U–Pb and Re–Os Geochronology of the Tongcun Molybdenum Deposit and Zhilingtou Gold‐Silver Deposit in Zhejiang Province,Southeast China,and Its Geological Implications

Mesozoic ore deposits in Zhejiang Province, Southeast China, are divided into the northwestern and southeastern Zhejiang metallogenic belts along the Jiangshan–Shaoxing Fault. The metal ore deposits found in these belts are epithermal Au–Ag deposits, hydrothermal‐vein Ag–Pb–Zn deposits, porphyry–skarn Mo (Fe) deposits, and vein‐type Mo deposits. There is a close spatial–temporal relationship between the Mesozoic ore deposits and Mesozoic volcanic–intrusive complexes. Zircon U–Pb dating of the ore‐related intrusive rocks and molybdenite Re–Os dating from two typical deposits (Tongcun Mo deposit and Zhilingtou Au–Ag deposit) in the two metallogenic belts show the early and late Yanshanian ages for mineralization. SIMS U–Pb data of zircons from the Tongcun Mo deposit and Zhilingtou Au–Ag deposit indicate that the host granitoids crystallized at 169.7 ± 9.7 Ma (2σ) and 113.6 ± 1 Ma (2σ), respectively. Re–Os analysis of six molybdenite samples from the Tongcun Mo deposit yields an isochron age of 163.9 ± 1.9 Ma (2σ). Re–Os analyses of five molybdenite samples from the porphyry Mo orebodies of the Zhilingtou Au‐Ag deposit yield an isochron age of 110.1 ± 1.8 Ma (2σ). Our results suggest that the metal mineralization in the Zhejiang Province, southeast China formed during at least two stages, i.e., Middle Jurassic and Early Cretaceous, coeval with the granitic magmatism.     

U–Pb and Re–Os Ages of the Huaheitan Molybdenum Deposit,NW China

The Huaheitan molybdenum deposit in the Beishan area of northwest China consists of quartz‐sulfide veins. Orebodies occur in the contact zone of the Huaniushan granite. LA‐ICPMS U–Pb zircon dating constrains the crystallization of the granite at 225.6 ± 2.2 Ma (2σ, MSWD = 4.5). Re–Os dating of five molybdenite samples yield model ages ranging from 223.2 ± 3.5 Ma to 228.6 ± 3.4 Ma, with an average of 225.2 ± 2.4 Ma. The U–Pb and Re–Os ages are identical within the error, suggesting that the granite and related Huaheitan molybdenum deposit formed in the Late Triassic. Our new data, combined with published geochronological results from the other molybdenum deposits in this region, imply that intensive magmatism and Mo mineralization occurred during 240 Ma to 220 Ma throughout the Beishan area.     

Geochronology of the Xihuashan Tungsten Deposit in Southeastern China: Constraints from Re–Os and U–Pb Dating

Xihuashan tungsten deposit is one of the earliest explored tungsten deposits in southeastern China. It is a vein type deposit genetically associated with the Xihuashan granite pluton. Here we report new dating and zircon geochemistry results. Re–Os isotopic dating for molybdenite intergrowth with wolframite in the oldest generation of the Xihuashan pluton yielded an isochron age of 157.0 ± 2.5 Ma (2σ). Zircon U–Pb laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS) dating shows that the pluton crystallized at 155.7 ± 2.2 Ma (2σ). This age is similar to the molybdenite Re–Os age for the ore deposit within error. This, together with published data, suggests that the major W(Mo)‐Sn mineralization occurred between 160–150 Ma in southeastern China. These deposits constitute a major part of the magmatic‐metallogenic belt of eastern Nanlin. The lower Re content in molybdenite of the Xihuashan tungsten deposit shows crustal origin for the ore‐forming material. The limited direct contributions from the subducting slab for the tungsten mineralization in the Nanling region suggest a change of the style of the paleo‐Pacific plate beneath southeastern China.     

Re–Os and U–Pb Geochronology of Porphyry and Skarn Types Copper Deposits in Jilin Province,NE China

Jilin Province in NE China lies on the eastern edge of the Xing–Meng Orogenic Belt. Mineral exploration in this area has resulted in the discovery of numerous large, medium, and small sized Cu, Mo, Au, and Co deposits. To better understand the formation and distribution of both the porphyry and skarn types Cu deposits of the region, we examined the geological characteristics of the deposits and applied zircon U–Pb and molybdenite Re–Os isotope dating to constrain the age of the mineralization. The Binghugou Cu deposit yields a zircon U–Pb age for quartz diorite of 128.1 ± 1.6 Ma; the Chang'anpu Cu deposit yields a zircon U–Pb age for granite porphyry of 117.0 ± 1.4 Ma; the Ermi Cu deposit yields a zircon U–Pb age for granite porphyry of 96.8 ± 1.1 Ma; the Tongshan Cu deposit yields molybdenite Re–Os model ages of 128.7 to 130.2 Ma, an isochron age of 129.0 ± 1.6 Ma, and a weighted mean model age of 129.2 ± 0.7 Ma; and the Tianhexing Cu deposit yields molybdenite Re–Os model ages of 113.9 to 115.2 Ma, an isochron age of 114.7 ± 1.2 Ma, and a weighted mean model age of 114.7 ± 0.7 Ma. The new ages, combined with existing geochronology data, show that intense porphyry and skarn types Cu mineralization was coeval with Cretaceous magmatism. The geotectonic processes responsible for the genesis of the Cu mineralization were probably related to lithospheric thinning. By analyzing the accumulated molybdenite Re–Os, zircon U–Pb, and Ar–Ar ages for NE China, it is concluded that the Cu deposits formed during multiple events coinciding with periods of magmatic activity. We have identified five phases of mineralization: early Paleozoic (~476 Ma), late Paleozoic (286.5–273.6 Ma), early Mesozoic (~228.7 Ma), Jurassic (194.8–137.1 Ma), and Cretaceous (131.2–96.8 Ma). Although Cu deposits formed during each phase, most of the Cu mineralization occurred during the Cretaceous.     

Re–Os and U–Pb geochronology of porphyry Mo deposits in central Jilin Province: Mo ore-forming stages in northeast China

Central Jilin Province lies along the eastern edge of the Xing–Meng orogenic belt of northeast China. At least 10 Mo deposits have been discovered in this area, making it the second-richest concentration of Mo resources in China. To better understand the formation and distribution of porphyry Mo deposits in the area, we investigated the geological characteristics of the deposits and applied zircon U–Pb and molybdenite Re–Os isotope dating to constrain the age of mineralization. Our new geochronological data show the following: the Jidetun Mo deposit yields molybdenite Re–Os model ages of 164.6–167.1 Ma, an isochron age of 168 ± 2.5 Ma, and a weighted mean model age of 165.9 ± 1.2 Ma; the Houdaomu Mo deposit yields molybdenite Re–Os model ages of 167.4–167.7 Ma, an isochron age of 168 ± 13 Ma, and a weighted mean model age of 167.5 ± 1.2 Ma; and the Chang’anpu Mo deposit yields a zircon U–Pb age for granodiorite porphyry of 166.9 ± 1.5 Ma (N = 16). These new age data, combined with existing molybdenite Re–Os dates, show that intense porphyry Mo mineralization was coeval with magmatism during the Middle Jurassic (167.8 ± 0.4 Ma, r > 0.999). The geotectonic mechanisms responsible for Mo mineralization were probably related to subduction of the Palaeo-Pacific plate beneath the Eurasian continent. Combining published molybdenite Re–Os and zircon U–Pb ages for northeast China, the Mo deposits are shown to have been formed during multiple events coinciding with periods of magmatic activity. We identified three phases of mineralization, two of which had several stages: the Caledonian (485–480 Ma); the Indosinian comprising the Early–Middle Triassic (248–236 Ma) and Late Triassic (226–208 Ma) stages; and the Yanshanian phase comprising the Early–Middle Jurassic (202–165 Ma), Late Jurassic–early Early Cretaceous (154–129 Ma), and Early Cretaceous (114–111 Ma) stages. Although Mo deposits formed during each phase/stage, most of the mineralization occurred during the Early–Middle Jurassic.     

Isotopic Chronological Study of the Huangsha‐Tieshanlong Quartz Vein‐ Type Tungsten Deposit and Timescale of Molybdenum Mineralization in Southern Jiangxi Province,China

The Huangsha-Tieshanlong quartz-vein tungsten polymetallic ore deposit, located in the northern Pangushan-Tieshanlong tungsten ore field in eastern Ganxian-Yudu prospecting areas of the Yushan metallogenic belt, is a well-known tungsten deposit in southern Jiangxi province, China. SHRIMP-determined dating of zircons from the Tieshanlong granite yields ages of 168.1±2.1 Ma (n=11, MSWD=1.3). Rhenium and osmium isotopic dating of molybdenite from the Huangsha quartz-vein tungsten deposit determined by ICP-MS yields a weighted average ages of 153±3 Ma and model ages of 150.2±2.1 Ma – 155.4±2.3 Ma. The age of the Huangsha tungsten deposit is 10 to 15 Ma later than the Tieshanlong granite, which shows that there might have been another early Late Jurassic magmatic activity between 150 and 160 Ma, a process which is closely related with tungsten mineralization in this area. The Tieshanlong granite, the Huangsha tungsten deposit and the Pangushan-Tieshanlong ore field were all formed around 150–170 Ma, belonging to products of a Mesozoic second large-scale mineralization. According to the collected molybdenite Re-Os dating results in southern Jiangxi province, the timescale of the associated molybdenum mineralization is 2–6 Ma in the tungsten deposit and the timescale of independent molybdenum mineralization is 1–4 Ma, implying the complexity of tungsten mineralization. Times of molybdenum mineralization are mainly concentrated in the Yanshanian, which includes three stages of 133~135 Ma, 150–162 Ma, and 166–170 Ma, respectively. The 150–162 Ma-stage is in accordance with ages of large-scale W-Sn mineralization, which is mainly molybdenum mineralization characterized by associated molybdenum mineralization with development of an even greater-intensity independent molybdenum mineralization. Independent molybdenum mineralization occurred before and after large-scale W-Sn mineralization, which indicates that favorable prospecting period for molybdenum may be in Cretaceous and early late Jurassic.     

U–Pb and Re–Os Geochronology of Karamay Porphyry Mo–Cu Deposit in Western Junggar,NW China

The Karamay porphyry Mo–Cu deposit, discovered in 2010, is located in the West Junggar region of Xinjiang of northwest China. The deposit is hosted within the Karamay granodiorite porphyry that intruded into Early Carboniferous sedimentary strata and its exo‐contact zone. The LA‐ICPMS U–Pb method was used to date the zircons from the granodiorite samples of the porphyry. Analyses of 12 spots of zircons from the granodiorite samples yield a U–Pb weighted mean age of 300.8 ± 2.1 Ma (2σ). Re–Os dating for five molybdenite samples obtained from two prospecting trenches and three outcrops in the deposit yield a Re–Os isochron age of 294.6 ± 4.6 Ma (2σ), with an initial ¹⁸⁷Os/¹⁸⁸Os of 0.0 ± 1.1. The isochron age is within the error of the Re–Os model ages, demonstrating that the age result is reliable. The Re–Os isochron age of the molybdenite is consistent with the U–Pb age of the granodiorite porphyry, which indicates that the deposit is genetically related with an Early Permian porphyry system. The ages of the Karamay Mo–Cu deposit and the ore‐bearing porphyry are similar to the ages of intermediate‐acid intrusions and Cu–Mo–Au polymetallic deposits in the West Junggar region. This consistency suggests the same geodynamic process to the magmatism and related mineralization.     

Late Jurassic Cu-Mo Mineralization at the Zhashui-Shanyang District, South Qinling, China: Constraints from Re-Os Molybdenite and Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry U-Pb Zircon Dating

The Zhashui-Shanyang district is one of the most important sulfide deposits in the Qinling Orogen where the formation of porphyry-skarn Cu-Mo deposits has a close genetic link with the Yanshannian magmatism. Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) U-Pb zircon dating of two granodiorite intrusions (Xiaohekou and Lengshuigou deposits) was investigated in the Zhashui-Shanyang district and the rock-forming ages obtained from 148.3±2.8?to 152.6±1.2?Ma, averaging 150.5 Ma, accompanied by a younger disturbance age of 144.3±1.7?Ma in the Lengshuigou intrusion, which is in excellent agreement with published sensitive high resolution ion micro-probe (SHRIMP) zircon date on the later monzodiorite porphyry phase in the Lenshuigou deposit. Two samples were selected for molybdenite ICP-MS Re-Os isotopic analyses from the Lengshuigou granodiorite porphyry, yielding Re-Os model ages from 149.2±2.7 Ma to 150.6±3.4 Ma, with a weighted mean age of 149.7±2.1 Ma. These mineralization ages overlap rock-forming ages of the host intrusions within the error range. This implies that the mineralization occurred in the Late Jurassic, which belongs to the tectonic phase B event of the Yanshan Movement, not Cretaceous as previously thought. Therefore, the Late Jurassic mineralization of the Zhashui-Shanyang district could be connected to the large-scale Yanshan molybdenum metallogenic period, the geodynamic regime of which is attributable to the far field response of convergence of surrounding plates, perhaps the approximately westward subduction of the Izanagi plate beneath the Eurasian continent.     

U–Pb and Re–Os Geochronology of the Hucunnan Copper–Molybdenum Deposit in Anhui Province,Southeast China,and its Geological Implications

The Middle–Lower Yangtze Region (MLYR) is one of the most important metallogenic belts in China that hosts numerous Cu–Fe–Au–S deposits. The Hucunnan deposit in the central part of MLYR is a newly discovered porphyry–skarn‐type copper–molybdenum deposit during recent drilling exploration. Laser ablation ICP–MS analysis carried out in this study yields U–Pb isotopic ages of 137.5 ± 1.2 Ma for the Cu–Mo bearing granodiorite rock and 125.0 ± 1.5 Ma for the Cu‐bearing quartz diorites. The Re–Os isotopic dating of seven molybdenite samples gave an isochron age of 139.5 ± 1.1 Ma, suggesting a syn‐magma mineralization of molybdenite in the Hucunnan deposit. Since porphyry‐type molybdenum deposits are rare in central MLYR, the discovery of the Hucunnan deposit suggests possible molybdenite mineralizations in the deep places of the Cu–Mo bearing granitoids. In addition, the U–Pb isotopic age of 125 Ma for the Cu‐bearing quartz diorites implies a new Cu mineralization period for the MLYR that was rarely reported by previous studies.     

Molybdenite Mineralization and Re‐Os Geochronology of the Escondida and Escondida Norte Porphyry Deposits,Northern Chile

Molybdenum is an economically important subproduct of North Chilean porphyry‐type deposits, and thus spatial and temporal distribution of molybdenite as the primary Mo‐bearing mineral in the Escondida and Escondida Norte deposits were characterized using several mineralogical and chemical techniques and the Re‐Os dating method. Molybdenum is distributed extensively in the two deposits, and high molybdenum concentrations (>500 ppm) are recognized particularly in the chlorite‐sericite transitional zone between the potassic and sericitic zones. Two modes of occurrence of molybdenite are observed in the Escondida deposit: aggregates with Cu‐Fe‐sulfide minerals in fine veinlets (sulfide‐veinlet type), and monomineralic microveinlets associated with NE‐trending faults. The former and the latter yielded ages of 36.1 ± 0.2 Ma and 35.2 ± 0.2 Ma, respectively. Re‐Os dating of Escondida Norte molybdenites also show two distinct episodes, at 37.7 ± 0.3 Ma and a younger episode at 36.6 ± 0.2 Ma. These data indicate that the Escondida Norte is older than the main Escondida deposit. The Re‐Os age data combined with those of the porphyry emplacement suggest that the molybdenite mineralization in the Escondida district occurred as several short episodic pulses during the late‐magmatic to hydrothermal transition, and that the Cu‐Mo deposits were formed in a variable overall period spanning 1 to 5 m.y.     

Re–Os and U–Pb Geochronology of the Dawan Mo–Zn–Fe Deposit in Northern Taihang Mountains,China

The Dawan Mo–Zn–Fe deposit located in the Northern Taihang Mountains in the middle of the North China Craton (NCC) contains large Mo‐dominant deposits. The mineralization of the Dawan Mo–Zn–Fe deposit is associated with the Mesozoic Wanganzhen granitoid complex and is mainly hosted within Archean metamorphic rocks and Proterozoic–Paleozoic dolomites. Rhyolite porphyry and quartz monzonite both occur in the ore field and potassic alteration, strong silicic–phyllic alteration, and propylitic alteration occur from the center of the rhyolite porphyry outward. The Mo mineralization is spacially related to silicic and potassic alteration. The Fe orebody is mainly found in serpentinized skarn in the external contact zone between the quartz monzonite and dolomite. Six samples of molybdenite were collected for Re–Os dating. Results show that the Re–Os model ages range from 136.2 Ma to 138.1 Ma with an isochron age of 138 ± 2 Ma (MSWD = 1.2). U–Pb zircon ages determined by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry yield crystallization ages of 141.2 ± 0.7 (MSWD = 0.38) and 130.7 ± 0.6 Ma (MSWD = 0.73) for the rhyolite porphyry and quartz monzonite, respectively. The ore‐bearing rhyolite porphyry shows higher K₂O/Na₂O ratios, ranging from 58.0 to 68.7 (wt%), than those of quartz monzonite. All of the rock samples are classified in the shoshonitic series and characterized by enrichment in large ion lithophile elements; depletion in Mg, Fe, Ta, Ni, P, and Y; enrichment in light rare earth elements with high (La/Yb)_n ratios. Geochronology results indicate that skarn‐type Fe mineralization associated with quartz monzonite (130.7 ± 0.6 Ma) formed eight million years later than Mo and Zn mineralization (138 ± 2 Ma) in the Dawan deposit. From Re concentrations in molybdenite and previously presented Pb and S isotope data, we conclude that the ore‐forming material of the deposit was derived from a crust‐mantle mixed source. The porphyry‐skarn type Cu–Mo–Zn mineralization around the Wanganzhen complex is related to the primary magmatic activity, and the skarn‐type Fe mineralization is formed at the late period magmatism. The Dawan Mo–Zn–Fe porphyry‐skarn ores are related to the magmatism that was associated with lithospheric thinning in the NCC.     

东秦岭地区碳酸岩型钼- 铀多金属矿床成矿时代：来自LA- ICP- MS独居石U- Pb和辉钼矿Re- Os年龄的证据

东秦岭地区碳酸岩型钼- 铀多金属矿床主要包括华阳川铀多金属矿、黄龙铺和黄水庵钼矿等。其中,华阳川矿床为近期取得勘查突破的一例以U、Nb、Pb为主并伴生稀土元素的超大型铀多金属矿床;黄龙铺钼矿为东秦岭钼矿带中成矿类型最为独特的大型钼矿床。为了精确获得东秦岭地区碳酸岩型钼- 铀多金属成矿时代,本研究采用辉钼矿Re- Os法和LA- ICP- MS独居石U- Pb法,分别对黄龙铺大石沟矿床的辉钼矿、秦岭沟矿床和华阳川矿床含矿碳酸岩脉中的独居石进行测定。结果表明,黄龙铺地区大石沟钼矿辉钼矿Re- Os等时线年龄为221. 3±8. 4Ma（MSWD=10. 9);秦岭沟钼矿碳酸岩中独居石LA- ICP- MS Tera- Wasserburg年龄为207±11Ma（MSWD=3. 7, n =38),华阳川铀多金属矿LA- ICP- MS独居石Tera- Wasserburg年龄为222. 5±6. 7Ma（MSWD=1. 8, n =37),表明该地区碳酸岩中的钼矿化和铀多金属矿化均形成于晚三叠世。综合分析认为,东秦岭地区发育于碳酸岩中的黄龙铺钼矿田、华阳川铀多金属矿是同一成矿系列的产物,碳酸岩型钼- 铀多金属的成矿金属可能来源于地幔,这类碳酸岩可能是秦岭地区印支期造山后伸展环境下的产物。     

Two Periods of Skarn Mineralization in the Baizhangyan W–Mo Deposit,Southern Anhui Province,Southeast China: Evidence from Zircon U–Pb and Molybdenite Re–Os and Sulfur Isotope Data

The recently discovered Baizhangyan skarn‐porphyry type W–Mo deposit in southern Anhui Province in SE China occurs near the Middle–Lower Yangtze Valley polymetallic metallogenic belt. The deposit is closely temporally‐spatially associated with the Mesozoic Qingyang granitic complex composed of g ranodiorite, monzonitic g ranite, and alkaline g ranite. Orebodies of the deposit occur as horizons, veins, and lenses within the limestones of Sinian Lantian Formation contacting with buried fine‐grained granite, and diorite dykes. There are two types of W mineralization: major skarn W–Mo mineralization and minor granite‐hosted disseminated Mo mineralization. Among skarn mineralization, mineral assemblages and cross‐cutting relationships within both skarn ores and intrusions reveal two distinct periods of mineralization, i.e. the first W–Au period related to the intrusion of diorite dykes, and the subsequent W–Mo period related to the intrusion of the fine‐grained granite. In this paper, we report new zircon U–Pb and molybdenite Re–Os ages with the aim of constraining the relationships among the monzonitic granite, fine‐grained granite, diorite dykes, and W mineralization. Zircons of the monzonitic granite, the fine‐grained granite, and diorite dykes yield weighted mean U–Pb ages of 129.0 ± 1.2 Ma, 135.34 ± 0.92 Ma and 145.3 ± 1.7 Ma, respectively. Ten molybdenite Re–Os age determinations yield an isochron age of 136.9 ± 4.5 Ma and a weighted mean age of 135.0 ± 1.2 Ma. The molybdenites have δ³⁴S values of 3.6‰–6.6‰ and their Re contents ranging from 7.23 ppm to 15.23 ppm. A second group of two molybdenite samples yield ages of 143.8 ± 2.1 and 146.3 ± 2.0 Ma, containing Re concentrations of 50.5–50.9 ppm, and with δ³⁴S values of 1.6‰–4.8‰. The molybdenites from these two distinct groups of samples contain moderate concentrations of Re (7.23–50.48 ppm), suggesting that metals within the deposit have a mixed crust–mantle provenance. Field observation and new age and isotope data obtained in this study indicate that the first diorite dyke‐related skarn W–Au mineralization took place in the Early Cretaceous peaking at 143.0–146.3 Ma, and was associated with a mixed crust–mantle system. The second fine‐grained granite‐related skarn W–Mo mineralization took place a little later at 135.0–136.9 Ma, and was crust‐dominated. The fine‐grained granite was not formed by fractionation of the Qingyang monzonitic granite. This finding suggests that the first period of skarn W–Au mineralization in the Baizhangyan deposit resulted from interaction between basaltic magmas derived from the upper lithospheric mantle and crustal material at 143.0–146.3 and the subsequent period of W–Mo mineralization derived from the crust at 135.0–136.9 Ma.     

内蒙古查木罕钨钼多金属矿床辉钼矿Re-Os同位素年龄及其地质意义

内蒙古克什克腾旗查木罕钨钼矿床是近年新发现的矿床。本文通过5件辉钼矿样品的Re-Os同位素测定与分析,获得模式年龄137.8～139.3Ma,加权平均值为138.8±2.8Ma,对应的等时线年龄为139.3±1.5Ma,表明查木罕钨钼矿床形成于早白垩世,与中国东部燕山期大规模钨钼成矿期一致。查木罕钨钼矿床辉钼矿的铼含量介于0.127～2.317μg/g之间,平均0.875μg/g,表明查木罕矿床成矿物质主要来源于上地壳。结合区域上已有研究成果,早白垩世是西拉木伦钼成矿带一期重要的成矿作用,并与中国东部大规模成矿时限相一致,该期成矿作用发生于中国东部岩石圈减薄构造背景。     

Zircon U–Pb and molybdenite Re–Os geochronology of copper–molybdenum deposits in southeast Liaoning Province,China

ABSTRACT

Liaoning Province in China is an area known for the occurrence of numerous copper and/or molybdenum deposits of variable size. However, the age of mineralization and tectonic setting in this region are still a subject of debate. In this study we describe the geology of these deposits and apply zircon U–Pb and molybdenite Re–Os isotopic dating to constrain their ages and define the metallogenic epochs of this province. The Huatong Cu–Mo deposit yields molybdenite Re–Os model ages of 127.6–126.3 Ma and an isochron age of 127.4 ± 0.7 Ma. The Dongbeigou Mo deposit yields molybdenite Re–Os model ages of 132.6–127.1 Ma, an isochron age of 128.1 ± 5.1 Ma, and a zircon U–Pb age of 129.4 ± 0.3 Ma for the associated monzogranite. The granodiorite associated with the Wanbaoyuan Cu–Mo deposit yields a zircon U–Pb age of 128.4 ± 1.1 Ma; the plagiogranite associated with the Yaojiagou Mo deposit yields an age of 167.5 ± 0.9 Ma; and the biotite–plagioclase gneiss from the Shujigou Cu deposit yields an age of 2549.4 ± 5.6 Ma. These results, together with previous geochronology data, show that intense Cu–Mo porphyry and skarn mineralization were coeval with Early–Middle Jurassic and Early Cretaceous granitic magmatism. The former was associated with the orogeny that followed the collision of the Siberian and North China plates and the resulting closure of the palaeo-Asian Ocean, and the latter with rifting that followed the subduction of the palaeo-Pacific Plate and associated lithospheric thinning. Volcanogenic massive sulfide Cu deposit. mineralization took place much earlier, in the late Archaean, and was related to continent–continent collision, palaeo-ocean closure, the formation of a united continental landmass, bimodal volcanism, magma emplacement, and subsequent metamorphism and deformation of syn-collisional granites.     

The Late Early Cretaceous Mo Mineralization in the South China Mo Province: Constraints from U–Pb and Re–Os Geochronology of the Lufeng Porphyry Mo Deposit

Compared to other Mo provinces, few studies focused on the South China Mo Province(SCMP), especially for Early Cretaceous Mo mineralization. The Lufeng porphyry Mo deposit in the SCMP is characterized by disseminated and veinlet-type mineralization in granite porphyry, gneiss, and rhyolite. In this study, six molybdenite samples yield a Re–Os isochron age of 108.0±1.8 Ma, which is consistent with the zircon U–Pb age of the granite porphyry(108.4±0.8 Ma). The coincidence of magmatic and hydrothermal activities indicates that Mo mineralization was associated with the intrusion of granite porphyry during the late Early Cretaceous. A compilation of U–Pb and Re–Os chronological data suggests that an extensive and intensive Mo mineralization event occurred in the SCMP during the late Early Cretaceous. The marked difference in molybdenite Re contents between Cu-bearing(85–536 ppm) and Cu-barren(1.3–59 ppm) Mo deposits of the late Early Cretaceous indicates that the ore-forming materials were derived from strong crust–mantle interactions. Together with regional petrological and geochemical data, this study suggests that late Early Cretaceous Mo mineralization in the SCMP occurred in an extensional setting associated with the roll-back of the Paleo-Pacific slab.     

Zircon U-Pb-Hf Isotopic Systematics and Geochemistry of the Granites in the Wurinitu Molybdenum Deposit, Inner Mongolia, China: Implications for Tectonic Setting and Genetic Type of Mineralization

The Wurinitu Mo deposit is one of the newly found molybdenum deposits in the southwestern part of the late Paleozoic–Mesozoic Erenhot–Dong-Ujimqin metallogenic belt(S-EDMB),Inner Mongolia,China. In the present study,the mineralization age of the Wurinitu deposit is constrained to 137.3 ± 1.3 to 131.9 ± 1.5 Ma based on a combination of the laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry(LA–ICP–MS) zircon U–Pb dating of the mineralization related fine-grained monzonitic granite and the post-mineralization granite porphyry. The results of zircon Lu–Hf isotopes,combined with the geochemical characteristics of the granites in the S-EDMB,suggest that the Wurinitu Mo deposit was formed in an extensional environment in relation to the subduction of the Paleo-Pacific plate in late Mesozoic. The Wurinitu deposit shares similarities with the classical Climaxtype porphyry molybdenum deposits in tectonic setting,mineral assemblages,and metal zonation.     

The Longmala and Mengya’a skarn Pb–Zn deposits,Gangdese region,Tibet: evidence from U–Pb and Re–Os geochronology for formation during early India–Asia collision

The Longmala and Mengya’a deposits are two representative skarn Pb–Zn deposits of the Nyainqêntanglha Pb–Zn–(Cu–Mo–Ag) polymetallic belt in the Gangdese region, Tibet, China. Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) zircon U–Pb dating of the mineralization-related biotite monzogranite from the Longmala deposit yielded a weighted mean age of 55.7 Ma, which can be interpreted as the emplacement age of the pluton. Re–Os dating of three molybdenite samples from the Longmala deposit yielded model ages of 51.8–54.3 Ma, with a weighted mean age of 53.3 Ma, which is interpreted as the mineralization age of the deposit and overlaps the age of the causative intrusion. The Re–Os dating of four molybdenite samples from the Mengya’a deposit yielded model ages of 60.4–65.8 Ma, with a weighted mean age of 63.6 Ma, which represents the mineralization age of this deposit. Our new precise age data for these two deposits are consistent with the existing ages of ca. 65–51 Ma for other skarn polymetallic deposits in the Nyainqêntanglha metallogenic belt. In addition, these new age data, combined with existing information on the geological evolution history of the Lhasa terrane, indicate that the belt of skarn deposits is closely related to initial collision between India and the Asian continents.     

Geology and Geochemistry of the Shizitou Molybdenum Deposit,Jiangxi Province: Implications for Geodynamic Setting and Metallogenesis

The Shizitou molybdenum(Mo) deposit in Yongping, Jiangxi, is an important, recently discovered deposit in the eastern section of the Qin–Hang metallogenic belt. The Mo deposit is located in the outer contact zone between the porphyritic biotite granite and the Neoproterozoic migmatite, and present in the deep central part of the intrusion. Re–Os dating and S and Pb isotopic analysis have been conducted to assess the metallogenesis of the Shizitou Mo deposit. S, Pb and Re isotopes show that the ore–forming materials were derived from the porphyritic biotite granitic magma, which originated from the mixing of mantle and crust. Re–Os dating of molybdenite from the ores gives a model age from 156.9±2.2 to 158.5±2.4 Ma, with a weighted mean age of 158±1 Ma and an isochron age of 158.0±2.5 Ma. Geological and geochemical characteristics of the ore deposit and the related granitoids indicate that the Shizitou deposit is a Climax–type Mo deposit. Based on previous studies of the Qin–Hang metallogenic belt, two metallogenic events are believed to have occurred during 172–145 Ma and 137–132 Ma. These two metallogenic periods are consistent with the timing of two metallogenic peaks during the middle to late Jurassic and the Cretaceous in South China. These events represent responses to the partial back–arc extension associated with the subduction of the Izanagi plate beneath the Eurasian continent and the rapid northeastward movement of the subducting Izanagi plate.     

Geochronology of the Xiaodonggou Porphyry Mo Deposit in Northern Margin of North China Craton

The Xiaodonggou porphyry Mo deposit is located in the Mesozoic calc-alkaline Xiaodonggou granitoid within a Palaeozoic fold zone of northern China. The mineralization mainly occurred in an area of 0.54 km² at the south-eastern part of the Xiaodonggou granitoid. The mineralization includes disseminated molybdenite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, magnetite and pyrrhotite and stockwork quartz-sulfide veins. A molybdenite-rich inner core is surrounded by a concentric zone of the sulfide mineral assemblage of pyrite, galena and sphalerite. Intense potassic alteration is overprinted by sericitization and silicification in the mineralized zone. SHRIMP U-Pb data of zircon indicate that the granitoid crystallized at 142 ± 2 Ma (2σ). Re–Os age dating for six molybdenite samples from underground galleries of the deposit constrains the age of porphyry-style Mo mineralization to be 138.1 ± 2.8 Ma (2σ). These data suggest that porphyry-style mineralization was associated with the Xiaodonggou granitoid intrusion and support an Early Cretaceous porphyry-type metallogenic epoch along the northern margin of North China Craton.