Platinum-group Element Mineralization Research Articles

Sources of Ore Material in the Platinum-Group Element Deposits of Polar Siberia and the Middle Urals Based on the Data from Radiogenic (Re–Os, Pt–Os) and Stable (Cu, S) Isotopes

Abstract —Understanding the main events of platinum-group element (PGE) ore formation is impossible without analysis of the sources and behavior of major ore-forming components, namely, platinum, osmium, sulfur, and copper, which are important indicators of magmatic and hydrothermal processes. In contrast to the Re–Os isotope system, the radiogenic Pt–Os isotope system, as well as stable isotopes of Cu and S in PGE deposits, are still relatively understudied. Our comprehensive research is aimed at filling this gap. The paper presents data for the Guli massif of ultramafic and alkaline rocks and carbonatites in Polar Siberia and on the zonal Nizhny Tagil and Svetly Bor clinopyroxenite–dunite massifs in the Middle Urals, which include: (1) the contents of the highly siderophile elements (HSE) in whole rocks and platinum-group minerals (PGM), (2) the Re–Os and Pt–Os isotope systematics of chromitite, Os–Ir alloys, and Ru–Os sulfides, (3) the sulfur isotope composition in Ru–Os and Ir–Rh sulfides in primary and secondary PGM assemblages, and (4) the copper isotope composition in Pt–Fe minerals from chromitites and placers. The research was performed using scanning electron microscopy, electron probe microanalysis, and high-precision isotope-geochemical analysis. The high-precision Re–Os and Pt–Os isotope data show that the HSE contents in chromitites and PGM of the Guli massif were controlled by the composition of the mantle source that evolved with near-chondritic time-integrated Re/Os and Pt/Os ratios, which are also typical of the sources of most komatiites and abyssal peridotites. The δ65Cu values of the studied samples of ferroan platinum and isoferroplatinum are identical within the analytical uncertainty and are close to 0‰, which is typical of high-temperature Cu-containing minerals. The sulfur isotope compositions of the Ir–Rh sulfides of the kashinite–bowieite series and of the Ru–Os sulfides of the laurite–erlichmanite series in the primary PGM assemblages indicate that the source of sulfur has a chondritic isotope composition, which is in agreement with the osmium isotope composition of the Ru–Os sulfides and Os–Ir alloys. The heavy sulfur isotope composition (δ34S = 5.6 ± 1.5‰) of As-containing erlichmanite is consistent with its secondary origin. The new data on the isotope compositions of osmium, copper, and sulfur can be used as new important parameters that characterize the sources of PGE mineralization.

Occurrence of Native Platinum and PGE-bearing Pyrite in the Porphyry-Skarn-Epithermal Ore Complex at Recsk, Hungary

In this short report we present the first detection of a platinum group element (PGE) mineral and Cu-bearing native platinum in a hydrothermal breccia pipe in the intermediate sulfidation mineralization of the Recsk ore complex in Hungary. Trace element analyses of pyrite provide further insights into the enrichment of PGE in the mineralized complex.The occurrence of native platinum is associated with one of the highest observed Pt contents in pyrite, as well as with other ore minerals such as Sn- and Pt-bearing native copper, pure native copper, and Ag-bearing tenorite. Crocoite and vanadinite were identified by SEM-EDS as secondary minerals possibly from the same paragenesis. Our new results suggest that the Recsk complex might contain economic PGE resources.

Paleoproterozoic East Pana Layered Intrusion (Kola Peninsula, Russia): Geological Structure, Petrography, Geochemistry and Cu-Ni-PGE Mineralization

The East Pana intrusion is a part of the Paleoproterozoic Fedorova–Pana complex (FPC), which belongs to the group of Fennoscandian layered mafic–ultramafic massifs. This article discusses the magmatic stratification of the East Pana intrusion, as well as Cu-Ni and platinum-group elements (PGE) mineralization (PGE zones A, B and C) in its various parts with a total length of more than 20 km, including the East Chuarvy PGE deposit. Based on the whole-rock data on the distribution of major, trace, and ore-forming elements, it is assumed that PGE zone A belongs to the main ore–magmatic system of the FPC, while PGE zones B and C belong to the minor ore–magmatic systems. At the same time, additional magmatic injection played an important role in the formation of economic Cu-Ni-PGE mineralization (PGE zone B), characterized by high PGE concentrations and moderate palladium enrichment. On the normalized distribution spectra of trace elements, the crystallization products of this injection (Gabbronorite Zone 2) have a positive Zr-Hf anomaly, which distinguishes it from host rocks with an anomaly of the opposite sign (Gabbronorite Zone 1, Gabbro Zone). It is assumed that this portion of magma was intruded as a sill of crystal mush, the fractionation of which at depth led to its enrichment with residual liquid.

Petrogenesis of thick, high-grade PGE mineralisation in the Flatreef, northern Bushveld Complex

The Flatreef of the northern limb of the Bushveld Complex is a world-class platinum-group element (PGE) deposit representing the down-dip extension of the Platreef. Exploration drilling in the central portion of the project area intersected a particularly thick PGE-mineralised portion of the Flatreef exposed in drill core TMT006 and its two deflections, containing 4.5 ppm PGE (Pt + Pd + Rh + Au) over 90 m and ~ 3.7 ppm PGE over 150 m. Data obtained using whole rock geochemical analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy, micro X-ray fluorescence and X-ray computed tomography indicate that the PGE are hosted by, or are spatially closely associated with, disseminated sulfides that occur interstitial to the cumulus silicate minerals. PGE grades show a broad, albeit irregular trend of progressive downward decrease, whereas most metal ratios (Cu/Ni, Pt/Rh, Cu/Pd and, to a lesser degree, Pt/Pd) remain broadly constant throughout the 90 m main ore zone. These features are interpreted to reflect two stages of ore formation: (i) hydrodynamic concentration of sulfidic ultramafic crystal mushes and (ii) localised downward percolation of sulfide melt in response to fluidisation of the cumulate mush caused by infiltration of ascending magmatic or crustal fluids. The model is consistent with the close spatial association of the sulfides with interstitial plagioclase as well as accessory phlogopite, quartz, apatite and rutile, whereas cumulus orthopyroxene is largely free of sulfide.

Mineralogy and geochemistry of platinum-group elements in the zoned mafic-ultramafic intrusions of the Uralian Platinum belt, Russia

Three styles of platinum-group element mineralization occur within the Ural-Alaskan type complexes of the Uralian Platinum belt: chromite-platinum, noble metal, and noble metal-copper ones. They are associated with dunite and chromitite (chromite-platinum), pyroxenite (noble metal) and gabbro (noble metal-copper). Three common platinum group element distribution patterns are observed for dunite and chromitite: (1) M-shaped (defined by positive Ir and Pt anomalies); (2) with positive Ir-Rh(Pt) anomalies; and (3) W-shaped with positive Os and Pt, or Os and Rh anomalies. In contrast, pyroxenite and gabbro are enriched in Pd and Au. The PGM assemblages correlate to the PGE + Au distribution patterns as exemplified by the predominance of Ir-rich Pt-Fe alloys within dunite and chromitite. The noble metal assemblages of pyroxenite and gabbro comprise tellurides, arsenides, and various Pd minerals, as well as native gold and Au-Ag alloy. An indicative Pd/Ir ratio in a succession dunite-chromitite-gabbro increases from 0.04 to 148 with a maximum value of ~5000 in massive sulfide ore of the Volkovsky that is attributable to the contrasting magma compositions defining chromite vs sulfide controls over PGE concentration.

Platinum-group Element Mineralization in the Merensky Reef of the Limpopo Mine,Eastern Limb of the Bushveld Complex, South Africa

Platinum-group Element Mineralization in the Merensky Reef of the Limpopo Mine,Eastern Limb of the Bushveld Complex, South Africa

Early Paleozoic subduction fingerprints of the Paleo-Asian ocean in easternmost Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB): Identification of the oldest Alaskan-type complex in the CAOB

Abstract The early-stage subduction records of the Paleo-Asian ocean are poorly preserved in the eastern segment of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), which hinders constraints on the evolution of the whole CAOB. This study presents new age data and zircon Hf-O isotopes as well as bulk-rock geochemistry of the Wuxing mafic-ultramafic complex in the Xingkai massif in northeastern China, which has been identified as Alaskan-type complex with aspects of field occurrence, petrological and mineral assemblages, and mineral chemistry in our recently published work. The results indicate that the complex formed mainly between 517 Ma and 510 Ma with a lithological sequence of Sanying clinopyroxenite (517 Ma), then Sanying gabbro (514 Ma), and Erying hornblendite (513 Ma), and finally Erying hornblende clinopyroxenite (510 Ma). The lithological formation sequence is consistent with the intrusive relations between lithological phases and their irrelevant major element compositions and variable trace element patterns of the bulk rocks. The εHf(t) values of zircon in two samples in this study vary from from +4.45 to +7.61 and from −11.8 to +4.42, respectively and tend to be more depleted with age. These features suggest that the Wuxing complex was a product of long-term arc magmatism and experienced significant ancient crustal assimilation in early-stage magmas and negligible contamination in later ones. The presence of 1222 Ma and 706 Ma inherited zircon grains implies existence of Proterozoic basement in the Xingkai massif and its continental arc setting in Cambrian. The Wuxing complex is the oldest Alaskan-type complex found so far in the entire CAOB and is a good witness of the Paleo-Asian oceanic subduction in the easternmost CAOB. The older age of the Wuxing complex compared to the regional Hongqiling intrusion is also compatible with its Alaskan-type nature and platinum-group element mineralization, which are distinct to the Permian-Triassic Ni-Cu sulfide deposit-hosting maficultramafic intrusions in the southern CAOB.

Suitability of surficial media for Ni–Cu–PGE exploration in an established mining camp: a case study from the South Range of the Sudbury Igneous Complex, Canada

A geochemical study over the southwestern part of the South Range of the Sudbury Igneous Complex was completed to assess the suitability of surficial media (humus, B-horizon soil and C-horizon soil) for delineating geochemical anomalies associated with Ni–Cu–PGE (platinum group element) mineralization. Another objective was to test whether Na pyrophosphate can eliminate the effects of anthropogenic contamination in humus. Results of this study suggest that the natural geochemical signature of humus is strongly overprinted by anthropogenic contamination. Despite no indication of underlying or nearby mineralization, metal concentrations in humus samples by aqua regia collected downwind from smelting operations are higher compared to background, including up to 13 times higher for Pt, 12 times higher for Cu and nine times higher for Ni. The high anthropogenic background masks the geogenic signal such that it is only apparent in humus samples collected in the vicinity of known Ni–Cu–PGE deposits. Results of this study also demonstrate that anthropogenically derived atmospheric fallout also influences the upper B-horizon soil; however, lower B-horizon soil (at >20 cm depth) and C-horizon soil (both developed in till) are not affected. Glacial dispersal from Ni–Cu–PGE mineralization is apparent in C-horizon till samples analysed in this study. Compared to the background concentrations, the unaffected C-horizon till samples collected immediately down-ice of the low-sulfide, high precious metal Vermilion Cu–Ni–PGE deposit are enriched over 20 times in Pt (203 ppb), Au (81 ppm) and Cu (963 ppm), and over 30 times in Ni (1283 ppm).Supplementary material: supplementary tables and figures are available at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.5691080

First Irish occurrence of stibiopalladinite (PD5(SB,AS)2) in the Dooros Serpentinite, Connemara

A new platinum group mineral (PGM) occurrence is described from the Dooros serpentinite in Connemara, County Galway, Ireland. The ∼470Ma Dooros serpentinite intruded the Dalradian Cornamona Formation during the Grampian Orogeny. The mineral phase identified as stibiopalladinite has the stoichiometric formula: ƸPd+Pt+Cu4.99-5.08ƸSb+As1.92-2.02. This particular PGM occurrence in the Dooros serpentinite extends the range of platinum group element mineralisation in the Irish and British Caledonides.

First Irish Occurrence of Stibiopalladinite (PD5(SB,As)2) in the Dooros Serpentinite, Connemara

A new platinum group mineral (PGM) occurrence is described from the Dooros serpentinite in Connemara, County Galway, Ireland. The ~470Ma Dooros serpentinite intruded the Dalradian Cornamona Formation during the Grampian Orogeny. The mineral phase identified as stibiopalladinite has the stoichiometric formula: ƸPd+Pt+Cu4.99-5.08ƸSb+As1.92-2.02. This particular PGM occurrence in the Dooros serpentinite extends the range of platinum group element mineralisation in the Irish and British Caledonides.

Are There Platinum-Group Element Mineral Deposits in Iran?Identification, Extraction, Pre-Concentration and Measurement of AU, Pd and Rh from Refractory Ore Minerals in Northeastern Iran Using Selective Ion-Exchange Resin

Are There Platinum-Group Element Mineral Deposits in Iran?Identification, Extraction, Pre-Concentration and Measurement of AU, Pd and Rh from Refractory Ore Minerals in Northeastern Iran Using Selective Ion-Exchange Resin

Petrographic and mineral chemistry evidence for the origin of sulfide mineralization in the Main Sulfide Zone, Sebakwe Subchamber of the Great Dike, Zimbabwe

The Great Dike, one of the largest repositories of platinum-group elements (PGEs) and largest layered mafic intrusions in the world, is currently being exploited for its PGEs. We undertook a petrographic and mineral compositional investigation in the Sebakwe Subchamber to place some constraints on the genesis of its PGEs. Sulfides, which host some of the PGEs, occur either as inclusions within medium-grained euhedral orthopyroxenes or in association with biotite and intercumulus plagioclase. Sulfides which occur as interstitial phases or as inclusions in silicates are consistent with a magmatic origin of PGE sulfide mineralization. However, some sulfides which occur in association with biotite, are consistent with concentration of PGEs by magmatic fluids. Average sample Mg# range from 83.5–80.1 for orthopyroxenes, 93.1–84.4 clinopyroxenes, and 79.2–76.7 for phlogopite, whereas average sample An# for feldspars range from 81.3 to 5.9. Pyroxene thermometry yields temperatures of 837–986 °C that are late magmatic, with biotite thermometry yielding temperatures of 478–645 °C that are interpreted to be consistent with recrystallization of earlier primary biotite during hydrothermal alteration by late- to post-magmatic fluids. Observations from petrographic and backscattered electron images are consistent with these interpretations. Primary, magmatic PGE mineralization is inferred to have been cogenetic with sulfides which occur either as inclusions within, or as intercumulus phases between, orthopyroxenes. Sulfide minerals coexisting with biotite likely represent primary, magmatic sulfides that were remobilized by late- to post-magmatic fluids. The inferred depth of crystallization and hydrothermal alteration of the Sebakwe Subchamber of ∼10 km, is broadly comparable to other Subchambers of the Great Dike, lending support to the view that similar processes operated in the uppermost part of Great Dike ultramafic rocks in all its Subchambers. The involvement of fluid migration in the possible remobilization and concentration of primary magmatic PGE-mineralization in most layered mafic intrusions where it has been documented, must be a more significant process in concentrating PGEs in layered intrusions than currently thought.

Redox-controlled chalcophile element geochemistry of the Polaris Alaskan-type mafic-ultramafic complex, British Columbia, Canada

ABSTRACT The Early Jurassic Polaris Alaskan-type intrusion in the Quesnel accreted arc terrane of the North American Cordillera is a zoned, mafic-ultramafic intrusive body that contains two main styles of magmatic mineralization of petrologic and potential economic significance: (1) chromitite-associated platinum group element (PGE) mineralization hosted by dunite (±wehrlite); and (2) sulfide-associated Cu-PGE-Au mineralization hosted by olivine (±magnetite) clinopyroxenite, hornblendite, and gabbro-diorite. Dunite-hosted PGE mineralization is spatially associated with thin discontinuous layers and schlieren of chromitite and chromitiferous dunite and is characterized by marked enrichments in iridium-subgroup PGE (IPGE) relative to palladium-subgroup PGE (PPGE). Discrete grains of platinum group minerals (PGM) are exceedingly rare, and the bulk of the PGE are inferred to reside in solid solution within chromite±olivine. The absence of Pt-Fe alloys in dunite of the Polaris intrusion is atypical, as Pt-enrichment of dunite-hosted chromitite is widely regarded as a characteristic feature of Alaskan-type intrusions. This discrepancy appears to be consistent with the strong positive dependence of Pt solubility on the oxidation state of sulfide-undersaturated magmas. Through comparison with experimentally determined PGE solubilities, we infer that the earliest (highest temperature) olivine-chromite cumulates of the Polaris intrusion crystallized from a strongly oxidized ultramafic parental magma with an estimated log f(O2) > FMQ+2. Parental magmas with oxygen fugacities more typical of volcanic arc settings [log f(O2) ∼ FMQ to ∼ FMQ+2] are, in turn, considered more favorable for co-precipitation of Pt-Fe alloys with olivine and chromite. More evolved clinopyroxene- and hornblende-rich cumulates of the Polaris intrusion contain low abundances of disseminated magmatic sulfides, consisting of pyrrhotite and chalcopyrite with minor pentlandite, pyrite, and rare bornite (≤12 wt.% total sulfides), which occur interstitially or as polyphase inclusions in silicates and oxides. The sulfide-bearing rocks are characterized by strong primitive mantle-normalized depletions in IPGE and enrichments in Cu-PPGE-Au, patterns that resemble those of other Alaskan-type intrusions and primitive arc lavas. The absolute abundances and sulfur-normalized whole-rock concentrations (Ci/S, serving as proxy for sulfide metal tenor) of chalcophile elements, including Cu/S, in sulfide-bearing rocks are highest in olivine clinopyroxenite. Sulfide saturation in the relatively evolved magmas of the Polaris intrusion, and Alaskan-type intrusions in general, appears to be intimately tied to the appearance of magnetite. Fractional crystallization of magnetite during the formation of olivine clinopyroxenite at Polaris resulted in reduction of the residual magma to log f(O2) ≤ FMQ+2, leading to segregation of an immiscible sulfide melt with high Cu/Fe and Cu/S, and high PGE and Au tenors. Continued fractionation resulted in sulfide melts that were progressively more depleted in precious and base chalcophile metals. The two styles of PGE mineralization in the Polaris Alaskan-type intrusion are interpreted to reflect the evolution of strongly oxidized, hydrous ultramafic parental magma(s) through intrinsic magmatic fractionation processes that potentially promote sulfide saturation in the absence of wallrock assimilation.

A Comparative Study of Sulfur Isotope Variations within the Flatreef and Merensky Reef of the Bushveld Complex, South Africa

ABSTRACT The Flatreef, a down-dip, sub-horizontal extension of the Platreef, which underlies the Turfspruit and Macalacaskop farms, represents the future of platinum mining in South Africa. The stratigraphic connection between the Platreef, located at the base of the northern limb of the Bushveld Complex, and the Merensky Reef in the western and eastern limbs of the complex, was disputed for many years due to the heterogeneous nature of the Platreef along strike. However, the discovery of the Flatreef led to a new perspective on the Platreef as the former allowed for the study of a magmatic stratigraphy less affected by footwall interaction. Here, we report whole-rock S isotope (δ34S) compositions across the stratigraphic units of the Flatreef and its footwall and hanging wall as intersected by boreholes UMT-276 and UMT-393, as well as stratigraphic units of the Merensky Reef at Two Rivers Platinum mine in the eastern limb. The units of the Flatreef containing platinum group element mineralization, namely the Main Reef and Upper Reef, have δ34S values that overlap with the range recorded for the Merensky Reef in the western and eastern limbs. In UMT-393, Main Reef δ34S values range between 0.2 and 1.5‰ (with the exception of three outliers, 9.7‰, 11.1‰, and 7.9‰), and 0.52‰ and 11.2‰ for two Upper Reef samples. However, in UMT-276, Main Reef δ34S values range between –0.96 and 2.24‰ and 3.19‰ was recorded for an Upper Reef sample. The S isotope compositions recorded for the Merensky Reef pyroxenite at Two Rivers Platinum mine are relatively higher with δ34S values ranging between 1.24 and 4.83‰. The top unit of the Flatreef, which is a transition zone below the Main Zone, as well as the Footwall Cyclic Unit have heavier S isotope compositions with δ34S values ranging between 6 and 17‰ for the former and 0.7 and 18.6‰ for the latter. At Two Rivers Platinum mine, the hanging-wall anorthosite has a δ34S value of 2.9‰ in contrast to the 5.7‰ measured for the footwall anorthosite and 3.27‰ for the footwall feldspathic pyroxenite. The consistent near-mantle S isotope signature and accompanying metal enrichment in the Main Reef of the Flatreef may be explained by extensive interaction of sulfide minerals in a Lower Zone conduit/pre-Platreef staging chamber with large volumes of uncontaminated magma. The δ34S values of the Merensky Reef at Two Rivers Platinum mine are slightly higher compared to that of the Main Reef at Turfspruit and Macalacaskop possibly due to interaction with underlying carbonate rocks.

Genesis and mechanisms of metal enrichment in the Baimazhai Ni-Cu-(PGE) deposit, Ailaoshan Orogenic Belt, SW China

ABSTRACT The ∼259 Ma Baimazhai Ni-Cu-(platinum-group element) deposit is located in the Ailaoshan-Red River fault zone on the southwest margin of the Yangtze Plate in the Jinping area of southeastern Yunnan Province. The intrusion is lenticular (∼530 m long × 190 m wide × 24–64 m thick) and concentrically zoned (margin to core) from gabbro through pyroxenite to peridotite. It contains ∼50 kt of Ni-Cu-(platinum-group element) mineralization, concentrically zoned (margin to core) from disseminated through net-textured to massive sulfides with an average grade of 1.03 wt.% Ni, 0.81 wt.% Cu, and 0.02∼0.69 ppm Pd+Pt. The sulfide assemblage comprises pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite, and pentlandite, with lesser magnetite, violarite, galena, and cobaltite. The mineralization is enriched in Ni-Cu-Co relative to the platinum-group elements and the host rocks are enriched in highly incompatible lithophile elements relative to moderately incompatible lithophile elements with high Th/Yb and intermediate Nb/Yb ratios. These host rocks, and those at most other Ni-Cu-platinum-group element deposits in the Emeishan Large Igneous Province, have high γOs and intermediate εNd values, indicating that they crystallized from a magma derived from a subduction-modified pyroxenite mantle source and modified by crustal contamination. The initial concentrations of metals in the primary magma are estimated to have been on the order of 200 ppm Ni and 100 ppm Cu, but only 0.4 ppb Pd, 0.2 ppb Pt, 0.005 ppb Rh, 0.02 ppb Ru, and 0.01 ppb Ir. The δ34S values of ores and separated sulfides range from 5.8‰ to 8.6‰, between the ∼10‰ value of sulfides in the metasedimentary country rocks and the 0 ± 0.5‰ value expected for magmas derived from MORB-type mantle, or the –2.5 ± 0.3‰ value expected for subduction-modified mantle, consistent with equilibration at magma:sulfide mass ratios (R factors) of 100–1000. Variations in Ir100 and Pd100 (metals in 100% sulfide) are consistent with 40–60% fractional crystallization of monosulfide solid solution to form Ni-Co-intermediate platinum-group element (Ru, Os, Ir)-rich massive ores and Cu-palladium/platinum-group elements (Pt, Pd, Rh)-Au-rich residual sulfide liquids. This process is also recorded by magnetite: Type I (early magmatic), type II (late magmatic), and type III (secondary) magnetites exhibit progressively lower Cr-Ti-V concentrations. The platinum-group element contents in base-metal minerals are low, and only pentlandite, violarite, and cobaltite contain detectable concentrations of Pd, Rh, and Ru. There is abundant textural evidence for metamorphic-hydrothermal alteration of sulfides in the Baimazhai intrusion, with secondary violarite, chalcopyrite, and pentlandite being enriched (Ag, Sb, Au, Pb) or depleted (Sn) in more mobile chalcophile elements. The different tectonic and petrogenetic settings of the Baimazhai and other deposits in China highlight the potential of Ni-Cu-platinum-group element deposits to occur in subduction or post-subduction settings and demonstrate that the key controls are magma flux and access to crustal S. Exploration potential remains for the Ailaoshan orogenic belt to host additional magmatic Ni-Cu deposits.

Nano- and Micrometer-Sized PGM in Ni-Cu-Fe Sulfides from an Olivine Megacryst in the Udachnaya Pipe, Yakutia, Russia

ABSTRACT This paper focuses on a nanoscale study of nano- and micrometer-size Os-rich mineral particles hosted in a Ni-Fe-Cu sulfide globule found in an olivine megacryst from the Udachnaya pipe (Yakutia, Russia). These platinum-group element mineral particles and their host sulfide matrices were investigated using a combination of techniques, including field emission gun electron probe microanalyzer, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and focused ion beam and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The sulfide globule is of mantle origin, as it is hosted in primitive olivine (Fo90–93), very likely derived from the crystallization of Ni-Fe-Cu sulfide melt droplets segregated by liquid immiscibility from a basaltic melt in a volume of depleted subcontinental lithospheric mantle. Microscopic observations by means of field emission scanning electron microscopy and single-spot analysis and mapping by field emission gun electron probe microanalyzer reveal that the sulfide globule comprises a core of pyrrhotite with flame-like exsolutions (usually <10 μm thickness) of pentlandite, which is irregularly surrounded by a rim of granular pentlandite and chalcopyrite. Elemental mapping by energy dispersive spectroscopy (acquired using the high-resolution transmission electron microscopy) of the pyrrhotite (+ pentlandite) core reveals that pentlandite exsolution in pyrrhotite is still observable at the nanoscale as fringes of 100 to 500 nm thicknesses. The sulfide matrices of pyrrhotite, pentlandite, and chalcopyrite contain abundant nano- and micrometer-size platinum group element mineral particles. A careful inspection of eight of these platinum group element particles under focused ion beam and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy showed that they are crystalline erlichmanite (OsS2) with well-developed crystal faces that are distinctively oriented relative to their sulfide host matrices. We propose that the core of the Ni-Fe-Cu sulfide globule studied here was derived from a precursor monosulfide solid solution originally crystallized from a sulfide melt at >1100 °C, which later decomposed into pyrrhotite and the pentlandite flame-like exsolutions upon cooling at <600 °C. Once solidified, the solid monosulfide solid solution reacted with non-equilibrium Cu-and Ni-rich sulfide melt(s), giving rise to the granular pentlandite in equilibrium with chalcopyrite now forming the rim of the sulfide globule. Meanwhile, nano- to micron-sized crystals of erlichmanite crystallized directly from or slightly before monosulfide solid solution from the sulfide melt. Thus, Os, and to a lesser extent Ir and Ru, were physically partitioned by preferential uptake via early formation of nanoparticles at high temperature instead of low-temperature exsolution from solid Ni-Fe-Cu sulfides. The new data provided in this paper highlight the necessity of studying platinum group element mineral particles in Ni-Fe-Cu sulfides using analytical techniques that can image nanoscale textural features in order to better understand the mechanisms of platinum group element fractionation in magmatic systems. These processes may play a crucial role in controlling the background geochemical budgets for siderophile and chalcophile elements in a wide range of mantle-derived magmas.

High grade ores of the Onverwacht platinum pipe, eastern Bushveld, South Africa

ABSTRACT The platiniferous dunite pipes are discordant orebodies in the Bushveld Complex. The Onverwacht pipe is a large body (>300 m in diameter) of magnesian dunite (Fo80–83) that crosscuts a sequence of cumulates in the Lower Critical Zone of the Bushveld Complex. In a pipe-in-pipe configuration, the main dunite pipe at Onverwacht hosts a carrot-shaped inner pipe of Fe-rich dunite pegmatite (Fo46–62) which comprises the platinum-bearing orebody. The latter was ca. 18 m in diameter and a mining depth of about 320 m was reached. In the present work, a variety of ore samples were studied by whole-rock geochemistry, including analyses of platinum group elements, ore microscopy, and electron probe microanalysis. Olivine of the ore zone displays considerable chemical variation (range 46–62 mol.% Fo) and may represent either a continuum, or different batches of magma, or vertical or horizontal zonation within the ore zone. Chromite is principally regarded to be a consanguineous component of the pipe magma that crystallized in situ and simultaneously with olivine. The Onverwacht mineralization is Pt-dominated (>95% of the platinum group elements) and the ore is virtually devoid of sulfides. Platinum-dominated platinum group minerals predominate, followed by Rh-, Pd-, and Ru-species. Pt-Fe alloys are most frequent, followed by Pt-Rh-Ru-arsenides and -sulfarsenides, platinum group element antimonides, and platinum group element sulfides. Our hypothesis on the genesis of the Onverwacht pipe and its mineralization is as follows: After near-consolidation of the layered series of the Critical Zone, the magnesian dunite pipe of Onverwacht was formed by upward penetration of magmas that replaced the existing cumulates initially by infiltration, followed by the development of a central channel where large volumes of magma flowed through. Fractional crystallization of olivine within the deeper magma chamber and/or during ascent of the melt resulted in the formation of a consanguineous, residual, more iron-rich melt. This melt also contained highly mobile, supercritical, water-bearing fluids and was continuously enriched in platinum group elements and other incompatible elements. In several closing pulses, the platinum group element-enriched residual melts crystallized and sealed the inner ore pipe. Crystallization of the melt resulted in the coeval formation of Fe-rich olivine, chromite, and platinum group minerals. The non-sulfide platinum group element mineralization was introduced in the form of nanoparticles and small droplets of platinum group minerals, which coagulated to form larger grains during evolution of the mineralizing system. The suspended platinum group minerals acted as collectors of other platinum group elements and incompatible elements during generation and ascent of the melt. With decreasing temperature, the platinum group mineral grains annealed and recrystallized, leading to the formation of composite platinum group mineral grains, complex intergrowths, or lamellar exsolution bodies. On further cooling, platinum group minerals overgrowing Pt-Fe alloys formed by reaction of leached elements and ligands like Sb, As, and S mobilized by supercritical magmatic/hydrothermal fluids. Redistribution of platinum group elements/platinum group minerals apparently only occurred on the scale of millimeters to centimeters. Finally, surface weathering led to the local formation of platinum group element oxides/hydroxides by oxidation of reactive precursor platinum group minerals.

The Troia–Pedra Branca mafic–ultramafic complex, Borborema Province, Brazil: Record of 2.04 Ga post–collisional Alaskan–type magmatism and PGE mineralization

The Troia–Pedra Branca complex is the most extensive exposure of mafic–ultramafic rocks in the Borborema Province, northeastern Brazil. These rocks have been known for a long time, particularly because of their platinum group element (PGE) mineralization associated with chromitites. The Troia–Pedra Branca complex consists of a succession of serpentinites (after dunite), metachromitites, metaperidotites, hornblendites and metagabbros. PGE–bearing metachromitites are hosted by the serpentinite–peridotite unit, occurring as dispersed blocks, well preserved from weathering. However, host metadunites are poorly preserved, and are only accessed by drill core samples. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis in thin sections of selected metachromitite samples revealed that most of the platinum group minerals (PGM) occur in the chlorite–serpentine matrix, generally in contact with chromite grains. The main PGM are sperrylite (PtAs2), cooperite (PtS), irarsite ((Ir,Pt,Rh)AsS) and hollingworthite ((Rh,Pd,Pt,Ru)AsS). Within chromite grains, very few PGM were found, and sulfide inclusions are mainly chalcopyrite (CuFeS2), pentlandite ((Fe,Ni)9S8) and bornite (Cu5FeS4). Whole–rock geochemical data reveal that metagabbros are LILE–enriched and show subduction–related signature similar to that of Alaskan–type intrusions. Mineral chemistry of chromite and olivine is also compatible with arc–related Alaskan–type complexes. The U–Pb SHRIMP zircon age for a metachromitite sample yielded an upper intercept age of 2036 ± 27 Ma, which we interpret as the crystallization age. However, dispersion in the data implies that zircons lost variable amounts of radiogenic Pb at around 749 ± 54 Ma (lower intercept), which may be related to Neoproterozoic metamorphism. The age obtained for the Troia–Pedra Branca metachromitites (2036 Ma) is younger than the 2190–2130 Ma arc–related plutons of the area, and it is closely related in age to the 2.10–2.04 Ga syn– to late–collisional plutonism and high–temperature metamorphism. Therefore, this Alaskan–type mafic–ultramafic magmatism may be related to the post–collisional setting of the 2.2–2.0 Ga Eburnean/Transamazonian orogeny.

Geochemical evolution of PGE-sulfide mineralization of the Khudolaz differentiated complex in the South urals: The role of R-factor and hydrothermal alteration

The article highlights the results of mineralogical and geochemical studies of disseminated Cu-Ni-PGE sulfide mineralization from three intrusions of the Khudolaz Differentiated Complex (KDC) in the South Urals. Sulfide mineral assemblages are shown to have formed across a wide temperature range (about 1100–150 °C) during the cooling of an immiscible sulfide melt and subsequent hydrothermal dissolution and redeposition of sulfides. During the solidification process, a crystallization of sulfide solid solutions (mss, iss, etc.) occurred, from which pyrrhotite, pentlandite, and chalcopyrite were subsequently exsoluted. The oxidation, substitution and dissolution of primary sulfides at the hydrothermal stage led to the formation of mineral aggregates of complex morphology, containing complete or partial pseudomorphs of secondary sulfides, silicates and oxides, as well as redeposited sulfide aggregates. According to LA ICP MS data for sulfides and the bulk trace element composition of ores, the depletion of sulfide minerals by some chalcophile and platinum-group elements (PGE) took place during their hydrothermal alteration (partial dissolution and replacement). Secondary sulfides such as pyrite and violarite largely inherited the geochemical features of the primary minerals during pseudomorphic replacement of pyrrhotite and pentlandite. The redeposited sulfides (pyrite and chalcopyrite) are primarily enriched by chalcophile trace elements. Leaching of PGEs from pyrrhotite and pentlandite took place during hydrothermal alteration. Here, the most significant loss was determined for Te, resulting in the depletion of sulfide minerals and ores in Te by about 5 times. The identified decrease of Te/Sb values in altered sulfides by a factor of 3–20 indicates an enrichment in Sb and a high Dhydrothermal fluid/sulfide partition coefficient (≫ 1). It is shown that the hydrothermal fluid was enriched in Sb. On the other hand, the S/Se value increases by a factor of ~ 1.5, demonstrating an Se mobility during metasomatic processes comparable to other chalcogenides.Based on the study of assemblages and traced evolution of the chemical composition of PGE minerals, three stages of mineralization are proposed: 1) crystallization of immiscible chalcogenide and highly fractionated sulfide melts; 2) segregation of isomorphic impurities of chalcogenides and PGE during the sulfides exsolution from sulfide solid solutions; 3) interaction of Pd leached from primary sulfide and PGE minerals with Sb-rich hydrothermal fluid.The calculated value of the R-factor (150–502) indicates a moderate productivity of the KDC intrusions for Cu-Ni sulfide mineralization, but a rather low potential for PGE. Although the degree of primary sulfide melt PGE-enrichment is not inferior to that of many Cu-Ni-PGE deposits in the world, the economic potential of the Khudolaz Complex intrusions is significantly reduced by their small sizes. At the same time, the strong depletion of primary sulfides in Ni, Cu, Pd, and Pt during hydrothermal alteration led to the enrichment of host rocks in the external contact.

Platinum group elements in lamprophyre, picrobasalt, gabbro and basalts of the Phenai Mata and nearby areas: implications for Fe–Ni–Cu–PGE mineralization in the Deccan Large Igneous Province

AbstractAmong the basaltic large igneous provinces (LIPs) world over, the Deccan Large Igneous Province (DLIP) is considered barren of metalliferous sulfide deposits, and especially platinum group minerals (PGMs). The tholeiitic basaltic magmas of the DLIP were found to lack sulfur saturation at all stages of its evolution. However, we found some incidences of Fe–Ni–platinum group element (PGE) mineralization in the cumulate gabbros of the Phenai Mata Igneous Complex (PMIC), as well as intrusive dykes of lamprophyre, picrobasalt and basalt in adjoining areas. To examine the metal potential of the gabbros, we adopted the following approach: (a) whole-rock PGE analysis of selected rocks; (b) preconcentration of the samples by communition, sieving and gravity-magnetic separation, followed by froth floatation, Ni-sulfide fire assay and geochemical analysis of the concentrates; and (c) direct scanning of samples using an electron probe microanalyser (EPMA). The geochemical proxies – namely, Pd/Ir, Cu/Ir, Ni/Pd and Ni/Cu – indicate that PMIC has distinct geochemical signatures compared to other parts of the DLIP. The results have further indicated an interesting suite of minerals comprising metal sulfides of Fe–Cu–Zn–Pb–Co–Ni. This metal-rich suite in the otherwise ‘barren’ Deccan Trap tholeiites is a result of accidental fertilization of metals into their sulfides due to the mixing of crustal sulfur.