The use of lithogeochemistry in delineating hydrothermal fluid pathways and vectoring towards gold mineralization in the Malartic district, Quebec

•Mass change calculations are used to evaluate the magnitude and spatial distribution of the metasomatic processes in the Malartic gold district.•A statistical method based on Z-score calculations is employed to constrain the magnitude and extent of the lithogeochemical haloes.•Ore-associated pathfinder elements (e.g., W, Te and Ag) outline broad enrichment patterns that extend several kilometers laterally from the Canadian Malartic deposit.•Molar element ratio analysis is a reliable method for assessing the mineralogical controls on alkali metasomatism.•Whole-rock lithogeochemistry provides a valuable tool with which to define vectors toward gold mineralization in a regional exploration context.