Roles of Asthenospheric and Lithospheric Mantle in Magmatic Ni-Cu-PGE Deposits

Roles of Asthenospheric and Lithospheric Mantle in Magmatic Ni-Cu-PGE Deposits

🎙 Mike Lesher 👥 1K 📅 April 16, 2026 ⏱ 25 min 👁 19 📄 original study 🧭 2026-08-15
Available in: English (current) Français

Keywords

Ni-Cu-PGE depositsmantle sourceslithospheric mantleasthenospheric mantlegeochemistry

Summary

Mike Lesher presents a status report on research investigating the roles of asthenospheric and lithospheric mantle in the formation of magmatic Ni-Cu-PGE deposits. He introduces the concept of subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) as a potential source of metals, contrasting it with the more typical asthenospheric mantle. Using geochemical data from ores and mantle xenoliths, he shows that most major deposits have signatures consistent with derivation from peridotitic asthenospheric mantle, while some deposits (e.g., Voisey’s Bay, Eagle, and many Chinese deposits) show enrichment in Ni and Cu relative to PGEs, suggesting a metasomatized asthenospheric source. A few deposits exhibit irregular patterns possibly indicating a contribution from metasomatized SCLM. He emphasizes the importance of high magma flux and access to crustal sulfur for prospectivity rather than mantle composition alone. The presentation includes preliminary data compilations and outlines next steps for modeling and further data collection.

143 words

Critical Evaluation

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The presentation provides valuable insights into the ongoing debate on mantle sources for Ni-Cu-PGE deposits. The argumentation is based on geochemical data from ores and mantle xenoliths, and the interpretation is cautious, acknowledging uncertainties and missing data. The speaker clearly distinguishes between different mantle sources and their geochemical signatures, and he discusses the implications for prospectivity. The reasoning is logical and well-structured, though some conclusions are preliminary and require further validation.

Scientific Rigor, Source Quality, Title Accuracy

The presentation is scientifically rigorous, referencing established work by researchers such as Graham Pearson, James Day, and others. The speaker uses geochemical databases and acknowledges limitations, such as missing data for certain elements. The title accurately reflects the content, focusing on the roles of asthenospheric and lithospheric mantle. The talk is part of a scientific meeting, suggesting peer context. No external sources are cited in the description, but the speaker references published work and ongoing collaborations.

162 words

Title / Content Match

The title accurately reflects the content, which focuses on the roles of asthenospheric and lithospheric mantle in the formation of magmatic Ni-Cu-PGE deposits.

Quality & Reliability

7/10

Presentation of ongoing research with preliminary data and interpretations, based on established geochemical methods and databases. Some limitations acknowledged (missing data, unpublished compilations).

Key Moments

Contribution & Novelties

The presentation contributes to the ongoing debate on mantle sources for Ni-Cu-PGE deposits by providing a comprehensive geochemical comparison of ore signatures with mantle xenolith data. It suggests that most deposits are derived from asthenospheric mantle, with some from metasomatized asthenosphere, and only a few possibly from SCLM. This challenges the idea that SCLM is a major source for world-class deposits. The work is preliminary but highlights the need for more comprehensive data, especially for elements like cobalt and PGEs in mantle xenoliths.

Pour aller plus loin :

119 words

Radar Profile

The radar profile shows high scores in technical level and information quality, with moderate scores in quantity and reliability. This indicates a technically detailed presentation with solid data, but with some limitations in data completeness and preliminary nature of conclusions.

Reliability 7/10