Hypozonal orogenic gold mineralization in the Giyani Goldfield, Northern Kaapvaal Craton/Limpopo Complex
Smit, C.A., Van Reenen, D.D., McCourt, S., Huizenga, J.M., Belyanin, G., and Vafeas, N.A. (2019) Hypozonal orogenic gold mineralization in the Giyani Goldfield, Northern Kaapvaal Craton/Limpopo Complex. South African Journal of Geology, 122 (4). pp. 455-488.
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Abstract
The paper reviews published and unpublished geological data pertaining to the structural and metamorphic controls, rock types, characteristic features, source, and timing of hypozonal orogenic gold mineralization in the Giyani Goldfield. The Giyani Goldfield includes the NW domain of the >3.0 Ga Giyani greenstone belt (GGB) at the northern edge of the Kaapvaal Craton and the southern retrograde hydrated domain of the juxtaposed Southern Marginal Zone (SMZ) of the ca. 2.72 Ga Limpopo Complex (LC). Mineralization at all gold mines and gold prospects of the Giyani Goldfield is structurally controlled and closely associated with the Hout River shear zone (HRSZ) and associated smaller shear zones suggesting a specific tectonic setting. This tectonic setting is the direct consequence of thrusting the SMZ of the LC against and over the adjacent GGB at the position of the steeply north-dipping (south verging) HRSZ during the exhumation stage of the ca. 2.72 to 2.69 Ga Limpopo orogeny followed by regional retrograde hydration of the southern part of the SMZ at ca. 2.68 to 2.62 Ga. This tectonic setting offers an explanation for a deep-seated crustal source for gold and for the concentration of orogenic gold mineralization within specific structural features located within the Giyani Goldfield. This tectonic setting also explains the lithological, structural and metamorphic complexity, metasomatic alteration and post-peak metamorphic timing of gold mineralization. Finally, it provides important clues with regards to a crustal source for gold mineralizing fluids and the identification of new potential targets for gold exploration in the Giyani Goldfield.
| Item ID: | 60794 |
|---|---|
| Item Type: | Article (Research - C1) |
| ISSN: | 1996-8590 |
| Keywords: | Limpopo Complex, gold mineralization, Southern Marginal Zone, Giyani gold field |
| Copyright Information: | © 2019 Geological Society of South Africa. All rights reserved. |
| Funders: | National Research Foundation of South Africa (NRF), CIMERA, University of Johannesburg |
| Projects and Grants: | NRF 114761 |
| Date Deposited: | 04 Nov 2019 01:43 |
| FoR Codes: | 37 EARTH SCIENCES > 3703 Geochemistry > 370301 Exploration geochemistry @ 30% 37 EARTH SCIENCES > 3705 Geology > 370503 Igneous and metamorphic petrology @ 40% 37 EARTH SCIENCES > 3705 Geology > 370511 Structural geology and tectonics @ 30% |
| SEO Codes: | 84 MINERAL RESOURCES (excl. Energy Resources) > 8401 Mineral Exploration > 840105 Precious (Noble) Metal Ore Exploration @ 30% 97 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 970104 Expanding Knowledge in the Earth Sciences @ 70% |
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