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The Main Anorthosite Layer of the West-Pana Intrusion, Kola Region: Geology and U-Pb Age Dating

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The West-Pana intrusion belongs to the Paleoproterozoic Fedorova-Pana Complex of the Kola Region in NW Russia, which represents one of Europe’s most significant layered complexes in terms of total platinum group element (PGE) endowment. Numerous studies on the age of the West-Pana intrusion have been carried out in the past; however, all published U-Pb isotope ages were determined using multi-grain ID-TIMS. In this study, the mineralized Main Anorthosite Layer from the upper portion of the intrusion was dated using SHRIMP-II for the first time. High Th/U (0.9–3.7) zircons gave an upper intercept age of 2509.4 ± 6.2 Ma (2σ), whereas the lower portion of the intrusion was previously dated at 2501.5 ± 1.7 Ma, which suggests an out-of-sequence emplacement of the West-Pana intrusion. Furthermore, high-grade PGE mineralization hosted by the anorthosite layer, known as “South Reef”, can be attributed to (1) downward percolation of PGE-enriched sulfide liquid from the overlying gabbronoritic magma or (2) secondary redistribution of PGEs, which may coincide with a post-magmatic alteration event recorded by low Th/U (0.1–0.9) zircon and baddeleyite at 2476 ± 13 Ma (upper intercept).
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minerals
Article
The Main Anorthosite Layer of the West-Pana
Intrusion, Kola Region: Geology and U-Pb
Age Dating
Nikolay Y. Groshev 1,* and Bartosz T. Karykowski 2
1Geological Institute of the Kola Science Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 184209 Apatity, Russia
2Fugro Germany Land GmbH, 12555 Berlin, Germany; bkarykowski@yahoo.com
*Correspondence: nikolaygroshev@gmail.com; Tel.: +8-951-296-2355
Received: 19 December 2018; Accepted: 22 January 2019; Published: 26 January 2019


Abstract:
The West-Pana intrusion belongs to the Paleoproterozoic Fedorova-Pana Complex of the
Kola Region in NW Russia, which represents one of Europe’s most significant layered complexes
in terms of total platinum group element (PGE) endowment. Numerous studies on the age of the
West-Pana intrusion have been carried out in the past; however, all published U-Pb isotope ages were
determined using multi-grain ID-TIMS. In this study, the mineralized Main Anorthosite Layer from
the upper portion of the intrusion was dated using SHRIMP-II for the first time. High Th/U (0.9–3.7)
zircons gave an upper intercept age of 2509.4
±
6.2 Ma (2
σ
), whereas the lower portion of the intrusion
was previously dated at 2501.5
±
1.7 Ma, which suggests an out-of-sequence emplacement of the
West-Pana intrusion. Furthermore, high-grade PGE mineralization hosted by the anorthosite layer,
known as “South Reef”, can be attributed to (1) downward percolation of PGE-enriched sulfide liquid
from the overlying gabbronoritic magma or (2) secondary redistribution of PGEs, which may coincide
with a post-magmatic alteration event recorded by low Th/U (0.1–0.9) zircon and baddeleyite at
2476 ±13 Ma (upper intercept).
Keywords: PGE; South Reef; West-Pana intrusion; Fedorova-Pana Complex; zircon dating; U-Pb
1. Introduction
The West-Pana intrusion represents the central block of the Paleoproterozoic Fedorova-Pana
Complex located in the central part of the Kola Peninsula. It hosts several platinum group element
(PGE) deposits that are interpreted to represent contact- and reef-style mineralization (Figure 1).
The Fedorova-Tundra deposit occurs at the basal contact of the complex [
1
], whereas the North
Kamennik, Kievey, and East Chuarvy deposits [
2
4
] are located at different stratigraphic levels of the
complex and comprise one of Europe’s largest PGE resource, exceeding 400 t of precious metals [5,6].
The West-Pana intrusion is the first layered intrusion known in Russia that hosts low-sulfide PGE
mineralization at several stratigraphic levels, which share many similarities with the well-known
Merensky Reef of Bushveld Complex and the J-M Reef of the Stillwater Complex, respectively [7].
In general, PGE mineralization at West-Pana occurs in two distinct layered horizons, both
consisting of interlayered pyroxenite, norite, gabbronorite, and anorthosite. Anorthosites of the
Lower Layered Horizon form relatively thin and discontinuous layers and host continuous PGE
mineralization known as the “North Reef” [
8
]. Among the anorthosites of the Upper Layered Horizon,
the thickest layer is the “Main Anorthosite Layer” [
9
], hosting highly discontinuous PGE-rich sulfide
mineralization in the its upper two meters, which is referred to as the “South Reef” [10,11].
Minerals 2019,9, 71; doi:10.3390/min9020071 www.mdpi.com/journal/minerals
Minerals 2019,9, 71 2 of 14
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Figure 1. Simplified geological map of the Fedorova-Pana Complex, showing the location of
low-sulfide PGE deposits (1, Fedorova Tundra; 2, North Kamennik; 3, Kievey; 4, East Chuarvy).
Modified after [12]. Proterozoic structures of the predominantly Archean Kola Region (inset):
Imandra-Varzuga (IV), Kuolajarvi (K), and Pechenga (P) paleorift structures; Lapland (L) and Umba
(U) granulite belts.
It is generally believed that the formation of PGE mineralization in most Russian
Paleoproterozoic layered intrusions is related to the long duration of magmatism associated with
prolonged igneous activity in response to a long-lived mantle plume affecting the Kola Craton for
more than 50 Ma, which is mainly based on ID-TIMS U-Pb age dating [13,14]. This interpretation is
generally at odds with the current paradigm of relatively short-lived mantle plume magmatism and
the duration of cooling of basaltic magma chambers, such as the Bushveld Complex, which
crystallized in less than 1 Ma [15].
The oldest published age for the West-Pana intrusion is 2501.5 ± 1.7 Ma for a gabbronorite from
the Lower Layered Horizon [16], whereas the youngest age is 2447 ± 12 Ma for the Main Anorthosite
Layer [13]. In this study, we provide new insights into the geology and the petrogenesis of the Main
Anorthosite Layer based on recent drilling and U-Pb dating of zircon using SHRIMP-II. The results
are discussed in the context of previous age dates from the complex, thus constraining the
emplacement and crystallization history of the Fedorova-Pana Complex and anorthosite-hosted
PGE mineralization. The study emphasizes the need for more high-precision zircon dating to
elucidate the entire emplacement history of the complex.
2. Geological Setting
The Fedorova-Pana Complex includes an almost continuous strip of NW–SE-trending layered
intrusions, located at the northern edge of the Imandra-Varzuga paleorift structure (Figure 1). The
total extent of the strip is about 90 km in length and up to 6–7 km wide. The northern contact zone of
all intrusions is composed of fine-grained gabbroic rocks that intruded the basement lithologies. The
rocks in these zones are generally foliated and modified to epidote-amphibolite facies. The southern
contact of the complex is defined by a northwest-trending fault with a dip angle of 40–50°, along
which younger volcano-sedimentary rocks were thrust onto the complex. The Fedorova-Pana
Complex consists of four intrusions, which are from west to east: Fedorova, Last’yavr, West-Pana,
and East-Pana (Figure 1). Although all these intrusions are generally presented and explained as a
Figure 1.
Simplified geological map of the Fedorova-Pana Complex, showing the location of low-sulfide
PGE deposits (
1
, Fedorova Tundra;
2
, North Kamennik;
3
, Kievey;
4
, East Chuarvy). Modified after [
12
].
Proterozoic structures of the predominantly Archean Kola Region (inset): Imandra-Varzuga (IV),
Kuolajarvi (K), and Pechenga (P) paleorift structures; Lapland (L) and Umba (U) granulite belts.
It is generally believed that the formation of PGE mineralization in most Russian Paleoproterozoic
layered intrusions is related to the long duration of magmatism associated with prolonged igneous
activity in response to a long-lived mantle plume affecting the Kola Craton for more than 50 Ma, which
is mainly based on ID-TIMS U-Pb age dating [
13
,
14
]. This interpretation is generally at odds with the
current paradigm of relatively short-lived mantle plume magmatism and the duration of cooling of
basaltic magma chambers, such as the Bushveld Complex, which crystallized in less than 1 Ma [15].
The oldest published age for the West-Pana intrusion is 2501.5
±
1.7 Ma for a gabbronorite
from the Lower Layered Horizon [
16
], whereas the youngest age is 2447
±
12 Ma for the Main
Anorthosite Layer [
13
]. In this study, we provide new insights into the geology and the petrogenesis
of the Main Anorthosite Layer based on recent drilling and U-Pb dating of zircon using SHRIMP-II.
The results are discussed in the context of previous age dates from the complex, thus constraining the
emplacement and crystallization history of the Fedorova-Pana Complex and anorthosite-hosted PGE
mineralization. The study emphasizes the need for more high-precision zircon dating to elucidate the
entire emplacement history of the complex.
2. Geological Setting
The Fedorova-Pana Complex includes an almost continuous strip of NW–SE-trending layered
intrusions, located at the northern edge of the Imandra-Varzuga paleorift structure (Figure 1). The total
extent of the strip is about 90 km in length and up to 6–7 km wide. The northern contact zone of all
intrusions is composed of fine-grained gabbroic rocks that intruded the basement lithologies. The rocks
in these zones are generally foliated and modified to epidote-amphibolite facies. The southern contact
of the complex is defined by a northwest-trending fault with a dip angle of 40–50
, along which
younger volcano-sedimentary rocks were thrust onto the complex. The Fedorova-Pana Complex
consists of four intrusions, which are from west to east: Fedorova, Last’yavr, West-Pana, and East-Pana
(Figure 1). Although all these intrusions are generally presented and explained as a single entity [
1
,
8
,
16
],
most researchers believe that each intrusion represents a separate magma chamber with a distinct
stratigraphy and formation history [4,1721].
Minerals 2019,9, 71 3 of 14
The West-Pana intrusion is a sheet-like 4 km-thick body, extending for more than 25 km along
strike (Figure 2). The magmatic layering dips southwest at an angle of approximately 30–35
[
22
].
The stratigraphy of West-Pana is rather simple: the lowermost portion is represented by a thin Norite
Zone (50 m) that is underlain by a marginal zone comprised of fine-grained gabbronorite, which is
often strongly altered due to tectonic activity along the lower intrusion contact. The remainder of the
intrusion is essentially unaltered and consists of massive gabbroic rocks of the Gabbronorite Zone
except for two distinct horizons: the lower and upper layered horizons. The Lower Layered Horizon
(LLH) is located some 600–800 m above the lower intrusion contact and is composed of several cyclic
units, consisting of pyroxenite, gabbronorite, leucogabbro, and anorthosite with an average total
thickness of 40 m [
23
]. Significant low-sulfide Pt-Pd mineralization is predominantly concentrated in
the second cycle of the LLH, which is referred to as the “North Reef” [
24
]. Moreover, the LLH and
the overlying massive gabbronorites are intruded by late magnetite gabbro [
25
]. The Upper Layered
Horizon (ULH) is situated about 3000 m above the base of the intrusion and consists of two distinct
parts with a total thickness of 300 m [
26
]. The lower part is characterized by a 100 m-thick zone
of interlayered norite, gabbronorite, and anorthosite, whereas the upper part consists of cyclically
interlayered olivine gabbronorite, troctolite, and anorthosite, which is often referred to as the “Olivine
Horizon”. The low-sulfide PGE mineralization is associated with both parts of the ULH, but it does
not form a continuous ore body. The most significant PGE mineralization is hosted by the “South
Reef”, which occurs within the Main Anorthosite Layer, representing the thickest anorthosite layer in
the lower part of the ULH.
Minerals 2019, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 3 of 14
single entity [1,8,16], most researchers believe that each intrusion represents a separate magma
chamber with a distinct stratigraphy and formation history [4,17–21].
The West-Pana intrusion is a sheet-like 4 km-thick body, extending for more than 25 km along
strike (Figure 2). The magmatic layering dips southwest at an angle of approximately 3035° [22].
The stratigraphy of West-Pana is rather simple: the lowermost portion is represented by a thin
Norite Zone (50 m) that is underlain by a marginal zone comprised of fine-grained gabbronorite,
which is often strongly altered due to tectonic activity along the lower intrusion contact. The
remainder of the intrusion is essentially unaltered and consists of massive gabbroic rocks of the
Gabbronorite Zone except for two distinct horizons: the lower and upper layered horizons. The
Lower Layered Horizon (LLH) is located some 600–800 m above the lower intrusion contact and is
composed of several cyclic units, consisting of pyroxenite, gabbronorite, leucogabbro, and
anorthosite with an average total thickness of 40 m [23]. Significant low-sulfide Pt-Pd mineralization
is predominantly concentrated in the second cycle of the LLH, which is referred to as the “North
Reef[24]. Moreover, the LLH and the overlying massive gabbronorites are intruded by late
magnetite gabbro [25]. The Upper Layered Horizon (ULH) is situated about 3000 m above the base
of the intrusion and consists of two distinct parts with a total thickness of 300 m [26]. The lower part
is characterized by a 100 m-thick zone of interlayered norite, gabbronorite, and anorthosite, whereas
the upper part consists of cyclically interlayered olivine gabbronorite, troctolite, and anorthosite,
which is often referred to as the “Olivine Horizon”. The low-sulfide PGE mineralization is associated
with both parts of the ULH, but it does not form a continuous ore body. The most significant PGE
mineralization is hosted by the “South Reef, which occurs within the Main Anorthosite Layer,
representing the thickest anorthosite layer in the lower part of the ULH.
Figure 2. Simplified geological map of the West-Pana intrusion. Published U-Pb ages are shown in
green rectangles. Note that the intrusion was explored for PGE mainly along strike of the North and
South Reefs, but sub-economic to economic deposits were only discovered in the former.
Abbreviations: GNZ, Gabbronorite Zone. Modified after [3].
The 1017-m-thick Main Anorthosite Layer on the southern slope of Mt. Kamennik can be
traced for up to 2 km based on drilling and outcrop mapping. In contrast, the eastern portion of the
Main Anorthosite Layer at Mts. Suleypakhk and Kievey has a confirmed strike length of at least 10
km (Figures 2 and 3). The underlying lithology is a medium-grained gabbronorite (Figure 4A), and
the contact between the gabbronorite and the anorthosite is gradational (Figure 4B). The overlying
Figure 2.
Simplified geological map of the West-Pana intrusion. Published U-Pb ages are shown in
green rectangles. Note that the intrusion was explored for PGE mainly along strike of the North and
South Reefs, but sub-economic to economic deposits were only discovered in the former. Abbreviations:
GNZ, Gabbronorite Zone. Modified after [3].
The 10–17-m-thick Main Anorthosite Layer on the southern slope of Mt. Kamennik can be
traced for up to 2 km based on drilling and outcrop mapping. In contrast, the eastern portion
of the Main Anorthosite Layer at Mts. Suleypakhk and Kievey has a confirmed strike length of
at least 10 km (Figures 2and 3). The underlying lithology is a medium-grained gabbronorite
(Figure 4A), and the contact between the gabbronorite and the anorthosite is gradational (Figure 4B).
The overlying unit is composed of medium-grained, sometimes inequigranular gabbronorite that has
a sharp contact with the underlying anorthosite (Figure 4C–F). Locally, a discontinuous, 1–2-m-thick
norite layer occurs at the base of the overlying gabbronorite. These norites contain traces of PGE
mineralization
(<0.8 ppm Pd)
, as well as inequigranular gabbronorites associated with hornfels
Minerals 2019,9, 71 4 of 14
xenoliths (Figure 3) [
27
]. High-grade PGE mineralization with up to 33 ppm Pd is concentrated
in the uppermost two meters of the anorthosite layer and is known as the “South Reef” [8,11].
Minerals 2019, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 4 of 14
unit is composed of medium-grained, sometimes inequigranular gabbronorite that has a sharp
contact with the underlying anorthosite (Figure 4C–F). Locally, a discontinuous, 12-m-thick norite
layer occurs at the base of the overlying gabbronorite. These norites contain traces of PGE
mineralization (<0.8 ppm Pd), as well as inequigranular gabbronorites associated with hornfels
xenoliths (Figure 3) [27]. High-grade PGE mineralization with up to 33 ppm Pd is concentrated in
the uppermost two meters of the anorthosite layer and is known as the “South Reef” [8,11].
These “South Reef” anorthosites are coarse-grained cumulate rocks with a mottled texture,
containing some 75–98 vol. % plagioclase, intercumulus quartz, ortho-, and clino-pyroxene, as well
as secondary amphibole, biotite, epidote with minor amounts of chalcopyrite, bornite, millerite,
pentlandite, pyrrhotite, magnetite, and ilmenite. Accessory minerals include zircon, baddeleyite,
apatite, titanite, and rutile. More than three tens PGE and Au minerals occur in the mineralized
anorthosite[11,27]. The mottled texture of the anorthosite is defined by the local concentration of
plagioclase crystals in distinct areas (Figure 4C), whereas other parts are strongly affected by
autometamorphic processes, leading to the complete replacement of the initial intercumulus mineral
assemblages by secondary amphibole and epidote (Figure 4D). The mineralized anorthosite contains
2–5 vol. % disseminated sulfide (Figure 4E), mostly hosted by secondary epidote interstitial to
cumulus plagioclase (Figure 5A).
Figure 3. Simplified cross-section of the Main Anorthosite Layer from the West-Pana intrusion based
on internal data from JSC Pana. The South Reef is shown as a solid red line, whereas PGE
mineralization is indicated by red dotted lines. Note that the hornfels-hosted PGE mineralization
(Borehole 29) is traced up-dip in the inequigranular gabbronorites (Borehole 26). Maximum Pd
concentrations in drill core samples are shown in parentheses.
Figure 3.
Simplified cross-section of the Main Anorthosite Layer from the West-Pana intrusion based on
internal data from JSC Pana. The South Reef is shown as a solid red line, whereas PGE mineralization
is indicated by red dotted lines. Note that the hornfels-hosted PGE mineralization (Borehole 29) is
traced up-dip in the inequigranular gabbronorites (Borehole 26). Maximum Pd concentrations in drill
core samples are shown in parentheses.
Minerals 2019, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 5 of 14
Figure 4. Different rock types from the Main Anorthosite Layer and its host rocks (Borehole 30).
(A) Medium-grained gabbronorite from the footwall of the Main Anorthosite Layer (depth:
42.15–42.30 m). (B) Thirty centimeter-thick gradational lower contact of the Main Anorthosite Layer
(depth: 39.7–40.0 m). (C) Monomineralic anorthosite (depth: 33.20–33.35 m). (D) Mottled anorthosite
(depth: 29.45–29.6 m). (E) Mineralized anorthosite from the “South Reef”. The sample contains
2 ppm Au, 3 ppm Pt, and 33 ppm Pd, respectively. Note the replacement of interstitial minerals by
secondary epidote and sulfides (depth: 27.75–27.90 m). (F) Sharp upper contact (dashed line)
between anorthosite and the overlying medium-grained gabbronorite (depth: 26.30–26.45 m).
Figure 5. Back-scatter electron images of (A) finely-disseminated sulfides (light) intergrown with
epidote, replacing the intercumulus space in the mineralized anorthosite and (B) baddeleyite
rimmed by zircon hosted by chalcopyrite (Ccp). Abbreviations: Ep, epidote; Qz, quartz; Pl,
plagioclase.
Figure 4.
Different rock types from the Main Anorthosite Layer and its host rocks (Borehole
30). (
A
) Medium-grained gabbronorite from the footwall of the Main Anorthosite Layer (depth:
42.15–42.30 m). (
B
) Thirty centimeter-thick gradational lower contact of the Main Anorthosite Layer
(depth: 39.7–40.0 m)
. (
C
) Monomineralic anorthosite
(depth: 33.20–33.35 m)
. (
D
) Mottled anorthosite
(depth: 29.45–29.6 m)
. (
E
) Mineralized anorthosite from the “South Reef”. The sample contains 2 ppm
Au, 3 ppm Pt, and 33 ppm Pd, respectively. Note the replacement of interstitial minerals by secondary
epidote and sulfides (depth: 27.75–27.90 m). (
F
) Sharp upper contact (dashed line) between anorthosite
and the overlying medium-grained gabbronorite (depth: 26.30–26.45 m).
Minerals 2019,9, 71 5 of 14
These “South Reef” anorthosites are coarse-grained cumulate rocks with a mottled texture,
containing some 75–98 vol. % plagioclase, intercumulus quartz, ortho-, and clino-pyroxene, as well
as secondary amphibole, biotite, epidote with minor amounts of chalcopyrite, bornite, millerite,
pentlandite, pyrrhotite, magnetite, and ilmenite. Accessory minerals include zircon, baddeleyite,
apatite, titanite, and rutile. More than three tens PGE and Au minerals occur in the mineralized
anorthosite [
11
,
27
]. The mottled texture of the anorthosite is defined by the local concentration
of plagioclase crystals in distinct areas (Figure 4C), whereas other parts are strongly affected by
autometamorphic processes, leading to the complete replacement of the initial intercumulus mineral
assemblages by secondary amphibole and epidote (Figure 4D). The mineralized anorthosite contains
2–5 vol. % disseminated sulfide (Figure 4E), mostly hosted by secondary epidote interstitial to cumulus
plagioclase (Figure 5A).
Minerals 2019, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 5 of 14
Figure 4. Different rock types from the Main Anorthosite Layer and its host rocks (Borehole 30).
(A) Medium-grained gabbronorite from the footwall of the Main Anorthosite Layer (depth:
42.15–42.30 m). (B) Thirty centimeter-thick gradational lower contact of the Main Anorthosite Layer
(depth: 39.7–40.0 m). (C) Monomineralic anorthosite (depth: 33.20–33.35 m). (D) Mottled anorthosite
(depth: 29.45–29.6 m). (E) Mineralized anorthosite from the “South Reef”. The sample contains
2 ppm Au, 3 ppm Pt, and 33 ppm Pd, respectively. Note the replacement of interstitial minerals by
secondary epidote and sulfides (depth: 27.75–27.90 m). (F) Sharp upper contact (dashed line)
between anorthosite and the overlying medium-grained gabbronorite (depth: 26.30–26.45 m).
Figure 5. Back-scatter electron images of (A) finely-disseminated sulfides (light) intergrown with
epidote, replacing the intercumulus space in the mineralized anorthosite and (B) baddeleyite
rimmed by zircon hosted by chalcopyrite (Ccp). Abbreviations: Ep, epidote; Qz, quartz; Pl,
plagioclase.
Figure 5.
Back-scatter electron images of (
A
) finely-disseminated sulfides (light) intergrown with
epidote, replacing the intercumulus space in the mineralized anorthosite and (
B
) baddeleyite rimmed
by zircon hosted by chalcopyrite (Ccp). Abbreviations: Ep, epidote; Qz, quartz; Pl, plagioclase.
Moreover, the stratigraphic position of the “South Reef” PGE mineralization appears to be
unrelated to changes in the mineral composition of cumulus rock-forming minerals, whereas
the position of the “North Reef” coincides with a distinct increase in the anorthite content of
plagioclase [9,28,29]
. Unlike the barren anorthosite with unzoned plagioclase, the mineralized
anorthosites of the “South Reef” are characterized by pronounced zonation of cumulus plagioclase,
showing distinct brown rims that have a similar compositions to plagioclase rims from the overlying
cumulate [
9
]. Furthermore, the composition of braggite and vysotskite from the “South Reef” indicates
that the crystallization temperature of these minerals is about 750
C, which is well below the
crystallization temperature of these minerals from other deposits across the Fedorova-Pana Complex
(830–920
C) [
30
]. Thus, several lines of evidence indicate that the low-sulfide PGE mineralization of
the “South Reef” is secondary in nature, either post-magmatic or locally remobilized, but the source
and processes leading to sulfide concentration in the uppermost portion of the anorthosite layer
remain unknown.
3. Materials and Methods
Three drill cores (26, 29, 30) intersecting the Main Anorthosite Layer were used for this study
(JSC Pana, 2012–2013). A detailed overview of the petrography and mineral chemistry of the Main
Anorthosite Layer is given in [9,11,12,26].
About 30 zircon grains with a size of 50–250
µ
m were separated from sample BG29 (~10 kg;
Borehole 29 in Figure 3) using the methodology described in [
31
]. The zircon textures were investigated
using optical microscopy, cathodoluminescence (CL), and back-scatter electron (BSE) images (Figure 6).
The CL and BSE imaging were performed on a CamScan MX2500 scanning electron microscope
equipped with a CLI/QUA2 system at the Centre of Isotopic Research of the Russian Geological
Research Institute (CIR VSEGEI) in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Minerals 2019,9, 71 6 of 14
Minerals 2019, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 6 of 14
Moreover, the stratigraphic position of the “South Reef” PGE mineralization appears to be
unrelated to changes in the mineral composition of cumulus rock-forming minerals, whereas the
position of the “North Reef” coincides with a distinct increase in the anorthite content of plagioclase
[9,28,29]. Unlike the barren anorthosite with unzoned plagioclase, the mineralized anorthosites of
the “South Reefare characterized by pronounced zonation of cumulus plagioclase, showing
distinct brown rims that have a similar compositions to plagioclase rims from the overlying
cumulate [9]. Furthermore, the composition of braggite and vysotskite from the “South Reef
indicates that the crystallization temperature of these minerals is about 750 °C, which is well below
the crystallization temperature of these minerals from other deposits across the Fedorova-Pana
Complex (830920 °C) [30]. Thus, several lines of evidence indicate that the low-sulfide PGE
mineralization of the “South Reef” is secondary in nature, either post-magmatic or locally
remobilized, but the source and processes leading to sulfide concentration in the uppermost portion
of the anorthosite layer remain unknown.
3. Materials and Methods
Three drill cores (26, 29, 30) intersecting the Main Anorthosite Layer were used for this study
(JSC Pana, 2012–2013). A detailed overview of the petrography and mineral chemistry of the Main
Anorthosite Layer is given in [9,11,12,26].
About 30 zircon grains with a size of 50–250 μm were separated from sample BG29 (~10 kg;
Borehole 29 in Figure 3) using the methodology described in [31]. The zircon textures were investigated
using optical microscopy, cathodoluminescence (CL), and back-scatter electron (BSE) images (Figure 6).
The CL and BSE imaging were performed on a CamScan MX2500 scanning electron microscope
equipped with a CLI/QUA2 system at the Centre of Isotopic Research of the Russian Geological
Research Institute (CIR VSEGEI) in St. Petersburg, Russia.
The analyses of U-Pb isotope ratios in zircon were carried out on a SHRIMP-II secondary-ion
mass spectrometer at CIR VSEGEI using the method outlined in [32,33]. The intensity of the primary
molecular oxygen beam was 4 nA; the size of the sampling crater was 20 × 25 μm with a depth of 2
μm. Correction for non-radiogenic Pb was carried out using the measured 204Pb and the modern
isotopic composition of Pb from [34]. The data processing was conducted using the software SQUID
1 [35], including concordia age calculation. The analytical results are shown in Table 1.
Figure 6. Images of different zircons from Sample BG29. (A) Cathodoluminescence (CL) images.
(B) BSE images. Crosshairs on grains and Arabic numerals correspond to the points of analyses in
Table 1; Roman numerals show zircon groups.
Figure 6.
Images of different zircons from Sample BG29. (
A
) Cathodoluminescence (CL) images.
(
B
) BSE images. Crosshairs on grains and Arabic numerals correspond to the points of analyses in
Table 1; Roman numerals show zircon groups.
The analyses of U-Pb isotope ratios in zircon were carried out on a SHRIMP-II secondary-ion
mass spectrometer at CIR VSEGEI using the method outlined in [
32
,
33
]. The intensity of the primary
molecular oxygen beam was 4 nA; the size of the sampling crater was 20
×
25
µ
m with a depth of
2
µ
m. Correction for non-radiogenic Pb was carried out using the measured
204
Pb and the modern
isotopic composition of Pb from [
34
]. The data processing was conducted using the software SQUID
1 [35], including concordia age calculation. The analytical results are shown in Table 1.
Minerals 2019,9, 71 8 of 14
4. Results of Zircon Imaging and U-Pb SHRIMP Dating
The studied set of zircons is relatively heterogeneous and can be divided into two distinct groups
based on age, morphology, texture, and composition (Figure 6). The analytical results of the U-Pb
isotope dating are given in Table 1and plotted in the concordia diagram in Figure 7.
Minerals 2019, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 8 of 14
4. Results of Zircon Imaging and U-Pb SHRIMP Dating
The studied set of zircons is relatively heterogeneous and can be divided into two distinct
groups based on age, morphology, texture, and composition (Figure 6). The analytical results of the
U-Pb isotope dating are given in Table 1 and plotted in the concordia diagram in Figure 7.
The first group of zircons (eight grains: 1–5, 7, 9, 10) comprises fragments of large columnar
crystals, showing a weak zonation in CL images. Most of these zircons have a low discordance
(Table 1).Three of them (7, 9, 10) have a discordance close to zeroand plot on the concordia with a
calculated age of 2509 ± 10 Ma (including decay constant errors; MSWD = 0.42; concordance
probability is 0.52). Three relatively discordant zircon grains of this group (1, 2, 5) together with
concordant zircons form a discordia, which includes the ID-TIMS multi-grain zircon analysis P6-3
(Figure 7). This data point was taken from a previous study and represents a zircon from the same
lithology [13]. The upper intercept age of the resulting composite discordia (n = 9) is 2509.4 ± 6.2 Ma
(MSWD = 0.52), whereas the lower intercept corresponds to an age of 343 ± 120 Ma.
The second group of zircon is represented by two grains (6, 8): the first grain strongly resembles
zircon from the first group in terms of morphology and internal texture, but due to its composition,
it was included in this group (cf. Th/U ratios in Table 1); the second zircon is elongated with a round
shape and shows distinct internal domaining (Figure 6). Figure 7 shows that these Group 2 zircons
form a discordia together with zircon (P6-2) and baddeleyite (P5-bd, P6-bd) from the same rocks
analyzed by ID-TIMS in a previous study [13]. The upper intercept age of this composite discordia is
2476 ± 13 Ma (MSWD = 0.71).
Figure 7. Concordia diagram for zircons separated from sample BG29 (coarse-grained anorthosite)
with zircon and baddeleyite data from samples P5 and P6 (italic). Green ellipses show zircon with
Figure 7.
Concordia diagram for zircons separated from sample BG29 (coarse-grained anorthosite)
with zircon and baddeleyite data from samples P5 and P6 (italic). Green ellipses show zircon with high
Th/U ratios (mainly 0.9–3.7); red ellipses represent zircon with low Th/U ratios (0.1–0.9); black ellipses
show zircon and baddeleyite (bd) from [
13
]. The dotted line shows the discordia exclusively based on
ID-TIMS data.
The first group of zircons (eight grains: 1–5, 7, 9, 10) comprises fragments of large columnar
crystals, showing a weak zonation in CL images. Most of these zircons have a low discordance
(Table 1).Three of them (7, 9, 10) have a discordance close to zeroand plot on the concordia with a
calculated age of 2509
±
10 Ma (including decay constant errors; MSWD = 0.42; concordance probability
is 0.52). Three relatively discordant zircon grains of this group (1, 2, 5) together with concordant zircons
form a discordia, which includes the ID-TIMS multi-grain zircon analysis P6-3 (Figure 7). This data
point was taken from a previous study and represents a zircon from the same lithology [
13
]. The upper
intercept age of the resulting composite discordia (n = 9) is 2509.4
±
6.2 Ma (MSWD = 0.52), whereas
the lower intercept corresponds to an age of 343 ±120 Ma.
The second group of zircon is represented by two grains (6, 8): the first grain strongly resembles
zircon from the first group in terms of morphology and internal texture, but due to its composition, it
was included in this group (cf. Th/U ratios in Table 1); the second zircon is elongated with a round
shape and shows distinct internal domaining (Figure 6). Figure 7shows that these Group 2 zircons
Minerals 2019,9, 71 9 of 14
form a discordia together with zircon (P6-2) and baddeleyite (P5-bd, P6-bd) from the same rocks
analyzed by ID-TIMS in a previous study [13]. The upper intercept age of this composite discordia is
2476 ±13 Ma (MSWD = 0.71).
5. Discussion
5.1. U-Pb Age of the Main Anorthosite Layer and Crystallization History of the West-Pana Intrusion
The existing U-Pb age of 2447
±
12 Ma for the Main Anorthosite Layer (Table 2) was determined
by multi-grain ID-TIMS on zircon and baddeleyite [
13
]. Since baddeleyite generally crystallizes as a
late-stage mineral in layered intrusions [
36
], this age was considered to indicate the crystallization
age of the anorthosite. Therefore, the Main Anorthosite Layer was interpreted to represent an
additional sill-like intrusion that was emplaced some 50 Ma after the crystallization of the West-Pana
intrusion [13,37].
Table 2. Published isotope U-Pb rock ages of the Fedorova-Pana Complex.
Intrusions Rock Type Age (Ma) Mineral References
Fedorova
gabbronorite min. 2485 ±9 4 Zrn, SD [38]
gabbronorite min. 2493 ±8 4 Zrn, SD [39]
orthopyroxenite 2526 ±6 4 Zrn, SD [38]
leucogabbro min. 2518 ±9 3 Zrn, SD [39]
leucogabbro 2515 ±12 4 Zrn, SD [39]
leucogabbro 2516 ±7 3 Zrn, SD [38]
leucogabbronorite 2507 ±11 6 Zrn, D [39]
West-Pana
norite 2497 ±3 4 Zrn, SD [38]
gabbronorite 2496 ±7 3 Zrn, D [38]
gabbronorite 2491 ±1.5 3 Zrn, D [13]
gabbronorite 2501.5 ±1.7 3 Zrn, C [16]
gabbro-pegmatite 2470 ±9 3 Zrn, DC [40]
magnetite gabbro 2498 ±5 3 Zrn, DC [13]
anorthosite 2447 ±12 3 Zrn + 2Bdy, DC [13]
East-Pana gabbro 2487 ±10 4 Zrn, SD [12]
gabbro-pegmatite 2464 ±12 2 Zrn + 2Bdy, SD [41]
C, concordant zircons; DC, discordant zircons with concordant zircon(s); D, discordant zircons;
SD, strongly-discordant zircons; min., mineralized. All errors are reported as 2σ.
Based on the U-Pb SHRIMP-II dating of zircon from the Main Anorthosite Layer, two stages in the
formation of the layer can be distinguished: (1) a magmatic stage and (2) a post-magmatic metasomatic
stage. The magmatic stage is mainly represented by zircons from the first group and characterized
by relatively high Th/U ratio, ranging from 0.9–3.7 (Table 1). Therefore, the calculated concordia age
of 2509
±
10 Ma and the slightly more precise upper intercept age of 2509.4
±
6.2 Ma most likely
represent the actual crystallization age of the anorthosite. In contrast, the second group of zircons
has lower Th/U ratios, ranging from 0.1–0.9 (Table 1) and belongs to the post-magmatic metasomatic
stage. Consequently, the upper intercept age of 2476
±
13 Ma records the autometasomatic overprint
of the anorthosites. It should be noted that late-stage baddeleyite in these anorthosites is unlikely to
be magmatic as it mostly occurs together with secondary amphibole, epidote, and with presumably
remobilized sulfide mineralization (Figure 5B), rather than with a typical magmatic interstitial mineral
assemblage. This may explain the large difference between the 2509.4
±
6.2 Ma age determined by
SHRIMP-II and the 2447
±
12 Ma ID-TIMS age for the same lithological unit. A potential mechanism
for the autometasomatic overprint of the anorthosites may have been the downward infiltration of
residual melts from the overlying gabbronoritic unit (Figure 3).
Geological relationships coupled with U-Pb dating of the Main Anorthosite Layer suggest that the
layer crystallized coevally with the adjacent rocks of the ULH, but earlier than the LLH and other rocks
from the lower portions of the West-Pana intrusion (Figures 2and 8). This conclusion is consistent with
available age dates from the layered series of the Fedorova intrusion that range from
2526–2507 Ma
,
Minerals 2019,9, 71 10 of 14
whereas the basal marginal series is younger with 2493–2485 Ma (Table 2), although secondary
overprinting may have obscured the actual crystallization ages. Notably, the Main Anorthosite Layer
shares many similarities with the Anorthosite zones in the Middle Banded Series of the Stillwater
Complex as these anorthosites are older than the underlying rock sequences, which also host the J-M
Reef. This was interpreted to suggest an out-of-sequence emplacement of the Stillwater Complex,
which could also apply to the Fedorova-Pana Complex [42].
Minerals 2019, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 10 of 14
Geological relationships coupled with U-Pb dating of the Main Anorthosite Layer suggest that
the layer crystallized coevally with the adjacent rocks of the ULH, but earlier than the LLH and other
rocks from the lower portions of the West-Pana intrusion (Figures 2 and 8). This conclusion is
consistent with available age dates from the layered series of the Fedorova intrusion that range from
2526–2507 Ma, whereas the basal marginal series is younger with 2493–2485 Ma (Table 2), although
secondary overprinting may have obscured the actual crystallization ages. Notably, the Main
Anorthosite Layer shares many similarities with the Anorthosite zones in the Middle Banded Series
of the Stillwater Complex as these anorthosites are older than the underlying rock sequences, which
also host the J-M Reef. This was interpreted to suggest an out-of-sequence emplacement of the
Stillwater Complex, which could also apply to the Fedorova-Pana Complex [42].
Figure 8. Overview of published U-Pb zircon (z) and baddeleyite (b) ages from different West-Pana
lithologies. See Table 2 for references; C, mean 207Pb/206Pb age or concordia age. Note that the upper
intercept age for magmatic zircon (z1) from the Main Anorthosite Layer (2509.4 ± 6.2 Ma) is older
than the mean 207Pb/206Pb age of the lower part of the intrusion (2501.5 ± 1.7 Ma, dark grey field),
potentially indicating that (1) the upper portion of the intrusion is older than the lower portion and (2) the
previous ID-TIMS date for this lithological unit (red error bar) did not record the actual crystallization
age.
In terms of the crystallization history of the West-Pana intrusion and its long duration based on
available age dating (Figure 8), this study shows that the geochronological questions are currently
far from being conclusively answered. More modern and reliable high-precision age dating is
needed to be able to resolve the entire crystallization history of not only the West-Pana intrusion, but
the Fedorova-Pana Complex as a whole (Table 2, Figure 8). Considering the results of this study, the
2470 ± 9 Ma age for the gabbro-pegmatite from the LLH should be regarded as an upper temporal
boundary for the crystallization of the intrusion (Figure 8). It appears, however, that this age most
likely records the timing of late- to post-magmatic overprinting rather than the actual timing of
emplacement, taking into account that high-precision dating of other large layered intrusions, such
as the Bushveld or Stillwater Complexes, suggest a much shorter duration of magmatism, lasting for
a few million years at most [15,42].
The main challenge associated with establishing a sound geochronological emplacement
history for the Fedorova-Pana Complex is the precise dating of different mineralized and
unmineralized lithologies from the Fedorova Tundra, the Northern Kamennik, and the Kievey
deposits using the same methodology. This may potentially show that all these PGE deposits belong
to the same mineral system and that they formed at the same time. These types of studies are
Figure 8.
Overview of published U-Pb zircon (z) and baddeleyite (b) ages from different West-Pana
lithologies. See Table 2for references; C, mean
207
Pb/
206
Pb age or concordia age. Note that the
upper intercept age for magmatic zircon (z
1
) from the Main Anorthosite Layer (2509.4
±
6.2 Ma) is
older than the mean
207
Pb/
206
Pb age of the lower part of the intrusion (2501.5
±
1.7 Ma, dark grey
field), potentially indicating that (1) the upper portion of the intrusion is older than the lower portion
and (2) the previous ID-TIMS date for this lithological unit (red error bar) did not record the actual
crystallization age.
In terms of the crystallization history of the West-Pana intrusion and its long duration based on
available age dating (Figure 8), this study shows that the geochronological questions are currently
far from being conclusively answered. More modern and reliable high-precision age dating is
needed to be able to resolve the entire crystallization history of not only the West-Pana intrusion,
but the Fedorova-Pana Complex as a whole (Table 2, Figure 8). Considering the results of this study,
the 2470 ±9 Ma age
for the gabbro-pegmatite from the LLH should be regarded as an upper temporal
boundary for the crystallization of the intrusion (Figure 8). It appears, however, that this age most likely
records the timing of late- to post-magmatic overprinting rather than the actual timing of emplacement,
taking into account that high-precision dating of other large layered intrusions, such as the Bushveld
or Stillwater Complexes, suggest a much shorter duration of magmatism, lasting for a few million
years at most [15,42].
The main challenge associated with establishing a sound geochronological emplacement history
for the Fedorova-Pana Complex is the precise dating of different mineralized and unmineralized
lithologies from the Fedorova Tundra, the Northern Kamennik, and the Kievey deposits using the
same methodology. This may potentially show that all these PGE deposits belong to the same mineral
system and that they formed at the same time. These types of studies are necessary and feasible as was
demonstrated for the PGE deposits of the Bushveld [15,43] and Stillwater Complexes [44].
Minerals 2019,9, 71 11 of 14
5.2. Implications for the Formation of the South Reef
The formation of the South Reef PGE mineralization hosted in the uppermost portions of the Main
Anorthosite Layer is one of the most important unresolved issues associated with the Fedorova-Pana
Complex. Immediately after the discovery of mineralized rocks, containing tens of ppm Pd, the South
Reef was considered to be highly prospective for further exploration [
8
]. Additional work on the South
Reef, however, showed that the continuity of the high-grade PGE mineralization was generally limited
to a few meters along strike of the Main Anorthosite Layer (cf. Boreholes 26 and 29 in Figure 3).
Based on the notion that the anorthosites in the West-Pana intrusion represented late sill-like
bodies [
13
,
36
] and the presence of PGE-enriched rocks in the overlying and underlying gabbronoritic
units [
12
], it was assumed that the PGEs were derived from the older gabbronorites that initially
contained low-grade PGE mineralization. Upon intrusion of the anorthosites, this low-grade PGE
mineralization was assimilated and enriched in the uppermost portions of the Main Anorthosite
Layer [37].
The results of this study indicate that the anorthosites likely represent a regular part of the
stratigraphy of West-Pana rather than late sill-like intrusions. This is further supported by the
gradational lower contact of the anorthosite layer, which is characterized by progressively-increasing
modal abundances of plagioclase (Figure 4B). Moreover, the anorthite content of cumulus plagioclase
from the host gabbronorites and the anorthosite ranges from 73–75 mol. %, showing little variation
across the contact [
9
]. It appears that the underlying gabbronorites together with the anorthosite
represent the same cyclic unit of the ULH, while the overlying gabbronorites defines the base of
another cyclic unit. The most likely source of the high-grade PGE mineralization hosted by the South
Reef is the overlying gabbronoritic unit, which contains low-grade PGE mineralization associated
with hornfels xenoliths, inequigranular gabbronorites, and norites. Two processes can be envisaged as
potential mechanisms for the concentration of PGE in the anorthosite layer: (1) downward percolation
of sulfide liquid from the overlying gabbronoritic magma into the uppermost portion of the anorthosite
layer or (2) secondary redistribution of PGEs, which may coincide with the younger ages recorded by
post-magmatic zircon and baddeleyite. The typical magmatic sulfide assemblage and the relatively
high IPGE/PPGE ratios, however, argue strongly against a secondary origin of the mineralization.
Assuming that the most significant PGE enrichments in the Kola Region are associated with
additional intrusions of sulfide-saturated and somewhat PGE-enriched magmas, as suggested for the
Monchegorsk Complex [
45
,
46
] and the Fedorova intrusion [
1
], it is likely that the gabbronorites,
overlying the Main Anorthosite Layer, also formed as a result of a late-stage intrusion of
sulfide-saturated, PGE-enriched magma into the pre-existing cumulate pile. Further evidence for this
mechanism is provided by the presence of a thin, discontinuous norite layer, as well as abundant
hornfels xenoliths directly above the anorthosite layer (Figure 3). This late-stage intrusion may have led
to the infiltration of PGE-enriched sulfide melt into the interstitial space of the underlying anorthosite
cumulates [
47
,
48
], somewhat similar to contact-style sulfide mineralization, infiltrating basement
lithologies that are in direct contact with the intrusion [46,49].
6. Concluding Remarks
The mineralized Main Anorthosite Layer is a plagioclase-rich cumulate that belongs to the cyclical
Upper Layered Horizon of the West-Pana intrusion. The layer representing a leucocratic part of the
cycle is overlain by slightly PGE-enriched gabbronorites of the next cyclic unit, which is characterized
by abundant hornfels xenoliths and a discontinuous basal norite layer.
U-Pb SHRIMP-II dating of magmatic zircon with relatively high Th/U (0.9 to 3.7) from the
anorthosite layer gives an upper intercept age of 2509.4
±
6.2 Ma (2
σ
) and a concordia age of
2509 ±10 Ma
. The anorthosite and the related rocks of the Upper Layered Horizon are generally
older than the lower portions of the West-Pana intrusion, suggesting an out-of-sequence emplacement
of the intrusion. Secondary baddeleyite and zircon with relatively low Th/U (0.1–0.9) from the
same anorthosite layer that were previously analyzed by multi-grain ID-TIMS yielded a significantly
Minerals 2019,9, 71 12 of 14
younger age of 2476
±
13 Ma. Our study indicates that this age does not record the actual timing of
emplacement, but a secondary, post-magmatic alteration event.
Author Contributions:
Conceptualization, N.Y.G. and B.K.; investigation, N.Y.G.; writing, original draft
preparation, N.Y.G.; writing, review and editing, B.K.
Funding:
This research was carried out under the scientific theme No. 0226-2019-0053 and was partly funded by
the Russian Foundation for Basic Research (RFBR projects 15-35-20501, 16-05-00367).
Acknowledgments:
The authors thank A.U. Korchagin and JSC Pana for the drilling and assay data; L.I. Koval
for help with zircon separation; N.V. Rodionov and CIR VSEGEI for conducting SHRIMP analyses; A.V. Antonov
and E.E. Savchenko for BSE imaging; T.V. Rundquist for discussions of the results; and the anonymous reviewers
for constructive criticism that improved the quality of the manuscript.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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... It is the youngest age among those obtained for the Fedorovo-Pansky Complex rocks [24,35]. Yet, recent analyses based on studies of a drill sample from boreholes and the U-Pb study of zircons using the SHRIMP-II allowed determining a more ancient age of the ULH anorthosites, i.e., 2509.4 ± 6.2 Ma [46]. The Fedorovo-Pansky complex is bordered by the Paleoproterozoic Imandra-Varzuga rift and Archaean Keivy terrain. ...
... It is the youngest age among those obtained for the Fedorovo-Pansky Complex rocks [24,35]. Yet, recent analyses based on studies of a drill sample from boreholes and the U-Pb study of zircons using the SHRIMP-II allowed determining a more ancient age of the ULH anorthosites, i.e., 2509.4 ± 6.2 Ma [46]. ...
... From the literature, the U-Pb age (in baddeleyite) of these anorthosites is 2447 ± 12 Ma [24]. Yet, recent analyses based on studies of a drill sample of boreholes from the main anorthosite layer (MAL) and the U-Pb study of zircons using the SHRIMP-II allowed determining an older age for the ULH anorthosites, i.e., 2509.4 ± 6.2 Ma [46]. Nowadays, the age of the upper-layered horizon anorthosites (or the main anorthosite layer) remains contentious and requires further study. ...
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This paper continues the Sm-Nd isotope geochronological research carried out at the two largest Paleoproterozoic ore complexes of the northeastern Baltic Shield, i.e., the Cu-Ni-Cr Monchegorsk and the Pt-Pd Fedorovo-Pansky intrusions. These economically significant deposits are examples of layered complexes in the northeastern part of the Fennoscandian Shield. Understanding the stages of their formation and transformation helps in the reconstruction of the long-term evolution of ore-forming systems. This knowledge is necessary for subsequent critical metallogenic and geodynamic conclusions. We applied the Sm-Nd method of comprehensive age determination to define the main age ranges of intrusion. Syngenetic ore genesis occurred 2.53–2.85 Ga; hydrothermal metasomatic ore formation took place 2.70 Ga; and the injection of additional magma batches occurred 2.44–2.50 Ga. The rock transformation and redeposited ore formation at 2.0–1.9 Ga corresponded to the beginning of the Svecofennian events, widely presented on the Fennoscandian Shield. According to geochronological and Nd-Sr isotope data, rocks of the Monchegorsk and the Fedorovo-Pansky complexes seemed to have an anomalous mantle source in common with Paleoproterozoic layered intrusions of the Fennoscandian Shield (enriched with lithophile elements, εNd values vary from −3.0 to +2.5 and ISr 0.702–0.705). The data obtained comply with the known isotope-geochemical and geochronological characteristics of ore-bearing layered intrusions in the northeastern Baltic Shield. An interaction model of parental melts of the Fennoscandian layered intrusions and crustal matter shows a small level of contamination within the usual range of 5–10%. However, the margins of the Monchetundra massif indicate a much higher level of crustal contamination caused by active interaction of parental magmas and host rock.
... In contrast to the well-known continuous Merensky and UG-2 reefs in the Bushveld complex [10] and the J-M reef in the Stillwater massif [11], the PGE zone B extends for 17 km along scattered mineralization points found in eluvium and is not always confirmed in drill holes. Many mineralized levels of the Fennoscandian layered intrusions are discontinuous and have similar characteristics: e.g., the FT-1 and FT-2 reefs in the Fedorova intrusion [12,13], the South Reef, and the extremely PGE-rich discontinuous sulfide zones of the Olivine Horizon in the West Pana massif [14,15], as well pyrrhotite; platinum group minerals (PGM) and noble metal minerals are represented by moncheite, kotulskite, merenskyite, electrum and, to a lesser extent, by cooperite and isoferroplatinum [21]. [6,22]. ...
... Based on this theoretical approach, these researchers proposed to allocate independent massifs as part of the FPC: Fedorova, Lastyavr, and West and East Pana (Figure 1). At the same time, the isotopic age of intrusion of various phases ranges from 2526 ± 6 (orthopyroxenites) to 2485 ± 9 (gabbronorites) Ma for the Fedorova massif [47]; for the West Pana massif, from 2491 ± 1.5 (gabbronorites) to 2509 ± 6.2 (anorthosites) Ma [15,37]; and for the East Pana massif, from 2464 ± 12 (gabbro-pegmatites) to 2487 ± 10 (gabbro) Ma [41,48]. ...
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The East Pana intrusion is a part of the Paleoproterozoic Fedorova–Pana complex (FPC), which belongs to the group of Fennoscandian layered mafic–ultramafic massifs. This article discusses the magmatic stratification of the East Pana intrusion, as well as Cu-Ni and platinum-group elements (PGE) mineralization (PGE zones A, B and C) in its various parts with a total length of more than 20 km, including the East Chuarvy PGE deposit. Based on the whole-rock data on the distribution of major, trace, and ore-forming elements, it is assumed that PGE zone A belongs to the main ore–magmatic system of the FPC, while PGE zones B and C belong to the minor ore–magmatic systems. At the same time, additional magmatic injection played an important role in the formation of economic Cu-Ni-PGE mineralization (PGE zone B), characterized by high PGE concentrations and moderate palladium enrichment. On the normalized distribution spectra of trace elements, the crystallization products of this injection (Gabbronorite Zone 2) have a positive Zr-Hf anomaly, which distinguishes it from host rocks with an anomaly of the opposite sign (Gabbronorite Zone 1, Gabbro Zone). It is assumed that this portion of magma was intruded as a sill of crystal mush, the fractionation of which at depth led to its enrichment with residual liquid.
... Construction mechanisms remain a controversial topic, with researchers debating whether layered intrusions are the product of large molten magma chambers or mushy systems constructed episodically through repeated sill injection. Key observations driving this debate include the lack of geophysical evidence for magma chambers in the upper crust (Cashman et al. 2017) and the fact that high-precision U-Pb zircon geochronology has revealed that some layers of the Bushveld, West-Pana, and Stillwater complexes are younger than overlying layers (Mungall et al. 2016;Groshev and Karykowski 2019;Scoates et al. 2021). Although there are several studies that infer the non-sequential construction of sill complexes (Marsh et al. 2003;Wilson et al. 2016;Smith et al. 2021) and layered intrusions (Harker 1909;Mitchell and Scoon 2012;Hepworth et al. 2018;2020;Yao et al. 2021) on other grounds, it remains uncertain as to whether ages derived from geochronology of zircon and baddeleyite hosted in long-lived and (possibly) once mushy layers are truly representative of their host rock crystallization ages (Latypov and Chistyakova 2022). ...
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Layered intrusions are plutonic bodies of cumulates that form by the crystallization of mantle-derived melts. These intrusions are characterized by igneous layering distinguishable by shifts in mineralogy, texture, or composition. Layered intrusions have been fundamental to our understanding of igneous petrology; however, it is their status as important repositories of critical metals-such as platinum-group elements, chromium, and va-nadium-that has predominantly driven associated research in recent decades. Many layered intrusions were emplaced during the Precambrian, predominantly at the margins of ancient cratons during intervals of super-continent accretion and destruction. It appears that large, layered intrusions require rigid crust to ensure their preservation, and their geometry and layering is primarily controlled by the nature of melt emplacement. Layered intrusions are best investigated by integrating observations from various length-scales. At the macroscale, intrusion geometries can be discerned, and their presence understood in the context of the regional geology. At the mesoscale, the layering of an intrusion may be characterized, intrusion-host rock contact relationships studied, and the nature of stratiform mineral occurrences described. At the microscale, the mineralogy and texture of cumulate rocks and any mineralization are elucidated, particularly when novel microtextural and mineral chemical datasets are integrated. For example, here we demonstrate how mesoscale observations and microscale datasets can be combined to understand the petrogenesis of the perplexing snowball oiks outcrop located in the Upper Banded Series of the Stillwater Complex. Our data suggest that the ortho-pyroxene oikocrysts did not form in their present location, but rather formed in a dynamic magma chamber where crystals were transported either by convective currents or within crystal-rich slurries. Critical metals may be transported to the level of a nascent intrusion as dissolved components in the melt. Alternatively, ore minerals are entrained from elsewhere in a plumbing system, potentially facilitated by volatile-rich phases. There are many ore-forming processes propounded by researchers to occur at the level of emplacement; however, each must address the arrival of the ore mineral, its concentration of metals, and its accumulation into orebodies. In this contribution, several of these processes are described as well as our perspectives on the future of layered intrusion research.
... The former probably has the oldest U-Pb age of zircon in the Fedorova-Pana Complex, equal to 2509.4±6.2 Ma [44]. Figure 2). ...
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This paper presents petrography, EDS, LA-ICP-MS, and Raman spectroscopy data characterizing mineral associations and composition of apatite group minerals from anorthosites of the Kievey deposit, North PGE Reef, Fedorova-Pana Complex, Russia. The mineralized coarse-grained anorthosite belongs to the most common rock type of the main ore body and hosts irregular interstitial sulfide dissemination of 5–7 vol. %. Apatite in the anorthosite forms a) euhedral grains included in the marginal parts of cumulus plagioclase laths, and b) xenomorphic grains associated with intercumulus minerals. The composition of apatite evolves along a narrow trend from fluorapatite to hydroxylapatite. The F content in apatite reaches 2.21 wt. %; the maximum Sr and REE concentration is 257 and 5623 ppm respectively, while the average ratio of La/YbN=11.78, Sr/Sr*=0.01, and Eu/Eu*=0.06. Compared to classic PGE reefs in layered intrusions such as Bushveld in South Africa and Stillwater in the United States, the mineralized anorthosite is distinguished by apatite with an unusual low chlorine concentration of only 0.46 wt. %. One of suggested reason of this difference is percolating nature of sulfide liquid which has not been enriched in PGE in situ.
... There are economically significant, especially the deposits containing critical raw materials, such as PGE, Ti, Co, and V ( Figure 1). There are major Cu-Ni-Cr deposits in the Monchegorsk ore district [21][22][23][24] and Pechenga [25][26][27][28], Kolvitsa Fe-Ti-V deposit [29,30], PGE-bearing Fedorovo-Pansky complex [4,5,[31][32][33], and Burakovsky intrusion [34], and Cu-Ni-PGE deposits in Finland, i.e., Kemi [24,35], Penikat [36], Portimo [37], Akanvaara, Koitelainen [38], Tornio [37], etc. ...
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The effect of enrichment with Nd in sulfides from magmatic Cu-Ni-PGE complexes and sulfide ores from hydrothermal Pb-Zn, Au-Mo, and gold deposits was found and characterized. This paper concerns the report and analysis of isotopic geochemical data on the sulfide ores from the large Paleoproterozoic mafic–ultramafic magmatic Cu-Ni-PGE complexes of Fennoscandia and the literature data on sulfide ores from the Qingchengzi Pb-Zn deposit (northeastern China), Tokuzbay gold deposit (southern Altai, northwestern China), and Dahu Au-Mo deposit (central China). The mineral/rock partition coefficients for Nd and Sm (the DNd/DSm ratio) are defined as a prospective tool for the reconstruction of the sulfide mineral formation and geochemical substantiation of possible sources of ore-forming fluids for deposits of various genetic types. The observed selective Nd accumulation indicates either hydrothermal or metamorphic (metasomatic) impact, which is associated with increased Nd mobility and its migration or diffusion. Due to this process, there is a relative Nd accumulation in comparison with Sm and a consequent increase in the DNd/DSm ratio. At the isotopic system level, this leads to a sufficient decrease in the Sm/Nd ratio for the secondary sulfides of such kind. The revealed effect may serve as an isotopic geochemical marker of recent processes. These processes are quite frequently associated with the most important ore formation stages, which bear the commercially valuable concentrations of ore components. Sulfides from magmatic Cu-Ni-PGE complexes are more characterized by the selective accumulation of Nd in the sequential sulfide mineral formation. For sulfides from hydrothermal deposits, the effect of Nd enrichment is more intense and closely related to ore-forming fluids, under the influence of which sulfide mineralization is formed in multiple stages. The study aims at expanding the knowledge about fractionation and the behavior of lanthanides in ore-forming processes and allows the development of additional criteria for the evaluation of the ore potential of deposits with different geneses, ages, and formation conditions.
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This paper presents the results of a Sm-Nd study of sulfide minerals and whole-rock samples from Cu-Ni-PGE layered complexes of the Fennoscandian Shield. Syngenetic (early) and epigenetic (late) sulfides were analyzed in each complex using the Sm-Nd method. Late sulfide minerals with low Sm/Nd values (the 147Sm/144Nd ratio is often in the range of 0.02–0.07) are associated with an increased mobility of Nd relative to Sm, resulting in a relative excess of Nd compared to Sm in these sulfides. Simultaneously, early sulfides, which are deposited during the magmatic stage of ore formation, typically exhibit higher Sm/Nd values (the 147Sm/144Nd ratio is frequently above 0.07). Additionally, Sm-Nd isotope data for sulfide minerals were used to date ore-forming processes in two Cu-Ni-PGE complexes—Nyud-II (Monchegorsk area, Russia) and Ahmavaara (Finland). The Sm-Nd ages of syngenetic and metamorphic ore from these complexes were determined. Syngenetic ores formed at 2496 ± 36 Ma (Nyud-II) and 2441 ± 93 Ma (Ahmavaara), while metamorphic ores formed at 1940 ± 32 Ma (Nyud-II) and 1904 ± 24 Ma (Ahmavaara). Thus, Sm-Nd isochrons yield the timing of sulfide mineralization and its relationship with the ages of the rocks containing it, while Sm/Nd ratios in sulfides help understand the processes of ore formation. A comprehensive analysis of the full isotopic dataset (this study and other published data) showed the potential of using Sm-Nd isotope data to trace the sequence of sulfide mineralization, which has been confirmed for some hydrothermal deposits. However, this sequence has not been confirmed for magmatic sulfides; this opens up the possibility for further research.
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This paper presents petrography, X-ray electron probe energy-dispersive (EDS), laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), and Raman spectroscopy data to characterize the mineral associations and composition of apatite group minerals from anorthosites of the Kievey deposit, North platinum group-element (PGE) Reef, Fedorova-Pana Complex, Kola Peninsula, Russia. The mineralized coarse-grained anorthosite belongs to the most common rock type of the main ore body, and hosts irregular interstitial sulfide disseminations of 5–7 vol.%. Apatite in the anorthosite occurs as (a) euhedral grains included in the marginal parts of cumulus plagioclase laths, and (b) xenomorphic grains associated with intercumulus minerals. The composition of apatite evolves along a narrow trend from fluorapatite to hydroxylapatite. The F content of apatite reaches 2.21 wt.%; the maximum Sr and rare earth element (REE) concentrations are 257 and 5623 ppm, respectively, while the average ratio of La/YbN = 11.78, Sr/Sr* = 0.01, and Eu/Eu* = 0.06. Compared to classic PGE reefs in layered intrusions, such as Bushveld in South Africa and Stillwater in the United States, the mineralized anorthosite is distinguished by apatite with an unusually low chlorine concentration of only 0.46 wt.%. A suggested reason for this difference is the percolating nature of sulfide liquid, which has not been enriched in PGE in situ.
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The paper summarizes the present time available data on plagioclase composition through PGE reef sequences in the West-Pana intrusion, Kola Peninsula, NW Russia. The intrusion hosts two PGE-enriched levels with a strongly different economic potential. A lower level is known as “North Reef” and contains several deposits of low-sulfide Pt-Pd ores discovered in past decades whereas an upper “South Reef” level showing high-grade mineralization in some places does not have ore bodies. Comparing the variations of anorthite content in plagioclase through the North Reef with sharp changes from An 63 in the underlying unit to An 86 in the reef sequence with those in the South Reef (An 75 with no significant changes) it is suggested that the formation of the former directly corresponds with an early-magmatic process while the latter has a distinct late-magmatic genesis. Thus plagioclase can be considered as an indicator of the economic potential of PGE reef within the West-Pana intrusion and probably in other layered intrusions when it is necessary to choose the most promising mineralized level in the stratigraphy.
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The Lower Zone of the Bushveld Complex comprises an up to 2-km-thick package of different ultramafic rock types with an approx. 90-cm-thick, sulphide-bearing noritic interval that occurs in the western and eastern limbs. The distribution and geometry of the zone are highly variable across the Complex, showing pronounced, yet laterally discontinuous layering on different scales. Together with the ubiquitous lack of large-scale fractionation in the Mg# of orthopyroxene, variable Sr isotope compositions and erratic Pt/Pd ratios, these observations strongly suggest an emplacement of the Lower Zone as a sill complex, as these contrasting geochemical characteristics are difficult to account for in a large Bushveld magma chamber, as previously suggested. It is more likely that these sills were episodically fed from a sub-Bushveld staging chamber, and variably contaminated, while passing through the crust before their final emplacement in the Lower Zone. Detailed mineralogical and microtextural work based on high-resolution elemental mapping of a set of samples, covering the entire Lower Zone stratigraphy of the western Bushveld shows that the variations in the late crystallising interstitial mineral mode are different from what would be expected, if all phases crystallised from a fixed initial mass of interstitial liquid. The interstitial mineral mode, represented by plagioclase, clinopyroxene and other late stage phases, shows variable ratios of these minerals ranging from ca. 21:15:64 to 75:17:8. In comparison to modelled expected ratios, most of the analysed rocks have higher amounts of early crystallising interstitial phases (e.g. plagioclase, clinopyroxene), relative to late crystallising phases (e.g. quartz, alkali feldspar). Therefore, interstitial melt must have migrated at different stages of fractionation during cumulate solidification, as a consequence of either compaction or displacement by convecting interstitial liquids. Two samples, however, show the opposite: late phases are relatively more abundant than early ones, which is consistent with a convection-driven replacement of primitive interstitial liquid by more evolved liquid. These results have important implications for the interpretation of the Lower Zone and, by extension, for layered intrusions in general: (1) interstitial sulphide mineralisation may be introduced into a cumulate through infiltrating melts, i.e. the liquid components of a sulphur-saturated crystal mush are not withheld from further migration, upon interaction with a cumulate pile; (2) most importantly, late stage minerals, such as zircon, rarely crystallise from trapped liquid that was initially in equilibrium with the cumulate. Therefore, dating of interstitial zircon from cumulates is unlikely to record the actual timing of emplacement, but merely the crystallisation of a later episode of residual melt that migrated through the cumulate.
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The Paleoproterozoic Monchegorsk Complex in northwest Russia represents one of the largest layered intrusions in Europe and hosts several examples of broadly stratiform platinum group element (PGE) mineralization at different stratigraphic levels of the intrusion that have been suggested to represent reef-style mineralization. The Sopcha reef occurs in the ultramafic lower portion of the complex and constitutes an up to 6-m-thick succession of layered, mineralized dunite, harzburgite, and olivine-orthopyroxenite, with peak grades of 3.4 ppm Pt + Pd and 1.1 wt % Ni. Another PGE occurrence is hosted by the leucogabbronoritic to anorthositic Vuruchuaivench intrusion, which represents part of the mafic upper portion of the Monchegorsk Complex. The disseminated sulfide mineralization reaches up to 7.3 ppm Pt + Pd and is concentrated in several lenticular bodies over a strike length of ~5 km, rather than in a laterally continuous reef as previously suggested. Moreover, our work identified a previously unreported minor enrichment in precious metals of up to 0.2 ppm Pt + Pd in leucogabbroic rocks of the Monchetundra intrusion, which represents the uppermost portion of the Monchegorsk Complex and belongs to the more than 60-km-long mafic Main Ridge. Detailed lithophile and chalcophile element data, coupled with mineral chemistry, indicate that the PGE mineralization at Sopcha and Vuruchuaivench does not represent classic reef-style mineralization, which is commonly narrow and marked by a sharp increase in Cu/Pd ratios, reflecting the in situ sulfide saturation within a large magma chamber. Instead, it is more likely that the Sopcha reef was emplaced as a crustally contaminated and sulfide-saturated, olivine-rich crystal mush that was sourced from a deeper chamber. The Sopcha mineralization is characterized by Pd/Pt > 5 and Pd/Ir > 55, similar to contact-style mineralization elsewhere in the complex, possibly suggesting a common origin of the sulfides. The mineralized Vuruchuaivench rocks have similar Pd/Pt but much higher Pd/Ir ratios of up to 600, whereas the unmineralized host rocks, below as well as above the mineralization, have Pd/Ir ratios <100 and Pd/Pt ratios <2. These data indicate that the PGE-rich sulfides did not segregate in situ from the same magma that crystallized the host gabbronorites and anorthosites at Vuruchuaivench. Considering R factor and sulfide fractionation modeling results, we suggest that the mineralized Vuruchuaivench rocks represent a sill-like intrusion of gabbroic crystal mushes, which have entrained fractionated sulfide liquid that is related to an earlier sulfide saturation event. In contrast, the mineralized leucogabbroic rocks from the Monchetundra intrusion are characterized by a sharp increase in Cu/Pd ratios, which is consistent with a classic PGE reef model, in which sulfide saturation was triggered in situ by extensive fractionation and possibly affected the entire magma chamber. Furthermore, the Pd/Ir and Pd/Pt ratios of the mineralized horizon are distinctly lower at <66 and <1 in comparison to all other types of mineralization in the Monchegorsk Complex. The potential of this mineralization style elsewhere in the Main Ridge remains to be evaluated.
Article
The Neoarchean Stillwater Complex, one of the world's largest known layered intrusions and host to a rich platinum-group element deposit known as the J-M Reef, represents one of the cornerstones for the study of magmatic processes in the Earth's crust. A complete framework for crystallization of the Stillwater Complex is presented based on the trace element geochemistry of zircon and comprehensive U-Pb zircon-baddeleyite-titanite-rutile geochronology of 22 samples through the magmatic stratigraphy. Trace element concentrations and ratios in zircon are highly variable and support crystallization of zircon from fractionated interstitial melt at near-solidus temperatures in the ultramafic and mafic cumulates (Ti-in-zircon thermometry=980-720°C). U-Pb geochronological results indicate that the Stillwater Complex crystallized over a ~3 million-year interval from 2712 Ma (Basal series) to 2709 Ma (Banded series); late-stage granophyres and at least one phase of post-emplacement mafic dikes also crystallized at 2709 Ma. The dates reveal that the intrusion was not constructed in a strictly sequential stratigraphic order from the base (oldest) to the top (youngest) such that the cumulate succession in the complex does not follow the stratigraphic law of superposition. Two distinct age groups are recognized in the Ultramafic series. The lowermost Peridotite zone, up to and including the G chromitite, crystallized at 2710 Ma from magmas emplaced below the overlying uppermost Peridotite and Bronzitite zones that crystallized earlier at 2711 Ma. Based on the age and locally discordant nature of the J-M Reef, the base of this sequence likely represents an intrusion-wide magmatic unconformity that formed during the onset of renewed and voluminous magmatism at 2709 Ma. The thick anorthosite units in the Middle Banded series are older (2710 Ma) than the rest of the Banded series, a feature consistent with a flotation cumulate or 'rockberg' model. The anorthosites are related to crystallization ofmafic and ultramafic rocks now preserved in the Ultramafic series and in the lower part of the Lower Banded series below the J-M Reef. The Stillwater Complex was constructed by repeated injections of magma that crystallized to produce a stack of amalgamated sills, some out-of-sequence, consequently it does not constitute the crystallized products of a progressively filled and cooled magma chamber. This calls into question current concepts regarding the intrusive and crystallization histories of major open-system layered intrusions and challenges us to rethink our understanding of the timescales of magma processes and emplacement in these large and petrologically significant and remarkable complexes. © The Author(s) 2018. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.
Article
The Paleoproterozoic Monchegorsk Complex, located in the Russian part of the Fennoscandian Shield, constitutes one of the largest mafic-ultramafic layered intrusions in Europe. The complex hosts extensive contact-style platinum group element-Ni-Cu sulfide mineralization along its margin, irrespective of the host lithology, which ranges from peridotite to pyroxenite and gabbronorite. The mineralized intervals reach up to 3 ppm Pt + Pd and attain a thickness of up to 50 m in the central portions of the intrusion, thinning toward the periphery. Our study shows that the key process controlling the size and grade of a contact-style deposit in the Mon-chegorsk Complex was the efficiency of sulfide collection in distinct zones of the intrusion. Strongly mineralized basal contacts are always associated with intense brecciation and the presence of large amounts of felsic pegmatite, suggesting a multistage emplacement of the mafic-ultramafic succession. Thermal modeling demonstrates that multiple episodes of magma influx are required to allow for significant partial melting of the basement. Moreover, the interaction between magma and basement led to the local addition of water and, potentially, carbon dioxide to the magma, resulting in local small-scale dissolution of cumulus phases and a reduction in viscosity of the interstitial melt. This increased the porosity of the mush in the vicinity of the lower intrusion contact, which promoted preferential sulfide liquid accumulation at the base, while the local decrease in magma viscosity facilitated gravitational settling of sulfide droplets. These factors led to an efficient collection of sulfide liquid, especially in the center of the complex, where permeability was maintained the longest due to slower cooling relative to more peripheral parts.
Article
For the first time zircons have been extracted from gabbro–norite of a lower layered horizon of the West Pana Massif in the Pt–Pd Kievei deposit of the Fedorov–Pana Layered Complex. Those zircons have been used for U–Pb dating along with Sm–Nd age determination on sulfide minerals. The obtained new isotopic data are a U–Pb zircon age of 2500 ± 4 Ma, while the Sm–Nd (mineral and whole-rock) isochron yielded 2483 ± 86 Ma. These results correspond to the first phase of the Pt–Pd reef complex formation in the Layered Complex. The Pt–Pd reef formation has been dated by U–Pb baddeleyite and zircon analyses in the East Pana Massif to 2464 ± 12 Ma. The 2485–2464 Ma time span corresponds to the second phase of the Pt–Pd reef formation in the Fedorov–Pana ore cluster.