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Sources and Evolution of Sulfur Isotopic Composition of Sulfides of the Kharaelakh and Pyasino–Vologochan Intrusions, Norilsk Ore Region

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Abstract—

The paper discusses a problem of the source of sulfide sulfur in economic ore-bearing intrusions of the Norilsk type and less ore-bearing (subeconomic resources) intrusions of the Zub type of the Norilsk Complex. The data of previous studies indicate the relatively homogenous S isotopic composition of ore-bearing intrusions with a general enrichment in heavy (34S) isotope, which was considered one of favorable searching criteria for rich mineralization. The representative volume of new data on S isotopic composition of sulfides of the Kharaelakh intrusion showed that the sulfide liquid of disseminated and massive ores underwent progressive enrichment in 34S isotope from root–rear parts to the intrusion front. This trend contradicts models that suggest a primary heavy S isotopic composition of a deep source. Our genetic model envisages the decomposition of sulfates in an intrusion aureole, reduction of sulfate sulfur by hydrocarbons, and further assimilation of hydrogen sulfide by magma. This model serves for identifying the patterns of the distribution of orebodies within the deposits and directions of further exploration in the region.

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Notes

  1. Hereinafter, “u” means unpublished reports, a list of which is enclosed.

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We are grateful to the directorate of PAO GMK Norilsk Nickel and OOO Norilskgeologiya (now NN Tekhnicheskie Servisy) for financial support of field and analytical works, constant interest, attention, and help in our studies. We also thank E.O. Dubinina and S.F. Sluzhenikin for constructive critical remarks and reviews, which improved the manuscript.

Funding

The study at the Institute of Geology of Ore Deposits, Petrography, Mineralogy, and Geochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences was supported by the Russian Science Foundation, project no. 21-17-00119.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Norilsk Nickel Technical Services, 195220, St. Petersburg, Russia

    A. A. Ketrov

  2. Institute of Geology of Ore Deposits, Petrography, Mineralogy, and Geochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119017, Moscow, Russia

    M. A. Yudovskaya

  3. CIMERA, University of the Witwatersrand, 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa

    M. A. Yudovskaya

  4. St. Petersburg State University, 199178, St. Petersburg, Russia

    Yu. S. Shelukhina

  5. Laboratory of Mineral Commodity Study, 199106, St. Petersburg, Russia

    Yu. S. Shelukhina

  6. Far East Geological Institute, Far East Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 690022, Vladivostok, Russia

    T. A. Velivetskaya

  7. South Urals Federal Research Center of Mineralogy and Geoecology, Urals Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 456317, Miass, Chelyabinsk oblast, Russia

    R. S. Palamarchuk

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Ketrov, A.A., Yudovskaya, M.A., Shelukhina, Y.S. et al. Sources and Evolution of Sulfur Isotopic Composition of Sulfides of the Kharaelakh and Pyasino–Vologochan Intrusions, Norilsk Ore Region. Geol. Ore Deposits 64, 350–376 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1134/S1075701522050038

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