Petrogenesis and mineralization potential of the Bradley Peak komatiitic basalts, Wyoming Province

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Abstract

The ca. 2.72 Ga Bradley Peak greenstone terrane in the Wyoming Province contains spinifex- and cumulate-textured komatiitic volcanic rocks that may host Ni-Cu-PGE sulfide mineralization. New whole rock geochemistry classifies these rocks as Al-undepleted komatiitic basalts derived from a parental melt with ~17 wt. % MgO. Isotopic data (Sm-Nd, Re-Os) and REE profiles suggest a plume source and possible assimilation of juvenile footwall volcanic rocks. Calculated sulfur concentrations at sulfide saturation and low-detection PGE geochemistry indicate these magmas did not saturate a sulfide liquid resulting in sulfide mineralization. Although the Bradley Peak komatiitic basalt flows are unlikely to host magmatic sulfide mineralization, they are likely the source of Au for regional orogenic gold deposits.

Publication type Conference Paper
Publication Subtype Conference Paper
Title Petrogenesis and mineralization potential of the Bradley Peak komatiitic basalts, Wyoming Province
Volume 2
Year Published 2025
Language English
Publisher Society of Geology Applied to Mineral Deposits
Contributing office(s) Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center
Description 4 p.
First page 615
Last page 618
Conference Title 18th SGA Biennial Meeting
Conference Location Golden, CO
Conference Date August 3-7, 2025
Country United States
State Wyoming
Other Geospatial Seminoe Mountains
Additional publication details