Microstructure-compositional variation in iron oxy-hydroxide minerals formed with manganese mineralization,Eastern Ghats Supergroup,Orissa

Large volume of iron oxy-hydroxide minerals occur in association with manganese oxide phase in manganese ores of the Eastern Ghats Supergroup, Koraput district, Orissa. On the basis of OH content, the iron mineral can be classified into hydrohematite, goethite, and hydrogoethite. These minerals exhibit eight types of microstructures such as ooloidal, caterpillar, disseminated, reniform, worm, mosaic, globular and spherulitic. Chemical composition of such micro-structures obtained through EPMA, distinguishes them into three domains, developed under different environment. Hydrohematite, having 8–10 % H₂O, characteristically contains higher pc of manganese (>5%) and phosphorous (>0.6%) but have low silica and alumina. These are formed syngenetically with Mn-oxide minerals in a manganese rich paragenesis. Goethite containing 11 to 12% water, has relatively low level of manganese and phosphorous, and formed in a later period, as secondary open space filling. Hydrogoethite shows very high water content (>16%), almost devoid of manganese, and impoverished in phosphorous but having higher percentage of alumina, silica and appreciable copper and nickel. This was latest to form in the zone of oxidation under supergene condition.     

Mineralogical Characteristics of Iron Ores in Joda and Khondbond Areas in Eastern India with Implications on Beneficiation

Precambrian iron ores of the Singhbhum-North Orissa region occur in eastern India as part of the Iron Ore Group (IOG) within the broad horse-shoe shaped synclinorium. More than 50% of Indian iron ore reserves occur in this region. Massive-hard, flaky-friable, blue dust and lateritic varieties of iron ores are the major ore types, associated with banded hematite, jasper and shales. These ores could have formed as a result of supergene enrichment through gradual but extensive removal of silica, alumina and phosphorus from banded iron formations and ferruginous shale. Attempts for optimal utilization of these resources led to various ore characterization studies using chemical analysis, ore and mineral petrography, XRD analysis, SEM and electron probe micro analysis (EPMA). The ore chemistry indicates that the massive hard ores and blue dust have high iron, low alumina and phosphorus contents. Because of high quality, these ores do not require any specialized beneficiation technique for up-gradation. However, flaky-friable, lateritised and goethitic ores are low in iron, high in alumina and phosphorus contents, requiring specific beneficiation techniques for up-gradation in quality. XRD, SEM and ore microscopic studies of massive hard ores indicate the presence of hematite and goethite, while flaky and lateritic ores show a higher concentration of goethite, kaolinite, gibbsite and hematite. EPMA studies show the presence of adsorbed phosphorous as fine dust in the hard ores. Sink and float studies reveal that most of the gangue minerals are not completely liberated in the case of goethitic and lateritic ores, even at finer fractions.     

Biogenic wad in Iron Ore Group of rocks of Bonai-Keonjhar belt,Orissa

Outcrop of wad, about 3–5 m thick, associated with low to medium-grade manganese ore deposits in Iron Ore Group (IOG), is present in large quantum in Bonai-Keonjhar belt, Orissa. It is often inter-bedded with volcanic ash layers. Wad is powdery, fine grained, black to blackish-brown in colour, very soft, readily soils the fingers and its hardness on the Mohs’ hardness scale is 1–3. The wad zone is capped by a thin lateritic zone and overlies manganese ore beds of variable thickness in Dalki, Guruda and Dubna mines. Wad constitutes two mineral phases, viz. manganese oxides (δ-MnO₂, manganite, romanechite with minor pyrolusite) and iron oxides (goethite/limonite and hematite) with minor clay and free quartz. Mixed limonite-clay and cryptomelane-limonite are commonly observed. Under microscope the ore appears oolitic, pisolitic, elipsoidal to globular in shape having small detritus of quartz, pyrolusite / romanechite and hematite at the core. The ore contains around 23% Mn and 28% Fe with ～7% of combined alumina and silica. Wad might have developed in a swampy region due to slow chemical precipitation of Fe-Mn-Co enriched fluid, nucleating over quartz/hematite grains. Influence of a marine environment is indicated from δ-MnO₂ phase. Remnants of some microfossils, like algal filament, bacteria, foraminifera and diatomite are observed in wad sample under SEM. These microorganisms might have been responsible for the oxidation of dissolved Mn²⁺ and Fe²⁺ precipitates. These findings suggest biochemogenic origin of wad in Bonai-Keonjhar belt of Orissa.     

Cobalt‐Bearing Grunerite in the Metamorphosed Banded Iron Formation in Orissa,India

Banded iron formation (BIF) comprising high grade iron ore are exposed in Gorumahisani‐Sulaipat‐Badampahar belt in the east of North Orissa Craton, India. The ores are multiply deformed and metamorphosed to amphibolite facies. The mineral assemblage in the BIF comprises grunerite, magnetite/martite/goethite and quartz. Relict carbonate phases are sometimes noticed within thick iron mesobands. Grunerite crystals exhibit needles to fibrous lamellae and platy form or often sheaf‐like aggregates in linear and radial arrangement. Accicular grunerite also occur within intergranular space of magnetite/martite. Grunerite needles/accicules show higher reflectivity in chert mesoband and matching reflectance with that of adjacent magnetite/martite in iron mesoband. Some grunerite lamellae sinter into micron size magnetite platelets. This grunerite has high ferrous oxide and cobalt oxide content but is low in Mg‐ and Mn‐oxide compared to the ones, reported from BIFs, of Western Australia, Nigeria, France, USA and Quebec. The protolith of this BIF is considered to be carbonate containing sediments, with high concentrations of Fe and Si but lower contents of cobalt and chromium ± Mg, Mn and Ni. During submarine weathering quartz, sheet silicate (greenalite) and Fe‐Co‐Cr (Mg‐Mn‐Ni)‐carbonate solid solution were formed. At the outset of the regional metamorphic episode grunerite, euhedral magnetite and recrystalized quartz were developed. Magnetite was grown at the expense of carbonate and later martitized under post‐metamorphic conditions. With the increasing grade of metamorphism greenalite transformed to grunerite.     

Mineralogy and geochemistry of banded iron formation and iron ores from eastern India with implications on their genesis

The geological complexities of banded iron formation (BIF) and associated iron ores of Jilling-Langalata iron ore deposits, Singhbhum-North Orissa Craton, belonging to Iron Ore Group (IOG) eastern India have been studied in detail along with the geochemical evaluation of different iron ores. The geochemical and mineralogical characterization suggests that the massive, hard laminated, soft laminated ore and blue dust had a genetic lineage from BIFs aided with certain input from hydrothermal activity. The PAAS normalized REE pattern of Jilling BIF striking positive Eu anomaly, resembling those of modern hydrothermal solutions from mid-oceanic ridge (MOR). Major part of the iron could have been added to the bottom sea water by hydrothermal solutions derived from hydrothermally active anoxic marine environments. The ubiquitous presence of intercalated tuffaceous shales indicates the volcanic signature in BIF. Mineralogical studies reveal that magnetite was the principal iron oxide mineral, whose depositional history is preserved in BHJ, where it remains in the form of martite and the platy hematite is mainly the product of martite. The different types of iron ores are intricately related with the BHJ. Removal of silica from BIF and successive precipitation of iron by hydrothermal fluids of possible meteoric origin resulted in the formation of martite-goethite ore. The hard laminated ore has been formed in the second phase of supergene processes, where the deep burial upgrades the hydrous iron oxides to hematite. The massive ore is syngenetic in origin with BHJ. Soft laminated ores and biscuity ores were formed where further precipitation of iron was partial or absent.     

Detrital type manganese ore bodies in the iron ore group of rocks, Orissa, Eastern India

Detrital type of manganese ore bodies in the Precambrian Iron Ore Group of rocks occur in the Bonai-Keonjhar belt, Orissa besides stratiform (bedded type) and stratabound-replacement types of deposits. These ores appear in form of large boulders within lateritised aprons at various depths, often reaching beyond 30 m from the surface. Overprinting of primary structures, presence of mixed Fe-clasts and Mnooliths/pisoliths, mineral species of different generations and wide chemical variation amongst morphological varieties and from boulder to boulder are the characteristic hallmarks of such ore bodies. Features associated with ores occurring in different morphologies, namely: spongy, platy, recemented, and massive varieties from a typical profile of Orahari Mn-ore body in Keonjhar district are described. Recemented variety may be further classified into sub-varieties such as canga, agglomerate, and mangcrete. Common primary Fe-minerals are hematite, martite with relict magnetite. The secondary Fe-Mn phases are goethite, specularite, cryptomelane, lithiophorite, chalcophanite, manganite, and pyrolusite.These are ore bodies of allochthonous nature developed through a number of stages during terrain evolution and lateritisation. Secondary processes such as reworking of pre-existing crust through remobilisation, solution, precipitation, cementation, transport, etc. are responsible for the development of such detrital ore bodies in the Bonai-Keonjhar belt of Eastern India.     

Genesis of the channel iron deposits (CID) of the Pilbara region,Western Australia

Miocene fluvial goethite/hematite channel iron deposits (CID) are part of the Cenozoic Detritals 2 (CzD2), of the Western Australian Pilbara region. They range from gravelly mudstones through granular rocks to intraformational pebble, cobble and rare boulder conglomerates, as infill in numerous meandering palaeochannels in a mature surface that includes Precambrian granitoids, volcanics, metasediments, BIF and ferruginous Palaeogene valley fill. In the Hamersley Province of the Pilbara, the consolidated fine gravels and subordinate interbedded conglomerates, with their leached equivalents, are a major source of export iron ore. This granular ore typically comprises pedogenically derived pelletoids comprising hematite nuclei and goethite cortices (ooids and lesser pisoids), with abundant coarser goethitised wood/charcoal fragments and goethitic peloids, minor clay, and generally minimal porous goethitic matrix, with late-stage episodic solution and partial infill by secondary goethite, silica and siderite (now oxidised) in places. Clay horizons and non-ore polymictic basal and marginal conglomerates are also present. The accretionary pedogenic pelletoids were mostly derived from stripping of a mature ferruginous but apparently well-vegetated surface, developed in the Early to Middle Miocene on a wide variety of susceptible rock types including BIF, basic intrusives and sediments. This deep ferruginisation effectively destroyed most remnants of the original rock textures producing a unique surface, very different to those that produced the underlying CzD1 (Palaeogene) and the overlying CzD3 (Pliocene – Quaternary). The peloids were derived both intraformationally from fragmentation and reworking of desiccated goethite-rich muds, and from the regolith. Tiny wood/charcoal fragments replaced in soil by goethite, and dehydrated to hematite, formed nuclei for many pelletoids. Additionally, abundant small (≤10 mm) fragments of wood/charcoal, now goethite, were probably replaced in situ within the consolidating CID. This profusion of fossil wood, both as pelletoid nuclei and as discrete fragments, suggests major episodic wild fires in heavily vegetated catchments, a point supported by the abundance of kenomagnetite – maghemite developed from goethite in the pelletoids, but less commonly in the peloids. The matrix to the heterogeneous colluvial and intraformational components is essentially goethite, primarily derived from modified chemically precipitated iron hydroxyoxides, resulting from leaching of iron-rich soils in an organic environment, together with goethitic soil-derived alluvial material. Major variations in the granular ore CID after deposition have resulted from intermittent groundwater flow in the channels causing dissolution and reprecipitation of goethite and silica, particularly in the basal CID zones, with surface weathering of eroded exposures playing a role in masking some of these effects. However, significant variations in rock types in both the general CID and the granular ore CID have also resulted from the effects of varied provenance.     

Genesis history of iron ore from Mesoarchean BIF at the Wodgina mine,Western Australia

Several iron-ore deposits hosted within Mesoarchean banded iron formations (BIFs) are mined throughout the North Pilbara Craton, Western Australia. Among these, significant goethite±martite deposits (total resources >50 Mt at 55.8 wt% Fe) are distributed in the Wodgina district within 2 km of the world-class pegmatite-hosted, tantalum Wodgina deposits. In this study, we investigate the dominant controls on iron mineralisation at Wodgina and test the potential role of felsic magma-derived fluids in early alteration and upgrade of nearby BIF units. Camp-scale distribution and geochemistry of iron ore at Wodgina argue against any significant influence of identified felsic intrusions in the upgrade of BIF. Whereas, the formation of BIF-hosted goethite±martite iron ore at Wodgina involves: (i) early (ca 2950 Ma) metamorphism of BIF causing camp-scale recrystallisation of pre-existing iron oxides to form euhedral magnetite, with local enrichment to sub-economic grades (～40 wt% Fe) within or proximal to metre-wide, bedding-parallel shear zones, and (ii) later supergene lateritic enrichment of the magnetite-bearing BIF and shear zones, forming near-surface goethite±martite ore. The supergene alteration sequence includes: (i) downward progression of the oxidation front and replacement of magnetite by martite, (ii) local development of silcrete at ～40 m below the modern surface caused by the lowering of the water-table, (iii) intensive replacement of quartz by goethite, resulting in the goethite±martite ore bodies at Wodgina, and (iv) late formation of ferricrete and ochreous goethite. Goethitisation most likely took place within the hot and very wet climate that prevailed from the Paleocene to the mid-Eocene. Goethite precipitation was accompanied by the incorporation of trace elements P, Zn, As, Ni and Co, which were likely derived from supergene fluid interaction with nearby shales. Enrichment of these elements in goethite-rich ore indicates that they are potentially useful pathfinder elements for concealed ore bodies covered by trace element-depleted pedogenic silcrete and siliciclastic rocks located throughout the Wodgina mine.     

新疆哈密市黄山基性-超基性岩带铜镍矿床地质特征及矿床成因

黄山基性-超基性岩带铜镍矿床为东天山重要铜镍成矿带,受近东西向康古尔韧性剪切带控制,分布有黄山西、黄山东和香山3个中—大型铜镍矿床。矿体赋存于华力西晚期贫硅、贫碱、富镁铁超基性岩体中下部及相变部位,主要为隐伏矿体,呈板状、透镜状,成群分布。主要含镍钴金属硫化物为镍黄铁矿和紫硫镍矿,含铜矿物为黄铜矿。铜镍矿体与基性-超基性岩体紧密伴生,为同一母岩浆——上地幔岩浆上升侵位、结晶和重力分异之产物,属典型的岩浆熔离—贯人式铜镍矿床。     

Petrographic-microchemical studies and origin of the Agbaja Phanerozoic Ironstone Formation, Nupe Basin, Nigeria: a product of a ferruginized ooidal kaolin precursor not identical to the Minette-type

The Campanian-Maastrichtian Agbaja Ironstone Formation of the Nupe basin, Nigeria, forms a major part of the about 2 billion tons of iron ore reserves of the Middle Niger Embayment. The ironstone deposits were previously reported to be similar to the Minette-type ironstones because of their depositional patterns, composition and inferred origin. Four rock-types are recognized within the Agbaja Ironstone Formation: ooidal pack-ironstone, pisoidal pack-ironstone, mud-ironstone and bog iron ore. In the ironstones, kaolinite of both the groundmass and the ooids/pisoids is of lateritic origin, whereas the associated quartz, mica and heavy minerals are of detrital origin. Ooids and pisoids were formed by mechanical accretion of platy kaolinite crystals by rolling on the sea floor in a near-shore environment, and were subsequently transported and deposited together with a fine-grained kaolinitic groundmass. Pyrite (mainly framboidal) and siderite (both exclusively occurring as pseudomorphs of goethite and/or hematite) are diagenetic whereas goethite is post-diagenetic in origin, resulting from the ferruginization of the kaolinitic precursor. Crandallite-gorxeicite-goyazite, bolivarite and boehmite are also post-diagenetic in origin. Hematite was formed from the dehydration of goethite, whereas gibbsite (restricted to the upper part of the deposit) is of recent and in situ lateritic origin. The presence of newly formed authigenic pyrite and siderite (now replaced by hematite and goethite) are indicators of a reducing environment during diagenesis. The absence of diagenetic chamositic clay minerals, evidently caused by a low Mg concentration, suggests that fully marine conditions were not established during sedimentation. This is supported by the lack of fossils, brecciated shell materials and bioturbation features in the deposit. Reworking and redeposition of the primary constituents are inferred from broken pisoids, nuclei of pisoidal/ooidal fragments in pisoids and high iron concentrations present in the pisoids and ooids compared to that of the groundmass. These observations indicate that the Agbaja ironstone deposits of the Lokoja study area exhibit some environmental and mineralogical characteristics that are markedly different from other known deposits of Minette-type, where primary chamositic clay minerals generally form the protore for the ironstones. The recognition of kaolinite as the precursor constituent and the occurrence of similar deposits of the same age (Late Cretaceous) in Nigeria, Sudan and Egypt have implications for the paleoenvironmental interpretations of Phanerozoic ironstone deposits. Received: 16 February 1998 / Accepted: 8 July 1998     

SO2、NO2与针铁矿、赤铁矿、磁铁矿的非均相反应

硫酸盐是大气颗粒物的重要组分,SO2与矿质颗粒物的非均相反应可能是硫酸盐和水溶性铁形成的重要途径之一,但目前对该反应途径的研究比较有限.本研究开展了不同相对湿度条件下SO2((7.14±0.29)μg/L)、NO2((5.13±0.21)μg/L)与针铁矿、磁铁矿、赤铁矿的非均相反应,定量分析了产物硫酸盐、硝酸盐以及水...     

Mineralogy, chemistry and genesis of Nishikhal manganese ores of South Orissa, India

Manganese ores of Nishikhal occur as distinctly conformable bands in the khondalite suite of rocks belonging to the Precambrian Eastern Ghats complex of south Orissa, India. Manganese minerals recorded are cryptomelane, romanechite, pyrolusite, with minor amounts of jacobsite, hausmannite, braunite, lithiophorite, birnessite and pyrophanite. Goethite, graphite, hematite and magnetite are the other opaque minerals and quartz, orthoclase, garnet, kaolinite, apatite, collophane, fibrolite, zircon, biotite and muscovite are the gangue minerals associated with these ores. The mineral chemistry of some of the phases, as well as the modes of association of phosphorous in these ores have been established. The occurrence of well-defined bands of manganese ore; co-folding of manganese ore bands and associated metasedimentary country rocks; the min-eral assemblage of spessartite-sillimanite-braunite-jacobsite-hausmannite; the geochemical association of Mn-Ba-Co-Ni-Zn together with the Si versus Al and Na versus Mg plots of the manganese ores suggest that the Nishikhal deposit is a metamorphosed Precambrian lacustrine deposit. Continental weathering appears to be the source for manganese and iron. After deposition and probable diagenesis, the manganese-rich sediments were metamorphosed along with conformable psammitic and pelitic sediments under granulite facies conditions, and subsequently underwent supergene enrichment to produce the present deposit. Received: 14 March 1995 / Accepted: 11 April 1996     

Ore and Alteration Types of the Gold and Copper Mineralization in the Lascogon Project, Surigao del Norte, Mindanao Island, Philippines

Two ore and three alteration types were identified in the Lascogon Project of Philex Gold Philippines, in Surigao del Norte, Mindanao Island, Philippines. The jasperoid ore is the host to the Carlin‐like gold mineralization in the Lascogon and Danao prospects. The ore occurs in a decalcified and silicified horizon, with minor chlorite and goethite, stibnite, pyrite and quartz crystals ranging from cryptocrystalline to botryoidal. The stringer–stockwork type Cu‐Au mineralization in the Suyoc prospect is hosted in argillized andesitic rocks of the Mabuhay Formation. The primary ore minerals are chalcopyrite with minor amounts of sphalerite. The alteration types identified are propylitic alteration, argillic alteration and silicification. The propylitized basaltic and andesitic flows of the Bacuag Formation bound the jasperoid mineralization in the Lascogon prospect. Stratigraphically, the relationship between propylitized basalts and stringer–stockwork Cu‐Au is not clear but a lateral change can be inferred from jasperoid in the center and stringer–stockwork towards the east.     

Geochemical distinctions among environmental types of iron formations

Classification of iron formations according to the sedimentary-volcanic environments in which they formed reveals that chemical compositions of major iron-formation types are largely independent of deposit age. No evidence is found in iron formations for atmospheric-hydrospheric compositional evolution. However, chronological variation in relative abundance among major environmental types may indicate an Archean to Phanerozoic tectonic-magmatic evolution from abundant shallow-volcanic platforms through predominantly non-volcanic shallow platforms or flat continental shelves to abundant inland seas. Shallow-volcanic-platform iron formations typically display large positive europium anomalies and vary widely in silica, phosphorus and alkali content, even within individual iron formations. Various minor-element abundances may be substantial, particularly where phosphatic or near sulfide ore bodies. Iron formations which formed on extensive, chemical-sediment-rich continental shelves or non-volcanic oceanic platforms are generally silica-rich, phosphorus-poor, alkali-poor and minor-element-poor. Europium anomalies are normally small and mostly negative. Oolitic-inland-sea iron formations are poor in silica, except where gradational to sandstone, and are typically enriched in phosphorus and several ferrides.     

西藏马攸木金矿床金银互化物的赋存状态

马攸木金矿床是西藏近年发现的首例规模较大、矿石品位富、金成色高的岩金矿床.作者通过对马攸木金矿床矿石组构、矿石共生组合及矿物特征研究发现,金银互化物主要有自然金、含银自然金、银金矿、自然银.载金矿物为黝铜矿、针铁矿、脆硫锑铅矿及石英;金银互化物的赋存形式主要为包裹体金、裂隙金及粒间金.金银互化物的形成、富集与热液成矿作用及表生风化作用关系密切.     

Detrital iron-ore deposits in the Iron Ore Group of rocks,northern Orissa,eastern India

Detrital iron deposits (DID) are located adjacent to the Precambrian bedded iron deposit (BID) of Joda near the eastern limb of the horseshoe-shaped synclinorium, in the Bonai–Keonjhar belt of Orissa. The detrital ores overlie the Dhanjori Group sandstone as two isolated orebodies (Chamakpur and Inganjharan) near the eastern and western banks of the Baitarani River, respectively. The DID occur as pebble/cobble conglomerates containing iron-rich clasts cemented by goethite. Mineralogy, chemistry and lamination of these clasts are similar to that found in the nearby BID ores. Enrichment of trace and rare-earth elements in the DID relative to the BID is attributed to their concentration during the precipitation of cementing material. The detrital iron orebodies formed when Proterozoic weathering processes eroded pre-existing BID outcrops located on the Joda Ranges, and the resulting detritus accumulated in the paleochannels. In situ dissolution in association with abundant organic material produced Fe-saturated groundwater, which re-precipitated as goethite within the aggraded channel to cement the detritals. Growth of microplaty hematite in the goethite matrix suggests some level of subsequent burial metamorphism.     

Genesis modelling for the Hamersley BIF-hosted iron ores of Western Australia: a critical review

Enrichment iron ore of the Hamersley Province, currently estimated at a resource of over 40 billion tonnes (Gt), mainly consists of BIF (banded iron-formation)-hosted bedded iron deposits (BID) and channel iron deposits (CID), with only minor detrital iron deposits (DID). The Hamersley BID comprises two major ore types: the dominant supergene martite–goethite (M-G) ores (Mesozoic–Paleocene) and the premium martite–microplaty hematite ores (M-mplH; ca 2.0 Ga) with their various subtypes. The supergene M-G ores are not common outside Australia, whereas the M-mplH ores are the principal worldwide resource. There are two current dominant genetic models for the Hamersley BID. In the earlier 1980–1985 model, supergene M-G ores formed in the Paleoproterozoic well below normal atmospheric access, driven by seasonal oxidising electrochemical reactions in the vadose zone of the parent BIF (cathode) linked through conducting magnetite horizons to the deep reacting zone (anode). Proterozoic regional metamorphism/diagenesis at ～80–100°C of these M-G ores formed mplH from the matrix goethite in the local hydrothermal environment of its own exhaled water to produce M-mplH ores with residual goethite. Following general exposure by erosion in the Cretaceous–Paleocene when a major second phase of M-G ores formed, ground water leaching of residual goethite from the metamorphosed Proterozoic ores resulted in the mainly goethite-free M-mplH ores of Mt Whaleback and Mt Tom Price. Residual goethite is common in the Paraburdoo M-mplH-goethite ores where erratic remnants of Paleoproterozoic cover indicate more recent exposure.

Deep unweathered BIF alteration residuals in two small areas of the Mt Tom Price M-mplH deposits have been used since 1999 for new hypogene–supergene modelling of the M-mplH ores. These models involve a major Paleoproterozoic hydrothermal stage in which alkaline solutions from the underlying Wittenoom Formation dolomite traversed the Southern Batter Fault to leach matrix silica from the BIF, adding siderite and apatite to produce a magnetite–siderite–apatite ‘protore.’ A later heated meteoric solution stage oxidised siderite to mplH + ankerite and magnetite to martite. Weathering finally removed residual carbonates and apatite leaving the high-grade porous M-mplH ore. Further concepts for the Mt Tom Price North and the Southern Ridge Deposits involving acid solutions followed, but these have been modified to return essentially to the earlier hypogene–supergene model. Textural data from erratic ‘metasomatic BIF’ zones associated with the above deposits are unlike those of the typical martite–microplaty hematite ore bodies. The destiny of the massive volumes of dissolved silica gangue and the absence of massive silica aureoles has not been explained. Petrographic and other evidence indicate the Mt Tom Price metasomatism is a localised post-ore phenomenon. Exothermic oxidation reactions in the associated pyrite-rich black shales during post-ore removal by groundwater of remnant goethite in the ores may have resulted in this very localised and erratic hydrothermal alteration of BIF and its immediately associated pre-existing ore.     

BIF-hosted iron mineral system: A review

The BIF-hosted iron ore system represents the world's largest and highest grade iron ore districts and deposits. BIF, the precursor to low- and high-grade BIF hosted iron ore, consists of Archean and Paleoproterozoic Algoma-type BIF (e.g., Serra Norte iron ore district in the Carajás Mineral Province), Proterozoic Lake Superior-type BIF (e.g., deposits in the Hamersley Province and craton), and Neoproterozoic Rapitan-type BIF (e.g., the Urucum iron ore district).The BIF-hosted iron ore system is structurally controlled, mostly via km-scale normal and strike-slips fault systems, which allow large volumes of ascending and descending hydrothermal fluids to circulate during Archean or Proterozoic deformation or early extensional events. Structures are also (passively) accessed via downward flowing supergene fluids during Cenozoic times.At the depositional site the transformation of BIF to low- and high-grade iron ore is controlled by: (1) structural permeability, (2) hypogene alteration caused by ascending deep fluids (largely magmatic or basinal brines), and descending ancient meteoric water, and (3) supergene enrichment via weathering processes. Hematite- and magnetite-based iron ores include a combination of microplaty hematite–martite, microplaty hematite with little or no goethite, martite–goethite, granoblastic hematite, specular hematite and magnetite, magnetite–martite, magnetite-specular hematite and magnetite–amphibole, respectively. Goethite ores with variable amounts of hematite and magnetite are mainly encountered in the weathering zone.In most large deposits, three major hypogene and one supergene ore stages are observed: (1) silica leaching and formation of magnetite and locally carbonate, (2) oxidation of magnetite to hematite (martitisation), further dissolution of quartz and formation of carbonate, (3) further martitisation, replacement of Fe silicates by hematite, new microplaty hematite and specular hematite formation and dissolution of carbonates, and (4) replacement of magnetite and any remaining carbonate by goethite and magnetite and formation of fibrous quartz and clay minerals.Hypogene alteration of BIF and surrounding country rocks is characterised by: (1) changes in the oxide mineralogy and textures, (2) development of distinct vertical and lateral distal, intermediate and proximal alteration zones defined by distinct oxide–silicate–carbonate assemblages, and (3) mass negative reactions such as de-silicification and de-carbonatisation, which significantly increase the porosity of high-grade iron ore, or lead to volume reduction by textural collapse or layer-compaction. Supergene alteration, up to depths of 200 m, is characterised by leaching of hypogene silica and carbonates, and dissolution precipitation of the iron oxyhydroxides.Carbonates in ore stages 2 and 3 are sourced from external fluids with respect to BIF. In the case of basin-related deposits, carbon is interpreted to be derived from deposits underlying carbonate sequences, whereas in the case of greenstone belt deposits carbonate is interpreted to be of magmatic origin. There is only limited mass balance analyses conducted, but those provide evidence for variable mobilization of Fe and depletion of SiO₂. In the high-grade ore zone a volume reduction of up to 25% is observed.Mass balance calculations for proximal alteration zones in mafic wall rocks relative to least altered examples at Beebyn display enrichment in LOI, F, MgO, Ni, Fe₂O_3total, C, Zn, Cr and P₂O₅ and depletions of CaO, S, K₂O, Rb, Ba, Sr and Na₂O. The Y/Ho and Sm/Yb ratios of mineralised BIF at Windarling and Koolyanobbing reflect distinct carbonate generations derived from substantial fluid–rock reactions between hydrothermal fluids and igneous country rocks, and a chemical carbonate-inheritance preserved in supergene goethite.Hypogene and supergene fluids are paramount for the formation of high-grade BIF-hosted iron ore because of the enormous amount of: (1) warm (100–200 °C) silica-undersaturated alkaline fluids necessary to dissolve quartz in BIF, (2) oxidized fluids that cause the oxidation of magnetite to hematite, (3) weakly acid (with moderate CO₂ content) to alkaline fluids that are necessary to form widespread metasomatic carbonate, (4) carbonate-undersaturated fluids that dissolve the diagenetic and metasomatic carbonates, and (5) oxidized fluids to form hematite species in the hypogene- and supergene-enriched zone and hydroxides in the supergene zone.Four discrete end-member models for Archean and Proterozoic hypogene and supergene-only BIF hosted iron ore are proposed: (1) granite–greenstone belt hosted, strike-slip fault zone controlled Carajás-type model, sourced by early magmatic (± metamorphic) fluids and ancient “warm” meteoric water; (2) sedimentary basin, normal fault zone controlled Hamersley-type model, sourced by early basinal (± evaporitic) brines and ancient “warm” meteoric water. A variation of the latter is the metamorphosed basin model, where BIF (ore) is significantly metamorphosed and deformed during distinct orogenic events (e.g., deposits in the Quadrilátero Ferrífero and Simandou Range). It is during the orogenic event that the upgrade of BIF to medium- and high-grade hypogene iron took place; (3) sedimentary basin hosted, early graben structure controlled Urucum-type model, where glaciomarine BIF and subsequent diagenesis to very low-grade metamorphism is responsible for variable gangue leaching and hematite mineralisation. All of these hypogene iron ore models do not preclude a stage of supergene modification, including iron hydroxide mineralisation, phosphorous, and additional gangue leaching during substantial weathering in ancient or Recent times; and (4) supergene enriched BIF Capanema-type model, which comprises goethitic iron ore deposits with no evidence for deep hypogene roots. A variation of this model is ancient supergene iron ores of the Sishen-type, where blocks of BIF slumped into underlying karstic carbonate units and subsequently experienced Fe upgrade during deep lateritic weathering.     

应用电子探针研究蒙其古尔铀矿床含矿砂岩岩石学特征及铀矿物分布规律

国内外铁矿石价格对标基准多采用离岸价或到岸价,而非盈亏平衡运营成本,难以揭示我国铁矿石所面对的真实市场承压价格。为了厘清国际一线生产商的铁矿石盈亏平衡运营成本价格,本文对世界上最重要的条带状铁建造（BIF）矿产地——西澳哈默斯利盆地高品位赤铁矿矿床的矿化特征及代表性铁矿石产品展开系统研究,同时引入巴西铁四角地区的铁英岩型赤铁矿矿石作为对照,分析全球典型高品位赤铁矿矿石经济指标。结合前人研究成果,将西澳哈默斯利盆地与BIF相关的高品位赤铁矿的富集矿化类型划分为假象赤铁矿-针铁矿、微板状赤铁矿与河道沉积型赤铁矿,巴西铁四角主要为铁英岩型赤铁矿。上述各矿化类型对应的铁矿石产品的铁元素含量均高于56%;在杂质元素含量上,假象赤铁矿-针铁矿的磷含量高,微板状赤铁矿的磷、硫含量较高,河道沉积型赤铁矿的磷、硫含量较低,铁英岩型赤铁矿含锰。经定量估算,西澳力拓、必和必拓、FMG和巴西淡水河谷的铁矿石盈亏平衡运营成本价格分别为34.66、36.76、47.35、38.07美元/干吨,可为中国海外权益铁矿项目开发提供运营成本的参考。     

Formation mechanism of Gongchangling high-grade magnetite deposit hosted in Archean BIF,Anshan-Benxi area,Northeastern China

Banded iron-formations are main resources of global iron ore in which high-grade ore is mainly composed of martite–goethite and hematite. They are also the major resource of iron ore in China, mainly distributing in Liaoning and Hebei Province. In China, the iron ore with Fe greater than 50% is classified as high-grade iron ore. The high-grade iron ore mainly consists of magnetite and displays its unique characteristics. Gongchangling iron deposit is one typical BIF-iron deposit which contains 150 Mt of high-grade iron ore in China. The high-grade magnetite ore bodies mainly occur around magnetite quartzite, faults and the cores of folds and show positive relation to the development of the “altered rocks” in this deposit. This research shows that high-grade magnetite comes from magnetite quartzite and they are both formed, with little or no addition of aluminum-containing detrital material, by marine chemical deposition in reduced environment and they are closely related to seafloor hydrothermal activity.Muddy–silty rocks are original rocks of “altered rocks”, of which the primitive mantle normalized REE pattern, except Eu, is consistent with that of iron ore, reflecting that their formation is related to the formation of high-grade magnetite ore. Therefore, the formation mechanism of high-grade iron ore is proposed as following: the regional metamorphism provides storage space for the formation of high-grade magnetite ore and required temperature and pressure conditions for the mineral transformation; the regional metamorphic hydrothermal fluid leaches FeO out of magnetite quartzite when it passes by; and the FeO that leached out moves near faults or cores of folds together with the metamorphic hydrothermal fluid and aluminum-containing rocks, of which the original rocks are muddy–silty; in the formation of high-grade iron ore, aluminum-containing rock appears in the intervals of sedimentation of iron-containing rock series and consumes the silicon leached out of magnetite quartzite and forms garnet, chlorite, and biotite.