June Waihi tech talk: Sinter in hydrothermal systems

Join the New Zealand Branch for their tech talk on Sinter in hydrothermal systems in Bowentown, Waihi Beach!

About this event

Modern epithermal gold exploration in New Zealand consists of identifying blind systems, as most of the outcropping vein systems have long been discovered. Knowing where you are in the epithermal system is vital for drill targeting. Sinter occurs at the surface of the epithermal system, indicating that there may be gold mineralisation at depth. However, true sinter is difficult to identify, as vein features elsewhere in the epithermal system can look similar to sinter. Being able to identify the textures of true sinter is therefore important for mineral exploration.

This talk will focus on what sinter deposits tell us about the history of the hydrothermal system and why careful distinction of true sinter from its many mimics is important for mineral exploration. Our speaker, Barbara Lyon, will discuss how we distinguish sinter and interpret the paleoenvironmental history recorded in its textures through comparisons with modern environments. Barbara will also talk about the other side of sinter research as it relates to astrobiology and (potentially) finding evidence of past life on Mars.

Join us at Bowentown, Waihi Beach, to find out more!