Magmatic Ni-Cu-PGE sulfide deposits develop through processes similar to other magmatic nickel-copper systems, but also contain economically important platinum-group elements (PGEs). Sulfide liquids can efficiently collect nickel, copper, cobalt, platinum, palladium, and related metals from silicate magma. The distribution of PGEs among sulfides and discrete PGE-bearing minerals can significantly affect resource evaluation and metallurgical performance.
The following Elements and Minerals may be found in this Deposit Type.
Mineral: Pentlandite - (Fe,Ni)₉S₈ - Pentlandite is part of the principal sulfide assemblage concentrated during processing; palladium may occur within major sulfides and/or in discrete PGE minerals.
Mineral: Chalcopyrite - CuFeS₂ - Chalcopyrite is part of the principal sulfide assemblage concentrated during processing; palladium may occur within major sulfides and/or in discrete PGE minerals.
Mineral: Pyrrhotite - Fe₁₋ₓS - Pyrrhotite is part of the principal sulfide assemblage concentrated during processing; palladium may occur within major sulfides and/or in discrete PGE minerals.
Mineral: Pentlandite - (Fe,Ni)₉S₈ - Pentlandite is part of the sulfide assemblage recovered to concentrate; platinum is commonly also present in discrete PGE minerals rather than being a major structural component of pentlandite.
Mineral: Chalcopyrite - CuFeS₂ - Chalcopyrite is part of the sulfide assemblage recovered to concentrate; platinum is commonly also present in discrete PGE minerals rather than being a major structural component of chalcopyrite.
Mineral: Pyrrhotite - Fe₁₋ₓS - Pyrrhotite is part of the sulfide assemblage recovered to concentrate; platinum is commonly also present in discrete PGE minerals rather than being a major structural component of pyrrhotite.