Faulting West of Mount Isa Mine

FaulIing west of the Mount Isa mine is described and is shown to be related to three groups of folds that have been recognized in the area. The first period of faulting postdates the first generation folding; these faulIs are regional faults (tectonic discontinuities) which are folded by second generation folds. The faulting accompanying the second generation folding divides the area west of the Mount Isa mine into four structurally and metamorphically identifiable blocks. The most prominent of these second generation faults is the Mount Isa Fault, which is characterized by a number of distinct zones of intense second generation folding and the presence of localized layers of mylonite. Only limited evidence for brittle deformation has been observed and the major movement appears to be associated with the plastic deformation of the rocks. Confined to the areas of second generation folding in the Mount Isa Fault are numerous third generation kink folds. A detailed description of the Mount Isa and other faulIs is presented together with evidence for their existence. The displacement accompanying this faulting cannot be established because of the complexity of the structure.Postdating these faults and all the folding of the area are minor cross faults.