2004 Denver Annual Meeting (November 7–10, 2004)

Paper No. 12
Presentation Time: 8:00 AM-12:00 PM

ECONOMIC GEOLOGY OF THE DRIPPING SPRINGS AREA, SAN CARLOS APACHE INDIAN RESERVATION, CENTRAL ARIZONA


VALOROSE, Christopher P., Department of Geology and Geological Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO 80401, MANYDEEDS, Stephen A., Division of Energy & Mineral Resources Management, Bureau of Indian Affairs, 12136 W. Bayaud Ave., Suite 300, Lakewood, CO 80228, HITZMAN, Murray W., Chair, National Research Council Committ on Induced Seismicity Potential and Dept. Geology & Geological Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO 80401 and STEVENS, John, San Carlos Apache Tribe, San Carlos, AZ 85550, cvaloros@mines.edu

The Dripping Springs copper prospect on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation contains weak, vein-related Cu-Au mineralization and unexplained geophysical anomalies which suggest the presence of a buried porphyry copper target. Geological mapping and re-examination of geochemical and geophysical data lead to the siting of five diamond drill holes to test the area’s potential. The drilling did not detect a porphyry copper system. Drilling results indicate that the geophysical anomalies can be explained by previously unrecognized structural displacement of the Precambrian and Paleozoic sequence along post-Laramide, high-angle normal faults. The low-angle structures previously interpreted in the area appear not to be present. The drilling did locate potentially important water resources. Mapping has confirmed the presence of significant aggregate and limestone resources in the Dripping Springs area.