Hydrothermal footprints of magmatic nickel sulfide deposits

Summary

The role of arsenic has been highlighted as a carrier within hydrothermal fluids.

Under specific conditions, such as the presence of arsenic, hydrothermal fluids have the potential to remobilise Ni, Co and PGE, and produce a detectable halo around massive nickel sulfides. This halo can be detected using portable XRF analysers highlighting anomalous Ni and As concentrations, with low potential for false positive findings.

A protocol on the use and calibration of XRF for analyses on drill core was developed, making this new found geochemical exploration tool readily applicable in the core yard.

Keywords: nickel sulfides, arsenic, XRF analysis