Studies on the Ore Mineralogy and Litho-geochemistry of the Sheba Deposit, Barberton Greenstone Belt, South Africa

Ore criteria at the Sheba Deposit indicate orogenic mineralization type. Rocks and mineral assemblages suggest low formationtemperature of green-schist facies. Pyrite found in two generations; Type1 is irregular grains, contains higher arsenic and gold contents, compared to the relatively younger phase Type2 pyrite, which is composed of euhedral grains, found adjacent to late quartzcarbonate veins or at rims of type1 pyrite. Two gold generations were identified; type1 found included in sulphides (mainly pyrite). The second gold type was remobilized (secondary) into free-lodes within silicates (mainly quartz). Gold fineness is high, as gold contains up to 95 wt. % Au, Ag up to 3.5 wt. %, and traces of Cu, Ni, and Fe. Pyrite type2 contains tiny mineral domains (rich in Al, Mn, Hg, Se, Ti, V, and Cr). Zoning, and replacement textures are common, suggesting multiple mineralization stages. The distribution and relationships of trace elements in pyrite type2 indicate three formation patterns: (1) Al, Mn, Hg, Se, Ti, V, Cr, and Sn are homogeneously distributed in pyrite, reflecting a synchronous formation. (2) As, Ni, Co, Zn, and Sb display heterogeneous distribution pattern in pyrite, which may indicate post-formation existence due to other activities. (3) Au and Ag show both distribution patterns within pyrite, suggesting that gold is found both in microscopic phases and as chemically bounded phase.