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The South Manasan ultramafic intrusion (ca. 1880 Ma) located in the Early Proterozoic Thompson Nickel Belt (TNB) contains Ni and platinum group element (PGE) mineralization hosted by disseminated sulfide. Whole-rock Ni values range from 0.3 to 1.7 wt. % and total precious metals (TPMs) range from 0 to 1.3 ppm Pt + Pd + Au and equate to tenor values (i.e., metal in 100% sulfide) of 11-39 wt. % Ni and 8-27 ppm TPMs. The South Manasan intrusion is a steeply dipping sill-like body with a boudinaged outline having a strike length of approximately 1200 m, average width of 125 m and a minimum depth extent of 1000 m. The intrusion is composed of approximately 25% fresh dunite, 50% serpentine altered dunite and 25% tectonized and carbonate altered dunite. The most intense alteration is found near the intrusion’s margin where it is in contact with metasedimentary rocks of the Pipe Formation, part of the surrounding Ospwagan Group. In fresh dunite the sulfide assemblage characterized by an intercumulate texture is dominated by pentlandite with accessory pyrite; the latter having a symplectic-like texture. The pentlandite-pyrite assemblage in the serpentinized dunite, although still characterized overall by an intercumlate-texture, has well developed platy intergrowths with chlorite and serpentine. In the most intensely modified unit (the carbonate altered dunite) the sulfide assemblage consists primarily of pyrrhotite and pentlandite. Whole-rock geochemical data (n=360), modal mineralogy and mineral chemistry obtained on representative drill core throughout the South Manasan intrusion have been used to establish a type section in order to evaluate the relative roles of primary magmatic versus secondary (i.e., serpentinization, carbonate alteration and deformation) processes. These data indicate that the primary silicate-sulfide assemblage was systematically modified during : serpentinization, carbonate alteration and deformation of the South Manasan intrusion such that a sequence of primary versus secondary events can be established. Intrusion of the original komatiitic magma and formation of the South Manasan intrusion took place at a shallow level into consolidated Ospwagan Group sediments with subsequent contamination of this melt with crustal S. This triggered sulfide saturation and generation of an immiscible sulfide melt. Calculated Ni and TPM tenor values constrain the R factor to between 500 and 2500. The early crystallization of olivine inhibited the sulfide melt from settling to the bottom of the magma column and as a consequence, the sulfides now have a primary interstitial magmatic texture. The current sulfide association dominated by pentlandite>>pyrite>chalcopyrite has a mineral paragenesis that is consistent with subsolidus re-equilibration of a primary pentlanditepyrrhotite- chalcopyrite assemblage. The subsequent processes of serpentinization, deformation and carbonate alteration resulted in modifying the primary sulfide assemblages and their textures (i.e., to platy habits), but did not greatly alter the bulk composition, in particular metal contents, except for addition of volatiles (H2O, CO2). It is concluded therefore that the enrichment of the sulfide assemblage at South Manasan in Ni and PGEs is a consequence of a primary magmatic process involving high R factor and that the effects of later overprinting processes (alteration, deformation) are not responsible for the presently observed high-tenor sulfide association.

The Bay of Islands Ophiolitic Complex (BOIC) is one of most well preserved and well-exposed ophiolites in the world. The BOIC consist of four massifs; these are the Table Mountain (TBL), North Arm Mountain (NAM), Blow-Me-Down Mountain (BMD) and Lewis Hills massifs. Proposed geological environments of the BOIC in Newfoundland are diverse; ranging from oceanic spreading ridge to supra-subduction setting. The BOIC has a complete ophiolite sequence as defined at the Penrose Conference (Anonymous, 1972) including ultramafic mantle rocks, ultramafic to gabbroic cumulate rocks, sheeted dikes, pillowed basaltic rocks and capping sedimentary rocks in structurally ascending order. We studied harzburgite and overlying massive dunite in the BOIC. Harzburgite is generally medium-grained, and contains olivine, orthopyroxene, Cr-spinel, clinopyroxene and rare sulfide minerals. Harzburgite is massive to strongly deformed, with local development of mylonitic shear zones. A foliation and lineation are defined by elongated and fragmented grains of orthopyroxene and Cr-spinel. Dikes, sills, veins, and irregularly-shaped bodies of dunite and pyroxenite are present throughout the harzburgite unit. Dunite is the predominant lithology of the Blow-Me-Down Mountain. It is typically fine- to medium-grained, massive, and contains minor Cr-spinel and rare sulfide minerals. Dunite contains olivine, Cr-spinel and minor pyroxenes in some samples. Olivine crystals are commonly partly replaced by serpentine along fractures and in outer rims. Bulk rock and mineral composition data suggest that harzburgites are mild to highly refractory mantle residues after partial melting. In contrast all dunite samples show a cumulate geochemical signature from a mafic melt that originated from highly refractory mantle peridotites. Our study suggest that the harzburgite in the BOIC originally formed as oceanic lithosphere at a slow spreading ridge, possibly in the vicinity of active arc systems, whereas the parental melt for dunites formed in subduction setting. The second part of this study measured trace element compositions for olivine, Cr-spinel and bulk rock of dunite. The measured bulk rock compositions are compared to those of calculated based on mineral chemistry and their abundance. This comparison suggests that the trapped melt fraction was negligible during the crystallization of the dunites. The calculated melt compositions for the dunites confirm that the melt formed in subduction setting.

Este trabalho tem como objetivo investigar os processos controladores da mobilidade e concentração de níquel (Ni) em rochas ultramáficas serpentinizadas no Escudo Sul-Riograndense (ESrg), Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brasil. A composição primária das rochas ultramáficas hospedeiras de Ni constitui um parâmetro relevante, mas os processos secundários são os controladores mais importantes dessas mineralizações, principalmente a serpentinização, pressupondo-se que o Ni possa migrar da olivina ou metamórfica para os minerais do grupo das serpentinas. Para a caracterização mineralógica e textural das rochas ultramáficas serpentinizadas da porção oeste do ESrg, foram aplicadas técnicas de petrografia e Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura. Para a análise química dos elementos em rocha total foi realizada fluorescência de Raios-X, ICP e ICP-MS. Estas técnicas permitiram classificar quimicamente as rochas e relacionar a variação da intensidade dos eventos metassomáticos, metamórficos e hidrotermais que modificaram a mineralogia dos protólitos. No entanto, foram necessárias estudos de detalhe dos minerais individuais, notadamente olivinas e serpentinas com o uso da microssonda eletrônica para determinar as concentrações de Ni e suas variações nos diferentes corpos ultramáficos investigados. Dessa forma, foi possível quantificar e identificar os minerais concentradores de Ni e a relação dos eventos com a mobilidade e concentração dos elementos. Os resultados de microssonda indicam que as olivinas dos peridotitos do Maciço Pedras Pretas possuem baixos teores de níquel que variam de 0,13% a 0,21% e a média é 0,17%, enquanto que as olivinas dos harzburgitos da Sequência Cerro Mantiqueiras possuem teores mais elevados na média de 0,31%. As olivinas do Pedras Pretas possuem composição homogênea enquanto que aquelas do Cerro Mantiqueiras mostram variações composicionais importantes com conteúdo de Fo 92-98 e teores de níquel entre 0,3% e 0,4%. Tais variações no Cerro Mantiqueiras podem estar relacionadas a diferenças na composição do protólito ou a outro fator desconhecido que necessita futuras investigações. As olivinas e serpentinas no Cambaizinho e Serrinha mostram valores de níquel entre 0,19% a 0,3%, comparáveis ao Cerro Mantiqueiras, porém bem mais elevados que o Pedras Pretas. Este estudo mostra que os corpos ultramáficos do Cambaizinho- Serrinha e Cerro Mantiqueiras possuem potencial para desenvolver depósitos de Ni não sulfetado devido as concentrações relativamente elevadas de Ni nas olivinas. Entretanto, tais depósitos não se desenvolveram devido a dois fatores principais: o primeiro está ligado à superposição de eventos de metamorfismo e deformação recorrentes no tempo e no espaço que propiciaram a mobilização do Ni; o segundo fator é atribuído a ausência de agentes supergênicos favoráveis para a formação de depósitos lateríticos como os observados na região norte do Brasil. / This paper investigates the processes controlling the mobility and concentration of nickel (Ni) in serpentinized ultramafic rocks in the Sul- Riograndense Shield (ESrg), Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil. The primary composition of the ultramafic Ni host is a relevant parameter, but the secondary processes are the almost important controllers of these mineralizations, mainly serpentinization, assuming that Ni may migrate from igneous or metamorphic olivine minerals to the group of serpentine this phase. For the mineralogical and textural characterization of the serpentinized ultramafic rocks of the western portion of ESrg, were applied techniques of petrographic and scanning electron microscopy. For chemical analysis of elements in rock whole was performed X-ray fluorescence, ICP and ICP-MS. Although these techniques allow chemically classification of rocks and relate the variation of intensity in which metasomatics, metamorphic and hydrothermal events, changed the that mineralogy of the rock, however analysis of individual mineral detail, notably olivine and serpentine minerals using the electron microprobe detail, were necessary to determine the concentrations of Ni and variations in different ultramafic bodies investigated. Thus, it was possible to quantify and identify the Ni concentrators minerals and the relationship of events with the mobility and concentration of the elements. The microprobe results indicate that the olivine of peridotite Pedras Pretas have low contents of NiO ranging from 0.13% to 0.21% and averaged 0.17%, while the olivine harzburgites Cerro Mantiqueiras have higher levels of NiO averaging 0.31%. The olivine of Pedras Pretas have a homogeneous composition as those of Cerro Mantiqueiras show important compositional variations with a content of forsterite the Fo 92-98 and NiO contents of between 0.20% and 0.40%. Such variations in Cerro Mantiqueiras may be related to differences in the composition of the protolith or another unknown factor that needs further investigation. The olivine and serpentine in Cambaizinho and Serrinha, show NiO values between 0.19 % to 0.3 %, values comparable to the Cerro Mantiqueiras, but higher than the Pedras Pretas. This study shows that the Cambaizinho, Serrinha and Cerro Mantiqueiras have the potential to develop non- sulphide Ni deposits, due high Ni concentrations in olivine. However, these deposits are not developed due two main factors: the first is linked to the superposition of events the metamorphism and deformation applicants in time and space, that enabled the Ni mobilization; the second factor is attributed to lack preservation of profiles suitable for the Ni concentration, due to uplift and erosion lateritic subsequent.

Le fonctionnement et la structure hydrogéologiques des aquifères de socle des granites et des gneiss sont aujourd'hui relativement bien compris. En revanche, dans cet ensemble, les aquifères dans les péridotites sont très peu étudiés et mal compris. Dans ce contexte, les massifs obductés de Nouvelle-Calédonie présentent un laboratoire naturel exceptionnel pour améliorer la connaissance de cet hydrosystème original en contexte tropical. Ainsi l'objectif du présent travail de thèse est d'approfondir la connaissance de la structure et du fonctionnement hydrogéologiques de ces massifs. L'analyse porte d’abord sur le manteau d'altération constitué de la cuirasse, des latérites, des saprolites grossières et du saprock. Plus de 60 essais hydrauliques sont menés sur les massifs de péridotites et les résultats sont compilés aux données existantes. La conductivité hydraulique moyenne des latérites est évaluée à 1.10-7 m/s et celle des saprolites grossières et du saprock à 8.10-7 m/s. L'hétérogénéité de cet horizon altéré est marquée par une gamme de variation de la conductivité hydraulique sur six ordres de grandeur et l'analyse piézométrique met en évidence des connexions hydrauliques avec le substratum fracturé profond. Le substratum est ensuite considéré. L'étude de la fracturation est réalisée à partir de mesures structurales sur affleurement et de la description de près de 1000 m de carottes de forages. L'analyse de la fracturation met en évidence l'importance du réseau serpentineux par sa densité d’une part, et par son lien avec l'altération supergène d'autre part. De plus, il est vérifié que la conductivité hydraulique du substratum diminue avec la profondeur. Cette variation est liée à la diminution de la densité de fractures altérées. Ainsi, à l'issue de ces analyses, la structure des massifs de péridotites est définie. Un réseau primaire de fractures d’espacement décimétrique lié au réseau serpentineux préstructure les péridotites. Sur ce réseau se surimpose un réseau de fractures dont l'espacement est décamétrique et caractérisé par une altération supergène. Les fractures altérées présentent localement de fortes conductivités hydrauliques, de l'ordre de 10-5 m/s. En profondeur l'espacement des fractures est hectométrique et les fractures sont majoritairement fermées, scellées par les minéraux néoformés ou par l'effet de la pression lithostatique. Les réseaux de fractures déca et hectométriques, visibles également sur l'effet d’échelle de la conductivité hydraulique, sont majoritairement verticaux, développés par instabilité de dissolution lors des processus d’altération. Cependant, des structures à faible pendage existent également et permettent la percolation du réseau. Enfin, à partir de ces nouveaux résultats et de l’intégration de l'ensemble des données acquises sur les différents massifs, un modèle de structure et de fonctionnement hydrogéologiques est proposé à l'échelle du massif. Ce modèle comprend l'horizon des latérites qui constitue un aquitard homogène sous lequel se développe l'aquifère dont l'épaisseur est de l'ordre de cinquante mètres. Le substratum est discrétisé en trois couches dont la conductivité hydraulique décroît de 2.10-7 à 2.10-8 m/s entre 50 m et 250 m environ sous le mur de l'aquifère. Les modèles numériques construits permettent de valider le modèle conceptuel unitaire et montrent que l'état de saturation des massifs est contraint par leur géomorphologie. Au terme de ce travail, plusieurs aspects doivent encore être approfondis. Le rôle hydrogéologique de la cuirasse doit être précisé et considéré dans le modèle hydrogéologique. Enfin, compte tenu du développement possible de structures très perméables, voire pseudo-karstiques, la connaissance de la distribution des structures drainantes doit être améliorée. Les résultats appliqués de ce travail de recherche sont exposés dans un rapport final et un guide méthodologique livrés dans le cadre du projet CNRT « HYPERK ». / Water resources of hard-rock (gneisses or granites) aquifers have significantly been studied in the past two decades. The hydrogeological behavior and structure of these aquifers are thus relatively well understood. On the other hand, aquifers in mantle-type basements, such as peridotites, are poorly studied and understood, mainly because they are not common and of limited extent. In this context, New Caledonia is a great laboratory offering unique opportunity to improve the knowledge of these original types of hydrosystems in tropical climate. Thus, the objective of this thesis is to improve the knowledge of these aquifer systems within weathered peridotites. Firstly, the study focuses on the characterization of the weathered layers of the peridotites composed of, from top to bottom, iron oxides/ferricrete, laterite, coarse saprolite and saprock (ie. top of the bedrock, with up to 20 % of weathered material). More than 60 hydraulic tests are performed and results were compiled with existing data. Mean hydraulic conductivity (K) of laterites is estimated around 1.10-7 m/s while mean value in coarse saprolites and saprock is around 8.10-7 m/s. Heterogeneity of this altered layer is high; K varies between six orders of magnitude and hydraulic head data analysis reveals a hydraulic connection with the deep fractured bedrock. Secondly, the fresh rock part of peridotites is studied. Fracture network analysis is derived from outcrop structural measurements and from the description of about 1000 m of cumulated borehole cores. This work highlights the importance of serpentine network, because of its high density and its critical impact on weathering. Moreover, the observations reveal that hydraulic conductivity decreases with depth within the substratum, due to the vertical decrease of weathered fractures density. These new results allow defining a structural framework of the massifs. It is characterized by a primary decimetrical fracture network closely related to the serpentine network. This network is overprinted by a secondary weathering network which reveals decametric spacing (ca. 30 m) and in places K values of 10-5 m/s. At depth, spacing is hectometrical and fractures are sealed by lithostatic pressure and/or subsequent mineral precipitations. These deca- and hectometric fracture networks, which are also visible on the scale effect of hydraulic conductivity, are primarily vertical and are the result of dissolution instabilities occurring during weathering processes. However, low- angle fractures do occur and allow the percolation of the network. Finally, on the basis of these new results and the integration of all existing data from different massifs a new hydrogeological conceptual model is proposed at the scale of a massif. The model includes a homogeneous lateritic aquitard and a coarse saprolite and saprock aquifer which is about 50 m thick. The bedrock is subdivided into three layers whose hydraulic conductivity decreases from 2.10-7 m/s to 2.10-8 m/s, respectively 50 and 250 m below the aquifer base. Numerical modelling validates this unitary conceptual model and reveals that the saturation of the massifs depends on their morphology. At last, several aspects require further research. The role of the ferricrete layer must be specified and considered in the hydrological model. Moreover, distribution of the fracture network remains to be fully addressed and should be studied with care given the potential development of highly permeable structures that could conform to pseudo-karstic drains. The applied results of this work are available in a “Technical guide” and a “Technical report” of the “HYPERK” CNRT Project.

Este trabalho tem como objetivo investigar os processos controladores da mobilidade e concentração de níquel (Ni) em rochas ultramáficas serpentinizadas no Escudo Sul-Riograndense (ESrg), Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brasil. A composição primária das rochas ultramáficas hospedeiras de Ni constitui um parâmetro relevante, mas os processos secundários são os controladores mais importantes dessas mineralizações, principalmente a serpentinização, pressupondo-se que o Ni possa migrar da olivina ou metamórfica para os minerais do grupo das serpentinas. Para a caracterização mineralógica e textural das rochas ultramáficas serpentinizadas da porção oeste do ESrg, foram aplicadas técnicas de petrografia e Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura. Para a análise química dos elementos em rocha total foi realizada fluorescência de Raios-X, ICP e ICP-MS. Estas técnicas permitiram classificar quimicamente as rochas e relacionar a variação da intensidade dos eventos metassomáticos, metamórficos e hidrotermais que modificaram a mineralogia dos protólitos. No entanto, foram necessárias estudos de detalhe dos minerais individuais, notadamente olivinas e serpentinas com o uso da microssonda eletrônica para determinar as concentrações de Ni e suas variações nos diferentes corpos ultramáficos investigados. Dessa forma, foi possível quantificar e identificar os minerais concentradores de Ni e a relação dos eventos com a mobilidade e concentração dos elementos. Os resultados de microssonda indicam que as olivinas dos peridotitos do Maciço Pedras Pretas possuem baixos teores de níquel que variam de 0,13% a 0,21% e a média é 0,17%, enquanto que as olivinas dos harzburgitos da Sequência Cerro Mantiqueiras possuem teores mais elevados na média de 0,31%. As olivinas do Pedras Pretas possuem composição homogênea enquanto que aquelas do Cerro Mantiqueiras mostram variações composicionais importantes com conteúdo de Fo 92-98 e teores de níquel entre 0,3% e 0,4%. Tais variações no Cerro Mantiqueiras podem estar relacionadas a diferenças na composição do protólito ou a outro fator desconhecido que necessita futuras investigações. As olivinas e serpentinas no Cambaizinho e Serrinha mostram valores de níquel entre 0,19% a 0,3%, comparáveis ao Cerro Mantiqueiras, porém bem mais elevados que o Pedras Pretas. Este estudo mostra que os corpos ultramáficos do Cambaizinho- Serrinha e Cerro Mantiqueiras possuem potencial para desenvolver depósitos de Ni não sulfetado devido as concentrações relativamente elevadas de Ni nas olivinas. Entretanto, tais depósitos não se desenvolveram devido a dois fatores principais: o primeiro está ligado à superposição de eventos de metamorfismo e deformação recorrentes no tempo e no espaço que propiciaram a mobilização do Ni; o segundo fator é atribuído a ausência de agentes supergênicos favoráveis para a formação de depósitos lateríticos como os observados na região norte do Brasil. / This paper investigates the processes controlling the mobility and concentration of nickel (Ni) in serpentinized ultramafic rocks in the Sul- Riograndense Shield (ESrg), Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil. The primary composition of the ultramafic Ni host is a relevant parameter, but the secondary processes are the almost important controllers of these mineralizations, mainly serpentinization, assuming that Ni may migrate from igneous or metamorphic olivine minerals to the group of serpentine this phase. For the mineralogical and textural characterization of the serpentinized ultramafic rocks of the western portion of ESrg, were applied techniques of petrographic and scanning electron microscopy. For chemical analysis of elements in rock whole was performed X-ray fluorescence, ICP and ICP-MS. Although these techniques allow chemically classification of rocks and relate the variation of intensity in which metasomatics, metamorphic and hydrothermal events, changed the that mineralogy of the rock, however analysis of individual mineral detail, notably olivine and serpentine minerals using the electron microprobe detail, were necessary to determine the concentrations of Ni and variations in different ultramafic bodies investigated. Thus, it was possible to quantify and identify the Ni concentrators minerals and the relationship of events with the mobility and concentration of the elements. The microprobe results indicate that the olivine of peridotite Pedras Pretas have low contents of NiO ranging from 0.13% to 0.21% and averaged 0.17%, while the olivine harzburgites Cerro Mantiqueiras have higher levels of NiO averaging 0.31%. The olivine of Pedras Pretas have a homogeneous composition as those of Cerro Mantiqueiras show important compositional variations with a content of forsterite the Fo 92-98 and NiO contents of between 0.20% and 0.40%. Such variations in Cerro Mantiqueiras may be related to differences in the composition of the protolith or another unknown factor that needs further investigation. The olivine and serpentine in Cambaizinho and Serrinha, show NiO values between 0.19 % to 0.3 %, values comparable to the Cerro Mantiqueiras, but higher than the Pedras Pretas. This study shows that the Cambaizinho, Serrinha and Cerro Mantiqueiras have the potential to develop non- sulphide Ni deposits, due high Ni concentrations in olivine. However, these deposits are not developed due two main factors: the first is linked to the superposition of events the metamorphism and deformation applicants in time and space, that enabled the Ni mobilization; the second factor is attributed to lack preservation of profiles suitable for the Ni concentration, due to uplift and erosion lateritic subsequent.

Este trabalho tem como objetivo investigar os processos controladores da mobilidade e concentração de níquel (Ni) em rochas ultramáficas serpentinizadas no Escudo Sul-Riograndense (ESrg), Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brasil. A composição primária das rochas ultramáficas hospedeiras de Ni constitui um parâmetro relevante, mas os processos secundários são os controladores mais importantes dessas mineralizações, principalmente a serpentinização, pressupondo-se que o Ni possa migrar da olivina ou metamórfica para os minerais do grupo das serpentinas. Para a caracterização mineralógica e textural das rochas ultramáficas serpentinizadas da porção oeste do ESrg, foram aplicadas técnicas de petrografia e Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura. Para a análise química dos elementos em rocha total foi realizada fluorescência de Raios-X, ICP e ICP-MS. Estas técnicas permitiram classificar quimicamente as rochas e relacionar a variação da intensidade dos eventos metassomáticos, metamórficos e hidrotermais que modificaram a mineralogia dos protólitos. No entanto, foram necessárias estudos de detalhe dos minerais individuais, notadamente olivinas e serpentinas com o uso da microssonda eletrônica para determinar as concentrações de Ni e suas variações nos diferentes corpos ultramáficos investigados. Dessa forma, foi possível quantificar e identificar os minerais concentradores de Ni e a relação dos eventos com a mobilidade e concentração dos elementos. Os resultados de microssonda indicam que as olivinas dos peridotitos do Maciço Pedras Pretas possuem baixos teores de níquel que variam de 0,13% a 0,21% e a média é 0,17%, enquanto que as olivinas dos harzburgitos da Sequência Cerro Mantiqueiras possuem teores mais elevados na média de 0,31%. As olivinas do Pedras Pretas possuem composição homogênea enquanto que aquelas do Cerro Mantiqueiras mostram variações composicionais importantes com conteúdo de Fo 92-98 e teores de níquel entre 0,3% e 0,4%. Tais variações no Cerro Mantiqueiras podem estar relacionadas a diferenças na composição do protólito ou a outro fator desconhecido que necessita futuras investigações. As olivinas e serpentinas no Cambaizinho e Serrinha mostram valores de níquel entre 0,19% a 0,3%, comparáveis ao Cerro Mantiqueiras, porém bem mais elevados que o Pedras Pretas. Este estudo mostra que os corpos ultramáficos do Cambaizinho- Serrinha e Cerro Mantiqueiras possuem potencial para desenvolver depósitos de Ni não sulfetado devido as concentrações relativamente elevadas de Ni nas olivinas. Entretanto, tais depósitos não se desenvolveram devido a dois fatores principais: o primeiro está ligado à superposição de eventos de metamorfismo e deformação recorrentes no tempo e no espaço que propiciaram a mobilização do Ni; o segundo fator é atribuído a ausência de agentes supergênicos favoráveis para a formação de depósitos lateríticos como os observados na região norte do Brasil. / This paper investigates the processes controlling the mobility and concentration of nickel (Ni) in serpentinized ultramafic rocks in the Sul- Riograndense Shield (ESrg), Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil. The primary composition of the ultramafic Ni host is a relevant parameter, but the secondary processes are the almost important controllers of these mineralizations, mainly serpentinization, assuming that Ni may migrate from igneous or metamorphic olivine minerals to the group of serpentine this phase. For the mineralogical and textural characterization of the serpentinized ultramafic rocks of the western portion of ESrg, were applied techniques of petrographic and scanning electron microscopy. For chemical analysis of elements in rock whole was performed X-ray fluorescence, ICP and ICP-MS. Although these techniques allow chemically classification of rocks and relate the variation of intensity in which metasomatics, metamorphic and hydrothermal events, changed the that mineralogy of the rock, however analysis of individual mineral detail, notably olivine and serpentine minerals using the electron microprobe detail, were necessary to determine the concentrations of Ni and variations in different ultramafic bodies investigated. Thus, it was possible to quantify and identify the Ni concentrators minerals and the relationship of events with the mobility and concentration of the elements. The microprobe results indicate that the olivine of peridotite Pedras Pretas have low contents of NiO ranging from 0.13% to 0.21% and averaged 0.17%, while the olivine harzburgites Cerro Mantiqueiras have higher levels of NiO averaging 0.31%. The olivine of Pedras Pretas have a homogeneous composition as those of Cerro Mantiqueiras show important compositional variations with a content of forsterite the Fo 92-98 and NiO contents of between 0.20% and 0.40%. Such variations in Cerro Mantiqueiras may be related to differences in the composition of the protolith or another unknown factor that needs further investigation. The olivine and serpentine in Cambaizinho and Serrinha, show NiO values between 0.19 % to 0.3 %, values comparable to the Cerro Mantiqueiras, but higher than the Pedras Pretas. This study shows that the Cambaizinho, Serrinha and Cerro Mantiqueiras have the potential to develop non- sulphide Ni deposits, due high Ni concentrations in olivine. However, these deposits are not developed due two main factors: the first is linked to the superposition of events the metamorphism and deformation applicants in time and space, that enabled the Ni mobilization; the second factor is attributed to lack preservation of profiles suitable for the Ni concentration, due to uplift and erosion lateritic subsequent.

Ces travaux de thèse apportent de nouvelles contraintes sur la concentration et le comportement de l’H dans le manteau lithosphérique et reposent sur l’étude pétro-géochimique de trois séries de xénolites de péridotites à spinelle, associant les concentrations en élément majeurs et en traces y compris l’H dans les minéraux dits anhydres (les NAMs, ici, olivine, pyroxènes) et hydratés (amphibole). Les effets de la remontée des xénolites dans du magma hôte sur les concentrations en H des NAMs ont pu être étudiés sur une série de xénolites de péridotite du champ volcanique d’Eifel (Allemagne). Une variation intra cristalline de concentration en H peut être identifiée dans l’olivine et non dans les pyroxènes coexistant. Ces profils de concentration en H peuvent être utilisés pour estimer des vitesses de remontées des magmas. Dans le cas des volcans étudiés, ces vitesses sont estimées entre 3.5 et 12 m.s-1. Ces résultats suggèrent que les pyroxènes sont de meilleurs proxy que l’olivine pour quantifier la concentration mantellique de l’H. Les xénolites de Ray Pic (Massif Central, France) ont permis de discuter dans un contexte de point chaud, l’effet de la fusion partielle et du métasomatisme à grande échelle sur les concentrations en H des NAMs. Les concentrations en H des minéraux ne suggèrent pas de lien avec le métasomatisme subit, qu’il soit modal, cryptique, à rapport liquide/roche élevé ou faible. Cependant, en comparant les concentrations en H avec un marqueur de la fusion partielle (Yb du cpx), l’H semble avoir un comportement similaire à une MREE (e.g., Sm ; D(cpx/liquide)~0.29). Enfin, des xénolites composites associant une péridotite accolée à un agent métasomatique ont permis de cibler l’influence du métasomatisme de petite échelle (pluri-centimétrique). L’interaction magma roche identifiée sur une harzburgite en contact avec du basalte montre dans les cas des olivines, des variations chimiques couplé entre éléments majeurs en fonction de leur proximité au filon et les concentrations en H. Plus l’olivine se rééquilibre avec le liquide moins elle contient d’H. Parallèlement dans cette étude, trois échantillons présentent une lherzolite en contact avec une pyroxénite avec 14% d’amphibole, une clinopyroxénite avec 40 % d’amphibole et une amphibolite (98% d’amphibole). Cette contiguïté avec un filon métasomatique permet l’étude du comportement de l’H en contexte de percolation en bordure de filon. Chaque échantillon présente des concentrations en H homogènes pour chacune des phases minérales. Cependant plus les filons contiennent d’amphibole moins il y a d’H dans les NAMs. D’autre part, une nouvelle fois, la corrélation positive entre les concentrations en H des NAMs et le Sm(cpx) en tant que marqueur de métasomatisme suggère que l’H se comporte comme une MREE.En conclusion, les minéraux des spl-harzburgites contiennent en moyenne un peu plus d’H que ceux des spl-lherzolites. Les concentrations en H des olivines sont sensibles à la dévolatilisation lors de la remontée dans le système magmatique et le rééquilibrage avec le magma. Au contraire, les concentrations en H des pyroxènes, spécialement l’opx, sont très homogènes suggérant des concentrations mantelliques. Le comportement de l’H lors de la fusion partielle et du métasomatisme reste complexe ; nos données suggèrent que l’H suit les MREE tel que le Sm. / This thesis provides new constrains on H concentrations and H behaviour in the lithospheric mantle and is based on a petro-geochemical study on 3 spinel-peridotite xenoliths series with major and traces elements analyses, including H in nominally anhydrous minerals (NAMs, olivine and pyroxenes) as well as hydrous minerals (amphibole).Ascent effects through a magmatic system on H concentration of NAMs are studied for a xenoliths series from the Eifel volcanic field (Germany). Intracrystalline variation in H concentration are observe in olivine but not in the coexisting pyroxenes. Such H concentration profiles are used to calculate the rate of magma ascent. For the studied volcanoes, the calculated rate of magma ascent is between 3.5 and 12 m.s-1. Such H concentration variations imply a devolatilisation affecting only olivine, whereas the pyroxenes are homogeneous and then can be used as a better proxy for mantle H concentrations.Ray Pic xenoliths (French Massif Central) belongs to a mantle plume setting, implying the possibility to assess the effect of partial melting and large scale metasomatism on H concentration of NAMs. The H concentrations determined do not suggest a strong link with the suffered metasomatism whether modal, cryptic, at low or high melt rock ratio. However, using H concentrations and a marker of the partial melting (Yb in cpx), H seems to behave as a MREE (e.g., Sm, D(cpx/melt) ~ 0.29).Finally, the composite xenoliths with a peridotite adjacent to a metasomatic agent allow to target the influence of small scale metasomatism (pluri-centimetric). A magma-rock interaction between a harzburgite and a basaltic patch shows that, for olivines, chemical variations in major element as a function of olivine proximity to the vein, is coupled to H concentrations of NAMs. More the olivines are close to equilibrium with the basalt, more the H concentrations are low. Alongside in this study, three samples consist of a lherzolite adjacent a pyroxenite (14% amphibole), to a clinopyroxenite (40% amphibole) and to an amphibolite (98% amphibole) respectively. This special relationship with a metasomatic vein allows to study the behaviour of H during wall rock percolation. Each sample display homogeneous H concentration within each NAMs. However, H concentration is inversely correlated to modal content in amphiboles in the peridotite. Furthermore, a positive correlation between H in NAMs and Sm(cpx) here as a marker of metasomatism suggests, again, that H behaves as a MREE.To conclude, minerals from harzburgite contain in average a bit more H than the one in lherzolite. The H concentration in olivine are sensitive to degassing during magma ascent toward the surface and reequilibrium with magma. On the contrary, H concentration in pyroxenes, especially opx, are very homogeneous suggesting mantle concentration. The behaviour of H during partial melting and metasomatism is complex. However, our data suggest that H broadly follows MREE.

The Bay of Islands Ophiolitic Complex (BOIC) is one of most well preserved and well-exposed ophiolites in the world. The BOIC consist of four massifs; these are the Table Mountain (TBL), North Arm Mountain (NAM), Blow-Me-Down Mountain (BMD) and Lewis Hills massifs. Proposed geological environments of the BOIC in Newfoundland are diverse; ranging from oceanic spreading ridge to supra-subduction setting. The BOIC has a complete ophiolite sequence as defined at the Penrose Conference (Anonymous, 1972) including ultramafic mantle rocks, ultramafic to gabbroic cumulate rocks, sheeted dikes, pillowed basaltic rocks and capping sedimentary rocks in structurally ascending order. We studied harzburgite and overlying massive dunite in the BOIC. Harzburgite is generally medium-grained, and contains olivine, orthopyroxene, Cr-spinel, clinopyroxene and rare sulfide minerals. Harzburgite is massive to strongly deformed, with local development of mylonitic shear zones. A foliation and lineation are defined by elongated and fragmented grains of orthopyroxene and Cr-spinel. Dikes, sills, veins, and irregularly-shaped bodies of dunite and pyroxenite are present throughout the harzburgite unit. Dunite is the predominant lithology of the Blow-Me-Down Mountain. It is typically fine- to medium-grained, massive, and contains minor Cr-spinel and rare sulfide minerals. Dunite contains olivine, Cr-spinel and minor pyroxenes in some samples. Olivine crystals are commonly partly replaced by serpentine along fractures and in outer rims. Bulk rock and mineral composition data suggest that harzburgites are mild to highly refractory mantle residues after partial melting. In contrast all dunite samples show a cumulate geochemical signature from a mafic melt that originated from highly refractory mantle peridotites. Our study suggest that the harzburgite in the BOIC originally formed as oceanic lithosphere at a slow spreading ridge, possibly in the vicinity of active arc systems, whereas the parental melt for dunites formed in subduction setting. The second part of this study measured trace element compositions for olivine, Cr-spinel and bulk rock of dunite. The measured bulk rock compositions are compared to those of calculated based on mineral chemistry and their abundance. This comparison suggests that the trapped melt fraction was negligible during the crystallization of the dunites. The calculated melt compositions for the dunites confirm that the melt formed in subduction setting.

<p> Sulfide-poor platinum-group element (PGE) mineralization occurs within the Archean Boston Creek Flow ferropicrite, Abitibi greenstone belt, Canada. The PGE mineralization (∑PGE+Au = up to 1000 ppb) is manifest as metre-scale platinum-group mineral-bearing pods of disseminated chalcopyrite and pyrite (< 1 modal%) within titaniferous magnetite-rich gabbroic rock at the base of its central gabbroic layer. This mineralization is distinct in character from well known PGE mineralization associated with massive Fe-Ni-Cu sulfides at the base of komatiite flows at Kambalda, Western Australia and elsewhere. Exploration strategies presently used to search for PGE in mafic and ultramafic volcanic rock terrains are based on the geological and geophysical characteristics of sulfide-rich PGE mineralization. Consequently, refinements in exploration strategies are required if economic concentrations of sulfide-poor PGE mineralization are to be discovered in volcanic terrains.</p> <p> To begin development of such exploration criteria, ground-based magnetic and VLF surveys were conducted over the PGE mineralization along a single cross-section through the BCF. Drill core samples were collected along this transect to characterize the volume magnetic susceptibility and natural remanent magnetization (NRM) of the mineralization. Magnetic highs ranging in intensity from 64000 to 65000 nT were recorded for the base of the gabbroic layer, including mineralized outcrops. Susceptibilities of up to 9700 cgs and high remanence values with variable directions were determined. VLF, as expected, was not useful in identifying the mineralized horizons. The peridotite at the base of the flow appears to be the only conductive rock in the BCF.</p> <p> The magnetic highs associated with the base of the gabbroic layer define a positive anomaly that appears to be podiform in outline and up to ten metres in maximum dimension. This result suggests that the titaniferous magnetite-rich rock is itself podiform, like the enclosed PGE mineralization. This magnetic anomaly is not extensive enough to be evident on a regional scale aeromagnetic map as a separate anomaly within the BCF, and is not evident through VLF techniques. The rocks hosting the PGE mineralization is defined by the paleomagnetic results but this is not a practical field method.</p> <p> The geophysical characterization of the PGE mineralization host rocks, and of the BCF in general, demonstrates the potential of detailed magnetic and susceptibility mapping, together with petrographic and petrologic studies, in the search for economic PGE concentrations of sulfide-poor PGE mineralization in other volcanic and possibly plutonic rocks as well. Specifically, the results suggest that podiform magnetic anomalies within titaniferous magnetite-rich pyroxenites and gabbroic rocks may have potential use in the exploration for economic sulfide-poor PGE mineralization. Although the paleomagnetic methods used in this study are probably not of direct use in exploration, they were able to distinguish the different lithologies in the BCF. This substantiates the results of the susceptibility measurements in characterizing PGE mineralized, titaniferous magnetite-bearing rocks. The results of the paleomagnetic study also show that the NRM of the Ghost Range intrusive complex is not primary and therefore the Archean apparent polar wander path as it is currently defined is incorrect.</p> / Thesis / Bachelor of Science (BSc)