S and Pb Isotopic Constraints on the Relationship between the Linong Granodiorite and the Yangla Copper Deposit,Yunnan, China

The Yangla copper deposit, located in western Yunnan Province, China, is a typical giant, newly started mining copper deposit with an estimated Cu reserves of about 1,200,000 tons. The deposit is spatially and temporally associated with the Linong granodiorite, which is rich in SiO2 (SiO2=58.25 wt%–69.84 wt%) and alkalis (Na2O+K2O=5.98 wt%–8.34 wt%), indicating an association with shoshonitic series to high-K calc-alkaline series granites, and shows low contents of TiO2 (0.35 wt%–0.48 wt%), MgO (1.51 wt%–1.72 wt%), and Al2O3 (13.38 wt%–19.75 wt%). The δ34S values of sulfides of the main ore stage from copper ores vary range from ?4.2‰ to ?0.9‰, indicating a much greater contribution from the mantle to the ore-forming fluids. The δ34S values of the late ore stage is ?9.8‰, indicating enrichment of biogenic sulfur which may derive from the crustal hydrothermal fluid. The 208Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb and 206Pb/204Pb of sulfides of the main ore stage from copper ores range within 38.66–38.73, 15.71–15.74 and 18.35–19.04, respectively, implying that the Pb was derived from the mantle, with the crustal component, probably representing mixtures of mantle lead and crustal lead. Sulfide of the late ore stage in their Pb isotopic composition, 208Pb/204Pb= 38.69, 207Pb/204Pb=15.70, 206Pb/204Pb=18.35, implying that the Pb was derived from the crust. The Linong granodiorite is syn-collisional, produced by partial melting of thickened lower crust, which was triggered by the westward subduction of the Jinshajiang Oceanic plate. During a transition in geodynamic setting from collision-related compression to extension, gently dipping ductile shear zones (related to subduction) were transformed to brittle shear zones, consisting of a series of thrust faults in the Jinshajiang tectonic belt. The tensional thrust faults would have been a favorable environment for ore-forming fluids. The ascending magma provided a channel for the ore-forming fluid from the mantle wedge. After the magma arrived at the base of the early-stage Linong granodiorite, the platy granodiorite at the base of the body would have shielded the late-stage magma from the fluid. The magma would have cooled slowly, and some of the ore-forming fluid in the magma would have entered the gently dipping thrust faults near the Linong granodiorite, resulting in mineralization.     

Zircon U-Pb Geochronology and Geochemical Characteristics of the Volcanic Host Rocks from the Tongyu VHMS Copper Deposit in the Western North Qinling Orogen and Their Geological Significance

Precise in situ zircon U-Pb dating and Lu–Hf isotopic measurement using an LA-ICP-MS system, whole-rock major and trace element geochemistry and Sr–Nd isotope geochemistry were conducted on the volcanic host rocks of the Tongyu copper deposit on the basis of further understanding of its geological characteristics. Three zircon samples from the volcanic host rocks yielded 206Pb/238 U weighted average ages ranging from 436±4 Ma to 440±5 Ma, which are statistically indistinguishable and coeval with the ca. 440 Ma northward subduction event of the Paleo-Qinling oceanic slab. The volcanic host rocks were products of magmatic differentiation that evolved from basalt to andesite to dacite to rhyolite, forming an integrated tholeiitic island arc volcanic rock suite. The primitive mantle-normalized trace element patterns for most samples show characteristics of island arc volcanic rocks, such as relative enrichment of LILE(e.g. Th, U, Pb and La) and depletion of HFSE(e.g. Nb, Ta, Ti, Zr and Hf). Discrimination diagrams of Ta/Yb vs Th/Yb, Ta vs Th, Yb vs Th/Ta, Ta/Hf vs Th/Hf, Hf/3 vs Th vs Nb/16, La vs La/Nb and Nb vs Nb/Th all suggest that both the volcanic host rocks from the Tongyu copper deposit and the volcanic rocks from the regional Xieyuguan Group were formed in an island arc environment related to subduction of an oceanic slab. Values of ISr(0.703457 to 0.708218) and εNd(t)(-2 to 5.8) indicate that the source materials of volcanic rocks from the Tongyu copper deposit and the Xieyuguan Group originated from the metasomatised mantle wedge with possible crustal material assimilation. Most of the volcanic rock samples show good agreement with the values of typical island arc volcanic rocks in the ISr-εNd(t) diagram. The involvement of crustal-derived material in the magma of the volcanic rocks from the Tongyu copper deposit was also reflected in the zircon εHf(t) values, which range from-3.08 to 10.7, and the existence of inherited ancient xenocrystic zircon cores(2616±39 Ma and 1297±22 Ma). The mineralization of the Tongyu copper deposit shows syn-volcanic characteristics such as layered orebodies interbedded with the volcanic rock strata, thus, the zircon U-Pb age of the volcanic host rocks can approximately represent the mineralization age of the Tongyu copper deposit. Both the Meigou pluton and the volcanic host rocks were formed during the ca. 440 Ma northward subduction of the Paleo-Qinling Ocean when high oxygen fugacity aqueous hydrothermal fluid released by dehydration of the slab and the overlying sediments fluxed into the mantle wedge, triggered partial melting of the mantle wedge, and activated and extracted Cu and other ore-forming elements. The magma and ore-bearing fluid upwelled and erupted, and consequently formed the island arc volcanic rock suite and the Tongyu VHMS-type copper deposit.     

Regional Metallogenesis of the Chang’an Gold Ore Deposit in Western Yunnan: Evidences from Fluid Inclusions and Stable Isotopes

<正>The Chang'an gold ore deposit in western Yunnan is located at the southern segment of the Ailaoshan metallogenic belt.The ore bodies are preserved in fractured Ordovician sedimentary clastic rocks.The gold-bearing minerals occur dominantly in sulfide-quartz veins.Fluid inclusion analysis shows that the Chang'an gold ore deposit is characterized by epithermal gold mineralization at temperatures between 200℃and 280℃at a shallow crustal level.The mineralizing fluids have intermediate to low salinity(6%-18%) and low densities(0.72-1.27 g/cm~3).The ore minerals haveδ~(34)S in a range from -13‰to 3.57‰,concentrated from -2.06‰to 3.57‰with an average of 1.55‰.The ~(206)Pb/~(204)Pb,~(207)Pb/~(204)Pb and ~(208)Pb/~(204)Pb values are 18.9977-19.5748,15.7093-15.784,39.3814-40.2004 respectively.These isotope data suggest that the ore-forming elements were mainly derived from mixed crustal and mantle sources.The Chang'an gold ore deposit and Tongchang Cu-Mo deposit are closely related to each other in their spatial distribution and age of formation.They have similar sources of mineralizing elements and identical ore-forming metal elements,and show a close relationship in physical and chemical conditions of mineralization.The two deposits constitute an epithermal-porphyry -skarn type Cu-Mo-Au mineralization system in the Tongchang-Chang'an area,which is related to the Cenozoic high-K alkaline magmatism.     

H-O-S-Pb Isotopic Compositions of the Chagele Pb-Zn-Cu-Mo Deposit,Tibet: Implications for the Ore-forming Processes and Comparison with Pb-Zn (Cu-Mo) Deposits in Middle-east Segment of the Nyainqentanglha Metallogenic BeltEI北大核心CSCD

The Chagele is a typical Pb-Zn-Cu-Mo deposit located in the western Nyainqentanglha Pb-Zn-Ag-Fe-Cu metallogenic belt (NPMB) that immediately north of the Gangdese porphyry copper belt, Tibet. The deposit contains three ore types: the porphyry (Cu) Mo ores occur as thin veins hosted in the granite porphyry; the skarn (Cu) Pb-Zn type ores are of vein-type or lenticular-type mainly occurring in the external contact zone and interstratified crack zone; and the hydrothermal vein Pb-Zn type ores are controlled by the NNE-striking faults and situated in the structural fractured zones and the up walls of fault zones. The (Cu) Pb-Zn ores consist mainly of galena, sphalerite, chalcopyrite, pyrite, malachite, showing automorphic granular, hypautomorphic to allotriomorphic granular and metasomatic-relict textures, and exhibiting mainly veined, banded, disseminated and massive structures. Hydrothermal alteration includes skarnization, silicification and limonitization. The (Cu) Mo ores consists mainly of chalcopyrite and molybdenite, and minor pyrite. The (Cu) Mo ores are characterized by scaly texture, veinlet and massive structures. It has reserves of 0.38 Mt Pb, 0.6 Mt Zn and 110.1 t Ag, with average grade of 2.08%, 3.29% and 6.07 g/t, respectively, and is considered as a deposit with huge ore-prospecting potential in western of NPMB. However, the ore-forming material and genesis of the Chagele deposit are still not clear. This paper systematically investigated the H, O, S and Pb isotopes of the Chagele deposit and compared it with the other Pb-Zn (Cu-Mo) deposits in the middle-east segment of NPMB. Isotopic geochemical analyses showed that the fluids have δ18O values of -2.2‰ to 2.9‰ and δD values of -189‰ to -157‰, respectively, indicative of mixing between magmatic and meteoric waters. The bimodal distribution of δ34 S values for sulfides (-5.6‰ to -0.8‰, the average: -3.7‰ and 1.1‰ to 2.6‰, the average: 1.8‰) indicated that sulfur of the ores were derived from both wall rocks and magma, while the Cu-Mo orebodies was mainly derived from the granite porphyry. The sulfides have 206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb and 208Pb/204Pb values in ranges of 18.614 to 18.688, 15.657 to 15.747 and 38.988 to 39.269; similarly the granite porphyries have 206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb and 208Pb/204Pb values of 18.663 to 19.058, 15.643 to 15.664, and 39.002 to 39.559, respectively, implying that both of them were originated from the upper crust. The H-O-S-Pb isotopic characteristics of the Chagele deposit are similar to those of the Pb-Zn polymetallic deposits in the mid-east NPMB, suggesting that these deposits have similar ore-forming fluid and material sources. It can be concluded that the Chagele deposit is a typical porphyry type Mo deposit + skarn type-hydrothermal vein type of Cu-Pb-Zn deposit. Moreover, we argue that the mineralization is not only confined to the mid-east NPMB, the western segment of the belt with similar tectonic-magmatism also has high potential of ore mineralization. © 2018, Science Press. All right reserved.     

Genesis of the Weiquan Ag–Polymetallic Deposit in East Tianshan, China: Evidence from Zircon U–Pb Geochronology and C–H–O–S–Pb Isotope Systematics

The Weiquan Ag-polymetallic deposit is located on the southern margin of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt and in the western segment of the Aqishan-Yamansu arc belt in East Tianshan,northwestern China. Its orebodies, controlled by faults, occur in the lower Carboniferous volcanosedimentary rocks of the Yamansu Formation as irregular veins and lenses. Four stages of mineralization have been recognized on the basis of mineral assemblages, ore fabrics, and crosscutting relationships among the ore veins. Stage I is the skarn stage(garnet + pyroxene), Stage Ⅱ is the retrograde alteration stage(epidote + chlorite + magnetite ± hematite 士 actinolite ± quartz),Stage Ⅲ is the sulfide stage(Ag and Bi minerals + pyrite + chalcopyrite + galena + sphalerite + quartz ± calcite ± tetrahedrite),and Stage IV is the carbonate stage(quartz + calcite ± pyrite). Skarnization,silicification, carbonatization,epidotization,chloritization, sericitization, and actinolitization are the principal types of hydrothermal alteration. LAICP-MS U-Pb dating yielded ages of 326.5±4.5 and 298.5±1.5 Ma for zircons from the tuff and diorite porphyry, respectively. Given that the tuff is wall rock and that the orebodies are cut by a late diorite porphyry dike, the ages of the tuff and the diorite porphyry provide lower and upper time limits on the age of ore formation. The δ~(13)C values of the calcite samples range from-2.5‰ to 2.3‰, the δ~(18)O_(H2 O) and δD_(VSMOW) values of the sulfide stage(Stage Ⅲ) vary from 1.1‰ to 5.2‰ and-111.7‰ to-66.1‰, respectively,and the δ~(13)C, δ~(18)O_(H2 O) and δD_(V-SMOW) values of calcite in one Stage IV sample are 1.5‰,-0.3‰, and-115.6‰, respectively. Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen isotopic compositions indicate that the ore-forming fluids evolved gradually from magmatic to meteoric sources. The δ~(34)S_(V-CDT) values of the sulfides have a large range from-6.9‰ to 1.4‰, with an average of-2.2‰, indicating a magmatic source, possibly with sedimentary contributions. The ~(206)Pb/~(204)Pb, ~(207)Pb/~(204)Pb, and ~(208)Pb/~(204)Pb ratios of the sulfides are 17.9848-18.2785,15.5188-15.6536, and 37.8125-38.4650, respectively, and one whole-rock sample at Weiquan yields~(206)Pb/~(204)Pb,~(207)Pb/~(204)Pb, and ~(208)Pb/~(204)Pb ratios of 18.2060, 15.5674, and 38.0511,respectively. Lead isotopic systems suggest that the ore-forming materials of the Weiquan deposit were derived from a mixed source involving mantle and crustal components. Based on geological features, zircon U-Pb dating, and C-H-OS-Pb isotopic data, it can be concluded that the Weiquan polymetallic deposit is a skarn type that formed in a tectonic setting spanning a period from subduction to post-collision. The ore materials were sourced from magmatic ore-forming fluids that mixed with components derived from host rocks during their ascent, and a gradual mixing with meteoric water took place in the later stages.     

Ore-forming Fluid and Mineral Source of the Hongshi Copper Deposit in the Kalatage Area, East Tianshan, Xinjiang, NW China

The Hongshi copper deposit is located in the middle of the Kalatage ore district in the northern segment of the Dananhu-Tousuquan island-arc belt in East Tianshan, Xinjiang, NW China. This study analyses the fluid inclusions and H, O, and S stable isotopic compositions of the deposit. The fluid-inclusion data indicate that aqueous fluid inclusions were trapped in chalcopyrite-bearing quartz veins in the gangue minerals. The homogenization temperatures range from 108°C to 299°C, and the salinities range from 0.5% to 11.8%, indicating medium to low temperatures and salinities. The trapping pressures range from 34.5 MPa to 56.8 MPa. The δ18OH2O values and δD values of the fluid range from ?6.94‰ to ?5.33‰ and from ?95.31‰ to ?48.20‰, respectively. The H and O isotopic data indicate that the ore-forming fluid derived from a mix of magmatic water and meteoric water and that meteoric water played a significant role. The S isotopic composition of pyrite ranges from 1.9‰ to 5.2‰, with an average value of 3.1‰, and the S isotopic composition of chalcopyrite ranges from ?0.9‰ to 4‰, with an average value of 1.36‰, implying that the S in the ore-forming materials was derived from the mantle. The introduction of meteoric water decreased the temperature, volatile content, and pressure, resulting in immiscibility. These factors may have been the major causes of the mineralization of the Hongshi copper deposit. Based on all the geologic and fluid characteristics, we conclude that the Hongshi copper deposit is an epithermal deposit.     

Genesis of the Gold Deposit in the Indus-Yarlung Tsangpo Suture Zone, Southern Tibet: Evidence from Geological and Geochemical Data

The Nianzha gold deposit,located in the central section of the Indus-Yarlung Tsangpo suture(IYS) zone in southern Tibet,is a large gold deposit(Au reserves of 25 tons with average grade of 3.08 g/t) controlled by a E-W striking fault that developed during the main stage of Indo-Asian collision(~65-41 Ma).The main orebody is 1760 m long and 5.15 m thick,and occurs in a fracture zone bordered by Cretaceous diorite in the hanging wall to the north and the Renbu tectonic melange in the footwall to the south.High-grade mineralization occurs in a fracture zone between diorite and ultramafic rock in the Renbu tectonic melange.The wall-rock alteration is characterized by silicification in the fracture zone,serpentinization and the formation of talc and magnesite in the ultramafic unit,and chloritization and the formation of epidote and calcite in diorite.Quartz veins associated with Au mineralization can be divided into three stages.Fluid inclusion data indicate that the deposit formed from H_2O-NaCl-organic gas fluids that homogenize at temperatures of 203℃-347℃ and have salinities of 0.35wt%-17.17wt%NaCl equivalent.The quartz veins yield δ~(18)O_(fluid) values of 0.15‰-10.45‰,low δD_(V-SMOW)values(-173‰ to-96‰),and the δ~(13)C values of-17.6‰ to-4.7‰,indicating the ore-forming fluids were a mix of metamorphic and sedimentary orogenic fluids with the addition of some meteoric and mantle-derived fluids.The pyrite within the diorite has δ~(34)S_(V-CDT) values of-2.9‰-1.9‰(average-1.1‰),~(206)Pb/~(204)Pb values of 18.47-18.64,~(207)Pb/~(204)Pb values of 15.64-15.74,and ~(208)Pb/~(204)Pb values of 38.71-39.27,all of which are indicative of the derivation of S and other ore-forming elements from deep in the mantle.The presence of the Nianzha,Bangbu,and Mayum gold deposits within the IYS zone indicates that this area is highly prospective for large orogenic gold deposits.We identified three types of mineralization within the IYS,namely Bangbu-type accretionary,Mayum-type microcontinent,and Nianzha-type ophiolite-associated orogenic Au deposits.The three types formed at different depths in an accretionary orogenic tectonic setting.The Bangbu type was formed at the deepest level and the Nianzha type at the shallowest.     

He–Ar Isotopic Tracing of Pyrite from Ore-forming Fluids of the Sanshandao Au Deposit, Jiaodong Area

The Sanshandao Au deposit is located in the famous Sanshandao metallogenic belt, Jiaodong area. To date, accumulative Au resources of 1000 t have been identified from the belt. Sanshandao is a world-class gold deposit with Au mineralization hosted in Early Cretaceous Guojialing-type granites. Thus, studies on the genesis and ore-forming element sources of the Sanshandao Au deposit are crucial. He and Ar isotopic analyses of fluid inclusions from pyrite(the carrier of Au) indicate that the fluid inclusions have 3 He/4 He=0.043–0.21 Ra with an average of 0.096 Ra and 40 Ar/36 Ar=488–664 with an average of 570.8. These values represent the initial He and Ar isotopic compositions of ore-forming fluids for trapped fluid inclusions. The comparison of H–O isotopic characteristics combined with deposit geology and wall rock alteration reveals that the ore-forming fluids of the Sanshandao Au deposit show mixed crust–mantle origin characteristics, and they mainly comprise crust-derived fluid mixed with minor mantle-derived fluid and meteoric water during the uprising process. The ore-forming elements were generally sourced from pre-Cambrian meta-basement rocks formed by Mesozoic reactivation and mixed with minor shallow crustal and mantle components.     

Geology and Isotope Geochemistry of the Yinchanggou-Qiluogou Pb-Zn Deposit, Sichuan Province, Southwest China

The Yinchanggou-Qiluogou Pb-Zn deposit,located in the western Yangtze Block,southwest China,is hosted by the Upper Sinian Dengying Formation dolostone.Ore bodies occur in the Qiluogou anticline and the NS-and NNW-trending faults.Sulfide ores mainly consist of sphalerite,pyrite,galena and calcite,with subordinate dolomite and quartz.Seventeen ore bodies have been discovered to date and they have a combined 1.0 million tons of sulfide ores with average grades of 2.27wt%Zn and 6.89wt%Pb.The δD_(H2O-SMOW) and δ~(18)O_(H2O-SMOW) values of fluid inclusions in quartz and calcite samples range from-68.9‰ to-48.7‰ and 7.3‰ to 15.9‰,respectively,suggesting that H_2O in the hydrothermal fluids sourced from metamorphic water.Calcite samples have δ~(13)C_(PDB) values ranging from-6.2‰ to-4.1‰ and δ~(18)O_(SMOW) values ranging from 15.1‰ to 17.4‰,indicating C and O in the hydrothermal fluids likely derived from a mixed source of metamorphic fluids and the host carbonates.The δ~(34)S_(CDT) values of sulfide minerals range from 5.5‰ to 20.3‰,suggesting that thermal chemical reduction of sulfate minerals in evaporates were the most probable source of S in the hydrothermal fluids.The ~(206)Pb/~(204)Pb,~(207)Pb/~(204)Pb and ~(208)Pb/~(204)Pb ratios of sulfide minerals fall in the range of 18.11 to 18.40,15.66 to 15.76 and 38.25 to 38.88,respectively.The Pb isotopic data of the studied deposit plot near the upper crust Pb evolution curve and overlap with the age-corrected Proterozoic basement rocks and the Upper Sinian Dengying Formation hosting dolostone.This indicates that the Pb originated from a mixed source of the basement metamorphic rocks and the ore-hosting carbonate rocks.The ore geology and C-H-O-S-Pb isotopic data suggest that the YinchanggouQiluogou deposit is an unusual carbonate-hosted,strata-bound and epigenetic deposit that derived ore-forming materials from a mixed source of the underlying Porterozoic basements and the Sinian hosting carbonates.     

Geology, Geochemistry and Minerogenesis of the Shijuligou Zinc–Copper Deposit in Gansu, China

Abstract: The Shijuligou deposit was separated by an arcuate ductile shear zone cross the center of the deposit region, resulting in the difference between the southern and northern ore bodies. The lead (Pb) isotopic data of ores of the Shijuligou copper deposit have averages of 206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb, and 208Pb/204Pb in 17.634, 15.444, and 37.312, respectively. It has been shown that ore-forming metals originated from intrusive and extrusive rocks in the upper part of ophiolites. The sulfur isotopic data of pyrite and chalcopyrite in the northern part change from +7.61‰ to +8.09‰ and +4.95‰ to +8.88‰ in the southern part. Isotopes of δ18O in the Shijuligou copper deposit are between +11.1‰ and +18.6‰, with the calculated δ18OH2O at +0.65‰. It is suggested that the mineralized fluid is a mixture of magma fluid, meteorological water, and seawater through circulating and leaching metals from the volcanic rocks. The zircon uranium-lead (U–Pb) dating of gabbro is 457.9±1.2 Ma, and the lower crossing age of the discordant and concordia curves of pyroxene spilite of zircon is 454±15 Ma. It is indicated that the Shijuligou deposit formed in a new ocean crust (ophiolite) of the back-arc basin in the late Ordovician. Mineralization should occur in the intermittence period after strong volcanic activity, and the age should be the late Ordovician. Moreover, the mineralization of ophiolite-hosted massive sulfide deposits in the ancient orogenic belt of the late Ordovician in the northern Qilian Mountains was controlled by the primary fault/fracture, with the forming of a metallogenic hydrothermal system by a mixture of volcanic magma fluid and seawater, which circularly leached the metallogenic metals from the volcanic rocks, resulting in their accumulation. The ore bodies were transformed with morphology and metallogenic elements. Jasperoid is an important sign for prospecting such deposits. There were many island arcs in the continent of China. This study provides evidence for understanding and exploration of ophiolite-hosted massive sulfide deposits in western China, especially in the area of northern Qilian Mountains.     

Geology and Isotope Geochemistry of the Dongzhongla Pb–Zn Deposit in Tibet: Implications for the Origin of the Ore‐Forming Fluids and Storage Condition of Certain Metals

As a newly discovered medium‐sized deposit (proven Pb + Zn resources of 0.23 Mt, 9.43% Pb and 8.73% Zn), the Dongzhongla skarn Pb–Zn deposit is located in the northern margin of the eastern Gangdese, central Lhasa block. Based on the geological conditions in this deposit of ore‐forming fluids, H, O, C, S, Pb, Sr, and noble gas isotopic compositions were analyzed. Results show that δ¹⁸O_SMOW of quartz and calcite ranged from −9.85 to 4.17‰, and δD_SMOW ranged from −124.7 to −99.6‰ (where SMOW is the standard mean ocean water), indicating magma fluids mixed with meteoric water in ore‐forming fluids. The δ¹³C_PDB and δ¹⁸O_SMOW values of calcite range from −1.4 to −1.1‰ and from 5.3 to 15.90‰, respectively, show compositions consistent with the carbonate limestone in the surrounding rocks, implying that the carbon was primarily sourced from the dissolution of carbonate strata in the Luobadui Formation. The ore δ³⁴S composition varied in a narrow range of 2.8 to 5.7‰, mostly between 4‰ and 5‰. The total sulfur isotopic value δ³⁴S was 4.7‰ with characteristics of magmatic sulfur. The ³He/⁴He values of pyrite and galena ranged from 0.101 to 5.7 Ra, lower than those of mantle‐derived fluids (6 ± 1 Ra), but higher than those of the crust (0.01–0.05 Ra), and therefore classified as a crust–mantle mixed source. The Pb isotopic composition for ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb values of the ores were in the ranges of 18.628–18.746, 15.698–15.802, and 39.077–39.430, respectively, consistent with the Pb isotopic composition of magmatic rocks in the deposit, classified as upper‐crust lead. The ore lead was likely sourced partially from the crustal basement of the Lhasa Terrane. The initial (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i value from five sulfide samples ranged from 0.71732 to 0.72767, and associated ore‐forming fluids were mainly sourced from the partial melting of the upper‐crust materials. Pb isotopic compositions of ore sulfides from the Dongzhongla deposit are similar to that of the Yuiguila and Mengya'a deposit, indicating that they have similar sources of metal‐rich ore‐forming solution. According to basic skarn mineralogy, the economic metals, and the origin of the ore‐forming fluids, the Dongzhongla deposit was classified as a skarn‐type Pb–Zn deposit.     

Geology and Geochemistry of the Bianbianshan Au‐Ag‐Cu‐Pb‐Zn Deposit,Southern Da Hinggan Mountains,Northeastern China

The Bianbianshan deposit, the unique gold-polymetal (Au-Ag-Cu-Pb-Zn) veined deposit of the polymetal metallogenic belt of the southern segment of Da Hinggan Mountains mineral province, is located at the southern part of the Hercynian fold belt of the south segment of Da Hinggan Mountains mineral province, NE China. Ores at the Bianbianshan deposit occur within Cretaceous andesite and rhyolite in the form of gold-bearing quartz veins and veinlet groups containing native gold, electrum, pyrite, chalcopyrite, galena and sphalerite. The deposit is hosted by structurally controlled faults associated with intense hydrothermal alteration. The typical alteration assemblage is sericite + chlorite + calcite + quartz, with an inner pyrite - sericite - quartz zone and an outer seicite - chlorite - calcite - epidote zone between orebodies and wall rocks. δ34 S values of 17 sulfides from ores changing from –1.67 to +0.49‰ with average of –0.49‰, are similar to δ34 S values of magmatic or igneous sulfide sulfur. 206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb and 208Pb/ 204Pb data of sulfide from ores range within 17.66–17.75, 15.50–15.60, and 37.64–38.00, respectively. These sulfur and lead isotope compositions imply that ore-forming materials might mainly originate from deep sources. H and O isotope study of quartz from ore-bearing veins indicate a mixed source of deep-seated magmatic water and shallower meteoric water. The ore formations resulted from a combination of hydrothermal fluid mixing and a structural setting favoring gold-polymetal deposition. Fluid mixing was possibly the key factor resulting in Au-Ag-Cu-Pb-Zn deposition in the deposit. The metallogenesis of the Bianbianshan deposit may have a relationship with the Cretaceous volcanic-subvolcanic magmatic activity, and formed during the late stage of the crust thinning of North China.     

Mantle origin of the Dexing porphyry copper deposit,SE China

The Dexing ore deposit, Jiangxi Province, is the largest porphyry copper deposit in China. Controversies exist regarding the ore-forming source of this deposit. We have conducted Pb isotope analyses of pyrites from the Tongchang and Fujiawu mines. Our results document consistent Pb isotopes from these two orebodies, with ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios of 17.954–18.320, 15.407–15.517, and 37.888–38.153, respectively. These Pb isotope ratios are consistent with those of ore-bearing adakitic porphyries but distinctly different from those of the Neoproterozoic metamorphic wall rocks, which indicates that the metals were derived from the porphyries. Based on previous S and Os isotopic data and comparisons with more than 20 Mo-bearing deposits worldwide, we further attribute the narrow range of δ³⁴S values of sulphide minerals and high Re–¹⁸⁷Os concentrations of associated molybdenites to a mantle origin. This large-scale copper deposit was evidently emplaced in a continental arc setting attending westward subduction of the palaeo-Pacific plate. Partial melting of the downgoing oceanic slab generated the adakitic magmas. The associated metals were extracted from the lithospheric mantle by these magmas during ascent through the mantle wedge.     

Geology,Pb Isotope Geochemistry and Ore Genesis of the Liziyuan Gold Deposit,West Qinling Orogen,Central China

The Liziyuan gold deposit, situated on the south side of the Shangdan suture zone, West Qinling Orogen, occurs in metamorphic volcanic rocks(greenschist facies) of the early Paleozoic Liziyuan Group and in Indosinian Tianzishan monzogranite. Orebodies in the Liziyuan gold field are controlled by the ductile-brittle shear zone, and by thrusting nappe faults related to the Indosinian orogeny. In detail, this paper analyzed the geological characteristics of the Liziyuan gold field, and the Pb isotopes of the Lziyuan host rocks, granitoids(Tianzishan monzogranite and Jiancaowan syenite porphyry), sulfides, and auriferous quartz veins by multiple-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry(MC-ICPMS). In addition, previous data on the sulfur, hydrogen, and oxygen isotopes were employed to discuss the possible sources of the ore-forming fluids and materials, and to further understand the tectonic setting of the Liziyuan gold deposit. The sulfides and their host rocks(Lziyuan Group), Tianzishan monzogranite and Jiancaowan syenite porphyry, and auriferous quartz veins have similar Pb isotopic compositions.Zartman's plumbotectonic model diagram shows that most of the data for the deposit fall near the orogenic Pb evolutionary curve or within the area between the orogenic and mantle Pb evolutionary curves. In the△β-△γ diagram, which genetically classifies the lead isotopes, most of the data fall within the range of the subduction-zone lead mixed with upper crust and mantle. This indicates that a complex source of the ore lead formed in the orogenic environment. The δ~(34)S values of the sulfides range from 3.90 to 8.50‰(average6.80‰), with a pronounced mode at 5.00‰-8.00‰. These values are consistent with that of orogenic gold deposits worldwide, indicating that the sulfur sourced mainly from reduced metamorphic fluids. The isotopic hydrogen and oxygen compositions support a predominantly metamorphic origin of the oreforming fluids, with possible mixing of minor magmatic fluids, but the late stage was dominated by meteoric water. The characteristics of the Liziyuan gold deposit formed in the Indosinian orogenic environment of the Qinling Orogen are consistent with those of orogenic gold deposits found worldwide.     

Genesis of the Changba–Lijiagou Giant Pb-Zn Deposit, West Qinling, Central China: Constraints from S-Pb-C-O isotopes

The extensive Changba-Lijiagou Pb-Zn deposit is located in the north of the Xihe–Chengxian ore cluster in West Qinling. The ore bodies are mainly hosted in the marble, dolomitic marble and biotite-calcite-quartz schist of the Middle Devonian Anjiacha Formation, and are structurally controlled by the fault and anticline. The ore-forming process can be divided into three main stages, based on field geological features and mineral assemblages. The mineral assemblages of hydrothermal stage I are pale-yellow coarse grain, low Fe sphalerite, pyrite with pits, barite and biotite. The mineral assemblages of hydrothermal stage II are black-brown cryptocrystalline, high Fe shalerite, pyrite without pits, marcasite or arsenopyrite replace the pyrite with pits, K-feldspar. The features of hydrothermal stage III are calcite-quartz-sulfide vein cutting the laminated, banded ore body. Forty-two sulfur isotope analyses, twenty-five lead isotope analyses and nineteen carbon and oxygen isotope analyses were determined on sphalerite, pyrite, galena and calcite. The δ34 S values of stage I(20.3 to 29.0‰) are consistent with the δ34 S of sulfate(barite) in the stratum. Combined with geological feature, inclusion characteristics and EPMA data, we propose that TSR has played a key role in the formation of the sulfides in stage I. The δ34 S values of stage II sphalerite and pyrite(15.1 to 23.0‰) are between sulfides in the host rock, magmatic sulfur and the sulfate(barite) in the stratum. This result suggests that multiple S reservoirs were the sources for S2-in stage II. The δ34 S values of stage III(13.1 to 22‰) combined with the structure of the geological and mineral features suggest a magmatic hydrothermal origin of the mineralization. The lead isotope compositions of the sulfides have 206 Pb/204 Pb ranging from 17.9480 to 17.9782, 207 Pb/204 Pb ranging from 15.611 to 15.622, and 208 Pb/204 Pb ranging from 38.1368 to 38.1691 in the three ore-forming stages. The narrow and symmetric distributions of the lead isotope values reflect homogenization of granite and mantle sources before the Pb-Zn mineralization. The δ13 CPDB and δ18 OSMOW values of stage I range from-0.1 to 2.4‰ and from 18.8 to 21.7‰. The values and inclusion data indicate that the source of fluids in stage I was the dissolution of marine carbonate. The δ13 CPDB and δ18 OSMOW values of stage II range from-4 to 1‰ and from 12.3 to 20.3‰, suggesting multiple C-O reservoirs in the Changba deposit and the addition of mantle-source fluid to the system. The values in stage III are-3.1‰ and 19.7‰, respectively. We infer that the process of mineralization involved evaporitic salt and sedimentary organic-bearing units interacting through thermochemical sulfate reduction through the isotopic, mineralogy and inclusion evidences. Subsequently, the geology feature, mineral assemblages, EPMA data and isotopic values support the conclusion that the ore-forming hydrothermal fluids were mixed with magmatic hydrothermal fluids and forming the massive dark sphalerite, then yielding the calcite-quartz-sulfide vein ore type at the last stage. The genesis of this ore deposit was epigenetic rather than the previously-proposed sedimentary-exhalative(SEDEX) type.     

Genesis of the Xiuwenghala Gold Deposit in the Beishan Orogen,Northwest China: Evidence from Geology,Fluid Inclusion,and H–O–S–Pb Isotopes

The Xiuwenghala gold deposit is located in the Beishan Orogen of the southern Central Asian Orogenic Belt. The vein/lenticular gold orebodies are controlled by Northeast‐trending faults and are hosted mainly in the brecciated/altered tuff and rhyolite porphyry of the Lower Carboniferous Baishan Formation. Metallic minerals include mainly pyrite and minor chalcopyrite, arsenopyrite, galena, and sphalerite, whilst nonmetallic minerals include quartz, chalcedony, sericite, chlorite, and calcite. Hydrothermal alterations consist of silicic, sericite, chlorite, and carbonate. Alteration/mineralization processes comprise three stages: pre‐ore silicic alteration (Stage I), syn‐ore quartz‐chalcedony‐polymetallic sulfide mineralization (Stage II), and post‐ore quartz‐calcite veining (Stage III). Fluid inclusions (FIs) in quartz and calcite are dominated by L‐type with minor V‐type and lack any daughter mineral‐bearing or CO₂‐rich/‐bearing inclusions. From Stages I to III, the FIs homogenized at 240–260°C, 220–250°C, and 150–190°C, with corresponding salinities of 2.9–10.9, 3.2–11.1, and 2.9–11.9 wt.% NaCl eqv., respectively. The mineralization depth at Xiuwenghala is estimated to be relatively shallow (<1 km). FI results indicate that the ore‐forming fluids belong to a low to medium‐temperature, low‐salinity, and low‐density NaCl‐H₂O system. The values decrease from Stage I to III (3.7‰, 1.7–2.4‰, and ?1.7 to 0.9‰, respectively), and a similar trend is found for their values (?104 to ?90‰, ?126 to ?86‰, and ?130 to ?106‰, respectively). This indicates that the fluid source gradually evolved from magmatic to meteoric. δ³⁴S values of the hydrothermal pyrites (?3.0 to 0.0‰; avg. ?1.1‰) resemble those of typical magmatic/mantle‐derived sulfides. Pyrite Pb isotopic compositions (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.409–18.767, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.600–15.715, ²⁰⁸Pb^/204Pb = 38.173–38.654) are similar to those of the (sub)volcanic ore host, indicating that the origin of ore‐forming material was mainly the upper crustal (sub)volcanic rocks. Integrating evidence from geology, FIs, and H–O–S–Pb isotopes, we suggest that Xiuwenghala is best classified as a low‐sulfidation epithermal gold deposit.