Lead isotope systematics of ore systems of the Macquarie Arc — Implications for arc substrate

The Macquarie Arc of New South Wales hosts several major Au and Cu deposits. We present new Pb isotope results for Cadia, the Copper Hill, Little Copper Hill and Cowal deposits, along with data from the CSIRO database. The results generally plot close to established mantle growth curves and are similar to oceanic basalts. Data for individual deposits mostly have Pb model ages consistent with independent age constraints on mineralization. Intrusions associated with the Early Silurian mineralization at Cadia and Goonumbla have narrow and distinct Pb isotope signatures that we interpret to be the result of partial melting of already LILE-enriched mantle-like sources. The data suggest that deposits of the Macquarie Arc derived Pb from one or more long-lived mantle-like Pb isotope reservoirs without significant contributions of crustal Pb prior to the Benambran Orogeny.Data for the Copper Hill deposits includes unradiogenic, possibly old Pb and supports previous workers who suggested that old MORB-like basalts may occur at depth in the area. The Peak Hill deposit has the most unradiogenic signature and has the lowest ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb and ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb. These signatures closely match Cambrian MORB-like basalts in the Koonenberry Belt and are unlike Cambrian mafic rocks in Victoria. Similar rocks could form part of the substrate to other parts of the Macquarie Arc.     

2: Hydrothermal ore deposits related to post-orogenic extensional magmatism and core complex formation: The Rhodope Massif of Bulgaria and Greece

The Rhodope Massif in southern Bulgaria and northern Greece hosts a range of Pb–Zn–Ag, Cu–Mo and Au–Ag deposits in high-grade metamorphic, continental sedimentary and igneous rocks. Following a protracted thrusting history as part of the Alpine–Himalayan collision, major late orogenic extension led to the formation of metamorphic core complexes, block faulting, sedimentary basin formation, acid to basic magmatism and hydrothermal activity within a relatively short period of time during the Early Tertiary. Large vein and carbonate replacement Pb–Zn deposits hosted by high-grade metamorphic rocks in the Central Rhodopean Dome (e.g., the Madan ore field) are spatially associated with low-angle detachment faults as well as local silicic dyke swarms and/or ignimbrites. Ore formation is essentially synchronous with post-extensional dome uplift and magmatism, which has a dominant crustal magma component according to Pb and Sr isotope data. Intermediate- and high-sulphidation Pb–Zn–Ag–Au deposits and minor porphyry Cu–Mo mineralization in the Eastern Rhodopes are predominantly hosted by veins in shoshonitic to high-K calc-alkaline volcanic rocks of closely similar age. Base-metal-poor, high-grade gold deposits of low sulphidation character occurring in continental sedimentary rocks of synextensional basins (e.g., Ada Tepe) show a close spatial and temporal relation to detachment faulting prior and during metamorphic core complex formation. Their formation predates local magmatism but may involve fluids from deep mantle magmas.The change in geochemical signatures of Palaeogene magmatic rocks, from predominantly silicic types in the Central Rhodopes to strongly fractionated shoshonitic (Bulgaria) to calc-alkaline and high-K calc-alkaline (Greece) magmas in the Eastern Rhodopes, coincides with the enrichment in Cu and Au relative to Pb and Zn of the associated ore deposits. This trend also correlates with a decrease in the radiogenic Pb and Sr isotope components of the magmatic rocks from west to east, reflecting a reduced crustal contamination of mantle magmas, which in turn correlates with a decreasing crustal thickness that can be observed today. Hydrogen and oxygen isotopic compositions of the related hydrothermal systems show a concomitant increase of magmatic relative to meteoric fluids, from the Pb–Zn–Ag deposits of the Central Rhodopes to the magmatic rock-hosted polymetallic gold deposits of the Eastern Rhodopes.     

Lead isotope signatures of epithermal and porphyry-type ore deposits from the Romanian Carpathian Mountains

Lead isotope analyses have been performed on the two major Miocene mining districts of Romania, Baia Mare and Apuseni Mountains. These two districts have different non-overlapping ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb isotopic signatures ranging from 18.752 to 18.876 and 18.497 to 18.740. In the Baia Mare district, epithermal deposits are overall homogeneous in their lead isotopic compositions and have values similar to the average of the calc-alkaline volcanic rocks. These results suggest a magmatic signature for the Pb (and possibly other metals) in the hydrothermal fluids. However, magmas in this district show isotopic evidence of crustal assimilation. In the southern Apuseni Mountains, the lead isotope compositions of sulfide minerals in porphyry copper deposits are clustered, confirming that Pb, and probably other metals, were derived principally from associated porphyry stocks. On the other hand, lead isotope data on sulfides in epithermal ore deposits are much more scattered, indicating a notable contribution of Pb from local country rocks. In the Apuseni Mountains, 'fertile' volcanics are few and appear to come from a more primitive mantle-derived source. Most of the analysed volcanic rocks seem 'barren'. Differences in lead isotopic compositions between the Baia Mare district and the Apuseni Mountains are due to a different basement, and probably to variations in crustal assimilation superimposed on variations in the mantle source composition. In the Apuseni Mountains, Pb may be partly inherited from the previous Mesozoic magmatic-hydrothermal stage. From a geodynamic point of view, it seems that the nature and the source of volcanic rocks and their position related to the collision area of the Carpathian arc are not the only factors controlling the 'fertility' of a volcanic district.     

Origin and formational history of some Pb-Zn deposits from Alborz and Central Iran: Pb isotope constraints

Several Pb-Zn deposits and occurrences within Iran are hosted by Mesozoic–Tertiary-aged sedimentary and igneous rocks. This study reports new Pb isotope analyses for galena from 14 Pb-Zn deposits in the Alborz and Central Iran structural zones. In general, Pb isotope ratios are extremely variable with data plotting between the upper crustal and orogenic curves in a plumbotectonic diagram. The latter may be attributed to Pb inputs from crustal and mantle end-members. Most of the galena samples are characterized by high ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios, suggesting significant input of Pb from old continental crust or pelagic sediment. Pb isotope data also indicate that some of the deposits, which are hosted by sedimentary rocks in Central Iran and Alborz, have similar Pb isotopic compositions and hence suggest similar source regions. Most of the galenas yield Pb model ‘ages’ that vary between ~140 and ~250 Ma, indicating that mineralization resulted from the extraction of ore-bearing fluids from Upper Triassic–Lower Jurassic sequences. The similarity in Pb isotope ratios for the Pb-Zn deposits located within these zones suggests analogous crustal evolution histories. Our preferred interpretation is that Pb-Zn mineralization within the sedimentary and igneous rocks of the Central Iran and Alborz tectonic regions occurred following a Late Cretaceous–Tertiary accretionary stage of crustal thickening in Iran.     

Pb isotope fingerprinting of mesothermal gold deposits from central Victoria, Australia: implications for ore genesis

New Pb isotope data from three major mesothermal lode gold deposits (Ballarat West, Tarnagulla, Maldon) in central Victoria support a model whereby the metals derived from a large reservoir with a long residence time in the crust below the Palaeozoic Lachlan Fold Belt. The Pb isotopic ratios of least radiogenic samples from these deposits are in close agreement with published Pb signatures for turbidite-hosted gold deposits, and for Devonian granites, elsewhere in the Lachlan Fold Belt. Despite their spatial distribution and variations in the geological setting, the Pb signatures point to the extraction and transport of metals from a crustal source area by long-lasting, large-scale hydrothermal systems, resulting in the prominent homogenisation of Pb isotopic ratios. The enduring interaction between large hydrothermal systems and an extensive crustal source reservoir were a vital pre-requisite in the formation of the Victorian gold province. In this regard, the prospectivity of Victoria is analogous to world-class ore provinces elsewhere, such as the Archaean Yilgarn Block in Western Australia. Received: 10 February 1998 / Accepted: 28 April 1998     

Lead isotope evolution of the Central European upper mantle:Constraints from the Bohemian Massif

The Pb isotope composition of the upper mantle beneath Central Europe is heterogeneous due to the subduction of regionally contrasting material during the Variscan and Alpine orogenies.Late Variscan to Cenozoic mantlederived melts allow mapping this heterogeneity on a regional scale for the last ca.340 Myr.Late Cretaceous and Cenozoic anorogenic magmatic rocks of the Bohemian Massif(lamprophyres,volcanic rocks of basanite/tephrite and trachyte/phonolite series) concentrate mostly in the Eger Rift.Cretaceous ultramafic lamprophyres yielded the most radiogenic Pb isotope signatures reflecting a maximum contribution from metasomatised lithospheric mantle,whereas Tertiary alkaline lamprophyres originated from mantle with less radiogenic ~(206)Pb/~(204)b ratios suggesting a more substantial modification of lithospheric source by interaction with asthenosphericderived melts.Cenozoic volcanic rocks of the basanite/tephrite and trachyte/phonolite series define a linear mixing trend between these components,indicating dilution of the initial lithospheric mantle signature by upwelling asthenosphere during rifting.The Pb isotope composition of Late Cretaceous and Cenozoic magmatic rocks of the Bohemian Massif follows the same Pb growth curve as Variscan orogenic lamprophyres and lamproites that formed during the collision between Laurussia,Gondwana,and associated terranes.This implies that the crustal Pb signature in the post-Variscan mantle is repeatedly sampled by younger anorogenic melts.Most Cenozoic mantle-derived rocks of Central Europe show similar Pb isotope ranges as the Bohemian Massif.     

Geochemical/isotopic evolution of Pb–Zn deposits in the Central and Eastern Taurides,Turkey

The Central and Eastern Taurides contain numerous carbonate-hosted Pb–Zn deposits, mainly in Devonian and Permian dolomitized reefal–stramatolitic limestones, and in massive Jurassic limestones. We present and compare new fluid inclusion and isotopic data from these ore deposits, and propose for the first time a Mississippi Valley-type (MVT) mode of origin for them.

Fluid inclusion studies reveal that the ore fluids were highly saline (13–26% NaCl equiv.), chloride-rich (CaCl₂) brines, and have average homogenization temperatures of 112°C, 174.5°C, and 211°C for the Celal Da?, Delikkaya, and Ayrakl? deposits, respectively. Furthermore, the δ³⁴S values of carbonate-hosted Pb–Zn deposits in the Central and Eastern Taurides vary between –5.4‰ and?+13.70‰. This indicates a possible source of sulphur from both organic compounds and crustal materials. In contrast, stable sulphur isotope data (average δ³⁴S –0.15‰) for the Çad?rkaya deposit, which is related to a late Eocene–Oligocene (?) granodioritic intrusion, indicates a magmatic source. The lead isotope ratios of galena for all investigated deposits are heterogeneous. In particular, with the exception of the Suçat? district, all deposits in the Eastern (Delikkaya, Ayrakl?, Denizovas?, Çad?rkaya) and Central (Katranba??, Küçüksu) Taurides have high radiogenic lead isotope values (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb between 19.058 and 18.622; ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb between 16.058 and 15.568; and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb between 39.869 and 38.748), typical of the upper continental crust and orogenic belts.

Fluid inclusion, stable sulphur, and radiogenic lead isotope studies indicate that carbonate-hosted metal deposits in the Eastern (except for the Çad?rkaya deposit) and the Central Taurides are similar to MVT Pb–Zn deposits described elsewhere. The primary MVT deposits are associated with the Late Cretaceous–Palaeocene closure of the Tethyan Ocean, and formed during the transition from an extensional to a compressional regime. Palaeogene nappes that typically limit the exposure of ore bodies indicate a pre-Palaeocene age of ore formation. Host rock lithology, ore mineralogy, fluid inclusion, and sulphur?+?lead isotope data indicate that the metals were most probably leached from a crustal source such as clastic rocks or a crystalline massif, and transported by chloride-rich hydrothermal solutions to the site of deposition. Localization of the ore deposits on autochthonous basement highs indicates long-term basinal fluid migration, characteristic of MVT depositional processes. The primary MVT ores were oxidized in the Miocene, resulting in deposition of Zn-carbonate and Pb-sulphate–carbonate during karstification. The ores underwent multiple cycles of oxidation and, in places, were re-deposited to form clastic deposits. Modified deposits resemble the ‘wall-rock replacement’ and the ‘residual and karst fill’ of non-sulphide zinc deposits and are predominantly composed of smithsonite.     

Sources of primitive alkaline volcanic rocks from the Central European Volcanic Province (Rhön,Germany) inferred from Hf,Os and Pb isotopes

Basanites and nephelinites from the Tertiary Rhön area (Germany), which are part of the Central European Volcanic Province (CEVP), have high MgO, Ni and Cr contents and prominent garnet signatures indicating that they represent near-primary magmas formed by melting of a CO₂-bearing peridotitic mantle source at high pressure. The Pb and Hf isotope (and previously published Nd and Sr isotope) ratios of the Rhön lavas are rather uniform, whereas the Os isotope composition is highly variable. For the most primitive basanites, Pb, Os and Hf isotope compositions fall within the range of enriched MORB and some OIB. Other basanites and nephelinites with low Os concentrations have distinctly more radiogenic Os (¹⁸⁷Os/¹⁸⁸Os: 0.160–0.469) isotope compositions, which are inferred to originate from crustal contamination. The samples with the highest Os concentrations have the lowest Os isotope ratios (¹⁸⁷Os/¹⁸⁸Os_(23 Ma): 0.132–0.135), and likely remain unaffected by crustal contamination. Together with their fairly depleted Sr, Nd and Hf isotope ratios, the isotopic composition of the Rhön lavas suggests derivation from an asthenospheric mantle source. Prominent negative K and Rb anomalies, however, argue for melting amphibole or phlogopite-bearing sources, which can only be stable in the cold lithosphere. We therefore propose that asthenospheric melts precipitated at the asthenosphere-lithosphere thermal boundary as veins in the lithospheric mantle and were remelted or incorporated after only short storage times (about 10–100 million years) by ascending asthenospheric melts. Due to the short residence time incorporation of the vein material imposes the prominent phlogopite/amphibole signature of the Rhön alkaline basalts but does not lead to a shift in the isotopic signatures. Melting of the lithospheric mantle cannot strictly be excluded, but has to be subordinate due to the lack of the respective isotope signatures, in good agreement with the fairly thin lithosphere observed in the Rhön area. The fairly radiogenic Pb isotope signatures are expected to originate from melting of enriched, low melting temperature portions incorporated in the depleted upper (asthenospheric) mantle and therefore do not require upwelling of deep-seated mantle sources for the Rhön or many other continental alkaline lavas with similar Pb isotope signatures.     

Source of metals in the Guocheng gold deposit,Jiaodong Peninsula,North China Craton: Link to early Cretaceous mafic magmatism originating from Paleoproterozoic metasomatized lithospheric mantle

Widespread Mesozoic Au and other hydrothermal polymetal (Zn–Pb–Cu–Mo–Ag–W–Fe–REE) deposits or smaller prospects occur in association with ancient mobile belts surrounding and cutting through the North China Carton (NCC). Among these, the gold ores of the Jiaodong Peninsula, Shandong Province, eastern NCC, represent the largest gold district in China. However, the genesis of these important gold mineralizations has remained controversial, notably their relationships to widespread mafic magmatism of alkaline affinity.The ore bodies of the Guocheng gold deposit on the Jiaodong Peninsula are fracture-controlled, sulfide-rich veins and disseminations, formed contemporaneously with abundant dolerite, lamprophyre and monzonite dikes at ca. 120 Ma. Dolerite dikes possess mantle-like major element compositions and alkaline affinity, associated with prominent subduction-type trace element enrichments. The dikes show petrographic and chemical evidence of magma mixing that triggered exsolution of magmatic sulfide and anhydrite crystallization, preserved as primary inclusions in phenocrysts. LA-ICP-MS analysis of magmatic sulfide inclusions demonstrates that metal abundance ratios (Ag, As, Au, Bi, Co, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Zn) largely correspond to those of both unaltered bulk rock and bulk ore. Together with identical Pb isotope ratios of dolerite and bulk ore, this demonstrates that gold mineralization and dolerite dikes share a common source.Lead isotope signatures of the ore sulfides are much less radiogenic (17.08 < ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb < 17.25, 15.41 <²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb < 15.45, 37.55 < ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb < 37.93) relative to the Pb signature of Phanerozoic convecting mantle and plot to the left of the Geochron and above the MORB-source mantle Pb evolution line. Forward Monte Carlo simulations indicate three events for the U–Th–Pb isotope evolution: (1) late Archean formation of juvenile crust is followed by (2) subduction of this aged crust at ca. 1.85 Ga along with the assembly of Jiao–Liao–Ji mobile belt (suture within Columbia supercontinent). This late-Archean subducted crust released fluids with drastically reduced U/Pb that metasomatized the overlying depleted mantle, which formed cratonic lithospheric mantle. This metasomatized lithospheric mantle was (3) tapped in response to early Cretaceous extensional tectonics affecting notably the eastern margin of the NCC to generate mafic magmas and associated gold mineralization at Guocheng. Similarly non-radiogenic uranogenic Pb isotope data characterize the contemporaneous mafic dikes and gold deposits in the entire Jiaodong Peninsula, suggesting that our genetic model applies to the entire Jiaodong gold district.We propose that early Cretaceous melting of subcontinental lithospheric mantle metasomatized by subduction fluids during Paleoproterozoic amalgamation of terranes to the eastern NCC along with Columbia supercontinent assembly generated mafic magmatism and associated gold deposits. Given the conspicuous association of Phanerozoic hydrothermal ore deposits associated with reactivated Paleoproterozoic mobile belts, we envisage that our genetic model, which largely corresponds to that which is proposed for the Bingham porphyry-Cu–Au–Mo deposit, USA, may explain much of the magmatic-hydrothermal activity and associated ore formation all around the NCC.     

The geochemistry, mineralogy and maturity of gossans derived from volcanogenic Zn–Pb–Cu deposits of the eastern Lachlan Fold Belt, NSW, Australia

The Eastern Highlands of Australia have probably been in existence since the Late Cretaceous or earlier and so there has been ample time for mature gossan profiles to form over outcropping volcanogenic Zn–Pb–Cu mineralisation in the eastern Lachlan Fold Belt. The mature gossan profiles are characterised by the upward progression from supergene sulfides to secondary sulfates, carbonates and phosphates into a Fe-oxide dominated surficial capping which may contain boxwork textures after the original sulfides (as at the Woodlawn massive sulfide deposit). However, the region has locally been subjected to severe erosion and the weathering profile over many deposits is incomplete (immature) with carbonate and phosphate minerals, especially malachite, being found in surficial material. These immature gossans contain more Cu, Pb and Zn but lower As, Sn (and probably Au) than the mature gossans. Although Pb is probably the best single pathfinder for Zn–Pb–Cu VHMS deposits of the eastern Lachlan Fold Belt, Ag, As, Au, Bi, Mo, Sb and Sn are also useful, with most of these elements able to be concentrated in substantial amounts in Fe oxides and alunite–jarosite minerals.     

Genesis of the giant Zijinshan epithermal Cu-Au and Luoboling porphyry Cu–Mo deposits in the Zijinshan ore district,Fujian Province,SE China: A multi-isotope and trace element investigation

The Zijinshan ore district occurs as one of the largest porphyry-epithermal Cu–Au–Mo ore systems in South China, including the giant Zijinshan epithermal Cu–Au deposit and the large Luoboling porphyry Cu–Mo deposit. The mineralization is intimately related to Late Mesozoic large-scale tectono-magmatic and hydrothermal events. The Cu–Au–Mo mineralization occurs around intermediate-felsic volcanic rocks and hypabyssal porphyry intrusions. In this study, we summarize previously available Re–Os isotopes, zircon U–Pb age and trace elements, and Sr–Nd–Pb isotope data, and present new Pb–S and Re–Os isotope data and zircon trace elements data for ore-related granitoids from the Zijinshan high-sulfidation epithermal Cu–Au deposit and the Luoboling porphyry Cu–Mo deposit, in an attempt to explore the relationship between the two ore systems for a better understanding of their geneses. The ore-bearing porphyritic dacite from the Zijinshan deposit shows a zircon U-Pb age of 108–106 Ma and has higher zircon Ce⁴⁺/Ce³⁺ ratios (92–1568, average 609) but lower Ti-in-zircon temperatures (588–753 °C, average 666 °C) when compared with the barren intrusions in the Zijinshan ore district. Relative to the Zijinshan porphyritic dacite, the ore-bearing granodiorite porphyry from the Luoboling deposit show a slightly younger zircon U–Pb age of 103 Ma, but has similar or even higher zircon Ce⁴⁺/Ce³⁺ ratios (213–2621, average 786) and similar Ti-in-zircon temperatures (595–752 °C, average 675 °C). These data suggest that the ore-bearing magmatic rocks crystallized from relatively oxidized and hydrous magmas. Combined with the high rhenium contents (78.6–451 ppm) of molybdenites, the Pb and S isotopic compositions of magmatic feldspars and sulfides suggest that the porphyry and ore-forming materials in the Luoboling Cu–Mo deposit mainly originated from an enriched mantle source. In contrast, the ore-bearing porphyritic dacite in the Zijinshan Cu–Au deposit might be derived from crustal materials mixing with the Cathaysia enriched mantle. The fact that the Zijinshan Cu–Au deposit and the Luoboling Cu–Mo deposit show different origin of ore-forming materials and slightly different metallogenic timing indicates that these two deposits may have been formed from two separate magmatic-hydrothermal systems. Crustal materials might provide the dominant Cu and Au in the Zijinshan epithermal deposit. Cu and Au show vertical zoning and different fertility because the gold transports at low oxygen fugacity and precipitates during the decreasing of temperature, pressure and changing of pH conditions. It is suggested that there is a large Cu–Mo potential for the deeper part of the Zijinshan epithermal Cu–Au deposit, where further deep drilling and exploration are encouraged.     

The Bajo de la Alumbrera and Agua Rica Cu–Au (Mo) porphyry deposits of Argentina: Genetic constraints on ore formation and sources based on isotope signatures

Important copper-gold (± molybdenum) porphyry deposits occur in the northwest region of Argentina, part of the Central Andes. This paper provides new isotope information on two of these deposits, Bajo de la Alumbrera and Agua Rica, the latter having an epithermal overprint event. The two deposits are genetically associated with the Miocene Farallón Negro Volcanic Complex. Whole rock and sulfide samples were analyzed for Pb, Sr and Nd isotopes to characterize the sources of magma and mineralization of both deposits. Sr and εNd data made it possible to divide the samples into three distinct groups. Most samples are slightly differentiated, have OIB (Ocean Island Basalts) isotope characteristics, and show some Nd fractionation. Lead isotope also shows distinct groups with an enrichment trend in radiogenic lead. In both deposits, the sulfides are more radiogenic than the host rocks, but are clearly related to them because all plot on a single trend. A crustal contribution to the deposits is suggested on the basis of lead isotope signatures. The similarity on the Pb isotope signatures suggests the same magmatic fluid source, although at Agua Rica the crustal component is more evident than at Bajo de la Alumbrera, possibly because of the assimilation of Paleozoic country rocks at Agua Rica.     

The crustal continuum model for late-Archaean lode-gold deposits of the Yilgarn Block,Western Australia

Most Archaean gold ores belong to a coherent genetic group of structurally controlled lode-deposits that are characteristically enriched in Au with variable enrichments in Ag, As, W, Sb, Bi, Te, B and Pb, but rarely Cu or Zn, and are surrounded by wallrock alteration haloes enriched in K, LILE and CO₂, with variable Na and/or Ca addition. Evidence from the Yilgarn Block of Western Australia, combined with similar evidence from Canada and elsewhere, indicates that such deposits represent a crustal continuum that formed under a variety of crustal régimes over at least a 15 km crustal profile at PT conditions ranging from 180°C at <1 kb to 700°C at 5 kb. Individual deposits, separated by tens to hundreds of kilometres, collectively show transitional variations in structural style of mineralisation, vein textures, and mineralogy of wallrock alteration that relate to the PT conditions of their formation at varying crustal depths. Specific transitions within the total spectrum may be shown also by deposits within gold camps, although nowhere is the entire continuum of deposits recorded from a single gold camp or even greenstone belt. Recognition of the crustal continuum of deposits implicates the existence of giant late-Archaean hydrothermal systems with a deep source for the primary ore fluid. A number of deep fluid and solute reservoirs are possible, including the basal segments of greenstone belts, deep-level intrusive granitoids, mid-to lower-crustal granitoidgneisses, mantle lithosphere, or even subducted oceanic lithosphere, given the probable convergent-margin setting of the host greenstone terranes. Individual stable and radiogenic isotope ratios of fluid and solute components implicate fluid evolution from, or equilibrium with, a number of these reservoirs, stressing the potential complexity of pathways for fluid advection to depositional sites. Lead and strontium isotope ratios of ore-associated minerals provide the most persuasive evidence for fluid advection through deep-level intrusive granitoids or granitoid-gneiss crust, whereas preliminary oxygen isotope data show that mixing of deeply sourced fluid and surface waters only occurred at the highest crustal levels recorded by the lode gold deposits.     

Seismic imaging and crustal architecture across the Lachlan Transverse Zone,a possible early cross‐cutting feature of eastern Australia

A 2‐D crustal velocity model has been derived from a 1997 364 km north‐south wide‐angle seismic profile that passed from Ordovician volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks (Molong Volcanic Belt of the Macquarie Arc) in the north, across the Lachlan Transverse Zone into Ordovician turbidites and Early Devonian intrusive granitoids in the south. The Lachlan Transverse Zone is a proposed west‐northwest to east‐southeast structural feature in the Eastern Lachlan Orogen and is considered to be a possible early lithospheric feature controlling structural evolution in eastern Australia; its true nature, however, is still contentious. The velocity model highlights significant north to south lateral variations in subsurface crustal architecture in the upper and middle crust. In particular, a higher P‐wave velocity (6.24–6.32 km/s) layer identified as metamorphosed arc rocks (sensu lato) in the upper crust under the arc at 5–15 km depth is juxtaposed against Ordovician craton‐derived turbidites by an inferred south‐dipping fault that marks the southern boundary of the Lachlan Transverse Zone. Near‐surface P‐wave velocities in the Lachlan Transverse Zone are markedly less than those along other parts of the profile and some of these may be attributed to mid‐Miocene volcanic centres. In the middle and lower crust there are poorly defined velocity features that we infer to be related to the Lachlan Transverse Zone. The Moho depth increases from 37 km in the north to 47 km in the south, above an underlying upper mantle with a P‐wave velocity of 8.19 km/s. Comparison with velocity layers in the Proterozoic Broken Hill Block supports the inferred presence of Cambrian oceanic mafic volcanics (or an accreted mafic volcanic terrane) as substrate to this part of the Eastern Lachlan Orogen. Overall, the seismic data indicate significant differences in crustal architecture between the northern and southern parts of the profile. The crustal‐scale P‐wave velocity differences are attributed to the different early crustal evolution processes north and south of the Lachlan Transverse Zone.     

Source of Pb in orogenic lode-gold mineralisation: Pb isotope constraints from deep crustal rocks from the southwestern Archaean Yilgarn Craton, Australia

Southern Cross was one of the earliest gold mining centres in Western Australia. Over 142 tonnes of gold have been produced from the district, and, on a gold per hectare basis, the Southern Cross greenstone belt in the southwestern Yilgarn Craton is the most productive of Western Australia's Archaean greenstone belts. The SW Yilgarn Craton is characterised by high-grade (amphibolite- to granulite-facies) metamorphism, extensive granitoid magmatism and older greenstone volcanism ages, compared to the well-known greenschist-facies metamorphism and younger (2.7 Ga) eruption ages which dominate in the Eastern Goldfields Province. The Pb-isotope compositions of deep-seated granitoids in the SW Archaean Yilgarn Craton, which were emplaced coeval with a craton-wide major orogenic lode-gold mineralization event at about 2.64–2.63 Ga, have been determined for 96 whole-rock and 24 K-feldspar samples. The Pb isotope data of the granitoids are consistent with a crustal origin for their genesis, probably by reworking (partial melting) of older continental crust. The Pb isotope composition of greenstones, which are the main host rocks for gold mineralisation, and pyrites from the komatiite-hosted syngenetic Ni deposits in the amphibolite-facies Forrestania greenstone belt, have also been determined, with initial Pb-isotope ratios higher than that for the Eastern Goldfields Province. The Pb isotopic character of the orogenic lode-gold deposits in the region is intermediate between coeval granitoid and greenstone Pb, indicating that the ore fluids contained metals from both reservoirs. The Pb in the ore fluid of the most deeply formed deposit, Griffin's Find, overlaps the isotopic composition of coeval granitoids, indicating the deep-seated granitoid magmatism was the primary source for Pb in the ore fluids. Received: 8 October 1998 / Accepted 22 December 1998     

1: Subduction,slab detachment and mineralization: The Neogene in the Apuseni Mountains and Carpathians

The Inner Carpathians comprise several distinct Neogene late-stage orogenic Pb–Zn–Cu–Ag–Au ore districts. The mineral deposits in these districts are closely related to volcanic and subvolcanic rocks, and represent mainly porphyry and epithermal vein deposits, which formed within short periods of time in each district. Here, we discuss possible geodynamic and structural controls that suggest why some of the Neogene volcanic districts within the Carpathians comprise abundant mineralization, while others are barren. The Neogene period has been characterized by an overall geodynamic regime of subduction, where primary roll-back of the subducted slab and secondary phenomena, like slab break-off and the development of slab windows, could have contributed to the evolution, location and type of volcanic activity. Structural features developing in the overlying lithosphere and visible in the Carpathian crust, such as transtensional wrench corridors, block rotation and relay structures due to extrusion tectonics, have probably acted in focusing hydrothermal activity. As a result of particular events in the geodynamic evolution and the development of specific structural features, mineralization formed during fluid channelling within transtensional wrench settings and during periods of extension related to block rotation.In the Slovakian ore district of the Western Carpathians, Neogene volcanism and associated mineralization were localized by sinistral, NE-trending wrench corridors, which formed part of the extruding Alcapa block. The Baia Mare ore district, in the Eastern Carpathians, reflects a transtensional wrench setting on distributed oversteps close to the termination of the Dragos Voda fault. There, mineralization was spatially controlled by the transtensional Dragos Voda master fault and associated cross-fault systems. The Golden Quadrangle Cu–Au ore district of the Southern Apuseni Mountains reflects an unusual rotated transtensional/extensional setting close to the termination of a graben system. There, fluid flow was probably localized by fault propagation at the inner tip of the graben system.The spatial and temporal evolution of the magmatism and its changing geochemical signature from (N)W to (S)E strongly suggests a link with the contemporaneous northeastward roll-back of the subducted slab and a progressive southeastward detachment during accelerating roll-back. This geodynamic evolution is further supported by the present-day overall and detailed mantle lithospheric density images, the present-day heat flow patterns, the crustal architecture and its interpreted evolution, and the spatial and temporal evolution of depocentres around the Carpathian arc. In contrast to all these features, the mineral deposits in the West Carpathians, East Carpathians and Apuseni Mountains are too synchronous with respect to their individual volcanic history and contrast too much with younger volcanics of similar style, but barren, in southeastern parts of the Carpathians to simply link them directly to the slab evolution. In all three districts, the presence of magmatic fluids released from shallow plutons and their mixing with meteoric water were critical for mineralization, requiring transtensional or extensional local regimes at the time of mineralization, possibly following initial compressional regimes.These three systems show that mineralization was probably controlled by the superposition of favourable mantle lithospheric conditions and partly independent, evolving upper crustal deformation conditions.In the 13 to 11 Ma period the dominant mineralization formed all across the Carpathians, and was superimposed on structurally favourable crustal areas with, at that time, volcanic–hydrothermal activity. The period may reflect the moment when the (upper part of the) crust failed under lithospheric extension imposed by the slab evolution. This crustal failure would have fragmented the overriding plate, possibly breaking up the thermal lid, to provoke intensive fluid flow in specific areas, and allowed subsequent accelerated tectonic development, block rotation and extrusion of a “family of sub-blocks” that are arbitrarily regarded as the Tisia–Dacia or Alcapa blocks, even though they have lost their internal entity.     

Lavas and their mantle xenoliths from intracratonic Eastern Paraguay (South America Platform) and Andean Domain, NW-Argentina: a comparative review

Protogranular spinel-peridotite mantle xenoliths and their host sodic alkaline lavas of Cretaceous to Paleogene age occur at the same latitude ≈26°S in central eastern Paraguay and Andes. Na- alkaline lavas from both regions display similar geochemical features, differing mainly by higher Rb content of the Paraguayan samples. Sr, Nd, and Pb isotope ratios are also similar with predominant trends from depleted to enriched mantle components. The mantle xenoliths are divided into two main suites, i.e. relatively low in potassium and incompatible elements, and high in potassium and incompatible elements. The suite high in potassium occurs only in Paraguay. Compositions of both suites range from lherzolite to dunite indicating variable “melt extraction”. Clinopyroxenes from the xenoliths display variable trace element enrichment/depletion patterns compared with the pattern of average primitive mantle. Enrichment in LREE and Sr coupled with depletion of Nb, Ti and Zr in xenoliths from both areas are attributed to asthenospheric metasomatic fluids affecting the lithospheric mantle. Metasomatism is apparent in the sieve textures and glassy drops in clinopyroxenes, by glassy patches with associated primary carbonates in Paraguayan xenoliths. Trace element geochemistry and thermobarometric data indicate lack of interaction between xenoliths and host lavas, due to their rapid ascent. Sr and Nd isotope signatures of the Andean and Paraguayan xenoliths and host volcanic rocks plot mainly into the field of depleted mantle and show some compositional overlap. The Andean samples indicate a generally slightly more depleted mantle lithosphere. Pb isotope signatures in xenoliths and host volcanic rocks indicate the existence of a radiogenic Pb source (high U/Pb component in the source) in both areas. In spite of the distinct tectonic settings, generally compressive in the Central Andes (but extensional in a back-arc environment), and extensional in Eastern Paraguay (rifting environment in an intercratonic area), lavas and host xenoliths from both regions are similar in terms of geochemical and isotopic characteristics.     

Lead isotope variations across terrane boundaries of the Tien Shan and Chinese Altay

The Altaid orogen was formed by aggregation of Paleozoic subduction–accretion complexes and Precambrian basement blocks between the Late Proterozoic and the Early Mesozoic. Because the Altaids are the site of abundant granitic plutonism and host some of the largest gold deposits in the world, understanding their formation has important implications on the comprehension of Phanerozoic crustal growth and metallogeny. In this study, we present the first extensive lead isotope data on magmatic and metasedimentary rocks as well as ore deposits of the southern part of the Altaids, including the Tien Shan (Tianshan) and southern Altay (Altai) orogenic belts. Our results show that each terrane investigated within the Tien Shan and southern Altay is characterized by a distinct Pb isotope signature and that there is a SW–NE Pb isotope gradient suggesting a progressive transition from a continental crust environment in the West (the Kyzylkum and Kokshaal segments of the Southern Tien Shan) to an almost 100% juvenile (MORB-type mantle-derived) crust environment in the East (Altay). The Pb isotope signatures of the studied ore deposits follow closely those of magmatic and metasedimentary rocks of the host terranes, thus supporting the validity of lead isotopes to discriminate terranes. Whereas this apparently suggests that no unique reservoir has been responsible for the huge gold concentration in this region, masking of a preferential Pb-poor Au-bearing reservoir by mixing with Pb-rich crustal reservoirs during the mineralizing events cannot be excluded.     

吉林东部火山-岩浆岩区金铜矿成矿模式探讨

吉林东部(延边地区)中生代以来不同方向的断裂构造发育,火山活动强烈,岩浆侵入频繁,与中生代火山-岩浆活动有成因联系的金、铜多金属矿床多处,矿化蚀变线索多见,构成了知名度很高的五凤-小西南岔近东西向火山-岩浆期后低温热液型金、铜多金属成矿带.区内中生代火山-岩浆岩的形成是上地幔岩浆上侵的结果,同时伴有成矿作用的发生,在构造有利部位形成金、金铜或铜金多金属矿体.成矿物质来源于地幔,成矿是在酸性介质中还原条件下发生的.从远源至近源,成矿分带为Au、Ag→Au、Cu、Ag→Cu、Au、Pb、Zn→Cu、(Mo、Au),成矿温度从低温至高温变化,硫化物从贫硫化物向富硫化物变化.     

Base and precious metal mineralization in Middle Jurassic rocks of the Lesser Caucasus: A review of geology and metallogeny and new data from the Kapan,Alaverdi and Mehmana districts

The polymetallic Cu–Au–Ag–Zn ± Pb, Cu–Au and Cu deposits in the Kapan, Alaverdi and Mehmana mining districts of Armenia and the Nagorno–Karabakh region form part of the Tethyan belt. They are hosted by Middle Jurassic rocks of the Lesser Caucasus paleo-island arc, which can be divided into the Kapan Zone and the Somkheto–Karabakh Island Arc. Mineralization in Middle Jurassic rocks of this paleo-island arc domain formed during the first of three recognized Mesozoic to Cenozoic metallogenic epochs. The Middle Jurassic to Early Cretaceous metallogenic epoch comprises porphyry Cu, skarn and epithermal deposits related to Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous intrusions. The second and third metallogenic epochs of the Lesser Caucasus are represented by Late Cretaceous volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposits with transitional features towards epithermal mineralization and by Eocene to Miocene world-class porphyry Mo–Cu and epithermal precious metal deposits, respectively.The ore deposits in the Kapan, Alaverdi and Mehmana mining districts are poorly understood and previous researchers named them as copper–pyrite, Cu–Au or polymetallic deposits. Different genetic origins were proposed for their formation, including VMS and porphyry-related scenarios. The ore deposits in the Kapan, Alaverdi and Mehmana mining districts are characterized by diverse mineralization styles, which include polymetallic veins, massive stratiform replacement ore bodies at lithological contacts, and stockwork style mineralization. Sericitic, argillic and advanced argillic alteration assemblages are widespread in the deposits which have intermediate to high-sulfidation state mineral parageneses that consist of tennantite–tetrahedrite plus chalcopyrite and enargite–luzonite–colusite, respectively. The ore deposits are spatially associated with differentiated calc-alkaline intrusions and pebble dykes are widespread. Published δ³⁴S values for sulfides and sulfates are in agreement with a magmatic source for the bulk sulfur whereas published δ³⁴S values of sulfate minerals partly overlap with the isotopic composition of contemporaneous seawater. Published mineralization ages demonstrate discrete ore forming pulses from Middle Jurassic to the Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous boundary, indicating time gaps of 5 to 20 m.y. in between the partly subaqueous deposition of the host rocks and the epigenetic mineralization.Most of the described characteristics indicate an intrusion-related origin for the ore deposits in Middle Jurassic rocks of the Lesser Caucasus, whereas a hybrid VMS–epithermal–porphyry scenario might apply for deposits with both VMS- and intrusion-related features.The volcanic Middle Jurassic host rocks for mineralization and Middle to Late Jurassic intrusive rocks from the Somkheto–Karabakh Island Arc and the Kapan Zone show typical subduction-related calc-alkaline signature. They are enriched in LILE such as K, Rb and Ba and show negative anomalies in HFSE such as Nb and Ta. The ubiquitous presence of amphibole in Middle Jurassic volcanic rocks reflects magmas with high water contents. Flat REE patterns ([La/Yb]_N = 0.89–1.23) indicate a depleted mantle source, and concave-upward (listric-shaped) MREE–HREE patterns ([Dy/Yb]_N = 0.75–1.21) suggest melting from a shallow mantle reservoir. Similar trace element patterns of Middle Jurassic rocks from the Somkheto–Karabakh Island Arc and the Kapan Zone indicate that these two tectonic units form part of one discontinuous segmented arc. Similar petrogenetic and ore-forming processes operated along its axis and Middle Jurassic volcanic and volcanosedimentary rocks constitute the preferential host for polymetallic Cu–Au–Ag–Zn ± Pb, Cu–Au and Cu mineralization, both in the Somkheto–Karabakh Island Arc and the Kapan Zone.