Abstract
The Epilchik Ural-Alaskan type mafic-ultramafic zoned complex, located in the northernmost part of the Koryak-Kamchatka Platinum Belt (Russian Far East), contains lode platinum mineralization. The outcrops of the complex are crossed by the Snegovaya River, which hosts placer platinum-group minerals (PGM) occurrences. The primary PGM assemblage of the Epilchik lode chromitites is typical for Ural-Alaskan type complexes, dominated by Ir-rich isoferroplatinum which occurs as small euhedral inclusions within chromite. Secondary alloys include tetraferroplatinum (PtFe), tulameenite (Pt2FeCu), an unnamed Fe3Pt compound, and Pt-bearing native iron, which form alteration rims around isoferroplatinum or occupy fractures in chromite. Other secondary minerals from lode chromitites are hollingworthite (RhAsS) and Os-Fe alloy (“hexaferrum”). The PGM assemblages of the Snegovaya River placer occurrences are comparable with those of the lode chromitites with a predominance of Ir-rich isoferroplatinum and secondary alloys, including tetraferroplatinum, tulameenite, and an unnamed Fe3Pt compound. However, placer occurrences are much richer in regard to mineral diversity, comprising native osmium (Os,Ir), native iridium (Ir,Os), laurite (RuS2), erlichmanite (OsS2), cuprorhodsite (CuRh2S4), cuproiridsite (CuIr2S4), Co-malanite (Cu(Pt,Co)2S4), unnamed sulfides Rh3S4, (Rh,Pt)S, sperrylite (PtAs2), platarsite (PtAsS), irarsite (IrAsS), hollingworthite (RhAsS), osarsite (OsAsS), cooperite (PtS), native gold, unnamed telluride (Pt2Te), and an unnamed Fe-Ir-Rh alloy. Similarities between lode and placer mineralization indicate that the Epilchik complex was the dominant source for the placers. The larger diversity of PGM in placers may be attributed to the heterogeneity of samples which could be derived from unsampled or unexposed outcrops of the complex. Alteration of isoferroplatinum to secondary intermetallic compounds occurred via progressive development of reduced conditions as a result of serpentinization. Subsequent pervasive As-mineralization redistributed platinum-group elements, including Os and Ir. A final mineralizing pulse deposited sporadic native gold and Pt telluride minerals. A comparison of key mineralogical and physical features between the Epilchik complex and other Ural-Alaskan type complexes is used to determine the economic potential for placers along the Snegovaya River. Key criteria include (1) the size and degree of erosion of the outcrop area of the complex; (2) the predominance of isoferroplatinum over native platinum; (3) high Ir content in Pt-Fe alloys; and (4) the predominance of secondary intermetallic compounds over sulfides. Based on these criteria, the occurrences associated with the Epilchik complex are considered prospective for high volume and economic grade accumulations of PGE. This method is useful for assessing the economic potential of placer occurrences during indirect early-stage prospecting with a limited sample suite.
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