Pyrite compositions from VHMS and orogenic Au deposits in the Yilgarn Craton, Western Australia: Implications for gold and copper exploration

The Archaean Yilgarn Craton (Western Australia) is a world-class metallogenic province, hosting considerable resources of Au, Ag, Ni, Cu, Zn and Fe. Here we present trace element compositions of pyrite from > 30 orogenic Au and 5 volcanic hosted massive sulphide (VHMS) deposits across the Yilgarn. Pyrites from VHMS deposits tend to have higher Sn, Se, Cu, Pb, Bi and lower Ni relative to orogenic deposits. VHMS deposit pyrites commonly have Co >...