NEW DATA ON THE PLATINUM POTENTIAL OF HYDROTHERMAL FORMATIONS IN THE UPPER AMUR REGION

Abstract

Until recently, industrial deposits of platinum group elements (PGE) were only recognized in two petrogenetic classes. The magmatic class included liquation, early magmatic, and late magmatic deposits. The sedimentary class was represented by placers. Recently, they have been complemented with industrial deposits of Pt and PGE of metamorphic and hydrothermal classes. Deposits in black shales and their metasomatic rocks (unconventional or complex Au–Pt deposits) have the highest Pt potential among these petrogenetic classes. Pt-bearing hydrothermal deposits are widespread in the upper Amur region. They have been explored over a long period and are characterized by significant resources.