Gold-bearing VMS deposits in the Oman ophiolite

Volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits in the Oman ophiolite are mostly copper-rich base metal deposits, typical for mafic-hosted types. Nevertheless, some of the deposits show elevated gold contents (and other trace metals like arsenic). Secondary (passively) enriched gossans have even been mined for gold. Our first results show, that the base-metal-only deposits formed during a different period of volcanism (and tectonic setting) than gold-bearing VMS deposits. The host rocks of the deposits seem to have the biggest influence on the gold content of massive sulfide lenses. The reason for this is still a matter of discussions and future investigations.