Mineral systems of the Yilgarn Craton

The Yilgarn Craton is one of Earth’s most significant Archean provinces, hosting world-class mineral systems formed through complex tectonic and geodynamic processes. Its exceptional endowment in gold (Au), nickel (Ni), rare earth elements (REE), and lithium (Li) reflects the interaction of early crustal growth, mantle dynamics, and lithospheric reworking during craton assembly. 

This 4-days-long field excursion will investigate how large-scale geodynamic drivers - such as mantle plume activity, crustal accretion, and lithospheric architecture - controlled magmatism, fluid flow, and ore formation. Key stops include the Golden Mile at Kalgoorlie, illustrating orogenic gold systems linked to crustal-scale fault networks; komatiite-hosted Ni sulfides formed during voluminous outpouring of primitive magmas; carbonatite-related REE deposits derived from deep mantle sources; and LCT-pegmatites associated with late-stage granitic magmatism.

Through integrated field observations, drill core viewing at the GSWA’s Joe Lord Core Library, and discussion, participants will examine mineralization within its tectonic context, from regional architecture to deposit-scale controls, providing a holistic framework for understanding metallogenic processes in Archean terrains and their implications for exploration.