US EPA

1435484 

Book/Book Chapter 

Economic mineral deposits in impact structures: A review 

Reimold, WU; Koeberl, C; Gibson, RL; Dressler, BO 

2005 

IMPACT STUDIES 

479-552 

WOS:000229304500020 

Many large meteorite impact structures throughout the world
host mineral resources that are either currently mined or have the potential to become important
economic resources in the future. The giant Vredefort-Witwatersrand and Sudbury impact structures
underline this statement, because of their enormous resources in gold and uranium, and nickel,
copper, and PGEs, respectively. In relation to impact, three basic types of ore deposits in
impact structure settings have been distinguished: (1) progenetic (i.e., pre-impact) deposits
that already existed in the target regions prior to an impact event, but may have become
accessible as a direct result of the impact; (2) syngenetic (syn-impact) deposits that owe their
existence directly to the impact process, and (3) epigenetic (immediately post-impact) deposits
that result from impact-induced thermal/hydrothermal activity. In addition to metalliferous ore
deposits related to impact structures, impact structure-hosted epigenetic hydrocarbon deposits
are reviewed and are shown to make a major contribution to the North American economies. Non-
metallic resources, such as minerals derived from crater-lake deposits, dimension stone, and
hydrological benefits, may also be derived from impact structures, and the educational and
recreational value of many meteorite impact craters can be substantial. Undoubtedly, impact
structures - at least those in excess of 5-10 km diameter - represent potential exploration
targets for ore resources of economic magnitude. This important conclusion must be communicated
to exploration geologists and geophysicists. On the other hand, impact workers ought to be
familiar with already established fact concerning ore deposits in impact environments and must
strive towards further understanding of the ore generating processes and styles of emplacement in
impact structures.