Characterization of the distribution of platinum group elements in sulphide ores within the Merensky Reef at Modikwa and Two Rivers Platinum Mines, Eastern Bushveld Complex, South Africa
- Authors: Zilibokwe, Nosibulelo Julie
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/7938 , vital:21326
- Description: The distribution of the platinum group element (PGE), in the Merensky Reef was characterized by, first determining the occurrence of the platinum group minerals (PGM), then by establishing the PGE concentration in the base metal sulphides (BMS) associated with the PGE mineralization in the Merensky Reef from selected borehole intersections, at the Two Rivers (TRP) and Modikwa Platinum Mines in the Eastern Bushveld Complex. A mineral liberation analyser (MLA) was then used to identify the PGM phases; their silicate and base metal associations; and their grain size distribution. Electron microprobe quantitative analysis and mapping were then used to determine the compositional variation of the PGM and the PGE elemental distribution in the BMS, respectively. The study showed that the BMS including pyrrhotite, pentlandite, and chalcopyrite were the principal sulphides, where pyrrhotite was most prominent with minor quantities of pyrite. Orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene and plagioclase were the most abundant primary silicate minerals identified, while secondary silicates identified included talc, serpentine and amphibole. Platinum group minerals showed three distinct groups with respect to the mineralogical association with the PGE; (i) BMS association; (ii) chromite association; and (iii) silicate association. Of the BMS, chalcopyrite showed the most dominant association with the PGMs. All samples from both mines exhibited a wide range of PGMs, including maslovite, braggite, cooperate, laurite and PGE alloys such as ferroplatinum as well as other unidentified platinum and palladium sulphides, arsenides and bismuthides, while gold was present as electrum. The PGMs ranged in size from less than a micron to about 125 microns with an average of 20 microns. The close association of PGM with BMS along the margins of sulphides indicates that the PGMs were derived from the sulphide melt. PGE distribution in the sulphides at Modikwa showed pentlandite contained the highest concentrations of palladium (up to 379 ppm) and chalcopyrite hosting the highest rhodium concentrations (up to 793 ppm). Samples from Two Rivers revealed pentlandite as the principal host to both palladium and rhodium, with concentrations reaching up to 695 and 930 ppm, respectively. Magnetite at both Modikwa and Two Rivers showed significant rhodium content, reaching up to 982 and 930 ppm, respectively. The pyrrhotite compared to other sulphides contained all the elements found in the platinum group (PPGE), namely, platinum, palladium and rhodium, with all the platinum identified found in the pyrrhotite. The concentrations for the iridium group (IPGE) namely, iridium, osmium, and ruthenium were below the detection limit. The PGE mineralization in the stratigraphy varied within each mine. The mineralization revealed top loading in the central sector (Modikwa) and bottom loading in the southern sector (Two Rivers). The sequence of the Merensky Reef at the two sectors of the Eastern Bushveld Complex showed a remarkable similarity in their mineralogy suggesting that these two sectors were formed from the same liquid or formed simultaneously within a single magma chamber; however the PGE distribution within the stratigraphy may have been controlled by the presence of cumulate sulphides.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Zilibokwe, Nosibulelo Julie
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/7938 , vital:21326
- Description: The distribution of the platinum group element (PGE), in the Merensky Reef was characterized by, first determining the occurrence of the platinum group minerals (PGM), then by establishing the PGE concentration in the base metal sulphides (BMS) associated with the PGE mineralization in the Merensky Reef from selected borehole intersections, at the Two Rivers (TRP) and Modikwa Platinum Mines in the Eastern Bushveld Complex. A mineral liberation analyser (MLA) was then used to identify the PGM phases; their silicate and base metal associations; and their grain size distribution. Electron microprobe quantitative analysis and mapping were then used to determine the compositional variation of the PGM and the PGE elemental distribution in the BMS, respectively. The study showed that the BMS including pyrrhotite, pentlandite, and chalcopyrite were the principal sulphides, where pyrrhotite was most prominent with minor quantities of pyrite. Orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene and plagioclase were the most abundant primary silicate minerals identified, while secondary silicates identified included talc, serpentine and amphibole. Platinum group minerals showed three distinct groups with respect to the mineralogical association with the PGE; (i) BMS association; (ii) chromite association; and (iii) silicate association. Of the BMS, chalcopyrite showed the most dominant association with the PGMs. All samples from both mines exhibited a wide range of PGMs, including maslovite, braggite, cooperate, laurite and PGE alloys such as ferroplatinum as well as other unidentified platinum and palladium sulphides, arsenides and bismuthides, while gold was present as electrum. The PGMs ranged in size from less than a micron to about 125 microns with an average of 20 microns. The close association of PGM with BMS along the margins of sulphides indicates that the PGMs were derived from the sulphide melt. PGE distribution in the sulphides at Modikwa showed pentlandite contained the highest concentrations of palladium (up to 379 ppm) and chalcopyrite hosting the highest rhodium concentrations (up to 793 ppm). Samples from Two Rivers revealed pentlandite as the principal host to both palladium and rhodium, with concentrations reaching up to 695 and 930 ppm, respectively. Magnetite at both Modikwa and Two Rivers showed significant rhodium content, reaching up to 982 and 930 ppm, respectively. The pyrrhotite compared to other sulphides contained all the elements found in the platinum group (PPGE), namely, platinum, palladium and rhodium, with all the platinum identified found in the pyrrhotite. The concentrations for the iridium group (IPGE) namely, iridium, osmium, and ruthenium were below the detection limit. The PGE mineralization in the stratigraphy varied within each mine. The mineralization revealed top loading in the central sector (Modikwa) and bottom loading in the southern sector (Two Rivers). The sequence of the Merensky Reef at the two sectors of the Eastern Bushveld Complex showed a remarkable similarity in their mineralogy suggesting that these two sectors were formed from the same liquid or formed simultaneously within a single magma chamber; however the PGE distribution within the stratigraphy may have been controlled by the presence of cumulate sulphides.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Mineralogy and geochemistry of structurally-controlled metasomatic alteration of carbonate-rich manganese ore at Mamatwan Mine, Kalahari Manganese Field
- Authors: Harawa, Esau Tonderai
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Metasomatism (Mineralogy) , Manganese ores -- Geology -- South Africa , Geology -- South Africa , Mamatwan Mine (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/4717 , vital:20715
- Description: The Kalahari Manganese Field (KMF) located in the Northern Cape Province about 700km south west of Johannesburg contains 80% of the world manganese ore reserves. Mamatwan Mine is hosted within the low grade Mamatwan type ore and is located in the southernmost tip of the KMF. This mine is an open pit mine which is divided into three benches namely the top cut, middle cut and bottom cut. These three benches are structurally controlled by faults which influence the overall grade of the manganese ore. This study is a follow up work to the previous two studies carried out at Wessels Mine and Mamatwan Mine by (Gutzmer and Beukes) in 1995 and 1996 respectively with regards to alteration processes around fault controlled systems in which they concluded that epithermal fluids caused local reduction and bleaching of ore followed by oxidation and carbonate leaching of manganese ore through ascending oxidized groundwater. Metasomatic activity around fault controlled systems is controlled by three main processes namely redistribution, enrichment and depletion. These processes are determined by mobility/immobility of elements from the fault which are introduced into the pre-existing braunite carbonate rich ore. Elements such as Ca, Mg, Si, Fe, C and Mn interact with pre-existing ore due to temperature, fluid pressure, physico-chemical property of fluid gradient. Structurally, faulting and folding contribute to the movement of elements as one end of the system gets depleted the other end of the system gets enriched and vice versa. To better understand this metasomatic activity, it is crucial to conduct mass balance studies of these elements. Grant (1986) introduced the isocon diagram which is a modification of Gresen’s equation (1967) to ascertain which elements are directly or indirectly related to alteration through enrichment and depletion of Ca, Mg, Si, Fe, C and Mn. As the section approaches from altered to less altered manganese ore the mineral chemistry gradually changes from a manganese rich matrix composed of manganomelane and todorokite to a carbonate rich matrix composed of braunite, dolomite, kutnohorite and Mn-rich calcites.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Harawa, Esau Tonderai
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Metasomatism (Mineralogy) , Manganese ores -- Geology -- South Africa , Geology -- South Africa , Mamatwan Mine (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/4717 , vital:20715
- Description: The Kalahari Manganese Field (KMF) located in the Northern Cape Province about 700km south west of Johannesburg contains 80% of the world manganese ore reserves. Mamatwan Mine is hosted within the low grade Mamatwan type ore and is located in the southernmost tip of the KMF. This mine is an open pit mine which is divided into three benches namely the top cut, middle cut and bottom cut. These three benches are structurally controlled by faults which influence the overall grade of the manganese ore. This study is a follow up work to the previous two studies carried out at Wessels Mine and Mamatwan Mine by (Gutzmer and Beukes) in 1995 and 1996 respectively with regards to alteration processes around fault controlled systems in which they concluded that epithermal fluids caused local reduction and bleaching of ore followed by oxidation and carbonate leaching of manganese ore through ascending oxidized groundwater. Metasomatic activity around fault controlled systems is controlled by three main processes namely redistribution, enrichment and depletion. These processes are determined by mobility/immobility of elements from the fault which are introduced into the pre-existing braunite carbonate rich ore. Elements such as Ca, Mg, Si, Fe, C and Mn interact with pre-existing ore due to temperature, fluid pressure, physico-chemical property of fluid gradient. Structurally, faulting and folding contribute to the movement of elements as one end of the system gets depleted the other end of the system gets enriched and vice versa. To better understand this metasomatic activity, it is crucial to conduct mass balance studies of these elements. Grant (1986) introduced the isocon diagram which is a modification of Gresen’s equation (1967) to ascertain which elements are directly or indirectly related to alteration through enrichment and depletion of Ca, Mg, Si, Fe, C and Mn. As the section approaches from altered to less altered manganese ore the mineral chemistry gradually changes from a manganese rich matrix composed of manganomelane and todorokite to a carbonate rich matrix composed of braunite, dolomite, kutnohorite and Mn-rich calcites.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The sedimentology and depositional model of VS5 reef at Beatrix mine and surrounding areas of the Freestate Goldfield, South Africa
- Authors: Shivambu, Steven
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/4942 , vital:20745
- Description: Historically, placers of economic importance at Sibanye Gold's Beatrix No. 3 Shaft were Beatrix Reef, Aandenk Reef and Composite of the two reefs. Recently, the VS5 placer has emerged to be a significant contributor of ore tonnages mined on the Shaft as mining advances into deeper levels towards the northern portion of the mine lease area. Gold concentration in the VS5 Reef is highly variable from uneconomic, through marginal to economic gold values. A good knowledge of the sedimentological framework of the VS5 Reef was considered necessary in order to interpret the variable distribution of the gold within the VS5 placer. The aim of this study was to determine the depositional environments that played a major role during the formation of the VS5 placer by means of investigating the macroscopic sedimentological parameters of this particular reef. These sedimentological parameters were used as the basis for the subdivision of VS5 Reef into different facies recognized in the mine and surrounding areas. It was recognized that the VS5 placer was formed in a distal, braided fluvial environment by the reworking of the pre-existing Aandenk Reef by new materials containing significant amount of nondurable materials (see definition on page xii) such as shale detritus. Where there is no evidence of reworking of the older Aandenk Reef, the VS5 Reef occurs as poorly sorted, polymictic conglomerate with abundance of non-durable detritus. This is referred to as the Immature (IV) VS5 facies and occurs in the northern portion of the study area. The degree of reworking of the gravel bars by waves and current action resulted in the formation of well sorted, oligomictic conglomerates of the Beatrix facies in the southern portion of the mine. At the boundaries between the Immature VS5 and Beatrix facies occurs the Transitional (Sub-mature) VS5 facies, characterized by reef comprising a polymictic upper portion and a basal more mature oligomictic unit. The Transitional VS5 facies extends across the current central northern mining faces of Beatrix No. 3 Shaft with a northwest-southeast trend. There is a strong correlation between the VS5 lithofacies and distribution of gold mineralization. The Immature VS5 facies is poorly mineralized, with gold values averaging 200 c.m.g/t and lower. The Transitional (Sub-mature) VS5 facies has elevated gold values, ranging from 300 c.m.g/t to 1500 cm.g/t. Mineralization in this unit tend to be bottom loaded as well as at the base of each cyclic unit. The Beatrix facies records the highest grades averaging >1500 cmg/t. The improved understanding of the VS5 lithofacies made it possible to predict gold mineralization and aid planning to mine into viable VS5 areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Shivambu, Steven
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/4942 , vital:20745
- Description: Historically, placers of economic importance at Sibanye Gold's Beatrix No. 3 Shaft were Beatrix Reef, Aandenk Reef and Composite of the two reefs. Recently, the VS5 placer has emerged to be a significant contributor of ore tonnages mined on the Shaft as mining advances into deeper levels towards the northern portion of the mine lease area. Gold concentration in the VS5 Reef is highly variable from uneconomic, through marginal to economic gold values. A good knowledge of the sedimentological framework of the VS5 Reef was considered necessary in order to interpret the variable distribution of the gold within the VS5 placer. The aim of this study was to determine the depositional environments that played a major role during the formation of the VS5 placer by means of investigating the macroscopic sedimentological parameters of this particular reef. These sedimentological parameters were used as the basis for the subdivision of VS5 Reef into different facies recognized in the mine and surrounding areas. It was recognized that the VS5 placer was formed in a distal, braided fluvial environment by the reworking of the pre-existing Aandenk Reef by new materials containing significant amount of nondurable materials (see definition on page xii) such as shale detritus. Where there is no evidence of reworking of the older Aandenk Reef, the VS5 Reef occurs as poorly sorted, polymictic conglomerate with abundance of non-durable detritus. This is referred to as the Immature (IV) VS5 facies and occurs in the northern portion of the study area. The degree of reworking of the gravel bars by waves and current action resulted in the formation of well sorted, oligomictic conglomerates of the Beatrix facies in the southern portion of the mine. At the boundaries between the Immature VS5 and Beatrix facies occurs the Transitional (Sub-mature) VS5 facies, characterized by reef comprising a polymictic upper portion and a basal more mature oligomictic unit. The Transitional VS5 facies extends across the current central northern mining faces of Beatrix No. 3 Shaft with a northwest-southeast trend. There is a strong correlation between the VS5 lithofacies and distribution of gold mineralization. The Immature VS5 facies is poorly mineralized, with gold values averaging 200 c.m.g/t and lower. The Transitional (Sub-mature) VS5 facies has elevated gold values, ranging from 300 c.m.g/t to 1500 cm.g/t. Mineralization in this unit tend to be bottom loaded as well as at the base of each cyclic unit. The Beatrix facies records the highest grades averaging >1500 cmg/t. The improved understanding of the VS5 lithofacies made it possible to predict gold mineralization and aid planning to mine into viable VS5 areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
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