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Ground magnetic surveys conducted in Suyoc, Mankayan, Benguet led to the delineation of features related to epithermal and porphyry copper targets in the area. High reduced to equator (RTE) anomalies are observed in areas with epithermal mineralization. The high RTE anomalies are attributed to hydrothermally altered rock with quartz veins. The previously recognized porphyry copper prospect in Palasaan (Mohong Hill) is characterized by low RTE anomaly surrounded by a high RTE anomaly. One explanation for this signature is the possible presence of a magnetic core and the destruction or absence of magnetite in the alteration haloes at the periphery of a porphyry prospect. Areas such as Mangga and Liten exhibit the same magnetic signatures. This distinct magnetic pattern coupled with observed alteration and mineralization signatures led to the interpretation of prospective blind porphyry deposits in these localities. Results of the study reveal the applicability of ground magnetic data in characterizing and extracting a potential area of mineralized zones at a regional scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Late Cretaceous Pandan Formation in Cebu Island is one of the oldest sedimentary units in the Central Philippines. The inconsistencies in geological descriptions and interpretation of the depositional environment of the Pandan Formation complicated efforts to determine the origin and tectonic history of the basement of Cebu Island. This study therefore looks into the petrological and geochemical characteristics of the Pandan Formation and their implications for the tectonic development of the Philippine Arc during the late Mesozoic. Petrographic analyses indicate significant contribution from mafic sources with additional inputs from felsic rocks, siliciclastics and metamorphic sources. Enrichment of detrital quartz from felsic volcanic and plutonic rocks, as well as from siliciclastic and metamorphic sources, has shifted the SiO2 composition of the Pandan clastics from a mafic to a more intermediate source. Whole‐rock geochemical analyses revealed low SiO2/Al2O3 = 4.21, low K2O/Na2O = 1.16, low Th/Sc = 0.13, low Th/U = 2.78, high La/Th = 4.51, significantly low REEs = ca 76.45 ppm and low LaN/YbN = 4.28. A slight negative chondrite‐normalized Eu/Eu* (0.91) anomaly and significantly high PAAS‐normalized positive Eu/Eu* (1.39) values are consistent with derivation from a young undissected magmatic arc terrane. Tectonic discrimination diagrams suggest formation in an oceanic island arc to active margin/collision zone modelled to be located at the oceanic leading edge of Australia. Rapid uplift and erosion of the magmatic arc and older allochthonous blocks gave way to the rapid deposition of the Pandan Formation in the Late Cretaceous at the subequatorial region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Northwestern Ilocos Norte in Luzon, Philippines, exposes cherts, peridotite and a variety of metamorphic rocks including chlorite schist, quartzo-feldspathic schist, muscovite schist and actinolite schist. These rocks are incorporated within a tectonic mélange, the Dos Hermanos Mélange, which is thrust onto the turbidite succession of the Eocene Bangui Formation and capped by the Upper Miocene Pasuquin Limestone. The radiolarian assemblages constrain the stratigraphic range of the cherts to the uppermost Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous. Stratigraphically important species include Eucyrtidiellum pyramis ( Aita), Hiscocapsa acuta ( Hull), Protunuma japonicus ( Matsuoka & Yao), Archeodictyomitra montisserei ( Squinabol), Hiscocapsa asseni ( Tan), Cryptamphorella conara ( Foreman) and Pseudodictyomitra carpatica ( Lozyniak). The radiolarian biostratigraphic data provide evidence for the existence of a Mesozoic basinal source from which the cherts and associated rocks were derived. Crucial to determining the origin of these rocks is their distribution and resemblance with known mélange outcrops in Central Philippines. The mélange in the northwestern Ilocos region bears similarities in terms of age and composition with those noted in the western part of the Central Philippines, particularly in the islands of Romblon, Mindoro and Panay. The existence of tectonic mélanges in the Central Philippines has been attributed to the Early to Middle Miocene arc-continent collision. This event involved the Philippine Mobile Belt and the Palawan Microcontinental Block, a terrane that drifted from the southeastern margin of mainland Asia following the opening of the South China Sea. Such arc-continent collision event could also well explain the existence of a tectonic mélange in northwestern Luzon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Zambales Ophiolite Complex (ZOC) on the island of Luzon, Philippines is one of the most well-studied crust-mantle sequences in the region. Several massifs comprise the ZOC, one of which is the Coto Block overlain by clastic sedimentary units previously dated as Eocene. Geochronologic studies from diabase, granodiorites and other late-stage magmatic products similarly yielded the same age. Succeeding tectonic models have therefore all been grounded on the assumption that the entire ZOC is Eocene. Recent investigations, however, revealed the presence of chert blocks within the Early to Middle Miocene clastic formation overlying the Acoje Block in the northern part of the ophiolite complex. Radiolarians extracted from the cherts yielded a stratigraphic range that suggests a Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous age. The recognition of a much older age than previously reported of the ZOC warrants a re-examination of its actual distribution and genesis. Correlating with other similarly-aged ophiolites, we suggest defining a western Mesozoic ophiolite belt, largely extending from the west-central portion of the archipelago to the northeastern tip of Luzon island. Tentatively, we attribute the Mesozoic ophiolitic and associated rocks in western Luzon to an arc-continent collision involving the Philippine Mobile Belt and the Palawan Microcontinental Block. In addition, differences in the clastic compositions of the Cenozoic sedimentary formations provide material not only for deciphering the ZOC’s unroofing history but also for constraining the timing of province linkage. The intermittent appearance of lithic fragments and detrital minerals from the ophiolite in the units of the Middle Miocene Candelaria Limestone and the Late Miocene to Early Pliocene Sta. Cruz Formation indicates significant but geographically variable contributions from the ophiolite complex. In the northern Zambales Range, the Sta. Cruz Formation caps the Coto Block and the Acoje Block of the ZOC, providing a minimum age for their amalgamation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Zambales Ophiolite Complex (ZOC) in the western portion of Luzon Island, Philippines represents a typical exposure of an emplaced crust-upper mantle section of an ancient lithosphere. The ZOC is divided into the Acoje and Coto Blocks based on petrological, geochemical and age disparities, thus implying diverse and complex origins for the archipelago's lithospheric sources. We used gravity and magnetic data to reveal differences in the subsurface characteristics of the two ophiolite blocks for the first time. Low Bouguer gravity (<135 mGal) and magnetic (<69 nT) anomalies characterize the ophiolitic units in the Acoje Block whereas high Bouguer gravity (>150 mGal) and magnetic (>110 nT) anomalies typify the Coto Block. Such contrasting signatures further extend at greater depths which reflect the disparities in the crustal density, the basement structure, and the depth to Moho. Petrophysical characteristics such as density, magnetic susceptibility and natural remanent magnetization (NRM) intensities correlate well with the interpreted Bouguer gravity and magnetic anomalies. Densities of gabbros and peridotites from the Acoje and Coto Blocks reveal mean values ranging from 2640 to 2810 kg m-3 and 2570 to 2690 kg m-3, respectively. Magnetic susceptibility (>4.43 × 10-3 SI) and NRM (>0.69 A m-1) data are also generally higher over the Coto Block. Both Bouguer gravity and magnetic anomaly maps reveal a prominent steep gradient that potentially marks the structural contact between Acoje and Coto Blocks. We further infer that the steep anomaly gradient validates the presence of the Lawis Fault Zone which separates the two ophiolite blocks in the Masinloc Massif. Recent field evidence from rock exposures in Coto reveals both right lateral and vertical displacements along the fault zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first reliable palaeomagnetic data from the Cretaceous to Eocene ophiolitic basement rocks in the Philippines are presented. A total of 12 drill core sites from five localities in the Central Cordillera in northern Luzon, Philippines were sampled. Eight drill core sites were from pillow basalts, and four were from diabase feeder dykes. Combining the characteristic remanent magnetization direction from these sites gives a mean in situ direction of Dec = 162.2°, Inc =−21.4° (α95= 17.0°, k= 21.1) and a tilt-corrected direction of Dec = 159.3°, Inc =−12.5°, α95= 6.0°, k= 162.5. Along with other lines of palaeomagnetic evidence, this clustering suggests that the magnetization is primary and that the ophiolitic basement rocks of the Central Cordillera formed at subequatorial latitudes (6.3°N ± 3.1°). This information further suggests that the basement rocks of northern Luzon were formed close to where the island was during the early Cenozoic. These rocks could represent relicts of the proto-Philippine Sea Plate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alternating chert–clastic sequences juxtaposed with limestone blocks, which are units typical of accretionary complexes, constitute the Buruanga peninsula. New lithostratigraphic units are proposed in this study: the Unidos Formation (Jurassic chert sequence), the Saboncogon Formation (Jurassic siliceous mudstone–terrigenous mudstone and quartz-rich sandstone), the Gibon Formation (Jurassic(?) bedded pelagic limestone), the Libertad Metamorphics (Jurassic–Cretaceous slate, phyllite, and schist) and the Buruanga Formation (Pliocene–Pleistocene reefal limestone). The first three sedimentary sequences in the Buruanga peninsula show close affinity with the ocean plate stratigraphy of the North Palawan terrane in Busuanga Island: Lower–Middle Jurassic chert sequences overlain by Middle–Upper Jurassic clastics, juxtaposed with pelagic limestone. Moreover, the JR5–JR6 (Callovian to Oxfordian) siliceous mudstone of the Saboncogon Formation in the Buruanga peninsula correlates with the JR5–JR6 siliceous mudstone of the Guinlo Formation in the Middle Busuanga Belt. These findings suggest that the Buruanga peninsula may be part of the North Palawan terrane. The rocks of the Buruanga peninsula completely differ from the Middle Miocene basaltic to andesitic pyroclastic and lava flow deposits with reefal limestone and arkosic sandstone of the Antique Range. Thus, the previously suggested boundary between the Palawan microcontinental block and the Philippine Mobile Belt in the central Philippines, which is the suture zone between the Buruanga peninsula and the Antique Range, is confirmed. This boundary is similarly considered as the collision zone between them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of adakites has been used as an indicator for the occurrence of gold mineralization in many mineral prospecting works. Traditionally, the unique geodynamic controls to adakite formation, particularly the high temperature gradient and other slab-melting requirements, have been taken as key elements that must be present during their formation. However, several studies have suggested alternative mechanisms. This paper presents fractional crystallization as the most viable mechanism for the generation of adakitic rocks in the Masara gold-silver mine in Eastern Mindanao, Philippines. Furthermore, this paper also argues that the occurrence of adakitic rocks does not necessarily indicate the presence of mineralization. Depending on the scale, their occurrence may be an exploration marker at a regional or district level, but at the mine-level, other more localized parameters will have to be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Remnants of a Cretaceous lithosphere are found at the peripheries of the West Philippine Basin. These Mesozoic fragments preserve arc affinity and include the Amami Plateau, the East Halmahera Ophiolite and the ophiolites along the eastern margin of the Philippine archipelago. The eastern margin of the Philippines is composed of Early to Late Cretaceous ophiolites and ophiolitic complexes that exhibit strong subduction imprints. The early Late Cretaceous Samar Ophiolite in the central Philippines forms part of this eastern belt. Recent surveys in southern Samar revealed the presence of peridotites, gabbros, and massive and pillowed flows of the Samar Ophiolite. Major, trace and rare earth element signatures of the volcanic rock samples indicate moderate to strong subduction-related influences and formation in an island arc setting. In contrast to other similarly-aged ophiolites along the eastern margin of the archipelago, those to the north of Samar Island exhibit weak to almost mid-oceanic ridge characteristics. These differences in the geochemical signatures of the ophiolites and ophiolitic complexes along eastern Philippines require a re-evaluation of a previous model suggesting that these ophiolites originated from a single oceanic lithosphere, possibly the proto-Philippine Sea Plate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cenozoic sedimentary sequences of southern Samar Island in eastern Philippines were examined to understand the unroofing history of an ancient arc terrane. Petrographic and geochemical data revealed varying degrees of inputs from the ophiolite basement and differences in modal compositions. The sedimentary units are mostly made up of lithic fragments. The Late Oligocene to Early Miocene Daram Formation contains more chert and volcanic fragments whereas the late Middle Miocene to Early Pliocene Catbalogan Formation is dominantly composed of ultramafic components. These variances are correspondingly reflected in the geochemical signatures of these two sedimentary formations. The Catbalogan Formation clastic rocks have higher volatile-free MgO and Fe 2 O 3 values (average: 8.4% for both oxides) compared to the Daram Formation samples (average: 5.1 and 6.3%, respectively). Geochemical variations are also reflected in the Co, Cr and Ni values: the Catbalogan Formation samples reflect higher concentrations (Co: 15–57 ppm; Cr: 231–1094 ppm; Ni: 84–484 ppm) compared to the Daram Formation samples (Co: 24–32 ppm; Cr: 234–418 ppm; Ni: 212–323 ppm). These observations suggest that the Daram Formation eroded and transported more of the crustal portions of the ophiolite, while the younger Catbalogan Formation represents a later exhumation and subsequent erosion of the ultramafic section. An oceanic island arc (OIA) setting is proposed for the two formations based on several tectonic discrimination diagrams (e.g., Th-La-Sc, La vs. Th). The OIA signature is further supported by their smooth chondrite-normalized rare earth element (REE) patterns with no obvious Eu anomaly as well as LREE enrichment which are typical of sediments deposited in OIA setting. Based on the dominantly ophiolitic provenance of the Daram and Catbalogan formations, the post-emplacement history of the nearby Samar Ophiolite is constrained during the Late Oligocene to Early Pliocene period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the first field, geochemical and geophysical information on the recently recognized Early Cretaceous Balud Ophiolitic Complex (BOC) in the island of Masbate in the Central Philippines. Mapping of the western limb of the island revealed that only the upper crustal section of the BOC is exposed in this area. Geochemically, the pillow basalts are characterized by transitional mid-oceanic ridge basalt-island arc tholeiitic compositions. Gravity surveys yielded low Bouguer anomaly values that are consistent with the highly dismembered nature of the BOC. Short wavelength, high amplitude magnetic anomalies registered across the study area are attributed to shallow magnetic sources. This is taken to support the model that the ophiolitic complex occurs as thin crustal slivers that are not deeply-rooted in the mantle. Comparing BOC with other ophiolites in the Central Philippines, such as those in the islands of Sibuyan, Leyte and Bohol, suggests the possibility of a common or contiguous source for similarly-aged and geochemically composed crust-mantle sequences in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Samar island in the eastern part of Central Philippines is underlain by a complete ophiolite suite, the Samar Ophiolite. We present the first geochronological and paleomagnetic data for the Samar Ophiolite. Whole rock K–Ar dating of two basalt samples yielded an age of 100.2 ± 2.7 Ma and 97.9 ± 2.8 Ma. Thirteen sites in four localities yielded characteristic remanent magnetization with in situ direction of D = 340°, I = − 24°, k = 15, α95 = 11° and tilt-corrected direction of D = 342°, I = − 27°, k = 15, α95 = 11°. These values suggest that the ophiolitic basement rocks of Samar formed in the Late Cretaceous at a paleolatitude of 14°S ± 6°. The paleolatitude is several degrees south of the sub-equatorial positions calculated for the three other Mesozoic ophiolites of the Philippine Mobile Belt (PMB) whose paleomagnetism had been previously studied. The PMB ophiolites in eastern and central Philippines share a common age, geochemistry and paleolatitude with the Halmahera Ophiolite, suggesting that they originated from a Mesozoic supra-subduction zone that spanned a few degrees north of the equator to around 15°S. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Offshore and ground gravity data were utilized to estimate crustal thickness across the Central Philippines where a transition from continental to island arc terrane occurs. Significant differences in gravity anomalies were observed between the Palawan Microcontinental Block (PCB) and the Philippine Mobile Belt (PMB), two major terranes that came together through arc-continent collision. Islands of the PCB (Mindoro, Tablas, Romblon, Sibuyan and western Panay), made up of an assortment of continent-derived sedimentary and igneous rocks and slivers of ophiolitic bodies, register lower Bouguer anomalies compared to that displayed by Masbate Island in the PMB. The calculated crustal thickness of this region exhibits a complex Moho topography of non-uniform depth across the collision zone with the thickest parts (∼32 km) corresponding with ophiolitic units emplaced consequent to arc-continent collision. On the other hand, relatively thinner crust (∼21 km) within the collision zone coincides with areas surmised to have undergone attenuation following intra-arc rifting. The same characteristics are observed offshore of western Mindoro and within the Marinduque Basin, areas known to have experienced crustal thinning following regional tectonic rearrangements that triggered riftings and intra-basin openings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Whole-rock geochemical analysis of samples from the clastic sequences in Northwestern Panay revealed different compositional ranges for the Buruanga Peninsula and Antique Range. The results provide additional evidence that Northwestern Panay consists of two distinct terranes as a result of the arc-continent collision between the Palawan Microcontinental Block and the Philippine Mobile Belt. Major element compositions of clastic rocks from the Buruanga Peninsula (Saboncogon Formation) revealed that they belong to a continental margin tectonic setting whereas the Antique Range sedimentary rocks (Lagdo Formation) show an affinity to an oceanic island arc setting. The Fragante Formation of the Antique Range shows some similarities in tectonic setting and provenance with Buruanga Peninsula clastic rocks, which suggests a Buruanga Peninsula sediment contribution during its time of formation. Furthermore, provenance analyses from combined major and trace element data indicate a more silicic source for the Buruanga Peninsula clastics and a more mafic derivation for the sedimentary rocks of the Antique Range. These findings are consistent with previous studies suggesting that the Buruanga Peninsula forms part of the Palawan Microcontinental Block and the Antique Range belongs to the Philippine Mobile Belt. The Palawan Microcontinental Block is believed to be a drifted continental fragment from the Mesozoic East Asian accretionary complex in the southern part of the Eurasian mainland, which represents the continental margin setting and felsic source of the Buruanga Peninsula clastic rocks. Meanwhile, the oceanic island setting and mafic source of the Antique Range clastic rocks represent the volcanic rocks of the Philippine Mobile Belt that were formed as a result of the subduction of the leading oceanic edge of the Palawan Microcontinental Block. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Cu-Au deposition is related to calc-alkaline and adakitic magmas with high fO2. • Deposits in Baguio and Pacific Cordillera are Miocene to Plio-Pleistocene. • Crustal thickening and bathymetric high subduction contribute to mineralization. The Baguio Mineral District in Luzon, Philippines is known to host several world-class epithermal gold – porphyry copper deposits. The interplay of tectonic setting, magma composition, structural control and hydrothermal systems contributed to the generation of these deposits. Ridge subduction (Scarborough seamount) resulting to flat subduction and a transpressional regime could also be related to the formation of epithermal gold - porphyry copper deposits in Baguio. Subduction processes leading to the formation of calc-alkaline rocks associated with high water pressure, oxygen fugacity and late sulfur saturation are almost always associated with the gold-copper deposits in the district. Compared to the Baguio Mineral District, less exploration work, mine development and production were done in the Pacific Cordillera Mineral District, Mindanao in southern Philippines. It is worth noting, however, that both mineral districts show similarities and overlapping features in terms of geological, geophysical and geochemical characteristics. This leads one to conclude that the Pacific Cordillera Mineral District has ore deposits waiting to be discovered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]