1. Mineral Resources
  2. Online Spatial Data
  3. Alaska Resource Data File (ARDF)

Veleska-South

Occurrence, Inactive

Map
KML
XML
GeoJSON

Commodities and mineralogy

Main commodities Ag; Cu; Pb; Zn
Other commodities Bi; Cd
Ore minerals chalcopyrite; galena; pyrite; pyrrhotite; sphalerite
Gangue minerals epidote; quartz

Geographic location

Quadrangle map, 1:250,000-scale MG
Quadrangle map, 1:63,360-scale B-2
Latitude 62.349
Longitude -153.64
Nearby scientific data Find additional scientific data near this location
Location and accuracy The Veleska-South occurrence is located in a steep canyon near the head of Tin Creek, about 300 feet (91 m) below the snout of an active rock glacier at an elevation of 3,300 feet (1,006 m) in the NE1/4 sec. 13, T. 26 N., R. 24 W., of the Seward Meridian. The occurrence is about 5 miles (8 km) south of Veleska Lake. The reporter investigated the Veleska-South occurrence in 1981.

Geologic setting

Geologic description

At the Veleska-South occurrence, thin, 0.5 to 1 inch thick seams and stockworks of pyrrhotite, pyrite, chalcopyrite and galena cut nearly flat lying, subaerial andesite and basalt flows of the Late Cretaceous (65 Ma) Veleska Lake volcanic field (Bundtzen, Kline, and Clough, 1982; Bundtzen, Harris, and Gilbert, 1997). Northwest-trending, porphyro-aphanitic, granodiorite dikes that cut the Late Cretaceous volcanics carry disseminated sulfides and may be genetically related to the stockwork mineralization. Nearby stream cobbles contain pyrrhotite with a trace of chalcopyrite and sphalerite. A major northeast trending, high angle fault that cuts the Dillinger subterrane and younger Veleska Lake volcanic field is juxtaposed against the western edge of the Veleska Lake occurrence; this structure may have developed a tensional environment suitable for sulfide stockwork formation.
Principle sulfide mineralization consists of massive pyrrhotite and pyrite, and disseminated galena and sphalerite, and a trace of chalcopyrite. Reed and Elliott (1968, C 586) reported that selected samples contained up to 2.00 percent lead, 1.00 percent zinc, and 0.15 percent copper. Bundtzen, Kline, and Clough (1982) reported that a grab sample of nearly massive pyrrhotite contained 0.05 percent copper, 0.47 percent lead, 0.55 percent zinc, and 0.21 ounces/ton silver. Smith and Albanese (1985) reported that a grab sample of sulfide-bearing mineralization near the Veleska-South occurrence contained 0.06 percent copper, 0.84 percent lead, 1.65 percent zinc, 0.40 ounces/ton silver, and 110 ppm cadmium.
Geologic map unit (-153.642224767364, 62.348391788008)
Mineral deposit model Polymetallic vein (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 22c).
Mineral deposit model number 22c
Alteration of deposit Metasomatic replacement (Ca).

Production and reserves

Workings or exploration Only surface sampling has been conducted at the Veleska-South occurrence. Reed and Elliott (1968, C 596) reported that selected samples contained up to 2.00 percent lead, 1.00 percent zinc, and 0.15 percent copper. Bundtzen, Kline, and Clough (1982) reported that a grab sample of nearly massive pyrrhotite contained 0.05 percent copper, 0.47 percent lead, 0.55 percent zinc, and 0.21 ounces/ton silver. Smith and Albanese (1985) reported that a grab sample sulfide-bearing mineralization near the Veleska South occurrence contained 0.06 percent copper, 0.84 percent lead, 1.65 percent zinc, 0.40 ounces/ton silver, and 110 ppm cadmium.
Indication of production None
Reserve estimates None.

References

MRDS Number A015031

References

Bundtzen, T.K., Harris, E.E., and Gilbert, W.G., 1997, Geologic Map of the eastern McGrath quadrangle, Alaska: Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys Report of Investigations 97-14, 34 p., 1 sheet, scale 1:125,000.
Bundtzen, T.K., Kline, J.T., and Clough, J.G., 1982, Preliminary geologiy of the McGrath B-2 quadrangle, Alaska: Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys Open-File report 149, 22 p., 1 sheet, scale 1:40,000.
Cobb, E.H., 1972, Metallic mineral resources map of the McGrath quadrangle, Alaska: U.S. Geological Survey Miscellaneous Field Studies Map MF-379, 1 sheet, 1:250,000 scale.
Cobb, E.H., 1976, Summary of references to mineral occurrences (other than mineral fuels and construction materials) in the Iliamna, Lake Clark, Lime Hills, and McGrath quadrangles, Alaska: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 76-485, 101 p.
MacKevett, E.M., Jr., and Holloway, C.D., 1977, Map showing metalliferous mineral deposits in the western part of southern Alaska: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 77-169-F, 38 p., 1 sheet, scale 1:1,000,000.
Reed, B.L. and Elliott, R.L., 1968, Geochemical anomalies and metalliferous deposits between Windy Fork and Post River, southern Alaska: U.S. Geological Survey Circular 569, 22 pages.
Smith, T.E., and Albanese, M.D., 1985, Preliminary prospect examinations in the McGrath A-2, A-3, and B-2 quadrangles, Alaska: Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys Public Data File 85-54, 19 p.
Reporters T.K. Bundtzen (Pacific Rim Geological Consulting)
Last report date 11/6/1998