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2026-08-26

Occurrences of placer platinum-group minerals (PGM) were reported in several gold placer deposits in Yukon. The source rock and the type of platinum mineralization are not known for these localities. We investigated five grains of Pt-Fe alloy from Burwash Creek (map area 115G and F), one grain from Scroggie Creek (map area 115O and N) and one grain from Wolverine Creek (map area 105C and D). Results of multiple electron microprobe analysis display elevated levels of Pd, Rh, Ir and Cu in these Pt-Fe alloy grains. The grains host micro-inclusions of various species of PGMs and silicate-melt inclusions with diopside, albite and sodic-calcic amphiboles. Trace element composition of the silicate inclusions determined using laser ablation ICP-MS shows a notable enrichment in large ion lithophile elements. We infer that the reported association of PGM and the trace element composition of silicate-melt inclusions observed in the studied grains are likely derived from a subduction-related Alaskan-type mineralization.

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