Model ages and applied whole rock geochemistry of silver-lead-zinc veins, Keno Hill-Galena Hill mining camp, Yukon Territory

A detailed methodology has been devised and tested for establishing metal zoning patterns in and about oreshoots within the plane of Ag-Pb-Zn veins of the Keno Hill - Galena Hill mining camp, Yukon, using whole rock vein geochemistry of run-of-mine samples. These ideal metal distribution patterns are easily interpretable in more classical zoning terms as mineral distribution patterns. To establish a zoning model samples that span a wide range of grades are rearranged in order of decreasing silver contents. The resulting "rearranged" profiles for other elements are then evaluated relative to silver. Computer-based curve fitting methods are useful means of generalizing these "rearranged" metal profiles. The foregoing procedure has been used to develop a general model for the Keno Hill - Galena Hill camp based on analytical results from 3 main deposits (Keno, Husky, No Cash) including 6 veins. Essential character of the model is embodied in analyses of Ag, Pb, Zn, and Ca and the Zn/Ag ratio. Additional but in cases ambiguous detail is added to the model by Hg, and Co and/or Ni analyses. These elements allow vein mineralogy to be monitored in a quantitative manner and provide a practical zoning model that can be used as an exploration, tool in evaluating underground workings for proximity to oreshoots in the more than 60 deposits known in the camp. A companion study involving whole rock K-Ar age determinations of small stockwork zones adjacent to Ag-Pb-Zn veins indicated an age of mineralization of about 87±2 Ma. for the Ag-Pb-Zn veins.

Data and Resources

Additional Info

Field Value
Last Updated April 17, 2026, 21:10 (UTC)
Created April 17, 2026, 21:10 (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