Ore Zone Research Articles

Magma Degassing andGoldMineralizationinthe Alkaline Intrusion- HostedGiltEdgeGoldDeposit,NorthernBlackHills, SouthDakota,USA

Gold mineralization in the Gilt Edge deposit was closely associated with magmatic differentiation and the formation of a Tertiary alkaline intrusive complex within the Lead–Deadwood dome.. Fluid inclusions and trace element geochemistry were used to study fluid evolution and determine sources. Quartz disseminated in unaltered trachyte porphyry hosts two populations of primary inclusions: 1) hypersaline i S–L–V a red hematite crystal and 2) mixtures of L–V and V– L that record phase separation at ~700oC. Whereas samples of hydrothermal quartz collected from in ore zones within and beyond structures (e.g., fault and breccia zones) contain dominant populations of V–L and L–V inclusions, respectively. Mineralization in structures formed from complex fluids of magmatic origin based on inclusions containing five transparent salt crystals and opaque crystals with cubic and round habits that have homogenization temperatures (Th) 650oC and salinities 63 wt.% NaCl equiv. In contrast, broader areas of disseminated mineralization in argillized and propylitized rocks contain hydrothermal quartz hosting large populations of L–V inclusions with Th of 200o360oC and salinities of 10–30 wt.% NaCl equiv., which reflect fluid mixing. Trace element concentrations are significantly higher in samples from structures and define zones of near surface Ag–As–Zn–Pb and deep Au–W–Mo–Cu. Whereas low trace element concentrations characterize propylitized quartz trachyte porphyry, except for high concentrations of Sb and Hg that occur at depth and likely track the retreat of isotherms as the hydrothermal system collapsed. These data show that during differentiation in a deep magma chamber, volatile-rich low-density fluids were periodically degassed into preexisting structures that were reactivated. Gold deposition during four stages of mineralization likely occurred due to boiling, changes in oxygen fugacity, and fluid mixing.

The Geology, Geochemistry, and Mineralogy of the Moa Bay Ni Laterite Mining District, Cuba

Abstract The Moa Bay lateritic Ni-Co mining district (eastern Cuba) has total mineral resources of 198.54 million metric tonnes (Mt) at 1.07% Ni and 0.12% Co. Laterite profiles from this district are characterized by their oxide-dominated ore zones. Laterite profiles from the Yagrumaje Norte, Punta Gorda, and Yamanigüey deposits contain average Ni and Co concentrations in the oxide zone of 0.88 and 0.12%. Goethite is the most abundant mineral in the oxide zone and the most important Ni-Co-Sc–bearing mineral, with median NiO, CoO, and Sc contents of 0.78 wt %, 0.07 wt %, and 58 ppm, respectively, and up to 2.77 wt %, 0.26 wt %, and 117 ppm. Maghemite is also widely present (avg of 5% and up to 19% modal proportion) and represents an important but largely ignored Ni- and Co-bearing ore phase, with median NiO and CoO concentrations of 2.11 and 0.25 wt %, respectively, and maximum values of 13.9 and 1.84 wt % each. Nickel and Co substitute for ferric iron in the structure of maghemite. Manganese oxyhydroxides (lithiophorite and lithiophorite-asbolane intermediate), which are also significant Ni-Co–bearing phases, have median NiO and CoO contents of 10.6 and 6.41 wt %, respectively. Some Mn oxyhydroxides, which formed after replacing goethite, also contain significant amounts of Sc (up to 94 ppm). Although most deposits in the Moa Bay lateritic district are classified as oxide type, Yamanigüey (avg Ni grade of 1.98%) is characterized by well-developed saprolite horizons, with secondary serpentine (serpentine II) and garnierite being the main Ni-bearing phases.

ПЕРВЫЕ СВЕДЕНИЯ О МЕДНОЙ МИНЕРАЛИЗАЦИИ РУДОПРОЯВЛЕНИЯ ШАРОМСКОЕ, ЦЕНТРАЛЬНАЯ КАМЧАТКА

The report provides new data on the mineralogy of the ores of the Sharomskoye copper ore occurrence, the Kirganik-Sharom ore zone in Central Kamchatka. Copper ores are confined to the central part of the submeridional massif of subalkaline metasomatites. Mineralization is disseminated, less often vein-disseminated in nature.The studied ore samples, collected during field works in 2023, are represented by silicified metasomatites with developed sulfide mineralization. Among the vein and accessory minerals are quartz, chlorite, barite and apatite. Ore minerals are represented by magnetite, chalcopyrite and bornite. Hematite and malachite are the most common supergene minerals, while cuprite and hydroxides of Fe and Cu are less common. The established chalcopyrite-bornite mineral association of the Sharomskoye ore occurrence is considered typical of other copper mineral prospects in central Kamchatka and is characteristic of porphyry copper deposits.

Chromitites and associated mineralization of the Akkarga ophiolitic massif in the southeastern Urals (Russia)

The Akkarga ultramafic massif exposed in the Trans-Uralian megazone represents the mantle section of an ophiolite assemblage that was emplaced into the upper crust during the Permian collision. Ultramafic rocks include harzburgites and subordinate dunites that have undergone complete serpentinization and host podiform chromitite bodies typical of the ophiolite complexes worldwide. Numerous lens-shaped and podiform occurrences of massive and densely disseminated chromitites are surrounded by envelopes of serpentinized dunites whereas nodular chromitites and lenticular bodies of banded disseminated ores are of subordinate importance. Three ore zones are distinguished on the massif, including the Western, Central and Eastern, but only the sites of the latter two are currently accessible for study. Chromite from chromitites of the Central Ore Zone has higher Cr# (Cr/Cr + Al) (0.81–0.83) than that of chromitites of the Eastern Ore Zone (Cr# = 0.67–0.80) and accessory chromite of peridotites (Cr# = 0.52–0.75). Chromites contain mineral inclusions, which are distributed unevenly. The most abundant are inclusions of high-Mg high-Ni olivine (Fo94–98 and up to 1.5 wt% NiO) and calcic amphibole, while inclusions of pyroxenes and base metal sulfides are less common. Platinum group minerals (PGMs) in chromitites are represented by alloys, sulfides, and sulfoarsenides, which occur in single-mineral and composite inclusions. Ruthenium and Os disulfides typically compose the euhedral single-mineral inclusions in cores of chromite crystals, whereas the composite inclusions, mostly of irregular shapes, are dominated by Ir compounds. PGMs are regularly associated with OH-bearing silicates such as amphibole and, less frequently, chlorite. The setting, morphology and composition of the inclusions seem to support a leading role of subsolidus solid-state exsolution in the formation of primary laurite-erlichmanite mineralization in Akkarga chromitites. Subsequent hydrothermal reworking of podiform chromitites and their ultramafic hosts, which is likely related to the supra-subduction setting, led to the precipitation of more diverse interstitial assemblages, comprising base-metal sulfides, nickeline, sulfoarsenides of the Ir-subgroup platinum group elements (IPGE), REE phosphates, zircon, barite, and baddeleyite. Later granite intrusions likely provided an additional contribution of fluid-mobile incompatible elements to chromitites.

Effects of deep magmatic degassing and shallow seawater circulation on trace element and sulfur cycling in submarine hydrothermal systems: Insights from the Shijuligou analog, North China

Limited access to modern subseafloor sulfides hampers our understanding of the link between magmatic volatile influx and the cycling of trace elements and sulfur, as well as the effect of the subsequent shallow seawater circulation on these processes. Hence, we studied a well-preserved fossil analog of submarine hydrothermal systems – the Shijuligou volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposit from the North Qilian Mountains in North China to examine variations in elements and isotopes of subseafloor sulfides vertically.The vertical distribution of trace elements in subseafloor sulfides is strongly controlled by temperature gradients and redox states during the interaction between hot fluids and seawater beneath the paleo-seafloor. While the enrichment of elements like As, Sb, and Au (median: 1335, 43.7, and 0.30 ppm, respectively, n = 21) and negative δ34S values (mean: −3.07 ‰, n = 7) of euhedral pyrites in the jasper, along with the precipitation of high sulfidation minerals (e.g., enargite), suggest the input of magmatic volatiles into hydrothermal systems. During the shallow seawater-hydrothermal circulation, pyrites in the veined and stockwork zones exhibit distinctly elevated δ34S values (up to 15.74 ‰), accompanied by increased concentrations of wall-rock-derived elements (e.g., Cu, Ni, Si, and Ti) and low-temperature-responsive elements (e.g., Pb, Zn, and Cd). Sulfur isotopes of sulfides vary significantly from the surface to the deep ore zones, ranging from −3.36 to 19.84 ‰ (mean: 9.25 ‰, n = 37). The negative δ34S values of pyrites at the paleo-seafloor are due to the addition of H2S derived from the disproportionation of magmatic SO2. The increased δ34S values of stockwork and disseminated sulfides at depth are attributed to the progressive reduction of seawater sulfates by ferrous iron released from the alteration of fresh basalts. The trace elemental and isotopic characteristics of sulfides suggest the Shujuligou VMS deposit resembles the fossil analog of immature, subduction-related submarine hydrothermal systems.

Wet inrush susceptibility assessment at the Deep Ore Zone mine using a random forest machine learning model

In cave mines, wet inrushes occur when there is an uncontrolled inflow of fine, wet material from drawpoints. Currently, uncertainty exists regarding the spatial-temporal pattern and severity of inrush incidents. This uncertainty arises from the limited understanding of wet inrush mechanisms within the complex conditions of a cave mine. In this study, the existing gaps in knowledge around the spatial and temporal patterns of inrush incidents were addressed using machine learning techniques. A random forest (RF) model was employed to analyse the inrush database collected at the Deep Ore Zone mine over several years. The conceptual understanding of inrush mechanisms and triggers, along with historical evidence, was employed to establish an initial set of key inrush variables to be used in the RF model. The developed RF model demonstrated promising performance with an accuracy of 85%. The feature importance results indicated that previous inrush history, fragment size, draw rate (short term and long term), differential draw index (short term and long term) and history of inrush at neighbouring drawpoints had the highest impact on inrush susceptibility. The insights gained provide an improved assessment of inrush susceptibility, thereby improving the strategies employed to mitigate inrush risk.

Palladium and platinum minerals in Au-Pd ores of the Chudnoe deposit (Subpolar Urals, Russia)

Research subject. Minerals of palladium, platinum, and native gold, localized mainly in the veins of chromium-containing mica (fuchsite) in rhyolites. Aim. Clarification of the localization features of platinum group minerals, their species diversity, determination of the composition of minerals, relationships between precious metal minerals, establishment of the sequence of formation. Methods. Polished sections from ore samples and concentrates of heavy minerals mounted in epoxy resin were studied using optical and electron microscopes. The composition of minerals was determined using a scanning electron microscope with an energy dispersive spectrometer. Results. The main Pd minerals of the deposit are isomertieite/pseudomertieite and mertieite, the minor ones are ateneite and the unnamed Pd6BiSe mineral, and the platinum mineral is sperrylite. Isomertieite/pseudomertieite forms intergrowths with gold of any composition and structure, while mertieite occurs only with relatively low-copper gold of a homogeneous structure; therefore, significant areas of ore zones are characterized by the presence of one of the palladium arsenoantimonides. In some areas of ores, the replacement of isomertieite/pseudomertieite by mertieite wass established. Conclusions. The formation of fuchsite veinlets and the native gold, palladium minerals, and sperrylite contained therein is associated with one stage of mineral formation. Cr, Au, Pd, and Pt in ores form a single geochemical association, which indicates a common source of these elements. This source is most likely to be derivatives of basite-hyperbasite magmatism.

Visible-Near Infrared–Short-Wave Infrared Spectroscopy and Mineral Mapping of Hydrothermal Alteration Zones at the Brejuí W-Mo Skarn Deposit, Seridó Mobile Belt, Borborema Province, Brazil

Abstract The Brejuí W-Mo skarn deposit is the main scheelite deposit of the Seridó tungsten province (Borborema province, NE Brazil). It constitutes the largest Brazilian W ore reserve. The orebodies are hosted in the metasedimentary Jucurutu Formation of the Seridó Group (650–610 Ma), close to the margin of the Neoproterozoic Acari pluton (Brasiliano orogeny). Skarns include prograde and retrograde mineral assemblages. Infrared spectral analysis shows that the skarns mainly reflect retrograde mineral assemblages, formed in three different hydrothermal alteration stages with overprinting. Mineral phases spectrally detected include (1) vesuvianite, actinolite, and phlogopite (alteration stage 1), (2) epidote, prehnite, and illite (alteration stage 2), and (3) laumontite, montmorillonite, chlorite, and gypsum (alteration stage 3; main ore zone). Phlogopite chloritization and actinolite recrystallization were observed in the main W-Mo skarn orebodies. Chloritization is marked by a displacement in the Fe-OH–related absorption wavelength (2,246.5–2,250.5 nm). A spectral index using spectral mixtures of laumontite + montmorillonite + actinolite is proposed here to map mineralized skarn layers (WO3 + Mo ≥ 0.1%) in drill cores. It was used to vector to richer mineralized bodies of the Brejuí deposit successfully and may be applied to similar skarn deposits with the same aim.

Using the methodology of transformation of geophysical fields in the study of dike-type ore systems in the zone of influence of the Chai-Yurinsky deep fault

Identification of prospecting geophysical signs of promising areas at the level of ore nodes and fields, deposits and ore structures (ore-localizing structures) has always been one of the main contents of geophysical research. However, especially at the deposit – ore structures level, very often the solution of these tasks becomes very difficult and difficult to implement. The problem is that, in general, rocks in the research area are quite contrasting in their physical properties; however, ore-bearing dike bodies represented by beresitized diorite-porphyrites do not always confidently differ in their physical characteristics from the sandy, carbonaceous, sulfidized and shale sedimentary rocks that contain them. The use of approaches based on statistical processing techniques in the interpretation of geophysical data made it possible to establish geological and geophysical signs of gold-quartz mineralization of the dike type within the study area and thus predict gold mineralization.The paper presents the results of processing geophysical materials in order to create a list of features characteristic of gold-quartz deposits of the dyke type in the Central-Kolyma region (Magadan Oblast).The geophysical research complex consisted of electrical profiling and magnetic exploration. MMPOS-2 magnetometers were used to measure the geomagnetic field. The coordinates of the measurement points were determined using a GPS receiver structurally connected to a magnetometer. The methodology of the work provided for the introduction of variations of the geomagnetic field. The variation of the Earth’s magnetic field was taken into account using the SURV software. The work by the electrical profiling method was carried out using an instrument complex: AIE-2 using the median gradient method in modification of induced polarization (SG-VP) at a frequency of 0.3 Hz. Supply line AB=800-900 m, receiving line MN=10 m.The presented set of works is capable of solving the problems of forecasting gold mineralization in the zone of influence of the Chai-Yurinsky fault of the Yana-Kolyma metallogenic system. Based on the interpretation of the geophysical data, prospecting geological and geophysical signs of gold-quartz mineralization within the ore field are outlined.One of the promising methodological methods of interpretation in determining the search signs of potentially ore zones is electrical exploration by the method of induced polarization.

Geometallurgical Simulation of the Work Index in a Porphyry Copper Deposit Using Geostatistical Techniques

The spatial variability in the geometallurgical attributes of the deposits is a crucial parameter from the exploration stage, which conditions and influences the mineral processing. Consequently, the objective of this research is to elaborate the geometallurgical simulation of the Bond Work Index for a porphyry copper deposit. For this purpose, information of primary and response attributes corresponding to ore zones, lithologies and BWi contained in 1,449 samples of exploratory drill holes were used. An exploratory data analysis of this information was carried out, and geometallurgical units were defined based on the geological and processing knowledge that validates the behavior of each one of them within the deposit; then Sequential Gaussian Simulation was applied, running 100 realizations in each GMU, those that best reproduce the statistics of the original samples were chosen. The results show that the lithology of the deposit controls the BWi variability and according to the rock competence the ore zones are classified from the softest to the hardest in oxides, mixed and sulfides.

New insights on the formation of the polymetamorphic Felbertal tungsten deposit (Austria, Eastern Alps) revealed by CL, EPMA, and LA-ICP-MS investigation

AbstractThe Felbertal tungsten deposit is the only economic scheelite mine in Europe, yet its genesis is not fully understood. It has been argued recently that the formation of the deposit is most likely related to granitic intrusions of Variscan age, contrasting a previously suggested syn-depositional stratabound origin of Early Cambrian age. Solving this controversy remains challenging due to the polymetamorphic evolution of the deposit, which experienced both Variscan and Alpine metamorphism. In this contribution we present a comprehensive new data set of scheelite major, minor, and trace element concentrations from multiple scheelite generations of the Felbertal deposit along with microstructural observations. Our results show that Mo, Mo/Mn, REE, Y/Ho, Nb, and Nb/Ta in scheelite are variable within the different scheelite generations and are predominantly controlled by the host-rock lithologies on the local scale, whereas in general the data show a strong response to the shift of P, T, and pH upon changing magmatic-hydrothermal to metamorphic conditions. For the first time, we identify remnants of primary scheelite in the Western Ore Zone. The presented data support a magmatic-hydrothermal origin of the first scheelite mineralization during the Variscan orogeny with primary scheelite being characterized by wing-shaped REE patterns with a negative Eu-anomaly, high trace element concentrations, non-chondritic Y/Ho, and high Nb/Ta. Primary scheelite underwent metamorphic/hydrothermal alteration (recrystallization and dissolution-reprecipitation processes) during the Variscan and Alpine orogeny. This case study highlights that indicative mineralization-controlling geochemical ratios like Sr/Mn cannot be applied for polymetamorphic tungsten deposits like Felbertal.

Gold Mineralization, Hydrothermal Alteration, and Li Isotope Fractionation at Cochenour Orogenic Gold Deposit, Red Lake, Canada

Abstract Lithium isotopes have been used to study subduction zones, continental weathering, and magmatic–hydrothermal transitions, but little is known about their behavior in metasomatic footprints surrounding hydrothermal ore deposits. Although minerals such as biotite, chlorite, and white micas may sometimes be characteristic of Au mineralization, they are not truly diagnostic given that they also usually occur outside the ore zones. Here, whole rock δ7Li compositions are measured in samples from drill core cutting through metasomatized basalts from the Cochenour orogenic Au deposit, Red Lake, Canada, to verify whether Au ore-related biotite, chlorite, white micas, and quartz have specific δ7Li signatures. Laser ablation ICP-MS maps show 1000–1100 ppm Li in biotite, 200–600 ppm in chlorite, and 20–100 ppm in white mica. In the ‘arsenopyrite-bearing replacement-style’ alteration and mineralization, Au is associated with arsenopyrite, pyrrhotite, and chalcopyrite in the ore zone, but is more concentrated in white mica than in sulfides outside the ore zone. In the cross-cutting ‘quartz-actinolite vein-style’ alteration and mineralization, Au is distributed with chalcopyrite and arsenopyrite in the selvages of the veinlets, but is associated with pyrite, calcite, and biotite outside the ore zone. Mass balance calculations suggest that Au ore-related biotite, chlorite, white mica, and quartz have δ7Li values of ∼+4‰, ∼0 to +2‰, ∼−2‰, and ∼+6 to +12‰, respectively. This is explained by Li isotopic fractionation occurring during the retrograde sequence of auriferous biotite-chlorite-white mica alteration and the late auriferous quartz vein event, identified in the present samples as well as in the Red Lake-Campbell mine complex and the Red Lake greenstone belt. In the ‘arsenopyrite-bearing replacement-style’ alteration, the intercorrelation of δ7Li and Au and their correlation over distance show greater amounts of Au in biotite-enriched rocks, where biotite has δ7Li values of ∼+4‰. Such values indicate a mantle source for the early biotite-related auriferous fluid at Red Lake.

Polyphased gold enrichment as a key process for high-grade gold formation: Insights from the 10 Moz Jundee-Bogada camp (Yilgarn Craton, Western Australia)

High-grade (> 10 g/t) gold mineralization in orogenic gold deposits is of significant economic importance. Understanding the formation of such enriched ore zones is critical for gold exploration success. The world-class Jundee-Bogada gold camp in the Yilgarn Craton of Western Australia comprises both high-grade (avg. > 10 g/t, Jundee deposit) and low-grade (avg. < 3 g/t, Bogada prospect) lodes, despite shared host stratigraphy. The paragenetic framework established for the Jundee gold deposit suggests that the overall gold endowment developed over three deformation events. An early episode of low-grade gold mineralization is associated with colloform-crustiform veins that formed during extensional deformation (DJB2A). A switch to transtensional deformation (DJB2B) resulted in brecciation of the colloform-crustiform veins and coeval deposition of native gold. Late reverse faults record evidence for a third mineralization stage resulting from a NE-SW-directed shortening (DJB3). Mineralization during this late stage was dominantly low-grade, with local occurrences of ultra-high-grade ore zones (> 100 g/t). Each event records transient changes in fluid chemistry during continued hydrothermal activity that spanned local deformation histories. We argue that at the Jundee gold deposit, protracted gold enrichment during three polyphased mineralization episodes resulted in the formation of high-grade gold ores. Whereas the complete metallogenic history is recorded at the Jundee deposit, gold within the Bogada prospect was introduced solely during the late contractional stage (DJB3), resulting in a bulk low-grade endowment. We hypothesize that gold enrichment in high-grade orogenic gold deposits is a direct consequence of the spatial superimposition of protracted ore-forming events.

Стадийность формирования кварц-альбит-алланит-фукситовых прожилков на Au-Pd-месторождении Чудное (Приполярный Урал)

The gold-palladium mineralization of the Chudnoe deposit is represented by mineralized veined zones in fractured and brecciated rhyolites of the Riphean-Vendian age. Native gold and palladium minerals are concentrated mainly in veins of Cr-containing muscovite (fuchsite), in which allanite is present in small amounts; quartz, albite, calcite, potassium feldspar, titanite, apatite, zincochromite and other minerals are also found. Veins of allanite-albite-quartz composition are found in ore zones, in some cases containing abundant fuchsite secretions. It has been established that quartz-albite-allanite-fuchsite and other fuchsite-containing veins are the result of the superposition of quartz-albite vein execution on previously formed gold-bearing fuchsite veins. Quartz-albite vein material fills central parts of the combined veins and cements fragments (xenoliths) of fuchsite, while in some cases part of the gold was redeposited and fixed in the quartz-albite part of the veins. Based on the study of the decomposition structures of solid solutions in native gold, it was previously established that the temperature of gold formation in fuchsite veinlets exceeded 220 °C. The deposition temperature of the main part of the quartz-albite veins was noticeably lower. The homogenization temperature of fluid inclusions in vein minerals (quartz, albite, allanite, calcite) was mainly in the range of 96—168 °C, solutions were enriched with magnesium and calcium chlorides. Under these conditions, allanite, apatite, monazite, xenotime, and molibdosheelite were formed and redeposited, and fuchsite recrystallized.

Low-sulfide platinum–metal deposits in the Kola region: A comparative analysis of the Yuzhnosopchinskoye ore occurrence and the Fedorova Tundra deposit

Research subject. Platinum–metal objects of the Kola region (contact type mineralization), including the Yuzhnosopchinskoye ore occurrence within the same-name massif belonging to the Early Proterozoic Monchetundra intrusion and the Fedorova Tundra deposit located in the western part of the Early Proterozoic Fedorovo-Pansky layered complex. Aim. To establish the formation conditions of platinum-metal ores in the Yuzhnosopchinskoye ore occurrence and the Fedorova Tundra deposit. Methods. Comparison of the geological structure and petro-geochemical features of rocks and ores from the two objects using statistical analysis. Results. Both the Yuzhnosopchinskoye ore occurrence and the Fedorova Tundra deposit belong to the contact type of platinum group element deposits. The main characteristic feature is confinement of the ore zone to the contact of two magmatic phases. In the contact zone, igneous breccia, pegmatoid, and vein bodies are widespread, with the latter being especially common in the Yuzhnosopchinskoye ore occurrence. In Yuzhnosopchinskoye ore occurrence, breccia fragments are represented by orthopyroxenites and melanocratic norites of the early magmatic phase (layered series of rocks). They were cemented by barren gabbroids of the later magmatic phase. In the Fedorova Tundra deposit, breccia zone fragments are also composed of orthopyroxenites and melanocratic norites of the early magmatic phase (layered series of rocks). They were cemented by taxitic ore-bearing gabbronorites of the late magmatic phase. Rocks of the two objects with a similar nomenclature demonstrate slight systematic differences in the composition of petrogenic components, as well as in REE and rare elements. Taxitic gabbronorites (rocks of the marginal series) from the Fedorova Tundra deposit have no rock analogues in Yuzhnosopchinskoye ore occurrence. A comparison of similar amounts of two data sets (more than 2000 samples each) of Pt, Pd, Au, Ni, and Cu sampling showed that the content of all precious metals in the Fedorova Tundra deposit was consistently higher than that in the Yuzhnosopchinskoye ore occurrence. The Fedorova Tundra deposit is homogeneous, with an average Pd/Pt ratio of 4.5. The Yuzhnosopchinskoye ore occurrence is heterogeneous and, on average, slightly more ‘platinum’ and less ‘palladium’ than the Fedorova Tundra deposit. Conclusions. The two ore objects of the contact type are similar in many respects, mainly differing in the conditions of mineralization formation. The Yuzhnosopchinskoye ore occurrence entered the contact zone from the rocks of the layered series due to the activation of the ore matter during intrusion of the late gabbroid intrusive phase. The Fedorova Tundra deposit entered the contact zone together with the late ore-bearing gabbronorite magmatic phase.

The Snow Lake Deposits in Manitoba, Canada: Formation of Metamorphosed Amphibolite Facies Orogenic Gold Deposits During a Progressive and Prograde Orogenic Event

Abstract The Snow Lake camp is located in the ca. 1.89 Ga Flin Flon-Glennie Complex in the Paleoproterozoic Trans-Hudson orogen, Manitoba, Canada. The Flin Flon-Glennie Complex is bordered by the ca. 1.855 to 1.84 Ga metasedimentary Kisseynew domain to the north and by the Archean Superior craton to the east and is underlain by the Archean Sask microcraton. It hosts several orogenic gold deposits, including the No. 3 zone, Boundary zone, and New Britannia deposit (Toots, Dick, Hogg, Ruttan, and Mine East zones), which formed during thrusting of the Flin Flon-Glennie Complex and Kisseynew domain over the Sask microcraton. The New Britannia deposit produced 1.6 Moz Au and is the largest orogenic gold deposit in the Trans-Hudson orogen in Manitoba. The deposits consist of quartz ± carbonate veins surrounded by alteration zones of biotite, hornblende, plagioclase ± carbonate, diopside, orthoclase, and garnet. The veins and ore zones are folded within the hinge of the synthrusting Nor-Acme anticline, which has an axial plane cleavage defined by biotite and hornblende, but they also cut across the hinge of the anticline and contain foliated fragments of the wall rocks. These mutually overprinting relationships suggest that the veins and ore zones are synfolding. Garnet, diopside, and amphibole porphyroblasts grew during folding because they overgrow the foliation, which also wraps around them. Inclusions of gold and sulfide minerals within the porphyroblasts indicate that mineralization was emplaced early during folding at greenschist or lower amphibolite metamorphic conditions prior to the growth of the porphyroblasts at peak middle amphibolite metamorphic conditions. These observations are corroborated by laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry element maps of arsenopyrite grains. These maps reveal a primary internal enrichment of gold in arsenopyrite grains from the Toots, No. 3, and Boundary zones and a lack of primary lattice-bound gold in arsenopyrite grains of the Dick, Ruttan, and Mine East zones. The latter results from the deposition or remobilization of gold during a second hydrothermal event that occurred during shearing of these ore zones along a structure, the Howe Sound fault, which acted as a detachment surface during folding. The Snow Lake deposits are examples of orogenic gold deposits that formed early during a major thrusting and folding event and were later modified and metamorphosed at middle amphibolite facies conditions during the same progressive orogenic event.

San Albino, Nicaragua: A Low-Angle, Thrust-Controlled Orogenic Gold Deposit

Abstract The San Albino deposit is an orogenic gold occurrence hosted by a low-angle thrust that is the site of a new open-pit mine in northern Nicaragua. The deposit is hosted in greenschist facies rocks of the Jurassic metasedimentary Neuvo Segovia Formation. The schist was uplifted and exposed during arc accretion and Cretaceous thin-skin deformation, forming the NE-striking Colon fold-and-thrust belt. Deformation included emplacement of the 119 to 113 Ma NE-trending Dipilto batholith into the regionally metamorphosed clastic rocks about 5 km northwest of the San Albino deposit. Mineralization is dominated by three laminated quartz vein systems (i.e., San Albino, Naranjo, Arras) that broadly follow shallowly dipping (approx. 30°) carbonaceous shears roughly concordant to schistosity along the limbs of a doubly plunging antiform. The three main parallel shears are each separated by about 90 m and individually reach a maximum thickness of about 8 m. Maximum thickness of ore zones is where post-ore local folding and reverse motion along the shallow shears has duplicated the laminated low-angle gold-bearing veins (D2 and early D3). Additional gold was added to the veins, with abundant sulfides, during a subsequent brecciation event of the early formed quartz veins that accompanied progressive thrusting (late D3). This predated boudinage of the veins during continued compression and thrust loading (D4); high gold grades are particularly notable along pyrite- and arsenopyrite-bearing stylolites formed during D4 pressure solution. The D2 to D3 gold event is likely coeval with Albian uplift of the Dipilto batholith and with back thrusting in the schist aided by the stress inhomogeneities provided by the igneous complex. Low-angle thrust-controlled orogenic gold deposits may represent world-class exploration targets because of their large linear footprints, although they are traditionally looked at as less favorable exploration targets relative to gold systems developed more commonly along high-angle reverse faults. Our case study of the San Albino deposit shows that although low-angle deposits are not inherently misoriented for failure like the more common subvertical reverse fault-related deposits, they may be sites of significant pressure buildup due to hydrothermal mineral precipitation during initial water-rock interaction or slight temperature decreases along the low-angle flow path. Resulting fluid cycling may lead to thick laminated vein development, such as seen at San Albino, where especially high-grade zones may be associated with local steepening and/or dilational zones within the broader, low-angle vein-hosting shear system.

Features of determining organometallic compounds in organic matters of black shale using diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy

Relevance. The problem of studying organometallic compounds in carbonized and carbonaceous substances is part of the global problem of the structure of natural materials from plant remains and manifestation of ore genesis in organic sedimentary deposits. This problem covers a number of issues. The most pressing one among them is the form of occurrence of finely dispersed gold in the form of organometallic compounds in metal-bearing coals and shales. This is especially true for large gold deposits of black shale strata. Aim. To study the relationship between sedimentation of organic formations and ore genesis in black shale deposits using the example of the Verninskoe deposit (Patom Highlands, Yakutia). Using the SKAUFV hardware and software complex together with ICP-MS and INAA methods, which allow one to assess the degree of Au concentration in organic matter, to substantiate the possibility of determining organometallic compounds of gold that are significant in the processes of sedimentogenesis, lithogenesis and epigenesis. Methods. IR spectroscopy, instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results. The authors have determined that the SKAUFV hardware and software complex, together with the ICP-MS and INAA methods, makes it possible to establish the role of organic matter in metasomatism and to identify temperature zonality and the associated gold concentration in the ore zone. To determine the organometallic compounds of Au, structural and genetic indicators (Pm, Ko, PVt+L, PI) were selected. These indicators reflect the significance of sedimentation, diagenesis, catagenesis and epigenesis on Au concentration of in organic matter. These indicators made it possible to assess the level of temperature impact on sedimentary deposits of regional metamorphism and near-ore metasomatism. In this regard, subzones of Au concentration were established in the ore zone, determined by temperature zoning in the form of a manifestation of local metasomatism. The latter was influenced by the protein-fat composition of plants that form organic matter.

Polyphase stratabound scheelite-ferberite mineralization at Mallnock, Eastern Alps, Austria

A peculiar type of stratabound tungsten mineralization in metacarbonate rocks was discovered and explored at Mallnock (Austria) during the late 1980s. It is the only tungsten occurrence in the Eastern Alps in which scheelite is associated with wolframite (96 mol% ferberite). The tungsten prospect is located in the Austroalpine Drauzug-Gurktal Nappe System recording polyphase low-grade regional metamorphism. Raman spectroscopy of carbonaceous material yield maximum metamorphic temperatures of 296 ± 27 °C and 258 ± 27 °C, which are assigned to Variscan and Eoalpine metamorphism, respectively. Scheelite and ferberite occur as polyphase stockwork-like mineralization in Fe-rich magnesite in the northern ore zone (Mallnock North), whereas in the western ore zone (Mallnock West), scheelite-quartz veinlets are exclusively hosted in dolomitic marbles. LA-ICP-MS analyses of scheelite and ferberite yield low contents of Mo, Nb, Ta, and rare earth elements, but high contents of Na and Sr. Uranium is particularly high in scheelite (up to 200 µg/g) and makes this mineral a suitable target for U–Pb dating. In situ U–Pb dating of scheelite yielded an early Permian age (294 ± 8 Ma) for Mallnock West and a Middle Triassic age (239 ± 3 Ma) for Mallnock North. A monzodioritic dike close to Mallnock yielded a U–Pb apatite date of 282 ± 9 Ma and supports the polyphase formation of this mineralization. The U–Pb scheelite ages indicate that a model for tungsten metallogeny in the Eastern Alps must also consider remobilization of tungsten by metamorphic fluids. In the Alps, the Permian to Triassic period (ca. 290–225 Ma) is characterized by an overall extensional geodynamic setting related to the breakup of Pangea. Lithospheric thinning caused higher heat flow, low-P metamorphism, and anatexis in the lower crust, which led to enhanced crustal fluid flow in the upper crust. These processes were not only responsible for the formation of metasomatic hydrothermal magnesite and siderite deposits in the Eastern Alps but also for this unique magnesite-ferberite-scheelite mineralization at Mallnock.

Porphyry Copper and Epithermal Gold–Silver Mineralization of the Baimka Ore Zone, Western Chukotka, Russia

Porphyry Copper and Epithermal Gold–Silver Mineralization of the Baimka Ore Zone, Western Chukotka, Russia