Review of Mesozoic multiple magmatism and porphyry Cu–Mo (W) mineralization in the Yidun Arc,eastern Tibet Plateau

The Yidun Arc was formed in response to the westward subduction of Garze–Litang Ocean (a branch of Paleotethys) in the Late Triassic, where abundant porphyry Cu–Mo deposits (221–213 Ma) developed along the regional NW–SE sinistral faults and emplaced in the southern portion of the arc. The ore-related porphyries are mostly metaluminous or slightly peraluminous, belonging to shoshonitic high-potassium calc-alkaline I-type granites, with ε_Hf(t) values of −6.64 to +4.12. The ore-bearing magmas were probably derived from the partial melting of subduction-metasomatic-enriched mantle, with the contamination of underplated mafic materials. The Late Cretaceous (88–80 Ma) highly fractionated I-type granite belt and related porphyry Cu–Mo deposits and magmatic-hydrothermal Cu–Mo–W deposits occur along approximately N–S-trending faults in the Yidun Arc. This belt extended across the Yidun Arc and Garze–Litang suture zone to the north and across the Yangtze Craton to the south, intruding the Late Triassic porphyry belt. The ore-related porphyries are characterized by high silica and high total alkalis, with enrichment in large ion lithophile elements (LILEs; Rb, U and K) and depletion in high field strength elements (HFSE; Nb, Ta, P and Ti) and Ba. They have lower ε_Hf(t) values varying from −9.55 to −2.75, and significant negative Eu anomalies, indicating that the ore-bearing porphyritic magmas originated from ancient middle-upper crust. Two-stage magmatism and mineralization were superimposed in the Xiangcheng-Shangri-La district. Some ore deposits comprise two episodes of magmatism and associated mineralization such as both 207 ± 3.0 Ma granodiorite and 82.1 ± 1.2 Ma monzogranite intruded in the Xiuwacu deposit, causing Cu–Mo–W polymetallic mineralization. To date, 11 Late Triassic porphyry Cu deposits (e.g. the Pulang giant deposit with 5.1 Mt Cu), and five Late Cretaceous porphyry Cu–Mo (W) deposits (e.g. Tongchanggou Mo deposit with 0.59 Mt Mo) have been evaluated in the Xiangcheng-Shangri-La district. The continuity and inheritance of multiphase magmatism and the new understanding of superimposed mineralization will help to guide future exploration.     

Metallogeny of the northeastern Gangdese Pb–Zn–Ag–Fe–Mo–W polymetallic belt in the Lhasa terrane,southern Tibet

The northeastern Gangdese Pb–Zn–Ag–Fe–Mo–W polymetallic belt (NGPB), characterized by skarn and porphyry deposits, is one of the most important metallogenic belts in the Himalaya–Tibetan continental orogenic system. This belt extends for nearly four hundred kilometers along the Luobadui–Milashan Fault in the central Lhasa subterrane, and contains more than 10 large ore deposits with high potential for development. Three major types of mineralization system have been identified: skarn Fe systems, skarn/breccia Pb–Zn–Ag systems, and porphyry/skarn Mo–Cu–W systems. In this study, we conducted a whole-rock geochemical, U–Pb zircon geochronological, and in situ zircon Hf isotopic study of ore-forming rocks in the NGPB, specifically the Jiangga, Jiaduopule, and Rema skarn Fe deposits, and the Yaguila Pb–Zn–Ag deposit. Although some of these deposits (porphyry Mo systems) formed during the post-collisional stage (21–14 Ma), the majority (these three systems) developed during the main (‘soft collision’) stage of the India–Asia continental collision (65–50 Ma). The skarn Fe deposits are commonly associated with granodiorites, monzogranites, and granites, and formed between 65 and 50 Ma. The ore-forming intrusions of the Pb–Zn–Ag deposits are characterized by granite, quartz porphyry, and granite porphyry, which developed in the interval of 65–55 Ma. The ore-forming porphyries in the Sharang Mo deposit, formed at 53 Ma. The rocks from Fe deposits are metaluminous, and have relatively lower SiO₂, and higher CaO, MgO, FeO contents than the intrusions associated with Mo and Pb–Zn–Ag mineralization, while the Pb–Zn–Ag deposits are peraluminous, and have high SiO₂ and high total alkali concentrations. They all exhibit moderately fractionated REE patterns characterized by lower contents of heavy REE relative to light REE, and they are enriched in large-ion lithophile elements and relatively depleted in high-field-strength elements. Ore-forming granites from Fe deposits display ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_(i) = 0.7054–0.7074 and ε_Nd(t) = − 4.7 to + 1.3, whereas rocks from the Yaguila Pb–Zn–Ag deposit have ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_(i) = 0.7266–0.7281 and ε_Nd(t) = − 13.5 to − 13.3. In situ Lu–Hf isotopic analyses of zircons from Fe deposits show that ε_Hf(t) values range from − 7.3 to + 6.6, with T_DM(Hf)^C model ages of 712 to 1589 Ma, and Yaguila Pb–Zn–Ag deposit has ε_Hf(t) values from − 13.9 to − 1.3 with T_DM(Hf)^C model ages of 1216 to 2016 Ma. Combined with existing data from the Sharang Mo deposit, we conclude that the ore-forming intrusions associated with the skarn Fe and porphyry Mo deposits were derived from partial melting of metasomatized lithospheric mantle and rejuvenated lower crust beneath the central Lhasa subterrane, respectively. Melting of the ancient continental material was critical for the development of the Pb–Zn–Ag system. Therefore, it is likely that the source rocks play an important role in determining the metal endowment of intrusions formed during the initial stage of the India–Asia continental collision.     

Geochronology,geochemistry, and mineralization of the granodiorite porphyry hosting the Matou Cu–Mo (±W) deposit,Lower Yangtze River metallogenic belt,eastern China

Porphyry and skarn Cu–Fe–Au–Mo deposits are widespread in the Middle and Lower Yangtze River metallogenic belt (MLYMB), eastern China. The Matou deposit has long been regarded as a typical Cu–Mo porphyry deposit within Lower Yangtze part of the belt. Recently, we identified scheelite and wolframite in quartz veins in the Matou deposit, which is uncommon in other porphyry and skarn deposits in the MLYMB. We carried out detailed zircon U–Pb dating and geochemical and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic studies of the granodiorite porphyry at Matou to define any differences from other ore-related granitoids. The porphyry shows a SiO₂ content ranging from 61.85 wt.% to 65.74 wt.%, K₂O from 1.99 wt.% to 3.74 wt.%, and MgO from 1.74 wt.% to 2.19 wt.% (Mg^# value ranging from 45 to 55). It is enriched in light rare earth elements and large ion lithophile elements, but relatively depleted in Nb, Ta, Y, Yb and compatible trace elements (such as Cr, Ni, and V), with slight negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu^* = 0.88–0.98) and almost no negative Sr anomalies. Results of electron microprobe analysis of rock-forming silicate minerals indicate that the Matou porphyry has been altered by an oxidized fluid that is rich in Mg, Cl, and K. The samples show relatively low ε_Nd(t) values from −7.4 to −7.1, slightly high initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values from 0.708223 to 0.709088, and low ε_Hf(t) values of zircon from −9.0 to −6.5, when compared with the other Cu–Mo porphyry deposits in the MLYMB. Zircon U–Pb dating suggests the Matou granodiorite porphyry was emplaced at 139.5 ± 1.5 Ma (MSWD = 1.8, n = 15), which is within the age range of the other porphyries in the MLYMB. Although geochemical characteristics of the Matou and other porphyries in the MLYMB are similar and all adakitic, the detrital zircons in the samples from Matou suggest that Archean lower crust (2543 ± 29 Ma, MSWD = 0.25, n = 5) was involved with the generation of Matou magma, which is different from the other porphyries in the belt. Our study suggests that the Matou granodiorite porphyry originated from partial melting of thickened lower crust that was delaminated into the mantle, similar to the other porphyries in the MLYMB, but it has a higher proportion of lower crustal material, including Archean rocks, which contributed to the formation of the porphyry and related W-rich magmatic-hydrothermal system.     

U–Pb dating,geochemistry, and Sr–Nd isotopic composition of a granodiorite porphyry from the Jiadanggen Cu–(Mo) deposit in the Eastern Kunlun metallogenic belt,Qinghai Province,China

The Jiadanggen porphyry Cu–(Mo) deposit is newly discovered and located in the Eastern Kunlun metallogenic belt of Qinghai Province, China. Here, we present a detailed study of the petrogenesis, magma source, and tectonic setting of the mineralization causative granodiorite porphyry. The new data indicate that the granodiorite porphyry is characterized by high SiO₂ (68.21–70.41 wt.%) and Al₂O₃, relatively high K₂O, low Na₂O, and low MgO and CaO concentrations, and is high-K calc-alkaline and peraluminous. The granodiorite porphyry has low Mg^# (38–46) values that are indicative of no interaction between the magmas and the mantle. The samples that we have examined have low Nb/Ta (9.17–10.3) and Rb/Sr (0.28–0.39) ratios, which are indicative of crustal-derived magmas. Source region discrimination diagrams indicate that the magmas that formed the granodiorite porphyry were derived from melting of a mixed amphibolite source in the lower crust. The samples have I_Sr values of 0.70954–0.70979, ε_Nd(t) values of − 8.3 to − 7.9, and t_2DM ages ranging from 1644 to 1677 Ma. These indicate that the magmas that formed this intrusion were generated by melting of Mesoproterozoic lower crustal material. Higher K(Rb) contents of the samples indicate that the magma source is high potassium basaltic material in the lower crust, which could be derived from an enriched mantle source. LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb dating of the granodiorite porphyry yields a late Indosinian age (concordia age of 227 ± 1 Ma; MSWD = 0.31), which is close to the molybdenite Re–Os isochron age (227.2 ± 1.9 Ma), indicating further the close relationship between the granodiorite porphyry and the Cu–(Mo) mineralization. These samples are LREE and LILE (e.g., Rb, K, Ba, and Sr) enriched, and HFSE (e.g., Nb, Ta, P, and Ti) depleted, especially in P and Ti, similar to the characteristics of volcanic arc magmas. This intrusion most likely formed during the later stage of Indosinian deep subduction of oceanic slab. This was associated with underplating of mantle-derived magmas, which provided heat for crustal melting. Similar to the Jiadanggen granodiorite porphyry, Indosinian hypabyssal intermediate-felsic intrusive rocks, formed under subduction tectonism or a transitional regime from subduction to syn-collision, make up the most important targets for porphyry Cu(Mo) deposits in the Eastern Kunlun metallogenic belt.     

Evolution of magmatic-hydrothermal system of the Kalaxiange’er porphyry copper belt and implications for ore formation (Xinjiang,China)

The Kalaxiange’er porphyry copper ore belt is situated in the eastern part of the southern Altai of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt and forms part of a broad zone of Cu porphyry mineralization in southern Mongolia, which includes the Oyu Tolgoi ore district and other copper–gold deposits. The copper ore bodies are spatially associated with porphyry intrusions of granodiorite, quartz diorite, quartz syenite, and quartz monzonite and have a polygenetic (polychromous) origin (magmatic porphyry, hydrothermal, and supergene). The mineralized porphyries are characterized by almost identical REE and trace element patterns. The Zr/Hf and Nb/Ta ratios are similar to those of normal granite produced through the evolution of mantle magma. The low initial Sr isotope ratio I_Sr, varying within a narrow range of values (0.703790–0.704218), corresponds to that of primitive mantle, whereas the εNd(T) value of porphyry varies from 5.8 to 8.4 and is similar to that of MORB. These data testify to the upper-mantle genesis of the parental magmas of ore-bearing porphyry, which were then contaminated with crustal material in an island-arc environment. The isotopic composition of sulfur (unimodal distribution of δ34S with peak values of − 2 to − 4‰) evidences its deep magmatic origin; the few lower negative δ³⁴S values suggest that part of S was extracted from volcanic deposits later. The isotopic characteristics of Pb testify to its mixed crust–upper-mantle origin. According to SHRIMP U–Pb geochronological data for zircon from granite porphyry and granodiorite porphyry, mineralization at the Xiletekehalasu porphyry Cu deposit formed in two stages: (1) Hercynian “porphyry” stage (375.2 ± 8.7 Ma), expressed as the formation of porphyry with disseminated and vein–disseminated mineralization, and (2) Indosinian stage (217.9 ± 4.2 Ma), expressed as superposed hydrothermal mineralization. The Re–Os isotope data on molybdenite (376.9 ± 2.2 Ma) are the most consistent with the age of primary mineralization at the Xiletekehalasu porphyry Cu deposit, whereas the Ar–Ar isotopic age (230 ± 5 Ma) of K-feldspar–quartz vein corresponds to the stage of hydrothermal mineralization. The results show that mineralization at the Xiletekehalasu porphyry Cu deposit was a multistage process which resulted in the superposition of the Indosinian hydrothermal mineralization on the Hercynian porphyry Cu mineralization.     

Geochronology,geochemistry and Sr–Nd–Hf–S–Pb isotopes of the Early Cretaceous Taoxihu Sn deposit and related granitoids,SE China

The Taoxihu deposit (eastern Guangdong, SE China) is a newly discovered Sn polymetallic deposit. Zircon U-Pb dating yielded 141.8 ± 1.0 Ma for the Sn-bearing granite porphyry and 145.5 ± 1.6 Ma for the biotite granite batholith it intruded. The age of the granite porphyry is consistent (within error) with the molybdenite Re–Os isochron age (139.0 ± 1.1 Ma) of the Sn mineralization, indicating a temporal link between the two. Geochemical data show that the granite porphyry is weakly peraluminous, contain high Si, Na and K, low Fe, Mg, Ca and P, and relatively high Rb/Sr and low K/Rb values. The rocks are enriched in Rb, Th, U, K, and Pb and depleted in Ba, Sr, Ti and Eu, resembling highly fractionated I-type granites. They contain bulk rock initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁷Sr of 0.707371–0.707730 and εNd(t) of −5.17 to −4.67, and zircon εHf(t) values from −6.67 to −2.32, with late Mesoproterozoic T_DM2 ages for both Nd and Hf isotopes. This suggests that the granite porphyry was likely formed by the partial melting of the crustal basement of Mesoproterozoic overall residence age with minor mantle input.δ³⁴S_CDT values of the Taoxihu chalcopyrite and pyrite range from 0.1 to 2.1‰ (average: 0.9‰), implying a dominantly magmatic sulfur source. The ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios of the Taoxihu sulfide ores are 18.497–18.669, 15.642–15.673 and 38.764–38.934, respectively, indicating a mainly upper continental crustal lead source with minor mantle contribution. The highly fractionated and reduced (low calculated zircon Ce⁴⁺/Ce³⁺ and Eu_N/Eu_N¹ values) nature of the ore-forming granitic magma may have facilitated the Sn enrichment and played a key role in the Sn mineralization. We propose that the ore-forming fluids at Taoxihu were of magmatic-hydrothermal origin derived from the granite porphyry, and that both the granite porphyry and the Sn mineralization were likely formed in an extensional setting, possibly related to the subduction slab rollback of the Paleo-Pacific Plate.     

Geology,geochronology, and Hf isotope geochemistry of the Longtougang skarn and hydrothermal vein Cu–Zn deposit,North Wuyi area,southeastern China

The recently discovered Longtougang skarn and hydrothermal vein Cu–Zn deposit is located in the North Wuyi area, southeastern China. The intrusions in the ore district comprise several small porphyritic biotite monzonite, porphyritic monzonite, and porphyritic granite plutons and dikes. The mineralization is zoned from a lower zone of Cu-rich veins and Cu–Zn skarns to an upper zone of banded Zn–Pb mineralization in massive epidote altered rocks. The deposit is associated with skarn, potassic, epidote, greisen, siliceous, and carbonate alteration. Molybdenite from the Cu-rich veins yielded a Re–Os isochron age of 153.6 ± 3.9 Ma, which is consistent with U–Pb zircon ages of 154.0 ± 1.3 Ma for porphyritic monzonite, 154.0 ± 0.8 Ma for porphyritic biotite monzonite, and 152.0 ± 0.8 Ma for porphyritic granite. Geological observations suggest that the Cu mineralization is genetically related to the porphyritic biotite monzonite and porphyritic monzonite. All the zircons from intrusive rocks in the ore district are characterized by ε_Hf(t) values between − 13.41 and − 4.38 and Hf model ages (T_DM2) between 2054 and 1482 Ma, reflecting magmas derived mainly from a Proterozoic crustal source. Molybdenite grains from the deposit have Re values of 14.6–27.7 ppm, indicative of a mixed mantle–crust source. The porphyry–skarn abundant Cu and hydrothermal vein type Pb–Zn–Ag deposits in the North Wuyi area are related to the Late Jurassic porphyritic granites and Early Cretaceous volcanism, respectively. The Late Jurassic mineralization-related granites were derived from the crustal anatexis with some mantle input, which was triggered by asthenospheric upwelling induced by slab tearing during oblique subduction of the paleo-Pacific plate beneath the South China block, and the Early Cretaceous mineralization-related granitoids mainly from crust material formed within a series of NNE-trending basins during margin-parallel movement of the plate.     

Mesozoic multiphase magmatism at the Xinan Cu–Mo ore deposit (Zijinshan Orefield): Geodynamic setting and metallogenic implications

The Xinan Cu–Mo deposit, newly-discovered in the Zijinshan Au–Cu–Mo Orefield (the largest porphyry–epithermal system in SE China), is featured by the presence of abundant multi-phase granitoids, which reflects the complex Mesozoic tectono-magmatic evolution in the region.New and published LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb age data reveal that the Mesozoic Zijinshan magmatism occurred in two major phases: (1) Middle to Late Jurassic (ca. 169–150 Ma), forming the Zijinshan complex granite and the Xinan monzogranite; (2) late Early Cretaceous to earliest Late Cretaceous (ca. 112–98 Ma), forming the Shimaoshan volcanic rocks, Sifang granodiorite, and the Xinan (fine-grained) granodiorite porphyry, porphyritic granodiorite and late aplite dykes. Additionally, a possible earliest Cretaceous magmatism (ca. 141 Ma) may have occurred based on inherited zircon evidence. Major and trace element geochemistry indicates that all the Zijinshan igneous rocks show subduction-related geochemical affinities. Zircon Ce^4 +/Ce^3 + values of the late Early Cretaceous to earliest Late Cretaceous granitoids (Ce^4 +/Ce^3 + = 190–1706) are distinctly higher than the Middle to Late Jurassic ones (Ce^4 +/Ce^3 + = 27–457), suggesting that the former were derived from more oxidized parental magma. The Middle to Late Jurassic Zijinshan complex granite and monzogranite have ε_Hf (t) values of − 8.02 to − 10.00, with the two-stage Hf model ages (T_DM2) of 1.72 to 1.84 Ga (similar to the Paleoproterozoic metamorphosed Cathaysia Block basement), suggesting that they were derived from partial melting of the basement. The late Early Cretaceous to earliest Late Cretaceous Sifang granodiorite and Xinan (fine-grained) granodiorite porphyry, porphyritic granodiorite and aplite dykes contain higher and wider range of ε_Hf (t) values (0.66 to − 6.05), with T_DM2 of 1.12 to 1.56 Ga, indicating that they were also partial melting product of the Cathaysia basement but with more mantle and/or juvenile mafic lower crustal input. We propose that the Zijinshan Orefield was in a compressive, Pacific subduction-related tectonic setting during the Middle to Late Jurassic. The regional tectonic regime may have changed to extensional in the late Early Cretaceous to earliest Late Cretaceous, during which the Pacific plate subduction direction change and the accompanying subduction roll-back and slab window-opening occurred. The tectonic regime transition, high oxygen fugacity and mantle/mafic lower crustal materials involvement in the late Early Cretaceous to earliest Late Cretaceous may have generated the Zijinshan porphyry-related Au–Cu–Mo mineralization.     

Control of magmatic oxidation state in intracontinental porphyry mineralization: A case from Cu (Mo–Au) deposits in the Jinshajiang–Red River metallogenic belt,SW China

The Jinshajiang–Red River porphyry Cu (Mo–Au) metallogenic belt (JRMB) is the most important intracontinental porphyry Cu (Mo–Au) mineralizing zone in the Sanjiang region, southwest China. The belt contains a number of giant deposits, including Yulong (6.50 Mt Cu) and Beiya (315 t Au) in the northern and center parts, and several small deposits in the southern part (e.g., Tongchang, 0.03 Mt Cu + Mo; Chang'anchong, 0.04 Mt Cu + Mo; Habo, 0.57 Mt Cu + Mo; and Chang'an 31 t Au). In order to investigate the mechanisms controlling the variation in size of these deposits, the LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb dating, bulk-rock geochemistry, and zircon trace-element analyses have been performed on the mineralization-related porphyries from the Tongchang district. Zircon U–Pb dating yielded concordant ages of 34.2 ± 0.6 Ma (Tongchang), 33.7 ± 0.8 Ma (Chang’anchong), 35.7 ± 0.5 Ma (Habo) and 34.6 ± 1.2 Ma (Chang’an). These porphyries are peraluminous with relatively high potassium contents (K₂O: 4.2–5.7 wt%), and show shoshonitic affinities. Bulk rock Fe₂O₃/FeO ratios vary from 0.51 to 0.97, typical of moderately oxidized to strongly oxidized magmas. Zircon Ce⁴⁺/Ce³⁺ values vary between 25.9 and 371.8 with a mean of 129.3. The log(ƒo₂) values vary from −20.7 to −9.6, and plot within the range of FMQ (fayalite-magnetite-quartz oxygen buffer) to MH (magnetite- hematite oxygen buffer), indicating an oxidizing parental magma. The mineralized porphyries from the Yulong and Beiya deposits, which were previous considered to have formed under the same tectonic conditions as those in the Tongchang district, have higher mean zircon Ce⁴⁺/Ce³⁺ values of 249.4 and 399.5, suggesting that the oxygen fugacities of the porphyries in the Tongchang district is relatively lower. This might imply that oxygen fugacity is an important factor that led to the differentiation of deposit size in the JRMB, and that larger porphyry deposits are associated with more oxidized magmas.     

Multiple Mesozoic porphyry-skarn Cu (Mo–W) systems in Yidun Terrane,east Tethys: Constraints from zircon U–Pb and molybdenite Re–Os geochronology

Porphyry Cu ± Mo ± Au deposits typically formed in volcanoplutonic arcs above subduction zones. However, there is increasing evidence for the occurrence of porphyry deposits related to magmas generated after the underplating arc has ceased. Post-subduction lithospheric thickening, lithospheric extension, or mantle lithosphere delamination could trigger the remelting of subduction-modified arc lithosphere and lead to the formation of post-subduction porphyry deposits. The NNW-trending Yidun Terrane, located in the eastern Tethys, experienced subduction of Garze–Litang oceanic plate (a branch of the Paleotethys) in the Late Triassic and witnessed two mineralization events respectively associated with the ca. 215 Ma arc-related intermediate–felsic porphyries and the 88–79 Ma mildly-alkaline granitic porphyries. It is, therefore, an ideal place to investigate the genetic linkage between the subduction-related porphyry deposits and post-subduction porphyry deposits. Our new in situ zircon U–Pb dating of the two granitic intrusions (biotite granite, 213.4 ± 0.9 Ma; monzogranite porphyry, 86.0 ± 0.4 Ma) in the Xiuwacu district, the molybdenite Re–Os age (84.7 ± 0.6 Ma) of the mineralization, and previously published geochronological data, together show the spatially overlapping distribution of the multiple Mesozoic porphyry systems in the Late Triassic Yidun arc system. Furthermore, the arc-like elemental signatures and the mixed Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic signatures of the Late Cretaceous ore-related porphyries (i.e., originating from a mixed components between the ∼215 Ma juvenile arc crust and the Mesoproterozoic mafic lower crust) indicate a genetic linkage between the Late Triassic and Late Cretaceous porphyry systems. This suggests that the remelting of underplated arc-related mafic rocks formed during the subduction of the Garze–Litang Ocean could be responsible for the mixing between the mantle-derived components and the Mesoproterozoic lower crustal materials, when post-subduction transtension occurred in the Late Cretaceous. The formation of the Late Cretaceous porphyry–skarn Cu–Mo–W deposits could most likely be related to the remelting of Late Triassic residual sulfide-bearing Cu-rich cumulates in the subduction-modified lower crust that triggered by the Late Cretaceous transtension.     

Recognition of Yanshanian magmatic-hydrothermal gold and polymetallic gold mineralization in the Laowan gold metallogenic belt,Tongbai Mountains: New evidence from structural controls,geochronology and geochemistry

The Laowan metallogenic belt in China is an important metallogenic belt within the Tongbai orogenic belt, and contains the medium-sized Laowan and Shangshanghe gold deposits, the small Huangzhuyuan lead–zinc–silver–gold deposit and some gold and Cu–Pb occurrences. These deposits are hosted in Mesoproterozoic plagioclase amphibolite (or schist) and mica-quartz schist. The gold ores are mainly quartz veins and veinlets and disseminated altered ores. Subordinate ore types include massive sulfides and breccias. The Laowan gold deposit is characterized by three right-stepping en-echelon fracture-controlled alteration zones that dip gently to the south and includes disseminated, sheeted and stockwork ores. These lodes were formed by the interaction of ore-forming fluid with foliated-to laminated cataclasite within the transpressional faults. The Shangshanghe gold deposit is characterized by parallel ore lodes that dip steeply to the north, and includes quartz veins and breccias in addition to ores in altered wallrocks. These lodes were formed by focusing of fluids into transtensional faults. These ore controlling faults displaced early barren quartz veins 10 m horizontally with a dextral sense of motion. The ore-hosting structures at the Laowan and Shangshanghe deposits correspond to the P and R-type shears of a brittle dextral strike-slip fault system, respectively, which make angles of about 15° and − 15° to the Laowan and Songpa boundary faults. The ore-controlling fault system post-dated formation of a ductile shear zone, and peak regional metamorphism. This precludes a genetic relationship between hydrothermal mineralization and regional metamorphism and ductile shear deformation. These gold deposits are not typical orogenic gold deposits. The metallogenic belt displays district-scale-zoning of Mo → Cu–Pb–Zn–Ag → Au relative to Songpa granite porphyry dike zone, suggesting the mineralization may be closely related to the granite porphyry. Measured δ³⁴S of sulfides and δ¹⁸O and δD of fluid inclusion waters in auriferous quartz also are consistent with a magmatic source for sulfur and ore fluids. The similarity of Pb isotope ratios between the ores and Yanshanian granitoids suggests a similar source. As the age (139 ± 3 Ma) of granite porphyry obtained by zircon U–Pb isotope overlaps the mineralization age (138 ± 1 Ma: Zhang et al., 2008a), the gold and polymetallic metallogenesis of the Laowan gold belt has close spatial, temporal and possibly genetic relationships with Yanshanian high level magmatism.     

Magmatic-hydrothermal evolution of the Cretaceous Duolong gold-rich porphyry copper deposit in the Bangongco metallogenic belt,Tibet: Evidence from U-Pb and 40Ar/39Ar geochronology

The Duolong gold-rich porphyry copper deposit was recently discovered and represents a giant prospect (inferred resources of 4–5 Mt fine-Cu with a grade of 0.72% Cu; 30–50 t fine-gold with a grade of 0.23 g/t Au) in the Bangongco metallogenic belt, Tibet. Zircon SHRIMP and LA-ICP-MS U–Pb geochronology shows that the multiple porphyritic intrusions were emplaced during two episodes, the first at about 121 Ma (Bolong mineralized granodiorite porphyry (BMGP) and barren granodiorite porphyry (BGP)) and the second about 116 Ma (Duobuza mineralized granodiorite porphyry (DMGP)). Moreover, the basaltic andesites also have two episodes at about 118 Ma and 106 Ma, respectively. One andesite yields an U–Pb zircon age of 111.9 ± 1.9 Ma, indicating it formed after the multiple granodiorite porphyries. By contrast, the ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar age of 115.2 ± 1.1 Ma (hydrothermal K-feldspar vein hosted in DMGP) reveals the close temporal relationship of ore-bearing potassic alteration to the emplacement of the DMGP. The sericite from quartz-sericite vein (hosted in DMGP) yields a ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar age of 115.2 ± 1.2 Ma. Therefore, the ore-forming magmatic-hydrothermal evolution probably persisted for 6 m.y. Additionally, the zircon U–Pb ages (106–121 Ma) of the volcanic rocks and the porphyries suggest that the Neo-Tethys Ocean was still subducting northward during the Early Cretaceous.     

Isotopic analysis of the super-large Shuangjianzishan Pb–Zn–Ag deposit in Inner Mongolia,China: Constraints on magmatism,metallogenesis, and tectonic setting

The super-large Shuangjianzishan Pb–Zn–Ag deposit is a newly discovered deposit located in the Huanggang–Ganzhuermiao polymetallic metallogenic belt of Inner Mongolia, NE China. The deposit's resource includes 0.026 Mt Ag, 1.1 Mt Pb, and 3.3 Mt Zn. The deposit is controlled by a NW-trending ductile shear zone and NE- and NW-trending faults in black pelite assigned to the lower Permian Dashizhai Formation. LREE enrichment, HREE depletion, Nb, Ta, P, and Ti depletion, and Zr and Hf enrichment characterize felsic magmatic rocks in the Shuangjianzishan Pb–Zn–Ag district. The ages of porphyritic monzogranite, rhyolitic crystal–vitric ignimbrite, and porphyritic granodiorite are 254–252, 169, and 130 Ma, respectively. Pyrite sampled from the mineralization has Re–Os isochron ages of 165 ± 7 Ma, which suggest the mineralization is associated with the ca. 169 Ma magmatism in the Shuangjianzishan district.Zircons extracted from the porphyritic granodiorite yield ε_Hf(t) values of − 11.34 to − 1.41, with t_DM2 dates of 1275–1901 Ma. The ε_Hf(t) values of zircons in the rhyolitic crystal–vitric ignimbrite and the ore-bearing monzogranite porphyry are 7.57–16.23 and 10.18–15.96, respectively, and their t_DM2 ages are 177–733 and 257–632 Ma, respectively. Partial melting of depleted mantle resulted in the formation of the ca. 254–252 Ma ore-bearing porphyritic monzogranite and the ca. 169 Ma rhyolitic crystal–vitric ignimbrite; dehydration partial melting of subducted oceanic crust resulted in the formation of the ca. 130 Ma porphyritic granodiorite. The porphyritic monzogranite was emplaced during the late stages of closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean during the transformation from a collisional to extensional tectonic setting. The ca. 170 and ca. 130 Ma magmatism and mineralization in the Shuangjianzishan district are related to subduction of the Mongolia–Okhotsk Ocean and subduction of the Paleo-Pacific Ocean Plate, respectively.     

Geology and genesis of the post-collisional porphyry–skarn deposit at Bangpu,Tibet

Bangpu deposit in Tibet is a large but poorly studied Mo-rich (~ 0.089 wt.%), and Cu-poor (~ 0.32 wt.%) porphyry deposit that formed in a post-collisional tectonic setting. The deposit is located in the Gangdese porphyry copper belt (GPCB), and formed at the same time (~ 15.32 Ma) as other deposits within the belt (12 ~ 18 Ma), although it is located further to the north and has a different ore assemblage (Mo–Pb–Zn–Cu) compared to other porphyry deposits (Cu–Mo) in this belt. Two distinct mineralization events have been identified in the Bangpu deposit which are porphyry Mo–(Cu) and skarn Pb–Zn mineralization. Porphyry Mo–(Cu) mineralization in the deposit is generally associated with a mid-Miocene porphyritic monzogranite rock, whereas skarn Pb–Zn mineralization is hosted by lower Permian limestone–clastic sequences. Coprecipitated pyrite and sphalerite from the Bangpu skarn yield a Rb–Sr isochron age of 13.9 ± 0.9 Ma. In addition, the account of garnet decreases and the account of both calcite and other carbonate minerals increases with distance from the porphyritic monzogranite, suggesting that the two distinct phases of mineralization in this deposit are part of the same metallogenic event.Four main magmatic units are associated with the Bangpu deposit, namely a Paleogene biotite monzogranite, and Miocene porphyritic monzogranite, diabase, and fine-grained diorite units. These units have zircon U–Pb ages of 62.24 ± 0.32, 14.63 ± 0.25, 14.46 ± 0.38, and 13.24 ± 0.04 Ma, respectively. Zircons from porphyritic monzogranite yield ε_Hf(t) values of 2.2–8.7, with an average of 5.4, whereas the associated diabase has a similar ε_Hf(t) value averaging at 4.7. The geochemistry of the Miocene intrusions at Bangpu suggests that they were derived from different sources. The porphyritic monzogranite has relatively higher heavy rare earth element (HREE) concentrations than do other ore-bearing porphyries in the GPCB and plots closer to the amphibolite lithofacies field in Y–Zr/Sm and Y–Sm/Yb diagrams. The Bangpu diabase contains high contents of MgO (> 7.92 wt.%), FeOt (> 8.03 wt.%) but low K₂O (< 0.22 wt.%) contents and with little fractionation of the rare earth elements (REEs), yielding shallow slopes on chondrite-normalized variation diagrams. These data indicate that the mineralized porphyritic monzogranite was generated by partial melting of a thickened ancient lower crust with some mantle components, whereas the diabase intrusion was directly derived from melting of upwelling asthenospheric mantle. An ancient lower crustal source for ore-forming porphyritic monzogranite explains why the Bangpu deposit is Mo-rich and Cu-poor rather than the Cu–Mo association in other porphyry deposits in the GPCB because Mo is dominantly from the ancient crust.The Bangpu deposit has alteration zonation, ranging from an inner zone of biotite alteration through silicified and phyllic alteration zones to an outer propylitic alteration zone, similar to typical porphyry deposits. Some distinct differences are also present, for example, K-feldspar alteration at Bangpu is so dispersed that a distinct zone of K-feldspar alteration has not been identified. Hypogene mineralization at Bangpu is characterized by the early-stage precipitation of chalcopyrite during biotite alteration and the late-stage deposition of molybdenite during silicification. Fluid inclusion microthermometry indicates a change in ore-forming fluids from high-temperature (320 °C–550 °C) and high-salinity (17 wt.%–67.2 wt.%) fluids to low-temperature (213 °C–450 °C) and low-salinity (7.3 wt.%–11.6 wt.%) fluids. The deposit has lower δD_V-SMOW (− 107.1‰ to − 185.8‰) values compared with other porphyry deposits in the GPCB, suggesting that the Bangpu deposit formed in a shallower setting and is associated with a more open system than is the case for other deposits in this belt. Sulfides at Bangpu yield δ³⁴S_V-CDT values of − 2.3‰ to 0.3‰, indicative of mantle-derived S implying that coeval mantle-derived mafic magma (e.g., diabase) simultaneously supplied S and Cu to the porphyry system at Bangpu. In comparison, the Pb isotopic compositions (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.79–19.28, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.64–15.93, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 39.16–40.45) of sulfides show that other metals (e.g., Mo, Pb, Zn) were likely derived mainly from an ancient crustal source. Therefore, the formation of the Bangpu deposit can be explained by a two-stage model involving (1) the partial melting of an ancient lower crust triggered by invasion of asthenospheric mantle-derived mafic melts that provide heat and metal Cu and (2) the formation of the Bangpu porphyry Mo–Cu system, formed by magmatic differentiation in the overriding crust in a post-collisional setting.     

Geology and molybdenite Re–Os age of the Dahutang granite-related veinlets-disseminated tungsten ore field in the Jiangxin Province,China

This is a brief research report about the recently-discovered and currently being explored Dahutang tungsten deposit (or ore field) in northwestern Jiangxi, south-central China. The deposit is located south of the Middle–Lower Yangtze River valley Cu–Au–Mo–Fe porphyry–skarn belt (YRB). The mineralization is genetically associated with Cretaceous porphyritic biotite granite and fine-grained biotite granite and is mainly hosted within a Neoproterozoic biotite granodiorite batholith. The Dahutang ore field comprises veinlets-disseminated (~ 95% of the total reserve), breccia (~ 4%) and wolframite–scheelite quartz vein (~ 1%) ore styles. The mineralization and alteration are close to the pegmatite shell between the Cretaceous porphyritic biotite granite and Neoproterozoic biotite granodiorite and the three styles of ore bodies mentioned above are related to zoned hydrothermal alteration that includes greisenization, K-feldspar alteration, silicification, carbonatization, chloritization and fluoritization arranged in time (early to late) and space (bottom to top).Five samples of molybdenite from the three types of ores have been collected for Re/Os dating. The results show Re/Os model ages ranging from 138.4 Ma to 143.8 Ma, with an isochron age of 139.18 ± 0.97 Ma (MSWD = 2.9). The quite low Re content in molybdenite falls between 0.5 ppm and 7.8 ppm that is indicative of the upper crustal source. This is quite different from molybdenites in the YRB Cu–Au–Mo–Fe porphyry–skarn deposits that contain between 53 ppm and 1169 ppm Re, indicating a mantle source.The Dahutang tungsten system is sub-parallel with the YRB porphyry–skarn Cu–Au–Mo–Fe system. Both are situated in the north margin of the Yangtze Craton and have a close spatial–temporal relationship. This possibly indicates a comparable tectonic setting but different metal sources. Both systems are related to subduction of the Paleo-Pacific plate beneath the Eurasian continent in Early Cretaceous. The Cu–Au–Mo–Fe porphyry–skarn ores are believed genetically related to granitoids derived from the subducting slab, whereas the porphyry W deposits are associated with S-type granitoids produced by remelting of the upper crust by heat from upwelling asthenoshere.     

Zircon Hf–isotopic mapping for understanding crustal architecture and metallogenesis in the Eastern Qinling Orogen

The Eastern Qinling Orogen (EQO) is a major composite collisional zone located between the North China and the Yangtze cratons. This contribution combines geological and Hf–isotopic data from magmatic rocks associated with mineralization to gain insights into links between the crust architecture and metallogeny, and to focus exploration in the orogen.The new zircon U–Pb dates reported in this study are 434 ± 2 Ma for diorite, 433 ± 2 and 436 ± 2 Ma for monzogranite, and 454 ± 2 Ma for granodiorite in the Nanzhao area; 225 ± 2 Ma for syenite and 160 ± 1 Ma for monzogranite at Songxian; and 108 ± 1 and 102 ± 1 Ma for syenogranite in eastern Fangcheng. Combining our data with those from the entire EQO reveals seven major magmatic events since the Cambrian. These magmatic events took place during the Cambrian–Silurian associated with subduction, Early Devonian magmatism related to a collisional event, Early Permian to Late Triassic magmatism related to subduction, Late Triassic collisional magmatism, Late Triassic to Early Jurassic post–collision magmatism, and Jurassic–Cretaceous magmatism during intra–continental subduction.Lu-Hf isotopic data collected from granitic rocks for this study give εHf(t) values of: − 1.4 to 10.9 for diorite and monzogranite at Nanzhao; − 27.1 to − 15.6 for syenite and − 27.5 to − 25.1 for monzogranite at Songxian; and − 12.9 to − 3.4 for syenogranite in the eastern Fangcheng. Combining Hf isotopic data for the EQO from previous studies, we have evaluated the spatio–temporal distribution of Hf isotopic compositions. The resultant Hf isotopic maps highlight the location of the Kuanping Suture as an important tectonic boundary between the North China and the Yangtze cratons, which separates the EQO into a north part with an old and reworked lower crust and a southern part representing a juvenile lower crust.The Hf isotopic mapping of the EQO also provides information on the distribution of mineral deposits. Porphyry and porphyry–skarn Mo(–W) deposits are associated with magmatic rocks were emplaced in zones with low–εHf and high T_DM^c values representing old and reworked crustal components. In contrast, porphyry and porphyry–skarn Cu(–Mo) deposits are associated with magmatic rocks emplaced in domains with variable εHf and T_DM^c values characterized by dominantly reworked old crustal components with minor juvenile material. The magmatic source for the intrusions is characterized by low–εHf and high T_DM^c values, which are granite–related Mo or Pb–Zn–Ag mineralization.     

Relationships between porphyry Cu–Mo mineralization in the Jinshajiang–Red River metallogenic belt and tectonic activity: Constraints from zircon U–Pb and molybdenite Re–Os geochronology

The Jinshajiang–Red River porphyry Cu–Mo metallogenic belt is an important Cenozoic porphyry Cu–Mo mineralization concentrating zone in the eastern Indo‐Asian collision zone. New zircon U–Pb and molybdenite Re–Os ages and compilation of previously published ages indicate that porphyry Cu–Mo deposits in the belt did not form at the same time, i.e., the porphyry emplacement and relevant Cu–Mo mineralization ages of the Ailaoshan–Red River ore belt in south range from 36.3 Ma to 34.6 Ma, and from 36.0 Ma to 33.9 Ma, respectively, which are obviously younger than the porphyry emplacement ages of 43.8–36.9 Ma and the relevant Cu–Mo mineralization ages of 41.6–35.8 Ma of the Yulong ore belt in north. Tectonic studies indicated that the Jinshajiang fault system in north and Ailaoshan–Red River fault system in south of the Jinsjiang–Red river belt had different strike-slip patterns and ages. The right-lateral strike-slip motion of the Jinshajiang fault system initiated at ca. 43 Ma with corresponding formation of the Yulong porphyry Cu–Mo system, whereas the left-lateral strike-slip motion of the Ailaoshan–Red River fault system initiated at ca. 36 Ma with corresponding formation of the Ailaoshan–Red River porphyry Cu–Mo system. Therefore, the different ages of porphyry Cu–Mo systems, between in north and south of the Jinshajiang–Red River belt, indicate that the porphyry Cu–Mo mineralization is closely related to the divergent strike-slip movements between the Jinshajiang and Ailaoshan–Red River strike-slip faulting resulted from the Indo‐Asian collision. The tanslithospheric Jinshajiang–Red River faulting caused partial melting of the enriched mantle sources of alkali-rich porphyries by depressurization or/and asthenospheric heating, and facilitated the migration of alkali-rich magmas and the corresponding formation of alkali-rich porphyries and relevant Cu–Mo deposits in the belt.     

The genesis of metal zonation in the Weilasituo and Bairendaba Ag–Zn–Pb–Cu–(Sn–W) deposits in the shallow part of a porphyry Sn–W–Rb system,Inner Mongolia,China

The Weilasituo and Bairendaba Zn–Pb–Ag–Cu–(Sn–W) sulphide deposits are located in the southern part of Great Xing'an Range of Inner Mongolia in China. The deposits are located at shallow depths in the newly discovered Weilasituo porphyry hosting Sn–W–Rb mineralization. The mineralization at Weilasituo and Bairendaba consist of zoned massive sulphide veins within fractures cutting the Xilinhot Metamorphic Complex and quartz diorite. The Weilasituo deposit gradually zones from the Cu-rich Zn–Cu sulphide mineralization in the west to Zn-rich Zn–Cu sulphide mineralization in the east. The Bairendaba deposit has a Cu-bearing and Zn-rich core through a transitional zone devoid of copper to an outer zone of Zn–Pb–Ag mineralization. Three main veins contain more than 50 wt.% of the contained metal in the two deposits with their metal ratios displaying a systematic and gradual increase in Zn/Cu, Pb/Zn and Ag/Zn ratios from the western part of Weilasituo to the eastern part of Bairendaba.Three stages of vein-type mineralization are recognized. Early, sub-economic mineralization consists of a variable proportion of euhedral arsenopyrite, pyrite, quartz, and rare wolframite, scheelite, cassiterite, magnetite and cobaltite. This was succeeded by main stage mineralization with economic concentration of zoned Cu, Zn, Pb and Ag sulphide minerals along strike within the veins. The zones consist of the assemblages: (1) pyrrhotite–Fe-rich sphalerite–chalcopyrite(–quartz–fluorite) at west Weilasituo; (2) pyrrhotite–Fe-rich sphalerite–chalcopyrite(–galena–tetrahedrite–quartz–fluorite) at east Weilasituo; (3) pyrrhotite–Fe-rich sphalerite–chalcopyrite(–galena–tetrahedrite–quartz–fluorite) in the centre of Bairendaba; (4) pyrrhotite–Fe-rich sphalerite–galena(–chalcopyrite–tetrahedrite–quartz–fluorite) in the transition zone of Bairendaba; and (5) pyrrhotite–Fe-rich sphalerite–galena–tetrahedrite(–chalcopyrite–falkmanite–argentite–pyrargyrite–quartz–fluorite) in the outer zone at Bairendaba. Post-main ore stage is devoid of sulphides and characterized overprinting of fluorite, sericite, chlorite, illite, kaolinite and calcite.Zircon SHRIMP U–Pb dating, Zircon LA–ICP–MS U–Pb dating, molybdenite Re–Os isochron dating, and muscovite Ar–Ar dating indicate the Beidashan granitic batholith was intruded at 140 ± 3 Ma (MSWD = 3.3), the porphyritic monzogranite from marginal facies of the Beidashan batholith was intruded at 139 ± 2 Ma (MSWD = 0.75), the mineralized quartz porphyry was intruded at 135 ± 2 Ma (MSWD = 0.91), the greisen mineralization occurred at 135 ± 11 Ma (MSWD = 7.2), and the post-main ore stage muscovite deposited at 129.5 ± 0.9 Ma. The new geochronology data show the porphyry Sn–W–Rb and vein-type sulphide mineralization are contemporaneous with granitic magmatism in the region.The metal zonation at the Weilasituo and Bairendaba deposits is a result of progressive metal deposition. This was during the evolution of a metal-bearing fluid along the strike of the veins and during the main stage of ore formation at the upper part of the deep-seated porphyry Sn–W–Rb system. This progressive zonation indicates that the deposits represent end-numbers formed from one ore-forming fluid, which moved from west to east from the porphyry. The metal zonation patterns of the major veins are consistent with metal-bearing fluid entering the system with the precipitation of chalcopyrite proximally and sphalerite, galena and Ag-bearing minerals more distally. We show that the mechanism of metal deposition is therefore controlled by thermodynamic conditions resulting in the progressive separation of sulphides from the metal-bearing fluid. The temperature gradient between the inflow zone and the outflow zone appears to be one of the key parameters controlling the formation of the metal zonation pattern. The sulphide precipitation sequence is consistent with a low fS₂ and low fO₂ state of the acidic metal-bearing fluid. The metal zonation pattern provides helpful clues from which it is possible to establish the nature of fluid migration and metal deposition models to locate a possible porphyry mineralization at depth in the Great Xing'an Range, which is consistent with the geology of the newly discovered porphyry Sn–W–Rb system.     

Genesis of the Huangshaping W–Mo–Cu–Pb–Zn polymetallic deposit in Southeastern Hunan Province,China: Constraints from fluid inclusions,trace elements,and isotopes

The Huangshaping polymetallic deposit is located in southeastern Hunan Province, China. It is a world-class W–Mo–Pb–Zn–Cu skarn deposit in the Nanling Range Metallogenic Belt, with estimated reserves of 74.31 Mt of W–Mo ore at 0.28% WO₃ and 0.07% Mo, 22.43 Mt of Pb–Zn ore at 3.6% Pb and 8.00% Zn, and 20.35 Mt of Cu ore at 1.12% Cu. The ore district is predominantly underlained by carbonate formations of the Lower Carboniferous period, with stocks of quartz porphyry, granite porphyry, and granophyre. Skarns occurred in contact zones between stocks and their carbonate wall rocks, which are spatially associated with the above-mentioned three types of ores (i.e., W–Mo, Pb–Zn, and Cu ores).Three types of fluid inclusions have been identified in the ores of the Huangshaping deposit: aqueous liquid–vapor inclusions (Type I), daughter-mineral-bearing aqueous inclusions (Type II), and H₂O–CO₂ inclusions (Type III). Systematic microthermometrical, laser Raman spectroscopic, and salinity analyses indicate that high-temperature and high-salinity immiscible magmatic fluid is responsible for the W–Mo mineralization, whereas low-temperature and low-salinity magmatic-meteoric mixed fluid is responsible for the subsequent Pb–Zn mineralization. Another magmatic fluid derived from deep-rooted magma is responsible for Cu mineralization.Chondrite-normalized rare earth element patterns and trace element features of calcites from W–Mo, Pb–Zn, and Cu ores are different from one another. Calcite from Cu ores is rich in heavy rare earth elements (187.4–190.5 ppm), Na (0.17%–0.19%), Bi (1.96–64.60 ppm), Y (113–135 ppm), and As (9.1–29.7 ppm), whereas calcite from W–Mo and Pb–Zn ores is rich in Mn (> 10.000 ppm) and Sr (178–248 ppm) with higher Sr/Y ratios (53.94–72.94). δ¹⁸O values also differ between W–Mo/Pb–Zn ores (δ¹⁸O = 8.10‰–8.41‰) and Cu ores (δ¹⁸O = 4.34‰–4.96‰), indicating that two sources of fluids were, respectively, involved in the W–Mo, Pb–Zn, and Cu mineralization.Sulfur isotopes from sulfides also reveal that the large variation (4‰–19‰) within the Huangshaping deposit is likely due to a magmatic sulfur source with a contribution of reduced sulfate sulfur host in the Carboniferous limestone/dolomite and more magmatic sulfur involved in the Cu mineralization than that in W–Mo and Pb–Zn mineralization. The lead isotopic data for sulfide (galena: ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.48–19.19, ²⁰⁷/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.45–15.91, ²⁰⁸/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.95–39.78; sphalerite: ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.54–19.03, ²⁰⁷/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.60–16.28, ²⁰⁸/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.62–40.27; molybdenite: ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.45–19.21, ²⁰⁷/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.53–15.95, ²⁰⁸/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.77–39.58 chalcopyrite: ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.67–19.38, ²⁰⁷/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.76–19.90, and ²⁰⁸/²⁰⁴Pb = 39.13–39.56) and oxide (scheelite: ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.57–19.46, ²⁰⁷/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.71–15.77, ²⁰⁸/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.95–39.13) are different from those of the wall rock limestone (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.34–18.60, ²⁰⁷/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.49–15.69, ²⁰⁸/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.57–38.88) and porphyries (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 17.88–18.66, ²⁰⁷/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.59–15.69, ²⁰⁸/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.22–38.83), suggesting Pb²⁰⁶-, U²³⁸-, and Th ²³²-rich material are involved in the mineralization. The Sm–Nd isotopes of scheelite (ε_Nd(t) = − 6.1 to − 2.9), garnet (ε_Nd(t) = − 6.8 to − 6.1), and calcite (ε_Nd(t) = − 6.3) from W–Mo ores as well as calcite (ε_Nd(t) = − 5.4 to − 5.3) and scheelite (ε_Nd(t) = − 2.9) from the Cu ores demonstrate suggest more mantle-derived materials involved in the Cu mineralization.In the present study we conclude that two sources of ore-forming fluids were involved in production of the Huangshaping W–Mo–Pb–Zn–Cu deposit. One is associated with the granite porphyry magmas responsible for the W–Mo and then Pb–Zn mineralization during which its fluid evolved from magmatic immiscible to a magmatic–meteoritic mixing, and the other is derived from deep-rooted magma, which is related to Cu-related mineralization.     

Mineralization age and geodynamic background for the Shangjiazhuang Mo deposit in the Jiaodong gold province,China

The Shangjiazhuang Mo deposit is located on the Jiaodong Peninsula in eastern China, which is famous for the ca. 120 Ma “Jiaodong-type” Au deposits with total Au endowment of over 3000 t. In this paper, we discuss the deposit geology, mineralization age, and geochemical features of the host granodiorite of the Shangjiazhuang Mo orebody. Using this information, we aim to clarify the time and geodynamic mechanism for the Mo deposit, which is another constraint to understand the genesis of Au deposits. The Mo mineralization generally occurs as quartz–sulfide veins within the medium-grained Yashan granodiorite. The alteration consists of potassic alteration, silicification, sericitization, chloritization, and carbonatization with a weak unclear zonation. The ore minerals mainly include molybdenite, chalcopyrite, and pyrite. We measured Re–Os isotopes of molybdenite grains, which yielded a weighted mean model age of 116.9 ± 0.81 (MSWD = 1.03) and a well-constrained ¹⁸⁷Re–¹⁸⁷Os isochron age of 117.1 ± 1.4 Ma (MSWD = 1.6). These ages are slightly younger than the age of Au mineralization on the Jiaodong Peninsula. Rhenium contents of 5.84–29.99 ppm with an average of 16.4 ppm in molybdenites indicate a crustal source. Whole-rock geochemical compositions show that the granodiorite is high-K calc-alkaline and metaluminous to peraluminous. The samples show low Y contents from 8.2 to 10.5 ppm and Sr/Y ratios from 48.2 to 58.8, displaying an adakitic affinity. The Yashan granodiorite has high initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of 0.7101 to 0.7104, low ε_Nd(t) values of − 17.6 to − 16.7, and zircon ε_Hf(t) values from − 24.8 to − 17.1, with corresponding Hf model ages of 2.7 to 2.2 Ga. These isotopic data, together with the adakitic affinity of the granodiorite, indicate that the parental magma was derived from ancient crust. Mafic microgranular enclaves (MME) that are contemporaneous with the host granodiorite show SiO₂ contents of 57.98–58.41 wt% and depletion in Nb–Ta. The MMEs show enriched initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of 0.7102 to 0.7106 and low ε_Nd(t) values of − 17.3 to − 16.3. The MMEs are the products of mixing between the metasomatized lithospheric mantle-derived mafic magma and the ancient crust-derived felsic magma. The Early Cretaceous Mo mineralization (120–110 Ma) is slightly younger than the peak time of Au mineralization (126–120 Ma) on the Jiaodong Peninsula, but have a different spatial distribution which suggests different sources of Au and Mo. The “Jiaodong-type” Au deposits were probably related to the upwelling of metasomatized lithospheric mantle, while the Mo mineralization on the Jiaodong Peninsula may delineate a 120–110 Ma Mo metallogenic belt along the southern margin of the North China Craton with the East Qinling, which is related to the melting of ancient crustal sources. The subduction of the Paleo-Pacific slab and accompanying asthenospheric upwelling triggered upwelling of metasomatized lithospheric mantle, forming “Jiaodong-type” Au deposits. Subsequently, the ponding of mantle-derived magmas resulted in partial melting of ancient crust and associated Mo deposits.