Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
Part A. Introduction
1. Introduction2. Mining and the nature of gold deposits3. Data to processes, examples, and discovery
Part B. Five characteristics of gold deposits that reveal their formation and lead to exploration success
4. Provinciality of goldfields 5. Enrichment of gold above background6. Segregation of gold from base metals7. Timing of deposit formation8. Ore fluid types as recorded in fluid inclusions9. Commonality and diversity: both need explanation
Part C. Crustal processes that form and subsequently modify gold-only deposits
10. Magmatic processes that lead to gold-only deposits11. Fluids in the earth's crust12. Alteration in gold-only deposits13. Case study: the formation of a giant goldfield: Kalgoorlie, Western Australia14. Hydrothermal transport of gold15. Metamorphic processes leading to gold-only deposits16. Modification of deposits at high temperature17. Formation and modification of deposits at lower temperatures
Part D. Examples of gold deposits
18. Carlin, Witwatersrand and some other gold-only examples19. Gold-plus Copper-Gold deposits
Part E. Discovery case histories and the role of science
20. Discoveries and the role of science in the Yilgarn goldfields of Western Australia21. Discovery of Fosterville Deeps, Victorian Gold Province: long term science22. Summary and conclusions
AppendicesIndex
Synopsis
This book addresses the origin of gold deposits to answer questions of science and curiosity. These answers contribute in turn to the improved exploration and mining of gold. Initially there is a summary of the methods used to address the genesis of gold deposits including some of the essential science and concepts. Five basic observations follow that apply to many gold deposits and need to be considered in any genetic ideas. Magmatic processes enriching gold are discussed followed by the role of aqueous fluids during gold deposit formation at elevated temperatures and pressures. Modifying effects after deposit formation include high-grade metamorphism, retrogression, weathering, and erosion. The main types of gold deposits are then explained within the spectrum of viable genetic ideas, with informal names for these examples that include gold-only, gold-plus, Carlin, slate-belt, epithermal, porphyry, iron oxide copper gold, and Archean greenstone. Case histories are included in which the role of gold geology contributed directly to discoveries-one example is at the province-scale and another at the goldfield-scale.
Unlike other books on the subject, this one addresses virtually all gold deposit types rather than focusing on one type in isolation. The primary readership includes industry geologists, senior undergraduates, postgraduates, and those with some knowledge of science and an interest in the gold industry.