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The geology and structure of the Rustenburg Layered Suite in the Potgietersrus/Mokopane area of the Bushveld Complex, 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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Acknowledgements

The late Christo Van Zyl of Falconbridge is acknowledged for his assistance during the exploration programs that were undertaken in the period from 1997 to 2002. Thanks to Prof. Goonie Marsh and staff at Rhodes University who made facilities available for research work. The reviews of Hugh Eales, CP Snyman, Grant Cawthorn, Bernd Lehmann, Steve Prevec, and John Blaine resulted in the improvement in the content of this paper. Thanks to Anglo Platinum, Anooraq, Caledonia, Falconbridge, Pan Palladium, and Liz de Klerk for supplying information and to Bronwyn Mc Lean and Sue Abrahams at the Graphic Services Unit, Rhodes University for draughting of the diagrams.

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    Mauritz J. van der Merwe

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van der Merwe, M.J. The geology and structure of the Rustenburg Layered Suite in the Potgietersrus/Mokopane area of the Bushveld Complex, South Africa. Miner Deposita 43, 405–419 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00126-007-0168-9

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