Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Stefano Caruso, Marco L. Fiorentini, David C. Champion, Yongjun Lu, Yuichiro Ueno, Robert H. Smithies
Summary: The identification of fluid reservoirs in Neoarchean orogenic gold deposits is crucial for understanding the sulfur cycle and improving exploration strategies. The sulfur isotope composition of granitoids in the Archean Yilgarn Craton of Western Australia indicates the presence of sulfur reservoirs at deep crustal levels, which coincide with terrane subdivision and reflect crustal evolution and lithospheric architecture.
GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Andreas Zametzer, Christopher L. Kirkland, Milo Barham, Michael I. H. Hartnady, Adam B. Bath, Kai Rankenburg
Summary: This study reveals the alteration history of the Zuleika Shear Zone in the Kundana gold camp and the Carbine area in Western Australia, indicating a prolonged alteration system lasting approximately 150 million years.
PRECAMBRIAN RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Steven P. Hollis, Sabri Foury, Stefano Caruso, Sean Johnson, Vitor Barrote, Andrew Pumphrey
Summary: The Nimbus deposit in Western Australia is a unique Ag-Zn-(Au) deposit with characteristics of a volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposit with epithermal features. By studying its mineralization and paragenesis, lithogeochemical and hyperspectral halos have been established to assist in exploration efforts.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Andreas Zametzer, Christopher L. Kirkland, Milo Barham, R. Hugh Smithies, David L. Huston, David C. Champion
Summary: Various geological processes affecting Earth's crust can be identified using isotopic tracers in rocks and minerals. This study focuses on the use of Pb isotopic data to gain insights into specific geological processes occurring throughout the crustal column. The results reveal spatial trends and diversity in Pb signatures, providing valuable information on the formation of different chemical process groups.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Meghan S. Miller, Robert Pickle, Ruth Murdie, Huaiyu Yuan, Trevor I. Allen, Klaus Gessner, Brain L. N. Kennett, Justin Whitney
Summary: The geological structure of southwest Australia has a complex record of cratonization and continental breakup. Despite being a stable continental craton, it has been the most seismically active region in continental Australia in recent decades. The Southwest Australia Seismic Network (SWAN) aims to record local earthquakes for seismic hazard applications and improve the understanding of seismic structure.
SEISMOLOGICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Eunjoo Choi, Marco L. Fiorentini, Andrea Giuliani, Stephen F. Foley, Roland Maas, Stuart Graham
Summary: The study revealed that the Proterozoic alkaline ultramafic rocks in the Yilgarn Craton and its northern margin have different origins, indicating varying mantle sources; the rocks from the Eastern Goldfields Superterrane and Norseman share similar compositions, possibly originating from a common mantle source; while the orangeites in the Earaheedy Basin show signatures of subduction-related magmas, suggesting an ancient lithospheric mantle source.
Review
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Q. Masurel, N. Thebaud, J. Sapkota, M. C. De Paoli, M. Drummond, R. H. Smithies
Summary: This study provides a revised stratigraphic model for the Agnew-Wiluna Greenstone Belt by integrating published stratigraphic, geochemical, and geochronological data. The stratigraphic record in this belt spans approximately 130 million years and can be divided into three cycles. In addition, two younger depositional cycles were identified after ca 2690 Ma. The findings challenge existing terrane and domain boundaries and have significant implications for craton-scale stratigraphic reconstructions.
AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF EARTH SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Reza Rezaee
Summary: The discovery of a large accumulation of natural hydrogen in Mali has prompted the search for similar hydrogen accumulations in other countries. The generation of hydrogen in Mali is linked to very old iron-rich basement rocks, and similar features may exist in certain regions of Western Australia. These regions appear to have the necessary elements for developing a complete Hydrogen System.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
P. C. Hayman, I. H. Campbell, R. A. F. Cas, R. J. Squire, D. Doutch, M. Outhwaite
Summary: Differentiated dolerites derived from iron-rich parental magmas, specifically magnetite-bearing quartz dolerites, are favored hosts for orogenic gold deposits. The thickness of the mineralized sills, controlled by the cooling rate during emplacement, plays a crucial role in gold prospectivity. The geometry and composition of the sills, influenced by igneous and emplacement processes, determine the likelihood of gold precipitation in the rock formations.
Article
Geology
M. Z. Abzalov, A. Smith, M. J. Gole, T. Riggs
Summary: This study analyzes the geological and geochemical data of the Perseverance komatiite complex, revealing the heterogeneity characteristics of the komatiite channel and the geochemical indicators of the mineralized parts. The research also highlights the potential use of Ni/Cr and Ni/Ti ratios as geochemical pathfinders for magmatic sulphide deposits within the komatiite main lava pathway.
ORE GEOLOGY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Marine
Desmond E. Lascelles, Ryan J. Lowe
Summary: The large blocks and boulders detached from an outcrop of the Wilgie Mia Formation and the scouring of sand and shingle from the sea floor suggest that a tsunami with a height of at least 40 meters may have been the cause of these events.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Geology
Qingdong Zeng, Yongbin Wang, Jinhuii Yang, Yunpeng Guo, Bing Yu, Lingli Zhou, Haicheng Qiu
Summary: The North China Craton is rich in gold deposits, with three distinct periods of gold mineralization identified: Permian-Triassic, Jurassic, and Early Cretaceous. Each period is associated with different geological settings and tectonic environments, contributing to the formation of gold deposits in the Northern Margin Gold Belt.
INTERNATIONAL GEOLOGY REVIEW
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Olivier Nadeau, Alexandre Voinot, Matthew Leybourne
Summary: The study of Li isotopic composition of hydrothermal alteration in the Kirkland Lake gold deposit sheds light on the genesis of the deposit, revealing that gold followed Li as colloidal particles during precipitation. It was found that the mineralization of the deposit was attributed to magmatic fluids, metamorphic fluids, and groundwaters, providing a new interpretation of the deposit formation.
PRECAMBRIAN RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Walid Salama, Michael Verrall, Kirsty Culver, Ravi Anand
Summary: Thick Permian glacial cover in Western Australia poses challenges for mineral exploration in the northeast Yilgarn Craton, with areas under the cover presenting the greatest challenge. The Lancefield North gold prospect in the Duketon Greenstone Belt features Permian diamictites covering unweathered basalt hosting gold mineralization. The diamictites contain a variety of minerals and have stable characteristics under specific conditions.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Jerry Dunga, Daniel Sully, Steffen G. Hagemann, Paul Duuring, Leonid Danyushevsky
Summary: Research at Mt. Percy has identified two distinct styles of gold mineralisation, one correlated with the Fimiston-style mineralisation and the other with the Mt. Charlotte-style mineralisation. Geochemical analysis highlights the differences between these two styles.
MINERALIUM DEPOSITA
(2021)
Review
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Quentin Masurel, Aurelien Eglinger, Nicolas Thebaud, Andrew Allibone, Anne-Sylvie Andre-Mayer, Helen McFarlane, John Miller, Mark Jessell, Laurent Ailleres, Olivier Vanderhaeghe, Stefano Salvi, Lenka Baratoux, Stephane Perrouty, Graham Begg, Denis Fougerouse, Patrick Hayman, Ousmane Wane, Asinne Tshibubudze, Luis Parra-Avila, Alain Kouamelan, Prince Ofori Amponsah
Summary: Studies have shown that the southern part of the West African Craton includes the Baoule-Mossi Domain, which is the world's premier Paleoproterozoic gold province. Gold mineralisation occurred during different periods spanning the Eoeburnean and Eburnean orogenic cycles, leading to the formation of various gold deposits.
MINERALIUM DEPOSITA
(2022)
Review
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Ray A. F. Cas
Summary: The International Association of Volcanology and Geochemistry of the Earth's Interior (IAVCEI) was founded in 1919 and has been dedicated to facilitating communication and research in the field of volcanology. Through organizing international conferences, publishing the Bulletin of Volcanology, and establishing research commissions, IAVCEI has played a significant role in advancing volcanological research. The association has also recognized outstanding achievements in the field through its awards. In recent years, IAVCEI has expanded its networking programs to foster collaboration among researchers.
BULLETIN OF VOLCANOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Jordan A. McDivitt, Steffen G. Hagemann, Anthony I. S. Kemp, Nicolas Thebaud, Christopher M. Fisher, Kai Rankenburg
Summary: Different genetic and timing models for gold mineralization in the Kalgoorlie gold camp are under debate. This study provides new evidence and constraints on the absolute timing of mineralization using U-Pb and Sm-Nd geochronological studies of zircon, apatite, and titanite. The results suggest that the emplacement ages of pre-ore and syn-ore dikes are similar at around 2675 Ma, and the Oroya mineralization may have a younger age at around 2665 Ma. These findings imply a protracted mineralization history in the Kalgoorlie gold camp, involving the interaction between early magmatic and late metamorphic hydrothermal systems.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Jordan A. McDivitt, Steffen G. Hagemann, Nicolas Thebaud, Laure A. J. Martin, Kai Rankenburg
Summary: Late-stage metamorphic and punctuated magmatic-hydrothermal mineralization models are proposed for gold mineralization in the Kalgoorlie gold camp. Structural, geochemical, and sulfur isotope data were used to evaluate these models, showing the interaction of oxidized magmatic-hydrothermal fluids with surrounding wall rock during different mineralization events.
MINERALIUM DEPOSITA
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Xunyu Hu, Simon Jowitt, Feng Yuan, Guangxian Liu, Jinhui Luo, Yuhua Chen, Hui Yang, Keyue Ren, Yongguo Yang
Summary: This study uses numerical modeling to investigate the formation process of the Yangzhuang iron deposit and identifies temperature and structure as key factors controlling its formation. The results also suggest that the deposit formed within a relatively short period of around 8000 years and that the ore bodies formed after magma ascent. These findings are significant for understanding the formation processes of Kiruna-type iron oxide-apatite systems and magmatic-hydrothermal systems, as well as for guiding future exploration efforts.
SOLID EARTH SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Nicolas Thebaud, Aurelien Eglinger, Anne-Sylvie Andre-Mayer, Jochen Kolb
MINERALIUM DEPOSITA
(2022)
Review
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Q. Masurel, N. Thebaud, J. Sapkota, M. C. De Paoli, M. Drummond, R. H. Smithies
Summary: This study provides a revised stratigraphic model for the Agnew-Wiluna Greenstone Belt by integrating published stratigraphic, geochemical, and geochronological data. The stratigraphic record in this belt spans approximately 130 million years and can be divided into three cycles. In addition, two younger depositional cycles were identified after ca 2690 Ma. The findings challenge existing terrane and domain boundaries and have significant implications for craton-scale stratigraphic reconstructions.
AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF EARTH SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Geology
Daniel Wiemer, Steffen G. Hagemann, Jon Hronsky, Anthony I. S. Kemp, Nicolas Thebaud, Trevor Ireland, Carlos Villanes
Summary: This study investigated the distribution of major gold deposits in northern Peru. The research found that gold deposits cluster at the intersection between Phanerozoic orogenic belts and unrecognized pre-Andean basement structures, highlighting the significance of these basement structures in controlling the localization of gold deposits.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Laura Petrella, Nicolas Thebaud, Denis Fougerouse, Brian Tattitch, Laure Martin, Stephen Turner, Alexandra Suvorova, Sarah Gain
Summary: This study presents new insights into the formation of gold-rich veins and highlights the essential contribution of metal nanoparticles associated with silica and carbon in efficient gold deposition. The formation of metal nanoparticles is crucial for the formation of high-grade gold deposits.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Dennis Sugiono, Crystal LaFlamme, Nicolas Thebaud, Laure Martin, Dany Savard, Marco Fiorentini
Summary: The mechanism of gold precipitation in orogenic gold deposits is still unclear. This study analyzes the trace element composition and sulfur isotopes of gold-bearing pyrite growth zones to understand the formation process of gold-rich pyrite. The results suggest that gold enrichment mainly occurs in a fluid undergoing phase separation fluctuations, and the fault-valve process plays a significant control role in gold precipitation.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Joseph Koffi Brou, Marieke Van Lichtervelde, Nicaise Alain Kouamelan, David Baratoux, Nicolas Thebaud
Summary: The Issia batholith in central Ivory Coast is surrounded by placer deposits of columbite-tantalite, with deeply altered lithium-cesium-tantalum pegmatites. A study on eighteen granitic outcrops revealed three granite series (G1, G2, G3) and suggested a genetic link between G2 and G3 granite groups through fractional crystallization, indicating a crust re-heating event occurred about 40 million years after the granite complex emplacement.
MINERALOGY AND PETROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Dalton M. McCaffrey, Nedal T. Nassar, Simon M. Jowitt, Abraham J. Padilla, Laurence R. Bird
Summary: Niobium, classified as a critical material, plays an essential role in steels for infrastructure and transportation. This study analyzed the flow of niobium in the United States and China, revealing that the U.S. is import-dependent at all stages while China only relies on imports for primary niobium. Additionally, the consumption and export patterns of niobium-containing goods differentiate the impact of potential supply disruptions on the two economies.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Yue Li, Feng Yuan, Simon M. Jowitt, Xiangling Li, Taofa Zhou, Fangyue Wang, Yufeng Deng
Summary: Determining the precise timing of mineralization is crucial for understanding geological events and processes. Existing methods for absolute dating of mineralizing systems have limitations. This study presents a new in situ analytical approach using laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) for scheelite U-Pb dating. The approach is verified using samples from a skarn deposit in eastern China. The new approach is rapid, cost-effective, and can be conducted in situ, allowing for the retention of geological context. It has the potential for various applications in mineralizing systems.
GEOSCIENCE FRONTIERS
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
A. R. A. Aitken, M. Fiorentini, M. Tesauro, N. Thebaud
Summary: Knowledge of the evolution of ancient cratonic lithospheres underpins our understanding of Precambrian Earth. The Yilgarn Craton has exceptionally well-preserved Archean geology, but geophysical models indicate that the lithospheric mantle has been extensively refertilised. Reconciling geological and geophysical data suggests two phases of lithosphere destabilisation driven by major magmatic events, with refertilisation occurring during supercontinent assembly.
Article
Environmental Studies
Tim T. Werner, Gavin M. Mudd, Simon M. Jowitt, David Huston
Summary: Rhenium (Re) is crucial in modern transportation and has been considered critical due to complex supply chains and limited substitutes. Estimating its global resources is difficult due to its production as a by-product from molybdenum (Mo) concentrates. However, this study provides a new database that estimates 3-4 times more global Re resources compared to previous estimates. Therefore, the current global Re resources are sufficient to meet global demand for centuries, and the key for future supply lies in choosing lower cost and environmentally/socially sustainable supply chains.