JD, I agree with the statement that the "Geologist from Metalex, indicating he was looking for the same type of mineralization, in the new massive sulfides, that is Ni Cu,Co and PGEs...". He, the geologist, did not say whether it appeared to be MSS or VMS type. He did not say what the host rock was. All he remarked on was the visual presence of pyrrhotite, pyrite and chalcopyrite. I think that what Franz and a few others are saying, is that the jury is still out and will be until assay results are released. I agree with them 100%. We all hope for MSS. I, however, strongly suspect that it may be VMS for the following reasons. But, I must admit, I have been wrong before.
Let me share with you, and I know you do not think much about my expertise, my educated opinion. It is a fact that pyrite, pyrrhotite +-chalcopyrite, sphalerite, galena are the most common primary sulphide minerals found in VMS deposits. Likewise, pyrrhotite, pentlandite and chalcopyrite are the most common sulphide minerals found in MSS deposits. Phase diagram research by Naldrett, Kullerud et al in the Fe-Ni-Cu-S system for a MSS deposits essentially rules out pyrite as a primary constituent. Pyrite has not been identified at DE1, only DE2. At the latter, it has been connected with a zone of shearing or deformation. I would conclude that the pyrite there is most likely a result of late stage, secondary hydrothermal activity associated with metamorphism of the primary magmatic (i.e. MSS) assemblage.
I support and encourage civilized debate and free expression of opinions.
The following references may be of interest.
The Mineralogy of the Voiseys Bay Ni-Cu-Co Deposit, Northern Labrador, Canada by A.J. Naldrett et al, Economic Geology, June 2000, V. 95, p. 889 - 900
Mineral Deposits of Canada. Magmatic Ni-Cu-PGE Deposits by O.R. Eckstrand and L. Hulbert (2007), Geological Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada
Mineral Deposits of Canada. Volcanogenic-associated Massive Sulphide Deposits (VMS) by A. Galley (2007), Geological Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada
