Definition of geochemical domains in a chromite mine, Bushveld Complex, South Africa

The Lower and Middle Group chromitites of the Bushveld Complex are the source of a very large portion of the global chrome supply. Yet, the effectiveness of chromite beneficiation circuits is highly sensitive to mineralogical and textural variations in feed composition. The use of geochemical proxies, based on data acquired routinely during the exploration and mining process may provide a cost- and time-efficient alternative to more time-consuming and expensive mineralogical analyses. Such an approach is presented in this study, which focuses on the LG-6, LG-6A, MG-1 and MG-2 chromitite seams at the Thaba mine located on the western limb of the Bushveld Complex. According to a sound statistical assessment, the chromitites of the Thaba mine area can be subdivided into three distinct domains, domains that constitute the suitable fundament for a geometallurgical model. Accordingly, a least altered (orthomagmatic) domain is distinguished from a supergene altered domain and a domain affected by widespread hydrothermal alteration. The latter domain occurs below the depth of modern weathering, but in obvious proximity to faults and around a prominent dunite pipe. The orthomagmatic domain is represented by ores least affected by post-magmatic alteration processes. This domain occupies the centre of fault blocks below the extent of modern weathering.