Layered Mafic–Ultramafic Intrusions of Fennoscandia: Europe's Treasure Chest of Magmatic Metal Deposits

Abstract

Northeastern Fennoscandia hosts a rich diversity of mafic-ultramafic intrusions of variable shape and size, emplaced in different tectonic regimes over a period spanning ca. 600 million years (from 1.88 – 2.5 Ga). Several of the bodies contain world-class ore deposits, notably the Kemi Cr deposit and the Pechenga Ni deposits. Other deposits include Ni and Cu at Kevitsa, Kotalahti and Sakatti, V at Koillismaa, and platinum-group elements at Portimo and Penikat. These deposits constitute important resources to shield Europe from potential future supply shortages of key industrial metals.