Method Development for the Systematic Separation Of

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Method Development for the Systematic Separation Of METHOD DEVELOPMENT FOR THE SYSTEMATIC SEPARATION OF THE <63 µm HEAVY MINERAL FRACTION FROM BULK TILL SAMPLES by Jessica A. Pickett A thesis submitted to the Department of Geological Sciences & Geological Engineering In conformity with the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science Queen’s University Kingston, Ontario, Canada (January 2018) Copyright ©Jessica A. Pickett 2018 Abstract Undiscovered ore bodies have become increasingly more difficult to target, requiring new exploration techniques to pinpoint the undercover location. Sedimentary overburden in regions of intense glaciation have made exploration difficult, relying on dispersal-trains for evidence of mineralization. The focus of this study is on the silt-clay sized material as significant proportions of indicators of mineralization found in dispersal-trains could be contained within that fraction. This smaller size-fraction could improve spatial distances associated with ore body’s dispersal-trains and decrease exploration costs/time. This research examines the physical processes of mineral dispersal in the <63 µm size-fraction of till, analyzing individual fractions from 45-63, 20-45 and <20 µm. The laboratory research and field orientation case-study, was investigated by Queen’s University in collaboration with the GSC, to develop novel methods to examine and characterize the <63µm heavy mineral fraction of till. The research is broken down into 3 parts: 1) development of methods for separation of the <63µm size-fraction of HMC by experimenting with settings (mode/oscillation and flow- rate) using HydroseparatorTM technology based on different mineral densities and grain size 2) development of methods for the representative sampling of the <63 µm size- fraction of sperrylite in blank light-fraction till using controlled and real separation techniques; and 3) application of methods to real till samples collected from the southern Core Zone (Northern Québec, Labrador, Newfoundland). Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy used in conjunction with Mineral Liberation Analysis was used to characterize the modal mineralogy of each sample. A comparative study analyzed the difference between the <63µm fraction (Queen’s University) and the >63 µm fraction (ODM). Many indicator minerals in bedrock sources are <0.25 mm and are rarely ii characterized in glacial sediments because of our inability to separate, visualize, and chemically analyze these small mineral grains. Using the <63 µm size-fraction, along with glacial history, dispersal-trains can be detected from distal regions aiding in exploration targeting below surface deposits. Past studies have begun to examine grains of similar size however, the approach used in this study differs from techniques previously used and could expand the usefulness of HMC for exploring mineral deposits within glaciated terrain. iii Acknowledgments I am very thankful for my supervisors Daniel Layton-Matthews and Beth McClenaghan for the opportunity to work on such an interesting topic and their guidance and support over the last 4 years. A special thank you to Agatha Dobosz for her help with my ESEM-MLA and XRD work. Her constant support and optimism was truly appreciated. I owe thanks to Louise J. Cabri for the chance to work with the HS-11 software operated HydroseparatorTM and his guidance through the initial experimentation with the mineral processing. Thank you to Doug Archibald for successfully teaching me the fundamentals for a laboratory research based thesis. This project benefited from the work completed at Overburden Drilling Management Limited and their insight on mineral separation techniques. This work wouldn’t have been possible without the resources provided by the Geological Survey of Canada and the GEM2 project. Thank you to all the staff and students I have had the pleasure of working with in the Queen’s Geological and Geological Engineering program. I have made many valuable friendships along the way and your involvement in my time here at Queen’s has been valued. A special thank you to Laurie Dunbar for this excitement and encouragement he displayed towards this research project. Finally, I extend my sincere gratitude to my parents, Ann and Michael Pickett, and sister, Lauren, for always being there for me and pushing me to succeed. I couldn’t have done it without their constant love and support over this journey. iv Co-Authorship This thesis and the manuscripts contain herein are the work of Jessica A. Pickett. Daniel Layton-Matthews and Beth McClenaghan (thesis supervisors) coauthored chapter 4 and 5 providing scientific and editorial support for this research. The Geological Survey of Canada carried out the till sampling required for the case study of this project. Overburden Drilling Management Limited carried out the initial till separation of light and heavy fractions for the case study as well as contributed to the initial Phase 2 sperrylite separation testing. v Statement of Originality I hereby clarify that all of the work described within this thesis is the original work of the author. Any published (or unpublished) ideas and/or techniques from the work of others are fully acknowledged in accordance with the standard referencing practices. (Jessica A. Pickett) (July 2017) vi Table of Contents Abstract…………………………………………………………………………………..ii Acknowledgments…………………………………………………………………….....iv Co-Authorship…………………………………………………………………………....v Statement of Originality…………………………………………………………………v List of Figures…………………………………………………………………................xi List of Tables…………………………………………………………………………...xiv List of Equations………………………………………………………………………..xv Abbreviations…………………………………………………………………………..xvi Chapter 1: Introduction…………………………………………………………………1 1.1 General Introduction………………………………………………………..1 1.2 Structure of Thesis - Objectives………………………………………...….3 1.2.1 Phase 1: HMC in Quartz Experimentation……………………...…4 1.2.2 Phase 2: Sperrylite in Till Experimentation…………………....…..5 1.2.3 Phase 3: Case Study…………………………………………....…..8 1.3 Geological Setting……………………………………………………...…...13 1.4 Thesis Layout……………………………………………………………….17 Chapter 2: Indicator Mineral Separation Background……………………………...18 2.1 Indicator mineralogy……………………………………………………….18 2.2 Heavy Mineral Separation…………………………………………………21 2.1.1 Panning……………………………………………………….......25 2.1.2 Shaking Table………………………………………………...…..25 2.1.3 Heavy Liquid Separation……………………………………...….26 2.1.4 Magnetic Separation…………………………………………...…27 vii 2.3 Previous Work for the <63 µm fraction………………………………......27 2.4 Hydroseparation………………………………………………………...…30 2.5 GSC Till Samples………………………………………………………......36 Chapter 3: Phase 1, HMC in Quartz Experimentation………………………………38 3.1 Objectives………………………………………………………………...…38 3.2 Methods…………………………………………………………………......40 3.2.1 Initial Mineral Preparation……………………………………...…40 3.2.2 Sieving Methods…………………………………………………...41 3.2.3 Hydroseparator Methods…………………………………………..41 3.2.4 Spike Methods………………………………………………....…..43 3.2.5 ESEM-MLA Methods……………………………………………..44 3.3 Results…………………………………………………………………....….47 3.4 Discussion……………………………………………………………....…...50 3.5 Conclusions…………………………………………………………...…….52 Chapter 4: Phase 2, Recovery of Sperrylite from Almonte Till Experimentation....54 4.1 Objectives……………………………………………………………...……54 4.2 Methods………………………………………………………………...…...59 4.2.1 Initial Mineral Preparation…………………………………...……60 4.2.2 Micro Rotary Riffler Methods……………………………………..61 4.2.3 Sieving Methods…………………………………………………...62 4.2.4 Spike Methods……………………………………………………..63 4.2.5 Hydroseparator Methods…………………………………...……...64 4.2.6 ESEM-MLA Methods……………………………………...……...66 4.2.7 Overburden Drilling Management (ODM) Methods……...………67 4.3 Results……………………………………………………………....……....69 4.3.1 Sperrylite in Till Experimentation Results……………....………..69 4.3.2 Overburden Drilling Management (ODM) Results…...…………..73 viii 4.4 Discussion………………………………………………………………......76 4.4.1 Overview……………………………………………………….....76 4.4.1a Blank Data…………………………………………...…..76 4.4.1b Sperrylite Spiked Hydroseparations………………...…...78 4.4.1c Hydroseparation Tailings Data…………………………..80 4.4.2 Problems…………………………………………………………...81 4.4.3 Hydroseparator versus ODM Processing………………………….83 4.4.4 Mounting…………………………………………………………..87 4.5 Conclusion…………………………………………………………………..88 Chapter 5: Phase 3, Case Study………………………………………………………..90 5.1 Objectives……………………………………………………………………90 5.2 Methods……………………………………………………………………...90 5.2.1 Micro Rotary Riffler Methods……………………………………..93 5.2.2 Sieving Methods…………………………………………………...94 5.2.3 Hydroseparator Methods…………………………………………...95 5.2.4 ESEM-MLA Methods……………………………………………...97 5.2.5 X-Ray Diffraction Methods………………………………………100 5.2.6 ODM Separation Processing……………………………………...101 5.3 Results……………………………………………………………………...103 5.3.1 ODM heavy mineral concentrate <125 µm recovery………….105 i Pebble Counts…………………………………………………105 ii Gold & Sulfide Mineral Data………………………………...106 iii Platinum Group Minerals (PGM)……………………………107 iv Kimberlite Data………………………………………………108 Metamorphosed/Magmatic Massive Sulphide Indicator Mineral Data……………………………………………………..............109 vi Grain Count……………………………………………..........110 5.3.2 X-Ray Diffraction Light Fraction………………………………112 5.3.3 X-Ray Diffraction Heavy Fraction……………………………..112 ix 5.3.4 Mineral Liberation Analysis……………………………………113 5.4 Discussion………………………………………………………………….133 5.4.1 Introduction.………………………………………………….….133 5.4.2 Comparison of Mineral Data Sets: ODM, MLA and XRD.…..133 5.4.3 Target Indicator Minerals………………………………………146 5.4.4 MLA versus ODM……………………………………………….159 5.5 Conclusions.………………………………………………………………..160
Recommended publications
  • Podiform Chromite Deposits—Database and Grade and Tonnage Models
    Podiform Chromite Deposits—Database and Grade and Tonnage Models Scientific Investigations Report 2012–5157 U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey COVER View of the abandoned Chrome Concentrating Company mill, opened in 1917, near the No. 5 chromite mine in Del Puerto Canyon, Stanislaus County, California (USGS photograph by Dan Mosier, 1972). Insets show (upper right) specimen of massive chromite ore from the Pillikin mine, El Dorado County, California, and (lower left) specimen showing disseminated layers of chromite in dunite from the No. 5 mine, Stanislaus County, California (USGS photographs by Dan Mosier, 2012). Podiform Chromite Deposits—Database and Grade and Tonnage Models By Dan L. Mosier, Donald A. Singer, Barry C. Moring, and John P. Galloway Scientific Investigations Report 2012-5157 U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey U.S. Department of the Interior KEN SALAZAR, Secretary U.S. Geological Survey Marcia K. McNutt, Director U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia: 2012 This report and any updates to it are available online at: http://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2012/5157/ For more information on the USGS—the Federal source for science about the Earth, its natural and living resources, natural hazards, and the environment—visit http://www.usgs.gov or call 1–888–ASK–USGS For an overview of USGS information products, including maps, imagery, and publications, visit http://www.usgs.gov/pubprod To order this and other USGS information products, visit http://store.usgs.gov Suggested citation: Mosier, D.L., Singer, D.A., Moring, B.C., and Galloway, J.P., 2012, Podiform chromite deposits—database and grade and tonnage models: U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Chapter 9 Gold-Rich Porphyry Deposits: Descriptive and Genetic Models and Their Role in Exploration and Discovery
    SEG Reviews Vol. 13, 2000, p. 315–345 Chapter 9 Gold-Rich Porphyry Deposits: Descriptive and Genetic Models and Their Role in Exploration and Discovery RICHARD H. SILLITOE 27 West Hill Park, Highgate Village, London N6 6ND, England Abstract Gold-rich porphyry deposits worldwide conform well to a generalized descriptive model. This model incorporates six main facies of hydrothermal alteration and mineralization, which are zoned upward and outward with respect to composite porphyry stocks of cylindrical form atop much larger parent plutons. This intrusive environment and its overlying advanced argillic lithocap span roughly 4 km vertically, an interval over which profound changes in the style and mineralogy of gold and associated copper miner- alization are observed. The model predicts a number of geologic attributes to be expected in association with superior gold-rich porphyry deposits. Most features of the descriptive model are adequately ex- plained by a genetic model that has developed progressively over the last century. This model is domi- nated by the consequences of the release and focused ascent of metalliferous fluid resulting from crys- tallization of the parent pluton. Within the porphyry system, gold- and copper-bearing brine and acidic volatiles interact in a complex manner with the stock, its wall rocks, and ambient meteoric and connate fluids. Although several processes involved in the evolution of gold-rich porphyry deposits remain to be fully clarified, the fundamental issues have been resolved to the satisfaction of most investigators. Explo- ration for gold-rich porphyry deposits worldwide involves geologic, geochemical, and geophysical work but generally employs the descriptive model in an unsophisticated manner and the genetic model hardly at all.
    [Show full text]
  • The Geochemistry and Petrogenesis of the Paleoproterozoic Du Chef Dyke Swarm, Québec, Canada
    This is an Open Access document downloaded from ORCA, Cardiff University's institutional repository: http://orca.cf.ac.uk/60323/ This is the author’s version of a work that was submitted to / accepted for publication. Citation for final published version: Ciborowski, Thomas, Kerr, Andrew Craig, McDonald, Iain, Ernst, Richard E., Hughes, Hannah S. R. and Minifie, Matthew John 2014. The geochemistry and petrogenesis of the Paleoproterozoic du Chef dyke swarm, Québec, Canada. Precambrian Research 250 , pp. 151-166. 10.1016/j.precamres.2014.05.008 file Publishers page: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.precamres.2014.05.008 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.precamres.2014.05.008> Please note: Changes made as a result of publishing processes such as copy-editing, formatting and page numbers may not be reflected in this version. For the definitive version of this publication, please refer to the published source. You are advised to consult the publisher’s version if you wish to cite this paper. This version is being made available in accordance with publisher policies. See http://orca.cf.ac.uk/policies.html for usage policies. Copyright and moral rights for publications made available in ORCA are retained by the copyright holders. The geochemistry and petrogenesis of the Paleoproterozoic du Chef dyke swarm, Québec, Canada T. Jake. R. Ciborowski*1, Andrew C. Kerr1, Iain McDonald1, Richard E. Ernst2, Hannah S. R. Hughes1, and Matthew J. Minifie1. 1School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, Cardiff University, Park Place, Cardiff, Wales, CF10 3AT, UK 2Department of Earth Sciences, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6, Canada & Ernst Geosciences, 43 Margrave Ave.
    [Show full text]
  • Platinum Group Minerals in Eastern Brazil GEOLOGY and OCCURRENCES in CHROMITITE and PLACERS
    DOI: 10.1595/147106705X24391 Platinum Group Minerals in Eastern Brazil GEOLOGY AND OCCURRENCES IN CHROMITITE AND PLACERS By Nelson Angeli Department of Petrology and Metallogeny, University of São Paulo State (UNESP), 24-A Avenue, 1515, Rio Claro (SP), 13506-710, Brazil; E-mail: [email protected] Brazil does not have working platinum mines, nor even large reserves of the platinum metals, but there is platinum in Brazil. In this paper, four massifs (mafic/ultramafic complexes) in eastern Brazil, in the states of Minas Gerais and Ceará, where platinum is found will be described. Three of these massifs contain concentrations of platinum group minerals or platinum group elements, and gold, associated with the chromitite rock found there. In the fourth massif, in Minas Gerais State, the platinum group elements are found in alluvial deposits at the Bom Sucesso occurrence. This placer is currently being studied. The platinum group metals occur in specific Rh and Os occur together in minerals in various areas of the world: mainly South Africa, Russia, combinations. This particular PGM distribution Canada and the U.S.A. Geological occurrences of can also form noble metal alloys (7), and minerali- platinum group elements (PGEs) (and sometimes sation has been linked to crystallisation during gold (Au)) are usually associated with Ni-Co-Cu chromite precipitation of hydrothermal origin. sulfide deposits formed in layered igneous intru- In central Brazil there are massifs (Americano sions. The platinum group minerals (PGMs) are do Brasil and Barro Alto) that as yet are little stud- associated with the more mafic parts of the layered ied, and which are thought to contain small PGM magma deposit, and PGEs are found in chromite concentrations.
    [Show full text]
  • 70-26,250 University Microfilms, a XEROX Company, Ann Arbor
    70-26,250 BICKEL, Edwin David, 1941- PLEISTOCENE NON-MARINE MOLLUSCA OF THE GATINEAU VALLEY AND OTTAWA AREAS OF QUEBEC AND ONTARIO, CANADA. The Ohio State University, Ph.D., 1970 Geology University Microfilms, A XEROX Company, Ann Arbor, Michigan PLEISTOCENE NON-KARINE NCLLUSCA OF THE GATINEAU VALLEY AND OTTAWA AREAS OF QUEBEC AND ONTARIO, CANADA DISSERTATION Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy In the Graduate School of The Ohio State University By Edwin David Bickel, A.B., M.Sc* * * * * * The Ohio State University 1970 Approved by r I' N J U u Adviser // Department of Geology ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I am most appreciative of the valuable guidance and assistance Professor Aurele La Rocque has given to this work and my other academic endeavors at The Ohio State University. Ky wife, Barbara Sue, deserves special recognition for many hours of skillful help in the field and laboratory. I wish to thank John G. Fyles and R, J. Kott of the Geological Survey of Canada, who generously made available samples and data gathered in conjunction with Dr. Mott*s research. Figure 3 from Geological Survey Memoir 2 M is reproduced as Fig. 2 of this paper by permission of the Geological Survey of Canada, Financial assistance for field work was provided by National Science Foundation Grant GB-818. I am grateful to the Friends of Orton Hall Fund for helping defray the cost of reproducing the illustrations. Finally, I wish to dedicate this dissertation to four teachers who have inspired and directed my scientific training. Professors Daniel F.
    [Show full text]
  • Geological Survey
    DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY ISTo. 162 WASHINGTON GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 1899 UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SUEVEY CHAKLES D. WALCOTT, DIRECTOR Olf NORTH AMERICAN GEOLOGY, PALEONTOLOGY, PETROLOGY, AND MINERALOGY FOR THE YEAR 1898 BY FRED BOUG-HTOISr WEEKS WASHINGTON GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 1899 CONTENTS, Page. Letter of transmittal.......................................... ........... 7 Introduction................................................................ 9 List of publications examined............................................... 11 Bibliography............................................................... 15 Classified key to the index .................................................. 107 Indiex....................................................................... 113 LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY. Washington, D. C., June 30,1899. SIR: I have the honor to transmit herewith the manuscript of a Bibliography and Index o'f North American Geology, Paleontology, Petrology, and Mineralogy for the Year 1898, and to request that it be published as a bulletin of the Survey. Very respectfully, F. B. WEEKS. Hon. CHARLES D. WALCOTT, Director United States Geological Survey. 1 I .... v : BIBLIOGRAPHY AND INDEX OF NORTH AMERICAN GEOLOGY, PALEONTOLOGY, PETROLOGY, AND MINERALOGY FOR THE YEAR 1898. ' By FEED BOUGHTON WEEKS. INTRODUCTION. The method of preparing and arranging the material of the Bibli­ ography and Index for 1898 is similar to that adopted for the previous publications 011 this subject (Bulletins Nos. 130,135,146,149, and 156). Several papers that should have been entered in the previous bulletins are here recorded, and the date of publication is given with each entry. Bibliography. The bibliography consists of full titles of separate papers, classified by authors, an abbreviated reference to the publica­ tion in which the paper is printed, and a brief summary of the con­ tents, each paper being numbered for index reference.
    [Show full text]
  • Origin of Platinum Group Minerals (PGM) Inclusions in Chromite Deposits of the Urals
    minerals Article Origin of Platinum Group Minerals (PGM) Inclusions in Chromite Deposits of the Urals Federica Zaccarini 1,*, Giorgio Garuti 1, Evgeny Pushkarev 2 and Oskar Thalhammer 1 1 Department of Applied Geosciences and Geophysics, University of Leoben, Peter Tunner Str.5, A 8700 Leoben, Austria; [email protected] (G.G.); [email protected] (O.T.) 2 Institute of Geology and Geochemistry, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, Str. Pochtovy per. 7, 620151 Ekaterinburg, Russia; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +43-3842-402-6218 Received: 13 August 2018; Accepted: 28 August 2018; Published: 31 August 2018 Abstract: This paper reviews a database of about 1500 published and 1000 unpublished microprobe analyses of platinum-group minerals (PGM) from chromite deposits associated with ophiolites and Alaskan-type complexes of the Urals. Composition, texture, and paragenesis of unaltered PGM enclosed in fresh chromitite of the ophiolites indicate that the PGM formed by a sequence of crystallization events before, during, and probably after primary chromite precipitation. The most important controlling factors are sulfur fugacity and temperature. Laurite and Os–Ir–Ru alloys are pristine liquidus phases crystallized at high temperature and low sulfur fugacity: they were trapped in the chromite as solid particles. Oxygen thermobarometry supports that several chromitites underwent compositional equilibration down to 700 ◦C involving increase of the Fe3/Fe2 ratio. These chromitites contain a great number of PGM including—besides laurite and alloys—erlichmanite, Ir–Ni–sulfides, and Ir–Ru sulfarsenides formed by increasing sulfur fugacity. Correlation with chromite composition suggests that the latest stage of PGM crystallization might have occurred in the subsolidus.
    [Show full text]
  • MINERALOGY and MINERAL CHEMISTRY of NOBLE METAL GRAINS in R CHONDRITES. H. Schulze, Museum Für Naturkunde, Institut Für Mineralogie, Invalidenstr
    Lunar and Planetary Science XXX 1720.pdf MINERALOGY AND MINERAL CHEMISTRY OF NOBLE METAL GRAINS IN R CHONDRITES. H. Schulze, Museum für Naturkunde, Institut für Mineralogie, Invalidenstr. 43, D-10115 Berlin, Germany, hart- [email protected]. Introduction: Rumuruti-chondrites are a group of [1]. Mostly, NM grains can be encountered as mono- chondrites intermediate between ordinary and carbo- mineralic grains, but multiphase assemblages of two naceous chondrites [1]. The characteristic feature of or three phases were found as well. Host phase of most these chondrites is their highly oxidized mineral as- NM grains are sulfides, either intact like in Rumuruti semblage. Equilibrated olivine usually has a fayalite or weathered to Fe-hydroxides in the desert finds. content around ~39 mole-% Fa. There is almost no Also silicates are frequent host phases (mostly olivine free NiFe-metal in these chondrites [1]. As a conse- and plagioclase). Several grains were found in or ad- quence, noble metals form separate phases [1,2,3] jacent to chromite. which otherwise, due to their siderophilic behavior, Mineralogy and mineral chemistry: Table 1 lists certainly would be dissolved in the FeNi metal. De- the NM minerals detected in R chondrites. Summa- spite the occurrence of noble metal minerals the rizing the results for all R chondrites, tetraferroplati- chemistry does not show any enrichment in these ele- num, sperrylite, irarsite, and osmium are the most ments which are CI-like except for very volatile and abundant NM minerals. Gold seems to be a common chalcophile elements which are even lower [4]. Noble phase, too, but was not so frequently observed due to metal grains were described so far from carbonaceous the lower chemical abundance.
    [Show full text]
  • ECONOMIC GEOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE HUGH ALLSOPP LABORATORY University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg
    2 ECONOMIC GEOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE HUGH ALLSOPP LABORATORY University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg ! GEOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF PGE-BEARING LAYERED INTRUSIONS IN SOUTHWEST SICHUAN PROVINCE, CHINA Y.YAO, M.J. VILJOEN, R.P. VILJOEN, A.H. WILSON, H. ZHONG, B.G. LIU, H.L. YING, G.Z. TU and N. LUO ! INFORMATION CIRCULAR No. 358 3 UNIVERSITY OF THE WITWATERSRAND JOHANNESBURG GEOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF PGE-BEARING LAYERED INTRUSIONS IN SOUTHWEST SICHUAN PROVINCE, CHINA by Y. YAO1, M. J. VILJOEN2, R. P. VILJOEN2, A. H. WILSON3, H. ZHONG1, B. G. LIU4, H. L. YING4, G. Z. TU4 AND Y. N. LUO5, ( 1 Economic Geology Research Institute, School of Geosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, P/Bag 3, WITS 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa; 2 Department of Geology and CAMEG, School of Geosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, P/Bag 3, WITS 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa; 3 Department of Geology and Applied Geology, University of Natal, King George V Avenue, Durban, 4001; 4 Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 9825, Qijiahuozhi, Deshengmenwai, Beijing 100029, P.R. China; 5 Geological Exploration Bureau of Sichuan Province, Renminglu, Chengdu 610081, P.R. China) ECONOMIC GEOLOGY RESEARCH UNIT INFORMATION CIRCULAR No. 358 December 2001 4 GEOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF PGE-BEARING LAYERED INTRUSIONS IN SOUTHWEST SICHUAN PROVINCE, CHINA ABSTRACT A number of platinum-group-element (PGE-bearing), layered, ultramafic-mafic intrusions in the Pan-Xi and Danba areas of the southwest Sichuan Province of China have been investigated. The two study areas are located, respectively, in the central and northern parts of the Kangding Axis on the western margin of the Yangtze Platform, a region geologically distinguished by late- Archaean to late-Proterozoic basement and by stable sedimentary sequences.
    [Show full text]
  • The Post-Magmatic Genesis of Sperrylite from Some Gold Placers in South Part of Krasnoyarsk Region (Russia)
    The Post-Magmatic Genesis of Sperrylite from some Gold Placers in South Part of Krasnoyarsk Region (Russia) G.I.Shvedov1, V.V. Nekos1 and A.M. Uimanov2 1Krasnoyarsk Mining-Geological Company. St.K.Marksa 62, Krasnoyarsk, 660049, Russia 2Mining Company "Tamsiz". St.Artelsky 6, Severo-Yeniseysk, 663280, Russia e-mail: [email protected] Krasnoyarsk Region has been one of the hand, the placers sperrylites from rivers – Karagan main gold-mining provinces of Russia from the last (Eastern Sayan), Rudnaya, Bolshoy Khaylyk, century and up to nowadays. While placer deposits Zolotaya (Western Sayan) are characterized by the being mining they have marked constantly Ir, Ru, Rh unpurities presence. It witnesses for platinum-group minerals with gold in common. In absolutely another native sources. For the the main, they were "platinum" (Fe-Pt compounds) comparison, they show the composition of the and "osmiridium" (Os-Ir-Ru alloys). Receiving and sperrylites from original rocks in some ultramafic- studying heavy concentrates from placer deposits, mafic massifs of Eastern Sayan. we have discovered, that practically all of them The majority of the investigated sperrylitic contained sperrylites somehow, independently of grains from placers contains itself inclusions of the region, or another PGM presence or absence. different ore- and rock-forming minerals. One can One has discovered the mineral in placers of the and should use the mineral compositions for following rivers and creeks: Coloromo, Krasavitza, solving the problem on supposed native sources for Garevka, Lombancha, Danilovsky, Bolshaya PGM. Quartz, pyroxenes, micas, common potash Kuzeyeva (Yenisey Ridge), Karagan, Levaya feldspars, plagioclases, garnets, talc and some Zhaima, Mana, Bolshaya Sinachaga (Eastern others were identified by the composition among Sayan), Rudnaya, Zolotaya, Bolchoy Khaylyk the analyzed mineral inclusions.
    [Show full text]
  • Geological Survey
    DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY No. 91 WASHINGTON GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 1801 UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY J. W. POWELL, DIKECTOK RECORD OF NORTH AMERICAN GEOLOGY FOR 1890 BY NELSON HORATIO DARTON WASHINGTON GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 1891 RECORD OF NORTH AMERICAN GEOLOGY*FOR 1890, BY KELSON HORATIO DARTON. INTRODUCTORY. This work is the continuation of the record for 1887-1889,1 inclusive, and includes publications received during the year 1890. The literary scope of this record includes geologic publications printed in North America, and publications on North American geology wherever printed. Purely paleontologic or inineralogic papers are not included. The entries are comprised in the three following classes, all arranged in a single alphabetic sequence: I. Principal*entries. Consisting of full titles of separate contribu­ tions classified by authors, together with an abbreviated reference to the containing publication and a short note descriptive of the geologic contents. Imprint dates are given only when other than 3 890, and size of page when other than octavo. The extent of papers less than a page in length is indicated thus : £ p,, | col., 3 lines. II. Titles of containing publications. Entered as headings under which authors' names and short titles of the contained papers are listed in their order of precedence. III. Subject references. Each consisting of a condensed title of paper, and the author's name for cross reference to a principal entry. These are essentially index references, but they are entered under a limited number of headings, of which a classified key is given below. bulletin TJ.
    [Show full text]
  • Geology of the Eastman-Orford Lake Area I
    DP 007 GEOLOGY OF THE EASTMAN-ORFORD LAKE AREA I MINISTERE DE L'ENERGIE ET DES RESSOURCES DIRECTION GENERALE DE L' EXPLORATION GÉOLOGIQUE ET MINERALE J Î I GAOL O G Y DF EASTMAN-ORFORD LAKE AREA H.S. de Römer 1960 DP-7 II GEOLOGY OP THE EASTMAN—ORFORD LAKE AREA, QUEBEC by Henry, S. de Römer Ministère des Richesses [a Hes, Québec na • • 9r ID. No GM: July 1960 III TABLE OF CONTENTS Page INTRODUCTION 1 General Statement 1 Location and Means of Access 2 Field Work and Methods of Study 2 Acknowledgments 3 Previous Work 4 DESCRIPTION OF THE AREA 8 Settlement and Resources 8 Topography 8 Drainage 9 Glaciation 10 Depositional Features 10 Erosional Features 12 Ice Movement 12 Physiographic History 13 GENERAL GEOLOGY 15 General Statement 15 Bonsecours Group 16 General Statement 16 Distribution and Extent 17 Quartz-sericite-graphite Schist Division . 17 Table of Formations 18 Quartz-sericite-Schist Division 19 Quartz-sericite-albite-(chlorite) Schist . 20 Quartz-sericite-chlorite-(albite) Schist . 22 Chlorite Schist and Greenstone 23 Marble 27 Metamorphism 28 Bonsecours Quartzo-feldspathic Schists . 28 Bonsecours Chlorite Schist and Greenstone . 29 Quartz Veins 30 Thickness 31 Age and Correlation 32 Ottauquechee Formation 32 General Statement 32 Quartzite 33 Phyllite and Quartz-sericite-graphite Schist . 35 Thickness 36 Age and Correlation 36 N Page GENERAL GEOLOGY (Cont'd) Miller Pond Formation 37 General Statement 37 Greywacke-slate Division 39 Greywacke 39 Megascopic Description 39 Microscopic Features 40
    [Show full text]