Plavica epithermal Au–Ag–Cu deposit in eastern Macedonia: Geology and 3D model of valuable component distribution in ore

Abstract

The Plavica Au–Ag–Cu deposit is related to the large Neogene volcanic center, which complicates the paleocaldera in the central Kratovo–Zletovo ore district of eastern Macedonia. Based on the geology, ore mineralogy, wall-rock alteration, and fluid inclusions, the Plavica deposit has been referred to the epithermal high-sulfidation type. The general 3D model of orebody at this deposit is based on its general geological structure and complex distribution of metal contents. The framework of the 3D model, which has been constructed in the ArcGIS System, comprises 195 exploration boreholes 47295.8 m in total length. The 3D model allows to a better understanding of distribution of mineralization and supplements the geological data on the deposit.