Phoscorite-Carbonatite Pipe Complexes
Author: Fontana, Juarez
Source: Platinum Metals Review, Volume 50, Number 3, July 2006 , pp. 134-142(9)
Publisher: Johnson Matthey
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Abstract:
The background to a project in Brazil is described that has found promising concentrations of platinum group elements (PGEs) in phoscorite-carbonatite complexes. Further geochemical and mineralogical research is underway to determine their potential as ore deposits. The well-established industrial demand and current level of prices for the platinum group metals have encouraged the exploration of geological environments other than the layered mafic-ultramafic intrusions that provide the bulk of platinum metals. Environments, such as the Ural-Alaskan Type Complexes (U-ATCs) and the associated placer deposits were for many years the only known sources of the PGEs. This paper attempts to show a connection between platiniferous dunite-pyroxenite pipes in the Ural Platinum Belt and those on the eastern margin of the Bushveld Complex, both being significant PGE producers in the past, and phoscorite-carbonatite pipe (PCP) complexes. PCP complexes may be a promising source of PGEs. Four Brazilian PCP complexes are sampled (Salitre, Tapira, Ipanema and Catalão) as well as the Phalaborwa PCP complex in South Africa.Document Type: Research article
DOI: 10.1595/147106706X128791
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