Unveiling the metallogenic continuum of an Archean craton.

ABSTRACT: The synchronous formation between 2675-2655 Ma of hydrothermal gold mineralisation in the Kalgoorlie and Kurnalpi Terranes and of magmatic sulfide mineralisation enriched in nickel, copper and platinum-group elements in the South West Terrane of the Archean Yilgarn Craton of Western Australia offers key insights into first-order controls on the genesis of mineral systems. Here we show that hydrothermal and magmatic deposits formed on opposite sides of this craton share four key features: timing, enrichment in incompatible chalcophile elements, positive Δ³³S sulfur isotope signatures, and links to hydrous, metasomatised lithospheric mantle. These commonalities challenge conventional models that treat such mineralised systems as unrelated. Instead, they point to a shared origin: a fertile li

SUBMITTER: Demmer M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12917142 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature