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Hydrothermal gold mineralization in the Witwatersrand basin

Author

Listed:
  • A. C. Barnicoat

    (University of Leeds)

  • I. H. C. Henderson

    (University of Leeds)

  • R. J. Knipe

    (University of Leeds)

  • B. W. D. Yardley

    (University of Leeds)

  • R. W. Napier

    (University of Leeds
    QUAD Consulting Ltd, The Courtyard)

  • N. P. C. Fox

    (Anglo-American Prospecting Services)

  • A. K. Kenyon

    (Anglo-American Prospecting Services)

  • D. J. Muntingh

    (Anglo-American Prospecting Services)

  • D. Strydom

    (Anglo-American Prospecting Services)

  • K. S. Winkler

    (Anglo-American Prospecting Services)

  • S. R. Lawrence

    (QUAD Consulting Ltd, The Courtyard)

  • C. Cornford

    (IGI Ltd)

Abstract

The origin of the gold mineralization in the Witwaterstrand basin of South Africa—the largest known gold province—has been controversial for decades, with arguments favouring detrital1,2 (placer), modified placer3,4 and hydrothermal5,6 origins. Here we present the results of an extensive geological study of Witwatersrand rocks which show that the gold (and associated uranium) mineralization is hydrothermal in origin and postdates a regional high-temperature alteration event. Alteration processes identified on a small scale can be mapped out regionally as roughly strata-bound zones of acid metasomatism extending far into the basin: the fluid flow responsible for this alteration was concentrated in small-scale structures localized along lithological boundaries. We find that the gold precipitated as a consequence of interactions of the fluid with shale-derived hydrocarbons present within the basin.

Suggested Citation

  • A. C. Barnicoat & I. H. C. Henderson & R. J. Knipe & B. W. D. Yardley & R. W. Napier & N. P. C. Fox & A. K. Kenyon & D. J. Muntingh & D. Strydom & K. S. Winkler & S. R. Lawrence & C. Cornford, 1997. "Hydrothermal gold mineralization in the Witwatersrand basin," Nature, Nature, vol. 386(6627), pages 820-824, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:386:y:1997:i:6627:d:10.1038_386820a0
    DOI: 10.1038/386820a0
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