Petrochemical Characteristics and Timing of Middle Eocene Granitic Magmatism in Kooh-Shah, Lut Block, Eastern Iran

The Kooh-Shah region located in a Tertiary volcanic-plutonic belt of the Lut Block in eastern Iran comprises several subvolcanic intermediate to acidic intrusive rocks, diorite to syenite in composition, which have intruded into volcanic rocks. The Kooh-Shah granitoid rocks are characterized by enrichment in large ion-lithophile elements (LILE: e.g. Sr, Ba, Rb) and depletion in high field-strength elements (HFSE: e.g. Nb, Ta, Ti). The chondrite-normalized REE patterns are characterized by moderate LREE enrichment (La/Yb)N=6.01-10.01, medium-heavy REE enrichment, and absence of Eu anomalies. The Kooh-Shah intrusive rocks are metaluminous, shoshonitic with calc-alkaline affinity and high values of magnetic susceptibility, and classified as the magnetite-series of oxidant I-type granitoids. The age of Kooh-Shah granitoid rocks based on zircon U-Pb age dating is 39.7±0.7 Ma (=Middle Eocene) and the ranges of their initial 87Sr/86Sr and 143Nd/144Nd ratios are from 0.704812 to 0.704920 and 0.512579 to 0.512644, respectively, when recalculated to an age of 39 Ma. The initial ?Nd isotope values for the Kooh-Shah intrusive rocks range from -0.18 to 1.09. This geochemical data indicates that the Kooh-Shah granitoid rocks formed from depleted mantle in an island arc setting. The geochemical signature of the studied granitoid rocks represents a characteristic guide for future exploration of copper-gold porphyry-type deposits in the Lut block.     

Age and Tectonic Setting of Mesothermal Magmatic Hydrothermal Vein‐Type Pb–Zn–(Ag) Mineralization in the Xiaohongshilazi Deposit,Central Jilin Province,Northeast China

The Xiaohongshilazi deposit located in central Jilin Province, Northeast China, is a newly discovered and medium‐scale Pb–Zn–(Ag) deposit with ore reserves of 34,968 t Pb, 100,150 t Zn, and 158 t Ag. Two‐stage mineralization has been identified in this deposit. Stratiform volcanic‐associated massive sulfide (VMS) Pb–Zn mineralization interbedding with the marine volcanic rocks of the Late Carboniferous–Early Permian Daheshen Formation was controlled by the premineralization E–W‐trending faults. Vein‐type Pb–Zn–(Ag) mineralization occurs within or parallel to the granodiorite and diorite porphyries controlled by the major‐mineralization N–S‐trending faults that cut the stratiform mineralization and volcanic rocks. To constrain the age of vein‐type Pb–Zn–(Ag) mineralization and determine the relationship between mineralization and magmatism, we conducted LA–ICP–MS U–Pb dating on zircon from the ore‐bearing granodiorite and diorite porphyries and Rb–Sr dating on metal sulfide. Granodiorite and diorite porphyries yield zircon U–Pb weighted‐mean ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages of 203.6 ± 1.8 Ma (Mean Standard Weighted Deviation [MSWD] = 1.8) and 225.6 ± 5.1 Ma (MSWD = 2.3), respectively. Sulfides from four vein‐type ore samples yield a Rb–Sr isochron age of 195 ± 17 Ma (MSWD = 4.0). These results indicate a temporal relationship between the granodiorite porphyry and vein‐type Pb–Zn–(Ag) mineralization. The granodiorite associated with vein‐type mineralization has high SiO₂ (68.99–70.49 wt.%) and Na₂O (3.9–4.2 wt.%; Na₂O/K₂O = 1.07–1.10) concentrations, and A/CNK values of 0.95–1.04; consequently, the intrusion is classified as a high‐K, calc‐alkaline, metaluminous I‐type granite. The granodiorite porphyry is enriched in large‐ion lithophile elements (e.g. Rb, Th, U, and K) and light REE and is depleted in high‐field‐strength elements (e.g. Nb, Ta, P, and Ti) and heavy REE, indicating that it represents a subduction‐related rock that formed at an active continental margin. Furthermore, the granodiorite porphyry has Mg# values of 31–34, indicating a lower crustal source. Based on petrological and geochemical features, we infer that the ore‐bearing granodiorite porphyry was derived from the partial melting of the lower crust. In summary, mineralization characteristics, cross‐cutting relationships, geochronological data, and regional tectonic evolution indicate that the region was the site of VMS Pb–Zn mineralization that produced stratiform orebodies within the Late Carboniferous–Early Permian marine volcanic rocks of the Daheshen Formation, followed by mesothermal magmatic hydrothermal vein‐type Pb–Zn–(Ag) mineralization associated with granodiorite porphyry induced by the initial subduction of the Paleo‐Pacific Plate beneath the Eurasia Plate during the Late Triassic–Early Jurassic.     

Discrimination of Different Erosion Levels of Porphyry Cu Deposits using ASTER Image Processing in Eastern Iran: a Case Study in the Maherabad, Shadan, and Chah Shaljami Areas

The Lut block, eastern Iran, is one of the most extensive Cenozoic magmatic rocks, that show suitable targets for porphyry Cu-Au and high-sulfidation epithermal Au related to porphyry Cu-Au mineralization. In this study, Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer （ASTER） was used to identify different erosion levels of three porphyry Cu deposits, including Maherabad, Shadan, and Chah Shaljami, located in the Lut block volcanic-plutonic belt. Alteration minerals, including kaolinite, dickite, alunite, jarosite, epidote, chlorite, montmorillonite, muscovite, biotite, orthoclase, gypsum, and quartz, are selected to map different alteration zones and erosion levels. Distributions of end-members are mapped by using the SAM and MTMF in VNIR and SWIR of ASTER bands and the results are evaluated against the field studies. For some end-members, the results of SAM processing are more reliable compared to the MTMF because the latter looses field spectra. The use of angle threshold in the SAM, and MF-score and infeasibility value in the MTMF or low abundance of some end-members, and finally comparison of output images of spectral processing show good correlation with alteration maps. Differentiation and explanation of various erosion levels of porphyry Cu deposits are done successfully by using the ASTER sensor data.     

Sensitive High-Resolution Ion Microprobe U-Pb Zircon and 40Ar-39Ar Muscovite Ages of the Yinshan Deposit in the Northeast Jiangxi Province, South China

The Yinshan deposit in the Jiangnan tectonic belt in South China consists of Pb‐Zn‐Ag and Cu‐Au ore bodies. This deposit contains approximately 83 Mt of the Cu‐Au ores at 0.52% Cu and 0.8 g/t Au, and 84 Mt of the Pb‐Zn‐Ag ores at 1.25% Pb, 1.02% Zn and 33.3 g/t Ag. It is hosted by low‐grade metamorphosed sedimentary rocks and mafic volcanic rocks of the lower Mesoproterozoic Shuangqiaoshan Group, and continental volcanic rocks of the Jurassic Erhuling Group and dacitic subvolcanic rocks. The ore bodies mainly consist of veinlets of sulfide minerals and sulfide‐disseminated rocks, which are divided into Cu‐Au and Pb‐Zn‐Ag ore bodies. The Cu‐Au ore bodies occur in the area close to a dacite porphyry stock (No. 3 stock), whereas Pb‐Zn‐Ag bodies occur in areas distal from the No. 3 stock. Muscovite is the main alteration mineral associated with the Cu‐Au ore bodies, and muscovite and chlorite are associated with the Pb‐Zn‐Ag ores. A zircon sensitive high‐resolution ion microprobe U‐Pb age from the No. 3 dacite stock suggests it was emplaced in Early Jurassic. Three ⁴⁰Ar‐³⁹Ar incremental‐heating mineral ages from muscovite, which are related to Cu‐Au and Pb‐Zn‐Ag mineralization, yielded 179–175 Ma. These muscovite ages indicate that Cu‐Au mineralization occurred at 178.2±1.4 Ma (2σ), and Pb‐Zn‐Ag mineralization at 175.4±1.2 Ma (2σ) and 175.3±1.1 Ma (2σ), which supports a restricted period for the mineralization. The Early Jurassic ages for the mineralization at Yinshan are similar to that of the porphyry Cu mineralization at Dexing in Jiangnan tectonic belt, and suggest that the polymetallic mineralization occurred in a regional transcompressional tectonic regime.     

U–Pb geochronology,Sr–Nd isotopic compositions,geochemistry and petrogenesis of Shah Soltan Ali granitoids,Birjand, Eastern Iran

The Shah Soltan Ali area (SSA) is located in the eastern part of the Lut Block metallogenic province. In this area different types of sub-volcanic intrusions including diorite porphyry, monzonite porphyry and monzodiorite porphyry have intruded into basaltic and andesitic rocks. Zircon U–Pb dating and field observations indicate that intermediate to mafic volcanic rocks (38.9 Ma) are older than subvolcanic units (38.3 Ma). The subvolcanic intrusions show high-K calc-alkaline to shoshonitic affinity and are metaluminous. Based on mineralogy, high values of magnetic susceptibility [(634 to 3208) × 10^?5 SI], and low initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios, they are classified as belonging to the magnetite-series of oxidant I-type granitoids and are characterized by an enrichment in LREEs relative to HREEs, with negative Nb, Ti, Zr and Eu anomalies. These granitoids are related to volcanic arc (VAG) and were generated in an active continental margin. Low initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (0.7043 to 0.7052) and positive εNd values (+1.48 to +3.82) indicate that the parental magma was derived from mantle wedge. Parental magma was probably formed by low degree of partial melting and metasomatized by slab derived fluids. Then assimilation and fractional crystallization processes (AFC) produced the SSA rocks. This magma during the ascent was contaminated with the crustal material.All data suggest that Middle-Late Eocene epoch magmatism in the SSA area, occurred during subduction of Neo-Tethys Ocean in east of Iran (between Afghan and Lut Blocks).     

江西银山铅锌铜矿化机制的讨论

本文分析了银山矿区所处的火山盆地边缘这一特定地质构造环境,火山活动的多阶段性以及蚀变矿化的基本特征,指出在银山发生过两期矿化作用,分别对应于两个阶段的火山-次火山活动。第一阶段的流纹英安质次火山活动产生铅锌银矿化,第二阶段英安质次火山活动则伴随铜(铅锌)矿化。因此,作者认为银山铅锌铜矿床是典型的次火山热液矿床,是两期矿化叠加的结果,从而对前人关于银山矿的成因模式和归类提出了异议。本文还对银山矿与德兴斑岩铜(钼)矿田的成因联系问题提出了独特的看法,并指出了银山式铅锌(铜)矿化的找矿方向。     

Controls on porphyry Cu mineralization around Hanza Mountain,south-east of Iran: An analysis of structural evolution from remote sensing,geophysical, geochemical and geological data

Hanza Mountain in Urmia–Dokhtar Magmatic Arc, southeast of Iran, consists of monocline of Eocene volcanic rocks into which the Oligocene granitoid rocks have been intruded. This area has excellent potential for economic porphyry copper deposits with Bondar Hanza, Daralu, and Sarmesk deposits among them. Hanza Mountain is located between NW–SE horsetail thrust faults derived from the Gowk and Sabzevaran strike-slip faults. The analysis of the kinematics of these strike-slip faults shows that they were not the cause of the formation of the pull-apart basin; thus they have not directly played any effective role in localizing the final emplacement of porphyries responsible for the formation of these copper deposits, but the Cu mineralization occurred mainly within a set of normal and thrust faults in the region. The alteration types and faults in Bondar Hanza were distinguished using detailed local geology, including distribution of known mineralization, supported by remote sensing (ASTER), airborne geophysics, and topography; the relationship between mineralization and faults was examined using Rose diagrams and Fry Analysis. This investigation of Bondar Hanza deposit has revealed that the trend of faults and dykes, as well as the distribution of copper analyses within drill cores, is aligned with the main trend of mineralization. The NW–SE trending faults in the Urmia–Dokhtar Magmatic Arc are effective in localizing the emplacement of porphyry copper ore deposits and those that trend between N125°–N145° are key to further exploration.     

安徽沙坪沟斑岩钼矿床赋矿岩体钾质交代作用及其微量元素和Sr-Nd同位素响应

以沙坪沟钼矿主要的赋矿岩石——石英正长岩和花岗斑岩为对象,通过对比不同蚀变强度岩石的岩相学、岩石地球化学和同位素特征,研究该矿床的钾质交代作用-矿化特征,探讨不同热液蚀变的元素组合、蚀变过程中的元素迁移和Sr-Nd同位素的变化及其成因、不同蚀变的物理化学条件差异及其与矿化的关系,进而揭示蚀变-成矿热液流体的特征和起源。研究表明,石英正长岩和花岗斑岩的地球化学特征总体相似,显示其属同源岩浆演化产物,二者均受到钾质蚀变,但蚀变强度相差较大。钾质蚀变岩石的化学成分表现为高K_2O、Rb和低Na_2O、CaO、Sr、Ba,不同蚀变强度的岩石Rb/Sr和Sr同位素组成差别较大,花岗斑岩样品数据更显离散,甚至出现异常低的锶同位素初始值,表明热液蚀变强烈改造了Rb-Sr同位素体系,而Sm-Nd体系基本保持稳定。这一现象在东秦岭-大别钼矿带中典型的斑岩钼矿床也有出现,显示该成矿带具有相似的蚀变类型、热液起源和演化特征。而且钾长石化后期至黄铁云(绢)英岩化阶段也是最主要的钼成矿期,表明这期间流体系统pH值的降低致使Mo元素从流体中沉淀成矿。对比斑岩铜、铜-钼矿床和钼矿床的蚀变特征及其过程中元素和同位素的变化可以发现,这3种矿床均发育碱质交代作用,但蚀变强度、热液的Rb-Sr分异程度及其对原岩的改造程度存在较大差异,这暗示了各自特有的成岩、成矿物质和流体来源及大地构造背景。     

Overprinting porphyry‐type veinlets on the intrusive rocks and phreatomagmatic breccias in the Southwest prospect,southwestern Sto. Tomas II (Philex), Baguio District,Philippines

The Southwest prospect is located at the southwestern periphery of the Sto. Tomas II porphyry copper–gold deposit in the Baguio District, northwestern Luzon, Philippines. The Southwest prospect hosts a copper‐gold mineralization related to a complex of porphyry intrusions, breccia facies, and overlapping porphyry‐type veinlets emplaced within the basement Pugo metavolcanics rocks and conglomerates of the Zigzag Formation. The occurrences of porphyry‐type veinlets and potassic alteration hosted in the complex are thought to be indications of the presence of blind porphyry deposits within the Sto. Tomas II vicinity. The complex is composed of at least four broadly mineralogically similar dioritic intrusive rocks that vary in texture and alteration type and intensity. These intrusions were accompanied with at least five breccia facies that were formed by the explosive brecciation, induced by the magmatic–hydrothermal processes and phreatomagmatic activities during the emplacement of the various intrusions. Hydrothermal alteration assemblages consisting of potassic, chlorite–magnetite, propylitic and sericite–chlorite alteration, and contemporaneous veinlet types were developed on the host rocks. Elevated copper and gold grades correspond to (a) chalcopyrite–bornite assemblage in the potassic alteration in the syn‐mineralization early‐mineralization diorite (EMD) and contemporaneous veinlets and (b) chalcopyrite‐rich mineralization associated with the chalcopyrite–magnetite–chlorite–actinolite±sericite veinlets contemporaneous with the chlorite–magnetite alteration. Erratic remarkable concentrations of gold were also present in the late‐mineralization Late Diorite (LD). High X_Mg of calcic amphiboles (>0.60) in the intrusive rocks indicate that the magmas have been oxidizing since the early stages of crystallization, while a gap in the composition of Al between the rim and the cores of the calcic amphiboles in the EMD and LD indicate decompression at some point during the crystallization of these intrusive rocks. Fluid inclusion microthermometry suggests the trapping of immiscible fluids that formed the potassic alteration, associated ore mineralization, and sheeted quartz veinlets. The corresponding formation conditions of the shallower and deeper quartz veinlets were estimated at pressures of 50 and 30 MPa and temperatures of 554 and 436°C at depths of 1.9 and 1.1 km. Temperature data from the chlorite indicate that the chalcopyrite‐rich mineralization associated with the chlorite–magnetite alteration was formed at a much lower temperature (ca. 290°C) than the potassic alteration. Evidence from the vein offsetting matrix suggests multiple intrusions within the EMD, despite the K‐Ar ages of the potassic alteration in EMD and hornblende in the LD of about the same age at 3.5 ± 0.3 Ma. The K‐Ar age of the potassic alteration was likely to be thermally reset as a result of the overprinting hydrothermal alteration. The constrained K‐Ar ages also indicate earlier formed intrusive rocks in the Southwest prospect, possibly coeval to the earliest “dark diorite” intrusion in the Sto. Tomas II deposit. In addition, the range of δ³⁴S of sulfide minerals from +1.8‰ to +5.1‰ in the Southwest prospect closely overlaps with the rest of the porphyry copper and epithermal deposits in the Sto. Tomas II deposit and its vicinity. This indicates that the sulfides may have formed from a homogeneous source of the porphyry copper deposits and epithermal deposits in the Sto. Tomas II orebody and its vicinity. The evidence presented in this work proves that the porphyry copper‐type veinlets and the adjacent potassic alteration in the Southwest prospect are formed earlier and at a shallower level in contrast with the other porphyry deposits in the Baguio District.     

Ore geology,fluid inclusions and O-S stable isotope characteristics of Shurab Sb-polymetallic vein deposit,eastern Iran

The Shurab Sb-polymetallic mineralization is a subvolcanic rock-hosted epithermal deposit and located in north Lut Block, eastern Iran. It is one of the most important deposits of the Iranian East Magmatic Assemblage (IEMA) in which numerous Middle-Cenozoic precious and base metals deposits occur. The main lithological units in the area are Paleogene subvolcanic intrusions and minor Jurassic sedimentary rocks. Mineralization occurs as veins in a series of NW-SE and E-W trending faults and fractures in the Eocene-Oligocene dacite and andesite subvolcanic rocks. Mineralization at the Shurab deposit can be subdivided into four stages: pre-ore stage, Cu-Zn-Pb ore stage, Sb-Ag ± As ore stage and post-ore stage. The total sulfide content of the veins in the area is variable, ranging from 1 to 50%, and is dominated by stibnite, chalcopyrite, galena, Fe-poor sphalerite and pyrite with minor chalcostibite, Ag-tetrahedrite and bournonite; gangue minerals are mainly quartz and calcite. Silicic, argillic, propylitic, and sericitic, are the most obvious wall rock alterations. Microthermometric measurements of primary liquid-rich fluid inclusions in quartz and sphalerite indicate that the veins were formed at temperatures between 115 and 290 °C from fluids with salinities between 0.7 and 16.2 wt% NaCl eq., suggesting an epithermal origin. The δ³⁴S values of pyrite, chalcopyrite and galena vary between -2.5 and 0.8‰, and δ¹⁸O values of quartz range between 12.5 and 14.8‰. It is inferred that the Shurab mineralization is of epithermal origin, related to an Eocene-Oligocene magmatic geothermal system involving fluids of magmatic and meteoric origin.     

德兴式斑岩型矿床的构造-岩浆-成矿体系

论述了德兴式斑岩型矿床的构造－岩浆－成矿体系、德兴铜矿田是比较典型又独具特色的斑岩型Ｃｕ（Ｍｏ，Ａｕ）矿床，银山Ｃｕ，Ａｕ，Ｐｂ，Ｚｎ，Ａｇ多金属矿区是比较典型的火山一次火山－斑岩成矿体系，三级断裂（裂隙）系统在不同尺度上控岩控矿、中酸性岩浆活动提供成矿元素、成矿热流体、成矿热驱动力和成矿空间，并合作围岩“矿源层”中的成矿物质经转移参与成矿，德 斑放床是构造作用－岩浆作用－成矿作用三位一体统一的地     

中国大陆环境斑岩型矿床：基本地质特征、岩浆热液系统和成矿概念模型

中国大陆环境斑岩型矿床包括斑岩型Cu(-Mo、-Au)、斑岩型Mo、斑岩型Au和斑岩型Pb-Zn等矿床类型,主要产出于青藏高原大陆碰撞带、东秦岭大陆碰撞带和中国东中部燕山期陆内环境,在地球动力学背景、深部作用过程、岩浆起源演化、流体与金属来源等方面与岩浆弧环境斑岩型矿床存在重要差异.在大洋板块俯冲形成的岩浆弧,主要发育斑岩Cu-Au矿床或富金斑岩Cu矿(岛弧)和斑岩Cu-Mo及斑岩Mo矿床(陆缘弧).相比,在大陆碰撞带,晚碰撞构造转换环境发育斑岩Cu、Cu-Mo和Cu-Au矿床,矿床受斜交碰撞带的走滑断裂系统控制,后碰撞地壳伸展环境则主要发育斑岩Cu-Mo矿床,矿床受垂直于碰撞带的正断层系统控制;在陆内造山环境,早期发育斑岩Cu-Au矿床,晚期发育斑岩Pb-Zn矿床,它们主要沿古老的但再活化的岩石圈不连续带分布,受网格状断裂系统控制;在后造山(或非造山)伸展环境,则大量发育斑岩Mo矿和斑岩Au矿,它们则主要围绕大陆基底-克拉通(或地块)边缘分布,受再活化的岩石圈不连续带控制.大陆环境斑岩Cu(-Mo,-Au)矿床的含矿斑岩多为高钾钙碱性和钾玄质,以高钾为特征,显示埃达克岩地球化学特性.岩浆通常起源于加厚的新生镁铁质下地壳或拆沉的古老下地壳.上地幔通过三种可能的方式向岩浆系统供给金属Cu(和Au):①提供大批量的幔源岩浆并底垫于加厚下地壳底部,构成含Cu岩浆的源岩;②提供小批量的软流圈熔体交代和改造下地壳,并诱发其熔融;③与拆沉的下地壳岩浆熔体发生反应.大陆环境含Mo岩浆系统高SiO_2、高K_2O,岩相以花岗斑岩为主,花岗闪长斑岩次之,既不同于Climax型,又有别于石英二长斑岩型Mo矿床,岩浆起源于古老的下地壳.金属Mo主要为就地熔出,部分萃取于上部地壳.大陆环境含Pb-Zn花岗斑岩多属铝过饱和型,与S型花岗岩相当,以高δ~(18)O(>10‰)和高放射性Pb为特征,Sr-Nd-Pb同位素组成反映其来源于中下地壳的深熔作用,金属Pb-Zn主要来源于深融的壳层.大陆环境含Au岩浆系统以富B花岗闪长斑岩为主,常与矿前闪长岩密切共生.Sr-Nd-Pb同位素显示,含Au岩浆主要来源于上部地壳,但曾与幔源岩浆发生相互作用.金属Au部分来源于上地壳,部分来源于地幔岩浆.大陆环境斑岩型矿床显示各具特色的蚀变类型和蚀变分带,其中,斑岩型Cu(-Mo,-Au)矿热液蚀变遵循Lowell and Guilbert模式;斑岩型Mo矿主要发育钙硅酸盐化、钾硅酸盐化和石英-绢云母化;斑岩型Pb-Zn矿主要发育绿泥石-绢云母化和绢云母-碳酸盐化,缺乏钾硅酸盐化;斑岩型Au矿强烈发育中度泥化.斑岩型矿床的成矿流体初始为高温、高fO_2、高S、富金属的岩浆水,由浅成侵位的长英质岩浆房在应力松弛环境下出溶而来,晚期有天水不同程度地混入.Cu、Mo、Pb-Zn通常沉淀于流体分相和流体沸腾过程中,而Au则主要沉淀于岩浆-热液过渡阶段.     

Sulfur Isotope Variations of Metallic Ore Deposits in the Gyeongsang Basin,South Korea

Many metallic ore deposits of the Late Cretaceous to Early Tertiary periods are distributed in the Gyeongsang Basin. Previous and newly analyzed sulfur isotope data of 309 sulfide samples from 56 ore deposits were reviewed to discuss the genetic characteristics in relation to granitoid rocks. The metallogenic provinces of the Gyeongsang Basin are divided into the Au–Ag(–Cu–Pb–Zn) province in the western basin where the sedimentary rocks of the Shindong and Hayang groups are distributed, Pb–Zn(–Au–Ag–Cu), Cu–Pb–Zn(–Au–Ag), and Fe–W(–Mo) province in the central basin where the volcanic rocks of the Yucheon Group are dominant, and Cu(–Mo–W–Fe) province in the southeastern basin where both sedimentary rocks of the Hayang Group and Tertiary volcanic rocks are present. Average sulfur isotope compositions of the ore deposits show high tendencies ranging from 2.2 to 11.7‰ (average 5.4‰) in the Pb–Zn(–Au–Ag–Cu) province, ?0.7 to 11.5‰ (average 4.6‰) in the Cu–Pb–Zn(–Au–Ag) province, and 3.7 to 11.4‰ (average 7.5‰) in the Fe–W(–Mo) province in relation to magnetite‐series granitoids, whereas they are low in the Au–Ag(–Cu–Pb–Zn) province in relation to ilmenite‐series granitoids, ranging from ?2.9 to 5.7‰ (average 1.7‰). In the Cu(–Mo–W–Fe) province δ³⁴S values are intermediate ranging from 0.3 to 7.7‰ (average 3.6‰) and locally high δ³⁴S values are likely attributable to sulfur derived from the Tertiary volcanic rocks during hydrothermal alteration through faults commonly developed in this region. Magma originated by the partial melting of the ³⁴S‐enriched oceanic plate intruded into the volcanic rocks and formed magnetite‐series granitoids in the central basin, which contributed to high δ³⁴S values of the metallic deposits. Conversely, ilmenite‐series granitoids were formed by assimilation of sedimentary rocks rich in organic sulfur that influenced the low δ³⁴S values of the deposits in the western and southeastern provinces.     

云南水头山铅锌矿床闪锌矿Rb-Sr定年及其地质意义

水头山铅锌矿床位于保山地块南端芦子园矿集区,区内以发育矽卡岩型和热液脉型两类铅锌矿化为特点.为查明铅锌多金属成矿作用过程,本文对水头山热液脉型铅锌矿床主成矿阶段的闪锌矿开展了Rb-Sr同位素组成测定,获得闪锌矿的Rb-Sr等时线年龄为135.8±4.2Ma(MSWD=1.70,n=6),结合区内其他矿床的成矿年龄,认为...     

Isotopic Geochronology of the Late Paleozoic Kanggur Gold Deposit of East Tianshan Mountains, Xinjiang, NW China

Abstract: The Kanggur gold deposit lies in East Tianshan mountains, eastern section of Central Asia orogenic belt. The gold mineralization occurs on the northern margin of the Aqishan‐Yamansu Paleozoic island arc in the Tarim Plate. It was hosted mainly in Middle‐Lower Carboniferous calc‐alkaline volcanic rocks, and controlled by the distributions of syn‐tectonic intrusions and ductile shear zones. In order to determine ore‐forming age of the Kanggur deposit, samples were collected from ores, wall rocks, altered rocks and intrusions. The dating methods include Rb‐Sr isochron and Sm‐Nd isochron, and secondly ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar age spectrum, U‐Pb and Pb‐Pb methods. Based on the mineral assemblage and crosscutting relationship of ore veins, five mineralization stages are identified. This result is confirmed by isotope geochronologic data. The first stage featuring formation of pyrite‐bearing phyllic rock, is mineralogically represented by pyrite, sericite and quartz with poor native gold. The Rb‐Sr isochron age of this stage is 2905 Ma. The second stage represents the main ore‐forming stage and is characterized by native gold–quartz–pyrite–magnetite–chlorite assemblage. Magnetite and pyrite of this stage are dated by Sm‐Nd isochron at 290.47.2 Ma and fluid inclusion in quartz is dated by Rb‐Sr isochron at 282.35 Ma. The third mineralization stage features native gold–quartz–pyrite vein. In the fourth stage, Au‐bearing polymetallic sulfide‐quartz veins formed. Fluid inclusions in quartz are dated by Rb‐Sr isochron method at 25821 Ma. The fifth stage is composed of sulfide‐free quartz–carbonate veins with Rb‐Sr age of 2547 Ma. The first and second stages are related to ductile‐brittle deformation of shear zones, and are named dynamo‐metamorphic hydrothermal period. The third to fifth stages related to intrusive processes of tonalite and brittle fracturing of the shear zones, are called magmato‐hydrothermal mineralization period. The Rb‐Sr isochron age of 2905 Ma of the altered andesite in the Kanggur mine area may reflect timing of regional ductile shear zone. The Rb‐Sr isochron age of 28216 Ma of the quartz‐syenite porphyry and the zircon U‐Pb age of 2757 Ma of tonalite in the north of Kanggur gold mine area are consistent with the age of gold mineralization (290‐254 Ma). This correspondence indicates that the tonalite and subvolcanic rocks may have been related to gold mineralization. The Rb–Sr, Sm‐Nd and U‐Pb ages and regional geology support the hypothesis that the Kanggur gold deposit was formed during collisional orogenesis process in Late Variscan.     

Geology, Ar-Ar Age and Mineral Assemblage of Eocene Skarn Cu-Au±Mo Deposits in the Southeastern Gangdese Arc, Southern Tibet: Implications for Deep Exploration

Abstract. Medium‐ and large‐scaled skarn Cu‐Au±Mo deposits, e.g. Kelu, Liebu, Chongmuda and Chenba among others, are distributed in Shannan area of the Gangdese Cu‐Au metallogenic belt. Intrusions‐related skarn copper mineralization belongs to high K and calc‐alkaline rock series, located in late collision volcano‐magmatic arc and formed between 20 to 30 Ma. Copper mineralization occurs at exocontact zone of the lower Cretaceous Bima Group carbonate and other calcareous‐bearing sedimentary rocks with intrusions. At present, three main mineralization types are identified, including skarn type, hydrothermal vein type and porphyry type. Mineralizing associations are Cu‐Mo, Cu‐Au and Cu. In ore districts, those mineralization types form an entire porphyry‐skarn Cu‐Au±Mo ore‐forming system. Alterations of the exocontact are mainly skarnization and hornfelsization, while the alterations of the endocontact are mainly sericitization, silicification, and chloritization of intrusion. In the study area, the endoskarn is not well developed. Copper mineralization occurs mainly in the exocontact in the form of stratoid, lenticular and pockety ore body. Veined mineralization can be seen in marblized and hornfelsed siltstone, being away from the contact zone. In the endocontact, the mineralization is mainly veinlet‐like and disseminated. In Shannan area, skarnization can be divided into early skarnization stage and late hydrous silicate stage. The early skarnization stage is featured by mainly andradite and grossular skarn, containing minor diopside, hedenbergite, magnetite and some copper minerals; and the late hydrous silicate stage is of replacement of garnet skarn by chlorite, epidote, quartz and calcite together with sulfides precipitation. The latter is the main stage of copper mineralization. Bornite is the dominant ore mineral associated with minor chalcopyrite and pyrite; and gold as well as silver are distributed in bornite and wittichenite. Results of microthermometry study of fluid inclusions in quartz of late hydrous silicate stage from different deposits show intermediate temperature and low to intermediate‐salinity features for all samples. The dominant inclusion type is composed of two phases, being about 4 to 15 % vapor and 85 to 96 % liquid at room temperature. Homogenization temperatures range from 232 to 335d?C. Salinities have been recorded between 4.2 and 15.5 wt% NaCl equivalent. Boiling fluid inclusions are not identified and it indicates that metal deposition mainly resulted from water‐rock reactions. The results of sulfur isotope analysis indicate that the sulfur isotope values (δ³⁴S 1.29–1.68 %o) of the samples collected from skarns are similar with that from the endocontact (δ³⁴S 1–1.75 %o). Both of them have very close sulfur isotope values (near δ³⁴S 0 %o), which indicate the sulfur of both the skarn type and the porphyry type mineralization was from deep sources. Ages determined on biotite from ore‐bearing intermediate porphyries by Ar‐Ar methods range from 23.77±0.29 to 29.88±0.56 Ma, showing that skarn copper mineralization in the study area evidently is older than the porphyry Cu(‐Mo) mineralization in Gangdese, and likely representing another metallogenic event. The Cu‐Au skarn deposits in the Kelu‐Liebu‐Chongmuda belt are interpreted as the shallow level, skarn‐related deposits in a porphyry‐skarn mineralization. Appearance of porphyry copper mineralization in some skarn deposits implies that skarn copper mineralization of the study area resemble to those in northern sub‐metallogenic belt, having uniform porphyry‐skarn ore‐forming system. Therefore, it is presumed there should be potential to find deep level porphyry‐type Cu‐Au mineralization targets.     

Palladium, Platinum and Gold Concentrations in Fengshan Porphyry Cu–Mo Deposit, Hubei Province, China

Abstract: The Fengshan porphyry-skarn copper–molybdenum (Cu–Mo) deposit is located in the south-eastern Hubei Province in east China. Cu–Mo mineralization is hosted in the Fengshan granodiorite porphyry stock that intruded the Triassic Daye Formation carbonate rocks in the early Cretaceous (~140 Ma), as well as the contact zone between granodiorite porphyry stock and carbonate rocks, forming the porphyry-type and skarn-type association. The Fengshan granodiorite stock and the immediate country rocks are strongly fractured and intensely altered by hydrothermal fluids. In addition to intense skarn alteration, the prominent alteration types are potassic, phyllic, and propylitic, whereas argillation is less common. Mineralization occurs as veins, stock works, and disseminations, and the main ore minerals are chalcopyrite, pyrite, molybdenite, bornite, and magnetite. The contents of palladium, platinum and gold (Pd, Pt and Au) are determined in nine samples from fresh and mineralized granodiorite and different types of altered rocks. The results show that the Pd content is systematically higher than Pt, which is typical for porphyry ore deposits worldwide. The Pt content ranges from 0.037 to1.765 ppb, and the Pd content ranges between 0.165 and 17.979 ppb. Pd and Pt are more concentrated in porphyry mineralization than skarn mineralization, and have negative correlations with Au. The reconnaissance study presented here confirms the existence of Pd and Pt in the Fengshan porphyry-skarn Cu–Mo deposit. When compared with intracontinent and island arc geotectonic settings, the Pd, Pt, and Au contents in the Fengshan porphyry Cu–Mo deposit in the intracontinent is lower than the continental margin types and island are types. A combination of available data indicates that Pd and Pt were derived from oxidized alkaline magmas generated by the partial melting of an enriched mantle source.     

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.     

Rb-Sr and Sm-Nd Isochron Ages of the Dongmozhazhua and Mohailaheng Pb-Zn Ore Deposits in the Yushu area,southern Qinghai and Their Geological Implications

Located on the northeast margin of the Qiangtang terrane between the Jinshajiang suture zone and Bangonghu-Nujiang suture zone, the Dongmozhazhua and Mohailaheng Pb-Zn deposits in the Yushu area of Qinghai Province are representative Pb-Zn deposits of the Pb-Zn-Cu polymetallic mineralization belt in the northern part of the Nujiang-Lancangjiang-Jinshajiang area, which are in the front belt of the Yushu thrust nappe system. The formed environments of these two deposits are different from those of sediment-hosted base metal deposits elsewhere in the world. The authors hold that they were formed during the Indian-Asian continental collision and developed within the foldthrust belt combined with thrust and strike-slip-related Cenozoic basins in the interior of the collisional zone. Studying on the metallogenic epochs of these two deposits is helpful to the understanding of ore-forming regularity of the regional Pb-Zn-Cu mineralization belt and also to the search for new deposits in this region. The age of the Dongmozhazhua deposit has been determined by the Rb-Sr isochron method for sphalerite residues, whereas the age of the Mohailaheng deposit has been determined by the Rb-Sr isochron method for sphalerite residues and the Sm-Nd isochron method for fluorite. The age of the Dongmozhazhua deposit is 35.0±0.0 Ma((87Sr/86Sr)0=0.708807) for sphalerite residues. The age of the Mohailaheng deposit is 32.2±0.4 Ma((87Sr/86Sr)0=0.708514) for sphalerite residues and 31.8±0.3 Ma((143Nd/144Nd)0=0.512362) for fluorite with an average of 32.0 Ma. Together with the regional geological setting during mineralization, a possible tectonic model for metallogeny of the Dongmozhazhua and Mohailaheng Pb-Zn deposits has been established. These two ages are close to the ages of the Pb-Zn deposits in the Lanping and Tuotuohe basins, indicating that it is possible that the narrow 1000-kilometer-long belt controlled by a thrust nappe system on the eastern and northern margins of the Tibetan plateau could be a giant Pb-Zn mineralized belt.     

Lithogeochemistry of wainaleka Cu-Zn volcanogenic deposit, Viti Levu, Fiji, and possible applications for exploration in tropical terrains

A small Kuroko-type Cu-Zn deposit exhibiting metal zoning and alteration assemblages comparable with documented proximal volcanogenic deposits, occurs at the top of a felsic fragmental pile, mantling a large sodic rhyolite domal complex. The domal complex occurs within predominantly mafic to intermediate lavas and volcaniclastic rocks with low-potash island-arc tholeiitic affinities, representing the basal section of the early Tertiary (Eocene to middle Miocene) Wainimala Group near the southern coast of Viti Levu, Fiji.Lithogeochemical trends identified in analyses of rock chip samples from traverses across the domal complex reflect alteration zoning. Sodium, Ca and Sr are strongly depleted within the quartz-sericite foot-wall alteration zone (Zone I) 200 m below mineralization. Potassium, Rb and weaker Mn, Zn and Co depletion and Cu, Pb and Mg enrichment define clay-sericite (Zone II) and clay carbonate (Zone III) footwall alteration 600 to 1200 m below mineralization. Hanging-wall albite-chlorite-calcite-zeolite alteration (Zone IV) is accompanied by enhanced Zn, Pb, Co, Mn, Sr and Na values.Significant mine-scale lithogeochemical trends obtained from systematic sampling of a mineralized borehole section include K and Rb enrichment in the zone of strongest quartz-sericite alteration associated with mineralization and broad depletion of Mn, Na, Ca and Sr within altered footwall fragmental rocks. Minor Cu, Pb, Zn and Ag enrichment has accompanied low-grade propylitic alteration of hanging-wall rocks up to 50 m above mineralization. Analysis of weathered bedrock samples from traverses above the mineralized borehole section indicates that primary geochemical trends occur in the weathered zone. Outcropping gossan has strongly anomalous Cu (535 ppm-21.5%), Zn (3300 ppm-6.15%), Pb (420–8200 ppm), As (200–7000 ppm) and Hg (33–670 ppm) values.Application of lithogeochemistry as a follow-up exploration method in a tropical area such as Wainaleka was investigated as a possible replacement for ridge, spur and base-of-slope soil sampling techniques. Ridge-top auger samples and creek outcrop samples were collected at approximately 100 m intervals and a density of 70/km². Elements (including Cu, Pb, Zn, Mn, Rb, Sr, Na, K, Ca and Mg) were selected for analysis because of specific associations with mineralization and alteration, and low analytical costs. Single- and multi-element dispersions effectively outline mineralization and attendant alteration.