and even lower shifts are expected in the case of SO2 (Eiler, 2001). For

example, high temperature (>600ºC) melt-volatile fractionation predicts that a 10% degasification

of pure H2O lost from a gabbroic melt would produce a degassed melt with a δ18O value of

0.11‰ lower than the original one, while no fractionation is predicted for more felsic

compositions such as granodioritic or granitic melts (Zhao & Zheng, 2003). Thus, this process

seems unable to reproduce the values of El Teniente that are on average 0.6‰ lower than would

be expected for zircon from a mantle derived magma. Thus, as for Hf, the El Teniente O isotopic

composition is inferred to be a characteristic inherited from the source.

Magma generation: constraints on the source and melting processes

A major reconfiguration in the Chilean continental margin took place during the Cenozoic. The

Oligocene–early Miocene extensional Abanico basin was inverted around 21 Ma, and was

followed by a contractional regime in which shortening, thickening and uplifting characterized

the constructive period of the Andean orogen (Charrier et al., 2002, 2009; Giambiagi & Ramos,

2002; Kay et al., 2005; Farías et al., 2008, 2010). Whether directly related or not, Nazca and

63
South American plate convergence parameters also varied during this period. Obliqueness

abruptly diminished from ~45-55º to ~15-20º around 26 Ma, while the convergence rate

increased from ~6 cm/yr at 27 Ma to reach ~12-20 cm/yr around 15 Ma and then decreased

steadily to its present value of 8 cm/yr (Pardo-Casas & Molnar, 1987). The limited variation in

Hf isotopic composition shown by Central Chilean igneous rocks throughout all this period

strongly suggests buffering by a stable isotopic reservoir. Hf Depleted Mantle model ages of

~500-600 m.y. highlight the enriched nature of this reservoir. The subcontinental lithospheric

mantle and the lower crust constitute reservoirs able to constantly imprint such a signature in

magmas irrespective of the margin configuration and thus are likely to be responsible for the

observed isotopic composition in Chilean Cenozoic igneous rocks. The Hf isotopic data of El

Teniente and other intrusive rocks of the region (Deckart et al., 2010) agree and expand the

results of Montecinos et al. (2008). Based on Pb, Sr and Hf data, these authors showed no

significant variations in Oligocene–middle Miocene magmatism and attributed the enriched

signatures to a characteristic inherited from the subcontinental lithospheric mantle. Overall the Hf

isotopic composition of Cenozoic magmatism from Central Chile can be considered to have been

derived from an extensive and long-lived MASH-type processes. Such MASH processes were

originally proposed by Hildreth & Moorbath (1988) to explain chemical and isotopic variations in

volcanic rocks along the Chilean Southern Volcanic Zone. MASH domains are deep lithospheric

zones where ascending subduction-related mantle-derived magmas are hybridized generating

relatively homogeneous magmas with chemical and isotopic characteristics specific of the MASH

zone from which they evolved. An exception to the observed homogeneous Hf isotopic

composition in Central Chile are the higher initial Hf signatures (more depleted) recorded by

intrusive units from around 15 Ma (Fig. 10). They correspond to the Yerba Loca stock and the

oldest portions of the San Francisco Batholith (locations indicated in Fig. 2; Deckart et al., 2010).

This period coincides with an important change in the structural evolution of the Andean orogen.

64
Following Abanico basin inversion, contractional deformation that was mostly concentrated in

the western slope of the Andes migrated to the east forming the Aconcagua Fold and Thrust Belt

in the Eastern Principal Cordillera (Fig. 2; Giambiagi & Ramos, 2002). We interpret that during

this reorganization a transient period of stress in the Andean range permitted rapid ascent of

subduction-related, mantle-derived magmas that had little interaction with the upper lithosphere.

Such a process is not only supported by the high initial εHf values recorded in the Yerba Loca

stock, but also in the change towards less depleted compositions recorded in the San Francisco

Batholith with εHf values of +8.5 to +10.9 at ~14 Ma to +7.0 to +8.6 at ~11 Ma (Fig. 10).

As an alternative to the MASH model of Hildreth & Moorbath (1988), Stern (1991) proposed

source contamination to explain the variable enrichment of Chilean Southern Volcanic Zone

magmas. In this model, incorporation into the mantle wedge of different amounts of subducted

sediments and Paleozoic upper crust derived from forearc subduction erosion would be

responsible for the observed isotopic signatures of arc magmas. This process was also proposed

to explain in part the adakite-like chemistry of El Teniente intrusive rocks within the context of

“normal” Cenozoic magmatism in Central Chile (Kay et al., 2005). According to this model,

crustal blocks incorporated into the mantle wedge at peak moments of subduction erosion during

continental margin evolution, are subjected to high-pressure metamorphism and partial melting,

and generate the adakite-like magmas later emplaced in the upper plate. However, if such a

process were responsible for the chemical differences between El Teniente magmas and the

preceding magmatism it would undoubtedly result in a distinct isotopic signature between them,

which is not the case as recorded by the Hf isotopic data (Fig. 10). Several lines of evidence,

other than just geochemical, support subduction erosion as a long-term process occurring along

the Chilean continental margin (Stern, 1991; Laursen et al., 2002; Kay et al., 2005). However, the

extent to which this process controls chemical and isotopic signatures of Andean arc magmas is

certainly variable. Subduction erosion products may enter the asthenospheric source of Cenozoic

65
magmas, but their impact on geochemistry is probably overwhelmed by the later imprint that they

are subjected to in deep lithospheric MASH zones.

As indicated by the Hf isotopic data, chemical and isotopic characteristics of the El Teniente

magmas are probably a first order result of processes occurring in a deep lithospheric MASH

zone. In recent years, several authors have highlighted the possibility of melting subduction-

modified lithosphere as a process for generating porphyry Cu±Mo±Au related magmas (Kay &

Mpodozis, 2001; Richards, 2009; Shafiei et al., 2009). Arc magmatism is ultimately a means of

material transfer from the oceanic slab and the asthenospheric mantle to the overriding plate. The

interaction with and differentiation of these magmas deep in the lithosphere results in the

formation of hydrous cumulate zones, mafic to ultramafic in composition, where large

accumulation of amphibole and the presence of residual sulfide phases can account for water and

metal storage in the upper lithosphere (e.g., Davidson et al., 2007; Jagoutz et al., 2007; Richards,

2009). Thus, after long periods of arc magmatism, the lithospheric roots are expected to be a

fertile reservoir from which potentially ore forming magmas may be extracted. During the

Cenozoic evolution of Central Chilean Andes, progressive thickening has been inferred to

involve a change in mineralogy in the deep lithosphere from low-pressure amphibole-dominated

to higher pressure garnet-dominated assemblages. This is evidenced in the chemical trends

defined by the arc related igneous rocks formed during this period (Kay & Mpodozis, 2001,

2002; Kay et al., 2005). Such a process involves the generation of a H2O-undersaturated melt,

being the H2O provided by the dissociation of hydrous mineral phases. This dehydration melting

reaction overall involves Hornblende + Plagioclase ± Quartz => Hornblende + Pyroxene +

Garnet + Melt, and is basically the metamorphic transition from amphibolite to eclogite facies

(Wolf & Wyllie, 1994; Sen & Dunn, 1994). Experimental work has shown the ability of this

process of generating hydrous silicate melts, of felsic to intermediate composition, which share

many chemical similarities with melts from the tonalite-trondhjemite series and adakitic

66
signatures. Adakite-like characteristics such as intermediate to high SiO2 content, highly

fractionated REE patterns, trohndhjemitic affinities, and high concentrations of Sr and high Sr/Y

ratios, have all been recognized as characteristic of El Teniente intrusive rocks (Rabbia et al.,

2000; Kay et al., 2005; Stern & Skewes, 2005; Stern et al., 2010), as well as of many other

deposit-related igneous rocks worldwide. Moreover, Os isotopic compositions of sulfides in

Chilean porphyry copper deposits, including El Teniente, show significant crustal residence of Os

suggesting a probable addition from the lower crust (Mathur et al., 2000).

A key question to be investigated is thus the ability of the crust at the time of formation of El

Teniente magmas to stabilize garnet through a dehydration melting reaction of basic precursors.

Experimental studies have reproduced this reaction in a wide range of pressures and

temperatures, from 10 to 16 kbar and 850ºC to 1000ºC (Wolf & Wyllie, 1993, 1994; Sen & Dunn

1994; Rapp & Watson 1995), in agreement with what has been observed from natural examples

(e.g., Garrido et al., 2006; Berger et al., 2008). In terms of pressure, this indicates a moderate

minimun crustal thickness of ~30-35 km. However, regarding temperature there is a thermal

barrier to overcome in order to drive this process as, assuming a conservative gradient of

20ºC/Km, the base of such a crust would reach no more than 600-700ºC. In Central Chile,

increasing La/Yb ratios shown by Cenozoic igneous rocks, particularly in the El Teniente region,

suggest the increasing involvement of garnet as a high pressure residual assemblage (Kay et al.,

2005). Moreover, the current ~45-50 km crustal thickness under this area must have been reached

no later than 4 Ma, the time at which uplifting of the Andean orogen to its current altitude was

completed (Farías et al., 2008, 2010). It must be mentioned that this has been inferred to be

primarily the result of an isostatic crustal response to tectonic shortening and thickening

processes. Thus, chemical patterns and tectonic evolution of the margin during Cenozoic both

indicate the presence of garnet in lower crustal assemblages. Less straightforward is how to

67
elucidate the coeval thermal regime governing this zone which would ultimately condition the

occurrence of dehydration melting reactions.

Since the original MASH model proposed by Hildreth & Moorbath (1988), several studies have

focused on modeling the dynamics of magmatism-driven processes occurring at or close to the

Moho in convergent margin settings (Petford & Gallagher, 2001; Annen & Sparks, 2002; Annen

et al., 2006). In this subject, Annen et al. (2006) developed a comprehensive model built upon the

concepts of underplating and high pressure basalt differentiation, incorporating aspects of the

AFC and MASH type processes, to evaluate the effects of repeated basalt intrusion into the crust.

Their work has proposed the existence of “deep crustal hot zones” which result from repeated

deep intrusion of mantle-derived hydrous basalt sills, either by injection at a fixed depth at the

Moho or randomly throughout the lower crust (initial Moho at 30 Km depth). This leads to a

scenario where evolved melts reaching medium to upper crustal levels are generated from H2O-

rich parental basalts, both by partial crystallization of the basalts themselves and by partial

melting of surrounding crustal rocks through heat and H2O transfer from the cooling basalts.

Further mixing between these two end members can create a large range of intermediate and

silicic melts with variable composition. Moreover, models indicate that the “deep crustal hot

zones” are the place where much of the geochemical diversity of magmas originates due to

substantial variations in melt proportions and temperature across such depth. Either at a fixed or

random depth, repeated basalt intrusion induces a significant thermal perturbation at the lower

crust and below the Moho, as a result of heat transfer to the country rocks, which will take

several millions of years to decay (Annen & Sparks, 2002). Thermal gradient under both

situations have been plotted in Fig. 11 in a pressure-temperature diagram along with lineal

gradients of 20 and 30ºC/Km and the solidus curve for dehydration melting of amphibolites

(Lopez & Castro, 2001). According to stability curves, from pressures of ~10 kbar onwards

garnet will become a stable phase at temperatures higher than 800ºC, and the solidus for

68
dehydration melting of amphibolites is over 750ºC. Under a conservative linear geothermal

gradient of 20ºC/Km dehydration melting solidus would be intersected at ~40 km depth.

However, under a perturbed geothermal gradient, the induced thermal anomaly would enable to

reach temperatures high enough to be beyond the dehydration melting solidus curve since the

initial stabilization of garnet at 10 kbar (Fig. 11). These observations can certainly vary in details

when considering the uncertainties related to Annen et al. (2006) model as well as those related to

phases diagrams. However, the overall frame is unlikely to change: repeated basalt intrusion

at/close to the Moho will induce a thermal perturbation that will significantly widen the field over

which dehydration melting can occur at the base of a >33 km thick crust. Regarding El Teniente,

continuous and extensive magmatic activity in Central Chile has preceded the formation of the

deposit for at least ~ 30 m.y., and thus a thermal perturbation at the lower crust may have been

reached well before the deposit formation.

As inferred to be a primary magmatic signature, two main mechanisms can be invoked to explain

the low-18O composition of El Teniente intrusions: (1) differentiation from or involvement of

low-18O material in the source; and (2) isotopic fractionation during magma generation.

Regarding the former, a low-18O material in the MASH source would be expected to similarly

influence the isotopic composition of Cenozoic magmatism in the region. Currently there are no

oxygen data for these rocks, so even though this possibility remains uncertain the chance that

they all share a low-18O signature is highly unlikely. The second possibility implies partial

melting of the deep lithospheric MASH zone from where all Cenozoic magmatism has evolved.

During partial melting fractionation of oxygen isotopes can be considerable and would have

measurable effects on the generated melts (Eiler, 2001). In order to evaluate this possibility

within a dehydration melting process a simple model has been constructed following the

calculation approach of Eiler (2001) over the experimental results of Wolf & Wyllie (1994) and

Getsinger et al. (2009). Wolf & Wyllie (1994) have studied the progressive change in mineral

69
assemblages and mineral and melt chemistry during dehydration melting of a natural low-K

amphibolite (67.4% hornblende + 32.5% plagioclase; wt% SiO2 = 48.4%) at 10 kbar and between

750-100ºC. Getsinger et al. (2009) have studied the impact on melt composition and residual

mineralogical assemblages produced by melt segregation and accumulation during dehydration

melting processes over an initial composition of a natural slightly alkali metabasalt (45%

hornblende + 25% plagioclase + 10% biotite + 10% epidote + 2% clinopyroxene, plus minor

rutile, titanite and magnetite; wt% SiO2 = 46.4%) at 14 kbar and between 925-1000ºC. An initial

δ18OWR = 5.8‰ has been assumed for the system, which corresponds to that of a mantle-derived

basaltic magma (5.5‰) contaminated with 3% of subducted sediments (15‰; Eiler, 2001),

considering that a deep MASH zone would ultimately have the O isotope signature of

subduction-related mantle-derived magmas. Results are displayed in Fig 12 where calculated

δ18O for the whole system initial composition, residue, generated melt, and zircon in equilibrium

with the latter, are plotted against melt wt% SiO2 (further details about this calculation are given

in the figure caption). Results from both experiments are not directly comparable, but

complementary. Wolf & Wyllie (1994) experiments reproduce an incremental reaction,

incremental heating over a fixed initial composition overall produces increasing amounts of melt

with a progressively more basic composition in each temperature step (Fig. 12). In Getsinger et

al. (2009) experiments the initial composition varies, different proportions the original metabasalt

are mixed with a 15% degree partial melt of this same composition forming composites that are

then melted at different temperatures (Fig. 12). Models for both experiments show that

dehydration melting processes can generate melts, and thus zircons that would crystallize from

them, with low-O signatures and with compositions and δ18OZrc in the range of those of the El

Teniente (Fig. 11). How much O-depleted are the calculated zircons relative to the δ18O of a

normal mantle zircon depends largely on two main parameters: (1) the compositional difference

between the melt generated and the corresponding residue and (2) the temperature at which the

70
process takes place. Regarding the former, the lower the melt-residue compositional difference

the lower the ∆18OMelt-Residue and generated melts will have a δ18O signature more similar to that

of the residue and the whole system; in other words, progressively more basic melts will have

less exotic low-18O compositions (Fig. 12). The more siliceous and varying starting composition,

and particularly the higher temperature in the experiments of Getsinger et al. (2009) than in those

of Wolf & Wyllie (1994) are the reasons why the former produces zircons with lower δ18O.

Regarding composition, more siliceous starting materials of the former (wt% SiO2 ~52-57%)

generates a range of siliceous melts at all temperatures investigated. Regarding temperature, at

very high temperatures ∆18OMelt-Residue ~ 0 and δ18OMelt= δ18OResidue= δ18OSystem. Under these

conditions intermediate to felsic melts will have a δ18O signature much lower than that of a

subduction-related mantle-derived melt whose δ18O has evolved solely from fractional

crystallization. In summary, intermediate to felsic melts generated through the dehydration

melting processes will most likely have a low-δ18O signature. This, among equivalent

compositions, will be more pronounced for melts generated at higher temperatures. Additionally,

a comparatively less depleted signature is expected in melts of similar composition, but formed

through fractional crystallization of more basic precursors derived from dehydration melting

processes. The effects of melt segregation are restricted to the production of more siliceous melts

and with progressively lower O-signatures, a feature that primarily depends on increasing the

temperature of the process. Overall, in both experiments and in all melt compositions, the effect

on the δ18O of the residue is minimal. Thus, unless melt extraction is by a Rayleigh distillation

process, no measurable effect is expected on subsequent ascending magmas that may interact

with this residue.

71
Magmatic Model and Final Remarks

The model previously described just intends to evaluate the O isotopic composition of melts

generated by dehydration melting reactions. It is not considered to be a close approximation to

magma genesis for El Teniente as it certainly does not take into account the numerous

complexities that can be induced by other processes occurring in a MASH source. Following the

original model of Hildreth & Moorbath (1988), we envisage that Cenozoic magmatism from

Central Chile derives from a deep lithospheric MASH reservoir, where ascending subduction-

related mantle-derived magmas initially stall, isotopicaly homogenize, and differentiate until

becoming H2O-rich residual melts with a lower density to continue to ascent to upper crustal

levels (Fig. 13). This frame entirely relies in the nearly constant Hf isotopic composition shown

by Cenozoic igneous units of the region, for which depleted mantle model ages of ~480-630 m.y.

indicate a significant crustal residence time. Additionally, the observed signature remains the

same despite comparing rock of different composition and formed at different times, in a period

where convergence parameters vary and major changes in upper plate tectonics take place.

Residual assemblages, along with original material in the MASH reservoir, can stabilize garnet

through a dehydration melting reaction to produce the fertile magmas latter involved in El

Teniente mineralization (Fig. 13). This arise as a consequence of increasing crustal thickness

along with the thermal perturbation induced by the nearly 30 m.y. of magmatism that precede the

El Teniente formation. Although this process produces a H2O-undersaturated melt, greater

quantities of H2O can be involved if the heat source efficiently fluxes the source region with H2O

(Annen et al., 2006). Additionally, higher H2O contents can also result from mixing with H2O-

rich residual melts at the source or in magmatic reservoirs at upper crustal levels, a most likely

scenario for El Teniente magmas who are inferred to be related to long-lived magmatic chamber

processes (Stern et al., 2010). Current active volcanic zone in Central Chile is located nearly 35

km east from El Teniente, which along with the record of progressively younger igneous units

72
towards the east reflects the Cenozoic arc migration in the margin (Stern & Skewes, 1995; Kay et

al., 2005). As early as ~8 Ma magmatism had already reached the area near the current active

volcanic zone (Muñoz et al., 2010), while volcanic activity was progressively waning in the El

Teniente region. Although there is no precise estimation of when did arc magmas actually stop

reaching the area beneath the El Teniente, by the time of the deposit formation this activity was

probably in decrease (Fig. 13). This might have also influenced the fertility of magmas leaving

the MASH source, by increasing the melt component derived from dehydration melting of the

cumulate residual assemblages while decreasing the component derived from primary basalt

differentiation.

Even though El Teniente is one of the largest porphyry copper deposit presently known, its

formation is not unique within the evolution of Chilean continental margin as this region contains

several other world-class deposits. These are ultimately linked to the long history of subduction

related magmatism which under the appropriate conditions lead to their formation. However, the

specific characteristics that make some metallogenic belts especially productive in forming

numerous world-class deposits in a particular metallogenic epoch is a question yet to be resolved.

This is the case for the northern Chile late Eocene-early Oligocene and the central Chile late

Miocene-early Pliocene Cu-Mo belts. Though emplaced at different times and through

lithologically different sections of the crust (Mpodozis & Ramos, 1989; Camus, 2003; Ramos et

al., 2004), they are formed at the end of periods of similar geological evolution. That is, the time

after extended arc-related magmatism, during overall waning of igneous activity and cessation of

volcanism, and following stages of strong compressive deformation, crustal thickening, uplifting

and denudation (e.g., Maksaev & Zentilli, 1988; Richards et al., 2001; Tosdal & Richards, 2001).

Overall, porphyry related magmas share a similar composition. The recurrence of deposit

formation under different geological frames but following similar histories indicates that they

result from the operation of regional processes rather than singularities. In a context of

73
progressive crustal thickening, dehydration melting of a long-lived MASH reservoir can produce

highly fertile magmas and/or enhance fertility of subduction-related mantle-derived magmas

which can be further enhanced during middle-upper crustal magmatic chamber processes.

Generation of fertile magmas would lower the high volumes necessary to source metals into, at

least the giant deposits (Cline & Bodnar, 1991; Richards, 2005; Stern & Skewes, 2005, Stern et

al., 2010). However, this constitutes one favorable, but not a key aspect, of a multivariable

process as several other appropriate conditions should also be met for their final formation (e.g.,

Burnham, 1979; Carroll & Rutherford, 1985; Tosdal & Richards, 2001; Cloos, 2002; Richards,

2003, 2005). In this regard, for example, during the formation of northern Chile Paleocene-Early

Eocene metallogenic belt the crust never reached more than 40 km thick (see Camus, 2003 for a

review) and yet several comparatively minor porphyry copper deposits were formed. Other

aspects of geological evolution during this time differentiate this belt from the more productive

late Eocene-early Oligocene and late Miocene-early Pliocene belts. However, they may represent

examples of how, given the appropriate conditions, dehydration melting processes of the residual

cumulate assemblages can enhance magma fertility in different metallogenic epochs.

CONCLUSIONS

1. The study of zircon populations from porphyry related igneous rocks provides valuable

information on petrogenetic processes that are otherwise obscured by intensive hydrothermal

alteration that characteristically affects these rocks.

2. Zircons from mineralization related intrusive rocks from the El Teniente porphyry Cu-Mo

deposit show morphological and compositional features that indicate crystallization from a series

of cogenetic melts. Some grains show evidence of a minor hydrothermal imprint in high U-Th

low-luminescent overgrowth rims, which are indistinguishable from main igneous zircon

populations in all other compositional parameters.

74
3. El Teniente zircons qualitatively describe an evolutionary trend towards more differentiated

compositions, in terms of higher incompatible element enrichments, and increasing cooling rates

in the progressively younger intrusions. This trend is accompanied by decreasing crystallization

temperatures, as measured by Ti-in zircon thermometry. Such characteristics in the evolving

magmatic system agree well with the evolution of the region during this period as characterized

by increased uplift and denudation processes during the constructive period of the Andes (Farías

et al., 2008; Maksaev et al., 2009).

4. Zircon Hf and O isotopic composition are uniform at the grain and sample scale and define a

single signature for all El Teniente intrusions. This observation indicates a primary control from

the source as opposed to any significant crustal contamination processes involved in magma

genesis. Hf isotopic composition is inferred to fingerprint the source while O the melting process.

5. Cenozoic magmatism in central Chile, including that from El Teniente, shows a remarkably

homogeneous Hf isotopic composition over a period of more than 25 m.y. Throughout this time

the margin was subjected to different configurations and tectonic regimes indicating that a stable

and long-lived MASH-type reservoir in the deep lithosphere has buffered the observed

composition.

6. Dehydration melting of the cumulate residues in the MASH source occur in response to

crustal thickening prompted by the anomalous thermal regime governing this zone as a

consequence of long-lived preceding magmatism. This process, coupled with the waning arc

activity, is likely to generate fertile magmas and/or enhance fertility of subduction-related

mantle-derived magmas whose later evolution in the upper crust can lead to formation of

porphyry copper deposits at regional scale.

75
FUNDING

This work was supported by the Chilean government through the Comisión Nacional de Ciencia

y Tecnología - CONICYT [Anillo ACT-18 project, PBCT program]. Additional funding was

provided by the Departamento de Postgrado y Postítulo, Universidad de Chile. This work is part

of M. Muñoz Ph.D. Thesis which was supported by a 4-years grant from CONICYT.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We thank the geologists Patricio Zúñiga, Ricardo Floody and José Seguel from the

Superintendencia de Geología El Teniente, CODELCO-Chile, for providing mine access and

logistical support for the development of this work. Help in organizing visits to El Teniente and

assistance during the field work of Marcela Cereceda and René Padilla is gratefully acknowledge.

We thank the technical staff from the Research School of Earth Sciences, Australian National

University (RSES-ANU), and from the Departamento de Geología, Universidad de Chile, for

their helpful assistance in sample preparation and during the analytical sessions. We also thank

the reviewers Dr. J.P. Richards and Dr. M. Chiaradia whose comments and discussions have

helped us to greatly improved the final manuscript.

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91
FIGURE CAPTIONS

Figure 1

(a) Schematic map showing the main tectonic features of the southeastern Nazca Plate and

Chilean continental margin. The map shows the distribution of volcanoes constituting the Central

and Southern Chilean volcanic zones (CVZ, SVZ), the volcanic gap between 28º-33ºS, the

location of porphyry Cu-Mo deposits from the Central Chile Neogene Metallogenic Belt (black

stars), and the Wadatti-Benioff zone contours of the convergent zone (dotted line, Isacks, 1988).

LP: Los Pelambres; RB-LB: Río Blanco-Los Bronces; ET: El Teniente; RR: Rosario de Rengo.

(b) Geologic map showing the distribution of main lithologic units and structural features of

central Chilean-Argentinean Andes where El Teniente and other porphyry Cu-Mo deposits are

emplaced. Upper inset shows the distribution of main morphostructural units comprising the

Andean orogen in this area. Circled numbers indicate the location of different areas discussed in

the text: (1) Abanico and Farellones formations northeastern from RB-LB deposit, (2) San

Francisco batholith and Yerba Loca pluton, (3) La Gloria pluton and Cerro Mesón Alto stock.

PFZ: Pocuro Fault Zone; AFTB: Aconcagua Fold and Thrust Belt.

Figure 2

Geology of the El Teniente 4 LHD level (2,354 m) from the El Teniente mine. Locations of

discussed samples from main intrusive units are indicated with white diamonds along with their

corresponding labels and zircon U-Pb age (± 2σ; Maksaev et al., 2004). Two ages are shown for

samples with bimodal distribution; the older ones correspond to the dominant age peak.

Figure 3

92
Cathodoluminescence and corresponding transmitted light images of zircon grains from El

Teniente deposit. Intrusive units correspond to: (a) A Porphyry, (b) Sewell Stock, (c) Central

Diorite, (d) Northern Diorite, (e) Teniente Porphyry, (f) Late Dacite Dike. Shown zircons are

representative of the main morphological variations within each unit. Circles correspond to the

U-Pb age spot location and analysis labels are indicated in the transmitted light images. (1):

zircons with high U-Th, low luminescent rims, (2): inherited core. A clear mottled texture is

developed on the surfaces of grains (a) 11; (b) 4, 9, 3, 7, 1, 29; (c) 8, 1, 5; (d) 5, 6, 8.

Figure 4

(a) Main morphological types of El Teniente zircons schematically illustrated in the typological

classification diagram of Pupin (1980). (a) Histograms of aspect ratios (length/width) comparing

distributions among the El Teniente intrusive units. n: number of crystals measured.

Figure 5

(a) Chondrite-normalized REE patterns for zircons from El Teniente deposit, normalization

values after McDonough & Sun (1995). The field defined by all analyses is highlighted and

single patterns from the Sewell Stock and the A Porphyry are displayed as examples. (b)

Individual grain and average CeN/CeN* and CeIV/CeIIIZrc ratios plotted versus age and EuN/EuN*

ratios. For individual grains, the corresponding U-Pb ages were used for plotting; for averages, in

samples with bimodal U-Pb age distributions, the oldest and dominant age peak was used.

CeIV/CeIIIZrc calculated according to Ballard et al. (2002) with whole rock chemical data of El

Teniente intrusions taken from Rojas (2003), Cannell (2004), González (2006) and Hitschfeld

(2006).

Figure 6

93
Plots of U, Y and Hf concentration versus age, and U-Th covariation of zircons from El Teniente

deposit. Zircon U (and Th) contents show a trend of increasing values with decreasing age

despite the scatter induced by high-U analyses. A similar trend is seen in Hf contents while Y

remains essentially constant. Th/U ratios are mostly between 0.5-1.0. Plotting as in Fig. 5. In U-

age and U-Th plots segmented lines indicate minimum concentrations shown by the low

luminescent high U-Th rims identified from CL-images. These have been omitted from averages

of the Sewell Stock and A Porphyry samples. Complete dataset of U-Th concentrations given in

Maksaev et al. (2004).

Figure 7

Plot of temperatures obtained by Ti-in zircon thermometry versus age for zircons from El

Teniente deposit. Crystallization temperatures define a trend of decreasing values with decreasing

age. Plotting as in Fig. 5.

Figure 8

Initial εHf isotope ratios in zircon grains relative to the respective spot age showing the restricted

range of values defined by intrusive units from El Teniente deposit. Chondritic (Blichert-Toft &

Albarède, 1997) and MORB-source mantle reservoirs (Vervoort & Blichert-Toft, 1999) are

shown as reference. Plotting as in Fig. 5. Average analytical error bar at ±2σ is shown as an

inset.

Figure 9

Values of δ18OZrc for El Teniente deposit. (a) δ18OZrc relative to the respective spot age. Plotting

as in Fig. 4. Average analytical error bar at ±2σ is shown as an inset. (b) Histogram of δ18OZrc

values for all analyses shown in (a) overlaid by a cumulative probability curve (calculated with

94
Isoplot ver.3.00; Ludwig, 2003). Despite scatter, El Teniente zircons show a simple unimodal

distribution that extends to values lower than those for normal mantle zircons (Valley et al.,

1998).

Figure 10

(a) Zircon initial εHf isotope ratios of Oligocene-Pliocene igneous rocks from Central Chile. Gray

shaded field highlights the relatively homogeneous Hf-isotopic signature shown by Central

Chilean magmatism during the last ~25 m.y. which varies mainly between initial values of 6 to

10. Symbols shown as inset correspond to: (1) Abanico and Farellones formations northeastern

from RB-LB deposit (Montecinos et al., 2008), (2) San Francisco batholith, (3) Yerba Loca

pluton, (4) Cerro Mesón Alto stock, (5) La Gloria pluton (Deckart et al., 2010), (6) El Teniente

intrusives, (7) El Teniente inherited cores. (b) Schematic representation of main tectonic events in

the Andean range of the studied region during the time span considered in (a). Vertical axis show

the Andean range segmented, from west to east, according to main morphostructural units that

comprise it. Main tectonic events illustrated in the figure include: extensional tectonics related to

Abanico basin development, compressional tectonics related to basin inversion and subsequent

eastward migrating shortening episodes, and main Andean uplift event. Data from Giambiagi &

Ramos (2002) and Farías et al. (2010). All locations and the distribution of Andean

morphostructural units are indicated in Fig. 1.

Figure 11

Pressure-temperature diagram showing solidus for dehydration melting of amphibolite and the

vol% of melt involved in this reaction (gray segmented lines; Lopez & Castro, 2001). Different

geothermal gradients have been also included with segmented black lines. Linear gradients of 20

and 30ºC/km have been calculated assuming a geobarometric gradient of 0.33 bar/km; perturbed

95
gradients from long-term basalt injection, at fixed and random depth, at the base of an initially 30

km thick crust taken from Annen et al. (2006). Grt: garnet; Ep: epidote.

Figure 12

Calculation of δ18O for the components involved in experimental dehydration melting reactions

of a mafic amphibolites (Wolf & Wyllie, 1994; Getsinger et al., 2009) with bulk oxygen isotope

composition of 5.8‰. This value was assumed considering it to be representative of a mantle

derived basaltic magma (5.5‰) contaminated with 3% of subducted sediments (15‰). δ18O of

the whole system initial composition, residue, generated melt, and zircon in equilibrium with the

later for each experimental step are plotted against melt wt% SiO2. Calculations for the melt and

residue were made following Eiler (2001) assuming an δ18O for the whole system and

considering the melt as the weighted sum of its normative mineralogy. Oxygen isotope

fractionation was calculated using the empirical factors of Zheng (1991, 1993) and the

corresponding temperatures for each experimental step. δ18OZrc for zircon in equilibrium with

each generated melt was calculated according to the relation of this value with the whole rock

δ18O and wt% SiO2 shown by Valley et al. (1994). Results show that a dehydration melting

reaction can generate melts with low-δ18O signatures and in a range of wt% SiO2 compositions

similar to those seen in El Teniente deposit.

Figure 13

Schematic model for the generation of El Teniente deposit fertile magmas within the context of

the Cenozoic evolution of the Central Chilean Andes. Magmatism from ~28 Ma to ~6 Ma

occurring in Western Principal Cordillera proceeded with the establishment of a long-lived lower

crustal MASH zone which became progressively enriched through early differentiation of

ascending subduction-related mantle-derived magmas. Following basin inversion, after ~21 Ma,

96
coeval progressive crustal shortening and thickening produced a dehydration melting reaction of

the fertile cumulate residual assemblages of the MASH zone. This occurred upon reaching a

critical crustal thickness and was prompted by the perturbed thermal gradient induced by the

nearly 30 m.y. of preceding magmatism. Coevally, due to arc migration primary magmas

reaching the MASH source beneath El Teniente probably decreased. This can have also

influenced the fertility of magmas, by increasing the melt component derived from dehydration

melting while decreasing the component derived from primary basalt differentiation. This

magmas, after subsequent ascent and differentiation in upper crustal levels, lead to the El

Teniente porphyry copper deposit formation. Magmatic activity in Western Principal Cordillera

gradually ceased with progressive eastward arc migration which is finally fully established in the

current location of the volcanic arc along Eastern Principal Cordillera. Uplift and denudation

processes during the construction of the modern Andean orogen ultimately exhumed deposits to

the actual surface exposure. WPC: Western Principal Cordillera, EPC: Eastern Principal

Cordillera, FC: Frontal Cordillera; Fr: Foreland; CC: continental crust, OC: oceanic crust;

SCLM: sub-continental lithospheric mantle.

97
Fig. 1: Main tectonic and geologic features of central chilean Andes where El Teniente deposit is
located.

98
Fig. 2: Geologic map of El Teniente deposit.

99
Fig. 3: Cathodoluminiscence and transmitted light images of zircons from El Teniente deposit.

100
Fig. 4: Main morphological features of zircons from El Teniente deposit.

101
Fig. 5: Diagrams of REE patterns and Ce- and Eu- anomalies of zircons from El Teniente deposit.

102
Fig. 6: Trace element concentration (U, Th, Y, Hf) of zircons from El Teniente deposit.

Fig. 7: Ti-in zircon thermometry of El Teniente deposit.

Fig. 8: Initial εHf isotopic composition of zircons from El Teniente deposit

103
 Fig. 9: δ18O isotopic composition of zircons from El Teniente deposit.

Fig. 10: Zircon initial εHf isotopic composition of Cenozoic igneous units from central chilean
Andes. Coeval main tectonic processes occurring during construction of the modern Andean
orogen are shown for reference.

104
Fig. 11: Pressure-temperature diagram showing solidus for dehydration melting of amphibolites
(gray segmented lines; Lopez & Castro, 2001) along with linear and perturbed geothermal
gradients (Annen et al., 2006).

Fig. 12: Model of δ18O fractionation in experimental dehydration melting reactions of a natural
amphibolites.

105
Fig. 13: Schematic genetic model of El Teniente magmas within the context of central Chile
Cenozoic geological evolution.

106
Table 1. Sample location and U, Th, Th/U and U-Pb age data of zircon spots from El Teniente
deposit analyzed in this study (extracted from Maksaev et al., 2004).

Spot Crystal U Th Th/U Age 2σ Spot Crystal U Th Th/U Age 2σ

sector (ppm) (ppm) (Ma) sector (ppm) (ppm) (Ma)
A Porphyry Northern Diorite
Sample TT150; zircon U-Pb age with bimodal distribution, Sample TT102, zircon U-Pb age with bimodal distribution,
6.46 ± 0.11 and 5.67 ± 0.19 for the dominant and subordinate 6.11 ± 0.13 and 5.49 ± 0.19 for the dominant and subordinate
age groups, respectively. DDH-1337, 384 m; sample level age groups, respectively. Level Teniente 6 UCL, 2,161 m,
2,044 m, northing: 110N/easting: 1735E. northing: 1016N/easting: 1110 E.
1.1 r 62 48 0.78 6.6 0.8 1.1 r 80 37 0.46 6.4 0.6
3.1 r 76 62 0.82 6.8 0.6 2.1 c 55 37 0.68 6.7 0.8
4.1 r 73 60 0.82 6.4 0.6 3.1 r 174 133 0.76 5.9 0.6
5.2 r 64 52 0.81 5.7 0.8 4.1 r 95 51 0.53 5.9 0.6
6.1 r 542 920 1.70 6.5 0.2 6.1 c 185 148 0.80 9.0 0.8
7.1 r 53 32 0.60 6.1 0.8 8.1 r 138 86 0.62 5.9 0.6
11.1 c 36 18 0.51 6.7 1.0 8.2 c 511 235 0.46 27.8 0.6
12.1 r 46 33 0.73 6.8 1.0 11.1 c 381 252 0.66 79.4 1.4
13.1* r 1192 459 0.39 6.4 0.2 11.2 r 1569 564 0.36 6.1 0.2
13.2 c 69 58 0.84 6.2 0.6 12.2 c 60 34 0.56 5.3 0.8
13.1 c 566 209 0.37 6.3 0.4
Sewell Stock Teniente Porphyry
Sample TT101, zircon U-Pb age with bimodal distribution, Sample TT94, zircon U-Pb age with unimodal distribution,
6.15 ± 0.08 and 5.59 ± 0.17 for the dominant and subordinate 5.28 ± 0.10 Ma. Level Teniente 6, 2,161 m, northing:
age groups, respectively. Level Teniente 4, 2,347 m, northing: 1050N/easting: 450E.
–265N/easting: 1365E.
1.1 r 3616 2782 0.77 6.4 0.4 1.1 r 154 107 0.70 5.4 0.4
1.2 c 45 24 0.55 6.0 0.8 2.1 r 146 117 0.80 5.3 0.4
3.1 r 89 41 0.46 5.8 0.6 4.1 r 97 56 0.57 4.7 0.6
3.2 c 68 54 0.79 6.3 0.8 5.1 r 197 93 0.47 4.8 0.4
4.2 c 53 42 0.78 6.3 0.8 6.1 r 142 86 0.61 5.6 0.4
7.1* r 2587 1101 0.43 6.1 0.2 6.2 c 115 87 0.75 5.0 0.8
7.2 c 93 71 0.77 5.6 0.6 7.1 r 239 212 0.88 5.4 0.4
9.1* r 3848 2519 0.65 6.0 0.3 8.1 c 255 318 1.25 5.1 0.4
9.2 c 155 158 1.02 6.3 0.4 9.1 c 262 241 0.92 6.0 0.4
10.1 r 362 298 0.82 6.2 0.4 9.2 r 300 183 0.61 5.4 0.4
12.1 r 86 34 0.40 5.2 1.0
15.1 r 178 104 0.59 5.2 0.4
17.1 r 206 182 0.88 5.3 0.4
Central Diorite Late Dacite Dike
Sample TT90, zircon U-Pb age with bimodal distribution, 6.28 Sample TT91, zircon U-Pb age with unimodal distribution,4.82
± 0.16 and 5.50 ± 0.24 for the dominant and subordinate age ± 0.09 Ma. Level UCL Esmeralda, 2,192 m, northing:

107
groups, respectively. Level UCL Esmeralda, 2,192 m, northing: 310N/easting: 1030E.
250N/easting: 1325E.
3.1 c 85 45 0.53 6.4 1.0 2.1 r 362 275 0.76 4.5 0.2
3.2 r 57 34 0.61 4.8 1.0 3.1 r 485 434 0.89 5.2 0.4
5.1 c 85 78 0.91 5.1 0.8 4.1 r 227 160 0.70 4.7 0.4
5.2 r 71 45 0.63 5.6 0.6 4.2 c 77 42 0.54 6.2 0.6
7.1 r 88 30 0.34 7.0 0.6 5.1 r 391 264 0.68 5.0 0.2
8.1 r 62 50 0.82 5.7 0.6 7.1 r 274 172 0.63 4.4 0.2
11.1 c 54 33 0.61 6.8 0.8 8.1 r 295 180 0.61 4.7 0.2
11.2 r 45 22 0.50 6.0 0.8 10.1 r 356 280 0.79 4.7 0.2
12.1 r 98 62 0.63 5.7 0.6 12.1 r 272 203 0.75 4.9 0.4
14.1 r 52 42 0.81 6.5 0.8 15.1 r 263 177 0.67 4.8 0.4
17.1 r 43 26 0.61 6.5 1.4 17.1 r 215 132 0.61 4.8 0.4

Notes: Abbreviation for crystal sectors correspond to c: core, r: rim. *: low luminescent
overgrowth rims observed in CL images.

108
 Table 2. REE, Y and Hf concentrations for zircons from El Teniente deposit.

Spot La Ce Pr Nd Sm Eu Gd Tb Dy Ho Er Tm Yb Lu EuN/EuN* CeN/CeN* CeIV/CeIII Y Hf

(a) (b) (c)

A Porphyry

1.1 0.074 7.9 0.347 3.47 3.63 1.44 12.9 3.1 34.4 12.9 53.5 13.1 111.8 26.9 0.64 12.0 69.7 361.0 2428.3

3.1 0.074 14.0 0.288 3.50 5.06 1.41 22.6 6.2 68.0 24.6 98.2 22.3 166.2 36.7 0.40 23.2 82.5 652.1 2596.6

5.2 0.066 8.8 0.413 3.74 3.79 1.43 14.0 3.5 38.3 14.3 58.1 14.2 119.8 28.0 0.60 13.0 74.0 389.6 2466.0

6.1 0.136 47.6 1.585 14.27 23.87 9.60 117.0 29.8 308.3 108.9 422.8 97.5 714.7 167.9 0.55 24.8 57.5 3002.3 2209.0

7.1 0.059 5.7 0.043 0.44 0.69 0.30 3.3 1.0 11.4 4.5 20.0 5.3 49.9 11.3 0.60 27.4 576.4 130.7 2364.6

13.2 0.072 8.6 0.408 4.02 4.18 1.38 14.4 3.6 39.2 14.6 62.4 15.3 125.8 30.7 0.54 12.2 65.5 411.1 2307.6

109
Sewell Stock

3.2 0.062 11.2 0.229 2.69 3.62 1.33 14.2 3.7 39.8 14.6 61.1 15.1 126.6 31.3 0.57 22.7 142.4 405.6 2754.2

4.2 0.060 7.9 0.166 1.91 2.28 0.86 8.8 2.3 24.6 9.5 41.6 10.6 92.4 21.8 0.59 19.3 111.6 261.8 2676.6

7.1* 0.097 25.3 0.202 1.92 3.10 1.18 16.0 4.7 55.0 22.3 97.9 23.7 203.3 49.7 0.51 43.6 26.8 709.0 3365.7

7.2 0.075 9.3 0.109 1.12 1.59 0.66 7.8 2.4 30.8 13.7 63.7 17.0 146.8 38.1 0.57 25.0 228.3 395.8 2351.3

9.1* 0.086 6.2 0.175 1.76 2.01 0.76 7.2 2.0 21.6 8.4 37.5 9.7 84.8 20.6 0.61 12.3 147.1 234.8 2525.5

9.2 0.118 14.4 0.794 6.26 6.20 2.44 25.8 7.2 81.5 31.1 131.5 32.1 256.5 63.5 0.59 11.4 65.7 899.9 2217.1

10.1 0.099 17.5 0.053 0.53 1.04 0.41 6.4 2.0 25.1 10.8 49.0 13.1 117.3 28.8 0.49 58.8 223.7 313.7 3102.1

Central Diorite

3.1 0.080 8.4 0.058 0.67 1.05 0.41 4.8 1.5 17.3 7.2 32.8 8.7 79.9 19.9 0.55 30.0 366.6 209.0 2629.2
 3.2 0.050 13.1 0.057 0.48 0.87 0.26 4.8 1.5 18.2 7.1 31.4 7.7 66.5 14.9 0.39 59.4 596.3 195.2 2796.8

5.2 0.079 8.8 0.339 3.52 4.03 1.44 14.2 3.5 37.7 13.7 55.6 13.2 110.2 26.7 0.58 13.0 35.0 368.6 2482.4

11.2 0.064 10.3 0.052 0.55 0.91 0.35 5.0 1.5 18.4 7.3 33.1 8.2 72.9 16.2 0.50 43.0 466.6 202.8 2771.8

14.1 0.081 9.1 0.342 3.60 4.00 1.42 15.1 3.8 41.6 15.9 62.9 14.9 119.6 27.7 0.56 13.2 37.4 421.7 2349.1

17.1 0.096 8.4 0.129 1.11 1.44 0.52 5.6 1.7 18.1 7.2 32.8 8.3 76.2 19.0 0.55 18.2 188.7 199.3 2290.6

Northern Diorite

1.1 0.067 9.2 0.042 0.49 0.70 0.27 3.6 1.1 13.0 5.5 24.2 6.2 61.3 13.8 0.52 41.9 619.3 151.0 2903.3

2.1 0.075 7.8 0.140 1.63 2.33 0.97 9.5 2.5 26.5 9.9 41.7 10.3 91.5 21.5 0.63 18.5 75.1 283.1 2625.8

8.1 0.061 9.4 0.097 1.05 1.50 0.61 7.3 2.2 27.0 11.9 54.8 14.5 126.6 32.6 0.56 29.5 330.6 340.0 2449.7

8.2 0.071 8.9 0.108 1.20 1.89 0.27 11.7 4.0 52.7 22.5 104.0 26.0 207.3 48.7 0.17 24.5 275.8 622.7 2775.5

110
11.1 0.516 12.6 0.414 1.72 2.07 0.52 12.5 4.5 63.7 29.7 145.7 38.9 328.2 85.9 0.31 6.6 588.2 849.3 2408.6

12.2 0.072 11.0 0.040 0.41 0.70 0.32 4.4 1.4 17.2 7.4 34.9 9.3 87.4 21.5 0.55 49.6 1122.1 211.0 3097.6

Teniente Porphyry

1.1 0.062 9.2 0.062 0.59 1.00 0.38 5.1 1.5 17.4 7.5 33.0 8.5 77.5 18.6 0.52 36.0 412.4 209.9 2895.5

5.1 0.069 12.9 0.043 0.43 0.82 0.30 4.8 1.5 19.7 8.5 38.1 9.7 90.0 22.0 0.46 57.4 1002.5 252.0 3226.5

6.1 0.080 18.1 0.068 0.77 1.27 0.46 7.2 2.2 27.1 11.0 49.3 12.2 108.6 24.6 0.47 59.4 651.2 320.4 2857.5

7.1 0.075 21.9 0.108 1.10 2.04 0.72 11.3 3.6 45.1 19.1 88.5 22.2 186.7 46.3 0.46 59.0 574.1 547.5 2672.7

9.1 0.075 9.4 0.120 1.52 2.38 0.93 11.1 3.1 33.4 12.5 53.0 13.2 112.5 26.9 0.55 23.9 107.3 348.1 2860.7

12.1 0.073 9.2 0.027 0.23 0.40 0.17 2.5 0.8 10.7 5.0 25.6 7.5 78.7 20.0 0.52 50.3 2717.8 172.8 3174.0

Late Dacite Dike

 4.1 0.088 26.6 0.096 1.01 1.71 0.64 9.7 2.9 36.6 14.5 63.6 16.1 135.8 31.9 0.48 70.0 738.0 405.8 3026.6

4.2 0.069 8.5 0.087 1.03 1.36 0.52 6.6 1.9 23.7 10.4 48.1 12.7 113.8 29.2 0.53 26.6 354.1 278.7 2786.0

5.1 0.066 8.8 0.413 3.74 3.79 1.43 14.0 3.5 38.3 14.3 58.1 14.2 119.8 28.0 0.60 13.0 45.3 389.6 2466.0

10.1 0.064 38.9 0.155 1.71 2.68 1.03 13.4 3.7 43.3 16.9 71.8 17.5 144.2 34.3 0.53 94.6 482.2 462.2 3110.4

12.1 0.087 51.0 0.140 1.48 3.07 1.12 19.7 6.3 77.9 32.7 143.6 35.0 283.4 68.1 0.44 111.6 924.7 922.9 3073.1

17.1 0.063 22.4 0.062 0.60 1.22 0.52 7.9 2.5 31.3 13.4 60.9 15.1 136.9 36.3 0.52 87.2 1390.7 375.3 3351.9

Notes: All concentrations are reported in ppm. (a) Eu-anomaly calculated as EuN/(SmN*GdN)1/2; (b) Ce-anomaly calculated as
CeN/(LaN*PrN)1/2; (c) CeIV/CeIII calculated according to Ballard et al. (2002) with whole rock data for El Teniente intrusives taken from
Rojas (2003), Cannell (2004), González (20006), Hitschfeld (2006).

111
Table 3. Ti concentration and Tº estimates for zircons from El Teniente deposit.
Spot Ti 2σ T ºZrc Spot Ti 2σ T ºZrc
ppm (ºC) ppm (ºC)
A Porphyry Northern Diorite
1.1 6.3 0.3 750 1.1 5.0 0.1 729
3.1 7.4 0.2 766 2.1 5.6 0.4 739
4.1 5.9 0.4 745 3.1 4.9 0.2 727
5.2 7.3 0.3 765 4.1 6.9 0.3 759
6.1 11.8 0.4 813 6.1 7.9 0.1 773
7.1 9.3 0.4 789 8.1 7.1 0.3 762
11.1 6.1 0.1 747 8.2 8.9 0.4 784
12.1 8.2 0.2 775 11.1 4.7 0.3 723
13.1* 5.0 0.2 730 12.2 3.9 1.0 707
13.2 9.4 0.3 790 13.1 1.3 0.1 617
Sewell Stock Teniente Porphyry
1.1 6.7 0.5 756 1.1 2.7 0.2 677
1.2 7.9 0.3 772 4.1 3.2 0.2 690
3.1 3.9 0.2 708 5.1 1.7 0.1 640
3.2 4.9 0.1 727 6.1 2.5 0.1 669
4.2 6.0 0.1 746 6.2 8.1 0.3 774
7.1* 1.2 0.1 613 7.1 3.2 0.2 691
7.2 7.2 0.2 763 8.1 4.9 0.2 728
9.1* 3.4 0.4 695 9.2 2.7 0.1 677
9.2 8.6 0.2 780 9.1 3.1 0.2 687
10.1 3.0 0.1 685 12.1 1.3 0.3 620
10.2 4.8 0.1 725
Central Diorite Late Dacite Dike
3.1 8.1 0.3 775 2.1 2.7 0.1 675
3.2 8.2 0.3 776 3.1 1.3 0.1 620
5.2 6.3 0.2 750 4.1 3.2 0.1 690
5.1 7.3 0.3 765 4.2 7.2 0.4 763
7.1 2.8 0.1 680 5.1 3.5 0.1 697
8.1 7.9 0.5 772 7.1 3.3 0.1 693
11.1 6.2 0.3 749 8.1 3.7 0.1 703
11.2 6.0 0.4 746 10.1 2.1 0.1 656
12.1 7.2 0.3 763 12.1 2.4 0.1 668
14.1 8.4 0.1 779 17.1 1.8 0.1 645
17.1 7.8 0.3 772

Notes: TºZrc estimates have been calculated with Ferry & Watson (2007) equations assuming an
aSiO2 = 1 and aTiO2 = 0.6.

112
Table 4. Lu and Hf isotopic data for zircons from El Teniente deposit.
176
Spot Hf/177Hf 2σ 176
Lu/177Hf 2σ 206
Pb/238U 2σ εHf(t) 2σ TDM2
age (Ma) (crustal)
A Porphyry
1.1 0.283001 0.000028 0.000256 0.000004 6.6 0.8 8.2 1.0 504
3.1 0.282965 0.000025 0.000300 0.000016 6.8 0.7 7.0 0.9 585
4.1 0.283000 0.000028 0.000415 0.000010 6.4 0.7 8.2 1.0 505
5.2 0.283010 0.000031 0.000801 0.000105 5.7 0.7 8.5 1.1 484
6.1 0.282988 0.000042 0.001838 0.000036 6.5 0.2 7.8 1.5 535
12.1 0.282988 0.000028 0.000337 0.000014 6.8 1.0 7.8 1.0 533
13.1* 0.282958 0.000034 0.000311 0.000008 6.4 0.2 6.7 1.2 601
13.2 0.282976 0.000026 0.000381 0.000016 6.2 0.7 7.3 0.9 561
Sewell Stock
1.1 0.282998 0.000048 0.001010 0.000058 6.4 0.3 8.1 1.7 512
3.1 0.282992 0.000028 0.000354 0.000025 5.8 0.6 7.9 1.0 525
3.2 0.283005 0.000028 0.000341 0.000016 6.3 0.7 8.4 1.0 494
4.2 0.282996 0.000025 0.000304 0.000011 6.3 0.8 8.1 0.9 515
7.1* 0.282998 0.000024 0.000236 0.000005 6.1 0.1 8.1 0.9 511
7.2 0.282996 0.000030 0.000615 0.000011 5.6 0.6 8.0 1.1 517
9.1* 0.282980 0.000058 0.000853 0.000040 6.0 0.3 7.5 2.0 553
9.2 0.282987 0.000024 0.000333 0.000008 6.3 0.5 7.8 0.9 535
10.1 0.282977 0.000026 0.000211 0.000002 6.2 0.3 7.4 0.9 559
Central Diorite
3.1 0.282974 0.000023 0.000300 0.000005 6.4 0.9 7.3 0.8 566
3.2 0.282966 0.000032 0.000210 0.000002 4.8 1.1 7.0 1.1 584
5.1 0.282978 0.000026 0.000314 0.000010 5.1 0.7 7.4 0.9 556
5.2 0.282984 0.000022 0.000168 0.000006 5.6 0.6 7.6 0.8 542
7.1 0.282995 0.000032 0.000299 0.000020 7.0 0.6 8.0 1.1 518
8.1 0.282947 0.000026 0.000319 0.000015 5.7 0.7 6.3 0.9 627
11.1 0.283001 0.000027 0.000323 0.000007 6.8 0.8 8.3 0.9 503
11.2 0.282995 0.000030 0.000465 0.000069 6.0 0.8 8.0 1.1 517
12.1 0.282980 0.000027 0.000726 0.000025 5.7 0.6 7.5 0.9 551
14.1 0.283001 0.000029 0.000393 0.000007 6.5 0.8 8.2 1.0 505
17.1 0.282995 0.000029 0.000560 0.000026 6.5 1.4 8.0 1.0 517
Northern Diorite
1.1 0.282980 0.000022 0.000369 0.000003 6.4 0.6 7.5 0.8 551
2.1 0.282986 0.000048 0.000699 0.000059 6.7 0.8 7.7 1.7 538
4.1 0.282982 0.000042 0.000483 0.000044 5.9 0.6 7.6 1.5 546
8.1 0.283000 0.000040 0.000480 0.000016 5.9 0.5 8.2 1.4 506
8.2 0.282991 0.000037 0.000621 0.000047 27.8 0.6 8.3 1.3 513
11.1 0.282985 0.000028 0.001204 0.000025 79.4 1.5 9.2 1.0 499
12.2 0.282980 0.000029 0.000927 0.000006 5.3 0.7 7.5 1.0 552
13.1 0.282987 0.000023 0.000238 0.000005 6.3 0.3 7.7 0.8 535

113
Teniente Porphyry
1.1 0.282947 0.000029 0.000504 0.000021 5.4 0.4 6.3 1.0 626
2.1 0.282975 0.000041 0.000577 0.000050 5.3 0.4 7.3 1.4 564
4.1 0.282968 0.000029 0.000459 0.000031 4.7 0.5 7.0 1.0 580
5.1 0.282973 0.000048 0.000625 0.000029 4.8 0.3 7.2 1.7 567
6.1 0.282960 0.000024 0.000479 0.000026 5.6 0.4 6.8 0.9 597
6.2 0.282985 0.000022 0.000430 0.000023 5.0 0.8 7.6 0.8 542
8.1 0.282952 0.000028 0.000678 0.000009 5.1 0.3 6.5 1.0 615
9.2 0.282978 0.000051 0.000340 0.000006 5.4 0.3 7.4 1.8 557
15.1 0.282982 0.000037 0.000537 0.000011 5.2 0.4 7.6 1.3 547
17.1 0.282996 0.000045 0.000592 0.000041 5.3 0.4 8.0 1.6 515
Late Dacite Dike
2.1 0.282956 0.000031 0.000577 0.000024 4.5 0.3 6.6 1.1 607
3.1 0.282945 0.000032 0.000760 0.000025 5.2 0.4 6.2 1.1 631
4.1 0.282951 0.000029 0.000449 0.000020 4.7 0.4 6.4 1.0 618
4.2 0.282968 0.000034 0.000280 0.000023 6.2 0.6 7.0 1.2 580
5.1 0.282947 0.000034 0.000876 0.000018 5.0 0.3 6.3 1.2 627
7.1 0.282957 0.000029 0.000729 0.000014 4.4 0.3 6.6 1.0 606
10.1 0.282968 0.000027 0.000388 0.000023 4.7 0.3 7.0 0.9 580
12.1 0.283002 0.000039 0.000398 0.000025 4.9 0.5 8.2 1.4 504
15.1 0.282962 0.000029 0.000497 0.000012 4.8 0.3 6.8 1.0 594
17.1 0.282995 0.000029 0.000560 0.000026 4.8 0.3 8.0 1.0 518

176
Notes: Söderlund et al. (2004) Lu decay constant of 1.867 x 10-11 has been used in these
calculations. For εHf(t) values the chondritic values of Blichert-Toft & Albarède (1997) have been
used along with the corresponding zircon spot age. Two stage depleted mantle model age TDM2
was calculated using the present day Depleted Mantle values of Vervoort & Blichert-Toft (1999)
assuming a crustal average of 176Lu/177Hf = 0.015 (Goodge & Vervoort, 2006).

114
Table 5. δ18O (VSMOW) of zircons from El Teniente deposit.

Spot δ18O 2σ Spot δ18O 2σ

(‰) (‰)
A Porphyry Northern Diorite
1.1 5.13 0.58 1.1 5.37 0.60
3.1 4.59 0.62 2.1 4.89 0.59
4.1 5.13 0.63 4.1 5.63 0.60
5.2 4.34 0.62 6.1 4.61 0.59
6.1 4.47 0.57 8.1 5.43 0.59
7.1 5.52 0.59 8.2 4.62 0.61
11.1 4.85 0.57 11.1 4.88 0.61
12.1 5.51 0.59 11.2 4.38 0.62
13.1* 4.22 0.60 12.2 3.96 0.72
13.2 4.26 0.63 13.1 4.87 0.58
Sewell Stock Teniente Porphyry
1.1 3.64 0.60 1.1 4.52 0.74
1.2 5.25 0.61 4.1 5.53 0.77
3.1 4.57 0.61 5.1 5.39 0.75
3.2 4.83 0.65 6.1 4.83 0.74
4.2 4.72 0.61 6.2 5.57 0.76
7.1* 4.45 0.64 8.1 5.59 0.75
7.2 5.15 0.60 9.1 4.12 0.75
9.1* 4.76 0.56 9.2 4.68 0.76
9.2 5.01 0.57 15.1 4.73 0.73
10.1 4.47 0.60 17.1 4.96 0.73
Central Diorite Late Dacite Dike
3.1 5.28 0.74 2.1 5.04 0.74
3.2 4.92 0.84 3.1 4.19 0.75
5.1 4.78 0.77 4.1 4.52 0.73
5.2 4.95 0.80 4.2 4.64 0.76
7.1 5.13 0.73 5.1 4.25 0.73
8.1 4.14 0.80 7.1 4.73 0.74
11.1 4.30 0.77 10.1 4.20 0.74
11.2 4.73 0.76 12.1 4.66 0.73
12.1 5.06 0.74 15.1 3.71 0.77
14.1 4.32 0.77 17.1 3.96 0.75
17.1 4.39 0.75

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Capítulo IV: EVOLUCIÓN DEL MAGMATISMO DURANTE EL
CENOZOICO EN CHILE CENTRAL

IV.1.- Introducción

En este capítulo se presentan los resultados del estudio de unidades ígneas

cenozoicas de Chile central. En una primera etapa este estudio estuvo enfocado a
generar una caracterización química, isotópica y geocronológica de unidades,
principalmente intrusivas, que afloran en la Cordillera Principal entre los 33º45’-34º30’S
y los 70º20’-69º50’W. Para ello se realizaron estudios petrográficos, análisis de química
e isotopía de roca total (ICP-AES, ICP-MS, TIMS), y determinación de edades 40Ar/39Ar
por pasos de calentamiento. El objetivo de este trabajo fue complementar la
caracterización existente en la literatura acerca de la evolución del magmatismo
cenozoico de Chile central. Adicionalmente, con esta información, se seleccionaron 5
unidades intrusivas para su estudio con técnicas microanalíticas en cristales
individuales de circón. Ello con el fin de comparar directamente las características de
rocas coetáneas estériles y mineralizadas con los datos previamente obtenidos en
rocas del yacimiento El Teniente. El conjunto de datos obtenidos fue posteriormente
comparado e integrado con la información existente en la literatura de rocas ígneas de
la Cordillera Principal de Chile central entre 30º00’’-34º30’’S.

Los resultados del trabajo descrito tienen importantes implicancias respecto del
rol de la corteza continental inferior, la arquitectura litosférica, y los procesos tectónicos
mayores de construcción del orógeno andino, en la signatura y evolución isotópica del
magmatismo cenozoico de Chile central. Estos tópicos se discuten en este capítulo en
un manuscrito en preparación para ser sometido a la revista Geology. Previo a este
último, y a modo de introducción, se presenta a continuación un resumen presentado al
XII Congreso Geológico Chileno que revisa rasgos generales de la distribución espacial
de unidades ígneas cenozoicas en la región, reportando determinaciones radiométricas
realizadas en este trabajo.

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Santiago, 22-26 Noviembre, 2009

IV.2.- Artículo:

New geochronological data on Neogene-Quaternary intrusive

rocks from the high Andes of central Chile (33º45’-34º30’S)

Muñoz, M.1, Deckart, K.1, Charrier, R.1, Fanning, M.2

(1) Departamento de Geología, Facultad de Ciencias Físicas y Matemáticas, Universidad

de Chile, Plaza Ercilla 803, Santiago, Chile
(2) Research School of Earth Sciences, Australian National University, Canberra ACT
0200, Australia

marmunoz@ing.uchile.cl

Introduction

We have undertaken a geochronological study of Neogene-Quaternary felsic intrusive

rocks of central Chile in order to complement the existent data on timing of magmatic
events in the region that hosts the El Teniente porphyry copper deposit (Fig. 1). Results
are presented herein (Table 1) along with a brief discussion of the spatial configuration of
magmatic events that this new data, along with those previously published, reveal for the
region (references in the caption of figure 1).

Geochronological Data

Table 1: Geochronological results

Dated Unit# Age (Ma) Error (2σ) Mineral Method
Paso Colina2 1.26 0.05 biotite Ar/Ar step heating
Cerro Catedral1 3.01 0.05 biotite Ar/Ar step heating
Cachapoal2 11.92 0.83 plagioclase Ar/Ar step heating
Estero Crucero (north)1* 9.76 0.06 biotite Ar/Ar step heating
Estero Crucero (south)1* 9.64 0.24 amphibole Ar/Ar step heating
Portezuelo Arriaza1,3 1.60 0.04 biotite Ar/Ar step heating
Río Negro1 8.29 0.09 zircon U-Pb SHRIMP
Cruz de Piedra1 6.04 0.16 zircon U-Pb SHRIMP
Diques Blancos de Las Leñas2 12.87 0.14 zircon U-Pb SHRIMP
Unit location displayed in Fig. 1.
#
Unit names are the same as those used in the geological literature (1) or are informally named here (2).
*Estero Crucero (south) here is the same unit dated by Kay and Kurtz (1995) which is located in the
southern slope of the Las Leñas river valley. Estero Crucero (north) is an intrusive rock unit that outcrops

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XII Congreso Geológico Chileno
Santiago, 22-26 Noviembre, 2009
in the northern slope of the Las Leñas river valley. Since both show practically the same age they are
considered herein as the same unit.
3
Portezuelo Arriaza unit named here according to Charrier (1983) is the same as Paso Las Leñas intrusive
unit of Kay and Kurtz (1995).

Discussion

The geological evolution of the Chilean continental margin has largely been determined
by the convergence of the Nazca and Sudamerican plates which has been continuous at
least since the Jurassic [1]. This tectonic configuration has lead to the development of
abundant magmatism on the overriding plate as seen in the widespread outcrops of
volcanic and intrusive rocks. Magmatism has developed in north-south trending belts
parallel to the continental margin, and has progressively migrated to the east from the
Jurassic intrusives units at the coast to the current volcanic zone at the Chilean-
Argentinean border [1].

In central Chile, Neogene magmatism has migrated from the presently western limit of
the Principal Cordillera to the current volcanic zone represented by volcanoes of the
northern end of the Southern Volcanic Zone [2,3,4]. The oldest known intrusive unit in
the area is the early Miocene La Obra pluton (Fig. 1a). This magmatism is followed by
middle Miocene units developed progresivelly to the east in two tight north-south
trending belts which are nearly 20 km wide. 15-13 Ma magmatism is represented by the
Diorita Maqui and Yerba Loca plutons (Fig. 1a), along with the oldest parts of the San
Francisco Batholith. 13-10 Ma magmatism is represented by La Gloria, Cerro Mesón
Alto, San Gabriel, Alfalfalito and Cachapoal plutons, along with the Diques Blancos de
Las Leñas unit (Fig. 1a).

An important change occurs after 10 Ma when magmatism dramatically expands, to the

east and west of the 13-10 Ma belt, forming a nearly 60 km wide belt (Fig. 1b). This is
represented by the distribution of 10-8 Ma units in the region, whose western and
easternmost outcrops are represented by the Santa Rosa de Rengo and Río Negro plutons
(Fig. 1b). After this period, magmatism continues to migrate to the east in broad 30-40
km wide and partially overlaping belts, until totally concentrated in its actual position at
the current volcanic arc after 1 Ma (Fig. 1b).

The described spatial magmatic evolution for the region is being currently complemented
with chemical and other geological studies by the ACT18 research team in order to
identify processes that have controlled it. All these studies pretend to provide a global
geodynamical frame for the development of the El Teniente Cu-Mo deposit.

This study is part of the Ph.D. thesis project of the first author which is developed under the research framework and
with funding from the Anillo ACT-18 project.

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XII Congreso Geológico Chileno
Santiago, 22-26 Noviembre, 2009

(a) (b)

Fig. 1: Location of Neogene intrusive units in the Andean Principal Cordillera of Central Chile. (a)
Intrusive units older than 10 Ma, numbers corresond to (1) La Obra (~19-20 Ma, [2]), (2) Diorita Maqui
(~14 Ma, [5]), (3) Yerba Loca (~14-15 Ma, [6]), (4) Cerro Mesón Alto (~11-12 Ma, [2,6]), (5) La Gloria
(~10 Ma, [6]), (6) San Gabriel (~11 Ma, [2]), (7) Alfalfalito (~12 Ma, [2]), (8) Diques Blancos de Las
Leñas (~12-13 Ma, this work), (9) Cachapoal (~11-12 Ma, this work). (b) Intrusive units between 10 and 1
Ma, numbers corresond to (1) La Carlota (~9 Ma, [2]), (2) Extravío (~8 Ma, [7]), (3) Mina Juanita (~9 Ma,
[5]), (4) Nacientes del Cortaderal (~8 Ma [2]), (5) Santa Rosa de Rengo (~8-9 Ma, [8]); (6) Estero Crucero
(~8-10 Ma; [2] and this work), (7) Río Negro (~8 Ma, this work), (8) Jeria (~6-7 Ma, [2]), (9) Cruz de
Piedra (~5-6 Ma, [2] and this work), (10) Laguna Negra (~7 Ma, [9]), (11) Cerro Catedral (~3 Ma, this
work), (12) Arroyo Colina (~3-4 Ma, [10]), (13) Portezuelo Arriaza (~1.6 Ma, this work), (14) Los Lunes
(~1 Ma, [11,12]), (15) Paso Colina (~1.3 Ma, this work).
Green stars show the location of El Teniente and Santa Rosa de Rengo ore deposits and pink stars the
location of current active volcanoes in the region. Segmented line delineates the Chilean-Argentinian
border.

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Santiago, 22-26 Noviembre, 2009

References

[1] Mpodozis, C., Ramos, V.A., 1989. The Andes of Chile and Argentina. In: Eriscksen,
et al., (eds), Geology of the Andes and its relation to Hydrocarbon and Mineral
Resources. Earth Science Series, Circum-Pacific Council for Energy and Mineral
Resources, vol. 11, 59-90.
[2] Kay, S.M., Kurtz, C., 1995. Magmatic and tectonic characterization of the El Teniente
region. Codelco-Chile, unpublished report, 180 p.
[3] Stern, C., Skewes, A., 1995. Miocene to present magmatic evolution at the northern
end of the Andean Southern Volcanic Zone. Revista Geológica de Chile, vol. 22, 261-
272.
[4] Kay, S.M., Godoy, E., Kurtz, A., 2005. Episodic arc migration, crustal thickening,
subduction erosion, and magmatism in the south-central Andes. Geological Society of
America Bulletin, vol. 117, 67-88.
[5] Godoy, E., Koeppen, R., 1993. Geología del área entre Estero Codigua y Río
Cachapoal. Codelco-Chile, unpublished report, 16 p.
[6] Deckart, K., Godoy, E., Bertens, A., Saeed, A. (in press). Barren Miocene granitoids
in the central Andean metallogenic belt, Chile: Geochemistry and Nd-Hf amd U-Pb
isotope systematics. Andean Geology.
[7] Charrier, R., 1983. Hoja El Teniente, Carta Geológica de Chile escala 1:250.000.
Codelco-Chile, unpublished report, 139 p.
[8] Muñoz, P., 2008. Antecedentes petrográficos, geoquímicos y geocronológicos de
rocas intrusivas del sector Rosario de Rengo, Región del Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins.
Thesis (unpublished), Departamento de Geología, Universidad de Chile, 61 p.
[9] Cuadra, P., 1986. Geocronología K-Ar del yacimiento El Teniente y áreas adyacentes.
Revista Geológica de Chile, vol. 27, 3-26.
[10] Ramos, V.A., Álvarez, P.P., Aguirre, M.B., Godoy, E., 1997. La Cordillera Principal
a la latitud del paso Nieves Negras (33º50’A Chile-Argentina). VII Congreso Geológico
Chileno, 1704-1708.
[11] Godoy, E., Lara, L., 1994. El Teniente 2da Fase. Codelco-Chile, unpublished report,
40 p.
[12] Baeza, O., 1999. Análisis de litofacies, evolución depositacional y análisis
estructural de la Formación Abanico en el área comprendida entre los ríos Yeso y Volcán,
Región Metropolitana. Thesis (unpublished), Departamento de Geología, Universidad de
Chile, 120 p.

120
 1 IV.3.- Artículo:

2 Magmatic fingerprints of lithospheric constitution and Cenozoic

3 orogenic processes in the Andes of Central Chile

4 Marcia Muñoz1, Marcelo Farías1, Reynaldo Charrier1, Mark Fanning2, Mireille Polvé3, and

5 Katja Deckart1
1
6 Departamento de Geología, Universidad de Chile, Casilla 13518, Correo 21, Santiago, Chile,

7 marmunoz@ing.uchile.cl
2
8 Research School of Earth Sciences, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200,

9 Australia, Mark.Fanning@anu.edu.au
3
10 LMTG, Université de Toulouse CNRS, IRD, OMP Av. Edouard Belin 31400 Toulouse, France,

11 polve@lmtg.obs-mip.fr

12 ABSTRACT

13 During Cenozoic, Central Chilean Andes have shown continuous magmatic activity

14 throughout an evolution from Oligocene-middle Miocene extensional basin development (~35

15 km thick crust) to the contractional regime that frames the current orogen constructive period

16 (~70 km thick crust). Hf-Nd isotopic composition of Cenozoic Andean magmas show a spatial

17 and temporal segmentation respectively linked to current morphostructural units and timing of

18 the main Andean uplifting event. Western Principal Cordillera (WPC) magmas show a nearly

19 constant and juvenile composition (εHfI:+5 to +10; εNdI:+2 to +7) between ~30-4.8 Ma

20 indicating a buffer by a long-lived MASH-type stable isotopic reservoir able to constantly imprint

21 such a signature throughout the contrasting geodynamic regimes developed during this period.

22 Eastern Principal Cordillera (EPC) magmas, which occur only after 8 Ma, are more enriched

23 (εHfI:-4 to +4; εNdI:0 to +3). The different isotopic signatures shown by coeval magmatism from

121
24 both belts results in part due to crustal contamination, but is mainly controlled by differences in

25 the deep lithospheric architecture and composition of each morphostructural unit. These

26 configure base level crustal isotopic heterogeneities inherited from pre-Andean basement

27 constitution. Post-4.8 Ma EPC and WPC magmas share an enriched signature (εNdI:-2 to +2)

28 reflecting a source contamination from east to west, contrary to eastward subduction direction, at

29 the end of the main Andean uplifting event. This results from deep western underthrusting of the

30 ductile basement under the orogen and such material transport is probably also responsible for the

31 concurrent transport of base level isotopic signature from EPC to WPC magmatic MASH-source.

32 Keywords: Magmatism, Central Chilean Andes, Hf-Nd isotopes, MASH processes,

33 lithospheric basement, material transport.

34 INTRODUCTION

35 Modern Chilean Andes orogen is the result of Cenozoic tectono-magmatic processes operating

36 over a continental lithosphere inherited from a long and complex previous evolution (e.g.,

37 Mpodozis & Ramos, 1988). Throughout the margin, extensional basin development during

38 Neogene (~35 km thick crust) was followed by a contractional regime, which framed the orogen

39 constructive period that lead to its current configuration (see Charrier et al., 2007 for a review).

40 Isotopic composition of magmas formed throughout this period has been interpreted as achieving

41 a significant crustal signal only north of 32ºS by Late Miocene (Kay et al., 1991; Kay &

42 Abbruzzi, 1996), time at which the orogen reached most of its current crustal thickness of ~60-70

43 km (Tassara et a., 2006). South of this latitude, where current crustal thickness almost steadily

44 decreases up to 40 km at 40ºS, a primarily subcrustal origin as been ascribed to the signature of

45 Cenozoic magmas, with a restricted to negligible crustal imprint (e.g., Stern, 1991; Stern &

46 Skewes, 1995; Kay et al., 2005; Stern et al., 2010). This has been proposed to result from variable

47 source contamination through subduction erosion.

122
48 Recent detailed geochemical and geochronological studies on Cenozoic Andean igneous rocks

49 between ~33-34.5ºS (Montecinos et al., 2008; Deckart et al., 2010; Muñoz et al., 2009a, b),

50 coupled with the latest models of orogenic processes (Farías et al., 2008, 2009), stand out the

51 need for reviewing previous magmatic models. In this contribution we present new Hf and Nd

52 isotopic data for Cenozoic igneous rocks in the region and complement it with the numerous

53 previous determinations. This data reveals a magmatic spatial segmentation and temporal

54 evolution which primarily signal base level isotopic heterogeneities. These derive both from

55 inherited pre-Andean lithospheric constitution and from lower crustal material transport related to

56 Andean shortening and thickening processes. Although some of the global ideas presented are not

57 new, reevaluation of Cenozoic evolution in Central Chilean Andes is highlighted here to draw

58 attention back to: (1) the fundamental role of the crust, in its composition and evolution, over arc

59 magmas composition, and (2) to the dynamic interplay between tectonism and magmatism in an

60 evolving orogen.

61 GEOLOGICAL AND GEODYNAMIC SETTING

62 In Central Chile, main Andes are composed of three NS-trending morphostructural units also

63 different in lithological constitution. From east to west these correspond to: (1) Frontal

64 Cordillera, a thick eastwardly thrusted block of upper Paleozoic-Triassic crystalline rocks in

65 western Argentina; (2) Eastern Principal Cordillera (EPC), a series of sedimentary and minor

66 volcanic Mesozoic rocks composing the east vergent thin-skinned Aconcagua Fold and Thrust

67 Belt in the Chilean-Argentinean border; (3) Western Principal Cordillera (WPC), a fault-bounded

68 Oligocene-Miocene series composed of ~5000 m thick igneous and minor sedimentary rocks

69 bounded to the west by the west vergent, high angle reverse Pocuro-San Ramón Fault System

70 (Fig. 1). The Oligocene-Miocene deposits conform a magmatic belt extending over ~1300 km,

71 from 25-35ºS, that represents the beginning of Cenozoic evolution leading to this configuration.

72 The oldest rocks are grouped within the Abanico Formation, an Oligocene-lower Miocene series

123
73 deposited in a fault-bounded ~80 km wide extensional intra-arc basin (Charrier et al., 2002).

74 Extension caused considerable crustal thinning, evidenced by the tholeiitic affinity and relatively

75 unfractionated and unradiogenic nature of coeval magmas which are considered to have evolved

76 through a ~30-35 km thick continental crust (Charrier et al., 2002; Kay et al., 2005). An early

77 Miocene contractional event inverted the Abanico basin and lead to the deposition of the

78 Farellones Formation. Its increasingly more calk-alkaline volcanic products and higher

79 proportion of differentiated igneous rocks formed in an arc setting over a progressively

80 thickening crust which reached no more than ~45-50 km (Charrier et al., 2002; Kay et al., 2005).

81 Progressively diminishing magmatic activity followed these episodes and is represented in

82 numerous isolated intrusive and minor volcanic rocks throughout the entire region. Overall, they

83 become younger to the east until reaching the current active volcanic zone, in the Chilean-

84 Argentinean border, revealing the progressive eastward arc migration that followed this evolution

85 (Stern & Skewes, 1995; Kay et al., 2005).

86 Deformation leading to current morphostructural constitution also migrated east during Cenozoic,

87 but at a higher rate and covering a wider domain than coeval arc migration.

88 Initially concentrated in WPC, deformation was related to extension of Abanico basin and its

89 later inversion during early Miocene (Charrier et al., 2002). From ~16 Ma continued shortening

90 was mostly accommodated in EPC and after 8.5 Ma migrated further east when Frontal

91 Cordillera began to be uplifted with a simultaneous return of shortening to the EPC (Giambiagi

92 and Ramos, 2002; Ramos et al., 2004). At ~4 Ma, shortening migrated to the foreland (Giambiagi

93 and Ramos, 2002) and the Chilean belt reached most of its present day elevation along with a

94 drastic reduction in uplift rates (Farías et al., 2008).

95 METHODS AND SAMPLED UNITS

96 A total of 5 intrusive units from the Principal Cordillera of Central Chile were sampled for in-situ

97 determinations of zircon U-Pb ages and Hf isotopic composition by SHRIMP. ICP-MS and TIMS

124
 98 determinations of whole rock SiO2, Sm and Nd content and Nd isotopic composition were also

99 performed in these and 28 other igneous units from the region. Sampled units were selected in

100 order to complement the lately published data on Hf isotopic composition of Andean Cenozoic

101 igneous rocks, all of which have been obtained from WPC (Montecinos et al., 2008; Muñoz et al.,

102 2009; Deckart et al., 2010), and to link and compare this data with the vast existent database of

103 Nd determinations. Analytical techniques and analysis results are available from the data

104 repository1.

105 Hf-Nd ISOTOPIC COMPOSITION OF CENOZOIC ANDEAN MAGMAS

106 Spatial and temporal isotopic segmentation

107 Hf isotopic composition of Cenozoic igneous rocks from Central Chile shows a marked spatial

108 segmentation associated to their emplacement within the morphostructural units of the orogen.

109 Comparatively, EPC magmas are variably more enriched than those from WPC (Fig. 2). In the

110 latter sector, Hf data covers a record of magmatism between ~30-4 Ma which includes most of

111 the Cenozoic arc activity of the Abanico and Farellones formations, their associated intrusive

112 counterparts, and part of the later igneous rocks coeval to eastward arc migration. Overall, they

113 show a restricted range of radiogenic εHfI values, mostly between +6 to +10, revealing a strong

114 mantle signature of WPC emplaced magmas throughout this period (Fig. 2). Relative to these,

115 rock from the EPC are variably more enriched and define a wider range in εHfI values between -4

116 to +4 (Fig. 2). Hf data in this sector covers magmatic activity developed between ~8 to 3 Ma,

117 with the Río Negro stock (8.3 ± 0.2 Ma) being the oldest intrusive event recorded in EPC and

118 thus representing the earliest stages of arc migration into it. Rocks from both sectors are basic to

119 intermediate in composition and show no discernable patterns of Hf isotopic variation. Lack of

120 correlation between chemical composition and isotopic signature has been long recognized for

121 Cenozoic igneous rocks in the region including in Nd, Sr and Pb basis (Kay et al., 2005;

125
122 Montecinos et al., 2008). Only the Jeria stock, from EPC, shows abundant inherited zircon cores

123 mostly of upper Paleozoic ages (~250-300 Ma).

124 The numerous Nd determinations performed in igneous rocks in Central Chile provide a database

125 covering a wider temporal frame, but with a lower precision, respect to the current Hf

126 determinations. Overall, Nd signatures mimic the isotopic segmentation observed in the time

127 span covered by Hf data, with εNdI values ranging from +2 to +7 and 0 to +3 for WPC and EPC

128 emplaced magmas, respectively (Fig. 3). Younger igneous rocks occur in both morphostructural

129 units and their Nd signatures reveal an important isotopic shift in Pliocene-Pleistocene

130 magmatism respect to the preceding segmentation. During arc migration, the diminished igneous

131 activity was mostly concentrated in EPC, whereas in WPC there are only three igneous units

132 recognized post 4.8 Ma (the last event with Hf isotopic data in this sector). They show an

133 enriched Nd isotopic composition with εNdI values between -2 to +2. This range almost fully

134 contains the isotopic signature defined by preceding EPC emplaced magmas and also extends

135 towards more enriched values (Fig. 3). Moreover, it is indistinguishable from the range defined

136 by coeval igneous rocks from EPC (Fig. 3). Thus, post-4.8 Ma magmas emplaced in both

137 morphostructural units share a common and enriched signature.

138 Processes that control magmatic isotopic composition

139 Magmatism pre-4.8 Ma

140 Central Chilean Andes Cenozoic magmatism covers a time span where contrasting tectonic

141 regimes and an evolving orogen were developed in the upper lithosphere. The extensional

142 tectonics and thinned crust during Abanico Formation deposition changed to the contractional

143 regime that framed Farellones Formation deposition over a progressively thickening crust

144 (Charrier et al., 2002; Kay et al., 2005). Whether directly related or not, Nazca and South

145 American plate convergence parameters also varied during this period. Obliqueness abruptly

146 diminished from ~45 to ~10º around 26 Ma, while the convergence rate increased from ~6 to ~17

126
147 cm/yr around 15 Ma to then decrease steadily until its present value of ~8 cm/yr (Pardo-Casas &

148 Molnar, 1987). Despite these changes in the geodynamic configuration of the margin, igneous

149 rocks emplaced in WPC throughout this period show a remarkably restricted range of Hf and to a

150 lesser extent Nd isotopic values (Fig. 2, 3) which strongly suggests buffering by a stable isotopic

151 reservoir. Assimilation of Paleozoic or Mesozoic basement rocks, which most likely underlie the

152 region, could explain the signatures more enriched than the Depleted Mantle. However, crustal

153 contamination is inconsistent with the following observations: (1) isotopic composition remains

154 nearly constant despite contrasting differences in convergence parameters, tectonic regime, and

155 crustal thickness framing the magmatism; (2) there are no chemical trends towards enriched

156 signatures in more evolved rocks; (3) all igneous rocks studied for Hf isotopic composition show

157 an almost null presence of inherited zircons or zircon cores (Deckart et al., 2010, Muñoz et al.,

158 2010). This evidence strongly suggest that Hf and Nd magmatic signatures in WPC have been

159 primarily controlled by a long-lived stable MASH-type reservoir able to constantly imprint such

160 signature despite changes in the geodynamic conditions framing magma formation and later

161 evolution.

162 Crustal contamination processes are evidently involved in the genesis of, at least, some of the

163 comparatively more enriched igneous rocks from EPC (Fig. 2, 3). This is the case of the Jeria

164 stock whose zircon crystals show abundant inherited cores of ~250-300 Ma evidencing the

165 assimilation of mainly Paleozoic basement as that outcropping in the Frontal Cordillera. No

166 inheritance is observed in the remaining stocks from this sector studied through single zircon

167 crystal analyses. However, this observation does not preclude crustal contamination processes as

168 inheritance is principally a function of zircon saturation at the time of contamination. The basaltic

169 andesitic Rio Negro stock is the least evolved rock of the group, yet is the most enriched one with

170 εHfI values mostly between -4 to +1 (Fig. 2). A simple mixing model of an Abanico type basalt

171 (SiO2= 49%, Hf= 3 ppm, εHfI= +8.5) contaminated by an average Paleozoic intrusive rock

127
172 (SiO2= 66%, Hf= 4 ppm, εHfI= -8.2) would reproduce Río Negro stock Hf signature and SiO2

173 contents with nearly 45% of assimilation. Such unrealistically high volume of contamination,

174 along with the lack of correlation between chemical composition and isotopic enrichment, argue

175 against crustal contamination models to fully explain the enriched signature of magmas from

176 EPC. This is most likely primarily buffered deep in the crust, under a different crustal

177 architecture and composition, through the development of a new MASH zone following eastward

178 arc migration into this sector. Nevertheless, the wider range in Hf isotopic compositions shown

179 by EPC magmas (~8 εHf units; Fig 2), compared to WPC ones (~4 εHf units; Fig 2), most

180 probably results from the diversity produced by variable amounts of assimilation of Paleozoic

181 and Mesozoic rocks.

182 Magmatism post-4.8 Ma

183 Post 4.8 Ma igneous rocks from both morphostructural units share a common Nd isotopic

184 signature which is also the same as that defined by previous EPC magmas (Fig. 3). Thus, the

185 isotopic shift towards enriched values observed in WPC is rather a westward propagation of EPC

186 magmatic signatures. This period coincides with the final stages of the rapid and high magnitude

187 regional uplift of the Andes in Central Chile which is considered to have been completed,

188 reaching the actual configuration, no later than 4 Ma (Farías et al., 2008). Though the current

189 altitude of WPC and EPC is roughly isostatically balanced, in-situ surface shortening does not

190 fully explain the observed crustal thicknesses (Farías et al., 2010). This has been proposed to

191 result also from a deep westward transferring of the shortening accommodated east of the WPC

192 by a “simple shear mode” (Farías et al., 2010, Fig. 4). Such process encompasses the observation

193 of why even though most of the surface shortening ended before 16 Ma in WPC, the main

194 uplifting event occurred no earlier than 10 Ma. Coeval progressive eastward arc migration, which

195 occurs at least since 8 Ma, might also be a key aspect of this process. The beginning of arc-

196 related magmatism along with the establishment of a new MASH zone under the eastern sectors

128
197 will provide the heat and water necessary to increase the ductility of the lower crust that would

198 enhance deformation. A westwardly vergent underthrusting deep in the crust of the orogen would

199 inevitably mean a material transport from the EPC basement beneath the WPC, occurring roughly

200 coevally with the thickening and uplifting processes, and also explaining the westward

201 propagation of EPC magmatic signatures.

202 The origin of an isotopically enriched lower crust beneath EPC respect to WPC remains elusive,

203 though it can be considered as inherited from pre-Andean evolution. Such differences in the

204 basement of the orogen may well result from the Paleozoic accretionary history of South

205 America, where the different terranes that collided with the margin conformed a heterogeneous

206 basement in the current areas of western Argentina and Chile (Ramos, 1994; Ramos et al., 2004).

207 In the study region, the Cuyania terrane composes the easternmost Argentinean Andes basement

208 while the Chilenia terrane has predominated in the Chilean sector since the Paleozoic (Ramos et

209 al., 2004). The former has been inferred to currently underthrust the Principal Cordillera and thus,

210 constitutes a good candidate for a different isotopic reservoir respect to the basement in the

211 western sectors.

212 SUMMARY

213 Spatial and temporal Hf-Nd isotopic segmentation shown by Cenozoic arc magmas from the

214 Central Chilean Andes are strongly conditioned by a combination of MASH-type processes,

215 inherited pre-Andean lithospheric constitution, and lower crustal material transport related to

216 Andean main uplifting event. They are an example of the dynamic interplay between magmatism

217 and tectonism occurring in an evolving orogen that develops in a continental margin with a long

218 previous geological history.

219 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

220 This work was supported by the Chilean government through CONICYT (ACT-18,
221 PBCT, a 4-years Ph.D. grant to M. Muñoz, and FONDECYT 11085022) and the DPP - Univ.
222 de Chile.

129
223
224 REFERENCES CITED

225 Amelin, Y., Lee, D.C., Halliday, A.N., Pidgeon, R.T., 1999, Nature of the Earth’s earliest crust

226 formation from hafnium isotopes in single detrital zircons: Nature, v. 399, p. 252-255.

227 Charrier, R., Baeza, O., Elgueta, S., Flynn, J.J., Gana, P., Kay, S.M., Muñoz, N., Wyss, A.R., and

228 Zurita, E., 2002, Evidence for Cenozoic extensional basin development and tectonic

229 inversion south of the flat-slab segment, southern Central Andes, Chile (33º-36ºS.L.):

230 Journal of South American Earth Sciences, v. 15, p. 117-139.

231 Charrier, R., Pinto, L., and Rodríguez, M.P., 2007, Tectonostratigraphic evolution of the Andean

232 orogen in Chile, in Moreno, T., Gibbons, W. (eds.), The Geology of Chile, The Geological

233 Society, London, p. 21-114.

234 Deckart, K., Godoy, E., Bertens, A., Jeréz, D. and Saeed, A., 2010, Barren Miocene granitoids in

235 the central Andean metallogenic belt, Chile: Geochemistry and Nd-Hf and U-Pb isotope

236 systematics: Andean Geology, v. 37, p. 1-31.

237 Farías, M., Comte, D., Charrier, R., Martinod, J., Tassaara, A., and Fock, A., 2010, Crustal-scale

238 structural architecture of the Central Chile Andes based on 3D seismic tomography,

239 seismicity, and surface geology: Implications for mountain building in subduction zones:

240 Tectonics, v. 29, TC3006, doi: 10.1029/2009TC002480.

241 Farías, M., Charrier, R., Carretier, S., Martinod, J., Fock, A., Campbell, D., Cáceres, J., and

242 Comte, D., 2008, Late Miocene high and rapid surface uplift and its erosional response in the

243 Andes of central Chile (33º-35ºS): Tectonics, v. 27, TC1005, doi: 10.1029/2006TC002046.

244 Giambiagi, L.B., and Ramos, V., 2002, Structural evolution of the Andes between 33°30 and

245 33°45’ S, above the transition zone between the flat and normal subduction segment,

246 Argentina and Chile: Journal of South American Earth Sciences, v. 15, p. 99-114.

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247 Hildreth, W., and Moorbath, S., 1988, Crustal contributions to arc magmatism in the Andes of

248 Central Chile: Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, v. 98, p. 455-489.

249 Kay, S.M., Mpodozis, C., Ramos, V.A., and Munizaga, F., 1991, Magma source variation for

250 mid-late Tertiary magmatic rocks associated with a shallowing subduction zone and

251 thickening crust in central Andes: Geological Society of America, Special Paper, v. 265, p.

252 113-137.

253 Kay, R.W., and Abbruzzi, J.M., 1996, Magmatic evidence for Neogene lithospheric evolution of

254 the central Andean "flat-slab" between 30ºS and 32ºS: Tectonophysics, v. 259, p. 15-28.

255 Kay, S.M., Godoy, E., and Kurtz, A., 2005, Episodic arc migration, crustal thickening,

256 subduction erosion, and magmatism in the south-central Andes: Geological Society of

257 America Bulletin, v. 117, p. 67-88.

258 Montecinos, P., Schärer, U., Vergara, M., and Aguirre, L., 2008, Lithospheric Origin of

259 Oligocene-Miocene Magmatism in Central Chile: U-Pb Ages and Sr-Pb-Hf Isotope

260 Composition of Minerals: Journal of Petrology, v. 49, p. 555-580.

261 Mpodozis, C. and Ramos, V.A., 1989, The Andes of Chile and Argentina, in Ericksen, G.E.,

262 Cañas, M.T., Reinemund, J.A. (eds.), Geology of the Andes and its relation to Hydrocarbon

263 and Mineral Resources, Earth Science Series, Circum-Pacific Council for Energy and

264 Mineral Resources, Huston, Texas, v. 11, p. 59-90.

265 Muñoz, M., Charrier, R., Maksaev, V., Fanning, C.M., and Deckart, K., 2009a, Source

266 constraints of the El Teniente porphyry Cu-Mo magmas: Hf-O isotopic composition from

267 single zircon crystals, in Congreso Geológico Chileno, 12th, Santiago, p. S11-11.

268 Muñoz, M., Deckart, K., Charrier, R., and Fanning, C.M., 2009b, New geochronological data on

269 Neogene-Quaternary intrusive rocks from the high Andes of central Chile (33º15'-34º00'S),

270 in Congreso Geológico Chileno, 12th, Santiago, p. S8-08.

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271 Pardo-Casas, F., and Molnar, O., 1987, Relative motion of the Nazca (Farallon) and South

272 American plate since Late Cretaceous Times: Tectonics, v. 6, p. 233-248.

273 Ramos, V., 1994, Terranes of southern Gondwanaland and their control in the Andean structure

274 (30-33ºS lat.), in Reutter, K.J., Scheuber, E., and Wigger, P.J., eds., Tectonics of the southern

275 central Andes, structure and evolution of an active continental margin: Berlin, Springer

276 Verlag, p. 249-261.

277 Ramos, V., Zapata, T., Cristallini, E., and Introcaso, A., 2004, The Andean thrust system -

278 latitudinal variations in structural styles and orogenic shortening, in McClay, K.R., ed.,

279 Thrust tectonics and hydrocarborn systems, AAPG Memoir 82, p. 30-50.

280 Stern, C.R., 1991, Role of subduction erosion in the generation of Andean magmas: Geology, v.

281 19, p. 78-81.

282 Stern, C.R., and Skewes, A., 1995, Miocene to present magmatic evolution at the northern end of

283 the Andean Southern Volcanic Zone: Revista Geológica de Chile, v. 22, p. 261-272.

284 Stern, C.R., Skewes, A., and Arévalo, A., 2010, Magmatic evolution of the giant El Teniente Cu-

285 Mo deposit, Central Chile: Journal of Petrology, doi: 10.1093/petrology/egq029.

286 Tassara, A., Götze, H.-J., Schmidt, S.T., and Hackney, R., 2006, Three-dimensional density

287 model of the Nazca plate and the Andean continental margin: Journal of Geophysical

288 Research, v. 111, p. B09404.

289

290 FIGURE CAPTIONS

291 Figure 1. (A) Geologic map of the Andes of central Chile and westernmost Argentina. Locations

292 of areas with Hf isotopic determinations are highlighted and (B) corresponding schematic

293 geological profile of surface geology extended until the Chilean coast (modified from Farías et

294 al., 2008).

132
295 Figure 2. Initial εHf isotopic composition of Cenozoic Andean magmas from Western and

296 Eastern principal cordilleras (WPC and EPC, respectively). Data from: (1) Montecinos et al.

297 (2008), (2-5) Deckart et al. (2010), (6) Muñoz et al. (2009), (7-11) this work. Units analyzed in

298 this work correspond to: (7) Cerro Catedral, (8) Cruz de Piedra, (9-10) Jeria, (11) Río Negro.

299 Paleozoic signatures at 6 Ma (10) have been forward calculated from the 176Hf/177HfI of the

300 Paleozoic inherited cores assuming a 176Lu/177Hf = 0.0093 (average felsic crust; Amelin et al.,

301 1999).

302 Figure 3. Initial εNd isotopic composition of Cenozoic Andean magmas from Western and

303 Eastern principal cordilleras (WPC and EPC, respectively). Tie-lines join analyses belonging to

304 single units. Data from Stern & Skewes (1995), Kay et al. (2005), Deckart et al. (2010) and this

305 work.

306 Figure 4. Scheme of shortening by simple shear mode for the Cenozoic Andean thickening and

307 uplifting processes. This entails a concurrent material transport from Eastern Principal Cordillera

308 Basement (EPC) beneath Western Principal Cordillera (WPC; modified from Farías et al., 2010).

309
1
310 GSA Data Repository item 2009xxx, [analytical techniques (DR.1), sample details (DR.2), U-Pb

311 ages (DR.3), and Hf (DR.4) and Nd determinations (DR.5)] is available online at

312 www.geosociety.org/pubs/ft2009.htm, or on request from editing@geosociety.org or Documents

313 Secretary, GSA, P.O. Box 9140, Boulder, CO 80301, USA.

133
Fig. 1: Geologic map of the Andes of central Chile and Westernmost Argentina and corresponding
schematic geological profile of surface geology extended until the Chilean coast.

Fig. 2: Initial εHf isotopic composition of Cenozoic Andean magmas from Western and Eastern
principal cordilleras.

134
Fig. 3: Initial εNd isotopic composition of Cenozoic Andean magmas from Western and Eastern
principal cordilleras.

Fig. 4: Scheme of shortening by simple shear mode for the Cenozoic Andean thickening and
uplifting processes and its impact over isotopic signature of coeval magmas.

135
DR.1: ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES

SHRIMP zircon U-Pb ages

Zircon grains were separated from total rock samples using standard crushing, washing, heavy
liquid (Sp. Gr. 2.96 and 3.3), and paramagnetic procedures. Hand selected zircon grains were
placed onto double-sided tape, mounted in epoxy together with chips of the reference zircons
(Temora, and SL13), sectioned approximately in half, and polished. Reflected and transmitted
light photomicrographs were prepared for all zircons, as were cathodoluminescence (CL)
Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images. These CL images were used to decipher the
internal structures of the sectioned grains and to ensure that the ~20µm SHRIMP spot was wholly
within a single age component within the sectioned grains.
The U-Th-Pb analyses (Tables DR.3) were made using SHRIMP II at the Research School of
Earth Sciences (RSES), The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia following
procedures given in Williams (1998, and references therein). Each analysis consisted of 6 scans
through the mass range, with the Temora reference zircon grains analyzed for every three
unknown analyses. The data have been reduced using the SQUID Excel Macro of Ludwig
(2001). The Pb/U ratios have been normalized relative to a value of 0.0668 for the Temora
reference zircon, equivalent to an age of 417 Ma (see Black et al., 2003). Uncertainty in the U-Pb
calibration was xyz% for the SHRIMP II session. Tera and Wasserburg (1972) concordia plots,
probability density plots with stacked histograms and weighted mean 206Pb/238U age calculations
were carried out using ISOPLOT/EX (Ludwig, 2003). Weighted mean 206Pb/238U ages were
calculated and the uncertainties are reported as 95% confidence limits.
LA-MC-ICPMS zircon Lu-Hf isotopic composition
Lu-Hf isotopic measurements (Tables DR.4) were conducted by laser ablation multicollector
inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (LA-MC-ICPMS) using the RSES Neptune MC-
ICPMS coupled with a 193 nm ArF Excimer laser; similar to procedures described in Munizaga
et al. (2008). Laser ablation analyses were performed on the same locations within single zircon
grains used for the U-Pb analyses. For all analyses of unknowns or secondary standards, the laser
spot size was ca. 47 µm in diameter. The mass spectrometer was first tuned to optimal sensitivity
using a large grain of zircon from the Monastery kimberlite. Isotopic masses were measured
simultaneously in static-collection mode. A gas blank was acquired at regular intervals
throughout the analytical session (every ≈10 analyses). The laser was fired with typically 5-8 Hz
repetition rate and 60 mJ energy. Data was acquired for 100 seconds, but in many cases only a

136
selected interval from the total acquisition was used in data reduction. Throughout the analytical
session several widely used reference zircons (91500, FC-1, Temora-2, Monastery and Mud
Tank) were analyzed to monitor data quality. Signal intensity was typically ca.5-6 V for total Hf
at the beginning of ablation, and decreased over the acquisition time to 2 V or less. Isobaric
interferences of 176Lu and 176Yb on the 176Hf signal were corrected by monitoring signal
intensities of 175Lu and 173Yb, 172Yb and 171Yb. The calculation of signal intensity for 176Hf also
involved independent mass bias corrections for Lu and Yb.
Whole rock SiO2, Sm and Nd contents and Nd isotopic composition
Whole rock samples were crushed in a reciprocating steel crusher, and subsequently reduced to
powder in an agate shatterbox. Whole-rock powders were analyzed for major and trace elements.
Major element analyses (SiO2; Table DR.5) were performed at the chemical laboratory of the
Departamento de Geología, Universidad de Chile, by inductively coupled plasma-atomic
emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) using a sequential Perkin-Elmer P400. Trace element analyses
(Sm, Nd; Table DR.5) were performed at the Laboratoire des Mécanismes et Transferts en
Géologie (LMTG), Toulouse, France by ICP-MS using an Elan 6000 Perkin Elmer quadripolar
ICP-MS. Calibrations, internal standard and interferences corrections were done following the
procedure described in Aries et al. (2000). Data quality was controlled by running AC-E and BE-
N standards. Relative standard deviations are generally ≤5%. The Nd isotopic composition (Table
DR.5) was analyzed on a Finnigan-Mat 261 multicollector mass spectrometer at the LMTG. Nd
(and Sr) was first separated from the matrix using the Sr SPEC, LN-SPEC and TRU-SPEC resins,
following the technique set up by Pin et al. (1995). Nd was loaded on one of two Re filaments.
The La Jolla standard was run regularly and isotopic ratios were corrected for any laboratory
bias, as described in Benoit et al. (1996).

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137
Black, L.P., Kamo, S.L., Alien, C.M., Aleinikoff, J.N., Davis, D.W., Korsch, RJ., and Foudoulis,
C., 2003, TEMORA 1: a new zircon standard for Phanerozoic U-Pb geochronology:
Chemical Geology, v. 200, p. 155-170.
Ludwig, K.R., 2001, SQUID 1.00. A user’s manual: Berkeley Geochronology Center Special
Publication 2, 17 p
Ludwig, K.R., 2003, User’s manual for Isoplot/Ex, Version 3.0. A geochronological toolkit for
Microsoft Excel: Berkeley Geochronology Center Special Publication 4, 70 p.
Munizaga, F., Maksaev, V., Fanning, C.M., Giglio, S., Yaxley, G., and Tassinari, C.C.G., 2008,
Late Paleozoic–Early Triassic magmatism on the western margin of Gondwana: Collahuasi
area, Northern Chile: Gondwana Research, v. 13, p. 407-427.
Pin, C., Telouk, P., and Imbert, J.-L., 1995, Direct determination of the samarium: neodymium
ratio in geological materials by inductively coupled plasma quadrupole mass spectrometry
with cryogenic desolvation - comparison with isotope dilution thermal ionization mass
spectrometry: Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry, v. 10, p. 93–98.
Tera, F., and Wasserburg, G., 1972, U-Th-Pb systematics in three Apollo 14 basalts and the
problem of initial Pb in lunar rocks: Earth and Planetary Science Letters, v. 14, p. 281-304.
Williams, I.S. 1998, U-Th-Pb Geochronology by Ion Microprobe, in McKibben, M.A., Shanks
III, W.C., and Ridley, W.I., eds., Applications of microanalytical techniques to understanding
mineralizing processes: Reviews in Economic Geology, v. 7, p. 1-35.

138
Table DR2. Basic information on analyzed samples.
Unit* Sample Location Rock type Classification
§

(Lat S - Long W)
Lavas Chacayes MCh2 34º13' - 70º30' Lava flow Clinopyroxene dacite
Estero Crucero S MLL3 34º25' - 71º08' Stock Amphibole monzogranite
Portezuelo Arriaza MLL8 34º24' - 70º04' Stock Clinopyroxene diorite
Portezuelo Arriaza MLL9 35º24' - 71º04' Stock Clinopyroxene diorite
Carlota MM3 33º51' - 70º19' Stock Clinopyroxene diorite
Paso Colina MM4 33º51' - 69º54' Stock Amphibole diorite
Cerro Castillo MM5 33º58' - 69º54' Lava flow Orthopyroxene dacite
Cerro Castillo MM6 33º58' - 69º54' Lava flow Orhtopyroxene andesite
Río Negro MM7 34º01' - 69º56' Stock Amphibole quartz diorite
Río Negro MM8 34º01' - 69º56' Stock Amphibole quartz diorite
Jeria MM11 34º00' - 70º00' Stock Amphibole granodiorite
Cruz de Piedra MM12 34º11' - 69º55' Stock Amphibole quartz monzonite
Cerro Listado MM13 34º15' - 69º54' Lava flow Clinopyroxene dacite
Cerro Catedral MM15 34º11' - 70º06' Stock Biotite grandoriorite
Estero Crucero N MM17 34º24' - 70º07' Stock Amphibole tonalite
Cachapoal MM18 34º19' - 70º02' Stock Amphibole quartz diorite
Cono Río Negro MM19 34º02' - 70º00' Lava flow Olivine basaltic andesite
Cono Río Negro MM20 34º02' - 70º00' Lava flow Olivine basaltic andesite
Mina Juanita MP2 34º14' - 70º22' Stock Amphibole monzogranite
Cerro Minero MT1 34º05' - 70º29' Lava flow Two pyroxene andesite
Cerro Minero MT2 34º04' - 70º28' Lava flow Two pyroxene andesite
Cerro Minero MT3 35º04' - 71º28' Lava flow Two pyroxene andesite
Cerro Minero MT4 34º05' - 70º29' Lava flow Clinopyroxene dacite
Lavas Bajo Cachapoal MT7 34º12' - 70º32' Lava flow Pyroxene basaltic andesite
Extravío MT8 34º02' - 70º16' Stock Amphibole grandiorite
Laguna Negra MT9 34º02' - 70º19' Stock Amphibole granodiorite
Los Lunes RB11 33º46' - 70º06' Dike Biotite andesitic dike
Diques de Dacita Tardíos† TT91 34º05' - 70º21' Dike Biotite dacitic dike
*
Names on igneous units are either those commonly used in literature or are informally named here.
†
Sample collected from inside the El Teniente underground mine (34º35'S-70º21'W).
§
Classification based on mineralogical composition, determined by standard optical microscopy, and
chemical analyses.

139
Table DR3. SHRIMP U-Pb zircon data.
Total Radiogenic Age
206 204
Spot U Th Th/U Pb Pb/206Pb F206 U/206Pb 1σ
238 207
Pb/206Pb 1σ
206
Pb/238Pb 1σ
206
Pb/238Pb 2σ
(ppm) (ppm) (ppm) (%)
Río Negro (sample MM7)
1.1 693 1316 1.90 0.78 0.003714 1.13 763.4 13.6 0.0551 0.0043 0.00130 0.00002 8.34 0.31
1.2 716 1602 2.24 0.80 0.003600 1.74 771.1 13.0 0.0599 0.0035 0.00127 0.00002 8.21 0.29
2.1 406 620 1.53 0.46 0.007312 4.43 759.2 16.5 0.0812 0.0065 0.00126 0.00003 8.11 0.38
3.1 546 858 1.57 0.63 0.003641 2.98 739.3 14.3 0.0698 0.0050 0.00131 0.00003 8.45 0.35
4.1 428 362 0.85 0.48 0.007975 4.51 761.1 17.4 0.0818 0.0070 0.00125 0.00003 8.08 0.40
5.1 344 533 1.55 0.41 0.014944 7.24 724.0 16.5 0.1034 0.0079 0.00128 0.00003 8.25 0.42
6.1 1121 2050 1.83 1.29 0.000567 1.52 743.4 11.6 0.0582 0.0036 0.00132 0.00002 8.53 0.28
7.1 351 469 1.33 0.39 N.D. 0.05 782.2 16.8 0.0466 0.0073 0.00128 0.00003 8.23 0.38
7.2 368 402 1.09 0.40 0.008828 1.85 784.9 28.6 0.0608 0.0049 0.00125 0.00005 8.06 0.60
8.1 426 642 1.51 0.47 0.000587 2.11 772.4 15.6 0.0629 0.0053 0.00127 0.00003 8.17 0.35
9.1 385 526 1.37 0.43 0.004134 1.92 767.5 16.5 0.0614 0.0059 0.00128 0.00003 8.23 0.38
10.1* 128 112 0.87 0.15 0.030169 20.70 721.2 24.6 0.2097 0.0399 0.00110 0.00008 7.08 1.03
11.1 371 599 1.61 0.42 0.000000 3.52 750.6 15.5 0.0740 0.0077 0.00129 0.00003 8.28 0.38
11.2 869 1939 2.23 0.97 0.004214 1.24 766.8 12.0 0.0560 0.0030 0.00129 0.00002 8.30 0.27
12.1 213 213 1.00 0.29 0.018523 16.98 640.5 15.2 0.1804 0.0206 0.00130 0.00005 8.35 0.66
13.1 554 287 0.52 0.66 0.006579 3.93 726.3 13.5 0.0773 0.0048 0.00132 0.00003 8.52 0.33
14.1 606 1169 1.93 0.68 0.002005 2.30 763.8 13.6 0.0643 0.0042 0.00128 0.00002 8.24 0.31
15.1* 252 183 0.73 0.31 0.010217 4.81 694.3 16.5 0.0842 0.0067 0.00137 0.00003 8.83 0.45
16.1 272 313 1.15 0.31 N.D. 5.74 750.3 17.9 0.0915 0.0135 0.00126 0.00004 8.09 0.49
17.1 395 626 1.58 0.46 0.007199 5.89 731.8 14.9 0.0927 0.0116 0.00129 0.00003 8.29 0.43
One population, 18 spots MSWD: 0.61 Weighted mean: 8.29 0.09
Jeria (sample MM11)
1.1 55 34 0.62 0.08 0.059816 40.76 597.9 29.4 0.3681 0.0460 0.00099 0.00011 6.38 0.71
2.1a* 154 48 0.31 4.03 0.000872 1.17 32.9 0.5 0.0593 0.0024 0.03005 0.00045 190.87 2.80
2.1b 828 305 0.37 33.47 0.000271 0.04 21.3 0.2 0.0526 0.0006 0.04704 0.00051 296.30 3.15
2.2* 50 31 0.61 0.06 0.049133 41.78 715.2 38.9 0.3762 0.0394 0.00081 0.00008 5.25 0.54
3.1 48 30 0.61 0.07 N.D. 37.31 589.4 27.3 0.3409 0.0393 0.00106 0.00010 6.85 0.63
3.2* 160 80 0.50 5.63 N.D. 0.75 24.5 0.3 0.0574 0.0020 0.04058 0.00054 256.44 3.32
4.1 92 54 0.58 0.11 0.022857 28.30 721.1 27.1 0.2697 0.0222 0.00099 0.00005 6.41 0.35
5.1 88 53 0.61 0.11 0.016200 26.70 681.3 26.1 0.2571 0.0267 0.00108 0.00006 6.93 0.42
5.2 98 88 0.90 0.12 0.019263 14.21 722.5 24.8 0.1584 0.0149 0.00119 0.00005 7.65 0.31
6.1 197 140 0.71 8.05 0.001263 0.50 21.1 0.3 0.0563 0.0013 0.04723 0.00059 297.49 3.65
7.1 42 19 0.45 0.06 0.049720 34.54 612.5 31.6 0.3190 0.0379 0.00107 0.00010 6.89 0.62
8.1* 526 246 0.47 20.71 0.000061 0.35 21.8 0.2 0.0548 0.0007 0.04563 0.00052 287.63 3.21
9.1 111 74 0.67 0.12 0.014712 21.34 782.8 27.1 0.2147 0.0173 0.00100 0.00004 6.47 0.29
10.1 58 32 0.55 0.08 0.065907 28.68 603.4 28.7 0.2727 0.0329 0.00118 0.00009 7.62 0.58
11.1 248 108 0.44 9.99 0.000595 0.24 21.3 0.3 0.0541 0.0010 0.04681 0.00057 294.88 3.48
12.1 48 28 0.58 0.06 0.006813 30.00 690.2 35.8 0.2831 0.0355 0.00101 0.00008 6.54 0.54
12.2 47 38 0.82 0.07 0.081700 41.71 555.3 26.9 0.3756 0.0545 0.00105 0.00013 6.76 0.87
13.1 153 127 0.83 0.18 0.023661 16.86 728.7 22.2 0.1794 0.0251 0.00114 0.00006 7.35 0.36
14.1 647 140 0.22 26.92 0.000140 0.08 20.6 0.2 0.0531 0.0006 0.04842 0.00054 304.80 3.31
14.2 343 141 0.41 14.00 0.000388 0.10 21.1 0.2 0.0531 0.0010 0.04739 0.00055 298.46 3.39
14.3* 50 32 0.65 0.47 0.038948 82.30 90.7 2.2 0.6970 0.0204 0.00195 0.00034 12.57 2.16
15.2* 257 131 0.51 10.08 0.000312 0.55 21.9 0.3 0.0564 0.0010 0.04536 0.00055 285.99 3.38
16.1 58 39 0.67 0.18 0.032995 66.91 283.8 9.8 0.5748 0.0312 0.00117 0.00015 7.51 0.98
16.2* 280 117 0.42 11.07 0.000473 0.09 21.7 0.3 0.0528 0.0009 0.04597 0.00055 289.72 3.38
17.1 110 60 0.55 0.13 N.D. 16.16 746.7 24.5 0.1738 0.0155 0.00112 0.00005 7.23 0.29
Younger population, 13 spots MSWD: 1.3 Weighted mean: 6.99 0.29
Older population, 5 spots MSWD: 1.3 Weighted mean: 298.40 4.66
Cruz de Piedra (sample MM12)
1.1 67 41 0.60 0.07 0.033360 23.68 874.1 44.4 0.2332 0.0299 0.00087 0.00006 5.63 0.80
2.1 114 62 0.55 0.11 N.D. 15.55 923.9 38.0 0.1690 0.0188 0.00091 0.00005 5.89 0.59
2.2 104 81 0.79 0.13 0.089477 31.92 705.8 28.0 0.2983 0.0282 0.00096 0.00006 6.22 0.82
3.1 246 242 0.99 0.22 0.031890 7.40 945.9 27.5 0.1046 0.0132 0.00098 0.00003 6.31 0.43
4.1 67 39 0.58 0.08 0.074269 26.47 737.3 32.5 0.2552 0.0319 0.00100 0.00007 6.43 0.91
5.1* 49 30 0.61 0.05 N.D. 33.55 817.7 43.7 0.3111 0.0351 0.00081 0.00007 5.24 0.90

140
5.2 60 48 0.79 0.08 0.040956 30.39 684.7 34.6 0.2862 0.0309 0.00102 0.00008 6.55 1.00
6.1 120 60 0.50 0.12 0.014864 13.02 900.0 37.2 0.1490 0.0173 0.00097 0.00005 6.23 0.60
6.2 90 37 0.42 0.10 0.029892 34.10 789.6 34.0 0.3155 0.0435 0.00083 0.00008 5.38 1.02
7.1 252 255 1.01 0.23 0.021631 13.41 928.5 27.2 0.1520 0.0119 0.00093 0.00003 6.01 0.41
8.1 89 51 0.57 0.11 0.021810 28.44 682.9 27.9 0.2708 0.0241 0.00105 0.00006 6.75 0.80
8.2* 55 32 0.59 0.07 0.112011 54.22 664.2 34.4 0.4743 0.0431 0.00069 0.00009 4.44 1.17
9.1* 149 43 0.29 0.15 0.054535 28.74 870.8 34.3 0.2732 0.0235 0.00082 0.00005 5.27 0.61
9.2* 98 53 0.54 0.10 0.026726 33.23 855.9 36.8 0.3086 0.0276 0.00078 0.00005 5.03 0.69
10.1 505 508 1.01 0.43 0.018328 7.33 1004.8 23.3 0.1040 0.0073 0.00092 0.00002 5.94 0.30
11.1 48 28 0.58 0.07 0.054341 47.47 612.4 31.9 0.4211 0.0407 0.00086 0.00010 5.53 1.24
11.2 93 74 0.80 0.10 0.072506 33.68 781.2 34.2 0.3122 0.0287 0.00085 0.00006 5.47 0.77
One population, 13 spots MSWD: 1.1 Weighted mean: 6.04 0.16
Cerro Catedral (sample MM15)
1.1 384 341 0.89 0.19 0.036808 9.58 1746.7 55.5 0.1218 0.0131 0.00052 0.00002 3.34 0.24
2.1 105 68 0.64 0.06 0.043856 32.61 1558.9 90.6 0.3036 0.0432 0.00043 0.00004 2.79 0.56
3.1 149 80 0.54 0.08 N.D. 25.02 1675.3 83.7 0.2437 0.0364 0.00045 0.00004 2.88 0.46
3.2 140 113 0.81 0.07 N.D. 28.23 1607.3 76.9 0.2690 0.0367 0.00045 0.00004 2.88 0.47
4.1 142 63 0.44 0.08 0.063836 31.77 1505.0 72.9 0.2970 0.0328 0.00045 0.00004 2.92 0.46
5.1 91 54 0.60 0.06 0.025759 40.69 1268.4 68.3 0.3674 0.0424 0.00047 0.00005 3.01 0.64
5.2* 154 108 0.70 0.10 N.D. 10.46 1337.7 55.9 0.1287 0.0307 0.00067 0.00004 4.31 0.52
6.1 45 18 0.41 0.04 N.D. 64.37 927.2 59.6 0.5545 0.0803 0.00038 0.00011 2.48 1.46
6.2* 245 181 0.74 0.14 0.049076 15.40 1477.5 49.9 0.1678 0.0278 0.00057 0.00003 3.69 0.40
7.1* 38 26 0.67 0.03 N.D. 28.38 950.3 63.0 0.2703 0.0481 0.00075 0.00008 4.86 1.05
8.1 99 54 0.54 0.06 0.075270 28.18 1484.5 71.4 0.2686 0.0325 0.00048 0.00004 3.12 0.47
8.2 140 119 0.86 0.08 N.D. 24.89 1540.5 67.3 0.2426 0.0404 0.00049 0.00004 3.14 0.51
9.1 72 60 0.83 0.04 N.D. 37.89 1397.5 91.9 0.3453 0.0607 0.00044 0.00006 2.86 0.81
10.1 118 96 0.81 0.08 0.023984 37.26 1272.0 54.3 0.3404 0.0420 0.00049 0.00005 3.18 0.61
11.1 44 24 0.55 0.04 0.205117 54.45 969.6 57.8 0.4761 0.0572 0.00047 0.00008 3.03 1.04
12.1 72 44 0.61 0.05 0.280084 46.18 1281.6 67.8 0.4108 0.0443 0.00042 0.00005 2.71 0.64
12.2 98 85 0.87 0.05 N.D. 31.46 1562.3 96.7 0.2945 0.0498 0.00044 0.00005 2.83 0.63
13.1 86 48 0.56 0.06 N.D. 46.36 1266.0 67.5 0.4122 0.0479 0.00042 0.00005 2.73 0.69
14.1 79 50 0.63 0.06 N.D. 41.53 1208.3 64.5 0.3741 0.0541 0.00048 0.00006 3.12 0.81
One population, 16 spots MSWD: 0.77 Weighted mean: 3.05 0.13
Cerro Minero (sample MT1)
1.1 69 48 0.69 0.08 0.053576 20.71 753.6 37.7 0.2098 0.0256 0.00105 0.00007 6.78 0.44
2.1 84 48 0.58 0.09 N.D. 17.46 772.1 35.7 0.1841 0.0305 0.00107 0.00007 6.89 0.45
3.1 139 78 0.56 0.15 N.D. 9.52 793.3 29.9 0.1214 0.0169 0.00114 0.00005 7.35 0.33
4.1 373 462 1.24 0.39 0.017329 4.85 830.7 20.7 0.0845 0.0078 0.00115 0.00003 7.38 0.20
5.1 153 84 0.55 0.17 0.018551 6.64 764.4 27.3 0.0987 0.0128 0.00122 0.00005 7.87 0.31
5.2 428 334 0.78 0.44 0.011071 4.55 833.0 17.0 0.0821 0.0055 0.00115 0.00002 7.38 0.16
6.1 97 65 0.67 0.11 0.021758 13.77 750.0 33.8 0.1549 0.0208 0.00115 0.00006 7.41 0.40
7.1 71 57 0.81 0.10 0.018989 28.39 621.8 24.5 0.2704 0.0228 0.00115 0.00007 7.42 0.42
7.2 93 87 0.93 0.11 0.049672 17.46 700.7 25.6 0.1841 0.0169 0.00118 0.00005 7.59 0.34
8.1 116 111 0.95 0.13 0.019114 13.69 774.0 26.8 0.1543 0.0162 0.00112 0.00005 7.18 0.30
3.2 114 78 0.69 0.13 0.008754 11.94 724.1 23.5 0.1405 0.0127 0.00122 0.00005 7.83 0.29
1.2 90 78 0.87 0.11 0.014397 18.86 728.5 26.7 0.1951 0.0175 0.00111 0.00005 7.18 0.33
10.1 88 73 0.83 0.10 N.D. 19.25 755.6 27.8 0.1982 0.0194 0.00107 0.00005 6.89 0.33
10.2 106 72 0.68 0.12 0.049020 16.53 756.3 26.3 0.1768 0.0172 0.00110 0.00005 7.11 0.31
11.1 94 65 0.69 0.12 0.045612 22.49 698.1 26.0 0.2238 0.0196 0.00111 0.00005 7.15 0.35
11.2 173 152 0.88 0.18 0.013506 10.62 808.8 22.4 0.1301 0.0128 0.00111 0.00004 7.12 0.24
12.1 63 42 0.66 0.08 N.D. 22.26 696.8 28.5 0.2220 0.0228 0.00112 0.00006 7.19 0.40
12.2 83 73 0.88 0.09 N.D. 12.90 779.5 30.7 0.1480 0.0216 0.00112 0.00006 7.20 0.36
13.1* 69 41 0.60 0.09 0.052561 16.51 636.3 24.7 0.1767 0.0228 0.00131 0.00007 8.45 0.44
One population, 18 spots MSWD: 0.78 Weighted mean: 7.31 0.14
Notes : Uncertainties for U-Pb ages given at the two standard deviation level ( ±2σ); error in FC1, reference zircon calibration,
was 0.30% for the analythical session (not included in errors of spots analyses but included in the final age estimate); F 206(%)
denotes the percentage of 206Pb that is common Pb; correction for common Pb made using the measured 238
U/206Pb and
207
Pb/206Pb ratios following Tera and Wasserburg (1972) as outlined in Compston et al. (1992).
*Excluded spots.
N.D.: no data.
References cited:

141
Compston, W., Williams, I.S., Kirschvink, J.L., Zhang Zichao, and MaGougan, 1992, Zircon U-Pb dates for the Early Cambrian
time-scale: Journal of the Geological Society [London], v. 149, p. 171–184.
Tera, F., and Wasserburg, G.J., 1972, U-Th-Pb systematics in three Apollo 14 basalts and the problem of initial Pb in lunar rocks:
Earth and Planetary Science Letters, v. 14, p. 281–304.

142
Table DR4. Zircon Lu and Hf isotopic composition.
206
Spot Pb/238U 2σ
176
Hf/177Hf 2σ
176
Lu/177Hf 2σ εHf(t) 2σ TDM2
age (Ma)
Río Negro (sample MM7)
5.1 8.25 0.42 0.282778 0.000035 0.001245 0.000058 0.4 1.3 1004
6.1 8.53 0.28 0.282738 0.000048 0.002485 0.000129 -1.0 1.7 1094
7.1 8.23 0.38 0.282783 0.000030 0.001389 0.000055 0.6 1.1 994
8.1 8.17 0.35 0.282763 0.000021 0.001552 0.000073 -0.2 0.8 1038
10.1 7.08 1.03 0.282749 0.000034 0.001836 0.000035 -0.7 1.2 1069
11.1 8.28 0.38 0.282754 0.000057 0.001953 0.000279 -0.5 2.0 1057
12.1 8.35 0.66 0.282692 0.000053 0.002071 0.000209 -2.6 1.9 1196
14.1 8.24 0.31 0.282737 0.000027 0.002131 0.000029 -1.1 0.9 1096
16.1 8.09 0.49 0.282734 0.000047 0.002736 0.000050 -1.2 1.7 1103
17.1 8.29 0.43 0.282650 0.000081 0.001791 0.000211 -4.1 2.9 1289
Jeria (sample MM11)
2.1a 190.87 5.60 0.282459 0.000020 0.000859 0.000018 -7.0 0.7 1612
2.2 5.25 1.07 0.282679 0.000026 0.000659 0.000015 -3.2 0.9 1227
4.1 6.41 0.70 0.282846 0.000019 0.000250 0.000004 2.7 0.7 853
5.1 6.93 0.84 0.282831 0.000025 0.000381 0.000008 2.2 0.9 886
7.1 6.89 1.24 0.282855 0.000024 0.000364 0.000019 3.1 0.9 832
10.1 7.62 1.15 0.282821 0.000028 0.000610 0.000020 1.9 1.0 909
11.1 294.88 6.97 0.282472 0.000019 0.000848 0.000009 -4.3 0.7 1522
12.2 6.76 1.74 0.282882 0.000024 0.000442 0.000026 4.0 0.9 773
14.1 304.80 6.62 0.282553 0.000017 0.000779 0.000010 -1.2 0.6 1335
15.2 285.99 6.77 0.282438 0.000030 0.001099 0.000040 -5.7 1.1 1606
16.1 7.51 1.95 0.282830 0.000029 0.000493 0.000030 2.2 1.0 889
16.2 289.72 6.77 0.282549 0.000029 0.000681 0.000010 -1.7 1.0 1353
Cruz de Piedra (sample MM12)
1.1 5.63 0.80 0.282808 0.000022 0.000557 0.000009 1.4 0.8 938
2.1 5.89 0.59 0.282783 0.000021 0.000282 0.000006 0.5 0.7 994
3.1 6.31 0.43 0.282770 0.000024 0.000958 0.000020 0.1 0.8 1022
5.2 6.55 1.00 0.282826 0.000025 0.000834 0.000071 2.1 0.9 897
6.1 6.23 0.60 0.282853 0.000021 0.000357 0.000005 3.0 0.7 838
6.2 5.38 1.02 0.282806 0.000022 0.000576 0.000020 1.3 0.8 943
8.1 6.75 0.80 0.282790 0.000019 0.000286 0.000008 0.8 0.7 979
8.2 4.44 1.17 0.282800 0.000021 0.000328 0.000003 1.1 0.8 957
9.1 5.27 0.61 0.282803 0.000027 0.000563 0.000007 1.2 0.9 949
9.2 5.03 0.69 0.282822 0.000023 0.000418 0.000012 1.9 0.8 908
11.1 5.53 1.24 0.282864 0.000023 0.000723 0.000016 3.4 0.8 812
11.2 5.47 0.77 0.282836 0.000023 0.000791 0.000034 2.4 0.8 876
Cerro Catedral (sample MM15)
2.1 2.79 0.56 0.282797 0.000022 0.000356 0.000014 0.9 0.8 965
3.1 2.88 0.46 0.282834 0.000022 0.000304 0.000022 2.3 0.8 881
3.2 2.88 0.47 0.282801 0.000026 0.000389 0.000024 1.1 0.9 955
5.1 3.01 0.64 0.282791 0.000028 0.000433 0.000031 0.7 1.0 978
5.2 4.31 0.52 0.282758 0.000025 0.000471 0.000010 -0.4 0.9 1051
6.2 3.69 0.40 0.282783 0.000025 0.000661 0.000033 0.5 0.9 995
11.1 3.03 1.04 0.282820 0.000023 0.000724 0.000016 1.8 0.8 912
12.1 2.71 0.64 0.282801 0.000019 0.000159 0.000001 1.1 0.7 956
12.2 2.83 0.63 0.282803 0.000023 0.000337 0.000021 1.2 0.8 951
Cerro Minero (sample MT1)
1.1 6.78 0.88 0.282964 0.000025 0.000687 0.000012 6.9 0.9 587
3.1 7.35 0.65 0.282978 0.000023 0.000399 0.000032 7.5 0.8 555
4.1 7.38 0.40 0.282904 0.000038 0.001136 0.000096 4.8 1.3 721
8.1 7.18 0.61 0.282929 0.000022 0.000553 0.000031 5.7 0.8 665
5.2 7.38 0.32 0.282965 0.000022 0.000409 0.000032 7.0 0.8 586
11.1 7.15 0.71 0.282986 0.000020 0.000519 0.000019 7.7 0.7 537
12.1 7.19 0.80 0.282930 0.000021 0.000396 0.000008 5.8 0.7 663
13.1 8.45 0.88 0.282927 0.000024 0.000499 0.000022 5.7 0.8 670

143
 Notes : Söderlund et al. (2004) 176Lu decay constant of 1.867 x 10-11 has been used in these calculations.
For εHf(t) values the chondritic values of Blichert-Toft and Albarède (1997) have been used along with the
corresponding zircon spot age. Two stage depleted mantle model age TDM2 was calculated using the present
day Depleted Mantle values of Vervoort and Blichert-Toft (1999) assuming a crustal average of 176Lu/177Hf =
0.015 (Goodge and Vervoort, 2006).
References cited:
Blichert-Toft, J. and Albarède, F., 1997, The Lu-Hf isotope geochemistry of chondrites and the evolution of
the mantle-crust system: Earth and Planetary Science Letters, v. 148, p. 243-258.
Goodge, J. W. and Vervoort, J. D., 2006, Origin of Mesoproterozoic A-type granites in Laurentia: Hf isotope
evidence: Earth and Planetary Science Letters, v. 243, p. 711-731.
Söderlund, U., Patchett, P. J., Vervoort, J. D. and Isachsen, C. E., 2004, The 176Lu decay constant
determined by Lu-Hf and U-Pb isotope systematics of Precambrian mafic intrusions: Earth and Planetary
Science Letters, v. 219, p. 311-324.
Vervoort, J. D. and Blichert-Toft, J., 1999, Evolution of the depleted mantle: Hf isotope evidence from juvenile
rocks through time: Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, v. 63, p. 533-556.

144
Table DR5. Whole rock Sm, Nd and SiO 2 contents and Nd isotope ratios.
143
Unit Sample SiO2 Age Sm Nd Nd/144Nd 2σ
143
Nd/144Nd(t) εNd(t) 2σ
(wt%) (Ma) (ppm) (ppm)
Pre-4.8 Ma Eastern Principal Cordillera igneous units
Cruz de Piedra MM12 63.9 6.04 (1) 3.45 17.93 0.512668 0.000005 0.512663 0.6 0.1
Jeria MM11 67.4 6.99 (1) 3.07 16.49 0.512648 0.000024 0.512643 0.3 0.5
Estero Crucero S MLL3 53.3 9.64 (2) 5.96 24.08 0.512713 0.000010 0.512704 1.5 0.2
Estero Crucero N MM17 58.7 9.76 (2) 3.84 17.40 0.512757 0.000007 0.512748 2.4 0.1
Río Negro MM7 58.0 8.29 (1) 5.41 26.99 0.512718 0.000007 0.512711 1.6 0.1
Río Negro MM8 60.3 8.29 (1) 3.82 19.41 0.512716 0.000011 0.512710 1.6 0.2
Cachapoal MM18 61.3 11.9 (2) 4.82 23.39 0.512639 0.000011 0.512629 0.1 0.2
Pre-4.8 Ma Western Principal Cordillera igneous units
Diques de Dacita Tardíos TT91 67.8 4.82 (3) 2.15 11.61 0.512766 0.000010 0.512762 2.5 0.2
Cerro Minero MT1 60.8 7.31 (1) 3.79 18.43 0.512769 0.000017 0.512763 2.6 0.3
Cerro Minero MT2 61.6 7.31 (1) 5.15 24.40 0.512774 0.000016 0.512768 2.7 0.3
Cerro Minero MT3 60.2 7.31 (1) 5.28 25.27 0.512769 0.000011 0.512763 2.6 0.2
Cerro Minero MT4 62.9 7.31 (1) 5.56 26.00 0.512806 0.000009 0.512800 3.3 0.2
Laguna Negra MT9 72.0 7.00 (4) 2.35 12.62 0.512799 0.000012 0.512794 3.2 0.2
Carlota MM3 53.8 8.70 (5) 3.92 16.08 0.512826 0.000007 0.512818 3.7 0.1
Extravío MT8 63.4 8.09 (5) 4.23 19.11 0.512774 0.000012 0.512767 2.7 0.2
Mina Juanita MP2 67.6 9.30 (5) 5.74 25.69 0.512787 0.000007 0.512779 3.0 0.1
Lavas Chacayes MCh2 61.6 14 * 6.56 28.68 0.512852 0.000008 0.512839 4.3 0.2
Post-4.8 Ma Eastern Principal Cordillera igneous units
Cono Río Negro MM19 55.3 0.3 * 4.31 19.29 0.512621 0.000007 0.512621 -0.3 0.1
Cono Río Negro MM20 55.1 0.3 * 4.47 19.85 0.512612 0.000010 0.512612 -0.5 0.2
Portezuelo Arriaza MLL8 55.9 1.6 (2) 4.36 18.95 0.512584 0.000009 0.512583 -1.0 0.2
Portezuelo Arriaza MLL9 56.8 1.6 (2) 4.59 21.70 0.512580 0.000015 0.512579 -1.1 0.3
Cerro Castillo MM5 68.3 0.5 * 4.33 24.12 0.512594 0.000010 0.512594 -0.9 0.2
Cerro Castillo MM6 61.1 0.5 * 4.18 23.54 0.512587 0.000014 0.512587 -1.0 0.3
Paso Colina MM4 62.8 1.26 (2) 4.10 21.27 0.512629 0.000008 0.512628 -0.2 0.2
Cerro Listado MM13 72.1 0.3 * 6.67 34.25 0.512528 0.000008 0.512528 -2.1 0.2
Cerro Catedral MM15 68.3 3.01 (2) 2.73 13.72 0.512657 0.000007 0.512655 0.4 0.1
Post-4.8 Ma Western Principal Cordillera igneous units
Lavas Bajo Cachapoal MT7 57.0 2.3 (6) 5.92 26.45 0.512592 0.000009 0.512590 -0.9 0.2
Los Lunes RB11 61.5 1.0 (7) 4.14 20.17 0.512700 0.000007 0.512699 1.2 0.1
Notes : For isotopic ratios calculations a 147Sm decay constant of 6.54x 10-12 was used. For εNd(t) values the chondritic
ratios of 143Nd/143Nd = 0.512638 and 147Sm/144Nd = 0.1968 (Jacobsen and Wasserburg, 1980) were used along with the
corresponding formation ages. Formation ages taken from: (1) this work, (2) Muñoz et al. (2009), (3) Maksaev et al. (2004),
(4) Cuadra (1986), (5) Kay et al. (2005), (6) Charrier and Munizaga (1979), (7) Godoy (1998).
*Estimated age.
References cited:
Cuadra, P., 1986, Geocronología K-Ar del yacimiento El Teniente y áreas adyacentes: Revista Geológica de Chile, v. 27,
Godoy, E., 1998, Intrusivos sintectónicos entre los ríos Aconcagua y Cachapoal, Andes de Chile central, in Proceedings,
Congreso Latinoamericano de Geología, 10th, and Congreso Nacional de Geología Económica, 6th, Bueno Aires, v. 2, p.
149-154.
Jacobsen, S.B., and Wasserburg, G.J., 1980, Sm–Nd isotopic evolution of chondrites: Earth and Planetary Science
Letters, v. 50, p. 139-155.
Kay, S.M., Godoy, E., and Kurtz, A., 2005, Episodic arc migration, crustal thickening, subduction erosion, and magmatism
in the south-central Andes: Geological Society of America Bulletin, v. 117, p. 67-88.
Maksaev, V., Munizaga, F., McWilliams, M., Fanning, C.M., Mathur, R., Ruiz, J., and Zentilli, M., 2004, New chronology for
El Teniente, Chilean Andes, from U-Pb, 40Ar/39Ar, Re-Os, and fission-track dating: implications for the evolution of a
supergiant porphyry Cu-Mo deposit, in Sillitoe, R.H., Perelló, J., and Vidal, A., eds., Andean Metallogeny: New
Discoveries, Concepts and Updates, Society of Economic Geologists Special Publication 11, p. 15-54.
Muñoz, M., Deckart, K., Charrier, R., and Fanning, C.M., 2009, New geochronological data on Neogene-Quaternary
intrusive rocks from the high Andes of central Chile (33º15'-34º00'S), in Proceedings, Congreso Geológico Chileno, 12th,
Santiago, p. S8-008.

145
Capítulo V: DISCUSIÓN Y CONCLUSIONES

En términos globales, los resultados obtenidos en este estudio muestran que la

composición isotópica de los magmas andinos cenozoicos está condicionada
principalmente por dos grandes variables: (1) la arquitectura litosférica heredada, y (2)
los procesos tectónicos mayores que han moldeado esta litósfera durante la
construcción del orógeno actual. Esto es válido tanto para los magmas asociados a la
mineralización de pórfido cuprífero de El Teniente como para aquellos estériles.

Dentro de las metodologías analíticas utilizadas, el estudio con técnicas

microanalíticas de cristales de circón ha constituido una herramienta particularmente
valiosa. En el caso de El Teniente, esta metodología ha permitido caracterizar, por
primera vez, la isotopía primaria de O y Hf en las rocas alteradas del yacimiento.
Adicionalmente, la combinación de ambos sistemas isotópicos, uno radiogénico y otro
estable, ha permitido trazar complementariamente distintos procesos petrogenéticos.
Por otra parte, las determinaciones de concentración química de REE, U, Th, Y, Hf y Ti,
junto con el estudio de morfología y estructura cristalina (imágenes de luz transmitida y
cátodoluminiscencia, respectivamente), han servido para caracterizar cualitativamente
aspectos globales de la evolución magmática, hacer determinaciones cuantitativas de la
Tº de cristalización, y han sido fundamentales en la evaluación de una posible impronta
hidrotermal en los circones analizados. Aún así, la caracterización cualitativa es
intrínseca del sistema magmático global en el yacimiento ya que, en términos
generales, los circones presentan una composición estándar típica de circones
“corticales”. Ello no permite hacer inferencias de mayor detalle acerca de la
composición química de los magmas a partir de los cuales han cristalizado. Finalmente,
se debe notar que la determinación puntual de todos estos parámetros, en conjunto con
las determinaciones de edad U-Pb, ha permitido una evaluación más rigurosa. Este
aspecto cobra especial relevancia, por ejemplo, en las determinaciones de edad U-Pb e
isotopía de Hf del intrusivo Jeria, el que presenta abundantes núcleos heredados. La
capacidad de realizar análisis puntuales, complementado con el estudio de morfología y
estructura cristalina, ha permitido separar el análisis de los contaminantes (núcleos
heredados) de aquel representativo del fundido al momento de la cristalización. Esta es
una información inaccesible con el uso de técnicas analíticas que involucren fusión total,
ya sea de concentrados minerales o de roca total.

Las unidades ígneas cenozoicas de Chile central muestran una marcada

segmentación espacial y temporal en términos de la composición isotópica de Hf-Nd.
Espacialmente, ella está determinada por la ocurrencia de magmatismo en dos
porciones morfoestructurales distintas del orógeno: la Cordillera Principal occidental,
dominada por los afloramientos del cinturón magmático Eoceno superior-Mioceno

146
(formaciones Abanico y Farellones), y la Cordillera Principal oriental, dominada por
afloramientos de rocas sedimentarias y volcánicas mesozoicas que constituyen la Faja
Plegada y Corrida del Aconcagua. El magmatismo desarrollado en la porción oriental de
la Cordillera Principal muestra una composición más enriquecida (εHfI:-4 a +4; εNdI:0 a
+3) respecto de aquel desarrollado en la porción occidental (εHfI:+5 a +10; εNdI:+2 a
+7). Temporalmente, esta segmentación desaparece cuando las unidades ígneas de
ambas áreas comparten una composición enriquecida común (εNdI:-2 a +2) la que
puede ser entendida, además, como una expansión hacia el oeste de las signaturas de
la Cordillera Principal oriental. Este proceso ocurre como máximo a partir de los 4,8 Ma,
coincidentemente con el fin del período de mayor alzamiento de la Cordillera Principal a
estas latitudes (Farías et al., 2008; Maksaev et al., 2009). Los antecedentes estudiados
indican que la composición isotópica de las unidades ígneas es, en gran medida, una
característica primaria, y es heredada de una evolución temprana de los magmas que
ascienden desde el mando en zonas MASH de la litósfera profunda. En este contexto,
la segmentación espacial pre-4,8 Ma radica en diferencias composicionales, al menos
isotópicas, del basamento bajo ambas regiones de la Cordillera Principal. Se ha
inferido, además, que la expansión de la signatura enriquecida de la porción oriental de
la Cordillera Principal hacia la occidental, desarrollada post-4,8 Ma, es el resultado de
un transporte de material este a oeste a niveles corticales profundos, hipótesis que
sustenta el modelo propuesto para explicar el alzamiento Andino en Chile central
(Farías et al., 2010). Probablemente, este proceso se ve en parte favorecido por la
adición magmática a la zona bajo la Cordillera Principal oriental, lo que es producto de
la migración del arco hacia este sector. La actividad magmática es un agente de
transmisión de calor y agua a la base de la corteza, lo que redunda en un aumento de
su ductilidad y, con ello, facilita el acomodo de material a niveles profundos.

La signatura isotópica que los magmas cenozoicos de Chile central adquieren en

la litósfera profunda reafirma la importancia de los procesos MASH, como fueron
definidos originalmente por Hildreth & Moorbath (1988). Esto es, la existencia de zonas
donde se generan magmas relativamente homogéneos, a partir de la hibridación de
magmas primarios, cuyas características isotópicas son particulares del dominio MASH
que enmarca su formación.

Si bien es posible inferir que el basamento bajo la porción oriental de la Cordillera

Principal está constituido por rocas más enriquecidas y/o más antiguas que aquel bajo
la porción occidental, el origen de esta diferencia es incierto. Ella podría estar
relacionada a la conformación del basamento por distintos terrenos alóctonos, Cuyania
bajo el sector oriental y Chilenia bajo el sector occidental (e.g., Ramos et al., 2004). Si
este fuera el caso, surge entonces la pregunta de cuán predominante es este control
sobre la isotopía de los magmas de Chile central en general. Esto es, aquellos
formados durante el Paleozoico y Mesozoico al oeste de la Cordillera Principal,

147
considerando que Chilenia constituye el basamento que predominaría en todo sector
chileno (Ramos et al., 2004). En este sentido, cabe destacar que para los Andes
Centrales se ha mostrado que el basamento ejerce una importante influencia en la
composición isotópica de los magmas (Mamani et al., 2010). Aún así, se debe notar que
esta influencia dependerá del grado de interacción con la litósfera profunda de los
magmas que ascienden desde la cuña astenosférica. Ello, a su vez, debiera estar
condicionado por el marco geodinámico global que enmarca la formación y evolución de
los magmas y el grosor de la corteza que estos atraviesan durante el ascenso.

En la Cordillera Principal occidental existe un amplio y abundante registro de

actividad magmática en un rango entre el Oligoceno inferior al Pleistoceno. Para este
sector, los datos de isotopía de Hf obtenidos en este trabajo junto con aquellos
publicados en el último tiempo (Montecinos et al., 2008; Deckart et al., 2010) han
permitido caracterizar, de manera relativamente continua, un rango de ~25 m.a. de
magmatismo respecto de este sistema isotópico, entre los ~28 y 4,8 Ma. A excepción
de las unidades de alrededor de ~15 Ma, la signatura isotópica de Hf de los magmas
durante este período permanece relativamente constante con valores de εHfI entre +5 y
+10. La única excepción al patrón descrito corresponde al intrusivo Yerba Loca (~15
Ma) que presenta valores más primitivos (εHfI: +9,2 a +15,3), incluso algunos cercanos
a los del Manto Empobrecido (εHf ~ +16). Coincidentemente, la unidad de ~15 Ma del
Batolito de San Francisco muestra también una tendencia a valores más primitivos
(εHfI: +12,4 a +8,5) respecto de la porción, más joven, de 11 Ma (εHfI: +8,8 a +7,0). La
formación puntual de magmas con una signatura comparativamente menos
evolucionadas a los 15 Ma ocurre simultáneamente con el inicio del desarrollo de la
Faja Plegada y Corrida del Aconcagua (e.g., Giambiagi & Ramos, 2002). En base a
esto, se ha inferido en este trabajo que un estado transiente de stress en la corteza
habría permitido un ascenso rápido de los magmas a través del dominio MASH de la
base de la corteza y que, por lo tanto, estos conservarían una signatura más primitiva.
Sin embargo, se debe notar que la composición isotópica del intrusivo Yerba Loca es
particular en tanto que cubre cerca de 6 unidades εHf. Sin más antecedentes sobre los
circones analizados, las inferencias hechas en base a la isotopía de este intrusivo
permanecen como especulativas.

Los registros de magmatismo en la Cordillera Principal oriental pueden trazarse

al menos desde los ~8 Ma, edad correspondiente al stock Río Negro, el intrusivo
cenozoico más antiguo identificado en este sector. Para esta porción de la cordillera, los
numerosos núcleos de circón heredados de edad Paleozoico del intrusivo Jeria
confirman la presencia de basamento paleozoico, bajo la cubierta mesozoica, como
aquel que constituye hacia el este la Cordillera Frontal. Más aún, ello destaca la
ocurrencia de procesos de contaminación cortical durante el ascenso de los magmas
emplazados en esta área. A pesar de lo anterior, en conjunto, las características

148
químicas de las unidades estudiadas sugieren que el carácter evolucionado de la
signatura isotópica (εHfI:-4 a +4; εNdI:0 a +3) es heredado de la fuente.

Clásicamente, se ha mostrado que el magmatismo cenozoico de Chile central

muestra una evolución de la composición isotópica de Sr-Nd hacia signaturas más
enriquecidas (e.g., Nyström et al., 1993, 2003; Kay et al., 2005), lo que contrasta con los
resultados obtenidos en isotopía de Hf en circones (Montecinos et al., 2008; Deckart et
al., 2010; este trabajo). Parte de esta dualidad puede tener su origen en que los
trabajos clásicos consideran todas las rocas ígneas cenozoicas en conjunto, sin
separarlas según la región morfoestructural donde se ubican ni la temporalidad de su
formación. Ambos aspectos, de acuerdo a los resultados obtenidos en este estudio, son
fundamentales en determinar la ocurrencia de rocas con signaturas isotópicas
enriquecidas. De este modo, el patrón de enriquecimiento isotópico responde, en parte,
a que las unidades jóvenes consideradas están mayoritariamente representadas por
stocks ubicados en la porción oriental de la Cordillera Principal, además de unidades
aisladas de la porción occidental que son posteriores al evento principal del alzamiento
andino.

El considerar los aspectos enunciados en el párrafo anterior reduce, pero no

elimina, el patrón de evolución hacia signaturas enriquecidas de Nd, un sistema
isotópico de comportamiento geoquímico equivalente al del Hf. Ambos conjuntos de
datos han sido tomados sobre muestras que no son directamente comparables, las
determinaciones de isotopía de Nd sobre roca total y aquellas de Hf sobre cristales
individuales y fusión total de cristales de circón. El circón es un mineral química y
físicamente resistente, por lo que los análisis isotópicos hechos sobre esta fase reflejan
más fielmente la composición isotópica primaria del magma a partir del cual han
cristalizado. Las determinaciones de isotopía de Nd hechas en roca total pueden estar
distorsionadas, en mayor o menor medida, por efectos de procesos secundarios de
alteración. Con la información disponible no es posible evaluar rigurosamente los
procesos involucrados en este aparente desacople de los sistemas isotópicos. Ello
puede hacerse en la medida que se realicen sistemáticamente en conjunto
determinaciones de isotopía de Hf y Nd, tanto en roca total como en concentrados de
minerales. En lo que respecta a la composición isotópica primaria de los magmas, las
determinaciones de isotopía de Hf en circones permanecen como un dato más fiable
dado que el sistema sobre el que se realizan es más robusto a los efectos de la
alteración.

Las rocas intrusivas del yacimiento El Teniente forman parte del magmatismo de
la Cordillera Principal occidental que define una signatura isotópica de Hf poco
enriquecida (εHfI: +8,4 a +6,1; promedio 7,4 ± 1,2 [2σ]), una característica heredada de
la zona MASH a partir de la cual ha evolucionado el magmatismo cenozoico en esta

149
área. Los cristales de circón de intrusivos del yacimiento muestran una serie de
características químicas, isotópicas, y de morfología y estructura cristalina que indican
la conservación de la impronta magmática. La ausencia de patrones de variación
composicional e isotópica a escala cristalina y entre unidades del yacimiento, y la
ausencia de núcleos heredados, entre otras consideraciones, descarta la ocurrencia de
procesos de contaminación cortical significativos a través de la evolución magmática.
Adicionalmente, esto indica que la signatura isotópica de Hf y O de los intrusivos de El
Teniente es una característica heredada de la fuente.

Cualquier modelo propuesto para explicar la formación de los magmas de El

Teniente debe tener en cuenta dos aspectos principales: (1) la nula diferencia que
presentan en la signatura isotópica de Hf respecto del magmatismo estéril precedente, y
(2) la evolución geodinámica cenozoica del margen continental de Chile central que
enmarca su formación. Según sugiere la primera de estas consideraciones, la fuente de
los magmas cenozoicos de la región no cambia significativamente respecto de la de
aquellos relacionados a mineralización. Con respecto a estos magmas en general, se
han propuesto distintos modelos genéticos que involucran la incorporación de
componentes específicos a la fuente astenosférica. Estos incluyen, principalmente,
fundidos derivados de la fusión de la losa oceánica (Oyarzún et al., 2001; Mungall et al.,
2002; Reich et al., 2003), aporte masivo de fluidos desde la misma (Sellés et al., 2006,
2010), y la incorporación, ya sea puntual o progresiva, de materiales corticales
derivados de la erosión por subducción del antearco (Stern & Skewes, 1995; Kay et al.,
2005; Stern et al., 2010). Estos procesos no parecen factibles para el caso de El
Teniente, ya que la incorporación de cualquiera de estos componentes, como un
elemento genético clave, debiera inducir una diferencia significativa de la signatura
isotópica de Hf de los magmas asociados a la mineralización respecto de aquellos
estériles. Más aún, la isotopía de O de los intrusivos de El Teniente, cuyo rango registra
tanto valores mantélicos como valores inferiores (δ18OZrc: 5,6 a 3,6‰; promedio 4,7 ±
1,0‰ [2σ]), argumenta contra la existencia en la fuente magmática de componentes que
hayan estado sometidos a alteración superficial. Se debe notar que estas
consideraciones no descartan la presencia de estos componentes en la fuente
astenosférica. Ellas más bien indican la pérdida de su registro en la composición de los
magmas que ascienden desde el manto, probablemente producto de los procesos a los
que estos están sometidos en el dominio MASH antes de proseguir su ascenso a través
de la corteza.

En la última década, varios autores han destacado la posibilidad de fusión de la

litósfera superior profunda, modificada por el magmatismo de arco, como un proceso
capaz de generar magmas relacionados a la mineralización de pórfidos de Cu±Mo±Au
(Kay & Mpodozis, 2001; Richards et al., 2009; Shafiei et al., 2009). En el contexto de
una corteza que sufre un progresivo engrosamiento, este proceso puede llevarse a

150
cabo mediante una reacción de fusión por deshidratación (Wolf & Wyllie, 1994; Sen &
Dunn, 1994). En términos generales, esta reacción está relacionada a la transformación
de los arreglos minerales de la base de la corteza de facies anfibolita a eclogita, como
respuesta al incremento de la presión y temperatura, y conlleva la generación de
fundidos silicatados hidratados. En este estudio se ha inferido que éste es un proceso
clave en la formación de los magmas de El Teniente. Ello se ha basado en la
homogeneidad de la signatura isotópica de Hf de los intrusivos de El Teniente respecto
del magmatismo estéril precedente, en conjunto con los aspectos magmáticos y
tectónicos de la evolución cenozoica de los Andes de Chile central. Durante este
período, gran parte del magmatismo desarrollado en el margen continental chileno fue
albergado en el área de la Cordillera Principal occidental. Particularmente, la formación
del yacimiento El Teniente (~6,5-4,8 Ma) está precedida por al menos ~25 m.a. de
abundante actividad. Es esperable que el establecimiento y evolución, al menos desde
el Oligoceno medio, de una zona MASH haya enriquecido progresivamente la base de
la corteza en cumulados máficos y agua (e.g., Jagoutz et al., 2007; Davidson et al.,
2007; Richards, 2009). De este modo, después de un período prolongado de
magmatismo, esta zona constituiría un reservorio fértil de donde extraer magmas
potencialmente mineralizadores en caso de ser fundida. En el contexto de la evolución
cenozoica de Chile central, dos procesos constituyen los principales factores para
promover una reacción de fusión por deshidratación: (1) el progresivo aumento del
espesor cortical (e.g., Charrier et al., 2002; Kay et al., 2005), que permite alcanzar el
campo de estabilidad del granate en la base de la corteza (> 10 kbar; Wolf & Wyllie,
1993, 1994; Sen & Dunn 1994; Rapp & Watson 1995), y (2) el arribo continuo y de larga
data de magmas a la base de la corteza, que induce una perturbación termal (Annen &
Sparks, 2002; Annen et al., 2006), y permite alcanzar las temperaturas necesarias para
que ocurra la reacción (Wolf & Wyllie, 1993, 1994; Sen & Dunn 1994; Rapp & Watson
1995). Finalmente, se debe notar que se ha modelado el fraccionamiento de isótopos
de O en una reacción de fusión por deshidratación. Los resultados obtenidos indican
que ésta es capaz de generar fundidos con una signatura isotópica de O deprimida
como aquella de las rocas intrusivas de El Teniente y, además, en el mismo rango
composicional.

Desde la propuesta original de procesos MASH de Hildreth & Moorbath (1988),

varios trabajos han modelado la dinámica de los procesos que derivan del arribo
continuo de magmas primarios a la base de la corteza en márgenes convergentes
(Petford & Gallagher, 2001; Annen & Sparks, 2002; Annen et al., 2006). Estos indican
que los magmas que ascienden a niveles medios y superiores de la corteza son
generados a partir de basaltos parentales ricos en H2O, estos generados a su vez tanto
por la cristalización de basaltos primarios como por la fusión de las rocas de caja que
los alojan durante esta diferenciación. Aún así, los resultados de estos modelos indican

151
que, en general, el componente de origen primario es predominante. En consideración
de estos resultados, el modelo genético inferido en este trabajo para los magmas de El
Teniente corresponde a un modelo mixto. En este escenario, el magmatismo
precedente puede considerarse ampliamente dominado por un componente primario,
derivado de la evolución de los magmas ascendientes del manto en la zona MASH. El
magmatismo asociado a El Teniente, en cambio, involucraría en mayor medida un
componente derivado de la fusión por deshidratación de este dominio. Esto deriva
principalmente de evolución geológica del margen, responsable de gatillar este proceso,
y está probablemente favorecido por la disminución del arribo de magmas primarios
como consecuencia de la progresiva migración del arco hacia el este. En un área del
margen continental bajo una misma evolución geológica, la generación de un
componente magmático a través de la fusión por deshidratación puede corresponder a
un proceso de escala regional y explicar, de este modo, la formación simultánea de
yacimientos. Aún así, este proceso debe ser considerado como favorable, pero no
exclusivo de la generación de los yacimientos de pórfido cuprífero ya que, como ha sido
ampliamente documentado en la literatura, numerosos otros procesos deben converger
aditivamente para la formación final de un depósito de este tipo.

152
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 ANEXO
Publicaciones presentadas a congresos
Tracing petrogenetic crustal and mantle processes in zircon crystals from
rocks associated with porphyry Cu-Mo deposits in the high Andes of
Central Chile: the El Teniente case study
Muñoz, M.*1, Charrier, R.,1, Maksaev, V.1, and Fanning, M.2
(1) Departamento de Geología, Universidad de Chile, Casilla 13518, Correo 21, Santiago,
Chile.
(2) Research School of Earth Sciences, Australian National University, Canberra ACT
0200, Australia.
* Presenting Author’s email: marmunoz@cec.uchile.cl

The magmatic genesis of the igneous rocks associated with porphyry copper
mineralization is a highly debated issue. Because, the essential components of a
mineralizing intrusive pulse (e.g., metals, water and sulphur contents) may be features
acquired from the source of the magma, or from the subsequent evolution during the
passage of the magma throughout the crust. Considering the complexity of the petrogenetic
processes involved, the study of these magmatic-hydrothermal systems must also regard the
spatial and temporal evolution of the magmatic arcs where these deposits developed.
In the high Andes of Central Chile, enormous porphyry Cu-Mo deposits are
characterized by multiple, superposed mineralization, hydrothermal alteration and
brecciation events involved in their extraordinary metal concentrations. The same processes
also obscured most primary textural, mineralogical, and chemical characteristics of the
intrusive rocks associated with mineralization, complicating the application of traditional
analytical methods for the petrological study of these rocks. Consequently, we are intending
to use more penetrative analytical techniques for getting insight into the primary chemical
characteristics of rocks regardless of their hydrothermal alteration.
Zircon is a common accessory mineral of felsic igneous rocks and this phase is
chemically and physically highly resistant, even at high temperatures. This constitutes an
advantage when working with rocks that have been subjected to one or more superposed
hydrothermal events that modified other primary characteristics of the rocks. Additionally,
this accessory phase concentrates a number of trace elements, such as REE, preserve the U-
Pb and Lu-Hf isotopic systems closed, and its oxygen isotopic signature remains
unchanged. Consequently, zircon crystals constitute sensitive tools for tracing petrogenetic
crustal and mantle processes of the rocks. A combination of micro-analytical techniques
such as BSE-CL (back scattered electron – cathode luminescence), SHRIMP (sensitive high
resolution ion microprobe), and LA-ICP-MS (laser ablation – inductively coupled plasma –
mass spectrometry) can be used to derive data from zircon crystals.
We are applying these micro-analytical techniques on zircons from rocks of El
Teniente porphyry Cu-Mo deposit and unmineralized intrusive rocks from the Late
Miocene – Pliocene magmatic arc, as part of the research carried out by the Anillo ACT-18
project. We expect to be able to determine changes and/or different degree of influences
exerted by the different components in the source or in the crust, which affected the
composition, evolution and spatial location of pre-, syn- and post-mineralization magmas,
and their relation with the global geodynamic context.

GEOSUR 2007: Abstract Volume, p.110, Santiago.

 7th International Symposium on Andean Geodynamics (ISAG 2008, Nice), Extended Abstracts: www-www

TRACING PETROGENETIC CRUSTAL AND MANTLE PROCESSES

IN ZIRCON CRYSTALS FROM ROCKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE EL
TENIENTE PORPHYRY Cu-Mo DEPOSIT IN THE HIGH ANDES OF
CENTRAL CHILE: PRELIMINARY RESULTS

Marcia Muñoz 1, Reynaldo Charrier 1, Victor Maksaev 1 & Mark Fanning 2

1
Departamento de Geología, Universidad de Chile, Casilla 13518, Correo 21, Santiago, Chile
(marmunoz@cec.uchile.cl)
2
Research School of Earth Sciences, Australian National University, Canberra ACT 0200, Australia

KEYWORDS: El Teniente, porphyry Cu-Mo deposit, zircon, in-situ analyses, Hf-isotopes

INTRODUCTION

The origin of the igneous rocks associated with porphyry copper mineralization is a controversial issue. The
critical components of a mineralizing intrusive pulse (e.g., metals, water and sulphur contents) may be features
acquired either from the source of the magma or from its subsequent evolution during ascent throughout the
crust. Therefore, an accurate petrogenetic framework is essential for understanding the evolution of mineralizing
porphyry magmas. The enormous porphyry Cu-Mo deposits of the high Andes of Central Chile are not an
exception. They are characterized by multiple, superposed mineralization, hydrothermal alteration and
brecciation events, which have greatly contributed to their
extraordinary metallic concentrations, but also obscured most of
the primary textural, mineralogical, and chemical characteristics
of the ore-bearing intrusive rocks. This fact complicates the
application of traditional analytical methods for the petrological
study of these igneous rocks. We have applied penetrative micro-
analytical techniques on intrusive rocks from El Teniente Cu-Mo
deposit for getting insight into their primary chemical
characteristics, despite the consequences of pervasive
hydrothermal alteration that characterizes these rocks.
Preliminary results are presented here, which are part of the
Ph.D. thesis project of the first author developed under the
research framework of the Anillo ACT-18 project.

Fig. 1: Main tectonic features of the Chilean

GEOLOGICAL BACKGROUND
The El Teniente porphyry Cu-Mo deposit is located in the high
Andes of Central Chile (34°23’S-71°35’W) 70 km southeast of
Santiago city (Fig. 1). It occurs within late Miocene extrusive and
intrusive igneous rocks, which are part of the Farellones
continental margin. The location of Juan
Fernandez Ridge, the volcanic gap separating
the Central Volcanic Zone (CVZ) and the
Southern Volcanic Zone (SVZ) are shown.
Additionally, the location of the Los Pelambres,
Río Blanco-Los Bronces and Teniente porphyry
Cu-Mo deposits which are part of the Miocene
to early Pliocene Cu belt of the Andes are
indicated with black squares.

ISAG 2008: Extended Abstracts, p. 357-360, Niza.

 7th International Symposium on Andean Geodynamics (ISAG 2008, Nice), Extended Abstracts: www-www

Formation (e.g.: Skewes et al., 2005) and is the southernmost economic porphyry deposit of the extensive
Miocene to early Pliocene Cu belt of the Andes. The resources plus production totals 94.35 Mt Cu, which makes
El Teniente the largest copper deposit in the world (Camus, 2003).
This supergiant Cu-Mo deposit is genetically related
to late Miocene-early Pliocene magmatic-
hydrothermal processes (e.g.: Howell & Molloy, 1960;
Cuadra, 1986; Skewes et al., 2005; Maksaev et al.,
2004). Most of the ore-bearing rocks correspond to
altered basaltic and andesitic host rocks and gabbroic
sills that are currently referred as El Teniente Mafic
Complex, and a number of felsic stocks and dikes
(e.g.: Skewes et al., 2005; Maksaev et al., 2004; Fig.
2). The whole lifespan of igneous activity at El
Teniente area can be roughly traced from at least 12.0
± 0.7 Ma, which is the oldest K-Ar age obtained for
the Farellones Formation (Kay et al., 2005) and up to Fig. 2: Distribution of main lithologic units within the El
40
3.85 ± 0.18 Ma which is the hornblende Ar/ Ar age39 Teniente Cu-Mo deposit at 4 LHD level (2,354 m). Location
of samples analyzed in this study, which were previously
for a postore andesite dike (Maksaev et al., 2004; Fig. dated by U-Pb SHRIMP (Maksaev et al., 2004), are
indicated with white diamonds.
2); whereas, hydrothermal mineralization developed
from 6.4 to 4.3 Ma according to combined U-Pb, 40Ar/39Ar, Re-Os and fission-track data (Maksaev et al., 2004).

ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES

In-situ geochronological, isotopic and compositional analyses on single Zircon

crystals

Zircon is a common accessory mineral phase of felsic igneous

rocks which concentrates significant amounts of trace elements,
including radiogenic elements, and is chemically and physically
highly resistant (e.g.: Watson, 1996). Its remarkable resistance to
high temperature diffusive re-equilibration allows it to preserve
unaltered its primary chemical signature and isotopic systems (e.g.:
Watson, 1996; Watson & Cherniak, 1997). These characteristics
make of zircon crystals sensitive tools for tracing petrogenetic
crustal and mantle processes of their host igneous rocks and are
particularly well suited for rocks that were subjected to one or more
Fig. 3: Cathode luminescence (CL) and
superposed hydrothermal alteration events that modified other reflected light (RL) images for analyzed
zircon crystals from the Dacite ring dike.
primary igneous characteristics of the rocks.
We have applied a combination of SHRIMP (sensitive high resolution ion microprobe), and LA-ICP-MS (laser
ablation – inductively coupled plasma – mass spectrometry) analytical techniques for in-situ determination of

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 7th International Symposium on Andean Geodynamics (ISAG 2008, Nice), Extended Abstracts: www-www

trace element (REE, Y, and Hf) and Ti contents, along with Hf and O isotopic signatures for individual zircon
crystals from igneous rocks of El Teniente Cu-Mo deposit (Fig. 3). These same zircon crystals have been
previously analyzed by back scattered electron–cathode luminescence (BSE-CL) and their U-Pb ages were
determined by SHRIMP analyses (Maksaev et al., 2004; Fig. 3). The samples correspond to five mineralized
intrusive bodies: the A porphyry, the Sewell stock, the northern and central quartz-diorite tonalite bodies, the
Teniente Dacite Porphyry and a dacite ring dike (Fig. 2).

PRELIMINARY RESULTS

All the analyzed zircons from the five studied intrusive bodies
show normalized REE concentration patterns typical of igneous
zircon. These are characterized by an enrichment of HREE
relative to LREE, with a steeply rise from LaN to LuN, and a
strong positive Ce-anomaly and a slight negative Eu-anomaly
(Fig. 4). The Eu-anomaly values are above 0.4 for zircons from
all felsic intrusive units, similar to the values reported for zircons
from intrusions associated with porphyry copper mineralization
Fig. 4: Chondrite normalized REE
in northern Chile (Ballard et al., 2002; Fig. 5). Additionally, the concentration diagram for all analysis. Colored
area shows the field covered by all the analyses,
Ce-anomaly appears to evolve towards higher values from the
and the individual patterns obtained from zircon
oldest to the youngest intrusive unit of El Teniente (Fig. 5). This crystals of the Teniente Porphyry are shown in
individual black lines as an example.
pattern could be associated with an increase of the oxygen
fugacity with time of the overall magmatic system; but a more detailed approach is still required to further
evaluate this hypothesis, similar to that applied by Ballard et al. (2002) taking in consideration the actual valence
state of Ce.
Geothermometry based on Ti concentration in zircon crystals (Watson et al., 2006) indicates a temperature of
the igneous solidus between 770º-580ºC (Fig. 5). The data scattering within individual units produces some
overlap in the temperatures obtained for each intrusion. However, there is a global decrease in this parameter
from the oldest unit represented by the A porphyry to the youngest ore-bearing dacite ring dike (Fig. 5),
consistent with progressive waning of igneous activity within the orebody.

Fig. 5: Average Ce and Eu anomalies, and Tº per unit sampled. Numbers inside error ellipses correspond to: (1) A
porphyry, (2) Central quartz-diorite tonalite, (3) Sewell stock, (4) Northern quartz-diorite tonalite, (5) Teniente Dacite
Porphyry, (6) Dacite ring dike. Error ellipses are constructed over 1σ error level from the mean in the y-axis and 2σ error
level from the U-Pb age obtained for each unit. Ce* = (LaN*PrN)1/2; Eu* = (SmN*GdN)1/2.

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All samples have high initial 176Hf/177Hf ratio and

positive a εHf(i) whose values range from 6.2 to 8.5
and fall between the silicate earth and depleted
mantle (Fig. 6). There are no distinct differences
among the analyzed igneous units (Fig. 6). These
characteristics, along with the almost null presence
of inherited zircon or zircon cores, are consistent
with a common magmatic system originating the
different intrusive pulses for which the high εHf(i)
values indicate a strong mantle signature with little
or no interaction of the magmas with upper crustal
evolved rocks. Crustal residence time estimated
through Hf isotopic compositions have a minimum
limit of around 300 my (TDM) and a crustal model
age of around 550 my (TDMc; average felsic
continental crust 176Lu/177Hf = 0.015; Fig. 6). These
Fig. 6: Upper image shows the mean εHf(i) obtained for each
characteristics of the Hf isotopic system point to the unit versus age. Error ellipses and symbols as in Fig. 5. Lower
image shows as a green circle the field defined by all initial
subcontinental lithospheric mantle or the lower 176
Hf/177Hf ratios obtained in the analyzed samples versus age
and the models for the evolution of the CHUR (blue) and the
crust as the source of the intrusive pulses of the El
depleted mantle (red).
Teniente deposit.

References
Ballard, J., Palin, M., & Campbell, I., 2002. Relative oxidation states of magmas inferred from Ce(IV)/Ce(III) in zircon:
application to porphyry copper deposits of northern Chile. Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology 144: 347-364.
Camus, F., 2003. Geología de los Sistemas Porfíricos en los Andes de Chile. Servicio Nacional de Geología y Minería, 267
p.
Cuadra, P., 1986. Geocronología K-Ar del yacimiento El teniente y áreas adyacentes. Revista Geológica de Chile 27: 22-54.
Howell, F.H., & Molloy, J.S., 1960. Geology of the Braden orebody, Chile, South America. Economic Geology 55: 863-905.
Kay, S.M., Godoy, E., & Kurtz, A., 2005. Episodic arc migration, crustal thickening, subduction erosion, and magmatism in
the south-central Andes. Geological Society of America Bulletin 117: 67-88.
Maksaev, V., Munizaga, F., McWilliams, M., Fanning, M., Mathur, R., Ruíz, J., & Zentilli, M., 2004. New Chronology for
El Teniente, Chilean Andes, from U-Pb, 40Ar/39Ar, Re-Os, and Fission-Track Dating: Implications for the Evolution of a
Supergiant Porphyry Cu-Mo Deposit. In Sillitoe, R.H., Perelló, J., Vidal, C.E. (eds): Andean Metallogeny: New
Discoveries, Concepts and Updates, Society of Economic Geologists, SEG Special Publication 11: 15-54.
Skewes, A., Arévalo, A., Floody, R., Zuñiga, P., & Stern, Ch., 2005. The El Teniente Megabreccia Deposit, the world´s
largest cooper deposit. In Porter, T.M. (ed): Super Porphyry Copper & Gold Deposits: A Global Perspective, PGC
Publishing, Adelaide 1: 83-113.
Watson, E.B., 1996. Dissolution, growth and survival of zircons during crustal fusion: kinetic principles, geological models
and implications for isotopic inheritance. In Transactions of Royal Society of Edinburgh: Earth Sciences 87: 43-56.
Watson, E.B., & Cherniak, D.J., 1997. Oxygen diffusion in zircon. Earth and Planetary Science Letters 148: 527-544.
Watson, E.B., Wark, D.A., Thomas, J.B., 2006. Cristallization thermometers for zircon and rutile. Contributions to
Mineralogy and Petrology 148: 471-488.

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XII Congreso Geológico Chileno
Santiago, 22-26 Noviembre, 2009

Source constraints of the El Teniente porphyry Cu-Mo

magmas: Hf-O isotopic composition from single zircon crystals

Muñoz, M. 1, Charrier, R.1, Maksaev, V. 1, Fanning, M. 2, Deckart, K. 1

(1) Departamento de Geología, Facultad de Ciencias Físicas y Matemáticas, Universidad

de Chile, Plaza Ercilla 803, Santiago, Chile
(2) Research School of Earth Sciences, Australian National University, Canberra ACT
0200, Australia

marmunoz@ing.uchile.cl

Introduction

In order to see through the pervasive hydrothermal alteration that characterizes the
intrusive rocks from El Teniente Cu-Mo deposit (Fig. 1) we have applied a variety of
micro-analytical techniques to obtain and insight into their primary chemical and isotopic
characteristics. These unique techniques correspond to a combination of SHRIMP U-Pb
and O isotope analyses, and LA-ICP-MS Hf signatures in-situ on single zircon crystals
respectively. The remarkable resistance to high temperature diffusive re-equilibration of
this mineral allows it to preserve, mostly unaltered its primary chemical signature and
isotopic systems [1]. Thus, these methods are particularly suited for studying these
characteristics on altered rocks such as those in the El Teniente deposit.
Preliminary results on Hf-O isotopic compsition of felsic porphyries from the deposit are
herein presented. Analyzed samples belong to five mineralized intrusive bodies: the A
porphyry, the Sewell stock, the northern and central quartz-diorite tonalite bodies, the
Teniente dacite porphyry and a dacite ring dike (Fig. 2). The U-Pb ages of the same
zircon crystals had been previously analysed by SHRIMP [2].

Geological Background

The El Teniente porphyry Cu-Mo deposit is located in the high Andes of Central Chile
(34°23’S-71°35’W) 70 km southeast of Santiago city (Fig. 1). The deposit is emplaced
within late Miocene extrusive and intrusive igneous rocks, which are part of the
Farellones Fm and is the southernmost economic porphyry deposit of the extensive
Miocene to early Pliocene Cu belt of the Andes. The resource plus production totals
94.35 Mt Cu, which makes El Teniente the largest copper deposit in the world [3]. This

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XII Congreso Geológico Chileno
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supergiant Cu-Mo deposit is genetically related to late Miocene-early Pliocene magmatic-
hydrothermal processes [2]. Most of the ore-bearing rocks correspond to altered basaltic
and andesitic host rocks and gabbroic sills (El Teniente Mafic Complex), and a number of
felsic stocks and dikes [3] (Fig. 2). The whole lifespan of igneous activity in El Teniente
area can be roughly traced from at least 12.0±0.7 Ma (K-Ar age in Farellones Fm [4])
until 3.9±0.2 Ma (hornblende 40Ar/39Ar age for a post-ore andesite dike [2]; Fig. 2);
whereas, hydrothermal mineralization developed from 6.4 to 4.3 Ma according to
combined U-Pb, 40Ar/39Ar, Re-Os and fission-track data [2].

Hf-O Isotopes

All samples have high initial 176Hf/177Hf ratios and positive εHf(i) with values ranging
from +6.2 to +8.5 (Fig. 3). There are no distinct differences among the analyzed igneous
units (Fig. 3). These characteristics, along with the almost null presence of inherited
zircon or zircon cores, are consistent with a common magmatic system originating the
different intrusive pulses for which the high εHf(i) values record a relatively juvenile
source. Crustal residence times have a minimum limit of ~300 my (TDM) and a crustal
model age of ~550 my (TDMC; average felsic continental crust 176Lu/177Hf =0.015; Fig. 3).
All samples range individually in δ18OZrc between values higher than 3.6‰ and up to
5.3±0.3‰ (Fig. 4), which is the range defined by zircon in isotopic equilibrium with
peridotitic mantle [5]. Within-sample variation is less than 1.7‰. The δ18OZrc analyses
show no correlation between the obtained values and the corresponding U-Pb age, Hf
isotopic composition or internal structure of the analyzed crystals (core/rim). The
distribution of δ18OZrc towards values lower than the normal zircon mantle value might be
a primary feature of felsic porphyries, the result of hydrothermal zircon recrystallization,
or a consequence of hydrothermaly altered wall rock assimilation. This situation is
currently under study. However, zircon still records that the intrusive units are primarily
mantle derived magmas and place strict limits to any interaction of them, or their sources,
with rocks or materials that have experienced low temperature and/or surficial processes.

Discussion

According to tha data presented here, the El Teniente intrusive units have Hf-O isotopic
characteristics that indicate a strong mantle signature. Hf Depleted Mantle model ages
greater than 300 my suggest an enriched nature for the magmatic source. The
subcontinental lithospheric mantle or the lower crust constitute reservoirs with such a
signature that are chemicaly likely to be the source of El Teniente deposit magmas.
Alternatively, as it has been proposed, a component derived from the erosion of the
continental margin and brought to the asthenospheric mantle during subduction can also
account for such a signature [6]. This process has also been considered as responsible for

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XII Congreso Geológico Chileno
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the Miocene to Pliocene evolution to more enriched signatures shown by the El Teniente
region magmatic rocks [4,6].
Lately published data on Hf isotopic composition of Oligocene to Pliocene magmatic
rocks in Central Chile [7,8], along with the data presented here, show overall that there is
a limited variation in the Hf signature over time. Although upper Miocene to Pliocene
rocks show an evolution towards enriched compositions, which could be accounted by
subduction erosion, they define a range overlapping that defined by Oligocene–lower
Miocene igneous rocks. This does not rule out subduction erosion as an additional
component in the source of the El Teniente magmatic units, but indicates that the main
control on the isotopic signature, and hence the source enrichment, has probably been
buffered at the subcontinental lithospheric mantle or the lower crust.
The O isotopic signature places tight constraints on the nature and amount of the
subduction components that can be incorporated into the El Teniente magmatic units
source. For example, since this signature is that of a zircon in isotopic equilibrium with
peridotitic mantle it allows only a limited addition of subducted sediments (<2.7%, 15‰
[9]) in order to reproduce an enrichment in the source that is not higher than the
analytical uncertainty resolvable by the analyses undertaken here (0.4‰, 1σ). This rules
out any extensive transfer of water and/or sedimentary derived components carried by the
subducted slab to the mantle source of the El Teniente magmas.

This study is part of the Ph.D. thesis project of the first author which is developed under the research framework and
with funding from the Anillo ACT Nº18 project. Additional funding by the Departamento de Postgrado y Postítulo de
la Vicerrectoría de Asuntos Académicos, Universidad de Chile, is gratefully acknowledged.

Fig. 1: Main tectonic features of the Chilean continental margin. Fig. 2: Distribution of main lithologic units within the El
Location of the Juan Fernández Ridge and the volcanic gap Teniente Cu-Mo deposit at 4 LHD level (2,354 m). Location of
separating the Northern Volcanic Zone (NVZ) from the Southern samples analyzed in this study, which were previously dated by
Volcanic Zone (SVZ) are shown. Location of the Los Pelambres, U-Pb SHRIMP [2], is indicated by white diamonds.
Río Blanco-Los Bronces and El Teniente porphyry Cu-Mo
deposits which are part of the Miocene to early Pliocene Cu belt
of the Andes is indicated with black squares.

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XII Congreso Geológico Chileno
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Fig. 3: εHfI obtained for each unit versus their U-Pb Fig. 4: Histogram of δ18OZrc values for all studied intrusive units. Range
age. for zircon in isotopic equilibrium with peridotitic mantle after [5].

References
[1] Watson, E.B., Cherniak, D.J. (1997). Oxygen diffusion in zircon. Earth and Planetary
Science Letters, vol. 148, 527-544.
[2] Maksaev, V., Munizaga, F., McWilliams, M., Fanning, C.M., Mathur, R., Ruiz, J.,
Zentilli, M. (2004). New chronology for El Teniente, Chilean Andes, from U-Pb,
40
Ar/39Ar, Re-Os, and fission-track dating: implications for the evolution of a supergiant
porphyry Cu-Mo deposit. Society of Economic Geologists Special Publication, vol. 11,
15-54.
[3] Camus, F. (2003). Geología de los Sistemas Porfíricos en los Andes de Chile.
Servicio Nacional de Geología y Minería, 267 p.
[4] Kay, S.M., Godoy, E., Kurtz, A. (2005). Episodic arc migration, crustal thickening,
subduction erosion, and magmatism in the south-central Andes. Geological Society of
America Bulletin, vol. 117, 67-88.
[5] Valley, J.W., Kinny, P., Schulze, D.J., Spicuzza, M.J. (1998). Zircon megacrysts from
kimberlite: oxygen isotope variability among mantle melts. Contributions to Mineralogy
and Petrology, vol. 133, 1-11.
[6] Stern, C.R., Skewes, A. (2005). Origin of Giant Miocene and Pliocene Cu-Mo
deposits in Central Chile: Role of ridge subduction, decreassed subduction angle, and
long-lived, batholit size, open-system magma chambers. In: Super Porphyry Coper &
Gold Deposits: A Global Perspective. PGC Publishing, Adelaide, vol. 1, 65-82.
[7] Montecinos, P., Schärer, U., Vergara, M., Aguirre, L. (2008). Lithospheric Origin of
Oligocene-Miocene Magmatism in Central Chile: U-Pb Ages and Sr-Pb-Hf Isotope
Composition of Minerals. Journal of Petrology, vol. 49, 555-580.
[8] Deckart, K., Godoy, E., Bertens, A., Jeréz, D., Saeed, A., (In press). Barren Miocene
granitoids in the central Andean metallogenic belt, Chile: Geochemistry and Nd-Hf and
U-Pb isotope systematics. Andean Geology.
[9] Eiler, J.M. (2001). Oxygen isotope variations in basaltic lavas and upper mantle
rocks. Reviews in Mineralogy and Geochemistry, vol. 43, 319-364.

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