The Significance of Partial Melting Processes in Hydrothermal Low Sulfide Cu-Ni-PGE Mineralization Within the Footwall of the Sudbury Igneous Complex, Ontario, Canada

• DOI: 10.2113/econgeo.108.1.59
• Publication Date: 2012-12-19T00:26:15Z
• Authors: Attila Péntek; Ferenc Molnár; Györgyi Tuba; David H. Watkinson; Peter C. Jones
• Keywords: 13. Climate action; 01 natural sciences; 0105 earth and related environmental sciences

We present new results and review existing data highlighting different aspects of the genetic relationship between partial melting hydrothermal mineralizing processes in contact aureole Sudbury Igneous Complex. At basal igneous complex, footwall breccia, crystallized melt pods veins, referred to as granophyres are abundant intrude all rock types including breccia matrix, well massive Ni-Cu sulfide ore. The final crystallization these melts was accompanied by segregation high salinity fluids dominantly temperature range 450° 550°C, revealed Ti-inquartz thermometry studies on primary fluid inclusions. In mineralized parts there is clear evidence that interaction melts, exsolved fluids, preexisting magmatic sulfides occurred. deeper Complex, similar occur networks veins intruding impact brecciated (Sudbury breccia) country rocks have an intimate spatial association with hydrothermal, low assemblages highly enriched Pt, Pd, Au (with a unique assemblage PGM, malyshevite lisiguangite). It suggested were widespread proximal environment complex they important providing system responsible for redistribution base precious metals. describe observations which may migration from into footwall. Furthermore, we suggest cogenetic model precipitation sulfide-hydrous silicate close granophyres. emphasize use mineral exploration Cu-Ni-PGE ores Complex clearly justified. Mapping granophyre vein highlights areas point out structural pathways been used syn- or postgenetic given area. Widespread appears occurred other large mafic-ultramafic complexes (such Bushveld Duluth) relationships ore-forming possibly existed also systems.