The Acoje block platiniferous dunite horizon, Zambales Ophiolite Complex, Philippines: Melt type and associated geochemical controls

Abstract

The Zambales Ophiolite Complex, a supra-subduction zone ophiolite, is made up of the mid-ocean ridge-related Coto block and the island arc-related Acoje block. This crust-mantle sequence hosts platinum-group elements (PGE) in the Acoje block. The melts responsible for the PGE-bearing nickel sulfide and chromitite deposits are of magmatic origin characterized by high-MgO basalt to boninitic composition which, being second or third-stage melts, carry higher PGE budgets. Metal ratio diagrams, utilizing base and precious metals, reveal that the distribution and deposition of the PGE in the Acoje block are affected by olivine, chromite and sulfide crystallization. The generation, accumulation and segregation of the PGE, oxide and sulfide minerals from the melts are governed by the combined factors of high degrees of partial melting, multiple melt replenishment with concomitant magma mixing and fractional crystallization. Although previous sulfide segregation events could have occurred below the PGE-bearing nickel sulfide horizon as shown by the Ni/Cu (>1), the Cu/Pd and Ni/Pd strongly suggest that the main platiniferous zone is confined within the Acoje block transition zone dunite.