Magmatic structure and geochemistry of the Luanga Mafic–Ultramafic Complex: Further constraints for the PGE-mineralized magmatism in Carajás, Brazil

• The Luanga Complex originated in an open-system magma chamber.
• Ni contents in olivine are anomalously high (up to 7500 ppm).
• High nickel contents in olivine occur in PGE enriched (Pt + Pd > 1 ppm) intervals.
• Upgrading of magmas through dissolution of previously formed Ni-rich sulfide melts
• PGE-fertile magmatism in Carajás

The Luanga Complex is part of the Serra Leste Magmatic Suite, a cluster of PGE-mineralized mafic–ultramafic intrusions located in the northeastern portion of the Carajás Mineral Province. The Luanga Complex is a medium-sized layered intrusion consisting of three main zones: i. the lower Ultramafic Zone comprising ultramafic adcumulates (peridotite), ii. the Transition Zone comprising interlayered ultramafic and mafic cumulates (harzburgite, orthopyroxenite and norite) and iii. the upper Mafic Zone comprising a monotonous sequence of mafic cumulates (norite) with minor orthopyroxenite layers. Several PGE-mineralized zones occur in the Transition Zone but the bulk of the PGE resources are hosted within a 10–50 meter thick interval of disseminated sulfides at the contact of the Ultramafic and Transition Zones. The compositional range of cumulus olivine (Fo78.9–86.4) is comparable to those reported for layered intrusions originated from moderate primitive parental magmas. Mantle normalized alteration-resistant trace element patterns of noritic rocks are fractionated, as indicated by relative enrichment in LREE and Th, with negative Nb and Ta anomalies, suggesting assimilation of older continental crust. Ni contents in olivine in the Luanga Complex (up to 7500 ppm) stand among the highest values reported in layered intrusions globally. The highest Ni contents in olivine in the Luanga Complex occur in distinctively PGE enriched (Pt + Pd > 1 ppm) intervals of the Transition Zone, in both sulfide-poor and sulfide bearing (1–3 vol.%) rocks. The origin of the PGE- and Ni-rich parental magma of the Luanga Complex is discussed considering the upgrading of magmas through dissolution of previously formed Ni-rich sulfide melts. Our results suggest that high Ni contents in olivine and/or orthopyroxene provide an additional exploration tool for Ni–PGE deposits, particularly useful for target selection in large magmatic provinces.

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