[FISH] Hervé Rezeau (MIT)

“The Giant and Recently Discovered Filo del Sol Cu–Au–Ag Deposit, Central Andes: Characteristics, Genesis and Implications”

Abstract: As the world moves toward carbon-neutral, renewable energy sources, the forecast demand for critical and precious metals such as copper and silver is rapidly increasing. These metals are predominantly sourced from porphyry–epithermal deposits, making these systems highly attractive targets for mineral exploration. In this context, the recent discovery of the giant Filo del Sol Cu-Au-Ag deposit in the Central Andes is significant for the global metal supply. However, understanding where and how high-grade metal zones form remains challenging, yet crucial for resource evaluation and extraction planning.

In this presentation, I will integrate the first detailed field and petrographic observations with in-situ elemental and isotopic analyses of sulfides and sulfates from the main exploration targets at Filo del Sol. The results reveal a complex distribution of Cu-Au-Ag mineralization styles across the deposit while providing key spatial and temporal constraints on the evolution of ore-forming fluid conditions and sources. Ultimately, this knowledge has important implications for expanding mineral exploration in the district and offer opportunities to consider new mineral processing strategies.

Friday Informal Seminar Hour —

Postdoc-run seminar series within the Earth Resources Laboratory (ERL). Features talks by ERL members as well as special guests from academia and the energy industry on topics including seismology, geothermal energy, carbon sequestration, machine learning for geophysics, multiphase flow, subsurface imaging, and uncertainty quantification.

Contact: fish_seminar_organizers@mit.edu