The Plavica Cu–Au deposit in Macedonia is hosted by Oligo-Miocene, calc-alkaline, volcanic rocks. Vein-type and disseminated mineralisation is dominated by pyrite, together with sulphides and sulphosalts of copper, zinc and arsenic. Alteration of the volcanic rocks is intense and consists of advanced argillic alteration in association with massive silica replacement bodies; these overly zones of sericitic alteration. Fluid inclusions and oxygen isotopes suggest that the mineralisation formed at temperatures around 200–250°C from dilute fluids with a mixed magmatic–meteoric provenance. These fluids underwent periodic boiling at depths of ∼400 m. The presence of saline and CO2-rich fluids suggests the occasional, direct input of magmatic fluid. Based on the mineralogy, alteration and fluid characteristics, Plavica represents a high sulphidation, epithermal deposit. Although the deposit is currently considered uneconomic, the close magmatic association suggests a porphyry Cu deposit may be present at depth.
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