Draa Sfar, Morocco: A Visean (331 Ma) pyrrhotite-rich, polymetallic volcanogenic massive sulphide deposit in a Hercynian sediment-dominant terrane

Draa Sfar is a Visean, stratabound, volcanogenic massive sulphide ore deposit hosted by a Hercynian carbonaceous, black shale-rich succession of the Jebilet terrane, Morocco. The ore deposit contains 10 Mt grading 5.3 wt.% Zn, 2 wt.% Pb, and 0.3 wt.% Cu within two main massive sulphides orebodies, Tazakourt (Zn-rich) and Sidi M'Barek (Zn–Cu rich). Pyrrhotite is by far the dominant sulphide (70 to 95% of total sulphides), sphalerite is fairly abundant, chalcopyrite and galena are accessory, pyrite, arsenopyrite and bismuth minerals are rare. Pyrrhotite is monoclinic and mineralogical criteria indicate that it is of primary origin and not formed during metamorphism. Its composition is very homogeneous, close to Fe₇S₈, and its absolute magnetic susceptibility is 2.10^− 3 SI/g. Ar–Ar dating of hydrothermal sericites from a coherent rhyolite flow or dome within the immediate deposit footwall indicates an age of 331.7 ± 7.9 Ma for the Draa Sfar deposit and rhyolite volcanism.The Draa Sfar deposit has undergone a low-grade regional metamorphic event that caused pervasive recrystallization, followed by a ductile–brittle deformation event that has locally imparted a mylonitic texture to the sulphides and, in part, is responsible for the elongated and sheet-like morphology of the sulphide orebodies. Lead isotope data fall into two compositional end-members. The least radiogenic end-member, (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.28), is characteristic of the Tazakourt orebody, whereas the more radiogenic end-member (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb  18.80) is associated with the Sidi M'Barek orebody, giving a mixing trend between the two end-members. Lead isotope compositions at Draa Sfar testify to a significant continental crust source for the base metals, but are different than those of the Hajar and South Iberian Pyrite Belt VMS deposits.The abundance of pyrrhotite versus pyrite in the orebodies is attributed to low fO₂ conditions and neither a high temperature nor a low aH₂S (below 10^− 3) is required. The highly anoxic conditions required to stabilize pyrrhotite over pyrite are consistent with formation of the deposit within a restricted, sediment-starved, anoxic basin characterized by the deposition of carbonaceous, pelagic sediments along the flank of a rhyolitic flow-dome complex that was buried by pelitic sediments. Deposition of sulphides likely occurred at and below the seafloor within anoxic and carbonaceous muds.Draa Sfar and other Moroccan volcanogenic massive sulphide deposits occur in an epicontinental volcanic domain within the outer zone of the Hercynian belt and formed within a sedimentary environment that has a high pelagic component. In spite of the diachronous emplacement between the IPB deposits (late Devonian to Visean) and Moroccan deposits (Dinantian), all were formed around 340 ± 10 Ma following a major phase of the Devonian compression.     

Age and depositional environment of the Draa Sfar massive sulfide deposit, Morocco

The Draa Sfar mineralization consists of two main stratabound orebodies, Sidi M’Barek and Tazacourt, located north and south of the Tensift River (“Oued Tessift”), respectively. Each orebody is comprised by at least two massive sulfide lenses. The hosting rocks are predominantly black shales, although minor rhyolitic rocks are also present in the footwall to the southern orebody. Shales, rhyolitic volcanic rocks, and massive sulfides are all included into the Sarhlef Series, which is recognized as one of the main stratigraphic units of the Moroccan Variscan Meseta. Hydrothermal activity related with an anomalous thermal gradient, together with a high sedimentation rate in a tectonically driven pull-apart marine basin, favored the accumulation of organic-rich mud in the deepest parts of the basin and the sedimentary environment suitable for massive sulfide deposition and preservation. This took place by replacement of the hosting unlithified wet mud below the sediment–water interface. Geochemical data suggest a sedimentary environment characterized by oxic water column and anoxic sediment pile with the redox boundary below the sediment–water interface. The low oxygen availability within the sediment pile inhibited oxidation and pyritization of pyrrhotite. Biostratigraphic analysis, based on the palynological content of the hosting black shales, restricts the age of the sulfides to the Asbian substage (mid-Mississippian). This age is consistent with earlier geochronological constraints.     

Zn–Pb–Cu volcanic-hosted massive sulphide deposits: criteria for distinguishing brine pool-type from black smoker-type sulphide deposition

Eight Zn–Pb–Cu massive sulphide deposits that appear to have formed on the sea floor (seven in Spain, one in Tasmania) are believed to have been precipitated in brine pools, based on the salinities and temperatures of fluid inclusions in underlying stockworks. Comparing the geological features of these deposits with those of the Zn–Pb–Cu massive sulphide ores of the Hokuroku Basin, Japan, which have formed as mounds from buoyant fluids of low salinity, shows that brine pool deposits have: (1) potentially very large size and tonnage, and high aspect ratio, (2) higher Zn/Cu and Fe/Cu values, (3) no evidence of chimneys, (4) relatively abundant framboidal pyrite and primary mineral banding, (5) reduced mineral assemblages (pyrite-arsenopyrite/pyrrhotite), and minor or rare barite in the massive sulphide, (6) associated stratiform and/or vein carbonates, (7) relatively unimportant zone refining, (8) lack of vertical variation in sphalerite and sulphur isotopic compositions, and (9) evidence of local bacterial sulphate reduction. Application of these criteria to the Rosebery deposit in Tasmania, for which there are no fluid inclusion data, leads to the conclusion that the southern section was deposited as separate lenses in a brine-filled basin or basins. Other potential candidates include Brunswick no. 12 and Heath Steele (Canada), Woodlawn and Captains Flat (New South Wales), Hercules and Que River (Tasmania), and Tharsis and the orebodies at Aljustrel (Spain and Portugal). Recently published fluid inclusion data for Gacun (China) and Mount Chalmers (Queensland) suggest that not all ores deposited from highly saline fluids have reduced mineral assemblages.     

Brine-pool deposition for the Zn–Pb–Cu massive sulphide deposits of the Bathurst mining camp, New Brunswick, Canada. II. Ocean anoxia during mineralisation

Current models of massive sulphide ore genesis in the Bathurst mining camp, New Brunswick, involve settling of sulphide particles from a stagnating, low-salinity hydrothermal plume spreading laterally in an anoxic ocean layer with minimal sulphate content. There is fragmentary evidence of ocean anoxia in the form of local fine lamination in the shales that host some of the deposits but the total organic carbon, S, Fe, U/Th, Ni/Co, V/Ni and V/Cr relationships indicate deposition under oxic or dysoxic conditions. Vanadium and Mn values range from oxic to anoxic and sulphate-reducing to non-sulphate reducing but Mn may be anomalously low due to derivation by erosion of acidic volcanic rocks. The somewhat equivocal physical and chemical data, combined with the likely disturbing effects of penecontemporaneous volcanism, considerably weaken the case for an anoxic bottom layer in a static ocean. The presence of barite with ambient seawater ³⁴S values in Brunswick no. 12 ore, and the abundance of sulphate in modern euxinic basin waters, make a sulphate-free layer unlikely, even if anoxic. Sulphate-bearing, low-salinity fluids mixing with seawater would lead to growth of barite-bearing chimneys and baritic rubble mounds, which are not observed. A model involving brine-pool deposition better explains the major features of the Bathurst ores.     

Brine pool deposition for the Zn–Pb–Cu massive sulphide deposits of the Bathurst mining camp, New Brunswick, Canada. I. Comparisons with the Iberian pyrite belt

The Ordovician Zn–Pb–Cu massive sulphide ore deposits of the Bathurst mining camp share many features with those of the Devonian/Carboniferous Iberian pyrite belt, particularly the tendency to large size (tonnage and metal content); shape, as far as can be determined after allowing for deformation; metal content, particularly Fe/Cu, Pb/Zn and Sn; mineral assemblages (pyrite + arsenopyrite ± pyrrhotite and lack or rarity of sulphates); sulphide textures (particularly framboidal pyrite); lack of chimney structures and rubble mounds; irregular metal or mineral zoning; and the low degree of zone refining compared to Hokuroku ores. The major differences between the provinces are the lack of vent complexes and the presence of Sn–Cu ores in the Iberian pyrite belt. There are also similarities in the geological setting of the two camps: both lie within continental terranes undergoing arc-continent and continent–continent collision, and in each case massive sulphide mineralisation followed ophiolite obduction; the ore deposits are associated with bimodal volcanic rocks derived from MORB and continental crust and marine shales; and mineralisation was locally accompanied or followed by deposition of iron formations.Fluid inclusion data from veins in stockworks from at least six of the Iberian massive sulphide deposits point to sulphide deposition having taken place in basins containing mostly spent saline, ore-forming fluids (brine pools), and it is suggested that most of the major features of the Bathurst deposits can be explained by similar processes. The proposed model is largely independent of ocean sulphate and O₂ content, whereas low values of each are requisites for the current, spreading-plume model of sulphide deposition in the Bathurst camp.     

Infrared spectral reflectance characterization of the hydrothermal alteration at the Tuwu Cu–Au deposit, Xinjiang, China

Short-wave infrared (SWIR) reflectance spectroscopy was used to characterize hydrothermal minerals and map alteration zones in the Tuwu Cu–Au deposit, Xinjiang, China. The Palaeozoic hydrothermal system at Tuwu is structurally controlled, developed in andesitic volcanic rocks and minor porphyries. Hydrothermal alteration is characterized by horizontally zoned development of quartz, sericite, chlorite, epidote, montmorillonite and kaolin about individual porphyry dykes and breccia zones, as is shown by changes outward from a core of quartz veining and silicification, through an inner zone of sericite + chlorite to a marginal zone of chlorite + epidote. The alteration system comprises several such zoning patterns. Silicification and sericitization are spatially associated with Cu–Au mineralization. Zoning is also shown by compositional variations such that Fe-rich chlorite and Al-rich sericite occur preferentially toward the core and the most intensely altered parts, whereas Mg-rich chlorite and relatively Al-poor sericite are present on the margin and the relatively weakly altered parts of the hydrothermal alteration system. The compositions of chlorite and sericite, therefore, can be potentially used as vectors to Cu–Au mineralization. Montmorillonite and kaolinite, of probable weathering origin, are located near the surface, forming an argillic blanket overlying Cu–Au mineralization. Sporadic montmorillonite is also present at depth in the hydrothermal alteration system, formed by descending groundwater. Presence of a well-developed kaolinite-bearing zone on the surface is an indication of possible underlying Cu–Au mineralization in this region. Epidote occurs widely in regional volcanic rocks, as well as in variably altered rocks on the margin of the hydrothermal mineralization system at Tuwu. The widespread occurrence of epidote in volcanic country rocks probably reflects a regional hydrothermal alteration event prior to the localized, porphyry intrusion-related hydrothermal process that led to the Cu–Au mineralization at Tuwu.     

辽宁红透山铜锌块状硫化物矿床的变质变形和成矿组分再活化

辽宁红透山铜-锌块状硫化物产在太古宙绿岩带中，矿床形成后经历了强烈的变形和变质，变质程度达高级角闪岩相。野外和显微镜研究表明，矿石在进变质过程中发生过强烈的机械再活化和重结晶，但各种进变质结构大部分已被变质峰期的全面重结晶所清除，目前保存着的结构主要是变质峰期和退变质过程的产物。退变质过程以黄铁矿变斑晶生长、矿石糜棱岩的形成、二次退火和化学再活化为特征。矿床中高度富集铜和金的矿石是韧性剪切形成的矿石糜棱岩受退变质流体叠加而成。磁黄铁矿主要是同生沉积后重结晶的产物，另有一部分由退变质热液形成，而黄铁矿变斑晶则有沉积一重结晶、磁黄铁矿退变质脱硫和热液叠加多种成因。世界各地块状硫化物矿床中的磁黄铁矿和黄铁矿各有三种成因类型。磁黄铁矿的类型有：同生沉积．变质重结晶、同生沉积黄铁矿变质和退变质热液充填或交代；黄铁矿的类型有：同生沉积-变质重结晶、磁黄铁矿退变质脱硫和退变质热液充填或交代。红透山矿区的退变质流体具有从早到晚氧逸度升高的趋势。     

Geology, mineralogy and stable isotope geochemistry of the Kabwe carbonate-hosted Pb–Zn deposit, Central Zambia

The carbonate-hosted Kabwe Pb–Zn deposit, Central Zambia, has produced at least 2.6 Mt of Zn and Pb metal as well as minor amounts of V, Cd, Ag and Cu. The deposit consists of four main epigenetic, pipe-like orebodies, structurally controlled along NE–SW faults. Sphalerite, galena, pyrite, minor chalcopyrite, and accessory Ge-sulphides of briartite and renierite constitute the primary ore mineral assemblage. Cores of massive sulphide orebodies are surrounded by oxide zones of silicate ore (willemite) and mineralized jasperoid that consists largely of quartz, willemite, cerussite, smithsonite, goethite and hematite, as well as numerous other secondary minerals, including vanadates, phosphates and carbonates of Zn, Pb, V and Cu.Galena, sphalerite and pyrite from the Pb–Zn rich massive orebodies have homogeneous, negative sulphur isotope ratios with mean δ³⁴S_CDT permil (‰) values of − 17.75 ± 0.28 (1σ), − 16.54 ± 0.0.27 and − 15.82 ± 0.25, respectively. The Zn-rich and Pb-poor No. 2 orebody shows slightly heavier ratios of − 11.70 ± 0.5‰ δ³⁴S for sphalerite and of − 11.91 ± 0.71‰ δ³⁴S for pyrite. The negative sulphur isotope ratios are considered to be typical of sedimentary sulphides produced through bacterial reduction of seawater sulphate and suggest a sedimentary source for the sulphur.Carbon and oxygen isotope ratios of the host dolomite have mean δ¹³C_PDB and δ¹⁸O_SMOW values of 2.89‰ and 27.68‰, respectively, which are typical of marine carbonates. The oxygen isotope ratios of dolomite correlate negatively to the SiO₂ content introduced during silicification of the host dolomite. The depletion in ¹⁸O in dolomite indicates high temperature fluid/rock interaction, involving a silica- and ¹⁸O-rich hydrothermal solution.Two types of secondary fluid inclusions in dolomite, both of which are thought to be related to ore deposition, indicate temperatures of ore deposition in the range of 257 to 385 and 98 to 178 °C, respectively. The high temperature fluid inclusions contain liquid + vapour + solid phases and have salinities of 15 to 31 eq. wt.% NaCl, whereas the low temperature inclusions consist of liquid + vapour with a salinity of 11.5 eq. wt.% NaCl.Fluid transport may have been caused by tectonic movements associated with the early stages of the Pan-African Lufilian orogeny, whereas ore deposition within favourable structures occurred due to changes in pressure, temperature and pH in the ore solution during metasomatic replacement of the host dolomite. The termination of the Kabwe orebodies at the Mine Club fault zone and observed deformation textures of the ore sulphides as well as analysis of joint structures in the host dolomite, indicate that ore emplacement occurred prior to the latest deformation phase of the Neoproterozoic Lufilian orogeny.     

Mineral assemblages of the Francisco I. Madero Zn–Cu–Pb–(Ag) deposit, Zacatecas, Mexico: Implications for ore deposit genesis

The Francisco I. Madero deposit, central Mexico, occurs in the Mesozoic Guerrero Terrane, which hosts many ore deposits, both Cretaceous (volcanogenic massive sulfides) and Tertiary (epithermal and skarn deposits). It is hosted by a 600 m-thick calcareous-pelitic unit, of Lower Cretaceous age, crosscut by porphyritic dikes that strike NW–SE. A thick felsic volcanic Tertiary sequence, consisting of andesites and rhyolitic ignimbrites, unconformably overlies the Cretaceous series. At the base, the mineralization consists of several mantos developed within calcareous beds. They are dominantly composed of sphalerite, pyrrhotite and pyrite with minor chalcopyrite, arsenopyrite and galena. At the top of the orebody, there are calcic skarns formed through prograde and retrograde stages. The resulting mineral assemblages are rich in manganoan hedenbergite (Hd_75–28Di_40–4Jh_40–20), andraditic garnets (Adr_100–62Grs_38–0), epidote (Ep_95–36Czo_60–5Pie_8–0), chamosite, calcite and quartz. The temperature of ore deposition, estimated by chlorite and arsenopyrite geothermometry, ranges from 243° to 277 °C and from 300° to 340 °C, respectively. The pressure estimated from sphalerite geobarometry averages 2.1 kbar. This value corresponds to a moderately deep skarn and agrees with the high Cu content of the deposit. Paragenesis, P–T conditions and geological characteristics are compatible with a distal, dike-related, Zn skarn deposit. Its style of mineralization is similar to that of many high-temperature carbonate replacement skarn deposits in the Southern Cordillera.     

河南内乡板厂铜多金属硫化物矿床地质特征及成因分析

板厂铜矿床位于东秦岭造山带内,区内出露地层主要为二郎坪群细碧岩类及秦岭群大理岩类。矿体地表呈带状分布,倾向上矿体呈层状、似层状、叠瓦状重复出现。矿体与围岩呈渐变过渡关系,矿层随含矿地层硅质岩展布而展布。对24种微量元素编制的配分图解中可以看出矿化层、矿化硅质岩、无矿化硅质岩、无矿化大理岩中的微量元素配分曲线有一定的相似性,同时发现矿化硅质岩中碳酸岩条带δ18 O结果为18.809‰～21.572‰,和海底喷流沉积δ18 O范围相近。通过研究分析,认为板厂铜多金属硫化物矿床成因为海底喷流沉积金属硫化物矿床。     

西藏厅宫斑岩铜矿床地质、蚀变及矿化特征研究

本文对西藏厅宫大型铜矿进行了详细研究,矿床详细的地质岩相学-蚀变以及典型剖面填图表明,矿区存在2个岩浆事件高峰,即始新世的钾长花岗岩(~50 Ma)和中新世的斑状二长花岗岩、英云闪长斑岩及闪长玢岩(约13~17 Ma)。野外和室内研究发现,厅宫矿区存在2期重要的矿化事件,即始新世(~50 Ma)铜矿化及中新世(~15Ma)的铜钼矿化。始新世含矿岩体为钾长花岗岩,其最主要的特点是其成矿岩体结构的特殊性,表现在该矿床的成矿岩体没有典型的斑状结构,而是独特的细晶-似伟晶结构,说明含矿岩浆发生过骤冷,可能是流体突然逃逸,矿物结晶的固相点发生漂移所致。同时,该岩体还发育大量显微文象结构、显微晶洞构造等,均说明岩浆曾经富水,并且曾经流体饱和;中新世含矿岩体为具有埃达克岩特征的斑状二长花岗岩,主要以脉状的铜、钼矿化为主。该矿床蚀变分带类似于冈底斯带其他斑岩矿床。时间上,分别为早期的钾硅酸盐化、转换阶段的青磐岩化、随后的绢英岩化及最晚期的泥化蚀变;空间上,以含矿岩体为中心向外依次为钾硅酸盐化、绢英岩化、青磐岩化,最晚期的泥化呈补丁状或条带状叠加早期各类蚀变。铜矿化主要发生在始新世的黑云母化阶段和中新世的绢英岩化阶段,而钼矿化主要发生在中新世的钾硅酸盐化和绢英岩化的转换阶段。     

西藏驱龙超大型斑岩铜矿床:地质、蚀变与成矿

驱龙超大型矿床是一个产于后碰撞伸展环境下、与大洋俯冲无关的新型斑岩铜矿。文章通过对驱龙铜矿床地质、蚀变与矿化的详细研究,建立了驱龙中新世岩浆演化序列,初步查明了岩浆浅成侵位的构造控制要素,厘定了主要的围岩蚀变类型及空间展布规律,查明了引起各期蚀变事件的地质记录及矿化的空间分布规律,并探讨了成矿物质沉淀的机制,初步建立了该矿床的成矿模型。研究表明,驱龙铜矿中新世斑岩是闪长质深部岩浆房不断演化的产物,花岗闪长岩中新发现的、结晶时间为22.2Ma左右的闪长质包体可近似代表深部岩浆房组分,依次产出的花岗闪长岩、呈岩株或岩枝产出的P斑岩、X斑岩及最晚期的闪长玢岩(15.7±0.2)Ma,均为深部岩浆房连续演化的产物,岩浆持续6Ma左右。岩浆演化过程中角闪石、斜长石不断的结晶分异,导致了岩石常量元素、稀土元素及微量元素组成的规律性变化,斑岩埃达克质的特征也因岩浆演化过程中角闪石等矿物的不断结晶分异而引起。X斑岩中锆石的Hf同位素特征表明,岩石可能形成于新生下地壳的部分熔融。大面积产出的花岗闪长岩为驱龙铜矿最主要的含矿围岩,容纳了驱龙矿床70%以上的矿体,主要由斜长石、钾长石和石英组成,具花岗结构-似斑状结构,近EW向产出,其浅成就位可能受背斜控制,其后的各期斑岩均沿该侵位中心上侵,而冈底斯地壳中新世的快速抬升与剥蚀是导致含矿斑岩浅成侵位的根本原因;矿区内的SN向裂隙带既不控岩,也不控矿。浅成侵位的斑岩及深部岩浆房均发生了流体出溶。发生了大量流体出溶的深部岩浆房,是矿区早期蚀变流体的主要来源,显微晶洞构造及单向固结结构(UST)是流体出溶的地质记录。蚀变主要有3种类型,分别为早期的钾硅酸盐化、青磐岩化以及晚期的长石分解。钾硅酸盐化可分为2个阶段,即蚀变矿物以次生钾长石为主的早期钾硅酸盐化和以次生黑云母为主的晚期钾硅酸盐化。青磐岩化因产出的岩石类型不同,蚀变矿物组合具有明显差异性:产于叶巴组地层中的青磐岩化相对较强,蚀变矿物以绿帘石为主;产于花岗闪长岩中的青磐岩化相对较弱,蚀变矿物以绿泥石为主。晚期长石分解蚀变以破坏长石类矿物为特征,蚀变矿物主要为绢云母-绿泥石-粘土等。石英和硬石膏贯穿于上述各种蚀变中。空间上,钾硅酸盐化位于斑岩体及其周围地区,青磐岩化位于钾硅酸岩化外侧。后期形成的长石分解蚀变强烈叠加了早期钾硅酸盐化,介于钾硅酸盐化带与青磐岩化带之间。与早期钾长石化有关的脉体主要为不规则石英-钾长石脉,与晚期黑云母化有关的脉体主要为不规则至板状的石英-硬石膏脉、黑云母脉,与青磐岩化有关的脉体主要为板状的绿帘石-石英脉,与晚期长石分解蚀变有关的脉体主要为板状黄铜矿-黄铁矿脉及黄铁矿脉;在早期钾硅酸盐蚀变与晚期长石分解蚀变转换阶段,发育一组板状的石英-硫化物脉。早期不规则的脉体形成于斑岩结晶早期、矿区裂隙小规模发育阶段;晚期的板状脉体形成于斑岩弱固结或固结之后、矿区大规模连通裂隙发育阶段。驱龙矿区的铜矿化分布较为均一,主体产于花岗闪长岩中,其中,铜矿化主体形成于黑云母化蚀变阶段,转变阶段及长石分解阶段也有大量铜的形成;钼主要形成于转换阶段,长石分解蚀变阶段也有产出。黑云母化阶段,铜的沉淀与角闪石黑云母化、斜长石钾长石化过程中Ca2 的大量释放有关;转换阶段,铜钼矿化可能与压力和(或)温度骤降有关;晚期铜矿化与长石矿化蚀变阶段,斜长石绿泥石化、黑云母绿帘石化过程中Ca2 及Fe2 的释放有关。     

Coeval potassic and sodic calc-alkaline series in the post-collisional Hercynian Tanncherfi intrusive complex, northeastern Morocco: geochemical, isotopic and geochronological evidence

The post-collisional late Hercynian Tanncherfi intrusive complex (TIC) is part of a widespread intrusive episode in the Moroccan Meseta. The complex contains a wide range of rock types, from monzogabbros to monzogranites. Two distinct magmatic series are recognized: (1) a potassic (shoshonitic) series consisting of monzogabbros, quartz monzonites and monzogranites; and (2) a sodic (granodioritic) series represented by quartz monzodiorites and granodiorites. All the Tanncherfi plutonic rocks display similar spider-diagram profiles, with LILE and LREE enrichment and Nb, Ta, Ti depletion, which are typical of subduction-related magmas. Combined major, trace element compositions and Sr, Nd isotopic results indicate that the two series have been derived from a LILE- and LREE-enriched continental lithospheric mantle source, under different partial melting and/or depth conditions. Intrusion of the Tanncherfi rocks was not temporally related to subduction and the enrichment of their source is likely to be linked to preceding subduction events. The two series evolved by fractional crystallization, of clinopyroxene, plagioclase, hornblende, biotite, K-feldspar and accessories (Fe–Ti oxide minerals, titanite, apatite and zircon) for the potassic series while the sodic series combined fractional crystallization with assimilation of felsic magmas with lower Sr isotopic ratio than the more mafic term of the series, the quartz monzodiorite. The intrusion of the potassic magmas (344±6 Ma) marks a major change in the tectonic regime of eastern Meseta. These magmas intruded during post-thickening uplift and extension, both probably favored by convective thinning of the lithosphere. This model provides a reasonable mechanism for the genesis of other Hercynian intrusive complexes in Morocco.     

Water management for acid mine drainage control at the polymetallic Zn–Pb–(Ag–Bi–Cu) deposit Cerro de Pasco, Peru

The geochemical and mineralogical study of the Quiulacocha tailings impoundment has shown that the hydrological connection of the three studied mine-waste systems at Cerro de Pasco (Pyrite-rich waste-rock dump Excelsior, old tailings impoundment Quiulacocha, and the active tailings impoundment Ocroyoc) is a critical concern for effective acid mine drainage (AMD) control and mine-waste management. The Quiulacocha tailings covered 114 ha, comprising 79 Mt of tailings, which contained  50 wt.% pyrite, and are located at 4340 m altitude in a tropical puna climate with about 1025 mm/a rainfall and 988 mm/a of evaporation. The tailings were partially overlain by the Excelsior waste-rock dump, which contains about 26,400,000 m³ of waste rocks that cover 94 ha and contained  60 wt.% of pyrite, which origin from a massive pyrite-quartz replacement body. Therefore, these two mine-waste deposits had a direct hydrological connection, resulting in the export of AMD produced at Excelsior towards Quiulacocha. In the Quiulacocha impoundment there are two different types of tailings recognized, that interact with the AMD from Excelsior: 1) Zn–Pb-rich tailings and 2) Cu–As-rich tailings. During the sampling, the Zn–Pb-rich part of Quiulacocha was not producing important excesses of AMD from the oxidation zone, since the pH increased to near neutral values at 1 m depth. The underlying tailings were still able to neutralize the acidity produced in the oxidation zone through sulfide oxidation by the carbonates (mainly dolomite and siderite) contained in the Zn–Pb mineral assemblage. The main source of AMD in this mine-waste system is the Excelsior waste-rock dump. Its acid seepage infiltrates into Quiulacocha forming a Fe–Zn–Pb plume with a pH 5.5–6.1 and containing up to 7440 mg/L Fe, 627 mg/L Zn, and 1.22 mg/L Pb. The plume was detected at 10–13 m depth in the stratigraphy of Quiulacocha tailings. Additionally, the AMD seepage outcropping at the base of the Excelsior waste-rock dump was channeled on the tailings surface into the Quiulacocha pond (pH 2.3), which covered the Cu–As-rich tailings. Infiltration of this Fe(III)-rich AMD increased tailings oxidation in the southwestern part of the impoundment, and subsequently liberated arsenic by enargite oxidation. Additionally, the AMD collected in the Quiulacocha pond was pumped into the active Ocroyoc tailings impoundment, where sulfide oxidation was strongly enhanced by the input of dissolved Fe(III). Therefore, the AMD management and a hydrological separation of the different mine-waste systems could be a first step to prevent further extension of the AMD problem in order to prevent increased sulfide oxidation by Fe(III)-rich solutions.     

西藏铁格隆南超大型铜(金、银)矿床地质、蚀变与矿化

铁格隆南是班公湖-怒江成矿带西段重要的斑岩-浅成低温热液铜(金、银)矿床,也是西藏地区首个铜资源量超过1000万吨的超大型铜(金、银)矿床,其蚀变与矿化结构的精细解剖,对完善区域成矿理论和指导找矿实践有重要的指导意义。文章基于详细的野外地质调查、钻孔编录和镜下鉴定,识别出铁格隆南矿床具有斑岩和浅成低温热液叠加成矿作用特征。其中,斑岩成矿作用主要位于矿床深部及外围,以细脉状、脉状、浸染状黄铁矿、黄铜矿、斑铜矿及少量辉钼矿等为主,蚀变为钾硅化、青磐岩化、黄铁绢英岩化,发育A、B、D型脉体。浅成低温热液成矿作用主要产于矿床中-浅部,叠加于斑岩成矿作用之上,以浸染状-脉状黄铁矿、硫砷铜矿、斑铜矿、铜蓝、蓝辉铜矿、斯硫铜矿、雅硫铜矿、久辉铜矿等Cu-S体系矿物为特征,蚀变为高级泥化,广泛发育N脉(即高岭石或明矾石-硫化物脉)。蚀变、矿化特征及脉体穿切关系揭示,矿床成岩成矿作用可细分为岩浆期(Ⅰ)、岩浆-热液期(Ⅱ)和表生期(Ⅲ)。成岩成矿年代学结果揭示,矿区内闪长玢岩侵位时代较早(123 Ma),代表岩浆活动上限;花岗闪长斑岩(122～120 Ma)是主要的含矿斑岩,与成矿作用关系最为密切;火山岩覆盖于地表,喷发时代较晚(111 Ma),代表成矿后岩浆活动的产物。钾硅化的黑云母和黄铁绢英岩化的绢云母40Ar-39Ar年龄分别(121.1±0.5) Ma、(120.8±0.9)Ma与斑岩成矿作用的辉钼矿Re-Os年龄((121.2±1.2) Ma)一致,而高级泥化的明矾石40Ar-39Ar年龄为(117.9±1.6)Ma与浅成低温热液矿化的黄铁矿Rb-Sr年龄((117.5±1.8)Ma)一致。所以,依据时空关系,铁格隆南超大型矿床成矿作用可细分为岩浆热液成矿作用(123～119 Ma)、浅成低温热液成矿作用(118～117 Ma)和火山岩覆盖保存(111～110 Ma)3个阶段。     

辽宁红透山块状硫化物矿床高级变质下盘蚀变带研究

辽宁红透山块状硫化物矿床(MSD)位于华北地台东北部的浑北花岗岩-绿岩地体内,矿区岩石受到了高级角闪岩相变质.我们的研究表明,广泛分布于红透山层状矿体下盘数百米处的和直接产于矿体下盘的堇青-直闪片麻岩(COG),分别代表了经历过变质的MSD成矿系统的半整合状和筒状海底热液蚀变带.元素地球特征显示,层状COG并非同一种岩石,而是由五种不同岩性的岩石组成,筒状COG的原岩主要由流纹质岩石组成,而在走向上与COG过渡的角闪片麻岩和黑云片麻岩则代表了各种岩性蚀变岩变质后的未蚀变原岩.相对于未蚀变原岩而言,层状COG具富Fe、Mg,贫Na、K、Ca、Rb、Sr和Ba的特征;筒状COG则富Fe、Mg、Si,贫K、Rb、Sr和Ba.蚀变带内Fe、Mg的增加,K的强烈丢失表明,蚀变带在变质前应以绿泥石化为特征.     

新疆白杨河铀铍矿床围岩蚀变及其地球化学特征

文章阐述了新疆白杨河铀铍矿床的近矿围岩蚀变特征,指出与矿化关系密切的围岩蚀变主要是赤铁矿化和萤石化。矿床岩石地球化学分析结果表明,靠近矿化中心带蚀变岩石的SiO2含量降低,而CaO、MgO的含量升高;Pb、Mo和Sb等元素含量与铀矿化具有正相关性,是该矿床铀富集的良好指示性标志。     

河南熊耳山干树金矿成矿作用与围岩蚀变特征

干树金矿是河南熊耳山矿集区内的构造蚀变岩型金矿,矿区的金矿体主要赋存在构造蚀变岩带内,且与多阶段的热液活动密切相关。深源的含金成矿流体沿深大断裂向上运移,在温度、压力控制下,在构造的有利部位与围岩发生交代作用,形成多种围岩蚀变和金矿化。其中,硅化、绢云母化、黄铁绢英岩化、钾化与金矿化关系密切;围岩蚀变具有水平分带和垂直分带特征:从中心向两侧,蚀变依次为黄铁绢英岩化→石英绢云母化→钾化→绢云母化→绿泥石化,金品位呈逐步降低的分布规律;从地表向深部,则出现蚀变为褐铁矿化-高岭土化-硅化-碳酸盐化-绢云母化-钾化-黄铁矿化-黄铁绢云岩化,金品位呈由低转高的变化趋势。     

Metavolcanic host rocks,mineralization, and gossans of the Shaib al Tair and Rabathan volcanogenic massive sulphide deposits of the Wadi Bidah Mineral District,Saudi Arabia

The Wadi Bidah Mineral District of Saudi Arabia contains more than 16 small outcropping stratabound volcanogenic Cu–Zn–(Pb) ± Au-bearing massive sulphide deposits and associated zones of hydrothermal alteration. Here, we use major and trace element analyses of massive sulphides, gossans, and hydrothermally altered and least altered metamorphosed host rock (schist) from two of the deposits (Shaib al Tair and Rabathan) to interpret the geochemical and petrological evolution of the host rocks and gossanization of the mineralization. Tectonic interpretations utilize high-field-strength elements, including the rare earth elements (REE), because they are relatively immobile during hydrothermal alteration, low-grade metamorphism, and supergene weathering and therefore are useful in constraining the source, composition, and physicochemical parameters of the primary igneous rocks, the mineralizing hydrothermal fluid and subsequent supergene weathering processes. Positive Eu anomalies in some of the massive sulphide samples are consistent with a high temperature (>250°C) hydrothermal origin, consistent with the Cu contents (up to 2 wt.%) of the massive sulphides. The REE profiles of the gossans are topologically similar to nearby hydrothermally altered felsic schists (light REE (LREE)-enriched to concave-up REE profiles, with or without positive Eu anomalies) suggesting that the REE experienced little fractionation during metamorphism or supergene weathering. Hydrothermally altered rocks (now schists) close to the massive sulphide deposits have high base metals and Ba contents and have concave-up REE patterns, in contrast to the least altered host rocks, consistent with greater mobility of the middle REE compared to the light and heavy REE during hydrothermal alteration. The gossans are interpreted to represent relict massive sulphides that have undergone supergene weathering; ‘chert’ beds within these massive sulphide deposits may be leached wall-rock gossans that experienced silicification and Pb–Ba–Fe enrichment from acidic groundwaters generated during gossan formation.