Contrasting Pb isotopes of Archaean and Palaeoproterozoic sulphide mineralisation, Disko Bugt, central West Greenland

Sulphide separates from mineralisation in Archaean and Palaeoproterozoic host rocks of the Disko Bugt area, central West Greenland, have been analysed for trace elements and Pb isotopes. Isotopic compositions of lead from sulphide separates of Archaean supracrustal rocks show wide variations. Archaean semi-massive sulphides and sulphides separated from felsic metavolcanites yield an errorchron age of 2821 +77/−82, with a model μ₁ value of 7.36; this is comparable to the estimated age of the supracrustal rocks. The two most prominent mineralised sites, the Andersen and Eqip prospects, have their own unique Pb isotope pattern; the Andersen prospect is considered to represent the result of an upper crust of Palaeoproterozoic process. The sulphide separates of Palaeoproterozoic epigenetic mineralisation hosted in shear and fault zones in the supracrustal rocks has a common origin, e.g. linked to a metamorphic peak and/or hydrothermal alteration. Gold-bearing samples indicate a local origin for associated sulphides; no regional processes seem to be involved in the formation of the gold occurrences. Received: 17 March 1997 / Accepted: 8 July 1997     

Genesis of sediment-hosted stratiform copper–cobalt deposits, central African Copperbelt

The Neoproterozoic central African Copperbelt is one of the greatest sediment-hosted stratiform Cu–Co provinces in the world, totalling 140 Mt copper and 6 Mt cobalt and including several world-class deposits (10 Mt copper). The origin of Cu–Co mineralisation in this province remains speculative, with the debate centred around syngenetic–diagenetic and hydrothermal-diagenetic hypotheses.The regional distribution of metals indicates that most of the cobalt-rich copper deposits are hosted in dolomites and dolomitic shales forming allochthonous units exposed in Congo and known as Congolese facies of the Katangan sedimentary succession (average Co:Cu = 1:13). The highest Co:Cu ratio (up to 3:1) occurs in ore deposits located along the southern structural block of the Lufilian Arc. The predominantly siliciclastic Zambian facies, exposed in Zambia and in SE Congo, forms para-autochthonous sedimentary units hosting ore deposits characterized by lower a Co:Cu ratio (average 1:57). Transitional lithofacies in Zambia (e.g. Baluba, Mindola) and in Congo (e.g. Lubembe) indicate a gradual transition in the Katangan basin during the deposition of laterally correlative clastic and carbonate sedimentary rocks exposed in Zambia and in Congo, and are marked by Co:Cu ratios in the range 1:15.The main Cu–Co orebodies occur at the base of the Mines/Musoshi Subgroup, which is characterized by evaporitic intertidal–supratidal sedimentary rocks. All additional lenticular orebodies known in the upper part of the Mines/Musoshi Subgroup are hosted in similar sedimentary rocks, suggesting highly favourable conditions for the ore genesis in particular sedimentary environments. Pre-lithification sedimentary structures affecting disseminated sulphides indicate that metals were deposited before compaction and consolidation of the host sediment.The ore parageneses indicate several generations of sulphides marking syngenetic, early diagenetic and late diagenetic processes. Sulphur isotopic data on sulphides suggest the derivation of sulphur essentially from the bacterial reduction of seawater sulphates. The mineralizing brines were generated from sea water in sabkhas or hypersaline lagoons during the deposition of the host rocks. Changes of Eh–pH and salinity probably were critical for concentrating copper–cobalt and nickel mineralisation. Compressional tectonic and related metamorphic processes and supergene enrichment have played variable roles in the remobilisation and upgrading of the primary mineralisation.There is no evidence to support models assuming that metals originated from: (1) Katangan igneous rocks and related hydrothermal processes or; (2) leaching of red beds underlying the orebodies. The metal sources are pre-Katangan continental rocks, especially the Palaeoproterozoic low-grade porphyry copper deposits known in the Bangweulu block and subsidiary Cu–Co–Ni deposits/occurrences in the Archaean rocks of the Zimbabwe craton. These two sources contain low grade ore deposits portraying the peculiar metal association (Cu, Co, Ni, U, Cr, Au, Ag, PGE) recorded in the Katangan sediment-hosted ore deposits. Metals were transported into the basin dissolved in water.The stratiform deposits of Congo and Zambia display features indicating that syngenetic and early diagenetic processes controlled the formation of the Neoproterozoic Copperbelt of central Africa.     

The world-class Wallaby gold deposit,Laverton, Western Australia: An orogenic-style overprint on a magmatic-hydrothermal magnetite-calcite alteration pipe?

Gold mineralisation at the Wallaby gold deposit is hosted by a 1,200 m thick mafic conglomerate. The conglomerate is intruded by an apparently comagmatic alkaline dyke suite displaying increasing fractionation through mafic-monzonite, monzonite, syenite, syenite porphyry to late-stage carbonatite. In the mine area, a pipe-shaped zone of actinolite-magnetite-epidote-calcite (AMEC) alteration overprints the conglomerate. Gold mineralisation, associated with dolomite-albite-quartz-pyrite alteration, is hosted in a series of sub-horizontal, structurally controlled zones that are largely confined within the magnetite-rich pipe. The deposit has a current ore reserve of 2.0 Moz Au, and a total resource of 7.1 Moz Au.TIMS U–Pb analysis of magmatic titanite and SHRIMP U–Pb analysis of gold-related phosphate minerals are used to constrain the timing of magmatism and gold mineralisation at Wallaby. Monzogranite and carbonatite dykes of the Wallaby syenite intruded at 2,664±3 Ma, at least 5 m.y. and probably 14 m.y. before gold mineralisation at 2,650±6 Ma. The significant hiatus between proximal magmatism and gold mineralisation suggests that gold-bearing fluids were not derived from magmas associated with the Wallaby syenite, particularly since intrusive events are unlikely to drive hydrothermal systems for more than 1 m.y.Analysis of the C and O isotopic compositions of carbonates from regional pre-syenite alteration and AMEC alteration at the Wallaby gold deposit suggests that AMEC alteration formed via interaction between magmatic fluids and the pre-syenite wallrock carbonate. The C and O isotopic composition of gold-bearing fluids, as inferred from ore-carbonate, are isotopically distinct from proximal magmatic fluids, as inferred from magmatic carbonate in carbonatite dykes.Thus, detailed isotopic and geochronological studies negate any direct genetic link between proximal magmatic activity related to the Wallaby syenite and gold mineralisation at Wallaby. The gold endowment of the Wallaby gold deposit, combined with the relatively low solubility of gold as thiosulfide complexes in low-salinity ore fluids at temperatures of about 300°C, implicates the influx of very large volumes of auriferous hydrothermal fluids. No large-scale shear-zones nor faults through which such large fluid-volumes could pass have been identified within the immediate ore environment, so fluid influx most probably occurred largely in a unit-confined, brittle-ductile fracture system. This was the ~500-m diameter AMEC alteration pipe, which was a brittle, iron-enriched zone in an otherwise massive conglomerate. During compressional deformation, the competency contrast between unaltered and AMEC-altered conglomerate created a zone of increased fracture permeability, and geochemically favourable conditions (high Fe/Fe+Mg ratio), for gold mineralisation from a distal source.Editorial Handling: C. Brauhart     

Marymia: an Archean, amphibolite facies-hosted, orogenic lode-gold deposit overprinted by Palaeoproterozoic orogenesis and base metal mineralisation, Western Australia

The Marymia gold deposit, comprising two orebodies, Keillor 1 and Keillor 2, is at the northern end of the Plutonic Well greenstone belt in the Marymia Inlier, in the southern Capricorn Orogen, just north of the Yilgarn craton. The Marymia Inlier is a discrete fault-bounded Archean gneiss-granitoid-greenstone domain surrounded by sedimentary basins that were formed and variably metamorphosed and deformed during several Palaeoproterozoic orogenic cycles. The greenstone sequence at Marymia is stratigraphically and geochemically similar to greenstone sequences in the Yilgarn craton, but was subjected to further deformation and metamorphism in the Palaeoproterozoic. Late Archean deformation (D1-D2) was ductile to brittle-ductile in style, whereas Palaeoproterozoic deformation was predominantly brittle. Equilibrium mineral assemblages indicate that peak amphibolite-facies metamorphism (540-575 °C, <3 kb) was overprinted by greenschist-facies metamorphism (300-360 °C). Petrographic textures indicate that prograde metamorphism was coeval with D1-D2, with peak metamorphism early to syn D2. Gold mineralisation at Marymia is hosted in metamorphosed tholeiitic basalts and banded iron formation. On a gross scale, the distribution of gold is controlled by D2 folds and shear zones. Lithological contacts with strong rheological or chemical contrasts provide local controls. Gold-related alteration comprises subtle millimetre- to centimetre-wide zones of silicification with variable amounts of quartz, hornblende, biotite, K-feldspar, plagioclase, calcite/siderite, scheelite, titanite, epidote, sulfide and telluride minerals. Quartz veins are generally narrow and discontinuous with low total volume of quartz. Gold is sited in the wall rock, at vein salvedges or within stringers of wall rock within veins. There are two distinct opaque-mineral assemblages: pyrite-pyrrhotite-chalcopyrite-galena and hessite-petzite-altaite-Bi-telluride-galena. Ore samples are variably enriched in Ag, Te, Pb, W, Cu, S and Fe reflecting heterogeneity of the ore mineralogy. Structural timing and temperature of formation of alteration and ore minerals support deposition of gold during late peak amphibolite-facies metamorphism from neutral to alkaline (pH=5-6), moderately oxidising (log P_O2,-21-22) and CO₂-bearing (X_CO2 Ƹ.2) fluids. The total sulfur content of the fluid is estimated at 1mDS. Lead isotope compositions support derivation of lead from within the local greenstone sequence. Gold lodes were deformed by faults and shear zones in the Palaeoproterozoic, with only limited remobilisation. Subeconomic, carbonate vein- and breccia-hosted base metal mineralisation is locally hosted within Palaeoproterozoic fault zones, which clearly cut gold lodes. Base-metal-related alteration is characterised by intense carbonatisation, chloritisation, and albitisation of the mafic host rocks. Mineral assemblages are consistent with formation at greenschist facies conditions. Lead isotope compositions support crystallisation at ca. 1.7 Ga from lead that is similar in composition to earlier gold-related galena.     

The Salamón gold deposit (León, Spain)

Located 55 km NE of the provincial capital León, Salamón deposit, discovered in 1985, is located on the southern slope of the Cantabrian Mountains, in the north of the Iberian Peninsula. The deposit is located on the León fault, which is a late-Variscan, E–W trending, deep structure extending for more than 100 km. The León fault has a complex history, and many mines and occurrences are located near it. The deposit is also close to small stocks and dykes of igneous rocks with intermediate to basic composition to which the mineralisation is related. The mineralisation is hosted mainly by the limestones and bituminous shales of the Lena Group (Namurian–Westphalian). There is also some mineralisation in other stratigraphic units of the Upper Carboniferous, such as the Maraña Group or the Stephanian B sediments.Apart from local and regional exploration, a detailed mineralogical and metallogenic research has been carried out. The epithermal mineralisation of Salamón was developed in two phases: an early dominant and extensive stage, with very fine crystalline gold-bearing sulphides, mainly pyrite, arsenic-bearing pyrite and arsenopyrite, in a matrix of quartz–chalcedony (jasperoid) and dolomite, and a later stage, of a larger crystal size, which occurs replacing the early stage or in pockets and veins, with greater mineralogical variety. Last of all there is a stage of supergene mineralisation, a product of the oxidant action of meteoric waters over the previous minerals. The hydrothermal alterations of the host rocks related to the orebodies are fundamentally decarbonatisation–dolomitisation, silicification and argillitisation. The early stages of mineralisation were produced in a temperature of 148–241°C, while that in the later stages occurred at 86–123°C. The early stage has been dated as 269±5 Ma, and this agrees with the ages of the other deposits of the district, which lay between 292 and 263 Ma, and the igneous rocks of the Peña Prieta stock (277±1 Ma), all which are of Permian age.The results of the studies carried out until now lead to the conclusion that Salamón is a Carlin-type gold deposit.     

Lead isotope constraints on the genesis of Pb–Zn deposits in the Neoproterozoic Vazante Group, Minas Gerais, Brazil

The Neoproterozoic Vazante Group at the western border of the São Francisco Craton, Brazil, hosts the largest Zn–Pb district in South America. Several authors have classified this mineral district as Mississippi Valley-type (MVT), based on the intimate association with carbonates and the epigenetic character of most ore bodies. In this paper, we present 47 new lead isotope data from four deposits located along the 300 km N–S Vazante–Paracatu–Unai linear trend. Pb isotope ratios indicate sources with relatively high U/Pb and Th/Pb ratios. Considering the ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios as indicative parameters for the source, we suggest an upper crustal source for the metals. The small variation on the Pb isotope ratios compared to those observed in the classical MVT deposits, and other geological, fluid inclusion and sulphur isotopic data indicates a metallogenic event of long duration. It was characterized by focused circulation of hydrothermal fluids carrying metals from the basement rocks and from the sedimentary pile. The data obtained are more compatible with an evolution model similar to that of IRISH-type deposits. The existence of three Pb isotopic populations could be the result of regional differences in composition of the source rocks and in the fluid–rock interaction since the mineralization is a long-term process.     

Syn-metamorphic gold mineralisation,Invincible Vein,NW Otago Schist,New Zealand

The Invincible Vein fills a fault zone which strikes northeast and dips steeply southeast in the lower Rees Valley, NW Otago. The vein cuts north striking foliation in lower greenschist facies Otago Schist. Structures associated with the fault zone are both brittle and ductile, and the fault zone has had a complex history of post-mineralisation reactivation. Mineralised vein material filling parts of the fault zone consist of quartz, albite, muscovite, chlorite, calcite, pyrite, arsenopyrite and minor gold. These minerals have been strained and locally recrystallised during ductile deformation. Fluid inclusion homogenisation temperatures (140–175°C) and ice melting temperatures (0 to –1°C) indicate that the mineralising fluid was low salinity, low CO₂ water with a density between 0.88 and 0.93 g/cm₃. Arsenopyrite geothermometry implies a temperature of mineralisation of 370 ± 70°C. Mineralisation pressure lay between 2 and 5 kbar. Mineralisation pressure-temperature conditions and mineralogy are essentially the same as for metamorphism of the host schist. Vein calcite oxygen isotope ratios (+12 to +15 per mil) are similar to host schist values. Carbon isotope ratios of vein calcite (– 3 to –5 per mil) are distinctly different from ratios in host schist (–7 to –10 per mil). Elevated vein Cr contents, and isotopically depleted carbon data, are consistent with some degree of equilibration with metavolcanic rocks. It is inferred that metavolcanic rocks of the underlying Aspiring Terrane were a significant source for mineralising fluid and metals. Invincible mineralisation occurred in the latter stages of metamorphism, and is the earliest recognised gold-bearing vein system in the Otago Schist.     

New data on the correlation of skarn and gold mineralization at the Tardan deposit (northeastern Tuva)

Gold mineralization of the Tardan deposit is of different spatial occurrences and is related to different hydrothermal-metasomatic formations, the main ones being skarn-magnetite bodies, metasomatites of mineralized crush zones, and metasomatites of argillizitic-rock association. The formation of gold mineralization was a multistage process related to the repeated magmatism of the Tannu-Ola complex. It took place in a wide temperature range (400–150 °C), which determined the diversity of produced mineral assemblages. The gold mineralization associated with magnetite bodies shows a spatial correlation with magnesian and calcareous skarns and is localized in plagiogranites and gabbro-diorites of the Tannu-Ola complex intruded in the Late Ordovician. Gold mineralization that occurs in crush zones and along the fault sutures in moderate- and low-temperature hydrothermal-metasomatic rocks (propylites, beresites, serpentinites, and argillizites) formed somewhat later than skarns as a result of the intrusion of granite dike bodies. Comparative analysis of different types of gold mineralization showed both a change of mineral assemblages of the gold mineralization during the ore formation and some geochemical difference between gold and gold-bearing ores. In passing from early to late occurrences of native gold, its fineness decreases, the contents of admixtures correspondingly increase, and the gold composition changes. Gold of high-temperature rocks is rich in Cu (up to 17%), and gold of low-temperatures rocks has higher contents of Ag and Hg.     

Geological characteristics and origin of the Hadamengou gold deposit in Inner Mongolia,China

The Hadamengou gold deposit is located in the western segment of the northern margin of the North China Craton (NCC). It is hosted by Archean metamorphic rocks of the Wulashan Group. The main ore types include gold-bearing quartz vein type, gold-bearing quartz-potassic feldspar vein type, and gold-bearing altered rock type. Gold mineralization is closely related to K-feldspathization. Hydrogen and oxygen isotope data indicate that ore-forming fluids were dominated by magmatic water mixed with minor meteoric water. Sulfur and lead isotope data indicate that metallogenic materials were mainly supplied by the magmatic and Archean Wulashan Group. The gold mineralization was mainly formed during the Early Indosinian tectonic movement, which drove ore-forming fluids to the favorable depositional environment. The northern margin of the NCC is a prospective area for gold exploration. Gold deposits hosted by or related to alkaline intrusions have become one of the most important mineral exploration targets in northern China.     

Stratigraphy and base metal mineralization in the Otavi Mountain Land, Northern Namibia—a review and regional interpretation

Sediment-hosted base metal sulfide deposits in the Otavi Mountain Land occur in most stratigraphic units of the Neoproterozoic Damara Supergroup, including the basal Nosib Group, the middle Otavi Group and the uppermost Mulden Group. Deposits like Tsumeb (Pb–Cu–Zn–Ge), Kombat (Cu–Pb–Zn), Berg Aukas (Zn–Pb–V), Abenab West (Pb–Zn–V) all occur in Otavi Group dolostones, whereas siliciclastic and metavolcanic rocks host Cu–(Ag) or Cu–(Au) mineralization, respectively. The Tsumeb deposit appears to have been concentrated after the peak of the Damara orogeny at around 530 Ma as indicated by radiometric age data.Volcanic hosted Cu–(Au) deposits (Neuwerk and Askevold) in the Askevold Formation may be related to ore forming processes during continental rifting around 746 Ma. The timing of carbonate-hosted Pb–Zn deposits in the Abenab Subgroup at Berg Aukas and Abenab is not well constrained, but the stable (S, O, C) and Pb isotope as well as the ore fluid characteristics are similar to the Tsumeb-type ores. Regional scale ore fluid migration typical of MVT deposits is indicated by the presence of Pb–Zn occurrences over 2500 km² within stratabound breccias of the Elandshoek Formation. Mulden Group siliciclastic rocks host the relatively young stratiform Cu–(Ag) Tschudi resource, which is comparable to Copperbelt-type sulfide ores.     

Geology of the Ranger Uranium Mine, Northern Territory, Australia: structural constraints on the timing of uranium emplacement

The geology of the No 1 and 3 pits at the Ranger Mine in the Pine Creek Inlier (PCI) of Australia is dominated by Palaeoproterozoic volcanic, carbonate and sedimentary sequences that unconformably overlie Archaean granitic gneiss of the Nanambu Complex (2470±50 Ma). These sequences are folded, faulted and sheared, and crosscut by east-trending granite (sensu stricto) dykes and pegmatite veins, and gently dipping N–NE trending mafic dykes of the Oenpelli Dolerite (1690 Ma). Regional metamorphism is to greenschist facies and contact metamorphism is to hornblende-hornfels facies.The rocks of the Ranger Mine have been subjected to at least two phases of ductile–brittle deformation (D2–D3) and one phase of brittle deformation (D4). These events were preceded by regional diastathermal or extension-related metamorphism (D1) and the development of an ubiquitous bedding-parallel cleavage (S1).D2 resulted in the development of NNE–NNW trending mesoscopic folds (F2) and a network of thrusts and dextral reverse shears. The modelled palaeo-stress directions for the emplacement of pegmatite veins suggests that they formed early in D2. D3 resulted in the development of WNW–NW trending mesoscopic folds (F3), a weakly defined axial planar cleavage (S3) and sinistral reactivation of D2 shears. D2–D3 are correlated with deformation during the Maud Creek Event of the Top End Orogeny (1870–1780 Ma), while the emplacement of granite dykes and pegmatite veins is correlated with emplacement of regional granites at 1870–1860 Ma.D4 is associated with brittle deformation and resulted in the development of normal faults and fault breccias during a period of east–west extension. This event is correlated with regional east–west extension during deposition of Palaeo- to Mesoproterozoic platform sequences.The sequence of tectonic events established in this study indicates that uranium-bearing ore shoots in the Ranger No 1 and 3 pits formed during extension in D4, and after emplacement of the Oenpelli Dolerite at 1690 Ma. However, the currently accepted 1737±20 U–Pb Ma age places the mineralising event at time of regional post-orogenic erosion, after the Top End Orogeny and before emplacement of the Oenpelli Dolerite and extension in D4. The U–Pb age is not consistent with Sm–Nd ages for primary uranium mineralisation at Nabarlek and Jabiluka at 1650 Ma [Econ. Geol. 84 (1989) 64] and does not concur with currently accepted regional tectonic data of Johnston [Johnston, J.D., 1984. Structural evolution of the Pine Creek Inlier and mineralisation therein, Northern Territory, Australia. Unpublished PhD Thesis, Monash University, Australia], Needham et al. [Precambrian Res. 40/41 (1988) 543] and others. Consequently, the absolute age of uranium mineralisation at the Ranger Mine is open.     

The mineral isotope composition of two Precambrian carbonatite complexes from the Kola Alkaline Province – Alteration versus primary magmatic signatures

We investigated the isotope composition (O, C, Sr, Nd, Pb) in mineral separates of the two Precambrian carbonatite complexes Tiksheozero (1.98 Ga) and Siilinjärvi (2.61 Ga) from the Karelian–Kola region in order to obtain information on Precambrian mantle heterogeneity. All isotope systems yield a large range of variations. The combination of cathodoluminescence imaging with stable and radiogenic isotopes on the same samples and mineral separates indicates various processes that caused shifts in isotope systems. Primary isotope signatures are preserved in most calcites (O, C, Sr, Pb), apatites (O, Sr, Nd), amphiboles (O), magnetites (O), and whole rocks (Sr, Nd).

The primary igneous C and O isotope composition is different for both complexes (Tiksheozero: δ¹³C = − 5.0‰, δ¹⁸O = 6.9‰; Siilinjärvi: δ¹³C = − 3.7‰, δ¹⁸O = 7.4‰) but very uniform and requires homogenization of both carbon and oxygen in the carbonatite melt. The lowest Sr isotope ratios of our carbonates and apatites from the Archaean Siilinjärvi (0.70137) and the Palaeoproterozoic Tiksheozero (0.70228) complexes are in the range of bulk silicate earth (BSE). Positive ε_Nd values of the two carbonatites point to very early Archaean enrichment of Sm/Nd in the Fennoscandian mantle. No HIMU components could be detected in the two complexes, whereas Tiksheozero carbonatites give the first indication of Palaeoproterozoic U depletion for Fennoscandia.

Sub-solidus exchange processes with water during emplacement and cooling of carbonatites caused an increase in the oxygen isotope composition of some carbonates and probably also an increase of their ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio. A larger increase of initial Sr isotope ratios was found in carbonatized silicic rocks compared to carbonatite bodies. The Svecofennian metamorphic overprint (1.9–1.7 Ga) caused reset of Rb/Sr (mainly mica) and Pb/Pb (mainly apatite) isochron systems.     

The Pogromnoe deposit as an unconventional commercial type of gold mineralization in Transbaikalia

We studied the mineralogic and geochemical features of metasomatic rocks and ores from the Pogromnoe gold deposit, which is unconventional for Transbaikalia. The deposit, which formed in the Early Cretaceous, at the rifting stage of the regional evolution, is localized in the dynamoclastic strata of the Mongol-Okhotsk suture, along which the Siberian continent joined the Mongolia-China continent in the Early-Middle Jurassic. Gold mineralization occurs as two morphologic types of ores: stockwork quartz-carbonate-arsenopyrite-pyrite ores in altered volcanics (orebody no. 1) and veinlet-vein quartz ones (with disseminated sulfides) in altered carbonaceous shales (orebody no. 10). The host rocks of the deposit are the highly altered volcanosedimentary rocks of the Butorovskii Formation (Shadoron Group, J_2–3), which transformed into metasomatic (by composition) and dynamoclastic (by texture and structure) rocks. It has been found that the formation of the metasomatic rocks and mineralization proceeded in several stages. Propylites formed at the preore stage (J₃); tectonic schists and albitophyres, at the late preore stage; and sericitolites and albite-carbonate-sericite-quartz metasomatic rocks (quartzites), at the synore stage. The ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar age of the stockwork system of ore-bearing fractures and metasomatic rocks which formed at the late preore stage is estimated as 139.5 ± 1.8 Ma. The gold-bearing rocks at the deposit are the late preore and synore metasomatic rocks formed after volcanics with sulfide mineralization (gold concentrators are pyrite II and III and arsenopyrite I and II) and after altered carbonaceous shales (gold concentrators are vein quartz and arsenopyrite II). Gold grade is completely consistent with silicification, saturation with quartz-sulfide and sulfide microveinlets, and fine sulfide dissemination. By genesis, the Pogromnoe deposit belongs to objects which formed in shear zones with the contribution of gold-bearing mantle fluids. The authors presume that the sources of mineralization are the ore-producing granitoids of the Amudzhikan-Sretensk intrusive assemblage within the Aprelkovo ore-magmatic system (OMS) (Os’kina and Urguchan plutons). This is confirmed by Pb isotope compositions (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb and ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb) for the pyrite and arsenopyrite of the Pogromnoe gold-bearing ores, which testify to the widespread occurrence of “mantle” Pb isotope signatures. The ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar age of the ore-producing granitoids of the Aprelkovo OMS is 131.0 ± 1.2 Ma. Gold in the orebodies occurs in native form and is fine and very fine. By gold grade, the Pogromnoe deposit deserves very close attention as a new commercial type of gold mineralization in Transbaikalia.     

Structural controls on hydrothermal alteration and gold–antimony mineralisation in the Hillgrove area,NSW, Australia

The Hillgrove gold–antimony deposit is hosted in late Palaeozoic, biotite-grade metasedimentary rocks and Permo-Carboniferous granitoid intrusions of the New England Orogen. Mineralisation occurred at a range of structural levels during rapid uplift in the orogen at 255–245 Ma. Hydrothermal fluids were controlled by extensional faults in a regional-scale sinistral strike-slip fault system. Principal faults in this system were developed in, and possibly evolved from, mylonite zones which were active during Late Permian tectonics. Earliest mineralisation formed scheelite-bearing quartz veins, and these were followed by auriferous arsenopyrite–pyrite–quartz–carbonate veins with minor base metal sulphides. This latter type was accompanied by sericitisation and carbonation of the host rock, with addition of sulphur, arsenic and gold, in zones up to 20 m from veins. Quartz–stibnite veins with electrum, gold, aurostibite, and arsenopyrite form a prominent and economically important hydrothermal type, with little wall-rock alteration but extensive hydrothermal breccia formation and local open-space filling textures. Below a mining depth of 300–500 m, this type passes over a short distance downwards into stibnite-poor gold-bearing veins. Late-stage carbonate–stibnite veins with gold and silver sulphosalts cut all earlier veins, and have open-space filling textures. Aspects of the Hillgrove deposit have similarities to many other orogenic gold deposits in the SW Pacific which have been formed at different structural levels. Hillgrove is distinctive in having evidence for mineralisation at this wide range of structural levels in the one deposit, formed progressively during syn-orogenic uplift. Editorial handling: N. White     

Geochronological and isotopic constraints on Palaeoproterozoic skarn base metal mineralisation in the central Gawler Craton, South Australia

The mineralisation potential of Palaeoproterozoic strata from the central Gawler Craton, South Australia, is poorly known. This study defines the timing of Zn-rich skarn formation within Palaeoproterozoic calcsilicate and highlights this as a new mineralisation style for the Gawler Craton. Sulphides within the garnet–diopside skarn in the No. 17 Bore Prospect are predominantly in the form of sphalerite, associated with galena, minor chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite and pyrite. Sulphide is present in disseminated form and as a coarse-grained sulphide within a sericite-rich cavity-fill. Mineralisation is inferred to have formed at 1710 ± 16 Ma through a Sm–Nd isochron from garnet and diopside aliquots. A weakly mineralised and altered granite immediately below the calcsilicate skarn crystallised at 1729 ± 13 Ma (LA-ICPMS U–Pb zircon), within error of the skarn mineralisation. The skarn is interpreted to have formed through the initiation of fluid circulation as a result of high-level granite emplacement within the Palaeoproterozoic strata. Exploration for skarn Zn–Pb deposits such as the No. 17 Bore Prospect is assisted by their geophysical properties.     

The Bagassi gold deposits on the eastern margin of the Houndé greenstone belt,Burkina Faso

The Bagassi gold deposits are situated on the West African craton and hosted in Palaeoproterozoic rocks of the Houndé greenstone belt, southwest Burkina Faso. High-grade gold mineralisation is hosted in quartz–gold ± pyrite veins-lodes (V_1A), in dilational zones and narrow shears in the Bagassi granitoid, and forms the majority of the resource–reserve portfolio in the Bagassi exploration permits, with gold grades of 18–21 g/t. Shear hosted gold-pyrite mineralisation in quartz veins in dilational jogs (V_1B) occurs along narrow discontinuous shear zones that trend north-northwest in Birimian-aged metabasaltic units, and forms a secondary gold resource. Gold mineralisation is restricted to formation in the late Eburnean Orogeny and formed during a change from east-west to transcurrent compression and shearing. The Bagassi deposits demonstrate that granitoids emplaced prior to onset of the Eburnean Orogeny represent viable gold mineralisation in host rocks that are increasingly seen to be associated with significant gold resources.     

Supercontinent evolution and the Proterozoic metallogeny of South America

The cratonic blocks of South America have been accreted from 2.2 to 1.9 Ga, and all of these blocks have been previously involved in the assembly and breakup of the Paleoproterozoic Atlantica, the Mesoproterozoic to Neoproterozoic Rodinia, and the Neoproterozoic to Phanerozoic West Gondwana continents. Several mineralization phases have sequentially taken place during Atlantica evolution, involving Au, U, Cr, W, and Sn. During Rodinia assembly and breakup and Gondwana formation, the crust-dominated metallogenic processes have been overriding, responsible for several mineral deposits, including Au, Pd, Sn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, Pb, U, P₂O₅, Ta, W, Li, Be and precious stones. During Rodinia breakup, epicontinental carbonate-siliciclastic basins were deposited, which host important non-ferrous base metal deposits of Cu–Co and Pb–Zn–Ag in Africa and South America. Isotope Pb–Pb analyses of sulfides from the non-ferrous deposits unambiguously indicate an upper crustal source for the metals. A genetic model for these deposits involves extensional faults driving the circulation of hydrothermal mineralizing fluids from the Archean/Paleoproterozoic basement to the Neoproterozoic sedimentary cover. These relations demonstrate the individuality of metal associations of every sediment-hosted Neoproterozoic base-metal deposit of West Gondwana has been highly influenced by the mineralogical and chemical composition of the underlying igneous and metaigneous rocks.     

Diachronous evolution of volcano-sedimentary basins north of the Congo craton: Insights from U–Pb ion microprobe dating of zircons from the Poli, Lom and Yaoundé Groups (Cameroon)

Ion microprobe U–Pb dating of zircons from Neoproterozoic volcano-sedimentary sequences in Cameroon north of the Congo craton is presented. For the Poli basin, the depositional age is constrained between 700–665 Ma; detrital sources comprise ca. 920, 830, 780 and 736 Ma magmatic zircons. In the Lom basin, the depositional age is constrained between 613 and 600 Ma, and detrital sources include Archaean to Palaeoproterozoic, late Mesoproterozoic to early Neoproterozoic (1100–950 Ma), and Neoproterozoic (735, 644 and 613 Ma) zircons. The Yaoundé Group is probably younger than 625 Ma, and detrital sources include Palaeoproterozoic and Neoproterozoic zircons. The depositional age of the Mahan metavolcano-sedimentary sequence is post-820 Ma, and detrital sources include late Mesoproterozoic (1070 Ma) and early Neoproterozoic volcanic rocks (824 Ma). The following conclusions can be made from these data. (1) The three basins evolved during the Pan-African event but are significantly different in age and tectonic setting; the Poli is a pre- to syn-collisional basin developed upon, or in the vicinity of young magmatic arcs; the Lom basin is post-collisional and intracontinental and developed on old crust; the tectono-metamorphic evolution of the Yaoundé Group resulted from rapid tectonic burial and subsequent collision between the Congo craton and the Adamawa–Yade block. (2) Late Mesoproterozoic to early Neoproterozoic inheritance reflects the presence of magmatic event(s) of this age in west–central Africa.     

Redbed-type gold mineralisation, Kupferschiefer, south-west Poland

A new type of gold mineralisation containing minor amounts of platinum and palladium has been found proximal to the secondary redox interface located below the Cu-Ag Kupferschiefer orebody of the Polkowice-Sieroszowice mine in the south-western part of the Lubin-Sieroszowice district, Poland. This deposit can be classified as redbed-type gold. Our study shows that gold, platinum and palladium occur in secondary red-coloured sections of the basal Zechstein sedimentary rocks and in the uppermost Weissliegendes sandstone. Noble metal mineralisation occurs within an average interval of 0.22 m, which lies directly below the copper ores. The average grade of the horizon is 2.25 ppm Au, 0.138 ppm Pt and 0.082 ppm Pd with a metal content of several tens of tonnes of gold. A transition zone has been recognised between the gold-bearing horizon and the copper deposit. This transition zone is characterised by the presence of low grades of copper (<0.2 wt%) and elevated gold contents (>0.5 ppm). Native gold accompanied by electrum, mercury-bearing gold, haematite, covellite, chalcocite, bornite and chalcopyrite has been identified in the gold-bearing horizon. In some sections, Pd-arsenides, tetra-auricupride, Co-arsenides, clausthalite, tennantite, digenite, yarrowite, spionkopite and galena have also been noted.     

Role of fluid mixing and wallrock sulfidation in gold mineralization at the Semna mine area, central Eastern Desert of Egypt: Evidence from hydrothermal alteration, fluid inclusions and stable isotope data

The Semna gold deposit is one of several vein-type gold occurrences in the central Eastern Desert of Egypt, where gold-bearing quartz veins are confined to shear zones close to the boundaries of small granitoid stocks. The Semna gold deposit is related to a series of sub-parallel quartz veins along steeply dipping WNW-trending shear zones, which cut through tectonized metagabbro and granodiorite rocks. The orebodies exhibit a complex structure of massive and brecciated quartz consistent with a change of the paleostress field from tensional to simple shear regimes along the pre-existing fault segments. Textural, structural and mineralogical evidence, including open space structures, quartz stockwork and alteration assemblages, constrain on vein development during an active fault system. The ore mineral assemblage includes pyrite, chalcopyrite, subordinate arsenopyrite, galena, sphalerite and gold. Hydrothermal chlorite, carbonate, pyrite, chalcopyrite and kaolinite are dominant in the altered metaggabro; whereas, quartz, sericite, pyrite, kaolinite and alunite characterize the granodiorite rocks in the alteration zones. Mixtures of alunite, vuggy silica and disseminated sulfides occupy the interstitial open spaces, common at fracture intersections. Partial recrystallization has rendered the brecciation and open space textures suggesting that the auriferous quartz veins were formed at moderately shallow depths in the transition zone between mesothermal and epithermal veins.Petrographic and microthermometric studies aided recognition of CO₂-rich, H₂O-rich and mixed H₂O–CO₂ fluid inclusions in the gold-bearing quartz veins. The H₂O–CO₂ inclusions are dominant over the other two types and are characterized by variable vapor: liquid ratios. These inclusions are interpreted as products of partial mixing of two immiscible carbonic and aqueous fluids. The generally light δ³⁴S of pyrite and chalcopyrite may suggest a magmatic source of sulfur. Spread in the final homogenization temperatures and bulk inclusion densities are likely due to trapping under pressure fluctuation through repeated fracture opening and sealing. Conditions of gold deposition are estimated on basis of the fluid inclusions and sulfur isotope data as 226–267 °C and 350–1100 bar, under conditions transitional between mesothermal and epithermal systems.The Semna gold deposit can be attributed to interplay of protracted volcanic activity (Dokhan Volcanics?), fluid mixing, wallrock sulfidation and a structural setting favoring gold deposition. Gold was transported as Au-bisulfide complexes under weak acid conditions concomitant with quartz–sericite–pyrite alteration, and precipitated through a decrease in gold solubility due to fluid cooling, mixing with meteoric waters and variations in pH and fO₂.