The origin of base metal indicator minerals from till and stream sediment samples: constraints from mineral chemical and S-Pb isotope geochemistry ...
Base metal indicator minerals recovered from till and stream sediment samples in the southern Northwest Territories were studied to determine their potential origins. Major and trace element geochemistry and S- and Pb-isotopes were used to determine whether these indicator minerals were derived from...
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Format: | Text |
Language: | English |
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Memorial University of Newfoundland
2022
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Online Access: | https://dx.doi.org/10.48336/3ycf-2m64 https://research.library.mun.ca/15620/ |
Summary: | Base metal indicator minerals recovered from till and stream sediment samples in the southern Northwest Territories were studied to determine their potential origins. Major and trace element geochemistry and S- and Pb-isotopes were used to determine whether these indicator minerals were derived from known mineralised bedrock sources or if they were from undiscovered mineral occurrences within the southwestern Northwest Territories, a region with very little previous mineral exploration and thick Quaternary cover. The geochemical and isotopic composition of sphalerite grains indicates derivation from low-temperature (T<250°C) sources consistent with Mississippi Valley-style mineralisation, yet distinct from known nearby mineral occurrences. Galena grains also have geochemical signatures indicative of derivation from low-temperature mineralisation; however, Pb-isotopic data, and previous provenance studies, indicate they were not from the Pine Point deposit or other known mineral occurrences and together ... |
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