Environmental study on a long history of Cu mining in Hubei, central China

The Tonglushan Cu mine situated in a densely populated, humid temperate ecoregional domain, so called the Birthplace of the Bronze age in the world, has been mined for over three thousand years. However, there is no significant pollution in surrounding area yet. To understand the mechanism controlling the environment the geological controls, including regional geology, deposit type, deposit size, host rocks, mineralogy, texture, alteration, ore controls, were studied by re-evaluating data from mineral exploration and mining activities; the geochemical factors including soils both in rice field and dry land, underground water and rice were investigated in 2003-2004. The results show that the ground water around the mine is not contaminated,     

Temporal and spatial controls on the formation of magmatic PGE and Ni–Cu deposits

Magmatic PGE and Ni–Cu deposits form in contrasting geologic environments and periods. PGE deposits predominantly occur in large layered intrusions emplaced during the late Archean and early Proterozoic into stabilized, relatively S-poor cratonic lithosphere that provides enhanced preservation potential. The magmas ascend through intracratonic sutures where extension and rifting is limited. Crystallization under conditions of low regional stress, with limited magma-induced sagging due to underlying thick buoyant sub-continental mantle lithosphere, is consistent with their laterally continuous layering. Most of the global resources occur in three large intrusions: Bushveld, Great Dyke and Stillwater. Due to the large size (tens of kilometres) and limited complexity of the deposits, they are relatively easy to locate and delineate. As a result, the search space is relatively mature and few new discoveries have been made in the last few decades. The parental magmas to the intrusions are predominantly derived from the convecting mantle but, in addition, the involvement of the sub-continental lithospheric mantle is suggested by the relative Pt enrichment of most of the major deposits. In contrast to the PGE deposits, Ni–Cu deposits form throughout geologic time, but with the largest deposits being younger than ca. 2 Ga. The sulfide ores are concentrated under highly dynamic conditions within lava channels and magma conduits. The deposits are preferentially located near craton margins towards which mantle plumes have been channelled and where mantle magmas can readily ascend through abundant trans-lithospheric structures. Magma flow is focused and locally enhanced by shifting compressive–extensional tectonic regimes, and abundant S-rich crustal rocks provide an external S source that is required for the majority of deposits. The igneous bodies hosting the deposits tend to be irregular and small, tens to hundreds of metres in width and height, and are difficult to locate. As a result, the search space remains relatively immature. Understanding their tectonic setting helps reduce the prospective search space for world-class examples.     

Effect of Al source and alkali activation on Pb and Cu immobilisation in fly-ash based “geopolymers”

Solidification/stabilisation technologies are attracting great interest from mining and energy industries alike, to solve their pressing waste disposal problems. “Geopolymers”, in particular, are becoming one of the more popular solidification/stabilisation methods since they can be applied to a variety of waste sources at low cost, yielding added-value products. However, the effect of Al source on the solidification/stabilisation of heavy metals within fly ash-based Geopolymers, has received little attention. This study examines the effect of variable Al source and alkali-activator on the final properties of fly ash-based Geopolymers as characterised by compressive strength testing, infrared and X-ray diffraction analyses. Leaching tests were performed to determine the efficiencies of Pb and Cu immobilisation, which were compared to the initial properties of the Al source (e.g. particle size, cation exchange capacity, total extractable cation concentration and suspension yield stress). It was observed that Pb was generally better immobilised than Cu. In addition, the total extractable cation concentration of the Al source greatly affected the efficiency of Pb immobilisation while the physical properties of the Al source (suspension yield stress and eventual compressive strength) determined the efficiencies of Cu immobilisation. For both metals, NaOH activation was the most favourable method for metal immobilisation, however, a clear mechanism of adsorption remains elusive.     

Dechlorination of trichloroethylene in solution over supported nano zero valent Fe and Cu/Fe bimetal on exfoliated graphite

Degradation of organic halides by reductive dehalogenation promoted by zerovalent metals is a very active research area. The use of nano-sized particles of zero valent iron （ZVI） or bimetallic combinations of ZVI currently attracts the most attention due to their high surface areas and high reactive activity. The introduction of second catalytic metals, such as Pd, Pt, Cu, or Ni, results in an even higher dehalogenation rate. The supported zero-valent iron materials have higher activity and greater flexibility for environmental remediation applications than other forms of ZVI. Nano ZVI supported on micro-scale exfoliated graphite was prepared by using KBH4 as the reducing agent in the H2O/ethanol solution of Fe^2＋ in the laboratory. Then the ethanol solution of Cu^2＋ was added to the fleshly prepared wet supported nano ZVI. The Fe/Cu bimetallic particles supported on the graphite were obtained because of the reduction and deposition of Cu on the Fe surface. The TEM image showed that iron particles were highly dispersed on the surface of graphite. In this study, supported zero valent Cu/Fe bimetallic nanoparticles were used for the dehalogenation of trichloroethylene （TCE） in batch experiments. The dechlorination rate of supported zero valent Fe/Cu bimetallic nanoparticles was greater than the supported nano ZVI. Supported Cu/Fe bimetal with 4 wt% Cu had the fastest dehalogenation rate than that with different content of Cu. When the nana FeO dosage was 5 g/L in the dehalogention system, 8 mg/L of TCE was completely dechlorinated within 4 hours. Increasing or decreasing the FeO dosage, the dechlorination rate could be worse. When the concentration of Fe^2＋ was 0.05 mol/L during the preparation by KBH4 reduction, the nano Cu/Fe particles exhibited the spheral shape with 50-80 nm in size. When the concentration of Fe^2＋ was higher （0.2 mol/L）, the nano particles were the palpus structure and had the poor dehalogenation effect on the TCE.     

Geochronological and geochemical constraints on Aolunhua porphyry Mo–Cu deposit,northeast China,and its tectonic significance

The Aolunhua porphyry Mo–Cu deposit is located in the northern margin of the North China Craton (NCC), and belongs to the northern part of the Xilamulun metallogenic belt. More than 90% of the mineralization occurs within the Aolunhua monzogranite-porphyry; a small part is hosted within quartz veins that crosscut Late Permian strata. The syenogranite, occurring as dikes and cutting through the Aolunhua monzogranite-porphyry, is radially distributed in the mining district. Zircon U–Pb ages show that the Aolunhua monzogranite-porphyry and the post-ore syenogranite have concordant ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages of 138.7 ± 1.2 Ma and 131.4 ± 2.8 Ma, respectively. Based on analyses of major, trace elements and Hf-isotopes, the Aolunhua porphyry is characterized by high Sr low Y with high La/Yb and Sr/Y ratios typical of adakitic granites, whereas the post-ore syenogranite has lower Sr and higher Y values, showing apparently negative Eu anomalies (δEu = 0.26 to 0.31). The Hf isotopic composition of the Aolunhua porphyry [ε_Hf(t) = + 3.6 to + 9.2] and the post-ore syenogranite [ε_Hf(t) = + 3.6 to + 8.7] indicates that both juvenile crustal sources and depleted mantle contributed to their origin. The regional geological setting together with the discrepancy of geochemistry between the Aolunhua porphyry and the post-ore syenogranite probably indicates that they formed in different tectonic regimes. The Aolunhua porphyry is derived from partial melting of the thickened crust due to underplating of the basaltic magma under the transformation tectonic regime, while the post-ore syenogranite comes from the crustal root melting during the lithospheric delamination stage under the lithosphere thinning regime of northeast China.     

Integrated geophysical and geochemical study on AMD generation at the Haveri Au–Cu mine tailings,SW Finland

The Haveri tailings area contains 1.5 Mt of sulfide-bearing waste from the Au–Cu mine that operated during 1942–1961. Geophysical and geochemical methods were used to evaluate and characterize the generation of acid mine drainage (AMD). Correlations were examined among the electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) data, the total sulfide content and concentrations of sulfide-bound metals (Cu, Co, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) of tailings samples, and the resistivity and geochemistry of surface water. The resulting geophysical–geochemical model defines an area in the vadose tailings, where a low resistivity anomaly (<10 Ohm m) is correlated with the highest sulfide content, extensive sulfide oxidation and low pH (average 3.1). The physical and geochemical conditions, resulting from the oxidation of the sulfide minerals, suggest that the low resistivity anomaly is associated with acidic and metal-rich porewater (i.e., AMD). The lower resistivity values in the saturated zone of the central impoundment suggest the formation of a plume of AMD. The natural subsoil layer (silt and clay) and the bedrock surface below the tailings area were well mapped from the ERT data. The detected fracture zones of the bedrock that could work as leakage pathways for AMD were consistent with previous geological studies. The integrated methodology of the study offers a promising approach to fast and reliable monitoring of areas of potential AMD generation and its subsurface movement over large areas (ca. 9 ha). This methodology could be helpful in planning drill core sampling locations for geochemical and mineralogical analysis, groundwater sampling, and choosing and monitoring remedial programs.     

The Geochemical Identification on Mo-(Cu) and Cu-Mo Bearing Granitoids and Their Significance: Evidences from Chinese Mo-Bearing Intrusions

Please refer to the attachment(s) for more details.     

Re–Os geochronology on sulfides from the Tudun Cu–Ni sulfide deposit,Eastern Tianshan,and its geological significance

The Tudun deposit is a medium-sized Cu–Ni sulfide deposit, located at the westernmost edge of the Huangshan–Jing’erquan Belt in the northern part of Eastern Tianshan, NW China. Sulfide separates including pentlandite, pyrrhotite and chalcopyrite from the Tudun deposit, contain Re, common Os and ¹⁸⁷Os ranging from 40.46 to 201.2, 0.8048 to 6.246 and 0.1709 to 0.9977 ppb, respectively. They have very low ¹⁸⁷Os/¹⁸⁸Os ratios of 1.224–2.352. The sulfides yield a Re–Os isochron age of 270.0 ± 7.5 Ma (MSWD = 1.3), consistent within uncertainty with the SHRIMP zircon U–Pb age for the Tudun mafic intrusion (gabbro) of 280.0 ± 3.0 Ma. The calculated initial ¹⁸⁷Os/¹⁸⁸Os ratio is 0.533 ± 0.022, and γOs values range from 283 to 307, with a mean of 297, indicating significant crustal contamination of the parent melt prior to sulfide saturation. The Tudun deposit shares the same age and Re–Os isotopic compositions with other orthomagmatic Cu–Ni sulfide deposits in Huangshan–Jing’erquan Belt, suggesting that they have formed in Early Permian.     

Geology,fluid inclusion and isotope constraints on ore genesis of the post-collisional Dabu porphyry Cu–Mo deposit,southern Tibet

The Dabu Cu-Mo porphyry deposit is situated in the southern part of the Lhasa terrane within the post-collisional Gangdese porphyry copper belt (GPCB). It is one of several deposits that include the Qulong and Zhunuo porphyry deposits. The processes responsible for ore formation in the Dabu deposit can be divided into three stages of veining: stage I, quartz–K-feldspar (biotite) ± chalcopyrite ± pyrite, stage II, quartz–molybdenite ± pyrite ± chalcopyrite, and stage III, quartz–pyrite ± molybdenite. Three types of fluid inclusions (FIs) are present: liquid-rich two-phase (L-type), vapor-rich two-phase (V-type), and solid bearing multi-phase (S-type) inclusions. The homogenization temperatures for the FIs from stages I to III are in the ranges of 272–475 °C, 244–486 °C, and 299–399 °C, and their salinities vary from 2.1 to 49.1, 1.1 to 55.8, and 2.9 to 18.0 wt% NaCl equiv., respectively. The coexistence of S-type, V-type and L-type FIs in quartz of stage I and II with similar homogenization temperatures but contrasting salinities, indicate that fluid boiling is the major factor controlling metal precipitation in the Dabu deposit. The ore-forming fluids of this deposit are characterized by high temperature and high salinity, and they belong to a H₂O–NaCl magmatic–hydrothermal system. The H–O–S–Pb isotopic compositions indicate that the ore metals and fluids came primarily from a magmatic source linked to Miocene intrusions characterized by high Sr/Y ratios, similar to other porphyry deposits in the GPCB. The fluids forming the Dabu deposit were rich in Na and Cl, derived from metamorphic dehydration of subducted oceanic slab through which NaCl-brine or seawater had percolated. The inheritance of ancient subduction-associated arc chemistry, without shallow level crustal assimilation and/or input of the meteoric water, was responsible for the generation of fertile magma, as well as CO₂-poor and halite-bearing FIs associated with post-collisional porphyry deposits. The estimated mineralization depths of Qulong, Dabu and Zhunuo deposits are 1.6–4.3 km, 0.5–3.4 km and 0.2–3.0 km, respectively, displaying a gradual decrease from eastern to western Gangdese. Deep ore-forming processes accounted for the generation of giant-sized Qulong deposit, because the exsolution of aqueous fluids with large fraction of water and chlorine in deep or high pressure systems can extract more copper from melts than those formed in shallow systems. However, the formation of small-sized Dabu deposit can be explained by a single magmatic event without additional replenishment of S, metal, or thermal energy. In addition, the ore-forming conditions of porphyry Cu–Mo deposits in GPCB are comparable to those of porphyry Cu ± Au ± Mo deposits formed in oceanic subduction-related continental or island arcs, but differ from those of porphyry Mo deposit formed in the Dabie-Qinling collisional orogens. The depth of formation of the mineralization and features of primary magma source are two major controls on the metal types and ore-fluid compositions of these porphyry deposits.     

Magmatic and structural controls on porphyry-style Cu–Au–Mo mineralization at Kemess South,Toodoggone District of British Columbia,Canada

Kemess South is the only Cu–Au–Mo mine in the Toodoggone district and a major Cu and Au producer in British Columbia. Porphyry-style Cu–Au–Mo mineralization is mainly hosted by the tabular, SW-plunging, 199.6 ± 0.6-Ma Maple Leaf granodiorite, which intrudes tightly folded, SW-dipping, Permian Asitka Group siltstone and limestone and homogeneous Triassic Takla Group basalt. Southwest-dipping 194.0 ± 0.4-Ma Toodoggone Formation conglomerate, volcaniclastic, and epiclastic rocks overlie the granodiorite and Asitka Group rocks. Minor Cu–Au–Mo mineralization is hosted by the immediate Takla Group basalt country rock, whereas low-tonnage high-grade Cu zones occur beneath a 30-m-thick leached capping in supergene-altered granodiorite and in exotic positions in overlying Toodoggone Formation conglomerate. Granodiorite has an intrusive contact with mineralized and altered Takla Group basalt but displays a sheared contact with unmineralized and less altered Asitka Group siltstone. The North Block fault is a deposit-scale, E-striking, steeply S-dipping normal fault that juxtaposes the granodiorite/basalt ore body against unmineralized Asitka Group rocks. Younger NW- and NE-striking normal–dextral faults cut all rock types, orebodies, and the North Block fault with displacements of up to 100 m and result in the graben-and-horst-style block faulting of the stratigraphy and ore body. Both basalt and granodiorite host comparable vein sequence and alteration histories, with minor variations in hydrothermal mineral assemblages caused by differing protolith chemistry. Early potassic alteration (and associated early-stage Cu ± Au ± Mo mineralization) is partly replaced by phyllic and intermediate argillic alteration associated with main-stage Cu–Au–Mo mineralization. Two main-stage veins have Re–Os molybdenite ages of 201.3 ± 1.2 and 201.1 ± 1.2 Ma. These mineralization ages overlap the 199.6 ± 0.6-Ma U–Pb zircon crystallization age for the Maple Leaf granodiorite. Late-stage pyrite-rich stringer veins and related phyllic alteration assemblages are cut by anhydrite-rich, carbonate-rich, and chlorite veins. Fluids and metals associated with early-, main-, and late-stage veins were probably derived principally from the same deep magma chamber as the Maple Leaf granodiorite. These magmatic-derived fluids interacted with Asitka and Takla Group country rocks and possibly with meteoric and metamorphic fluids prior to mineralization.     

Application of spectrum–area fractal model to identify of geochemical anomalies based on soil data in Kahang porphyry-type Cu deposit,Iran

The aim of this study is to identify geochemical anomalies using power spectrum–area (S–A) method based on the grade values of Cu, Mo and Au in 2709 soil samples collected from Kahang porphyry-type Cu deposit, Central Iran. S–A log–log plots indicated that there are three stages of Cu, Mo and Au enrichment. The third enrichment was considered as the main stage for the presence of Cu, Mo and Au at the concentrations above 416 ppm, 23 ppm and 71 ppb, respectively. Elemental anomalies are positively associated with monzo–granite–diorite and breccias units which are in the central and western parts of the deposit. The anomalies are located within the potassic, phyllic and argillic alteration types and also there is the positive correlation between the anomalies and nearing faults in the studied area. The results obtained via fractal model were interpreted accordingly to incorporate the information for the mineralized areas including detailed geological map, structural analysis and alterations. The results show that S–A multifractal modeling is applicable for anomalies delineation based on soil data.     

西南地区岩浆硫化物矿床的Cu/Pd、Cu/Pt比值差异及找矿意义

我国西南地区及越南北部含有大量与峨眉山玄武岩有关的基性-超基性岩体,这些岩体成带状分布,不同岩带中的岩体矿化差异明显,跨四川、云南两省的盐源-丽江-弥渡岩带中金宝山岩体为贫Cu、Ni富Pt、Pd矿化;四川北部的道孚-丹巴-康定岩带中杨柳坪岩体为富Cu、Ni、Pt、Pd矿化,但Pt、Pd矿化较金宝山岩体差;     

U-Th-Pb dating of garnet based on LAICP-MS mapping technology: A case study of the Tonglvshan large-scale Cu -Fe-Au skarn depositSCIEI北大核心CSCD

矽卡岩矿床的年代学信息对研究矽卡岩矿床的矿床成因、演变过程、成矿规律和找矿勘查具有重要的指示意义。石榴子石是矽卡岩矿床中的常见矿物,它具有一定的U含量,但是由于其普通铅高以及铀分布不均一的原因,导致激光剥蚀电感耦合等离子体质谱仪(LA-ICP-MS)点分析获得年龄成功率不高。针对点分析定年遇到的深度分馏和剥蚀点选取、普通铅校正等问题,本文提出一种利用LA-ICP-MS面扫描分析数据的虚拟点构建技术,在Tera-Wasserburg(TW)图中实现普通铅校正来确定含普通铅石榴子石年龄。通过理论推导、数值模拟和实验分析研究发现,利用相关联的^(208)Pb、^(232)Th、^(238)U测量数据校正生成^(208)Pb_(c)/^(238)U指标并据此对TW图中的数据进行数据分组抽样构造虚拟测量点,可以有效地把面扫描测量数据转换为与点分析测量类似但放射母子比例展布更优的数据。利用此方法对长江中下游成矿带鄂东矿区铜绿山大型Cu-Fe-Au矽卡岩矿床石榴子石进行面扫描分析。仅使用15min的样品面扫描数据,在获得了微量元素含量分布的同时,也获得了同位素比值虚拟点,交点年龄为139.2±2.9Ma(MSWD=0.7,n=126),与前人矿床研究结果相一致,验证了此方法的可行性。利用LA-ICP-MS面扫描定年技术不仅可以获得样品元素含量的二维分布图,有利于对样品期次的筛选,剔除包裹体等异常数据;还可以避免点分析中深度分馏和繁复的选点流程及二次分析等步骤,在获得样品元素含量分布的同时获得矿物年龄,为当前矽卡岩型矿床相关的关键金属研究提供了更为便捷的方法。     

Structural,lithological, and geochemical constraints on the dynamic magma plumbing system of the Jinchuan Ni–Cu sulfide deposit,NW China

Eastern and western portions of the Jinchuan ultramafic intrusion have previously been interpreted as dismembered segments of a single elongate intrusion by late faults. However, the different stratigraphic sequences of the two portions indicate that they are originally two separate intrusions, referred to as Eastern and Western intrusions in this study. The Eastern intrusion is characterized by a concentric distribution of rock types with a core of sulfide dunite enveloped by lherzolite, whereas the Western intrusion is composed of the Upper and Lower units, interpreted as magmatic mega cycles with regular variations in lithology and chemistry. In the Western intrusion, the Upper unit consists of fine-grained dunite, lherzolite, and pyroxenite from its base to its top. The MgO contents decrease upward from the dunites (42–45 wt.%) to the lherzolites (36–41 wt.%), while Al₂O₃ and incompatible elements increase upward. In contrast, the Lower unit consists of coarse-grained dunites and lherzolites containing 37–40 and 28–35 wt.% MgO, respectively. Sharp contacts between the Upper and Lower units and fine-grained dunite xenoliths at the top of the Lower unit indicate that the Lower unit intruded along the base of the Upper unit. Disseminated and net-textured sulfides primarily occur in the Lower unit and comprise the no. 24 ore body. Very low S contents (<100 ppm) of the wall rocks at Jinchuan indicate that they were not the source of S causing sulfide immiscibility. Sulfide segregation more likely occurred in deep-seated magma chambers, and sulfides were deposited in the Western intrusion when sulfide-bearing magmas passed through the intrusion. In contrast, the Eastern intrusion was formed by injections of sulfide-free and sulfide-bearing olivine-crystal mushes, respectively, from another deep-seated staging magma chamber. The Eastern and Western intrusions and the deep-seated magma chambers comprise a complicated magma plumbing system at Jinchuan. Normal faults played a significant role in the formation of the magma plumbing system and provided pathways for the magmas.     

The relation between Cu/Au ratio and formation depth of porphyry-style Cu–Au ± Mo deposits

Constraints on gold and copper ore grades in porphyry-style Cu–Au ± Mo deposits are re-examined, with particular emphasis on published fluid pressure and formation depth as indicated by fluid inclusion data and geological reconstruction. Defining an arbitrary subdivision at a molar Cu/Au ratio of 4.0 × 10⁴, copper–gold deposits have a shallower average depth of formation (2.1 km) compared with the average depth of copper–molybdenum deposits (3.7 km), based on assumed lithostatic fluid pressure from microthermometry. The correlation of Cu/Au ratio with depth is primarily influenced by the variations of total Au grade. Despite local mineralogical controls within some ore deposits, the overall Cu/Au ratio of the deposits does not show a significant correlation with the predominant type of Cu–Fe sulfide, i.e., chalcopyrite or bornite. Primary magma source probably contributes to metal endowment on the province scale and in some individual deposits, but does not explain the broad correlation of metal ratios with the pressure of ore formation. By comparison with published experimental and fluid analytical data, the observed correlation of the Cu/Au ratio with fluid pressure can be explained by dominant transport of Cu and Au in a buoyant S-rich vapor, coexisting with minor brine in two-phase magmatic hydrothermal systems. At relatively shallow depth (approximately <3 km), the solubility of both metals decreases rapidly with decreasing density of the ascending vapor plume, forcing both Cu and Au to be coprecipitated. In contrast, magmatic vapor cooling at deeper levels (approximately >3 km) and greater confining pressure is likely to precipitate copper ± molybdenum only, while sulfur-complexed gold remains dissolved in the relatively dense vapor. Upon cooling, this vapor may ultimately contract to a low-salinity epithermal liquid, which can contribute to the formation of epithermal gold deposits several kilometers above the Au-poor porphyry Cu–(Mo) deposit. These findings and interpretations imply that petrographic inspection of fluid inclusion density may be used as an exploration indicator. Low-pressure brine + vapor systems are favorable for coprecipitation of both metals, leading to Au-rich porphyry–copper–gold deposits. Epithermal gold deposits may be associated with such shallow systems, but are likely to derive their ore-forming components from a deeper source, which may include a deeply hidden porphyry–copper ± molybdenum deposit. Exposed high-pressure brine + vapor systems, or stockwork veins containing a single type of intermediate-density inclusions, are more likely to be prospective for porphyry–copper ± molybdenum deposits.     

Geochemical constraints on Cu–Fe and Fe skarn deposits in the Edong district,Middle–Lower Yangtze River metallogenic belt,China

Copper and iron skarn deposits are economically important types of skarn deposits throughout the world, especially in China, but the differences between Cu and Fe skarn deposits are poorly constrained. The Edong ore district in southeastern Hubei Province, Middle–Lower Yangtze River metallogenic belt, China, contains numerous Fe and Cu–Fe skarn deposits. In this contribution, variations in skarn mineralogy, mineralization-related intrusions and sulfur isotope values between these Cu–Fe and Fe skarn deposits are discussed.The garnets and pyroxenes of the Cu–Fe and Fe skarn deposits in the Edong ore district share similar compositions, i.e., dominantly andradite (Ad_29–100Gr_0–68) and diopside (Di_54–100Hd_0–38), respectively. This feature indicates that the mineral compositions of skarn silicate mineral assemblages were not the critical controlling factors for variations between the Cu–Fe and Fe skarn deposits. Intrusions associated with skarn Fe deposits in the Edong ore district differ from those Cu–Fe skarn deposits in petrology, geochemistry and Sr–Nd isotope. Intrusions associated with Fe deposits have large variations in their (La/Yb)_N ratios (3.84–24.6) and Eu anomalies (δEu = 0.32–1.65), and have relatively low Sr/Y ratios (4.2–44.0) and high Yb contents (1.20–11.8 ppm), as well as radiogenic Sr–Nd isotopes (εNd(t) = − 12.5 to − 9.2) and (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i = 0.7067 to 0.7086. In contrast, intrusions associated with Cu–Fe deposits are characterized by relatively high Sr/Y (35.0–81.3) and (La/Yb)_N (15.0–31.6) ratios, low Yb contents (1.00–1.62 ppm) without obvious Eu anomalies (δEu = 0.67–0.97), as well as (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i = 0.7055 to 0.7068 and εNd(t) = − 7.9 to − 3.4. Geochemical evidence indicates a greater contribution from the crust in intrusions associated with Fe skarn deposits than in intrusions associated with Cu–Fe skarn deposits. In the Edong ore district, the sulfides and sulfates in the Cu–Fe skarn deposits have sulfur isotope signatures that differ from those of Fe skarn deposits. The Cu–Fe skarn deposits have a narrow range of δ³⁴S values from − 6.2‰ to + 8.7‰ in sulfides, and + 13.2‰ to + 15.2‰ in anhydrite, while the Fe skarn deposits have a wide range of δ³⁴S values from + 10.3‰ to + 20.0‰ in pyrite and + 18.9‰ to + 30.8‰ in anhydrite. Sulfur isotope data for anhydrite and sedimentary country rocks suggest that the formation of skarns in the Edong district involved the interaction between magmatic fluids and variable amounts of evaporites in host rocks.     

Mineralogical and geochemical studies on the Gowd-e-Morad (Ni,Co, As–Cu) mineral deposit,Anarak (central Iran)

The Ni, Co, As, and Cu deposit of Gowd-e-Morad is located 20 km northwest of Anarak in Central Iran. In this hydrothermal deposit, mineralization occurs as veins in a fault breccia zone hosted by the Chahgorbeh (schist and metabasite) complex. The main ores are made up of Ni, Co, and Cu arsenides. Petrologic studies and results obtained from geochemical analyses have indicated that the Ni, Co, As, and Cu are derived from ultramafic rocks while Pb and Zn are likely to be derived from schist. Based on the geochemical evidence, particularly the high correlation between Ni, Co, and As, it is proposed that this deposit be categorized as a “five elements” mineral deposit. Fluid inclusion studies have shown homogenization temperatures (T_H) in the range 113?206 ?C and salinity 3?13.5 % wt eq. NaCl. Therefore this “five elements” mineral deposit has been determined as a low temperature, epithermal deposit type. It is proposed that the low fluid temperatures are a result of an environment of formation which was distal to a volcanogenic source systems and the major influence of meteoric waters in the hydrothermal system.     

Some new data on the genesis of the Linghou Cu–Pb–Zn polymetallic deposit—Based on the study of fluid inclusions and C–H–O–S–Pb isotopes

The Linghou deposit, located near Hangzhou City of Zhejiang Province, eastern China, is a medium-sized polymetallic sulfide deposit associated with granitic intrusion. This deposit is structurally and lithologically controlled and commonly characterized by ore veins or irregular ore lenses. In this deposit, two mineralization events were identified, of which the former produced the Cu–Au–Ag orebodies, while the latter formed Pb–Zn–Cu orebodies. Silicification and calc-silicate (skarn type), phyllic, and carbonate alternation are four principal types of hydrothermal alteration. The early Cu–Au–Ag and late Pb–Zn–Cu mineralizations are characterized by quartz ± sericite + pyrite + chalcopyrite + bornite ± Au–Ag minerals ± magnetite ± molybdenite and calcite + dolomite + sphalerite + pyrite + chalcopyrite + galena, respectively. Calcite clusters and calcite ± quartz vein are formed during the late hydrothermal stage.The NaCl–H₂O–CO₂ system fluid, coexisting with NaCl–H₂O system fluid and showing the similar homogenization temperatures (385 °C and 356 °C, respectively) and different salinities (16.89–21.68 wt.% NaCl eqv. and 7.70–15.53 wt.% NaCl eqv.), suggests that fluid immiscibility occurred during the Cu–Au–Ag mineralization stage and might have given rise to the ore-metal precipitation. The ore-forming fluid of the Pb–Zn–Cu mineralization mainly belongs to the NaCl–H₂O–CO₂ system of high temperature (~ 401 °C) and mid-high salinity (10.79 wt.% NaCl eqv.).Fluids trapped in the quartz-chalcopyrite vein, Cu–Au–Ag ores, Pb–Zn–Cu ores and calcite clusters yielded δ¹⁸O_H2O and δD values varying from 5.54‰ to 13.11‰ and from − 71.8‰ to − 105.1‰, respectively, indicating that magmatic fluids may have played an important role in two mineralization events. The δ¹³C_PDB values of the calcite change from − 2.78‰ to − 4.63‰, indicating that the CO₃^2 − or CO₂ in the ore-forming fluid of the Pb–Zn–Cu mineralization was mainly sourced from the magmatic system, although dissolution of minor marine carbonate may have also occurred during the ore-forming processes. The sulfide minerals have homogeneous lead isotopic compositions with ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ranging from 17.958 to 18.587, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ranging from 15.549 to 15.701, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ranging from 37.976 to 39.052, indicating that metallic elements of the Linghou deposit came from a mixed source involving mantle and crustal components.Based on geological evidence, fluid inclusions, and H–O–C–S–Pb isotopic data, the Linghou polymetallic deposit is interpreted as a high-temperature, skarn-carbonate replacement type. Two types of mineralization are both related to the magmatic–hydrothermal system, with the Cu–Au–Ag mineralization having a close relationship with granodiorite.