Adding geochemical rigor to the general basin-scale genetic model for sediment-hosted stratiform copper mineralization

The hematitic pigment of footwall redbeds associated with sediment-hosted stratiform copper deposits was formed during the same oxidizing diagenetic alteration event that released copper from those footwall sediments. In other words, deep basin waters are not equilibrated to the moderately oxidizing levels (needed to transport copper in low-temperature brines) upon entering previously existing footwall redbeds. The only plausible moderately-oxidizing solution capable of transporting copper within the footwall aquifers is a descending, topography-driven meteoric water which evolved into a brine by assimilation of evaporitic brines or salts.