Using Tellus data to enhance targeting of volcanogenic massive sulphide mineralisation in the Tyrone Igneous Complex

The Tyrone Igneous Complex of Northern Ireland has been a target for base and precious metal exploration since the 1970s. Historic exploration was hampered by poor exposure and consequently a limited understanding of the local geology. Extensive new field mapping, utilising the high-resolution Tellus geophysical survey, coupled with U-Pb zircon geochronology and whole-rock geochemistry, has greatly improved our understanding of the complex and its potential to host volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) mineralisation. Targeting of Tellus and historic, geochemical and geophysical anomalies along VMS prospective stratigraphic horizons has identified new mineral occurrences and areas for further exploration. A correlation has been made with the Buchans–Robert’s Arm arc system of Newfoundland, host to numerous economic deposits.