Curiplaya Project
Local Geology
The Curiplaya area is underlain by the Cretaceous-aged calc-alkaline volcanics-porphyritic andesites, tuffs, and breccias, and intercalated sediments of the Pinon and Celica formations. These rocks are intruded by the Tangula Batholith (Cretaceous) as well as younger quartz-diorite porphyries emplaced along north-east bearing by sinistral faults. Gypsum/anhydrite veins are common and widespread across the surrounding district.
Both the Pinon and Celica formations are considered to be predominantly of marine origin and consist of a thick succession of massive, homogeneous, grayish-green andesitic lavas and tufts, with sporadic dacitic volcanics. The formations are considered to be remnants of a volcanic-arc developed along an active continental margin or aborted marginal basin. Both formations are affected by very low-grade (sub-greenschist facies) metamorphism.