The role of gypsum in Cu-Co ore genesis within the Upper Miocene Boleo deposit of the Santa Rosalía Basin, Baja California Sur, México

This dissertation presents research on the geology, mineralization, and fluid evolution of the Boleo deposit in the Santa Rosalía basin, focusing on the role of evaporite bodies and fault networks in cobalt mineralization. The lithofacies description and sedimentological analysis of Boleo gypsum in Arroyo Boleo reveal a meromictic continental basin environment with cyclic deepening and shallowing trends driven by tectonic subsidence and marine incursions. Mineralization at the top of clastic sediments and the base of gypsum cycles indicates coeval deposition of evaporites and ores. The study identifies segmented normal fault arrays as feeder zones for metal-enriched hydrothermal fluids, with subsurface gypsum bodies acting as halogen suppliers. These feeders exhibit distinct metal tonnages and ratios, indicating proximity to the source. The dissertation also examines the physicochemical characteristics of fluids in the Boleo deposit, proposing a brine pool model with a magmatic fluid source for metals. The intricate zoning of metals indicates variations in major and trace metal composition within ore bed sediments, influenced by brine fluids and hydrothermal fluids. The research points out the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and continued research efforts to improve our understanding of gypsum deposits for industrial use and to optimize their benefits.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy)

Level thesis:degree_level

Doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Engineering (UMKC)

Grantor

University of Missouri-Kansas City

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Salgado Munoz, Valente O.

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Niemi, Tina M.
• Chen, ZhiQiang

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10355/108742

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:mospace.umsystem.edu:10355/108742