Siderophile and chalcophile metal variations in basalts: Implications for the sulfide saturation history and Ni-Cu-PGE mineralization potential of the Tarim continental flood basalt province, Xinjiang Province, China

It is well known that a genetic link exists between the formation of ultramafic-hosted Nia-Cua-PGE sulfide deposits and the eruption of associated chalcophile- and siderophile-depleted continental flood basalts. However, until recently little research has been undertaken on the Permian Tarim Basin continental flood basalt province in Xinjiang province, China. Here, we present new trace, siderophile and chalcophile element data from continental flood basalts that are well exposed and preserved in the Keping area of Xinjiang province and we discuss their sulfide saturation history and Ni-Cu mineralization potential. Ultramafica??mafic units dominated by basaltic rocks outcrop over an area of about 250,000 km2 in the Tarim Basin; these Lower Permian basaltic rocks are hosted by the Kupukuziman and Kaipaizileike Formations, a mixture of basalts, trachybasalts, amygdaloidal basalts and basaltic pyroclastics.