Gold mineralization associated with low temperature basinal brines in Connemara, western Ireland

Fluids inclusion studies suggest that the gold mineralization occurring in a silica-rich fault zone in Silurian rocks at Bohaun in Connemara, western Ireland is associated with low temperature, moderate–high salinity fluids more consistent with a basinal brine than an orogenic gold lineage. This contrasts with other gold deposits in western Ireland that are typically orogenic in mineralization style. Remobilisation of pre-existing gold mineralization by low-temperature, highsalinity brines is recognised in a number of gold deposits worldwide. However, at Bohaun there is no evidence for earlier mineralization suggesting that low-temperature fluids can transport gold and potentially form gold deposits independent of other fluids.