Sediment-hosted disseminated gold occurrence, northeast Mayo Lake area

Low to moderate levels of gold are widely distributed within a distinct member of the Mississippian Keno Hill Quartzite northeast of Mayo Lake, demonstrating characteristics of sediment-hosted disseminated gold deposits. Alteration is pervasively developed within a 20m-thick, moderately dipping quartzite interval that can be traced along strike for 4 km. The unit is distinct in texture and appearance due to the effects of hydrothermal alteration. The altered sandstone is highly porous due to secondary leaching (decalcification), producing a friable unit. Also striking is the bleached white appearance (decarbonatization), which contrasts with the dark grey to black of unaltered graphitic quartzite. Sericite and illite are widespread secondary products of the alteration, and trace amounts of pyrite have been largely oxidized into rusty streaks. Abundant, regular, steep, northeast-striking, vuggy quartz veins are stratabound to the porous interval along its entire length - likely resulting from in-situ hydrofracturing due to elevated pore fluid pressure.

Data and Resources

Additional Info

Field Value
Last Updated April 17, 2026, 17:51 (UTC)
Created April 17, 2026, 17:51 (UTC)
contact_email eservices@gov.yk.ca
contact_person {"en": "Yukon Geological Survey", "fr": "Yukon Geological Survey"}
criticality_level []
data_dictionary []
geographic_scope []
open_canada_collection federated
open_canada_date_published 2011-04-04 00:00:00
open_canada_keywords {"en": ["ygs-import", "ygs-import-20250711", "ygs-publications", "yukon-geological-survey"], "fr-t-en": ["importation d'ygs", "ygs-import-20250711", "publications de l'YGS", "enquête géologique du yukon"]}
open_canada_subject ["science_and_technology"]
sensitivity_level unrestricted
title_fr
update_frequency unknown