PRECIOUS METAL MINERALIZATION IN LOW-SULFIDE ORES OF THE IOKO-DOVYREN LAYERED MASSIF, NORTHERN BAIKAL REGION

Abstract

The largest ore deposits of platinum group metals are assigned to the low-sulfide type. They are commonly confined to specific units (reefs) within large layered massifs (Bushveld, Stillwater, Great Dike, Fedorov-Panskii, Penikat, and others). Rocks of these units are characterized by maximal petrographic and mineralogical heterogeneity. Ore mineralization therein is characterized by a very low content of sulfide minerals, high concentrations of platinum group elements (PGEs), and an abundance of minerals with volatile components. The Pt-bearing unit recently revealed in the Ioko-Dovyren layered massif is a prominent example [1-4].