Evolution of Concepts on the Origin of the Witwatersrand Gold Deposit

摘要

The placer and hydrothermal models of the origin of the Witwatersrand gold deposit differ in the interpretation of the degree of involvement of sedimentation and hydrothermal processes, as well as the source of gold. Analysis of the current data shows that the deposit hosts complex U-Au polygenous and poly-chronous mineralization. The primary ore-bearing material of mantle origin accumulated in the greenschist belts of the crust was subsequently extracted from the weathering products of these belts, transported, and concentrated by the fluvial processes as clastic heavy mineral in the reefs. Later, it was remobilized and redeposited by hydrothermal processes. The gold was recrystallized after the formation of thucholite.