Geotechnical classification of deep and ultra-deep Witwatersrand mining areas, South Africa

 As depth of mining increases, so the production costs of the aurifereous Witwatersrand deposits are continuously increasing, with some mines already mining at depths exceeding 3500 m. Health and safety aspects are, simultaneously, gaining in importance. Therefore, in order to mine deep orebodies in existing mines, as well as to develop new mining ventures safely and efficiently, novel approaches, including mining strategies, layouts and support systems have to be adopted. Geological features largely control the deformation mechanisms associated with Witwatersrand orebodies. These features are grouped into two major categories: primary and secondary features. Both impact on the rockmass behaviour associated with the excavations, and contribute to the definition of geotechnical areas. Primary geological features are defined by the various rock types, orebody geometry, and the frequency and mineralogical characteristics of sedimentary structures (e.g. various kinds of bedding planes and lithological boundaries). The primary features also control rock engineering properties, closure rates, attitude and frequency of mining-induced stress fracturing, and planes may be reactivated during seismic events. Secondary geological features are faults, dykes and veins/joints, and associated metamorphism. These cause stability problems and are often associated with seismic events. Compositional and textural characteristics of these features, and their controls on the rockmass behaviour, are ill-defined. Primary and secondary geological characteristics also play an important role in identifying the appropriate mining strategy, layout and support. Geological features can be predicted into deep unmined areas, and therefore contribute to the safest and most efficient extraction of the orebody. Witwatersrand orebodies are mined in complex geological environments, with the rockmass behaviour differing from one orebody to the other. This is approached by employing a new methodology that attempts to quantify the problems encountered when mining the major Witwatersrand orebodies. Received: 7 June 1996 / Accepted: 7 January 1997     

南非维特沃特斯兰德盆地绍斯迪普金矿床地质特征、成矿模式和找矿模型

对南非兰德砾岩型金矿床的研究成果进行总结,概括了绍斯迪普金矿床的区域地质背景、岩石地层划分,较为系统地分析了矿床的地质特征和矿床成因。 得出如下结论：①金的主要来源可能与太古宙含金花岗绿岩带有密切关系;②金矿体主要受太古宙文特斯多普砾岩地层和中兰德群中的Turffontein亚群埃尔斯伯格组砾岩地层控制;③金矿床可能经历了早期沉积成岩成矿阶段—后期改造富集多个（Klipriviersberg火山活动作用时期和与2050Ma布什维尔德杂岩体有关的变质作用高峰时期）阶段,为复合成因的层控改造型矿床。研究结果对该类矿床的深入研究和走出去的中国企业有重要的参考价值。     

南非维特沃特斯兰德盆地绍斯迪普金矿床地质特征、成矿模式和找矿模型

对南非兰德砾岩型金矿床的研究成果进行总结,概括了绍斯迪普金矿床的区域地质背景、岩石地层划分,较为系统地分析了矿床的地质特征和矿床成因。得出如下结论:1金的主要来源可能与太古宙含金花岗绿岩带有密切关系;2金矿体主要受太古宙文特斯多普砾岩地层和中兰德群中的Turffontein亚群埃尔斯伯格组砾岩地层控制;3金矿床可能经历了早期沉积成岩成矿阶段—后期改造富集多个(Klipriviersberg火山活动作用时期和与2050Ma布什维尔德杂岩体有关的变质作用高峰时期)阶段,为复合成因的层控改造型矿床。研究结果对该类矿床的深入研究和走出去的中国企业有重要的参考价值。     

Microbial hydrocarbon gases in the Witwatersrand Basin, South Africa: Implications for the deep biosphere

In this study, compositions and δ¹³C and δ²H isotopic values of hydrocarbon gases from 5 mines in the Witwatersrand basin, South Africa, support the widespread occurrence of microbially produced methane in millions of years-old fissure waters. The presence of microbial methane is, to a large extent, controlled by the geologic formations in which the gases are found. Samples from the Witwatersand Supergroup have the largest microbial component based on δ¹³C and δ²H signatures and CH₄/C₂+ values. Based on mixing between a microbial CH₄ component and a more ¹³C-enriched and ²H-depleted C₂+-rich end member, conservative estimates of the % contribution of microbial CH₄ to the gas samples range from >90% microbial CH₄ at Beatrix, Masimong, and Merriespruit, to between 5 and 80% microbial CH₄ at Evander, and <18% microbial CH₄ at Kloof. The Witwatersrand basin’s history of thermal alteration of organic-rich ancient sedimentary units suggests a thermogenic origin for this ¹³C-enriched end member. Alternatively, the potential for an abiogenic origin similar to hydrocarbon gases produced by water-rock interaction at other Precambrian Shield mines is discussed. Microbial methane is predominantly found in paleo-meteoric fissure waters with δ¹⁸O and δ²H values that fall on the meteoric waterline, and have temperatures between 30 to 40°C. In contrast, fissure waters with a larger component of nonmicrobial hydrocarbon gases show a trend towards more enriched δ¹⁸O and δ²H values that fall well above the meteoric waterline, and temperatures of 45 to 60°C. The enrichment in ¹⁸O and ²H in these samples, and their high salinity, are similar to the isotopic and compositional characteristics of saline groundwaters and brines produced by water-rock interaction at Precambrian Shield sites elsewhere. The reported 100 Ma ages of fissure waters from the Witwatersrand and Ventersdorp formations suggest that these microbial hydrocarbon gases are the product of in situ methanogenic communities in the deep subsurface of the Witswaterand basin. Small subunit ribosomal RNA genes were amplified using archaeal-specific primer sets from DNA extracts derived from several of these waters. Fissure waters with a high proportion of microbial methane also contained sequences resembling those of known methanogens.     

Textural and geochemical discrimination between xenotime of different origin in the Archaean Witwatersrand Basin, South Africa

Xenotime (YPO₄) of detrital, diagenetic, and hydrothermal origin within siliciclastic rocks of the Archaean Witwatersrand Basin, South Africa, has been identified on the basis of petrography and in situ ion microprobe (SHRIMP) age data. The chemical composition of xenotime, determined by in situ electron microprobe analysis, can be correlated with its origin. This allows the origin of any xenotime grain to be assessed by a non-destructive microanalytical method prior to ion microprobe geochronology. The main chemical discriminators are MREE-HREE abundance, normalised HREE slope and Eu anomaly, and, in some cases, U and Th contents. Igneous-detrital xenotime (> 2800 Ma) is distinguished from diagenetic (∼2780 Ma) and hydrothermal (< 2780 Ma) xenotime in having lower Eu, Dy, and Gd concentrations and a distinctively lower Gd/Yb ratio. Hydrothermal xenotime has distinctively lower U and Th concentrations when compared to igneous-detrital and diagenetic xenotime. Three separate hydrothermal fluid events and episodes of post-diagenetic xenotime growth are recognised in the geochemical and geochronological data, which correspond in time to the extrusion of the Ventersdorp lavas at ∼2720 Ma, the emplacement of the Bushveld Igneous Complex at ∼2061 Ma, and an event of unknown affinity at ∼2210 Ma. Although geochemical discrimination of the xenotime types from the Witwatersrand Basin, in combination with careful petrography, appears achievable, universal application of these discriminators to xenotime in other sedimentary basins remains untested.     

The significance of the Vredefort Dome for the thermal and structural evolution of the Witwatersrand Basin, South Africa

Summary The Vredefort Dome represents an area of significant ( 10 km) structural uplift within the central parts of the economically important Witwatersrand Basin. Its rocks experienced higher grades of metamorphism than the equivalent stratigraphic horizons exposed around the periphery of the basin. Recent studies of this medium- to high-grade metamorphism, as well as new evidence concerning the origin of the dome, have contributed to a metamorphic model for the Witwatersrand Basin as a whole. This evidence shows that the gold-bearing strata experienced at least two metamorphic events at ca. 2 Ga. The unusually high strain rate and shock deformation features exposed in the rocks of the dome rule out an endogenous origin by tectonic or diapiric processes. Recent work on these features has shown that the dome is best explained as the central uplift of a large, 250–300 km diameter, 2023±44 Ma old meteorite impact structure, the extent of which closely correlates with the present-day limits of the Witwatersrand Basin. Impact-related deformation features in the Vredefort rocks facilitate the separation of metamorphic textures developed during a pre-impact event associated with the 2.05–2.06 Ga Bushveld magmatism, and textures developed during a slightly lower-grade, post-impact, static overprint. The post-impact overprint decreases in intensity outwards from the dome. It is attributed to the massive disturbance of the thermal structure of the crust by impact-induced exhumation, and to shock heating of the rocks as a consequence of the impact event.

---

Die Bedeutung des Vredefort-Domes für die thermische und strukturelle Entwicklung des Witwatersrand-Beckens, Südafrika

Zusammenfassung Der Vredefort Dom ist ein Gebiet von signifikantem (ca. 10 km), strukturellem Uplift im Zentralbereich des wirtschaftlich bedeutungsvollen Witwatersrand-Beckens. Die Ges-teine des Doms haben höhere Metamorphosebedingungen erfahren als die stratigraphisch äquivalenten Lagen, die im Randbereich des Beckens aufgeschlossen sind. Kürzlich durchgeführte Untersuchungen dieser mittel-bis hochgradigen Metamorphose und neueste Ergebnisse zur Entstehung des Domes haben einen Beitrag zu einem Metamorphose-Modell für das gesamte Witwatersrand-Becken geleistet. Diese neuen Befunde zeigen, daß die Gold-hältigen Gesteinsschichten zumindest zwei metamorphe Ereignisse vor ca. 2 Ga erfahren haben. Die ungewöhnlich hohen Beanspruchungsraten und die Stoßwellendeformationsstrukturen, die in den Gesteinen des Doms belegt sind, sprechen gegen einen endogenen Ursprung durch tektonische oder diapirische Prozesse. Neuere Arbeiten an diesen Phänomenen haben gezeigt, daß der Dom am besten als die zentrale Struktureinheit (Zentralberg) einer sehr grossen, 250–300 km weiten und 2023±4 Ma alten Meteoriteneinschlagsstruktur verstanden werden kann, deren Ausmaß eng mit den jetzigen Grenzen des Witwatersrand-Beckens übereinstimmt. Die Gegenwart von Impakt-bezogenen Deformationsstrukturen in Vredefort-Gesteinen erlaubt es, die metamorphen Texturen, die während eines hochgradigen, mit dem 2.05–2.06 Ga Bushveld Magmatismus korrelierten, metamorphen Stadiums vor dem Impaktereignis entstanden sind, von den Texturen zu trennen, die ein statisch metamorphes Ereignis von etwas geringerer Stärke, das nach dem Impakt stattfand, produzierte. Die Spuren des post-Impakt Ereignisses nehmen in ihrer Stärke zum Rand des Domes ab. Dieser Effekt wird durch eine massive Störung der thermischen Krusten-Struktur erklärt, die als Resultat einer Kombination von Impakt-induzierter Exhumierung, von Schock-Aufheizung der Krustengesteine, und von Erwärmung durch einen gewaltigen, jetzt erodierten Impaktschmelzgesteinskörper gesehen wird.

     

Pseudotachylitic breccias from fault zones in the Witwatersrand Basin, South Africa: evidence of autometasomatism and post-brecciation alteration processes

Summary Pseudotachylitic breccias, associated with either bedding-parallel or normal faults, are abundant in the northern and northwestern parts of the gold- and uranium-rich Witwatersrand Basin in South Africa. They are particularly abundant in a zone tangential to the Vredefort Dome, a structure which is now widely accepted to be the eroded remnant of the central uplift of the originally 250 to 300 km wide Vredefort impact structure.Several of these fault zones were sampled along vertical traverses that included both fault breccias and host rocks. Geochemical analyses were undertaken to investigate the processes involved in fault rock formation. In addition, the temporal relationships of fault activity to regional geological events was studied. Detailed petrographic analysis shows evidence for strong hydrothermal overprints of the faults related to breccia formation (thus termed autometasomatism), as well as post-formational alteration. Mixing between two or more precursor lithologies and fluid alteration affected both the fault zones and their wall-rocks. A wide spectrum of trace elements, including Au and U, has been locally mobilised and redeposited by these processes.These fault zones, some of which are of basin-wide significance, were important channels for fluids that also modified the distribution of base metals in the Witwatersrand Basin. The regionally separated locations of our study areas suggest that these processes affected at least a major part of the basin. However, as the chemical characteristics determined for the fault zones differ from site to site, it is likely that the metals were only locally remobilised in the vicinity of fault zones or to previously hydrothermally altered country rock. Subsequent redeposition of metals was limited to the regimes in and around such fault zones.

---

Pseudotachylitische Brekzien aus Störungszonen des Witwatersrand-Beckens: Hinweise auf Autometasomatose und Alteration nach der Brekzienbildung

Zusammenfassung Pseudotachylitische Brekzien, entweder an schicht-parallelen oder normalen Verwerfungen, kommen häufig im nördlichen und nordwestlichen Teil des Gold- und Uranreichen Witwatersrand Beckens in Südafrika vor. Man hat sie hauptsächlich von einem tangentialen Bereich um den Vredefort Dom beschrieben. Der Dom ist der tieferodierte Rest der zentralen Aufwölbung der Vredefort Impaktstruktur, die ursprünglich linen Durchmesser von mindestens 250 Km hatte.Einige dieser Verwerfungszonen wurden entlang von Traversen beprobt, die Verwerfungsbrekzien sowie deren Nebengesteine beinhalteten, und geochemisch mit dem Ziel untersucht, die Prozesse bei der Brekzien-Bildung und die zeitlichen Verhältnisse von Verwerfungen und regionalgeologischen Ereignissen zu erfassen. Petrographische Analysen zeigten, daß die Verwerfungszonen im Zusammenhang mit der Brekzierungsphase stark hydrothermal überprägt wurden (ein Prozess, der daher als Autometasomatose bezeichnet wird) und eine zweite Überprägungsphase erfahren haben, die nach der Brekzierung stattfand. Es wird gezeigt, daß sowohl Mischung von wenigstens zwei Mutter-Gesteinskomponenten und Flüssigkeitsüberprägung, die Verwerfungszonen und Nebengesteine betraf, wichtige Rollen in der Bestimmung der chemischen Charakteristiken der untersuchten Zonen spielten. Viele Elemente, darunter Gold und Uran, wurden durch diese Prozesse lokal mobilisiert und wieder abgelagert.Diese Verwerfungszonen, von denen einige eine beckenweite Bedeutung besitzen, agierten als wichtige Kanäle für Flüssigkeiten, die die Verbreitung von wichtigen Metallen im Witwatersrand Becken modifizieren konnten. Da unsere Untersuchungsorte weit voneinander getrennt liegen, muß angenommen werden, daß diese Prozesse wenigstens weite Teile des Beckens beeinflußten. Da jedoch die chemischen Charakteristika der untersuchten Zonen von Fall zu Fall unterschiedlich sind, liegt die Vermutung nahe, daß Metalle höchstens lokal mobilisiert und umgelagert wurden und daß dies vermutlich im wesentlichen in der Nähe von existierenden Reefs stattfand. Es ist ferner klar, daß die Umlagerung von Metallen auf die unmittelbaren Bereiche dieser Verwerfungszonen beschränkt war.

     

Pseudotachylite associated with a bedding-parallel fault zone between the Witwatersrand and Ventersdorp Supergroups,South Africa

A Proterozoic bedding-parallel fault zone is described from the Witwatersrand basin in South Africa. The fault zone is dominated by pseudotachylite, the youngest tectonite present, but also contains quartz veins and cataclasites which post-date the spatially associated mylonites. Both tectonic eliminations and duplications are caused by the fault zone which is dominated by a northerly to westerly overthrusting. The fault rocks probably did not form during a single event but as a result of a minimum of two periods of activation of the fault zone separated in time by at least the period required to deposit in excess of 4 km of sediments belonging to the lower part of the Transvaal Sequence. Equivocal evidence suggests that the pseudotachylites, which probably formed as a result of frictional fusion on fault planes, may have formed at similar depths to the mylonites. Consequently the related parameters of pressure and temperature are not considered to be as important in determining whether brittle or ductile deformation occurs, as are pore fluid pressure and strain rate. The age, direction of tectonic transport and a characteristic enrichment in lead all suggest that there may be a genetic link between the pseudotachylites in this fault zone and the type pseudotachylites at Vredefort, 60 km to the south.     

Morphological and anatomical observations on some precambrian plants from the Witwatersrand,South Africa

The columnar form of carbonaceous layers in some Precambrian Witwatersrand conglomerates after detailed SEM examination has been shown to be a primary plant structure. By oxidation of the organic components at about 500° C a skeleton of length-orientated interconnected filaments is obtained which consist mainly of uranium oxide, lead oxide and gold. Some of the filaments preserved the original microbiological structures in detail.Brief heating of the columns causes a separation into different types of tissue thus making the reconstruction of the original plant possible. A comparison of the inner and outer structure and the probable metabolism with recent plants showed a definite resemblance to certain types of lichens. Following the presently used term of thucholite for the carbonaceous material the name ofThuchomyces lichenoides is suggested for the fossilized plant. A probably parasitic, filamentous fossilized microorganism which occurs in the Basal Reef together with Thuchomyces was namedWitwatersrand conidiophorus. Both fossils are described and their possible environment discussed.

---

Zusammenfassung Die säulige Form von kohligen Lagen in den präkambrischen Witwatersrand Konglomeraten wurde durch detaillierte Untersuchungen im REM als primäre pflanzliche Struktur erkannt. Durch Oxydation der organischen Komponenten bei etwa 500° C erhält man ein Skelett aus längsorientierten und einander verknüpften mineralischen Filamenten (meist Uranoxyd, Bleioxyd und Gold), die zum Teil die ursprünglichen mikrobiologischen Formen bewahrt haben. Kurzes Erhitzen der Säulen bewirkt eine Aufspaltung in verschiedene Gewebearten wodurch eine Rekonstruktion der ursprünglichen Pflanze möglich wurde. Vergleiche des inneren und äußeren Aufbaus mit rezenten Pflanzen zeigt deutliche Ähnlichkeiten mit bestimmten Flechtenarten. In Anlehnung an die bisher gebräuchliche Bezeichnung Thucholith für die kohlige Substanz wirdThuchomyces lichenoides als Name für die fossile Pflanze vorgeschlagen. Ein wahrscheinlich parasitärer, fadenförmiger, fossiler Mikroorganismus, der im Basal Reef zusammen mit Thuchomyces vorkommt, wurdeWitwateromyces conidiophorus benannt.Die beiden Fossilien werden beschrieben und ihre mögliche Umwelt diskutiert.

---

Résumé L'étude détaillée, au microscope électronique à balayage, de la forme colonnaire de couches charbonneuses de certains conglomérats Précambriens du Witwatersrand, a permis d'y reconnaître une structure végétale primaire. Par l'oxydation des composants organiques a environ 500°, on obtient un squelette de filaments reliés entre eux et orientés dans le sens de la longueur, principalement à base d'oxyde d'uranium, d'oxyde de plomb, et d'or. Quelques-uns de ces filaments ont conservé leurs structures microbiologiques originelles dans tous leurs détails.Un bref réchauffement des colonnes cause la séparation des différentes sortes de tissus à partir desquels il est possible de reconstituer la plante originelle. Une comparaison de la structure interne et externe et du métabolisme probable avec des plantes récentes indique une ressemblance indéniable avec certaines sortes de lichens. Compte tenu de la désignation de thucholite pour la substance charbonneuse, le nom deThuchomyces lichenoides est suggéré pour cette plante fossile.Un autre micro-organisme filamenteux, probablement parasitaire, découvert dans le Basal Reef, avec Thuchomyces, a reçu le nom deWitwateromyces conidiophorus. Les deux fossiles sont décrits et leur environnement probable, discuté.

---

. 600° C — . . , —, . , . . «Thucholit» «Thuchomyces lichenoides», , , — «Witwateremyces conidiophorus». .

     

Fossilized plants in thucholite from Precambrian rocks of the Witwatersrand,South Africa

Examination of columnar carbonaceous material or thucholite from gold-bearing conglomerate revealed internal structures morphologically resembling filamentous, branched and apparently septate cells of obvious biological origin partially encrusted with gold, as well as silicified structures which could be identified as primitive fungi. The columnar structures could be part of a differentiated, apparently symbiotic organism which formed carpet-like colonies of up to several square metres in extent. On the basis of the chemical composition and the apparent ability of the suggested organism to assimilate gold and other inorganic material, the apparent presence of a symbiotic alga and the assumed nature of the Precambrian environment, an organism is proposed that has many morphological similarities with lichens but has otherwise no known living equivalent.     

Contaminant leaching from gold mining tailings dams in the Witwatersrand Basin,South Africa: A new geochemical modelling approach

In this study a new geochemical reaction modelling methodology is used to shed light on the geochemical processes within Witwatersrand tailings impoundments and the evaluation of the geochemical impacts for future mining projects is evaluated. Information from international and local studies on tailings sulphidic tailings impoundments is used to develop a conceptual understanding on a typical Witwatersrand gold tailings impoundment. The tailings impoundments consist of 3 distinct geochemical zones: Oxidation Zone (OZ), a Transition Zone (TZ) and a Reduction Zone (RZ). Individual reaction models are developed for each of the 3 zones. The output of one model is used as an input to the next in spatial order. The results of the final model represent the tailings basal seepage characteristics, which indicate the most likely impacts on groundwater resources. The model results agree with existing information on AMD in the Witwatersrand. The results indicate that the tailings basal seepage is likely to be acidic (pH of ∼3.5), containing elevated concentrations of SO₄ and trace metals (Al, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Zn and U). Predicted Fe concentrations are low, due to the low $f_{{\text{O}}_2}$ in the TZ and RZ and the buffering effect of the precipitation of K-jarosite in the OZ and TZ. This study therefore indicates that the methodology employed produces results that can be correlated to existing information and can thus be used as a methodology in the assessments of impacts from sulphidic tailings material for future mining projects.     

Silver and mercury in single gold grains from the Witwatersrand and Barberton,South Africa

The contents of silver and mercury in 323 spots on gold grains from seven localities of the Witwatersrand palaeo-placer and Archaean vein deposits from Barberton were measured using an electron microprobe. The objective was to obtain information on the extent of gold alteration during fluvial transport and post-depositional geological processes. The results, however, show that Ag and Hg are distributed homogeneously in the gold grains studied. No indications were found that the gold was transported in solution nor that leaching took place in an oxidizing fluvial environment. This strongly suggests that the Ag and Hg contents in Witwatersrand gold grains represent geochemical ‘fingerprints’ inherited from their eroded primary sources. Combined analysis for Ag and Hg in Witwatersrand gold grains by electron microprobe can therefore be a valuable tool in establishing the types of primary sources for the gold.     

Thaumasite from the Tschwinning mine,South Africa

Summary Thaumasite from the manganese mine of Tschwinning, South Africa, has the formula Ca_3.097 Si_1.062OH_6.372(CO₃)_0.994(SO₄)_1.000·11.596 H₂O. Unit cell parameters (a=11.013(2) Å,c=10.379(5) Å,V=1090.1(6) ų) and refraction indices (n_e=1.458(2),n _o=1.498(2)) compare well with the best ones available in the literature. The IR spectrum and DT-TG profiles are given. Contradictions between the IR spectrum, a recent structural refinement and the DT-TG are discussed, but cannot be explained satisfactorily.

---

Thaumasit aus der Mangan-Mine von Tschwinning, Süd-Afrika

Zusammenfassung Thaumasit aus der Mangan-Mine von Tschwinning, Süd-Afrika, besitzt die Formel Ca_3.097 Si_1.062OH_6.372(CO₃)_0.994(SO₄)_1.000·11.596 H₂O. Die Parameter der Elementarzelle (a=11.013(2) Å,c=10.379(5) Å,V=1090.1(6) ų) und die Brechungsindizes (n _e=1.458(2),n _o=1.498(2)) zeigen gute Übereinstimmung mit verfügbaren Literaturdaten. Es werden ein IR-Spektrum und DT-TG-Profile präsentiert. Gegensätze zwischen dem IR-Spektrum, einer neueren Strukturverfeinerung und dem DT-TG werden diskutiert, können jedoch nicht zufriedenstellend erklärt werden.

---

---

With 2 Figures     

The geochemistry of pseudotachylyte and its host rocks from the West Rand Goldfield, Witwatersrand Basin, South Africa: implications for pseudotachylyte genesis

The chemical composition of the pseudotachylyte in the West Rand Goldfield of the Witwatersrand Basin, South Africa, is closely related to the composition of the host rocks and this is reflected in the colour of the pseudotachylyte. Grey pseudotachylyte is generally hosted by and similar in composition to quartzites of the Witatersrand Supergroup, whereas maroon pseudotachylyte has a similar relationship to the mafic lava of the Ventersdorp Supergroup. In some instances, the composition of the pseudotachylyte is intermediate between these two host rock types and a mixing process is proposed.

A study of the ferrous to ferric iron ratio provides limited evidence that pseudotachylyte is slightly more reduced than the rocks from which they have been derived.

The only elements that are consistently enriched in the pseudotachylyte, irrespective of host rock composition, are S, Pb and Au. It is speculated that this indicates the existence of a sulphide-bearing fluid phase along the fault zone either prior to or during pseudotachylyte formation.

Geochemical and petrographic evidence favour an origin by frictional fusion rather than ultracomminution for the pseudotachylyte from the West Rand Goldfield.     

Chemistry and palynology of carbon seams and associated rocks from the Witwatersrand goldfields, South Africa

Carbon seams in the Witwatersrand System of South Africa host some of the richest gold concentrations in the world. A study of the microscopic characteristics in thin sections and acid residues, and of the chemical and physical nature of the carbon-bearing phases, was undertaken to gain some understanding of the biological precursors and thermal changes that have occurred since the seams were buried.The HCl---HF acid-resistant organic tissues in this Early Proterozoic coal are filamentous and spherical, which are typical morphologies for microorganisms. The tissues are carbonized black as would be expected for metamorphic rocks, so usual palynological techniques were of limited use. Therefore, the chemical and physical nature of the organic remains was studied by ratios, X-ray diffraction (XRD), ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), reductive chemistry, crosspolarization/magic angle spinning NMR (CP/MAS), and electron spin resonance (ESR).The ratios of the samples examined are similar to those of semi-anthracite and petroleum cokes from delayed cokers. XRD shows graphite is not present and that the gold is in elemental form, not chemically bound or intercalated between carbon planes. NMR shows that both aromatic and paraffinic carbons are present. Integration of the carbon NMR spectra suggests that 80% of the carbon is sp²-hybridized and 20% is sp³-hybridized. Reductive chemistry shows that the benzenoid entities are larger than common polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons such as perylene and decacyclene. Dipolar dephasing CP/MAS NMR suggests the presence of two types of paraffinic carbons, a rigid methylene group and a rotating methyl group. The narrowing of the ESR linewidth between room temperature and 300°C shows that the materials examined have not previously been subjected to temperatures as high as 300°C.     

K-Ar dating of white micas from the Ventersdorp Contact Reef of the Witwatersrand Basin, South Africa: timing of post-depositional alteration

Summary White micas from metamorphosed and hydrothermally-altered basaltic lavas, conglomerates, quartzites and shales in and around the Ventersdorp Contact Reef of the Witwatersrand Basin, South Africa, were dated by the K-Ar method to constrain post-depositional thermal and mineralization processes. The minerals were separated into various grain sizes between < 0.4 and 10m, and characterized in terms of composition, paragenetic sequence and texture, by XRD, SEM and TEM techniques. The K-Ar isochron of all white micas in the basaltic lavas suggests an age of 1994 ± 60 Ma, and that of the smaller mica particles (< 2m) in the quartzites defines a younger age of 1917 ± 66 Ma. This range is considered to reflect the timing of long-lived hydrothermal alteration in the Ventersdorp Contact Reef. The older age is slightly younger than the intrusion of the Bushveld Complex (2060–2054 Ma) and the Vredefort catastrophism (2020 Ma), which are well-documented events that were superimposed onto the Witwatersrand Basin. The younger age may be associated with the Eburnian orogenesis along the western edge of the Kaapvaal Craton resulting in continental-scale fluid migration and hydrothermal activity that extended throughout the Griqualand Basin and even into the Witwatersrand Basin. The K-Ar ages obtained here for the white mica fractions of the Ventersdorp Contact Reef in the Witwatersrand Basin confirm that the period between 2.0 and 1.9 Ga was significant, as far as alteration, and possibly also gold mobilization, was concerned.

---

K-Ar Datierung von Hellglimmern aus dem hentersdorp Contact Reef des Witwatersrand Beckens, Südafrika: die zeitliche Eingrenzung der nach der Sedimentablagerung erfolgten Alteration

Zusammenfassung Hellglimmer von metamorph und hydrothermal überprägtem Basalt, Konglomerat, Quarzit und Pelit aus dem Ventersdorp Contact Reef im Witwatersrand Becken, Südafrika, wurden mittels der K-Ar Methode datiert, um das Alter der postsedimentären thermischen Überprägung einzugrenzen. Mineralkörner wurden in einzelne Fraktionen zwischen < 0.4 und 10m separiert und auf deren Zusammensetzung, Paragenese und Textur mittels Röntgendiffraktometrie und Elektronenmikroskopie untersucht. Das Isochronenalter für alle Hellglimmerproben aus dem Metabasalt liegt bei 1994 ± 60 Ma, jenes für die Glimmer mit einer Korngröße < 2m im Quarzit bei 1917 ± 66 Ma. Diese Altersspanne wird als Ausdruck einer lang anhaltenden hydrothermalen Veränderung des Ventersdorp Contact Reef interpretiert. Das ältere Alter ist etwas jünger als die Intrusion des Bushveld Komplex (2060–2054 Ma) und die Vredefort Katastrophe (2020 Ma) - zwei gut dokumentierte Ereignisse, die das Witwatersrand Becken erfaßten. Das jüngere Alter könnte mit der eburnischen Orogenese entlang des Westrandes des Kaapvaal Kratons in Zusammenhang stehen, während der es zu Fluid Migration und hydrothermaler Aktivität quer über den Kontinent vom Griqualand Becken bis in das Witwatersrand Becken kam. Die neuen K-Ar Alter bestätigen somit, daß die Zeitspanne von 2.0–1.9 Ga wesentlich für die Alteration und möglicherweise auch für die Mobilisierung von Gold im Witwatersrand Becken war.

     

Platinum mineralogy of the driekop mine,South Africa

A detailed microprobe and optical investigation of concentrates from the Driekop platinum mine, South Africa, has resulted in significant additions to, and modifications of, data which one of us (E. F. Stumpfl) has presented in 1961. The concentrates contain 50% iron-bearing platinum, 30% sperrylite (PtAs₂) and geversite (PtSb₂), 15% hollingworthite (RhAsS) and irarsite (IrAsS) and 5% of other platinum group minerals. Two new minerals, (Pt, Pd) (Bi, Sb) and (Pt, Pd)₃Sb₂ have been discovered in the course of this work. Spectral reflectance and microhardness data are given for eight platinum group minerals. The list of new minerals presented in 1961 has been included in Cabri's tabulations (1972). It should now been modified as follows: a phase of composition Pt(Ir, Os)₂As₄ does not exist, the mineral in question is irarsite, frequently associated with hollingworthite. Pd₈CuSb₃ is not a separate mineral species but copper-bearing stibiopalladinite, PtSb is actually (Pt, Pd)₃Sb₂. The Driekop platinum group minerals association is dominated by native platinum, arsenides, antimonides and sulpharsenides. Bismutho-tellurides, which play a significant rôle in the Merensky Reef, have not been detected. Transport and deposition of the platinum group elements is ascribed to the high-temperature aqueous fluids which have formed the dunite pipes.     

Geochemistry of Archean shales from the Witwatersrand Supergroup,South Africa: Source-area weathering and provenance

With a few exceptions, shales from the Archean Witwatersrand Supergroup (~2800 Ma) in South Africa are depleted in Na, Ca, LILE, REE and HFSE compared to Phanerozoic shales. Cr, Co and Ni are enriched in all Witwatersrand shales and Fe and Mg are high in shales from the West Rand Groups (WRG) and lower Central Rand Group (CRG). Shales from the CRG and uppermost WRG are enriched in Na, Al, LILE, REE, HFSE and transition metals relative to shales from the lower WRG. Chondrite-normalized REE patterns for all Witwatersrand shales are enriched in light-REE and exhibit small to moderate negative Eu anomalies. A positive correlation of REE and Al₂O₃ contents in the shales suggests that REE are contained principally in clay minerals.Relative to shales from the CRG, shales from the WRG exhibit depletions of Na, Ca and Sr, a feature probably reflecting intense chemical weathering of their source rocks. CIA indices in Witwatersrand shales are variable (chiefly 70–98), even within the same shale unit. Such variations reflect chiefly variable climatic zones or rates of tectonic uplift in source areas with perhaps some contribution from provenance and element remobilization during metamorphism.Compared to present-day upper continental crust, all but the Orange Grove, Roodepoort, and K8 shales appear to have been derived from continental sources depleted in LILE, REE, and HFSE and enriched in transition metals. Computer mixing models based on six relatively immobile elements (Th, Hf, Yb, La, Sc, Co) and four source rocks indicate that the relative proportions of granite, basalt and komatiite increased with time in sediment source areas at the expense of tonalite. The contributions of basalt and komatiite appear to reach a maximum during deposition of the Booysens shale, and granite during deposition of the K8 shales and possibly during deposition of the Orange Grove shales.