Geochemistry of S, Cu, Ni, Cr and Au-PGE in the garnet amphibolites from the Akom II area in the Archaean Congo Craton, Southern Cameroon

Abstract

The fresh and weathered garnet amphibolites, from the Akom II area in the Archaean Congo Craton, were investigated to determine the S, Cu, Ni, Cr, and Au-PGE values. The garnet amphibolites are composed of amphibole, plagioclase, garnet, quartz, and accessory apatite, spinel, sericite, pyrite, chalcopyrite and non-identified opaque minerals. The presence of apatite, sericite, and two generations of opaque minerals suggests that they might be affected by hydrothermal alteration. They are characterized by moderate Al2O3, Fe2O3, CaO, V, Zn, and Co contents with negative Eu- and Ce-anomalies. The sulfur concentrations are variable (380–1710ppm). According to the sulfur contents, amphibolites can be grouped into two: amphibolites with low contents, ranging between 380 and 520ppm (av.=457ppm); and amphibolites with elevated contents, varying from 1140 to 1710ppm (av.=1370ppm). Amphibolites contain contrast amounts of Cu (∼1800 to 5350ppm) while nickel contents attain 121ppm. Chromium contents vary from 43 to 194ppm. Sulfur correlates positively with Cu and Cr, but negatively with Ni and Ni/Cr ratio. The total Au-PGE contents attain 59ppb.The presence of amphibole and feldspars confirms the low degree of amphibolite weathering. The secondary minerals are constituted of kaolinite, gibbsite, goethite and hematite. Despite the accumulation of some elements, the major and trace element distribution is quite similar to that of fresh amphibolites. Nevertheless, the weathering processes lead to the depletion of several elements such as S (239–902ppm), Cu (520–2082ppm), and Ni (20–114ppm). Chromium and Au-PGE show an opposite trend marked by a slight enrichment in the weathered amphibolites. Amidst the Au-PGE, Pd (60ppb) and Pt (23ppb) have elevated contents in the fresh rocks as well as in the weathered materials. The PPGE contents are much higher than IPGE contents in both types of materials. The Pd/Pt, Pd/Rh, Pd/Ru, Pd/Ir, Pd/Os, and Pd/Au values indicate that Pt, Rh, Ru, Ir, Os and Au are more mobile than Pd. Chondrite-normalized base metal patterns confirm the abundance of Pd and the slight enrichment of Au-PGE in weathered rocks. Palladium, Rh and Ir are positively correlated with S. Conversely Pt and Ru are negatively correlated with S and Au is not correlated with S. Despite the high and variable S and Cu contents, the garnet amphibolites possess low Au-PGE and other base metals contents.