The geology and structure of the Rustenburg Layered Suite in the Potgietersrus/Mokopane area of the Bushveld Complex,South Africa |
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| Authors: | Mauritz J van der Merwe |
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| Institution: | (1) P.O. Box 213, Bathurst, 6166, South Africa |
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| Abstract: | A new geological map of the Rustenburg Layered Suite south of the Ysterberg–Planknek fault of the northern/Potgietersrus limb
of the Bushveld Complex is presented, displaying features that were not available for publication in the past and are considered
contributing to the complexity of this region. The northern limb is known for the Platreef, atypical mafic lithologies in
sections of the layered sequence and the unusual development of the ultramafic Lower Zone as satellite bodies or offshoots
at the base of the intrusion. The outcrop and suboutcrop pattern of Lower Zone Grasvally body and its relation to the surrounding
geology of Main Zone, Critical Zone, and floor rocks is described. The extent of the base metal sulfide (BMS) and platinum-group
element (PGE)-mineralized cyclic unit 11 of the Drummonlea harzburgite–chromitite sub zone is shown. Only that which is considered
to be the equivalents of the mafic Upper Critical Zone has thus far been traced south of Potgietersrus/Mokopane. The Platreef
is traced from the farm Townlands and further northwards. The presence of Platreef proper south of Potgietersrus/Mokopane
appears to be speculative. However, Merensky Reef, UG 2, and equivalent layers outcrop or were intersected to the south of
the town. The Kleinmeid Syncline comprising Main Zone/Critical Zone layers and its structure is discussed. The lateral lithological
transfomation of the Merensky Reef/UG 2 and equivalent layers south of the Ysterberg–Planknek fault to Platreef north of this
fault is recorded. Attenuation of both the Main Zone and Upper Zone is observed from the northwest towards the town and resulted
in only the lower units being developed. The lateral change of Main Zone and Upper Zone lithologies from the northwest towards
the town is described. The PGE and BMS economic potential south of the town are briefly tabulated. |
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| Keywords: | Geological map Base metal sulfide Platinum-group element |
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