Noble metals, like gold, are transported by magma from deep within the mantle (below the surface) of the Earth to the shallow crust (the surface), where they form deposits. Through a series of experiments, Linnen and his colleagues from the University of Hannover (Germany), the University of Potsdam (Germany) and Laurentian University found that gold-rich magma can be generated in mantle also containing high amounts of sulphur.
“Sulphur wasn’t recognized as being that important, but we found it actually enhances gold solubility and solubility is a very important step in forming a gold deposit,” explains Linnen. “In some cases, we were detecting eight times the amount of gold if sulphur was also present.”
This study will be important. The most likely effect would be exploration companies highlighting any massive-sulphide formations on their properties. Prof. Linnen, evidently a supporter of peak gold, cautions that the easy gold has already been found.
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