Crustal-scale transport of nanoparticle emulsion forms ore deposits

Abstract

A 10- to 10 000-fold enrichment is required to form economic metal deposits. Such enrichment is achieved through the accumulation of metals transported in hydrothermal fluids from their source to the deposit. The contribution of gold nanoparticle suspensions in fluids is required to form bonanza gold grades. However, as the source of gold is spatially disconnected from the deposit location, it is not known how the transport of gold nanoparticles is achieved. Here we show that metal nanoparticles (Au, AgO, AuAg Cu) are stabilised by colloidal silica in nanoparticle emulsion and transported with the aid of low-density carbonic phases. We document systematic occurrence of metals nanoparticle in five deposits that show a previously unrecognized association with amorphous silica and carbon. Our results demonstrate that stabilisation of metal nanoparticles may be achieved over kilometres through the Earth’s upper crust and offers a step change in our understanding of metalliferous deposit formation.