RECOGNIZING PORPHYRY COPPER POTENTIAL FROM TILL ZIRCON COMPOSITION: A CASE STUDY FROM THE HIGHLAND VALLEY PORPHYRY DISTRICT, SOUTH-CENTRAL BRITISH COLUMBIA

Abstract The detrital zircons in tills overlying the Guichon Creek batholith, British Columbia, Canada, have trace element concentrations and ages similar to those of from bedrock samples which they are interpreted been sourced. Rocks core batholith that host porphyry copper mineralization distinct zircon compositions relative distal, barren margin. We analyzed 296 separated 12 subglacial till obtain U-Pb compositions. Laser ablation overlap within error with chemical abrasion-thermal ionization mass spectrometry Late Triassic confirm likely derived batholith. youngest intrusions produced Highland Valley Copper deposits contain distinctive elevated Eu/EuN* >0.4 attributed high magmatic water contents oxidation states, indicating higher potential. Zircon adjacent 9 km down-ice mineralized centers mean >0.4, indicative potential mineralization. Detrital grains more distal up- locations (10–15 km) values 0.26 0.37, reflecting background values. conclude glacial sediments transported several kilometers can be used establish regional for