Copper Mineralisation Potential of Proterozoic Adakitic Rocks of Mangalur-Gundlupet Crustal Corridor, the Southern Part of the Western Dharwar Craton - Inferences from Epidote Mineral Chemistry

ABSTRACT This study evaluates the mineralisation potential of Proterozoic adakitic plutons from the Elimala and Markanje regions within the Mangalur-Gundlupet Crustal Corridor (MGCC) of the Western Dharwar Craton (WDC). Both plutons exhibit high-pressure crystallisation (13–14.4 kbar in Elimala; upto 38.5 kbar in Markanje), elevated water contents (6.5–7 wt% in Elimala; 10.4–11.9 wt% in Markanje), and oxidising conditions—favourable indicators for porphyry copper fertility. The widespread occurrence of magmatic epidote, confirmed through textural and compositional criteria, further supports high-pressure, hydrous, and oxidised magmatic conditions. These features collectively suggest that both plutons represent fertile magmatic systems, with the Markanje pluton being particularly promising as a target for exploration. Future work should focus on sulphide phase characterisation, palaeo-depth constraints on hydrothermal systems, and structural-geophysical integration. Detailed magnetotelluric and gravity surveys combined with field-based structural mapping are recommended to identify potential fluid pathways and magmatic emplacement zones. These findings represent a significant step towards understanding the fertility of ancient adakitic intrusions in cratonic settings and highlight the potential of the MGCC for porphyry-style Cu ± Au mineralisation.