Geological,fluid inclusion and isotopic studies of the Yinshan Cu–Au–Pb–Zn–Ag deposit,South China: Implications for ore genesis and exploration

The Yinshan Cu–Au–Pb–Zn–Ag deposit is located in Dexing, South China. Ore bodies are primarily hosted in low-grade phyllite of the Neoproterozoic Shuangqiaoshan Group along EW- and NNW-striking fault zones. Pb–Zn–Ag mineralization is dictated by Jurassic rhyolitic quartz porphyries (ca. 172 Ma), whereas Cu–Au mineralization is associated with Jurassic dacite porphyries (ca. 170 Ma). The main ore minerals are pyrite, chalcopyrite, galena, sphalerite, tetrahedrite–tennatite, gold, silver, and silver sulphosalt, and the principal gangue minerals are quartz, sericite, calcite, and chlorite. Two-phase liquid-rich (type I), two-phase vapor-rich (type II), and halite-bearing (type III) fluid inclusions can be observed in the hydrothermal quartz-sulfides veins. Type I inclusions are widespread and have homogenization temperatures of 187–303 °C and salinities of 4.2–9.5 wt.% NaCl equivalent in the Pb–Zn–Ag mineralization, and homogenization temperatures of 196–362 °C and salinities of 3.5–9.9 wt.% NaCl equivalent in the Cu–Au mineralization. The pervasive occurrence of type I fluid inclusions with low-moderate temperatures and salinities implies that the mineralizing fluids formed in epithermal environments. The type II and coexisting type III inclusions, from deeper levels below the Cu–Au ore bodies, share similar homogenization temperatures of 317–448 °C and contrasting salinities of 0.2–4.2 and 30.9–36.8 wt.% NaCl equivalent, respectively, which indicates that boiling processes occurred. The sulfur isotopic compositions of sulfides (δ³⁴S = −1.7‰ to +3.2‰) suggest a homogeneous magmatic sulfur source. The lead isotopes of sulfides (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.01–18.07; ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.55–15.57; and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.03–38.12) are consistent with those of volcanic–subvolcanic rocks (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.03–18.10; ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.56–15.57; and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.02–38.21), indicating a magmatic origin for lead in the ore. The oxygen and hydrogen isotope compositions (δ¹⁸O = +7.8‰ to +10.5‰, δD = −66‰ to −42‰) of inclusion water in quartz imply that ore-forming fluids were mainly derived from magmatic sources. The local boiling process beneath the epithermal Cu–Au ore-forming system indicates the possibility that porphyry-style ore bodies may exist at even deeper zones.     

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.     

Metamorphosed Pb–Zn–(Ag) ores of the Keketale VMS deposit,NW China: Evidence from ore textures,fluid inclusions,geochronology and pyrite compositions

The Keketale Pb–Zn deposit is located in the Devonian volcanic-sedimentary Maizi basin of the Altay orogenic belt. The mineralization at Keketale is hosted in marbles and deformed volcanic tuffs and biotite–garnet–chlorite schists, folded into a series of overturned synclines formed in multiple deformation events. Keketale contains economic amounts of Pb (0.89 Mt @ 1.51 wt.%), Zn (1.94 Mt @ 3.16 wt.%) and Ag (650 t @ 40 g/t).Detailed petrographic studies have defined two main generations of sulfide development. The banded pyrite of the early Stage A is commonly stratiform, with minor galena, sphalerite and chalcopyrite. Stage B is characterized by a large amount of polymetallic sulfides including pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite and galena, with minor pyrite hosted in quartz veins.Three types of fluid inclusions (FIs), including mixed carbonic-aqueous (C-type), pure carbonic (PC-type) and aqueous (W-type), have been recognized in quartz of stage B. The C-type FIs have homogenization temperatures of 150–326 °C and salinities of 0.2–16.6 wt.% NaCl equivalent. The PC-type FIs are dominated by CO₂ with minor CH₄ and N₂ and have initial ice-melting temperatures of − 57.5 to − 56.7 °C, CO₂ homogenization temperatures of 11–14.1 °C. The W-type primary FIs were completely homogenized at temperatures of 124–359 °C with salinities of 5.0–14.6 wt.% NaCl equivalent. Such CO₂-rich fluid inclusions are consistent with those discovered in orogenic-type deposits in the Altay area and elsewhere.Muscovite separates from the polymetallic quartz veinlets of stage B yield a well-defined ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar isotopic plateau age of 259.33 ± 2.56 Ma, with an isochron age of 259.62 ± 2.65 Ma. This age is coeval with the closure of the Paleo-Asia Ocean and reactivation of the Ertix Fault system.LA-ICP-MS analyses of two generations of pyrite indicate that the banded pyrite of stage A is relatively depleted in metallic elements and contains low contents of Cu (0.39 ppm), Ag (0.20 ppm), Au (below the detection limits), Pb (17.43 ppm) and Zn (14.38 ppm); whereas the pyrite in quartz–polymetallic sulfide veinlets of the stage B is relatively rich in metallic elements, e.g., Cu (2.56 ppm), Ag (3.07 ppm), Au (0.01 ppm), Pb (1047 ppm) and Zn (1136 ppm). The trace amounts of Cu, Pb, Zn, Au and Ag are interpreted to have been initially locked in the lattice of type-A pyrite, and then liberated and precipitated as micromineral inclusions with type-B pyrite during subsequent metamorphism and deformation.Two key factors are considered vital to the formation of economic ores of the Keketale Pb–Zn deposit, namely the original Devonian banded pyrite formed in a VMS system and subsequent Permian deformation and metamorphic processes that liberated Cu, Pb, Zn, Au and Ag from the lattice of type-A pyrite to form galena, sphalerite and chalcopyrite with minor muscovite in quartz veinlets. The model provides a new interpretation of VMS Pb–Zn deposit occurring in back-arc basin environments followed by collision, and new insights into the unique regional Fe–Cu–Pb–Zn–Au mineralization in the Altay orogenic belt.     

Mineral compositions and fluid evolution of the Tonglushan skarn Cu–Fe deposit,SE Hubei,east-central China

The Tonglushan Cu–Fe deposit (1.12 Mt at 1.61% Cu, 5.68 Mt at 41% Fe) is located in the westernmost district of the Middle–Lower Yangtze River metallogenic belt. As a typical polymetal skarn metallogenic region, it consists of 13 skarn orebodies, mainly hosted in the contact zone between the Tonglushan quartz-diorite pluton (140 Ma) and Lower Triassic marine carbonate rocks of the Daye Formation. Four stages of mineralization and alterations can be identified: i.e. prograde skarn formation, retrograde hydrothermal alteration, quartz-sulphide followed by carbonate vein formation. Electron microprobe analysis (EMPA) indicates garnets vary from grossular (Ad_20.2–41.6Gr_49.7–74.1) to pure andradite (Ad_47.4–70.7Gr_23.9–45.9) in composition, and pyroxenes are represented by diopsides. Fluid inclusions identify three major types of fluids involved during formation of the deposit within the H₂O–NaCl system, i.e. liquid-rich inclusions (Type I), halite-bearing inclusions (Type II), and vapour-rich inclusions (Type III). Measurements of fluid inclusions reveal that the prograde skarn minerals formed at high temperatures (>550°C) in equilibrium with high-saline fluids (>66.57 wt.% NaCl equivalent). Oxygen and hydrogen stable isotopes of fluid inclusions from garnets and pyroxenes indicate that ore-formation fluids are mainly of magmatic-hydrothermal origin (δ¹⁸O = 6.68‰ to 9.67‰, δD = –67‰ to –92‰), whereas some meteoric water was incorporated into fluids of the retrograde alteration stage judging from compositions of epidote (δ¹⁸O = 2.26‰ to 3.74‰, δD= –31‰ to –73‰). Continuing depressurization and cooling to 405–567°C may have resulted in both a decrease in salinity (to 48.43–55.36 wt.% NaCl equivalent) and the deposition of abundant magnetite. During the quartz-sulphide stage, boiling produced sulphide assemblage precipitated from primary magmatic-hydrothermal fluids (δ¹⁸O = 4.98‰, δD = –66‰, δ³⁴S values of sulphides: 0.71–3.8‰) with an extensive range of salinities (4.96–50.75 wt.% NaCl equivalent), temperatures (240–350°C), and pressures (11.6–22.2 MPa). Carbonate veins formed at relatively low temperatures (174–284°C) from fluids of low salinity (1.57–4.03 wt.% NaCl equivalent), possibly reflecting the mixing of early magmatic fluids with abundant meteoric water. Boiling and fluid mixing played important roles for Cu precipitation in the Tonglushan deposit.     

Numerical heat and fluid flow modeling of the Hercynian Draa Sfar polymetallic (Zn–Pb–Cu) massive sulfide deposit,Central Jbilets,Morocco

Draa Sfar is a polymetallic (Zn–Pb–Cu) volcanogenic massive sulfide deposit with an actual resource of 13 Mt at 4.0% Zn and 1.3% Pb. It is part of the central Jbilets area known for its several Cu–Zn ore deposits. The ore is hosted in the upper Visean-Namurien sedimentary formation. Owing to the complexity of the geology of the ore deposits, numerical simulation approach was attempted to shed light into the temperature distribution, the circulation of the hydrothermal fluid and the genesis of massive sulfide ore bodies by evaluating the permeability, porosity, and thermal conductivity. On the basis of this simulation approach, the ore is predicted to be deposited at a temperature ranging between 230 and 290 °C. This temperature range is dependent on the pre-existing temperature of the discharge area where a metal-rich fluid precipitated the ore. The duration of the Draa Sfar ore body formation is predicted to be 15, 000 to 50, 000 years. Based on geological studies of Draa Sfar deposit together with the aforementioned results of the simulation approach, an ore genetic model for the massive sulfide ore bodies is proposed. In this model, the supply of ore-forming fluids is ensured by the combination of seawater and magmatic waters. Magma that generated rhyodacite dome acted as the heat source that remobilized the circulation of these ore-bearing fluids. The NW-SE trending faults acted as potential pathways for both the downward and upward migration of the ore-forming fluids. Due to their high permeability, the ignimbritic facies, host rocks of Draa Sfar ore bodies, have favored the circulation of the fluids. The mixing between the ore-forming fluids of magmatic origin and the descending seawaters and/or in situ pore waters led to the formation the ore bodies in 35,000 years. The position and size of the ore body, determined by the simulation approach, is consistent with the actual field geological data.     

Rb–Sr dating of sulfides and S–Pb isotopic study of the Bayanbaolege Ag polymetallic deposit,Inner Mongolia,NE China

The large-scale Bayanbaolege Ag polymetallic deposit is situated in the Tuquan–Linxi Fe-Sn-Cu-Pb-Zn-Ag metallogenic sub-belt in eastern slopes of the southern Great Xing’an Range, NE China. The sulfide-quartz vein-type orebodies in the deposit are hosted primarily in the Early Cretaceous granodiorite porphyry and Late Permian strata. Three primary paragenetic stages of veining have been identified: (I) arsenopyrite- pyrite-quartz stage, (II) pyrite-sphalerite-quartz stage, and (III) galena-silver minerals (pyrargyrite, argentite, and pearceite)-calcite stage. The Rb–Sr dating of sulfides yielded an isochron age of 129.9 ± 2.9 Ma (MSWD = 2.1) for the sphalerite, which constrains the mineralization age to the Early Cretaceous. Rb and Sr concentrations in the sulfides ranged from 0.0940 to 1.0294 ppm and 0.0950–3.3818 ppm, respectively. The initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr value of the sphalerite was 0.70852 ± 0.00018, indicating that the mineralized materials were derived from the mixed crust-mantle source area. S isotope analysis showed that the δ³⁴S values of the sulfide samples varied in a narrow range, from −1.5‰ to +1.3‰ (mean −0.65‰), indicating a magmatic S source. Pb isotopic ratios of the sulfides (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.306–18.416, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.524–15.605, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.095–38.479) and the granodiorite porphyry (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.341–18.933, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.539–15.600, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.134–38.944) reflect that the ore-forming materials originated from contemporaneous magma with Early Cretaceous granodiorite porphyry. This study of the Bayanbaolege deposit and other hydrothermal deposits in the area provides compelling evidence that the widespread Mesozoic magmatism and mineralization in the southern Great Xing’an Range occurred in an intracontinental extensional tectonic setting, which was associated with the westward subduction of the paleo-Pacific plate.     

S,Pb, and Sr isotope geochemistry and genesis of Pb–Zn mineralization in the Huangshaping polymetallic ore deposit of southern Hunan Province,China

The Huangshaping Pb–Zn–W–Mo polymetallic deposit, located in southern Hunan Province, China, is one of the largest deposits in the region and is unique for its metals combination of Pb–Zn–W–Mo and the occurrence of significant reserves of all these metals. The deposit contains disseminated scheelite and molybdenite within a skarn zone located between Jurassic granitoids and Carboniferous sedimentary carbonate, and sulfide ores located within distal carbonate-hosted stratiform orebodies. The metals and fluids that formed the W–Mo mineralization were derived from granitoids, as indicated by their close spatial and temporal relationships. However, the source of the Pb–Zn mineralization in this deposit remains controversial.Here, we present new sulfur, lead, and strontium isotope data of sulfide minerals (pyrrhotite, sphalerite, galena, and pyrite) from the Pb–Zn mineralization within the deposit, and these data are compared with those of granitoids and sedimentary carbonate in the Huangshaping deposit, thereby providing insights into the genesis of the Pb–Zn mineralization. These data indicate that the sulfide ores from deep levels in the Huangshaping deposit have lower and more consistent δ³⁴S values (− 96 m level: + 4.4‰ to + 6.6‰, n = 13) than sulfides within the shallow part of the deposit (20 m level: + 8.3‰ to + 16.3‰, n = 19). The δ³⁴S values of deep sulfides are compositionally similar to those of magmatic sulfur within southern Hunan Province, whereas the shallower sulfides most likely contain reduced sulfur derived from evaporite sediments. The sulfide ores in the Huangshaping deposit have initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (0.707662–0.709846) that lie between the values of granitoids (0.709654–0.718271) and sedimentary carbonate (0.707484–0.708034) in the Huangshaping deposit, but the ratios decreased with time, indicating that the ore-forming fluids were a combination of magmatic and formation-derived fluids, with the influence of the latter increasing over time. The lead isotopic compositions of sulfide ores do not correlate with sulfide type and define a linear trend in a ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb vs. ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb diagram that is distinct from the composition of the disseminated pyrite within sedimentary carbonates and granitoids in the Huangshaping deposit, but is similar to the lead isotopic composition of sulfides within coeval skarn Pb–Zn deposits in southern Hunan Province. In addition, the sulfide ores have old signatures with relative high ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb ratios, suggesting that the underlying Paleoproterozoic basement within southern Hunan Province may be the source of metals within the Huangshaping deposit.The isotope geochemistry of sulfide ores in the Huangshaping deposit shows a remarkable mixed source of sulfur and ore-forming fluids, and the metals were derived from the basement. These features are not found in representative skarn-type Pb–Zn mineralization located elsewhere. The ore-forming elements (S, Pb, and Zn) from the granitoids made an insignificant contribution to sulfide precipitation in this deposit. However, the emplacement of granitoids did provide large amounts of heat and fluids to the hydrothermal system in this area and extracted metals from the basement rocks, indicating that the Jurassic magmatism associated with the Huangshaping deposit was crucial to the Pb–Zn mineralization.     

Re–Os isotopic dating of molybdenite and pyrite in the Baishan Mo–Re deposit, eastern Tianshan, NW China, and its geological significance

The Baishan Mo–Re deposit is located in the eastern section of the eastern Tianshan orogenic belt, NW China. The deposit has a grade of 0.06% Mo and a high content of rhenium of 1.4 g/t. Rhenium and osmium isotopes in sulfide minerals from the Baishan deposit are used to determine the age of mineralization. Rhenium concentrations in molybdenite samples are between 74 and 250 g/g. Analysis of eight molybdenite samples yields an isochron age of 224.8±4.5 Ma (2). Pyrite samples have rhenium and osmium concentrations varying in the range 33.4–330.6 ng/g and 0.08–0.81 ng/g, respectively. Isotope data on seven pyrite samples yield an isochron age of 225±12 Ma (2) on the ¹⁸⁷Re/¹⁸⁸Os versus ¹⁸⁷Os/¹⁸⁸Os plot and an age of 233±14 Ma (2) on the ¹⁸⁷Os versus ¹⁸⁷Re correlation diagram. The ages of molybdenite and pyrite are consistent within the analytical errors. Combined with field observations, the data indicate that Mo–Re mineralization in the Baishan deposit is produced by a magmatic-hydrothermal event in an intracontinental extensional setting after late Paleozoic orogeny. The initial ¹⁸⁷Os/¹⁸⁸Os ratio of pyrite is 0.3±0.07. The ³⁴S values of molybdenite vary from +0.5 to +3.6. Both data indicate that mineralization is derived mainly from a mantle source.Editorial handling: J. Richards     

Origin of the Yinshan epithermal-porphyry Cu–Au–Pb–Zn–Ag deposit,southeastern China: insights from geochemistry,Sr–Nd and zircon U–Pb–Hf–O isotopes

The Yinshan deposit is a large epithermal-porphyry polymetallic deposit, and the timing and petrogenesis of ore-hosting porphyries have been hotly debated. We present new results from geochemical, whole-rock Sr–Nd and zircon U–Pb–Hf–O isotopic investigations. Zircon U–Pb data demonstrate that the quartz porphyry, dacitic porphyry, and quartz dioritic porphyry formed at ?172.2 ± 0.4 Ma, ?171.7 ± 0.5 Ma, and ?170.9 ± 0.3 Ma, respectively. Inherited zircon cores show significant age spreads from ?730 to ?1390 Ma. Geochemically, they are high-K calc-alkaline or shoshonitic rocks with arc-like trace element patterns. They have similar whole-rock Nd and zircon Hf isotopic compositions, yet an increasing trend in ?_Nd(t) and ?_Hf(t) values typifies the suite. Older (inherited) zircons of the three porphyries display Hf compositions comparable to those of the Jiangnan Orogen basement rocks. In situ zircon oxygen isotopic analyses reveal that they have similar oxygen isotopic compositions, which are close to those of mantle zircons. Moreover, a decreasing trend of δ¹⁸O values is present. We propose that the ore-related porphyries of the Yinshan deposit were emplaced contemporaneously and derived from partial melting of Neoproterozoic arc-derived mafic (or ultra-mafic) rocks. Modelling suggests that the quartz porphyries, dacitic porphyries, and quartz dioritic porphyries experienced ?25%, ?10%, and ?10% crustal contaminations by Shuangqiaoshan rocks. Our study provides important constraints on mantle–crust interaction in the genesis of polymetallic mineralization associated with Mesozoic magmatism in southeastern China.     

A combined fluid inclusion and S–Pb isotope study of the Neoproterozoic Pingshui volcanogenic massive sulfide Cu–Zn deposit,Southeast China

The Pingshui Cu–Zn deposit is located in the Jiangshan–Shaoxing fault zone, which marks the Neoproterozoic suture zone between the Yangtze block and Cathaysia block in South China. It contains 0.45 million tons of proven ore reserves with grades of 1.03 wt.% Cu and 1.83 wt.% Zn. This deposit is composed of stratiform, massive sulfide ore bodies, which contain more than 60 vol.% sulfide minerals. These ore bodies are hosted in altered mafic and felsic rocks (spilites and keratophyres) of the bimodal volcanic suite that makes up the Neoproterozoic Pingshui Formation. Metallic minerals include pyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, tennantite, tetrahedrite and magnetite, with minor galena. Gangue minerals are quartz, sericite, chlorite, calcite, gypsum, barite and jasper. Three distinct mineralogical zones are recognized in these massive sulfide ore bodies: a distal zone composed of sphalerite + pyrite + barite (zone I); an intermediate zone characterized by a pyrite + sphalerite + chalcopyrite assemblages (zone II); and a proximal zone containing chalcopyrite + pyrite + magnetite (zone III). A thin, layer of exhalative jaspilite overlies the sulfide ore bodies except in the proximal zone. The volcanic rocks of the Pingshui Formation are all highly altered spilites and keratophyres, but their trace element geochemistry suggests that they were generated by partial melting of the depleted mantle in an island arc setting. Homogenization temperatures of the primary fluid inclusions in quartz from massive sulfide ores are between 217 and 328 °C, and their salinities range from 3.2 to 5.7 wt.% NaCl equivalent. Raman spectroscopy of the fluid inclusions showed that water is the dominant component, with no other volatile components. Fluid inclusion data suggest that the ore-forming fluids were derived from circulating seawater. The δ³⁴S values of pyrite from the massive sulfide ores range from − 3.6‰ to + 3.4‰, indicating that the sulfur was primarily leached from the arc volcanic rocks of the Pingshui Formation. Both pyrite from the massive sulfide ores and plagioclase from the spilites have similar lead isotope compositions, implying that the lead was also derived from the Pingshui Formation. The low lead contents of the massive sulfide ores and the geochemistry of their host rocks are similar to many VMS Cu–Zn deposits in Canada (e.g., Noranda) and thus can be classified as belonging to the bimodal-mafic subtype. The presence of magnetite and the absence of jaspilite and barite at the − 505 m level in the Pingshui deposit suggest that this level is most likely the central zone of the original lateral massive sulfide ore bodies. If this interpretation is correct, the deep part of the Pingshui Cu–Zn deposit may have significant exploration potential.     

Geology,geochemistry and fluid inclusions of the Bianjiadayuan Pb–Zn–Ag deposit,Inner Mongolia,NE China: Implications for tectonic setting and metallogeny

The Bianjiadayuan Pb–Zn–Ag deposit in the Southern Great Xing'an Range consists of quartz-sulfide vein-type and breccia-type mineralization related to granite. Vein orebodies are localized in NW-trending extensional faults. Hydrothermal alteration is well developed and includes silicification, potassic alteration, chloritization and sericitization. Three stages of mineralization are recognized based on field evidence and petrographic observation and are marked by assemblages of quartz–arsenopyrite–pyrite (stage I), quartz–pyrrhotite–chalcopyrite–sphalerite (stage II) and quartz–galena–silver minerals (stage III). The granite, with a zircon age of 143.2 ± 1.5 Ma (n = 14, MSWD = 0.93), is subalkaline, peraluminous and is classified as A2-type granite originating in a post-orogenic extensional setting during the opening of suture zone between the North China Craton and the Siberia Craton from the Late Jurassic to the Early Cretaceous. The δ³⁴S_CDT values of sulfides, ranging from 3.19 to 10.65‰, are not consistent with the majority of magmatic hydrothermal deposits in the SGXR, possibly implying accessory source in addition to magmatic source. Microthermometric measurements show that ore minerals were deposited at intermediate temperatures (347.8–136.4 °C) with moderate salinities (2.9–14.4 wt.% NaCl). Ore-forming fluids were derived largely from magmatic hydrothermal processes, with the addition of meteoric water in late stage. Successive precipitation of Pb, Zn and Ag occurred with changes of physicochemical conditions. Overall considering mineralization features, ore-forming fluids and materials and tectonic setting and comparing with adjacent deposits, the Bianjiadayuan deposit is a mesothermal magmatic hydrothermal vein-type Pb–Zn–Ag deposit controlled by fractures and related to A2-type granite in response to the tectonic/magmatic/hydrothermal activity in late Jurassic. Besides, the explosive breccias in the west area require more attention in future exploration.     

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

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

The geological significance of Pb–Bi- and Pb–Sb-sulphosalts in the Damajianshan tungsten polymetallic deposit,Yunnan Province,China

The Sanjiang Tethyan domain in SE Asia is one of the most important mineral belts in China. Cu, Pb–Zn, Ag, Au and Sn are the most important resources in this domain, while the tungsten mineralization is poorly reported. In this study, we report on mineralogy in recent discovered Damajianshan (DMJS) tungsten (–Cu–As–Mo–Bi) polymetallic deposit in the southern part of Sanjiang Tethyan domain related to Triassic quartz porphyry. Studies have shown that besides common ore minerals, such as native bismuth, bismuthinite, ikunolite, some specific minerals of Pb–Bi- and Pb–Sb-sulphosalts (e.g. izoklakeite, bournonite, cosalite, and boulangerite) have also been found. Based on paragenetic mineral assemblages, fluid inclusions, and thermodynamic studies, the physicochemical conditions were evaluated for the entire metallogenic process. The sulfur fugacity (logf_S2) ranges from − 9.7 to − 37 with ore-forming temperatures between 190 °C and 330 °C, and the oxygen fugacity (logf_O2) ranges from − 37.5 to − 38.5 when the temperature is 250 °C. The sulfur fugacity and oxygen fugacity show strong fluctuations with broadly negative correlation, indicating that these variations in physicochemical conditions should be responsible for mineral assemblages, and are one of the most significant factors leading to the formation of the DMJS deposit. Our mineralogical studies provide new information for tungsten mineralization and further exploration of tungsten resources in the Sanjiang Tethyan mineralization domain.     

Genesis of the Fuxing porphyry Cu deposit in Eastern Tianshan,China: Evidence from fluid inclusions and C–H–O–S–Pb isotope systematics

The Fuxing porphyry Cu deposit is a recently discovered deposit in Eastern Tianshan, Xinjiang, northwestern China. The Cu mineralization is associated with the Fuxing plagiogranite porphyry and monzogranite, mainly presenting as various types of hydrothermal veins or veinlets in alerted wall rocks, with potassic, chlorite, phyllic, and propylitic alteration developed. The ore-forming process can be divided into four stages: stage I barren quartz veins, stage II quartz–chalcopyrite–pyrite veins, stage III quartz–polymetallic sulfide veins and stage IV quartz–calcite veins. Four types of fluid inclusions (FIs) can be distinguished in the Fuxing deposit, including hypersline (H-type), vapor-rich two-phase (V-type), liquid-rich two-phase (L-type), and trace amounts of pure vapor inclusions (P-type), but only the stage I quartz contains all types of FIs. The stages II and III quartz have two types of FIs, with exception of H- and P-types. In stage IV quartz minerals, only the L-type inclusions can be observed. The FIs in quartz of stages I, II, III and IV are mainly homogenized at temperatures of 357–518 °C, 255–393 °C, 234–322 °C and 145–240 °C, with salinities of 1.9–11.6 wt.% NaCl equiv., 1.6–9.6 wt.% NaCl equiv., 1.4–7.7 wt.% NaCl equiv. and 0.9–3.7 wt.% NaCl equiv., respectively. The ore-forming fluids of the Fuxing deposit are characterized by high temperature, moderate salinity and relatively oxidized condition. Carbon, hydrogen and oxygen isotopic compositions of quartz indicate that the ore-forming fluids were gradually evolved from magmatic to meteoric in origin. Sulfur and lead isotopes suggest that the ore-forming materials were derived from a deep-seated magma source. The Cu mineralization in the Fuxing deposit occurred at a depth of ~ 1 km, and the changes of oxygen fugacity, decompression boiling, and local mixing with meteoric water were most likely critical for the formation of the Fuxing Cu deposit.     

Zinc,copper, and strontium isotopic variability in the Baiyangping Cu–Pb–Zn–Ag polymetallic ore field,Lanping Basin,Southwest China

Acta Geochimica - The Baiyangping Cu–Ag polymetallic ore district is located in the northern part of the Lanping-Simao foreland fold belt, between the Jinshajiang-Ailaoshan and Lancangjiang...     

The genesis of the ores and intrusions at the Yuhai Cu–Mo deposit in eastern Tianshan,NW China: Constraints from geology,geochronology, geochemistry,and Hf isotope systematics

The Yuhai porphyry Cu–Mo deposit is located in the eastern Tianshan orogenic belt of the southern Central Asian Orogen Belt, being an economically important porphyry Cu deposit in NW China. The deposit comprises sixteen buried orebodies that are predominantly associated with dioritic and granodioritic intrusions and are structurally controlled by roughly NE-trending faults. LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb dating yielded crystallization ages of 441.6 ± 2.5 Ma (MSWD = 0.03, n = 24) for diorite and 430.4 ± 2.9 Ma (MSWD = 0.04, n = 19) and 430.3 ± 2.6 Ma (MSWD = 0.09, n = 24) for granodiorite. In situ zircon Hf isotope data on a diorite sample show ε_Hf(t) values from + 8.7 to + 18.6, and two granodiorite samples exhibit similar ε_Hf(t) values from + 12.6 to + 19.6 and + 12.6 to + 18.9, respectively. The dioritic and granodioritic intrusions belong to a low-K tholeiite series and are relatively enriched in large ion lithophile elements (K, Ba, Pb, and Sr) and are depleted in high field strength elements (Th, Nb, Ta, and Ti). Moreover, these intrusions have high SiO₂, Al₂O₃ and MgO contents, low Na₂O, P₂O₅ and TiO₂ contents, low Nb/Ta ratios, and slightly positive Eu anomalies. Re–Os dating of molybdenite intergrowth with chalcopyrite yielded a well-constrained ¹⁸⁷Re–¹⁸⁷Os isochron age of 351.7 ± 2.9 Ma (MSWD = 1.5) with a weighted average age of 355.7 ± 2.4 Ma (MSWD = 0.69) Ma, indicating that the Yuhai Cu–Mo deposit is younger than the intrusion of the diorite and granodiorite. Combined with the regional geological history and above-mentioned data, we suggest that the Yuhai intrusions were most likely derived from the partial melting of mantle components that were previously metasomatized by slab melts formed by the northward subduction of the ancient Tianshan ocean plate beneath the Dananhu–Tousuquan island arc during the Silurian to Carboniferous. Under the subduction-related tectonic setting, the metasomatized mantle magma was emplaced into the shallow crust and induced the formation of the Early Carboniferous Yuhai Cu–Mo deposit, and the hydrothermal fluids of enriched sulfides probably played an important role in the Cu–Mo mineralization.     

U–Pb and Re–Os geochronology and geochemistry of the Donggebi Mo deposit,Eastern Tianshan,NW China: Insights into mineralization and tectonic setting

The Donggebi Mo deposit located in NW China is a newly discovered, large, stockwork-type Mo deposit with ore reserves of 441 Mt @ 0.115% Mo. Ore bodies occur along faults and fractures at the external contact zone of a concealed porphyritic granite and volcaniclastic rocks of Gandun Formation, spatially associated with a fine-grained granite. Mo-bearing veins are mainly assemblages of volatile-rich K-feldspar-quartz-oxide, K-feldspar-quartz, polymetallic sulfides and calcite-quartz. Zircon LA-ICP-MS U–Pb dating yielded concordant ages of 234.6 ± 2.7 Ma and 231.8 ± 2.4 Ma for the porphyritic granite and the fine-grained granite, respectively; molybdenite Re–Os dating gave an isochron age of 234.0 ± 2.0 Ma. These ages further confirm an important and extensive magmatic-metallogenic event in Eastern Tianshan during the Triassic Indosinian orogeny. Whole-rock major and trace element analyses indicate that the granitic rocks associated with Mo mineralization are high in Si, K, Rb, Th, Nb, Ta, Ga and LREE, but low in P, Ti, Sr and Ba, belonging to high-K calc-alkaline granites with A-type features. Magma was likely derived from the re-melting of thickened lower crust in a post-collision compression environment in the Late Permian, experienced strong crystal fractionation and formed the large Donggebi Mo deposit under an intra-plate extension setting in the Early to Middle Triassic.