ANDCHRON : Andean geochronology and metallogenesis. Final report for the Overseas Development Administration Research and Development Project on the application of geochronology, isotope geology and fluid inclusion studies to understanding the geological evolution of the Southern Andes and the setting and formation of metallic ore deposits therein

A multidisciplinary project was carried out in an attempt to improve understanding of the evolution and inter-relationship of magmatism and metalliferous mineralization in the central and southern Andes. This has involved the co-ordinated application of geochronology, radiogenic and stable isotope geology, and fluid inclusion studies to both regional and specific magmatic and metallogenic occurrences throughout the area. A brief introduction to the principles and application of these techniques is given. Rb-Sr whole-rock geochronology (supplemented by K-Ar dating carried out in Chile) and Sr isotope methods have been used extensively, especially in Chile, where there was little previous data of this type, to elucidate the evolution of the Andean margin in space and time. Regional mineralization studies encompass sulphur and lead isotopes as well as geochronology. Finally, all techniques has been jointly applied in two case studies based on specific previous metal deposits.

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