Determination of the potential of şenköy (Simav, Kütahya) low sulphidation epithermal au deposit

The presence of gold mineralization in Şenköy (Simav, Kütahya) has been identified for the first time in this study. The mineralization is located approximately 15 km from Simav district. The study area is underlain by the Precambrian-aged Kalkan Formation, which represents the oldest rock group in the region. This formation is unconformably overlain by other units and represents a significant tectonic feature. Unconformably overlying the Kalkan Formation are the Paleozoic-aged Simav Metamorphics. The observed unconformity between the Simav Metamorphics and the Kalkan Formation highlights extensive deformation processes and the influence of different tectonic settings in the region. Another lithological unit in the study area is the Paleozoic-aged Arıkaya Formation, which is also observed unconformably overlies both the Kalkan Formation and the Simav Metamorphics. The Middle-Upper Miocene-aged Civanadağ Tuffs, which host quartz vein zones and silicifications, are of particular importance for the gold mineralization in the region. All these units are intruded by the Akdağ Volcanics, which have been dated to the Miocene. Overlying the Civanadağ Tuffs is the Middle-Upper Miocene-aged Kızılbük Formation. Gold mineralization, preserved and protected in corrosion-resistant zones within this formation, occurs at the base. Float materials from low-sulfidation quartz vein zones is widespread in the study area. These quartz vein floats exhibit open-space, bladed, comb, crystalline, sugary, brecciated, colloform, crustiform, calcedonic and massive textures. They are enriched in Au, As, and Fe anomalies.