Geology, mineralization, geochemistry, and petrology of monzodioritc dikes in Hatamabad copper occurrence, northeast of Qaen

The Hatamabad prospect area is located in northeast of Qaen, South Khorasan Province and in northeast of Lut block. The geology of area consists of volcanic rocks with basalt- andesite composition and sedimentary sequences (mudstone, limestone, and conglomerate) with Paleocene-Eocene age that monzodioritic dikes were intruded in them. Monzodioritic dikes have high-k calc-alkaline and metaluminous nature and have formed in subduction zones. All units were affected by silicification, carbonate, sericitic, and propylitic alteration zones. Mineralization in this area occurred with NW-SE trending, 70º SW dipping, and ~4 m thickness as vein-veinlet. It is hosted by andesite and conglomerate. Primary minerals are pyrite and chalcopyrite and secondary minerals are malachite, chalcocite, azurite, covellite, hematite, goethite, and bornite that accompanied with carbonate and sericite alteration zones. Results of geochemical exploration show high levels anomalies of Cu (maximum 4.19%) in the vein and content of other elements such as Au, Pb, Zn, Ag, As, and Bi is low. The mineralization form, structural control, type and distribution of alterations and geochemical anomaly indicate the mineralization is epithermal-type. Monzodioritic dikes had no role in the mineralization and intrusions at depth is probably responsible for alteration and mineralization in the Hatamabad area.