Experimental evidence for sulphide magma percolation and evolution : relevant to the chromite bearing reefs of the Bushveld Complex

Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2012.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Pt mineralization within the Bushveld Complex is strikingly focused on the chromitite reefs, despite these horizons being associated with low volumes of base metal sulphide relative to Pt grade. Partitioning of Pt (Dsil/sulp) from silicate magma into immiscible sulphide liquid appears unable to explain Pt concentrations in chromitite horizons, due to the mismatch that exists between very large R factor required and the relevant silicate rock volume. Consequently, in this experimental study we attempt to gain better insight into possible Pt grade enhancement processes that may occur with the Bushveld Complex (BC) sulphide magma. We investigate the wetting properties of sulphide melt relevant to chromite and silicate minerals, as this is a key parameter controlling sulphide liquid percolation through the cumulate pile. Additionally, we have investigated how fractionation of the sulphide liquid from mono-sulphide-solid-solution (Mss) crystals formed within the overlying melanorite might affect sulphide composition and Pt grades within the evolved sulphide melt. Two sets of experiments were conducted: Firstly, at 1 atm to investigate the phase relations between 900OC and 1150OC, within Pt-bearing sulphide magma relevant to the BC; Secondly, at 4 kbar, between 900OC to 1050OC, which investigated the downwards percolation of sulphide magma through several layers of silicate (melanorite) and chromitite. In addition, 1atm experiments were conducted within a chromite dominated chromite-sulphide mixture to test if interaction with chromite affects the sulphide system by ether adding or removing Fe2+. Primary observations are as follows: We found sulphide liquid to be extremely mobile, the median dihedral angles between sulphide melt and the minerals of chromitite and silicate layers are 11O and 33O respectively. This is far below the percolation threshold of 60O for natural geological systems. In silicate layers sulphide liquid forms vertical melt networks promoting percolation. In contrast, the extremely effective wetting of sulphide liquid in chromitites restricts sulphide percolation. Inter-granular capillary forces increase melt retention, thus chromitites serve as a reservoir for sulphide melt. Sulphide liquid preferentially leaches Fe2+ from chromite, increasing the Fe concentration of the sulphide liquid. The reacted chromite rims are enriched in spinel end-member. This addition of Fe2+ to the sulphide magma prompts crystallization Fe-rich Mss, decreasing the S-content of sulphide melt. This lowers Pt solubility and leads to the formation of Pt alloys within the chromitite layer. Eventually, Cu-rich sulphide melt escapes through the bottom of the chromitite layer. These observations appear directly applicable to the mineralized chromitite reefs of the Bushveld complex. We propose that sulphide magma, potentially injected from the mantle with new silicate magma injections, percolated through the silicate cumulate overlying the chromitite and crystallized a significant volume of Fe-Mss. Chromitite layers functioned as traps for percolating, evolved, Cu-, Ni- and Pt-rich sulphide liquids. This is supported by the common phenomenon that chromitites contain higher percentages of Ni, Cu and Pt relative to hanging wall silicate layers. When in contact with chromite, sulphide melt is forced to crystallize Mss as it leaches Fe2+ from the chromite, thereby further lowering the S-content of the melt. This results in precipitation, as Pt alloys, of a large proportion of the Pt dissolved in the sulphide melt. In combination, these processes explain why chromitite reefs in the Bushveld Complex have Pt/S ratios are up to an order of magnitude higher that adjacent melanorite layers.AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Pt mineralisasie in die Bosveld Kompleks is kenmerkend gefokus op die chromatiet riwwe, alhoewel die riwwe geassosieer is met lae volumes basismetaal sulfiedes relatief tot Pt graad. Verdeling van Pt (Dsil/sulp) vanaf silikaat magma in onmengbare sulfiedvloeistof is klaarblyklik onvoldoende om Pt konsentrasies in chromatiet lae te verduidelik, a.g.v. die wanverhouding wat bestaan tussen ‘n baie groot R-faktor wat benodig word en die relatiewe silikaat rots volumes. Gevolglik, in die eksperimentele studie probeer ons beter insig kry oor moontlike Pt graad verhogingsprosesse wat plaasvind in die BK sulfied magma. Ons ondersoek die benattingseienskappe van sulfied vloeistof relevant tot chromiet- en silikaat minerale, omdat dit die sleutel maatstaf is vir die beheer van sulfied vloeistof deursypeling deur die kumulaat opeenhoping. Addisioneel het ons ook ondersoek hoe die fraksionering van sulfied vloeistof vanaf MSS kristalle, gevorm binne die hangende melanoriet muur, moontlik die sulfied samestelling en Pt graad binne ontwikkelde sulfied smelt kan beïnvloed. Twee stelle van eksperimente is gedoen: Eerstens, by 1 atm om ondersoek in te stel oor fase verwantskappe tussen 900OC en 1150OC, binne ‘n Pt-verrykte sulfied magma samestelling relevant tot die BK; Tweedens, by 4 kbar, tussen 900OC tot 1050OC, wat die afwaartse deursypeling van sulfied magma deur veelvuldige lae van silikaat minerale en chromatiet. Addisionele 1 atm eksperimente is gedoen binne ‘n chromiet gedomineerde chromiet-sulfied mengsel, om te toets of interaksie met chromiet die sulfied sisteem affekteer deur Fe2+ te verwyder of by te dra. Primêre observasies is soos volg: Ons het bevind sulfiedsmelt is uiters mobiel, die mediaan dihedrale hoek tussen sulfiedsmelt en minerale van chromiet en silikaat lae is 11O en 33O onderskydelik. Dit is ver onder die deursypelings drumpel van 60O vir natuurlike geologiese stelsels. In silikaatlae vorm die sulfiedsmelt vertikale netwerke wat deursypeling bevorder. Inteendeel, uiters effektiewe benatting van sulfiedsmelt binne chromatiete vertraag sulfied deusypeling. Tussen kristal kapilêre kragte verhoog smelt retensie, dus dien chromatiete as ‘n opgaarmedium vir sulfiedsmelt. S oorversadigte sulfied vloeistof loogsif Fe2+ vanuit chromiet en veroorsaak ‘n verhoging in Fe-konsentraie. Die gereageerde chromiet buiterante is daarvolgens verryk in Cr-spinêl eind-ledemaat. Die addisionele byvoeging van Fe2+ aan sulfied magma veroorsaak die kristalisasie van Fe-ryke Mss en verlaag dus die S-konsentrasie van die sulfied smelt. Dit verlaag Pt oplosbaarheid en lei tot die formasie van Py allooie binne-in chromatiete. Ten einde, ontsnap Cu-ryke sulfied smelt deur die onderkant van die chromatiet lae. Die observasies is direk van toepassing op die gemineraliseerde chromatiet riwwe van die Bosveld Kompleks. Ons stel voor dat sulfied magma, potensiaal ingespuit vanuit die mantel saam nuwe inspuitings van silikaat magma, deur die hangende silikaat kumulaat bo chromatiet lae deurgesypel het en ‘n betekenisvolle volume Fe-Mss gekristalliseer het. Chromatiet lae het gefunksioneer as lokvalle vir afwaartsbewegende, ontwikkelde, Cu-, Ni-, en Pt-ryke sulfied vloeistowwe. Dit word ondersteun deur die algemene verskynsel dat chromatiete hoër persentasies van Ni, Cu en Pt relatief teenoor die hangende muur silikaat lae het. Wanneer sulfied smelt in kontak is met chromiet, word dit geforseer om Mss te kristalliseer soos Fe2+ geloogsif word, waarvolgens die smelt se S konsentrasie verder verlaag word. Dit veroorsaak die presipitasie, as Pt allooie, van groot proporsies opgeloste Pt vanuit sulfied smelt. Deur die prosesse te kombineer, kan dit moontlik verduidelik word hoekom chromatiet riwwe in die Bosveld Kompleks Pt/S verhoudings veel hoër is as aanrakende melanoriet lae

Geology, structural evolution and controls of hydrothermal gold mineralization in the Eastern Karagwe-Ankole fold belt, North Western Tanzania

Thesis (DSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2016.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In central-east Africa, the north-western margin of the Archaean Tanzania Craton (TC) is overlain by imbricated, low grade, volcano-sedimentary rocks of the Karagwe-Ankole belt’s (KAB) Eastern Domain (ED). Centred in the ED, vast stretches of a sheared and Au mineralized basement-cover contact are exposed along margins of the Mugera-Nyakahura (MN) inlier. To date, no detail research has been done in the area and the regional geology has been described from only broad reconnaissance studies. As part of an exploration project the first high resolution geological maps of key prospects and larger, more encompassing, scale maps of the basement-cover region was compiled. Mapping was supplemented by a regional scale structural traverse of the ED and selected sampling for analysis of micro-structures, geochronology and oxygen isotopes. The collective structural data has indicated that basement gneisses of the MN inlier may be considered as part of a forethrusted tectonic wedge caused by regional top-to-the-SE thick skinned thrusting. Above and in front of the wedge diagnostic back-thrusts and the reversal of kinematic fabrics in weak, often graphitic, metapelitic rocks of the Muyaga Group depict top-to-the-NW, hinterland-directed, tectonic transport along the main “roof” detachment. To the east under-thrusting of the coarse clastic Bukoba Group by the Muyaga Group has also created a distinct triangle zone at the frontal termination of the KAB. 39Ar-40Ar muscovite ages of detachment mylonites in the easternmost, and latest developing, parts of the KAB has constrained timing of D2 to at least 1326 ± 10 Ma. This age corresponds with the youngest end of the main phase of granite plutonism and mafic dyke emplacement in the KAB (1380 – 1328 Ma) and may point towards a Mesoproterozoic collisional event between the Congo- and Tanzania Cratons. U-Pb detrital zircon ages of the Muyaga- and Bukoba Groups have indicated uplift, erosion and subsequent reworking of Muyaga Group sediments and layered volcanics into the Bukoba basin after 1780 Ma, but before 1568 Ma. The Bukoba Group thus correlates with the Bwezigoro Group in SW Uganda, indicating the presence of an extensive Paleo- and/or Mesoproterozoic foreland basin overlying the western margin of the TC and Uganda Block. Lastly, controls of D2 fluid flow and mineralization along the low angle phyllonitic detachment are linked to NE trending ramp structures that were most favourable for the initiation of slip and development auriferous quartz vein networks. Upwards into the Muyaga Group progressive fold amplification and eventual fold-lock of second order anticlines, cored by competent and chemically re-active ferruginous mafic sills, are responsible for the late-kinematic development of auriferous quartz veins. Oxygen isotope values of D2 quartz veins and host rocks have indicated that fluids are derived from dehydrated clastic sediments of the Kagera Supergroup and, as such, may suggest that gold associated with greenstones of the TC have not been remobilized during D2 fold-and-thrust development in the ED. Collectively these findings greatly enhance the understanding of the geological evolution of the KAB’s easternmost parts and provides future research and exploration with a much improved geological background.AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: In Sentraal- en Oos-Afrika is die noord-westelike rand van die Argeïese Tanzanië Kraton (TK) oorlê deur geimbrikeerde, lae-graadse, vulkaan-sedimentêre gesteentes van die Karagwe-Ankole plooistelsel (KAP) se Oostelike Segment (OS). Sentraal in die OS is daar groot lengtes van ‘n gouddraende skuifskeur kontak tussen vloer- en bedekking gesteentes wat blootgestel is aan die rante van die Mugera-Nyakahura (MN) venster. Daar was nog geen navorsing in die omgewing gedoen nie en die regionale geologie is slegs vanuit breedvoerige verkenning beskryf. As deel van ‘n eksplorasie projek is die eerste hoë resolusie kartering van sleutel prospekte en groter, meer omvattende, skaal kaarte van die skuifskeur kontak vervaardig. Kartering is aangevul deur ‘n regionale skaal struktuur dwars-snit van die OS en selektiewe monsters vir die analiese van mikro-strukture, geokronologie and suurstof isotope. Algehele struktuur data het aangedui dat basale gneisse van die MN venster wel deel mag wees van ‘n voor-stootverskuifde tektoniese wig gedurende regionale bo-na-die-SO dik vel stooting. Bo-op en voor die wig is kenmerkende terug-stote en die omkeer van kinematiese foliasies in swak, somtyds grafietise, meta-pelitiese gesteentes van die Muyaga Groep ‘n aanduiding van bo-na-die-NW, agterland gestuurde, tektoniese vervoer op die hoof “dak” vloeroorskuiwing. Na die ooste is onder-stoot van die Bukoba Groep deur die Muyaga Groep verantwoordelik vir die vorming van ‘n “driehoek” sone and die voorkant van die KAP. 39Ar-40Ar muskoviet ouderdomme van vloeroorskuiwing miloniete in die mees oostelike, en laasgevormde, dele van die KAP het D2 vervorming beraam tot en met 1326 ± 10 Ma. Die ouderdom vergelyk met die jongste fase van granite plutonisme and mafiese gang indringing in die KAP (1380 – 1328 Ma) en mag aanduidend wees van ‘n Mesoprotersoïese botsing tussen die Congo- en Tanzanië Kratons. U-Pb ditrale zirkoon ouderdomme van die Muyaga- en Bukoba Groepe het aangedui dat tektoniese oplig, erosie en gevolglike herwerk van Muyaga sedimente en vulkaniese lae binne in die Bukoba kom in na 1780 Ma, maar voor 1568 Ma. Die Bukoba Groep vergelyk dus met die Bwezigoro Groep van SW Uganda, wat aanduiding gee tot ‘n uitgebreide voorland kom oor die westerlike rand van die TK en Uganda blok. Laastens, is die beheer van D2 vloeistof migrasie en mineralisasie langs die milonietiese vloeroorskuiwing gekoppel aan NO strekkende skuinstes wat mees gepas is vir begin van skuifskeer glip en ontwikkeling van goud-yster draende kwarts aar netwerke. Opwaarts in die Muyaga Groep is aanhoudende vou-versterking en uiteindelike vou-sluiting van sekondêre antiklinale, gekern met harde en chemiese-reaktiewe plate, verantwoordelik vir die laat-kinematiese onwikkeling van goud-yster draende kwarts-are. Suurstof-isotoop waardes van D2 kwarts-are en gasheergesteentes dui aan dat vloeistowwe afkomstig is van gedehidreerde klastiese sedimente van die Kagera Supergroep en, gevolglik, aandui dat goud geassosieer met groenstene van die TK nie gemobiliseer was gedurende D2 verforming nie. In die geheel het al die bevindinge grootliks bygedra tot die verstaan van die geologiese ontwikkeling van die KAP se OS en verskaf dit toekomstige navorsing en eksplorasie met ‘n verbeterde geologiese agtergrond.jfl20160