Volcanogenic and tectonic features of the Rakkejaur sulfide deposit,Skellefte district,Sweden

The Rakkejaur volcanogenic massive sulfide deposit is conformably situated in a transition zone between Proterozoic pyroclastic and overlying clastic sedimentary rocks. Ore and host rocks are isoclinally folded and slightly overturned. Two distinct types of mineralization occur: Cu-bearing stringers and disseminations, and Zn-rich stratiform banded massive sulfides. Precipitation of stratiform ore was concurrent with late volcanism and continued during the early stages of clastic sedimentation. Pyroclastic debris containing fragments of the underlying stringer-mineralized metavolcanic rocks were deposited in the lower parts of the massive sulfides. Banding of the stratiform massive ore is evidenced by alternating concentrations of pyrite and sphalerite and by interlayered sedimentary strata. Slumping and synsedimentary fragmentation of the massive sulfides took place locally. Epigenetic stringer mineralization was emplaced in two separate conduits located in the footwall metavolcanic rocks. Both mineralized vents are in contact with and beneath the same cap of massive sulfides.Zn, Pb, Ag, and Sb grades are elevated in the banded ore and tend to increase with stratigraphic and lateral distance from the zones of stringer mineralization. Gold occurs in association with arsenic or in amalgam, and each assemblage displays different distribution patterns. Most of the gold is contained in the stratiform ore where distal areas generally show higher Au/As ratios. The Au-As assemblage, however, occurs within one of the conduit zones and in close proximity to the other conduit within the massive sulfides. The ore-forming processes resulted in metasomatic alteration of the footwall rocks, mainly by introduction of Mg and Fe and depletion of Na.     

Fluid inclusion study of Fankou Pb-Zn ore deposit,Fankou, Guangdong,China

The Fankou Pb-Zn ore deposit occurs in Devonian and Carboniferous carbonate rocks. This deposit was thought to be a hydrothermal ore deposit related to a granite, but the present research suggests it is a stratabound, stratiform mineral deposit. As a result of geological studies, primary sedimentary and later replacement features were found. Part of some ore bodies are concordant with the host rocks, but most are discordant lenses and veins in the carbonate rocks. Thus there are two types of ores, primary sedimentary and later replacement. The replacement type is very common. Isotopic studies indicate that most of the Pb and S are of sedimentary origin, but part of Pb is of radioactive origin, possibly introduced during later replacement. A regional geochemical survey indicates that the Pb and Zn contents of the Fankou region are respectively 1.5 and 3 times the primary sedimentary type. Gas-liquid fluid inclusions were found in the replacement type ore but not in the primary sedimentary type. The fluid which replaced the primary sedimentary rocks had temperatures of 100–200°C, with a salinity of 3–6 wt. % NaCl equiv. Under the action of such fluid the original sedimentary rocks were replaced to form the present ore deposit.     

Marble-hosted sulfide ores in the Angouran Zn-(Pb–Ag) deposit, NW Iran: interaction of sedimentary brines with a metamorphic core complex

The Angouran Zn-(Pb–Ag) deposit, Zanjan Province, NW Iran, is located within the central Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone of the Zagros orogenic belt. The deposit has proven and estimated resources of 4.7 Mt of sulfide ore at 27.7% Zn, 2.4% Pb, and 110 g/t Ag, and 14.6 Mt of oxidized carbonate ores at 22% Zn and 4.6% Pb. It is hosted by a metamorphic core complex that is unconformably overlain by a Neogene volcanic and evaporite-bearing marine to continental sedimentary sequence. The sulfide orebody, precursor to the significant nonsulfide ores, is located at the crest of an open anticline at the contact between Neoproterozoic to Cambrian footwall micaschists and hanging wall marbles. ⁴⁰Ar–³⁹Ar data on muscovite from mineralized and unaltered footwall micaschists suggest a rapid Mid-Miocene exhumation of the metamorphic basement (∼20 Ma) and yield an upper age constraint for mineralization. The fine-grained sulfide ore is massive, replacive, often brecciated, clearly postmetamorphic and dominated by Fe-poor sphalerite, with minor galena, pyrite, anhydrite, quartz, muscovite, dolomite, and rare calcite. Sphalerite contains Na–Ca–Cl brine inclusions (23–25 mass% total dissolved solids) with homogenization temperatures of 180–70°C. Fluid inclusion chemistry (Na–K–Li–Ca–Mg–Cl–Br), ore geochemistry, S, and Pb isotope data suggest that the Angouran sulfide ore formed by the interaction of modified, strongly evaporated Miocene seawater and the lithotypes of an exhumed metamorphic core complex. Minor contributions of metals from Miocene igneous rocks cannot be excluded. Mineralization occurred in a collisional intra-arc setting with high heat flow, probably during the transition from an extensional to a compressional regime. The Angouran deposit may represent a new type of low-temperature carbonate-hosted Zn–Pb ore that is distinct from Mississippi Valley type and sedimentary-exhalative deposits.Editorial handling: B. Lehmann     

Archaean lode gold mineralisation in banded iron formation at the Kalahari Goldridge deposit, Kraaipan Greenstone Belt, South Africa

The Kalahari Goldridge Mine is located within the Archaean Kraaipan Greenstone Belt, about 60 km southwest of Mafikeng in the North West Province, South Africa. The ore body thickness varies from 15 to 45 m along a strike length of about 1.5 km within approximately N–S striking banded iron formation (BIF). The stratabound ore body is hosted primarily by BIF, which consists of alternating chert and magnetite–chlorite–stilpnomelane–sulphide–carbonate bands of millimetre- to centimetre scale. A footwall of sericite–carbonate–chlorite schist underlain by mafic amphibolite occurs to the west and carbonaceous metapelites in the hanging wall to the east. Overlying the hanging wall, carbonaceous metapelites, units of coarse-grained metagreywackes fining upwards, become increasingly conglomeratic up the stratigraphy. Small-scale isoclinal folds, brecciation, extension fractures and boudinage of cherty BIF units reflect brittle-ductile deformation. Fold axial planes have foliation, with subvertical plunges parallel to prominent rodding and mineral lineation in the footwall rocks. Gold mineralisation is associated with two generations of quartz–carbonate veins, dipping approximately 20° to 40° W. The first generation consists of ladder-vein sets (group IIA) preferentially developed in centimetre-scale Fe-rich mesobands, whereas the second generation consists of large quartz–carbonate veins (group IIB), which locally crosscut the entire ore body and extend into the footwall and hanging wall. The ore body is controlled by mesoscale isoclinal folds approximately 67° E, orthogonal to the plane of mineralised, gently dipping veins, defining the principal stretching direction and development of fluid-focussing conduits. The intersections of the mineralised veins and foliation planes of the host rock plunges approximately 08° to the north. Pervasive hydrothermal alteration is characterised by chloritisation, carbonatisation, sulphidation and K-metasomatism. Gold is closely associated with sulphides, mainly pyrite and pyrrhotite, and to a lesser extent, with bismuth tellurides and carbonate minerals. Mass balance transfer calculations indicate that hydrothermal alteration of BIF involved enrichment of Au, Ag, Bi, Te, S and CO₂ (LOI), MgO, Ba, K and Rb, but significant depletion of SiO₂ and, to a lesser extent, Fe₂O₃. Extensive replacement of magnetite and chlorite in BIF and other pelitic sedimentary rocks by sulphide and carbonate minerals, both on mesoscopic and microscopic scales, is evidence of interaction of CO₂- and H₂S-bearing fluids with the Fe-rich host rocks. The fineness of gold grains ranges from 823 to 921, similar to that of other epigenetic Archaean BIF-hosted gold deposits, worldwide.     

Sedimentary, Magmatic and Tectonic Constraints on the Formation of the Yulong Supper-Large Porphyry Copper Polymetal Deposit, East Tibet

ＳＵＰＲＡ ＳＵＢＤＵＣSEDIMENTARY, MAGMATIC AND TECTONIC CONSTRAINTS ON THE FORMATION OF THE YULONG SUPPER0-LARGE PORPHYRY COPPER POLYMETAL DEPOSIT, EAST TIBET     

Cyclic ore formation of some volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits in the skellefte district,Sweden

The Näsliden and Rävliden deposits in the Skellefte field consist of stratiform massive sulfide ores associated with submarine volcanic and clastic rocks. The ores are pretectonic. Consequently, the orebodies are considered to have formed syngenetically with deposition of the host rocks. Banding and interlayering with host sediments are common features. Cu : Zn and Zn : Pb ratios of the ores show stratigraphically and laterally defined trends. Cu : Pb : Zn ratios correspond with those found in other deposits of volcanogenic origin. Nonstratiform breccia Cu mineralizations occur directly under the massive stratiform ores in the footwall rocks where hydrothermal alteration is strongest. Ore formation took place intermittently resulting in clusters of ore systems occurring at slightly different stratigraphical levels within each deposit.     

Lithogeochemical halos and geochemical vectors to stratiform sediment hosted Zn–Pb–Ag deposits, 1. Lady Loretta Deposit, Queensland

Stratiform sediment hosted Zn–Pb–Ag deposits, often referred to as SEDEX deposits, represent an economically important class of ore, that have received relatively little attention in terms of defining lithochemical halos and geochemical vectors useful to exploration. This study concentrates on the Lady Loretta deposit which is a typical example of the class of Proterozoic SEDEX deposits in northern Australia. We examined the major and trace element chemistry of carbonate-bearing sediments surrounding the deposit and defined a series of halos which extend for several hundred metres across strike and up to 1.5 km along strike. The stratiform ore lens is surrounded by an inner sideritic halo [Carr, G.R., 1984. Primary geochemical and mineralogical dispersion in the vicinity of the Lady Loretta Zn–Pb–Ag deposit, North Queensland. J. Geochem. Expl. 22, 217–238], followed by an outer ankerite/ferroan dolomite halo which merges with low iron dolomitic sediments representative of the regional background compositions. Carbonate within the inner siderite halo varies in composition from siderite to pistomesite (Fe_0.6Mg_0.4CO₃), whereas carbonate in the outer ankerite halo varies from ferroan dolomite to ankerite (Ca_0.5Mg_0.3Fe_0.2CO₃). Element dispersion around the stratiform ore lens is variable with Pb, Cu, Ba and Sr showing very little dispersion (<50 m across strike), Zn and Fe showing moderate dispersion (<100 m) and Mn and Tl showing broad dispersion (<200 m). Within the siderite halo Cu, Mg and Na show marked depletion compared to the surrounding sediments. The magnitude of element dispersion and change in carbonate chemistry around the Lady Loretta orebody has enabled the development of three geochemical vectors applicable to exploration. Whole rock analyses are used to calculate the three vector quantities as follows: (1) SEDEX metal index = Zn + 100Pb + 100Tl; (2) SEDEX alteration index = (FeO + 10MnO)100/(FeO + 10MnO + MgO); (3) manganese content of dolomite: MnO_d = (MnO × 30.41)/CaO. All three vectors increase to ore both across strike and along strike. The manganese content of dolomite (MnO_d) exhibits the most systematic pattern increasing from background values of about 0.2 wt% to a maximum of around 0.6 wt% at the boundary between the ankerite and siderite halos. Siderite within the inner halo contains considerably more Mn with MnO values of 0.4 to 4.0 wt%. It is suggested here that the basket of indices defined at Lady Loretta (Zn, Tl, metal index, alteration index, MnO_d and MnO_s) is applicable in the exploration for stratiform Zn–Pb–Ag deposits in dolomite-rich sedimentary basins generally. The indices defined can firstly assist in the identification of sedimentary units favourable for SEDEX mineralisation, and secondly provide vectors along these units to ore. The alteration index and MnO_d, however, should only be used for exploration dolomitic sequences; they are not recommended for exploration in clastic sequences devoid of carbonates.     

Multi-isotope approach for the identification of metal and fluid sources of the Arroyo Rojo VMS deposit,Tierra del Fuego,Argentina

The Arroyo Rojo deposit, located in Tierra del Fuego, is the most important polymetallic, volcanic-hosted massive sulphide in the rhyolitic belt of the Fuegian Andes. The best intercepts in drill holes indicate a true thickness of 18.6 m and concentrations of 2.2% Cu, 3.9% Pb, 14.5% Zn, 140 g/t Ag, 1.1 g/t Au). This deposit, located near the town of Ushuaia, is hosted in a Middle Jurassic volcanic and volcanoclastic sequence. Massive and semimassive bodies display stacked lenticular morphologies with disseminated mineralization in both the footwall and hanging wall. The associated hydrothermal alteration system is partially conformable with the layering of the volcanic rocks. The ores and host rocks display a penetrative tectonic foliation and were metamorphosed to greenschist facies.Previous studies have not resulted in a consensus regarding the nature and the source of ore-forming fluids and the style of deposition of the sulphides at Arroyo Rojo. In this study, both stable and radiogenic isotopes were used develop a better understanding of these aspects of the deposit.Hydrogen and oxygen isotopes indicate that an evolved seawater mixed with significant contributions from other fluid reservoirs such as magmatic and/or metamorphic waters was the most likely source of the ore-forming fluids. These fluids underwent significant interaction with the underlying volcanic and sedimentary rocks, which promoted partial (Sr isotopes) or full (Pb isotopes) homogenization of radiogenic isotopes. δ³⁴S_CDT values suggest that the sulphur was derived from several sources: biogenic reduction of seawater sulphate (BSR) in a restricted to closed basin was mixed with a heavier component derived from inorganic reduction of seawater sulphate (TRS) and possibly from sulphur leached from igneous footwall rocks and/or direct contribution from magmatic fluids.Lateral infiltration of hydrothermal fluids resulted in the formation of a halo of semimassive to disseminated ore due to the replacement of porous, reactive glassy and breccia tuffs.As a result of the hydrothermal circulation, two styles of mineralization are observed in the Arroyo Rojo deposit: a stringer zone and a halo of semimassive to disseminated ore corresponding to sub-seafloor replacement, and syn-sedimentary mineralization consisting of massive sulphides.This model is consistent with the geodynamic context of the study area: a narrow, deep-marine volcano-tectonic rift parallel to the Andean side of South America and related to the initial break-up of Gondwana (ca. 145 Ma).     

新疆梧南金矿床原生晕特征与深部预测

梧南金矿床是天山构造带新发现的产于碳酸盐岩地层的微细浸染型金矿.在野外调研、总结矿床地质特征基础上,对该矿床地球化学特征、地表和钻孔中原生晕分布规律进行了专题研究,首次确定了梧南金矿床原生晕轴向分带序列(Au-Bi-Cu-Mo-Hg-Sb-Ag-As-Pb-Zn),探讨了隐伏矿信息,并进行了深部成矿预测.     

Sensitive High-Resolution Ion Microprobe U-Pb Zircon and 40Ar-39Ar Muscovite Ages of the Yinshan Deposit in the Northeast Jiangxi Province, South China

The Yinshan deposit in the Jiangnan tectonic belt in South China consists of Pb‐Zn‐Ag and Cu‐Au ore bodies. This deposit contains approximately 83 Mt of the Cu‐Au ores at 0.52% Cu and 0.8 g/t Au, and 84 Mt of the Pb‐Zn‐Ag ores at 1.25% Pb, 1.02% Zn and 33.3 g/t Ag. It is hosted by low‐grade metamorphosed sedimentary rocks and mafic volcanic rocks of the lower Mesoproterozoic Shuangqiaoshan Group, and continental volcanic rocks of the Jurassic Erhuling Group and dacitic subvolcanic rocks. The ore bodies mainly consist of veinlets of sulfide minerals and sulfide‐disseminated rocks, which are divided into Cu‐Au and Pb‐Zn‐Ag ore bodies. The Cu‐Au ore bodies occur in the area close to a dacite porphyry stock (No. 3 stock), whereas Pb‐Zn‐Ag bodies occur in areas distal from the No. 3 stock. Muscovite is the main alteration mineral associated with the Cu‐Au ore bodies, and muscovite and chlorite are associated with the Pb‐Zn‐Ag ores. A zircon sensitive high‐resolution ion microprobe U‐Pb age from the No. 3 dacite stock suggests it was emplaced in Early Jurassic. Three ⁴⁰Ar‐³⁹Ar incremental‐heating mineral ages from muscovite, which are related to Cu‐Au and Pb‐Zn‐Ag mineralization, yielded 179–175 Ma. These muscovite ages indicate that Cu‐Au mineralization occurred at 178.2±1.4 Ma (2σ), and Pb‐Zn‐Ag mineralization at 175.4±1.2 Ma (2σ) and 175.3±1.1 Ma (2σ), which supports a restricted period for the mineralization. The Early Jurassic ages for the mineralization at Yinshan are similar to that of the porphyry Cu mineralization at Dexing in Jiangnan tectonic belt, and suggest that the polymetallic mineralization occurred in a regional transcompressional tectonic regime.     

Geology and Metal Contents of the Ruttan volcanogenic massive sulfide deposit, northern Manitoba, Canada

The Paleoproterozoic Ruttan Cu–Zn volcanogenic massive-sulfide (VMS) deposit is a large, relatively low grade, bimodal-siliciclastic type deposit in the Rusty Lake volcanic belt of northern Manitoba. The deposit contained over 82.8 million tonnes of massive sulfide, of which 55.7 million tonnes were mined from 1973 to 2002. The deposit consists of a series of moderately to steeply dipping, south-facing lenses that extend along strike at the surface for 1.1 km and to a depth of 1.0 km. These lenses occur within a steeply dipping, bimodal volcanic, volcaniclastic and siliciclastic sequence. In the immediate mine area, transitional calc-alkalic to high-silica (tholeiitic), felsic, and intermediate volcanic/volcaniclastic rocks of the Mine Sequence are host to, and intercalated with, the massive-sulfide lenses. Transitional tholeiitic to calc-alkalic basalt and andesite are present in the footwall sequence, approximately 500 m down-section from the ore horizon. The overlying rocks are predominantly fine-grained volcaniclastics and siliciclastics, but include polyfragmental agglomerate that contains mafic bombs and scoriaceous felsic fragments. Syn-depositional felsic and mafic dikes, sills, and apophyses are ubiquitous throughout the Mine Sequence, including the ore lenses, indicating continued, near-vent magmatism, and volcanism during ore formation. Fabrics in altered hostrocks have consistent, down-plunge stretching lineations to the SSE that suggest the deposit has been elongated by a factor of ~1.2–1.5; otherwise, the deposit is remarkably undeformed. Syn- and post-depositional faults in the mine area have relatively minor displacements up to tens of meters. Proximal (within 200 m) footwall rocks exhibit moderate to strong chloritization, characterized by the upper greenschist to lower amphibolite facies assemblages that include cordierite–almandine–andalusite–sillimanite–biotite ± staurolite ± anthophyllite ± talc, and local silicification. The proximal hanging wall rocks are characterized by sericite ± gahnite alteration, which is restricted to within approximately 75 m of the uppermost lenses. Additional gangue minerals are anhydrite and carbonate minerals (siderite, dolomite, ankerite, and calcite), as well as chlorite, sericite, biotite, talc, and quartz. Carbonate (excluding siderite), potassium feldspar, silicification and epidotization are common distal alteration zones in the footwall to the Mine Sequence several kilometers to the northeast. There are three principal groups of massive sulfide lenses; the East lenses, the West lenses, and the Western Anomaly lenses to the far west. In general, Cu is relatively enriched at the stratigraphic base and in the center of the deposit, whereas Zn is enriched upsection and at the outer margins. Some of the Zn-rich ore exhibits primary mineralogical layering. Parts of the West and Western Anomaly lenses show two layers with Cu-rich bases and Zn-rich tops. The massive sulfide is typically 10–40-m thick; one area along the margin of the main lenses is over 130-m thick and may represent deposition adjacent to a syn-depositional fault. The main sulfide phases are pyrite, pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, and galena, with tetrahedrite as the most abundant trace phase. Gahnite is ubiquitous in the chlorite-rich assemblages adjacent to the ore lenses. The average base, precious and trace metal contents estimated from Cu and Zn concentrates, and from millhead grades and recoveries. Metals easily transported as chloride and bisulfide complexes in hydrothermal fluids including: Pb, Ag, In, Cu, Cd, Au, and Zn are enriched by 1.5–2.5 orders of magnitude in comparison to the bulk continental crust. Other elements such as Sn, Mo, and As are at near-crustal concentrations, whereas Mn, Ga, and Co are significantly depleted in comparison to the crust. Calculated metal concentrations in the average hydrothermal fluid based on the average metal contents are comparable to, or higher than those measured at sediment covered ridge hydrothermal systems, which precipitate much of their metal budget in the subsurface. Average rare earth element contents for the sulfide are light rare earth element enriched (La_N/Yb_N=22) and range from 0.45 to 0.02x chondritic values, with a moderate negative Eu anomaly (Eu*=0.51). Metal and trace element contents in the Ruttan exhalite horizon, and in proximal (within 1–2 km) exhalites along strike from the 0.6 million tonne Dar-2 Cu–Zn deposit 12 km south of Ruttan, have positive Eu anomalies, whereas negative Eu anomalies are present at distance. The positive Eu anomalies reflect high temperature paleoseafloor hydrothermal venting and precipitation of Eu²⁺-enriched clays and possibly carbonates, and indicate proximity to base-metal deposits. Silver and lead are also enriched in the exhalites near the deposits, whereas Mn is enriched at ~1–3 km along strike, but not consistently. Editorial handling: B. Gemmel An erratum to this article is available at .     

大兴安岭中段二叠系地球化学特征及其成矿意义

二叠纪海相火山沉积岩系是大兴安岭中段出露的主要基底地层，是铜多金属矿床的主要赋矿围岩，其中成矿元素Ｃｕ、Ｐｂ、Ｚｎ、Ａｇ、Ｓｎ均具有较高的丰度值，是形成矿床的重要物质来源，而不同矿床类型的时、空分布与早二叠世古构造沉积环境密切相关     

The Xitieshan volcanic sediment-hosted massive sulfide deposit,North Qaidam,China: Geology,structural deformation and geochronology

The Xitieshan deposit (~ 64 Mt at 4.86% Zn, 4.16% Pb, 58 g/t Ag, and 0.68 g/t Au) is hosted by the Middle to Late Ordovician Tanjianshan Group of the North Qaidam tectonic metallogenic belt, NW China. This belt is characterized by island arc volcanic, ultra-high pressure (UHP) metamorphic and ophiolitic rocks. The Tanjianshan Group constitutes a succession of metamorphosed bimodal volcanic and sedimentary rocks, which are interpreted to have formed on the margin of a back-arc ocean basin between the Qaidam block and the Qilian block.Four stratigraphic units are identified within the Ordovician Tanjianshan Group. From northeast to southwest they are: 1) unit a, or the lower volcanic-sedimentary rocks, comprising bimodal volcanic rocks (unit a-1) and sedimentary rocks (unit a-2) ranging from carbonates to black carbonaceous schist; 2) unit b, or intermediate-mafic volcaniclastic rocks, characterized by intermediate to mafic volcaniclastic rocks intercalated with lamellar carbonaceous schist and minor marble lenses; 3) unit c, a purplish red sandy conglomerate that unconformably overlies unit b, representing the product of the foreland basin sedimentation during the Early Silurian; 4) unit d, or mafic volcanic rocks, from base to up, comprising the lower mafic volcaniclastic rocks (unit d-1), middle clastic sedimentary rocks (unit d-2), upper mafic volcaniclastic rocks (unit d-3), and uppermost mafic volcanic rocks (unit d-4). Unit a-2 hosts most of the massive sulfides whereas unit b contains subordinate amounts.The massive stratiform lenses constitute most of the Xitieshan deposit with significant amount of semi-massive and irregularly-shaped sulfides and minor amounts in stringer veins. Pyrite, galena and sphalerite are the dominant sulfide minerals, with subordinate pyrrhotite and chalcopyrite. Quartz is a dominant gangue mineral. Sericite, quartz, chlorite, and carbonate alteration of host rocks accompanies the mineralization.U-Pb zircon geochronology yields three ages of 454 Ma, 452 Ma and 451 Ma for the footwall felsic volcanic rocks in unit a-1, sedimentary host rocks in unit a-2 and hanging-wall unit b, respectively. The Xitieshan deposit is considered to be coeval with the sedimentation of unit a-2 and unit b of the Tanjianshan Group. The Xitieshan deposit has been intensely deformed during two phases (main ductile shear and minor ductile-brittle deformation). The main ductile shear deformation controls the general strike of the ore zones, whereas minor deformation controls the internal geometry of the ore bodies. ⁴⁰Ar-³⁹Ar age of muscovite from mylonitized granitic gneisses in the ductile shear zone is ~ 399 Ma, which is interpreted to date the Xitieshan ductile shear zone, suggesting that Early Devonian metamorphism and deformation post-dated the Tanjianshan Group.The Xitieshan deposit has many features similar to that of the Bathurst district of Canada, the Iberian Pyrite Belt of Spain, the Wolverine volcanogenic massive sulfide deposit in Canada. Based on its tectonic setting, host-rock types, local geologic setting, metal grades, geochronology, temperatures and salinities of mineralizing fluid and source of sulfur, the Xitieshan deposit has features similar to sedimentary exhalative (SEDEX) and VMS deposits and is similar to volcanic and sediment-hosted massive sulfide (VSHMS) deposits.     

Physical and chemical characteristics of the host rocks in controlling the mineralization of the Chinkuashih high-sulfidation gold–copper deposits,northeastern Taiwan

Epithermal high-sulfidation gold–copper deposits at the Chinkuashih area in northeastern Taiwan occur both within Pleistocene andesite and Miocene sedimentary rocks. Spatially associated Penshan and Shumei deposits of a major gold–copper vein, the “Main Vein”, were both mineralized along an extended normal fault zone. These deposits appear to have formed from the same original hydrothermal fluids, but in different host rock types. However, the results of trace element analyses indicate that the andesite-hosted Penshan deposit has distinctly higher ore-metal and lower LREE contents than the sediment-hosted Shumei deposit. The development of higher grade ore at Penshan deposit resulted from the presence of ferrous Fe-rich minerals in andesite that caused the deposition of a larger amount of pyrite and gold during the sulfidation–reduction reactions of acidic fluid with host rocks. Moreover, the porous–permeable silicic alteration facies of the Penshan deposit provided conduits for the circulation of ore-metal bearing fluids and the trapping of metal-bearing magmatic volatile to precipitate ore minerals. On the other hand, the higher LREE contents of the Shumei open pit reflect the low pH and abundance of mainly SO₄^2? ion in the hydrothermal fluid perhaps because sedimentary host rocks were not able to neutralize and to reduce the acidic fluid effectively through the reactions of fluid and host rocks. Moreover, the Fe-poor host rocks have lower capacity to consume H₂S and precipitate pyrite and gold. In addition, the circulation of ore-metal bearing fluids and trapping of metal-bearing magmatic volatile to precipitate ore minerals could be handicapped by the low permeability and porosity of the silicified sedimentary rocks. It is apparent from these observations that physical and chemical characteristics of host rocks are important factors in controlling the ore grade of the Chinkuashih high-sulfidation gold–copper deposits.     

海底热液成矿作用

根据近二三十年海底地质考察结果,海底热液成矿作用非常普遍,可以形成铜、铅、锌、金、银、铁、硫、重晶石、萤石、锑、汞和硼等海底热液矿床.按容矿岩石不同,可分为与火山岩系有关的及与沉积岩有关的两大类矿床类型.     

Zun-Ospa Gold Deposit,Eastern Sayan: Geology,Ore Composition,and Genesis

The paper discusses the geology of Zun-Ospa gold deposit, which is situated near the Ospino ophiolitic nappe in the southeastern part of the Eastern Sayan, and the ore composition therein. The deposit is related to the tectonic mélange zone and is characterized by distinct structural control. Three consecutive mineral assemblages formed within a temperature range of 380°–170°C: (i) native gold–quartz–pyrite, (ii) gold–quartz–polysulfide, and (iii) silver–sulfosalt. The ore was deposited from low-concentration (5.2–14.2 wt % NaCl equiv.) solutions without CO₂, with the predominance of Mg and Fe chlorides and an admixture of Na and K chlorides. The major ore minerals are pyrite, chalcopyrite, galena, and sphalerite; identified subordinate minerals are pyrrhotite, pentlandite, heazlewoodite, fahlore (tennantite, freibergite), Ni and Ag sulfosalts (ullmannite, miargyrite, polybasite, stephanite), Ag sulfides (mckinstryite, argentite); Au minerals are represented by electrum, kuestelite, and native gold of medium to low fineness. The geological, mineralogical, geochemical, and isotopic characteristics of ore indicate a metamorphic–hydrothermal genesis of mineralization related to the formation of a mélange zone in the duplex strike-slip structure. The sources of ore components are host rock complexes that have been subjected to tectonic deformations, among which rocks of an ophiolitic association predominate, along with fragments of initial hydrothermal–sedimentary ore, granitic, terrigenous, and carbonate rocks. The Late Paleozoic (352 Ma) age of mineralization corresponds to the stage of postcollision shear deformations within the entire Central Asian Foldbelt.     

The Alshar epithermal Au-As-Sb-Tl deposit, southern Macedonia

The results of tectono-metallogenic, geological-structural, mineralogical, isotopic, and thermobarogeochemical studies at the Alshar deposit and in the adjacent area are discussed. The data obtained show that the gold mineralization at the deposit is similar to that observed at the Carlin-type deposits in the western United States. Similar characteristics include the Au-As-Sb-Tl-Hg geochemical assemblage; low Pb, Zn, Cu, and Ag contents in ore; widespread jasperoid and argillic metasomatic alterations of host siliciclastic-carbonate sedimentary rocks; and the spatial relations to fault zones. At the same time, the Alshar deposit differs from the Carlin-type deposits by the following features: (1) Pliocene age of mineralization, (2) expansion of mineralization over younger volcanics, (3) a high Tl grade in ore, and (4) localization of the ore field in a long-lived central-type magmatic structure. The results obtained can be used as an exploration model.     

Lithogeochemistry of wainaleka Cu-Zn volcanogenic deposit, Viti Levu, Fiji, and possible applications for exploration in tropical terrains

A small Kuroko-type Cu-Zn deposit exhibiting metal zoning and alteration assemblages comparable with documented proximal volcanogenic deposits, occurs at the top of a felsic fragmental pile, mantling a large sodic rhyolite domal complex. The domal complex occurs within predominantly mafic to intermediate lavas and volcaniclastic rocks with low-potash island-arc tholeiitic affinities, representing the basal section of the early Tertiary (Eocene to middle Miocene) Wainimala Group near the southern coast of Viti Levu, Fiji.Lithogeochemical trends identified in analyses of rock chip samples from traverses across the domal complex reflect alteration zoning. Sodium, Ca and Sr are strongly depleted within the quartz-sericite foot-wall alteration zone (Zone I) 200 m below mineralization. Potassium, Rb and weaker Mn, Zn and Co depletion and Cu, Pb and Mg enrichment define clay-sericite (Zone II) and clay carbonate (Zone III) footwall alteration 600 to 1200 m below mineralization. Hanging-wall albite-chlorite-calcite-zeolite alteration (Zone IV) is accompanied by enhanced Zn, Pb, Co, Mn, Sr and Na values.Significant mine-scale lithogeochemical trends obtained from systematic sampling of a mineralized borehole section include K and Rb enrichment in the zone of strongest quartz-sericite alteration associated with mineralization and broad depletion of Mn, Na, Ca and Sr within altered footwall fragmental rocks. Minor Cu, Pb, Zn and Ag enrichment has accompanied low-grade propylitic alteration of hanging-wall rocks up to 50 m above mineralization. Analysis of weathered bedrock samples from traverses above the mineralized borehole section indicates that primary geochemical trends occur in the weathered zone. Outcropping gossan has strongly anomalous Cu (535 ppm-21.5%), Zn (3300 ppm-6.15%), Pb (420–8200 ppm), As (200–7000 ppm) and Hg (33–670 ppm) values.Application of lithogeochemistry as a follow-up exploration method in a tropical area such as Wainaleka was investigated as a possible replacement for ridge, spur and base-of-slope soil sampling techniques. Ridge-top auger samples and creek outcrop samples were collected at approximately 100 m intervals and a density of 70/km². Elements (including Cu, Pb, Zn, Mn, Rb, Sr, Na, K, Ca and Mg) were selected for analysis because of specific associations with mineralization and alteration, and low analytical costs. Single- and multi-element dispersions effectively outline mineralization and attendant alteration.     

铜山岭“层间矽卡岩型”多金属矿床成因探讨

铜山岭多金属矿床是一富银的铜铅锌矿床,过去一直将其归为接触交代型(即矽卡岩型)矿床,并按矿体产出形式划分为接触带矽卡岩型、外接触带层间矽卡岩型和石英硫化物脉型矿体。其中以层间矽卡岩型最为重要。本文讨论对象为外接触带层问矽卡岩型(及伴随的石英硫化物脉型)矿体,笔者认为它们不同于接触带矽卡岩型矿体,应属层控-热液再造成因型矿床。为方便起见,本文在叙述中仍沿用层间矽卡岩型之名称,并辅之以引号相区别。     

粤北晚古生代盆地压实流体的性状

盆地构造演化、流体系统、矿化作用是当代矿床学研究的新课题。盆地演化过程中,压实流体系统温度场、动力场和地球化学场可以通过地质研究和数字模拟来重塑。粤北晚古生代沉积盆地存在三种类型的矿化流体。大宝山型流体与岩浆热动力作用有关,形成海底火山热液沉积多金属矿床;凡口型流体与深部建造的循环热液有关,形成中低温海底热泉喷溢沉积铅锌银汞矿床;红岩型流体与盆地成岩压实水有关,形成低温单一黄铁矿矿床。粤北晚古生代盆地沉积物主要由透水性较好的粗碎屑物质和碳酸盐组成,沉积建造厚度较薄,数字模拟结果表明,盆地压实流体系统难以形成较高的地热储和流体势,不可能形成自身的突发喷溢。但在同生断裂作用引导下,流体在沉积层的特殊部位汇聚形成红岩型低温黄铁矿矿床。