Structural evolution of the Hemlo greenstone belt in the vicinity of the world-class Hemlo gold deposit
A complex history of volcano-sedimentary deposition, polyphase strain, multiple intrusive events, and various stages of porphyroblastesis is indicated for the Hemlo gold deposit area within the Hemlo greenstone belt. Structural elements can be assigned to at least six stages of development (D1D6). D1 generated small-scale folds and low-angle faults (thrusts?) with no planar fabric, except within strain aureoles around the earliest intrusions. D2 was a progressive event resulting from northeast-directed compression, which generated regional, predominantly S-shaped folds (early D2); penetrative planar and linear fabrics, overturned stratigraphy, and formation of an inflection in the strike of the greenstone belt (mid-D2); and development of high-strain zones with dominant sinistral and local dextral shear sense (late D2). D3 was a distinctly separate progressive event resulting from northwest-directed transpression, which generated variably penetrative east- to northeast-striking foliation (S3), ductile de...