S.I. TURCHENKO (IPGG RAS), F.A. TURCHENKO (HSE University)

Cu-Ni-PGE resources of the Precambrian sulphide deposits: analytic review

Ore deposits, associated with ultramafic-mafic magmatism (henceforth ODUM) include nickel sulphide deposits containing copper, platinoids (PGE-platinum group elements) and minor gold. Platinoid-bearing oxide-silicate nickel laterite deposits, which formed during tropical weathering of ore-bearing ultramafic bodies are discussed for comparison. ODUM deposits were widespread during the Earth evolution in all continents.
Present-day trends in geological exploration for ore deposits in ultramafic-mafic igneous formations are comparable to the market value of mining operations for metals in the above-mentioned types of deposits. The estimation approach to the exploration of such ore deposits requires significant costs, especially considering their possible mining duration. It is necessary to create special evaluative analytic reviews for metal resources in ore-bearing structures and reserves in particular ore deposits.
Keywords: Precambrian ore deposits (Cu, Ni, Pt, Pd), ultramafic-mafic magmatism, analytic review, geologic explorations.