Pyrite Deposits Research Articles

Mercury as an indicator of geological and environmental risks in the development of various mineral raw materials

Mercury is a highly toxic pollutant of the environment, and a quantitative assessment of its emission and migration in the technogenic transformation of mining regions is vital. The presented study focuses on the features of mercury concentration in the natural mineral raw materials, commercial products and processing waste by the example of mercury-containing copper pyrite deposits in the Urals. Mercury (its quantitative indicators) is used as a reliable element-tracer of the evolution of the technogenic system: mineral raw materials – subsurface use wastes – environmental components – food products – the human body. Such integrated approach is recommended for optimizing the forecasting, assessment and management of geological and environmental risks, as well as for the geological and environmental monitoring of the modern mining engineering system.

Geodynamic conditions of massive sulfide formation in the Magnitogorsk megazone

Research subject. Volcanism, rock geochemistry, geodynamics, and massive sulfide formation in the Magnitogorsk megazone (MMZ) of the Southern Urals in the Middle Paleozoic.Materials and Methods. Across the largest part of the massive sulfide deposits under investigation, the authors conducted route studies, including geological surveys of individual ore fields and quarries of deposits, core samples of deep wells and transparent sections. Representative analyses of petrogenic and microelements were performed using wet chemistry and ICP-MS in analytical centers in Russia and Europe. Along with the authors’ data, analytical materials published by Russian and foreign researchers were used. Geodynamic reconstructions were carried out taking into account regional data on gravics, thermal field, magnetometry, and seismic stu dies, including «Urseis-95».Results. The geodynamic reconstructions established that the main elements of the paleostructure of the Southern Urals in the Devonian were the subduction zone of the eastern dip and asthenospheric diapirs that penetrated into the «slab-window», which determined the type of volcanic belts, the composition and volume of volcanic rocks of pyrite-bearing complexes, and ore matter of pyrite deposits. The following geodynamic zones in the MMZ were identified: 1 – polychronous accretion prism; 2 – frontal and developed island arcs (D1e2–D2ef1); 3 – zone of back-arc spreading (D1e2); 4 – rear island arc (D2ef1).Conclusions. All investigated zones and ore areas are characterized by an autonomous development of volcanism, a special deep structure and a different composition, as well as by a different volume of massive sulfide deposits that vary in the Cu and Zn ratios and Pb, Ba, Au amounts. In the MMZ volcanic complexes, three groups of plume source basalts are distinguished. The results can be used in predictive-estimation and search operations for massive sulfide mineralization.

Минеральный состав руд, использовавшихся на укрепленном поселении бронзового века Устье-I (Южное Зауралье)

At the fortified settlement of the Bronze Age, Ustye-I (South Trans-Urals), metal products of copper, arsenic and tin bronzes, numerous fragments of metallurgical slags, as well as fragments of copper ores have been discovered. According to the results of early studies, pure copper predominates among metal items (53.4% of finds), but also a significant part contains an admixture of arsenic (25.4% of finds), tin (13.6% of finds) and both components simultaneously (7.6% of finds). Several alloying components of the samples are simultaneously found in slags: Pb (50% of cases), As (49% of cases), Zn (40% of cases), Bi (38% of cases), Sn (7% of cases), Ni (4% of cases), Sb (1% of cases). To identify the relationship between the incoming raw materials and the received metal, 15 ore samples were examined. The ores studied are ‘gravelly’ clasts with a size of 5 mm to several centimeters, and ‘sandy’ ores with a size of 2–3 mm. According to their mineral composition, ores are subdivided into malachite, azurite, and limonite. The main copper minerals are malachite and azurite; chrysocolla is found occasionally, chalcopyrite, cuprite are rarely found. Copper is bound to Fe- and Mn-hydroxides. We have identified copper slag fragments in ‘sandy’ ores. In all types of ores, natural alloying components are very rare and are represented by Pb and Zn. These elements can form their own minerals (mottramit, a mineral of the plumbogummite family) or act as an impurity to malachite (up to 0.62 wt% ZnO), azurite (up to 1.12 ZnO and up to 2.37 PbO), iron hydroxides (up to 2.66 ZnO and up to 2.02 PbO) or manganese hydroxides (up to 0.41 ZnO and up to 9.48 PbO). No As and Sn impurities were found. The presence of numerous fragments of brown iron ore at the settlement, the close location of copper mines indicates that the settlers were engaged in the extraction and processing of copper ore. The widespread occurrence of ores, consisting mainly of malachite and azurite, indicates that the ores were mined from the upper parts of the oxidation zone, and the metal smelted from these ores must correspond to pure copper. The distribution of Pb and Zn impurities indicates that some of the copper ores originate from the oxidation zones of pyrite ores or deposits of other formational types with a similar ore composition. The difference in the compositions of the ores found at the settlement and the compositions of slag and metal is associated with several sources of ores. The sources of copper ores could be mines located near the settlement. Arsenic-bearing ores could have come from mines in adjacent areas. Tin ores were brought in as a result of trans-regional exchange with the Central Asian region.

Genesis and mineralization style of gold occurrences of the Lower Lom Belt, Bétaré Oya district, eastern Cameroon

The Bétaré Oya district has a substrate composed of the Neoproterozoic metavolcanic-metasedimentary rocks of the Lom Belt in eastern Cameroon. The district is well-known for alluvial gold mining activities, however, the primary gold mineralization has received little attention. In the current study, we newly report geological, ore mineralogy, fluid inclusion microthermometric, laser Raman spectroscopy, and stable isotope data from auriferous veins of the Lom Belt to characterize the style of gold mineralization and to constrain the origin of the ore-forming fluids. The auriferous quartz veins are laminated, fractured, N- to NE-trending, and spatially associated with the Bétaré Oya Shear Zone. Fieldwork coupled with microscopic examination and the textural relationships of ore minerals revealed two stages of mineralization. The first stage is characterized by the presence of pyrite, sphalerite, galena, chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite, hematite, petzite, hessite, wolframite, electrum, and gold, while the second stage is characterized by the presence of a later deposition of galena and pyrite, as well as minor greenockite. The gangue minerals are quartz, sericite, muscovite, chlorite, calcite, ankerite, and barite, whereas the supergene assemblage (stage 3) includes goethite, hematite, covellite, and enargite. Two fluid inclusion assemblages containing three types of inclusions are identified in mineralized quartz veins. Assemblage 1 consists of gold-related types 1 and 2 with daughter minerals consisting of nahcolite, magnesite, and arsenolamprite (black native arsenic), whereas assemblage 2 consists of post-gold type 3 fluid inclusions. Type 1 has H2O-NaCl-CO2 ± N2 ± CH4 primary fluid inclusions (FI), with a TmCO2 ranging from −59.8 to −56.6 °C, salinities from 0.5 to 10.8 wt% NaCl eq., densities from 0.87 to 1.00 g.cm−3, and total homogenization temperatures between 280 and 360 °C. Type 2 contains CO2 (±H2O-NaCl) ± N2 ± CH4 FI that exhibit TmCO2 ranging between −60.0 and −56.7 °C, ThCO2 from 13 to 25 °C, and densities between 0.73 and 0.85 g.cm−3. Type 3 shows H2O-NaCl FI with salinities between 0.2 and 10.1 wt% NaCl eq., densities between 0.82 and 0.98 g.cm−3, and total homogenization temperatures from 160 to 235 °C. Measured δ18O for gold-bearing quartz (+11.5 to +16.0‰), δD from FI (−50.6 to −21.8‰), δ13C from FI (−5.8 to −5.5‰), and δ34S from galena and pyrite grains (+5.3‰ and +8.2‰, respectively) suggest a metamorphic source as most likely for the ore-forming fluids and sulfur, although a mantle CO2 contribution cannot be ruled out.The gold deposition probably took place by fluid-rock interaction and fluid unmixing at ∼310 °C and at a depth of about 6–9 km. The ore-forming fluid was a low salinity (∼6.2 wt% NaCl eq.) H2O-NaCl-CO2 ± N2 ± CH4 solution. These data revealed that the Lom Belt gold mineralization is best classified as a mesozonal orogenic gold deposit.

Biogeochemical and mineralogical effects of Fe-P-S dynamics in sediments of continental shelf sea: Impact of salinity, oxygen conditions, and catchment area characteristics

In this study, we investigate how salinity, oxygen concentration and catchment area characteristics impact the dynamics of Fe-P-S cycling in the continental shelf sea sediments. Samples were collected from three sites representing different environmental conditions: Gdańsk Deep (southern Baltic Sea), Gotland Deep (central Baltic Sea) and Bothnian Sea (northern Baltic Sea). Sediments were analysed for their mineral composition and speciation of iron and phosphorus. The main groups of Prokaryota involved in Fe-P-S cycling in sediments were indicated. Concentrations of sulphate, hydrogen sulphide, alkalinity, chloride, calcium, phosphate and iron were measured in pore waters. We demonstrated that in the eutrophicated southern region with moderate salinity and oxygen deficit in bottom water, sediments had high potential for retaining Fe and releasing P as indicated by high concentrations of pyrite and labile forms of phosphorus, respectively. Strong salinity stratification and intermittent pelagic redoxcline in the central Baltic Sea resulted in a clearly higher rate of pyrite deposition. Sediment was enriched with Mn due to the formation of Ca-Mn carbonates driven by intensive Mn redox cycling and sulphate reduction. Because of high availability of Mn oxides connected with episodic inflows of oxic seawater from the North Sea, sulphate was present in the entire profile of the studied sediments in the Gotland Deep. Sediments in the well-oxygenated, virtually fresh and rich in land-derived iron northern Baltic Sea retained significant amounts of P in authigenic minerals. Organic matter mineralisation in the surface sediment of this area was dominated by iron reduction. The variability of environmental conditions and consequent availability of electron acceptors were the cause of regional differences in the composition of Prokaryota communities – the number of sulphate reducers in the Gdańsk and Gotland Deeps was greater than in the Bothnian Sea, where there were more Fe reducers and bacteria that oxidise Fe and S.

Origin of pyrite nodules at the top of the nantuo diamictites, Southern China

Pyrite nodules up to 20 cm in diameter are found at the top of the Marinoan (~ 635 Ma) Nantuo glacial diamictite as well as in the cap dolostones and shale/siltstones in the lower Doushantuo Formation in eastern Guizhou, southern China. Field occurrences, petrography, and stable sulfur isotopic compositions of pyrite nodules were studied from a section at Taoying, eastern Guizhou, China. Pyrite δ34S values from different nodules varied from 7.3 to 60.5‰ at different stratigraphic levels. No stratigraphic trend existed for the δ34S, supporting the scenario of pyrite formation in sediments before the precipitation of the cap dolostone. Pyrite δ34S values were also homogeneous within individual nodules at a 0.3 to 1 cm sampling scale, but were more heterogeneous at a 2 mm sampling scale. Homogeneity was not expected from the particular model for pyrite nodule formation in a largely closed or semi-closed environment. Thus, differential cementation and compaction of the pyrite-bearing sediments may have produced the nodular shape of the pyrite deposit.

Constraints of Fe-S-C stable isotopes on hydrothermal and microbial activities during formation of sediment-hosted stratiform sulfide deposits

Microbial and hydrothermal venting activities on the seafloor are important for the formation of sediment-hosted stratiform sulfide (SHSS) deposits. Fe isotopic compositions are sensitive to both microbial and hydrothermal activities and may be used to investigate the formation of these deposits. However, to the best of our knowledge, no Fe isotopic studies have been conducted on SHSS deposits. In the Devonian Dajiangping SHSS-type pyrite deposit (389 Ma), South China, laminated pyrite ores were precipitated from exhalative hydrothermal fluids, whereas black shales were deposited during intervals with no exhalation. Pyrite grains from black shales mostly display positive δ56Fe-py (0.01–0.73‰), higher than marine sediments (ca. 0‰), due to pyrite deriving Fe from basinal shuttled Fe(III) (hydr-)oxides and slowly crystallizing in pores of sediments with equilibrium fractionation, except for negative δ56Fe-py (−0.17‰ to −0.24‰) of two samples caused by mixing of Fe from underlain laminated ores. The positive δ34S-py (3.50–24.5‰) of black shales reflect that sulfur of pyrite originated from quantitative reduction of sulfate in closed pores of sediments. In contrast, pyrite grains of laminated ores have negative δ56Fe-py (−0.60‰ to −0.21‰), which were not only inherited from the negative δ56Fe of hydrothermal fluids but also caused by kinetic fractionation during rapid precipitation of a pyrite precursor (FeS) in hydrothermal plumes. These ores have negative δ34S-py (−28.7‰ to −1.82‰), because H2S for pyrite mineralization was produced by bacterial sulfate reduction (BSR) in a sulfate-rich seawater column or shallow sediments.The δ56Fe-py values of laminated ores co-vary positively with δ34S-py and δ13C-carbonate along the ore stratigraphy, with δ13C-carbonate values ranging from −12.0‰ to −2.50‰. However, they correlate negatively with aluminum-normalized total organic carbon (TOC/Al2O3). Organic carbon is thus considered to enhance the production of H2S by BSR activities, increase pyrite precipitation rates and promote the expression of kinetic fractionation of Fe isotopes. Intriguingly, in the ore units with vigorous hydrothermal venting activities, δ56Fe-py, δ34S-py and δ13C-carbonate values display a consistently increasing trend. Such results suggest that venting hydrothermal fluids significantly inhibited the H2S production of BSR, which then reduced the pyrite crystallization rate and decreased the kinetic fractionation of Fe isotopes. Our study reveals that the formation of SHSS deposits relies on H2S from microbial activities and metals from hydrothermal exhalation on the seafloor, but that vigorous exhalation can inhibit microbial activities and thus sulfide precipitation rates. The integrated use of Fe, S, and C isotopes can effectively elucidate these dynamic interactions between hydrothermal venting and microbial activities during the formation of SHSS deposits.

Chemical weathering and CO2 consumption in the glaciated Karuxung River catchment, Tibetan Plateau

AbstractClimate factors play critical roles in controlling chemical weathering, while chemically weathered surface material can regulate climate change. To estimate global chemical weathering fluxes and CO2 balance, it is important to identify the characteristics and driving factors of chemical weathering and CO2 consumption on the Tibetan Plateau, especially in glaciated catchments. The analysis of the hydro‐geochemical data indicated that silicate weathering in this area was inhibited by low temperatures, while carbonate weathering was promoted by the abundant clastic rocks with fresh surfaces produced by glacial action. Carbonate weathering dominated the riverine solute generation (with a contribution of 58%, 51%, and 43% at the QiangYong Glacier (QYG), the WengGuo Hydrological Station (WGHS), and the lake estuary (LE), respectively). The oxidation of pyrite contributed to 35%, 42%, and 30% of the riverine solutes, while silicate weathering contributed to 5%, 6%, and 26% of the riverine solutes at the QYG, WGHS, and LE, respectively. The alluvial deposit of easily weathering fine silicate minerals, the higher air temperature, plant density, and soil thickness at the downstream LE in comparison to upstream and midstream may lead to longer contact time between pore water and mineral materials, thus enhancing the silicate weathering. Because of the involvement of sulfuric acid produced by the oxidation of pyrite, carbonate weathering in the upstream and midstream did not consume atmospheric CO2, resulting in the high rate of carbonate weathering (73.9 and 75.6 t km−2 yr−1, respectively, in maximum) and potential net release of CO2 (with an upper constraint of 35.6 and 35.2 t km−2 yr−1, respectively) at the QYG and WGHS. The above results indicate the potential of the glaciated area of the Tibetan Plateau with pyrite deposits being a substantial natural carbon source, which deserves further investigation.

In situ chemical and isotopic analyses and element mapping of multiple-generation pyrite: Evidence of episodic gold mobilization and deposition for the Qiucun epithermal gold deposit in Southeast China

Abstract Gold deposits are often the result of complex mineralization and remobilization processes. Interpretation of bulk geochemical and sulfur isotope data of the gold deposits is frequently hampered by complex zoning in pyrite, which calls for in situ determination of geochemical and sulfur isotope composition of sulfide minerals. The Qiucun deposit is a good representative of epithermal gold deposits in the Mesozoic Coastal Volcanic Belt of southeastern China. It represents a complex mineralization history, comprising three hydrothermal stages: (I) early stage of pyrite-quartz-chalcedony; (II) main ore stage of quartz-polymetallic sulfide; and (III) post-ore stage of quartz-carbonate. Detailed backscattered electron imaging (BSE) and in situ trace element and sulfur isotope analyses using laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) and LA-multicollector (MC)-ICP-MS were applied to reveal the gold mineralization and remobilization history of this deposit. Four texturally distinct generations of pyrite were identified, all of which host invisible gold: Py1a and Py1b in Stage I and Py2a and Py2b in Stage II. A detailed study of the texture, chemistry, and sulfur isotopic composition as well as hydrothermal evolution of auriferous pyrite from the Qiucun deposit revealed the behavior of gold in the course of pyrite evolution. Pyrite of Stages I and II contains invisible gold, whereas later-stage visible native gold and re-enrichment in invisible gold is associated with alteration rims around the primary pyrite grains. Py1a is rich in silicate inclusions, enriched in Co and Ni, and depleted in As and Au relative to later pyrite generations. This redistribution is attributed to the alteration of biotite in the sub-volcanic host rocks that effectively destabilized gold in the ore fluid during Py1a deposition. Py1b and Py2a show oscillatory zoning with bright bands having elevated As and Au contents. The oscillatory zoning is interpreted to reflect pressure fluctuations and repeated local fluid boiling around the pyrite crystals. These three pyrite generations (Py1a, Py1b, Py2a) record a narrow range of δ34SV-CDT values between –3.6 and 4.6‰, consistent with a magmatic sulfur source. Gold and some trace elements (As, Ag, Sb, Pb, Tl, and Cu) that were initially incorporated into Py2a became partially exsolved and remobilized during the replacement of porous and invisible gold-rich Py2b. This replacement was likely due to coupled dissolution and re-precipitation reactions triggered by oxidation of the mineralizing fluids. Fluid oxidation is further supported by a general decrease trend of δ34SV-CDT from Py2a (–3.2 to 4.6‰) to Py2b (–15.2 to –2.3‰). Last, previously formed auriferous pyrite underwent post-mineralization fracturing, causing local pulverization of pyrite. Thus, newly created porosity facilitated fluid circulation, hydrothermal alteration of the pyrite, and remobilization of invisible gold, which re-precipitated with pyrite in the form of electrum as small inclusions or as larger grains within fractures. Our study emphasizes that pressure-driven hydrothermal processes play a vital role in the initial enrichment and re-concentration of gold and some other trace metals during episodic deposition, replacement, and hydrothermal alteration of gold-bearing pyrite in epithermal gold deposits, ultimately forming visible gold and high-grade ore shoots as exemplified by the Qiucun deposit.

The role of evaporite layers in the ore-forming processes of iron oxide-apatite and skarn Fe deposits: Examples from the middle-lower Yangtze River metallogenic Belt, East China

Iron oxide – apatite (IOA) and skarn Fe deposits are important sources of Fe in China. During the Mesozoic, a large number of large IOA and skarn Fe deposits formed in the Middle–Lower Yangtze River Metallogenic Belt (MLYRMB) in a short period. These deposits genetically show a close spatial relationship to Triassic evaporite layers. In this study, the S isotope values of IOA deposits and Fe skarn deposits in the MLYRMB were collected and summarized. Most of the sulfides from Fe deposits have higher S isotope values (5–10‰), and the sulfates have S isotope values (17–21‰) that are similar to those of the evaporite layers (28–30‰), indicating the involvement of the evaporite layers. The effects of the evaporite layers on the mechanism of Fe ore formation are discussed. Evaporite layers are the most important oxidation barrier in the formation of Fe ores, as they can oxidize Fe2+ to Fe3+ in magmatic melts and magmatic-hydrothermal fluids, promoting Fe accumulation. Evaporite layers can also provide Na, Ca, K, Cl, and other agents of mineralization that facilitate the formation and transformation of Fe-bearing fluids and cause the deposits to display large-scale Na and Cl alterations. When sulfate from evaporite layers oxidizes Fe2+ to Fe3+, S6+ is reduced to S2−, becoming a major sulfur source for the formation of either sulfide ores or pyrite deposits after Fe mineralization. Sulfate (gypsum) from evaporite layers could be activated and transferred to the upper or side part of the ore system, forming anhydrite/gypsum ores (veins). Therefore, pyrite, anhydrite, and Fe ores often appear in single deposit.

Genesis of end-Guadalupian bauxite and pyrite deposits in the Youjiang Basin (South China): Insights into the causative link between magmatic events and mass extinction

Mass extinction was commonly considered as the response to interaction between geosystems, and volcanism can be viewed as a vital link between the surface systems and deep geodynamic processes. This causative link between end-Guadalupian mass extinction and volcanism has been clarified, based on the research of bauxite and pyrite deposits in the Youjiang Basin, South China Block (SCB). Geochronological and geochemical evidences show that the source materials of bauxite-pyrite deposits were mainly derived from the Emeishan large igneous province (LIP) to the northwest and the continental arc along the SW margin of SCB associated with the subduction of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean underneath the Indochina block. Volcanic ash fallout by atmospheric dispersal driven by the easterly trade winds could best account for the spatial variation of both bauxite and pyrite deposits given their relative paleogeographic positions with respect to the two flanking sources. Massive volcanic tephra from arc volcanism fell on exposed carbonate platforms, underwent intensive chemical weathering and transformed into bauxites under the warm and humid tropical climate in Tethys, which could be also favored by acid precipitation caused by volcanic degassing. Extensive SO2 released from Emeishan LIP emission could be the major source of pyrite ores, probably with minor contribution from arc volcanism. This indicates that the prolonged and extensive continental arc volcanism induced environmental stress in the poorly-ventilated Paleo-Tethys Ocean, while the coincidental eruption of the large igneous provinces was the final straw, leading to the dramatic biotic crises during the Middle-Late Permian interval.

To estimation of polarization characteristics of the medium on the data of multi-frequency measurements in the method alternating current resistance

The relevance of the work is due to the need to extract additional information in the study of the polarization properties of the geological environment from experimental data in the method of ac resistance using multifrequency measurements. The introduction provides a brief review of the literature on the problem of studying the polarization properties of rocks in the frequency domain and the method of frequency dispersion, which is successfully used in prospecting and exploration works in sulfide and copper pyrite deposits. The questions of determining the polarizability of the medium in the frequency domain and the parameter of the polarization process depending on the structural and petrophysical characteristics are discussed. Purpose of this research is to compare the characteristic features of studying the polarization properties of a medium in the frequency domain and to establish the relationship between polarizability and the frequency dispersion coefficient of electrical resistance. To propose an algorithm for determining the polarization characteristics of a medium from the data of multifrequency measurements in the method of resistances on alternating current. Research methodology: substantiation of the choice of the model of induced electric polarization in the frequency domain and the peculiarities of its application to establish the relationship between the frequency dispersion coefficient and the apparent polarizability of the medium. Research methods: theoretical calculations and comparative analysis of the obtained dependences on the model parameters. Results of work. The choice of the model of induced electric polarization Cole-Cole in the frequency domain is substantiated to establish a relationship between the frequency dispersion coefficient and the apparent polarizability of the medium. The possibility of using multifrequency measurements of electrical resistance to study the polarization characteristics of a medium based on this model is shown. An algorithm has been developed and expressions have been obtained that make it possible to determine the polarizability of the medium and the parameter of the relaxation time from the data of measuring the apparent resistance at three frequencies in the method of electric sounding on alternating current. Application area. The obtained results can find application in the processing of data from conductive electrical soundings on alternating current, for the correct interpretation of the frequency effect and the study of the polarization properties of the medium, in particular, when research by the method of frequency dispersion.

Cracking the superheavy pyrite enigma: possible roles of volatile organosulfur compound emission.

The global deposition of superheavy pyrite (pyrite isotopically heavier than coeval seawater sulfate in the Neoproterozoic Era and particularly in the Cryogenian Period) defies explanation using the canonical marine sulfur cycle system. Here we report petrographic and sulfur isotopic data (δ34Spy) of superheavy pyrite from the Cryogenian Datangpo Formation (660–650 Ma) in South China. Our data indicate a syndepositional/early diagenetic origin of the Datangpo superheavy pyrite, with 34S-enriched H2S supplied from sulfidic (H2S rich) seawater. Instructed by a novel sulfur-cycling model, we propose that the emission of 34S-depleted volatile organosulfur compounds (VOSC) that were generated via sulfide methylation may have contributed to the formation of 34S-enriched sulfidic seawater and superheavy pyrite. The global emission of VOSC may be attributed to enhanced organic matter production after the Sturtian glaciation in the context of widespread sulfidic conditions. These findings demonstrate that VOSC cycling is an important component of the sulfur cycle in Proterozoic oceans.

Paragenesis of an Orogenic Gold Deposit: New Insights on Mineralizing Processes at the Grass Valley District, California

Abstract The Grass Valley orogenic gold district in the Sierra Nevada foothills province, central California, is the largest historical gold producer of the North American Cordillera. Gold mineralization is associated with shallowly dipping north-south veins hosted by the 160 Ma Grass Valley granodiorite to the southwest of the Grass Valley fault and steeply dipping east-west veins in accreted oceanic rocks to the northeast of this major fault. Quartz veins from both vein types show well-preserved primary textural relationships. Using a combination of petrographic and microanalytical techniques, the paragenetic sequence of minerals within the veins and the compositions of ore minerals were determined to constrain the mechanisms of quartz vein formation and gold deposition. The veins are composed of early quartz that formed through cooling of hydrothermal fluids derived from a geopressured reservoir at depth. The early quartz shows growth zoning in optical cathodoluminescence and contains abundant growth bands of primary inclusions. The primary inclusion assemblages and myriads of crosscutting secondary fluid inclusions have been affected by postentrapment modification, suggesting that early quartz formation was postdated by pronounced pressure fluctuations. These pressure fluctuations, presumably involving changes from lithostatic to hydrostatic conditions, may be related to fault failure of the host structure as predicted by the fault-valve model. Fluid flow associated with pressure cycling took place along microfractures and grain boundaries resulting in extensive recrystallization of the early quartz. Deposition of pyrite, arsenopyrite, and first-generation gold from these hydrothermal fluids causing recrystallization of the early quartz occurred as a result of wall-rock sulfidation. The gold forms invisible gold in the compositionally zoned pyrite or micron-sized inclusions within pyrite growth zones. The latest growth zones in euhedral quartz crystals that formed in association with this stage of the paragenesis contain very rare primary fluid inclusions that have not been affected by postentrapment modification. The hydrothermal system transitioned entirely to hydrostatic conditions immediately after formation of the latest quartz, explaining the preservation of the primary fluid inclusions. The formation of minor quartz in open spaces was followed by the deposition of second-generation native gold and telluride minerals that are commonly associated with base metal sulfides. Ore formation at this stage of the paragenesis is attributed to the rapid decompression of hydrothermal fluids escaping from the geopressured part of the crust into the overlying hydrostatic realm. There is no fluid inclusion evidence that this pressure drop resulted in fluid immiscibility of the hydrothermal fluids. Fluid inclusion evidence suggests that the north-south veins formed at a paleodepth of ~8 km, whereas the east-west veins appear to have formed at ~10 to 11 km below surface, confirming previous inferences that the NE-dipping Grass Valley reverse fault accommodated a large displacement. The findings of the study at Grass Valley have significant implications for the model for orogenic gold deposits, as the reconstruction of the paragenetic relationships provides evidence for the occurrence of two discrete events of gold introduction that occurred at different conditions during the evolution of the hydrothermal system.

New Insights Into the Control of Visible Gold Fineness and Deposition: A Case Study of the Sanshandao Gold Deposit, Jiaodong, China

Abstract Mineralogical distribution, textures, electron probe microanalysis of visible gold, laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) trace element analysis of pyrite, and LA-multicollector (MC-)ICP-MS sulfur isotope analysis of sulfide minerals are examined in an ore zone extending obliquely to –4 km depth in the Sanshandao gold deposit Jiaodong, China. We relate these results to the temporal and spatial ore-forming processes in the deposit to further elucidate the controls on the deposition of visible Au and fineness variation. Two generations of Au mineralization are identified. The early generation is represented by beresitization and quartz-pyrite veins in which visible Au grains are associated with pyrite (Py1 and Py2) and are characterized by high fineness [729–961; fineness = 1000×Au/(Au+Ag)]. Py1 and Py2 are both enriched in Co, Ni, and Bi and depleted in As and Au. Texturally, gold and pyrite are pristine crystals, homogeneous in composition. These features are attributed to the sulfidation of the granitic wallrock (fluid/rock interaction) that effectively destabilizes Au in the ore-forming fluids during pyrite deposition. Fineness decreases continuously from 870 at –2650 m depth to 752 at –420 m depth. The Co and Ni contents of Py1 and Py2 decrease significantly from –4000 m to –420 m depth, whereas the As contents increase. The mean δ34S values of Py1 increase from 10.5 to 11.8‰. The spatial variations are interpreted to be related to gradual cooling, decompression, and an enhanced degree of fluid/rock interaction with decreasing depth, which facilitated the initiation of visible gold mineralization at ca. –2700 m depth. The late generation of Au mineralization is represented by quartz-polysulfide veins in which visible Au grains are associated with multiple sulfide minerals (Py3, galena, chalcopyrite, arsenopyrite, and sphalerite). It is characterized by low fineness (549–719), and heterogeneous textures with Ag-rich parts (218–421). Py3, occurring as the rim of pyrite grain, is interpreted to form by replacement via a dissolution-reprecipitation reaction. Py3 is distinctly enriched in As (median of 10 000 ppm) and Au (2.2 ppm), but depleted in Co, Ni, and Bi. The δ34S values of the polysulfide minerals decrease sharply by 4 to 5‰ at depths from –1909 to –1450 m. These features are interpreted to be generated by significant decompression and phase separation of fluid, where most ore elements (e.g., Au, Ag, As, and base metal elements) are destabilized. Our study suggests that remobilization did not affect the generation of visible Au mineralization at Sanshandao.

Технологические аспекты обеспечения пожаровзрывобезопасности при подземной разработке месторождений колчеданных руд

Sulfide ores play an extremely important role in the development of the mineral resource base of Russia, as a source of rare, non-ferrous, and precious metals. However, the development of sulfide ore deposits is associated with the risk of sulfide dust explosions, the development of oxidative processes that lead to spontaneous combustion of ores. The article substantiates the urgency of solving the problem of reducing the risks of sulfide dust explosions, taking into account changes in the mineral balance of gold-sulfide deposits. To improve the safety of the development of sulfide-containing deposits, the authors developed new methodological approaches to the assessment of the explosion hazard of sulfide dust, based on the integration of model, laboratory and field experiments with a comprehensive analysis of the results. The developed methodology for studying the main factors of dust and explosion safety is an integral part of the industrial safety system, as it provides the possibility of forecasting, evaluating, and promptly determining the state of potential sources of fire and explosion hazard in the development of pyrite deposits.

Genetic relationship between hydrocarbon system evolution and Carlin-type gold mineralization: Insights from Re[sbnd]Os pyrobitumen and pyrite geochronology in the Nanpanjiang Basin, South China

The spatial association of hydrocarbons with metalliferous ore deposits is found worldwide and is particularly common to Carlin-type gold systems. Both liquid oil and pyrobitumen are found in Carlin-type gold deposits of North Nevada, USA and the Nanpanjiang Basin, South China. However, the temporal and genetic association of hydrocarbons and gold mineralization are still debated. To this end, using rhenium‑osmium (ReOs) geochronology of pyrobitumen and gold-bearing pyrite from the Laizishan and Banqi reservoirs and the Yata Carlin-type gold deposit in the Nanpanjiang Basin, we consider hydrocarbons played a critical role in the mineralization process.A ReOs age of 228 ± 16 Ma obtained for highly mature pyrobitumen suggests that liquid oil cracking occurred during the Late Triassic in the Laizishan and Banqi reservoirs. This age is in agreement with the modelled thermal history of the Nanpanjiang Basin. Additionally, a broadly identical gold-bearing pyrite ReOs age of 218 ± 25 Ma from Yata Carlin-type gold deposit which is in agreement with ages reported for other Carlin-type gold deposits in the Nanpanjiang Basin (e.g., in-situ SIMS UPb rutile = 213.6 ± 5.4 Ma, ReOs arsenopyrite = 204 ± 19 Ma - 235 ± 33 Ma and RbSr illite = 212.8 ± 4.6 Ma) suggests the auriferous Carlin-type systems of the Nanpanjiang Basin also formed during the Late Triassic. Integrating our ReOs data, with recent liquid hydrocarbon experimental data and fluid inclusion data from both reservoirs and gold deposits within the Nanpanjiang Basin, a methane (CH4) dominated thermochemical sulfate reduction (TSR) process, which introduced hydrogen sulfide (H2S) into basinal fluid and ultimately led to the deposition of gold-bearing pyrite by sulfidation, is considered to be the genetic link between of pyrobitumen and gold-bearing pyrite mineralization of the Carlin-type systems of the Nanpanjiang Basin.

Early Silurian Wuchuan–Sihui–Shaoguan exhalative sedimentary pyrite belt, South China: constraints from zircon dating for K-bentonite of the giant Dajiangping deposit

The Wuchuan–Sihui–Shaoguan (WSS) exhalative sedimentary pyrite belt in the southwestern part of the Qinzhou–Hangzhou (Qin–Hang) belt is the most important sulfur industry base in China. However, a wide range of metallogenetic ages spanning from Ediacaran to Devonian has been reported in the literature. This age range does not support the idea that the typical character of “coeval mineralization” in an exhalative sedimentary mineralization belt in China and worldwide. Therefore, the precise determination of mineralization ages of representative deposits is necessary to provide guides for exploration and metallogenetic models. The Dajiangping pyrite deposit is a typical example of this kind of deposits and is also the largest deposit with a proven reserve of 210 Mt. This deposit was thought to have formed in Ediacaran or Devonian. In this study, 2–3 layers of 10–25 cm thick 2M1-type microcrystalline muscovite slate abruptly embedded in the No. IV massive orebody of the deposit has been identified to be low-grade metamorphic K-bentonite. A Concordia zircon LA–ICP–MS U–Pb age of 432.5 ± 1.3 Ma (mean standard weighted deviation of concordance and equivalence = 1.2; N = 11) has been yielded for the low-grade metamorphic K-bentonite. This age is distinctly different from the Rb–Sr isochron age of 630.1 ± 7.3 Ma for siliceous rock at the top of the No. III banded orebody and the Re–Os isochron age of 389 ± 62 Ma for pyrites from a laminated orebody. Instead, it is close to the intercept age (429 Ma) of the youngest detrital zircons from sandstone interlayers of the No. III banded orebody. The Concordia age is also coincident with those of the Late Caledonian (400–460 Ma) magmatism-metamorphism events which are widely distributed in Cathaysia Block. Particularly, it agrees well with that of the Early Silurian extensional volcanism (434–444 Ma) which have been revealed in the Dabaoshan, Siqian–Hekou, and Nanjing volcanic basins in northern Guangdong Province and southern Jiangxi Province. Hence, the dating result in this study confirms that the sedimentary time of the ore-host Daganshan Formation is Early Silurian, and implies that the mineralization age of the Dajiangping pyrite deposit should also be Early Silurian. In combination with the Early Silurian age of Shezui pyrite deposit and the Dabaoshan volcanic basin along the WSS pyrite belt, it could be inferred that the WSS pyrite belt provides a record of the northern expanding of Qinzhou–Fangcheng trough in Early Silurian and that the exhalative pyrite mineralization was triggered by the post-collisional extension of the margin of Cathaysia Block after the intracontinental collision between Cathaysia Block and Yangtze Block during Late Caledonian stage.

Geochemical characteristics of pyrite in the Dabaozhuang deposit in the Middle-Lower Yangtze River Metallogenic Belt, Eastern China

Dabaozhuang is a pyrite deposit in the Luzong Volcanic Basin, Eastern China, and has similar exhalation-sedimentary features to volcanic massive sulfide deposits (VMS), which commonly form in seawater. To better understand the ore-forming process of this special type of deposit, we employed SHRIMP-SI and LA-ICP MS to measure sulfur isotope and trace element compositions of anhydrite and four types of pyrite from the Dabaozhuang deposit. SHRIMP in situ sulfur isotope analysis indicates a narrow range in δ34S of anhydrite, 21.0–21.7‰, and variable ranges for pyrite, 9.9–10.7‰, for pyrite vein in the deep (Py I); −9.2 to 2.0‰, for cyclic annular and oval-shaped pyrite in massive ore (Py II); 3.1–5.3‰, for massive or disseminated pyrite in the footwall tuff and hematite (Py III); and −29.7 to 30.4‰, for euhedral and coarse pyrite in the carbonate cement (Py IV). δ33S and δ36S in four types of pyrite have no abnormal values, indicating that sulfur isotope fractionation is mainly controlled by thermochemical sulfate reduction (TSR). The higher δ34S values in type I pyrite and anhydrite indicate a mixing process of magmatic fluid and evaporates at depth. Py II and IV have negative δ34S data, indicating the formation temperature of pyrite decreases because of the mixing of lake water. δ34S values in Py III are close to magmatic sulfur, which shows the igneous sulfur (tuff) is an important sulfur source for the disseminated mineralization. Cobalt and Ni content also show that the formation temperature of Py I is highest, and Py IV is lowest. This research indicates that the “VMS-like” deposits could be formed in continental volcanic lakes and are genetically related to SO42−-rich IOA (iron oxide-apatite) deposits.

Geoelectric structure of the Tar Fault Zone in the Middle Urals according to audiomagnetotelluric soundings

Currently, the reduction of reserves and forecast resources of ore minerals due to the development of previously discovered deposits continues. The reproduction of reserves is possible due to additional exploration of the flanks and deep horizons of known ore objects. To study the geoelectric structure of the Ural ore-bearing structures, audiomagnetotelluric soundings were carried out along sub-latitudinal profiles crossing the zone of the Degtyarsky fault near the largest pyrite deposit in the Middle Urals. Field observations were performed using the OMAR-2 universal broadband equipment developed at the Institute of Geophysics, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences for electrometric studies of urbanized territories. The applied hardware-software measuring complex is designed to effectively suppress industrial noise with additional methods for digital filtering of network harmonics. The cameral processing of audiomagnetotelluric data consisted in transforming the obtained frequency sounding curves into deep sections of geoelectric parameters using an original transformation algorithm. Based on the materials of the work, lithological and tectonic boundaries of a complex rock complex adjacent to the Degtyarsky regional fault are identified. Electric prospecting methods confidently trace the surface of the bedrock base, and weakened zones are also traced. Studies have shown a good correlation of geoelectric sections with real geological conditions. Good identification of the fault-bearing and ore-controlling structures is noted, which makes it possible to identify areas of mineralization that are promising for mineralization that do not reach the surface. According to the results of the research, places of possible concentration of copper and nickel-cobalt mineralization are identified.