Contamination of water and soil by the Erdenet copper–molybdenum mine in Mongolia

As one of the largest copper–molybdenum (Cu–Mo) mines in the world, the Erdenet Mine in Mongolia has been active since 1978 and is expected to continue operations for at least another 30 years. In this study, the potential impacts of mining activities on the soil and water environments have been evaluated. Water samples showed high concentrations of sulfate, calcium, magnesium, Mo, and arsenic, and high pH values in the order of high to low as follows: tailing water > Khangal River > groundwater. Statistical analysis and the δ²H and δ¹⁸O values of water samples indicate that the tailing water directly affects the stream water and indirectly affects groundwater through recharge processes. Soil and stream sediments are highly contaminated with Cu and Mo, which are major elements of ore minerals. Based on the contamination factor (CF), the pollution load index (PLI), and the degree of contamination (C_d), soil appears to be less contaminated than stream sediments. The soil particle size is similar to that of tailing materials, but stream sediments have much coarser particles, implying that the materials have different origins. Contamination levels in stream sediments display a tendency to decrease with distance from the mine, but no such changes are found in soil. Consequently, soil contamination by metals is attributable to wind-blown dusts from the tailing materials, and stream sediment contamination is caused by discharges from uncontained subgrade ore stock materials. Considering the evident impact on the soil and water environment, and the human health risk from the Erdenet Mine, measures to mitigate its environmental impact should be taken immediately including source control, the establishment of a systematic and continuous monitoring system, and a comprehensive risk assessment.     

Environmental assessment of copper–gold–mercury mining in the Andacollo and Punitaqui districts,northern Chile

The Coquimbo region has been one of the richest producers of Cu, Au and Hg in Chile, and some of the deposits have been mined almost continuously since the 16th century. To assess the potential environmental contamination in this region, the authors measured the concentration of Cu, As, Cd, Zn and Hg in samples of stream and mine waters, stream sediments, soils, flotation tailings, and mine wastes in the Andacollo (Cu, Au, Hg) and Punitaqui (Cu–Au, Hg) districts. The concentration of Hg in the atmosphere in these districts were also measured. Although contamination is strongly controlled by the ore in each district, metal dispersion is modified by the degree of metallurgical processing efficiency as shown by the outdated Cu flotation system at Andacollo (stream sediments Cu 75–2200 μg/g). Conversely, more efficient procedures at Punitaqui resulted in less stream contamination, where stream sediments contained Cu ranging from 110–260 μg/g. However, efficient concentration by flotation of a given metal (e.g. Cu) may lead to the loss of another (e.g. Hg up to 190 μg/g in the tailings at Punitaqui), and therefore, to contamination via erosion of the tailings (downstream sediments Hg concentrations up to 5.3 μg/g). Continued use of Hg for Au amalgamation at Andacollo has led to significant contamination in stream sediments (0.2–3.8 μg/g Hg) and soils (2.4–47 μg/g Hg). Communities in this region are underdeveloped, and decades of inefficient treatment of flotation tailings and waste-rock stock piles has resulted in significant contamination of the surrounding landscape.     

Zircon U–Pb and molybdenite Re–Os geochronology of copper–molybdenum deposits in southeast Liaoning Province,China

ABSTRACT

Liaoning Province in China is an area known for the occurrence of numerous copper and/or molybdenum deposits of variable size. However, the age of mineralization and tectonic setting in this region are still a subject of debate. In this study we describe the geology of these deposits and apply zircon U–Pb and molybdenite Re–Os isotopic dating to constrain their ages and define the metallogenic epochs of this province. The Huatong Cu–Mo deposit yields molybdenite Re–Os model ages of 127.6–126.3 Ma and an isochron age of 127.4 ± 0.7 Ma. The Dongbeigou Mo deposit yields molybdenite Re–Os model ages of 132.6–127.1 Ma, an isochron age of 128.1 ± 5.1 Ma, and a zircon U–Pb age of 129.4 ± 0.3 Ma for the associated monzogranite. The granodiorite associated with the Wanbaoyuan Cu–Mo deposit yields a zircon U–Pb age of 128.4 ± 1.1 Ma; the plagiogranite associated with the Yaojiagou Mo deposit yields an age of 167.5 ± 0.9 Ma; and the biotite–plagioclase gneiss from the Shujigou Cu deposit yields an age of 2549.4 ± 5.6 Ma. These results, together with previous geochronology data, show that intense Cu–Mo porphyry and skarn mineralization were coeval with Early–Middle Jurassic and Early Cretaceous granitic magmatism. The former was associated with the orogeny that followed the collision of the Siberian and North China plates and the resulting closure of the palaeo-Asian Ocean, and the latter with rifting that followed the subduction of the palaeo-Pacific Plate and associated lithospheric thinning. Volcanogenic massive sulfide Cu deposit. mineralization took place much earlier, in the late Archaean, and was related to continent–continent collision, palaeo-ocean closure, the formation of a united continental landmass, bimodal volcanism, magma emplacement, and subsequent metamorphism and deformation of syn-collisional granites.     

First find of platinum group metals in the ore of Kirganik copper–porphyry deposit (Kamchatka)

The Kirganik copper–porphyry deposit is situated in the central part of the Sredinnyi Mountain Range of Kamchatka and is confined to fields of development of potassic orthoclase metasomatite and hypabyssal intrusions of shonkinite. Platinum group metals (PGMs), such as merenskyite, kotulskite, keithconnite, and temagamite, were discovered in the chalcopyrite–bornite and chalcopyrite–bornite–chalcosine ore of the deposit for the first time.     

A review of sulfur to selenium ratios in magmatic nickel–copper and platinum-group element deposits

Deviations in the sulfur to selenium ratios (S/Se) from mantle values in magmatic Ni–Cu–Platinum Group Elements (PGE) sulfide deposits have been widely used to constrain the ore forming processes. Basically, S/Se ratios greater than mantle values are interpreted to be the result of contamination of the mantle derived magma by S-rich sedimentary rocks, whereas S/Se ratios lower than mantle values are thought to be the result of S loss during post-crystallization. However, there are many other processes involved in producing a deposit and it is possible that these may be also important in controlling S/Se ratios. In order to investigate the relative importance of these processes, we have compiled a data base of S, Se, δ³⁴S and metal values from Ni–Cu–PGE sulfide deposits. This compilation shows that processes affecting S/Se ratios can be divided into two main classes: the magmatic processes and the late- to post-magmatic processes.

• 1)Magmatic processes include the well-known addition of S from sedimentary rocks, variations in the sulfide to silicate liquid ratio (R-factor), depletion of the silicate magma in Se by early segregation of the sulfide liquid, and the moderate incompatibility of Se into the first sulfide minerals to crystallize from a sulfide liquid, the monosulfide-solid-solution (MSS). This incompatibility results in a change in S/Se ratio between the Fe-rich and Cu-rich zones of magmatic sulfide ores. The fractionation of Se during crystallization of sulfide liquids has not previously been appreciated.
• 2)Late- to post-magmatic processes include: hydrothermal alteration, high-grade metamorphism, serpentinization and supergene weathering. Some metamorphosed Cu-deposits have low S/Se ratios suggesting S-loss by breakdown of sulfide minerals during a high-grade metamorphic event. However, the effectiveness of this process remains unclear and alternative models exist. The preferential remobilization of S relative to Se during hydrothermal alteration, serpentinization and supergene weathering leads to a moderate decrease of S/Se ratios values and can mask the initial S/Se ratio.

     

Arsenite removal from water by electro-coagulation on zinc–zinc and copper–copper electrodes

Removal of arsenite from aqueous solution was carried out using electro-coagulation method. The experiments were conducted using copper–copper and zinc–zinc electrodes. The optimized experimental parameters were 2.0 mg/L initial concentration, 16.0-min processing time, 6.0 pH, 3.0-V applied voltage and 30 °C temperature for zinc–zinc electrodes while these values for copper–copper electrodes were 2.0 mg/L initial concentration, 20.0-min processing time, 7.0 pH, 5.0-V applied voltage and 30 °C temperature. The results demonstrated that zinc–zinc and copper–copper electrodes removed arsenite up to 99.89 and 99.56 %, respectively. The treated water was clear, colorless and odorless without any secondary contamination. There was no change in water quality after the removal of arsenite. The reported method is capable to remove arsenite from water at 6–7 pH range, which is a pH range of natural water. Therefore, this method may be the choice of arsenite removal from natural ground water.     

Fractionation of platinum, palladium, nickel, and copper in sulfide–arsenide systems at magmatic temperature

Experimentally derived phase relations of arsenide in sulfide melt are presented to quantify the fractionation paths of As-bearing sulfide melts. When a natural sulfide melt reaches arsenide saturation, a separate Ni–PGE-rich arsenide melt exsolves. The arsenic saturation concentration in an Fe–Ni–Cu sulfide melt is between 0.5 and 1.5 wt%. The affinities of the chalcophile metals for an immiscible arsenide melt follow the order Pt > Pd > Ni ? Fe ≈ Cu. In natural systems, arsenide exsolution will be triggered by the activity of the nickel arsenide components dissolved in sulfide melt, Ni being the most common base metal with strong affinity to the As^n? anionic species. Arsenic may have a major effect on the fractionation paths of sulfide melts even if no separate arsenide phase forms. Arsenic, and probably many other chalcogens and metalloids in magmatic melts, may undergo associations with Pt and Pd well before discrete PGE minerals become stable phases.     

Character of spatiotemporal variations in the chemical composition of lake water under the influence of emission from copper–nickel plants: Prediction of acidification

In this paper, we analyze the influence of variations in the emission of sulfur dioxide and solid substances by the Pechenganikel and Severonikel copper–nickel plants in Murmansk oblast on the chemical composition of lake water and development of acidification. The dynamics of ~100 lakes examined in 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, and 2009 and response of the chemical composition of the lake waters on the impact of acidifying substances was explored depending on the magnitude of load (distance from the plants), geologically controlled vulnerability of the lake catchments to acid precipitation, and the size of the lakes. Possible further changes in the sulfate concentration and pH values of lake waters were estimated for scenarios assuming an increase or a decrease in sulfur dioxide emission from the plants. It was shown that, in the zone of maximum and high load, a 20% change in sulfur dioxide emission will result in a mean change in sulfate concentration of ±8 μeq/L (which is comparable with the regional background) and a change in pH value of ±0.1 in acid-sensitive lakes and will have almost no effect on these parameters in lakes insensitive to acid precipitation.     

Intermetallic compounds,copper and palladium alloys in Au–Pd ore of the Skaergaard pluton,Greenland

Copper–palladium intermetallic compounds and alloys (2314 grains) from the Au–Pd ore of the Skaergaard layered gabbroic pluton have been studied. Skaergaardite PdCu, nielsenite PdCu₃, (Cu,Pd)_β, (Cu,Pd)_α, (Pd,Cu,Au,Pt) alloys, and native palladium have been identified as a result of 1680 microprobe analyses. The average compositions and various chemical varieties of these minerals are characterized, as well as vertical and lateral zoning in distribution of noble metals. The primary Pd–Cu alloys were formed within a wide temperature interval broadly synchronously with cooling and crystallization of host gabbro and in close association with separation of Fe–Cu sulfide liquid. In the course of crystallization of residual gabbroic melt enriched in iron, noble and heavy metals and saturated with the supercritical aqueous fluid, PGE and Au are selectively concentrated in the Fe–Cu sulfide phase as Pd–Cu and Cu–Au alloys.     

Periodicity of copper accumulation in the Earth’s sedimentary shell

Physicochemical conditions of the migration and concentration of Cu in sedimentary rock, specific features of the formation of large and unique deposits of cupriferous sandstones and shales, distribution of copper deposits in the stratigraphic scale, and causes responsible for the reduction of Cu accumulation from Proterozoic to Cenozoic are considered. Genetic link of cupriferous sandstones and shales with arid red molassic rocks is shown. Conditions and periodicity of formation of the ore-generating red rocks are considered. An explanation for periodicity of maximum Cu accumulation in the Earth’s history is proposed.     

Permian copper–polymetallic mineralization in the southern Great Xing’an Range,Northeast China: the Daolundaba copper–polymetallic deposit example

The Daolundaba Cu–polymetallic deposit is a newly discovered Cu–W–Sn deposit on the western slopes of the southern Great Xing’an Range, and its mineralization was related to an early Permian coarse-grained biotite granite. However, there is little information on the age of formation of the deposit. In this article, we present the results of our investigation into the age of the Daolundaba Cu–polymetallic deposit, which involved the selection of chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite samples for Rb–Sr isochron dating. A Rb–Sr isochron defined by the chalcopyrite samples yielded a Rb–Sr isochron age of 290.0 ± 11 Ma (MSWD = 1.2) with an initial Sr isotopic composition (I_Sr) of 0.71446. The pyrrhotite samples yielded a Rb–Sr isochron age of 283.0 ± 2.6 Ma (MSWD = 1.16) with an initial Sr isotopic composition (I_Sr) of 0.71447. The Rb–Sr isochron age determined from the chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite is 282.7 ± 1.7 Ma (MSWD = 1.13). These results indicate that the Daolundaba Cu–polymetallic deposit formed during the early Permian (282.7–290.0 Ma). The Rb and Sr contents of the chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite range from ~0.1325 to ~3.6810 ppm and from ~0.1219 to ~9.5740 ppm, respectively, and the initial Sr isotope ratios (I_Sr) range from 0.71047 to 0.71869, with an average of 0.714723. These isotopic characteristics indicate the ore-forming minerals of the Daolundaba Cu–polymetallic deposit originated mainly from the crust, but with small amounts of mantle material involved. The copper was derived from the associated magma whereas the W and Sn was derived from the surrounding strata. The Permian mineralization of the Xing’an–Mongolia region occurred in an active continental margin setting during subduction of the Palaeo-Asian oceanic plate beneath the Siberian Plate.     

Timing of multiple hydrothermal events in the iron oxide–copper–gold deposits of the Southern Copper Belt,Carajás Province,Brazil

The Southern Copper Belt, Carajás Province, Brazil, hosts several iron oxide–copper–gold (IOCG) deposits, including Sossego, Cristalino, Alvo 118, Bacuri, Bacaba, Castanha, and Visconde. Mapping and U–Pb sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe (SHRIMP) IIe zircon geochronology allowed the characterization of the host rocks, situated within regional WNW–ESE shear zones. They encompass Mesoarchean (3.08–2.85 Ga) TTG orthogneiss, granites, and remains of greenstone belts, Neoarchean (ca. 2.74 Ga) granite, shallow-emplaced porphyries, and granophyric granite coeval with gabbro, and Paleoproterozoic (1.88 Ga) porphyry dykes. Extensive hydrothermal zones include albite–scapolite, biotite–scapolite–tourmaline–magnetite alteration, and proximal potassium feldspar, chlorite–epidote and chalcopyrite formation. U–Pb laser ablation multicollector inductively coupled mass spectrometry (LA-MC-ICP-MS) analysis of ore-related monazite and Re–Os NTIMS analysis of molybdenite suggest multiple Neoarchean (2.76 and 2.72–2.68 Ga) and Paleoproterozoic (2.06 Ga) hydrothermal events at the Bacaba and Bacuri deposits. These results, combined with available geochronological data from the literature, indicate recurrence of hydrothermal systems in the Southern Copper Belt, including 1.90–1.88-Ga ore formation in the Sossego–Curral ore bodies and the Alvo 118 deposit. Although early hydrothermal evolution at 2.76 Ga points to fluid migration coeval with the Carajás Basin formation, the main episode of IOCG genesis (2.72–2.68 Ga) is related to basin inversion coupled with Neoarchean (ca. 2.7 Ga) felsic magmatism. The data suggest that the IOCG deposits in the Southern Copper Belt and those in the Northern Copper Belt (2.57-Ga Salobo and Igarapé Bahia–Alemão deposits) do not share a common metallogenic evolution. Therefore, the association of all IOCG deposits of the Carajás Province with a single extensive hydrothermal system is precluded.     

Temporal–spatial distribution and tectonic setting of porphyry copper deposits in Iran: Constraints from zircon U–Pb and molybdenite Re–Os geochronology

Porphyry copper deposits (PCDs) in Iran are dominantly distributed in Arasbaran (NW Iran), the middle segment of the Urumieh–Dokhtar Magmatic Arc (UDMA), and Kerman (central SE Iran), with minor occurrences in eastern Iran and the Makran arc. This paper provides a temporal–spatial and geodynamic framework of the Iranian porphyry Cu (Mo–Au) systems, based on geochronologic data obtained from zircon U–Pb and molybdenite Re–Os dating of host porphyritic rocks and molybdenites in 15 major PCDs. The dating results define a long metallogenic duration (39–6 Ma), and suggest a long history of tectonic evolution from the accretionary orogeny related to early Cenozoic closure of the Neo-Tethys Ocean to subsequent collisional orogeny for the Iranian porphyry copper systems.The oldest porphyry mineralization occurred in the eastern part of Iran after the closure of a branch of the Neo-Tethyan (Sistan) Ocean between the Lut and Afghan blocks in the late Eocene (39–37 Ma). This was followed by mineralization in the Kerman porphyry copper belt over a time interval of about 20 m.y., where two metallogenic epochs have been recognized, including late Oligocene (29–27 Ma) and Miocene (18–6 Ma). The Bondar-e-Hanza deposit formed in the late Oligocene, while and the remaining dated deposits belong to Miocene epoch. According to the deposits' characteristics and their ages, the Miocene epoch can be divided into early, middle, and late stages. The Darreh Zar, Bakh Khoshk, Chah Firouzeh and Sar Kuh deposits formed during the early–middle Miocene. The largest porphyry deposits occur in the middle stage during the middle Miocene (14–11 Ma) and include the Sar Cheshmeh, Meiduk, Dar Alu and Now Chun deposits. These deposits were formed during crustal thickening, uplift, and rapid exhumation of the belt. The final stage of porphyry mineralization occurred during the late Miocene (9–6 Ma), and formed the Iju, Kerver, Kuh Panj and Abdar deposits.There were two porphyry mineralization stages in the Arasbaran porphyry copper belt in NW Iran, including an older late Oligocene (29–27 Ma) and a younger early Miocene (22–20 Ma) events. The Haft Cheshmeh deposit belongs to the older stage, and the world-class Sungun and Masjed Daghi deposits formed during the early Miocene.In the middle segment of the UDMA (Saveh–Yazd porphyry copper belt), PCDs formed during middle Miocene time (17–15 Ma). The geochronological results reveal that the porphyry mineralization moved from the northwest to southeast of UDMA over the time.Our dating results, combined with the possible late Eocene–Oligocene timing for collision between the Arabian and Iranian plates, support a model for Iranian PCD formation by partial melting of previously subduction-modified lithosphere in a post-subduction and post-collisional tectonic setting.     

Mineral chemistry and H–O–S–Pb isotopic compositions of skarn type copper deposits in the Jiurui district of the Middle-Lower Yangtze River metallogenic belt,Eastern China

The skarn type copper deposits are widespread in the Jiurui district in the Middle-Lower Yangtze River metallogenic belt. This paper reports a detailed study on mineral chemistry, and H, O, S and Pb isotopic compositions on skarn silicate and sulfide minerals in the three major skarn dominant deposits (Wushan, Dongleiwan and Dengjiashan). The Wushan skarn deposit is characterized with prograde garnet-dominated and clinopyroxene limited skarns with average andradite content of 83% and hedenbergite content of 10%, whereas the Dongleiwan and Dengjiashan deposits are featured with retrograde skarn alteration with abundant hydrous minerals such as epidote and chlorite. The garnet and clinopyroxene compositions show 59% andradite and 15% hedenbergite for the Dongleiwan skarns, and 43% and 22% for the Dengjiashan skarns respectively. The pistacite components (Ps value) defined as Fe^3 +/(Fe^3 ++ Al) and Fe^3 +/Fe^2 + value of epidote are 0.12 and 1.63 for the Wushan skarns, 0.30 and 32.73 for the Dongleiwan skarns, and 0.17 and 42.85 for the Dengjiashan skarns. It is suggested that the prograde skarn mineralization in the three deposits was all formed in a relatively oxidizing environment, with the Wushan showing the highest oxidation potential and the Dengjiashan having the least oxidation potential. However, in the retrograde skarns, the Dongleiwan and Dengjiashan deposits show higher oxidation potential than that of Wushan. The three deposits show similar sulfur isotopic compositions of − 2.9 to + 1.4‰ and similar lead isotopic compositions with ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios of 17.900 to 18.205, 15.538 to 15.649 and 38.170 to 39.025, respectively. All the three deposits should have similar magmatic origin for the ore-forming materials based on their S and Pb isotopes. The oxygen isotopic compositions of the prograde and retrograde fluids in the three deposits show some differences, with δ¹⁸O_Fluid values of + 8.13‰ and + 7.81‰ for the Wushan, + 6.47‰ and + 2.33‰ for the Dongleiwan, and + 8.27‰ and + 4.43‰ for the Dengjiashan. But the hydrogen isotopic compositions are similar for the prograde (− 65 to − 31‰) and retrograde (− 64 to − 33‰) fluids. Therefore, the fluid origins and evolution may be different in each deposit. The hydrothermal fluids for the prograde skarns in all three deposits were likely derived from magmatic–hydrothermal sources, but the Dongleiwan and Dengjiashan show a higher proportion of meteoric water input in the retrograde stage. Considering the similar average prograde temperatures (574 to 560 °C) as calculated from coexisting garnet–clinopyroxene pairs, and similar retrograde temperatures (281 to 246 °C) as calculated from chlorite chemistry for the three deposits, we suggest that the trigger for deposition of sulfide ores in the Wushan garnet-dominated skarn deposit was mainly caused by system cooling with temperature drop along with magmatic intrusion and crystallization process. The Dongleiwan and Dengjiashan skarn deposits constitute a well developed retrograde skarn system with abundant epidote, chlorite, quartz and calcite, which probably caused by fluid mixing of high-temperature saline magmatic–hydrothermal fluids with cooler, oxidizing and dilute meteoric water.     

Application of ASTER data for exploration of porphyry copper deposits: A case study of Daraloo–Sarmeshk area,southern part of the Kerman copper belt,Iran

The Cenozoic Urumieh–Dokhtar Magmatic Belt (UDMB) of Iran is a major host to porphyry Cu ± Mo ± Au deposits (PCDs). Most known PCDs in the UDMB occur in the southern section of the belt, also known as the Kerman Copper Belt (KCB). Three major clusters of PCDs are distinguished in the KCB and include the Miduk, Sarcheshmeh and Daraloo clusters. The Daraloo and Sarmeshk deposits occur in a northwest–southeast-trending fault zone that is characterized by the presence of a narrow zone of alteration–mineralization that contains a series of Oligocene granitoids and Miocene porphyritic tonalite–granodiorite plutons that cut Eocene andesitic lava flows and pyroclastic rocks. Here we use various techniques, including different ratio images, minimum noise fraction, pixel purity index, and matched filter processing to process ASTER data (14 bands) and generate maps that portray the distribution of hydrothermal minerals (e.g., sericite, kaolinite, chlorite, epidote and carbonate) related to PCD alteration zones. In order to validate the ASTER data, follow-up ground proofing and related mineralogical work was done which, in all cases, proved to be positive. The results of this work have identified the regional distribution of hypogene alteration zones (i.e., phyllic, argillic, propylitic and silicic), in addition to areas of secondary Fe-oxide formation, which are coincident with known sites of PCDs. The regional distribution and extent of the alteration zones identified also highlighted the role of regional structures in focusing the mineralizing/altering fluids. These results demonstrate very convincingly that ASTER imagery that uses the appropriate techniques is reliable and robust in mapping out the extent of hydrothermal alteration and lithological units, and can be used for targeting hydrothermal ore deposits, particularly porphyry copper deposits where the alteration footprint is sizeable.     

Geology of the Jiama porphyry copper–polymetallic system,Lhasa Region,China

The Jiama deposit, located in the eastern part of the well-known Gangdese Metallogenic Belt on the Tibetan Plateau, is the largest porphyry Cu–polymetallic system in the region, with the largest exploration budget, and is economically viable in the Gangdese Belt to undergo large-scale development. The deposit is well preserved and has experienced little erosion. The proven resources of the deposit are 7.4 Mt Cu, 0.6 Mt Mo, 1.8 Mt Pb + Zn, 6.65 Moz Au, and 360.32 Moz Ag. The results presented in this paper are based on geological and tectonic mapping, geological logging, and other exploration work performed by members of the Jiama Exploration Project Team over a period of 6 years. We propose that the Jiama porphyry Cu–polymetallic system is composed of skarn Cu–polymetallic, hornfels Cu–Mo, porphyry Mo ± Cu, and distal Au mineralization. The development of skarn Cu–polymetallic orebodies at the Jiama deposit was controlled mainly by the contact zone between porphyries and marbles, an interlayer detachment zone, and the front zone of a gliding nappe structure. The hornfels Cu–Mo and porphyry Mo ± Cu orebodies were controlled mainly by a fracture system related to intrusions, and the distal Au mineralization resulted from late-stage hydrothermal alteration.On the basis of field geological logging, optical microscopy, and chemical analysis, we verify that the alteration zones in the Jiama deposit include potassic, phyllic, propylitic, and argillic alteration, with a local lithocap, as well as endoskarn and exoskarn zones. The endoskarn occurs mainly as epidote alteration in quartz diorite porphyry and granite porphyry, and is cut by massive andradite veins. The exoskarn includes garnet–pyroxene and wollastonite skarn, in which the mineralogy and mineral chemical compositions display an outward zonation with respect to the source porphyry. From the proximal skarn to the intermediate skarn to the distal skarn, the garnet/pyroxene ratio varies from > 20:1 to ~ 10:1 to ~ 5:1, the garnet color varies from red-brown to brown-green to green-yellow, and the average composition of garnet varies from Ad_80.1Gr_18.9(Sp + Py)_1.0 to Ad_76.3Gr₂₃(Sp + Py)_0.7 to Ad_59.5Gr_39.5(Sp + Py)_1.0, respectively. The pyroxene is not as variable in composition as the garnet, and is primarily light green to white diopside with a maximum hedenbergite content of ~ 20% and an average composition of Di_88.6Hd_8.9Jo_2.5. From the proximal skarn to the intermediate skarn to the distal skarn, the mineralization changes from Cu–Mo to Cu ± Mo to Pb–Zn ± Cu ± Au ores, respectively. The wollastonite skarn displays no zonation and hosts mainly bornite mineralization. The Cu and Mo mineralization is closely related to the potassic and phyllic zones in the porphyry–hornfels.Zircons from four mineralized porphyries yield U–Pb ages of 15.96 ± 0.5 Ma, 15.72 ± 0.14 Ma, 15.59 ± 0.09 Ma, and 15.48 ± 0.08 Ma. The Re–Os ages of molybdenite from the skarn, hornfels, and porphyry are 15.37 ± 0.15 Ma, 14.67 ± 0.37 Ma, and 14.66 ± 0.27 Ma, respectively. The present results are consistent with the findings of previous research on fluid inclusions, isotopes, and other such aspects. On the basis of the combined evidence, we propose a porphyry Cu–polymetallic system model for the Jiama deposit and suggest a regional exploration strategy that can be applied to prospecting for porphyry-skarn mineralization in the Lhasa area.     

Geochronology of Early Cretaceous copper mineralization at the NE China–North Korea border

ABSTRACT

North Korea is host to world-class metallic mineral deposits, such as the Komdok Cu–Pb–Zn polymetallic mineral belt, but little is known about the resource. To better understand the genesis of the Cu mineralization around the China–North Korea border, we determined the U–Pb, Re-Os, and Rb–Sr ages of three deposits in the area. Sulfide samples from the Hyesan Cu deposit produced Rb–Sr isochron ages of 127.4 ± 4.5 Ma. The Wanbaoyuan Cu deposit yielded a molybdenite Re–Os isochron age of 127.5 ± 3.2 Ma, and a granodiorite sample from the Linjiang Cu deposit gave a zircon U–Pb age of 129.5 ± 0.8 Ma. Combined with geochronological data from previous studies, these new ages suggest that the Cu mineralization occurred mainly during the Cretaceous, and the rollback of the Paleo-Pacific Plate was responsible for the Cu mineralization in NE China–North Korea border.     

Peierls–Nabarro modelling of dislocations in diopside

The core structures of dislocations in diopside have been calculated within the Peierls model, which assumes a planar core. 1/2<110> dislocations can dissociate into two collinear partial dislocations. We show that [001] glide is very difficult in (010) and that a non-collinear dissociation of [001](100) (modelled within a Peierls–Nabarro–Galerkin approach) makes glide equally easy in (100) and {110}. A widely spread core structure corresponding to a low lattice friction has been found for [100](010) and [010](100) dislocations which is not supported by mechanical data and, together with TEM observations, suggests that another, probably non-planar core structure is possible for these dislocations.     

Influence of emission from copper–nickel smelters on the chemical composition of lake water: Acidification forecast

The influence of the emission of sulfur dioxide and solid substances from Pechenganickel and Severonickel copper–nickel combines (Murmansk oblast) on the chemical compositions of lake water and the development of acidification is analyzed. The temporal dynamics of ∼100 lakes, studied in 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2009, and the response of the chemical composition of the lake water to the impact of acid-forming substances depending on the load level (the distance of combines), geologically controlled sensitivity of catchment areas of the lakes studied to acid deposition, and the lake areas is discussed. The likely further changes in sulfate concentration and pH value in the lake water under the scenarios of increase/decrease of sulfur dioxide emissions from smelter are estimated.

     

Age of granitic activity associated with copper–molybdenum mineralization at Malanjkhand, Central India

The Malanjkhand copper–molybdenum deposit in the Bhandara Craton, Central India, is hosted by a granite complex which consists of regionally dominant grey granitoid and pink granitoid confined to the mineralized zone. New SHRIMP RG data on zircons from both granite types are inferred to have crystallized during the same magmatic pulse at ca 2.48 Ga. The discrepancy between zircon age and earlier obtained Rb–Sr whole-rock age is attributed to modification of the Rb–Sr system by hydrothermal overprint. Similarity in petrographic features and chemical affinity in combination with identical age strongly indicate that the pink granite is the hydrothermally altered variety (microclinization and silicification) of the grey granite. The spatially associated, main Cu–Mo mineralization event at Malankhand appears to be broadly contemporaneous with and genetically related to the emplacement of the host granitoids at about 2.48 Ga.