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.     

The nature and genesis of marginal Cu–PGE–Au sulphide mineralisation in Paleogene Macrodykes of the Kangerlussuaq region, East Greenland

The Kangerlussuaq region of East Greenland hosts a variety of early Tertiary extrusive and intrusive igneous rocks related to continental break up and the passage of the ancestral Iceland plume. These intrusive bodies include a number of gabbroic macrodykes, two of which—the Miki Fjord Macrodyke, and the newly discovered Togeda Macrodyke—contain Cu–PGE–Au sulphide mineralisation along their margins. Sulphides occur as disseminated interstitial blebs and rounded globules of chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite with some Fe–Ti oxides and platinum-group minerals, comprising largely Pd bismuthides and tellurides. The globules are interpreted to have formed from fractionation of trapped droplets of an immiscible Cu- and Pd-rich sulphide melt and show geopetal indicators. Sulphur isotopes imply a local crustal source of S in these from pyritic sediments of the Kangerlussuaq Basin. Thus, generation of these sulphide occurrences was controlled by local country rock type. Low Ni/Cu and Pt/Pd ratios, also present in the Platinova reefs in the Skaergaard Intrusion, indicate that early fractionation of olivine may have depleted the magma of Ni and suggest the likely presence of a large magma chamber at depth. Xenoliths of Ni-rich olivine cumulates in the Miki Fjord Macrodyke may have been sourced from such a body. The location of thus far unidentified conduit or feeder zones to the macrodykes beneath the present day surface may represent potential targets for more massive sulphide orebodies.     

Epigenetic Alteration of Cupreous Gold in the Au–Ag–Cu–Pd Exsolution Texture

Doklady Earth Sciences - The exsolution texture of the Au–Ag–Cu–Pt solid solution is represented by numerous lamellae of cupreous gold in the Ag–Au–Pd matrix. On...     

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

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

Different mineralization styles in a volcanic-hosted ore deposit: the fluid and isotopic signatures of the Mt Morgan Au–Cu deposit,Australia

Quantitative laser ablation (LA)-ICP-MS analyses of fluid inclusions, trace element chemistry of sulfides, stable isotope (S), and Pb isotopes have been used to discriminate the formation of two contrasting mineralization styles and to evaluate the origin of the Cu and Au at Mt Morgan.The Mt Morgan Au–Cu deposit is hosted by Devonian felsic volcanic rocks that have been intruded by multiple phases of the Mt Morgan Tonalite, a low-K, low-Al₂O₃ tonalite–trondhjemite–dacite (TTD) complex. An early, barren massive sulfide mineralization with stringer veins is conforming to VHMS sub-seafloor replacement processes, whereas the high-grade Au–Cu ore is associated with a later quartz–chalcopyrite–pyrite stockwork mineralization that is related to intrusive phases of the Tonalite complex. LA-ICP-MS fluid inclusion analyses reveal high As (avg. 8850 ppm) and Sb (avg. 140 ppm) for the Au–Cu mineralization and 5 to 10 times higher Cu concentration than in the fluids associated with the massive pyrite mineralization. Overall, the hydrothermal system of Mt Morgan is characterized by low average fluid salinities in both mineralization styles (45–80% seawater salinity) and temperatures of 210 to 270 °C estimated from fluid inclusions. Laser Raman Spectroscopic analysis indicates a consistent and uniform array of CO₂-bearing fluids. Comparison with active submarine hydrothermal vents shows an enrichment of the Mt Morgan fluids in base metals. Therefore, a seawater-dominated fluid is assumed for the barren massive sulfide mineralization, whereas magmatic volatile contributions are implied for the intrusive related mineralization. Condensation of magmatic vapor into a seawater-dominated environment explains the CO₂ occurrence, the low salinities, and the enriched base and precious metal fluid composition that is associated with the Au–Cu mineralization. The sulfur isotope signature of pyrite and chalcopyrite is composed of fractionated Devonian seawater and oxidized magmatic fluids or remobilized sulfur from existing sulfides. Pb isotopes indicate that Au and Cu originated from the Mt Morgan intrusions and a particular volcanic strata that shows elevated Cu background.     

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.     

Rhenium–osmium systematics of the Mount Isa copper orebody and the Eastern Creek Volcanics,Queensland, Australia: implications for ore genesis

The syn-tectonic breccia-hosted Mount Isa Cu deposit in northwest Queensland is the largest sediment-hosted Cu deposit in Australia. Whole-rock samples of chalcopyrite-rich Cu ore form an isochron with a Re–Os age of 1,372 ± 41 Ma. This age is more than 100 Ma younger than the previously accepted age of Cu ore formation, an Ar–Ar mineral age for biotite separated from the host rocks within the alteration envelope to the Cu orebody. This discrepancy cannot be unequivocally resolved due to a lack of other absolute geochronological constraints for Cu mineralisation or the deformation event associated with Cu emplacement. The 1,372 ± 41 Ma date may reflect (a) the time of Cu deposition, (b) the time of a hydrothermal event that reset the Re–Os signature of the Cu ore or (c) mixing of the Re–Os isotope systematics between the host rocks and Cu-bearing fluids. However, a range of published Ar–Ar and Rb–Sr dates for potassic alteration associated with Cu mineralisation also records an event between 1,350 and 1,400 Ma and these are consistent with the 1,372 Ma Re–Os age. The 1.8 Ga Eastern Creek Volcanics are a series of tholeiitic basalts with a primary magmatic Cu enrichment which occur adjacent to the Mount Isa Cu deposit. The whole-rock Os isotopic signature of the Eastern Creek Volcanics ranges from mantle-like values for the upper Pickwick Member, to more radiogenic/crustal values for the lower Cromwell Member. The Re–Os isotope signature of the Cu ores overlaps with those calculated for the two volcanic members at 1,372 Ma; hence, the Os isotope data are supportive of the concept that the Os in the Cu ores was sourced from the Eastern Creek Volcanics. By inference, it is therefore postulated that the Eastern Creek Volcanics are the source of Cu in the Mount Isa deposit, as both Os and Cu are readily transported by oxidised hydrothermal fluids, such as those that are thought to have formed the Cu orebody. The Pickwick Member yields a Re–Os isochron age of 1,833 ± 51 Ma, which is within error of previously reported age constraints. The initial ¹⁸⁷Os/¹⁸⁸Os isotopic ratio of 0.114 ± 0.067 (γOs = −0.7) is slightly subchondritic, and together with other trace element geochemical constraints, is consistent with a subcontinental lithospheric mantle source. The Pickwick Member records a minimum age of ca. 1.95 Ga for melt depletion in the subcontinental lithospheric mantle beneath the Mount Isa Inlier prior to the extraction of the magmas which formed the Eastern Creek Volcanics. This corresponds with the end of subduction-related magmatism along the eastern margin of the Northern Australian Craton, which included the Mount Isa Inlier.     

Tectonics and metallogeny of the Khakandzha ore district in the Okhotsk–Chukotka volcanic belt

The data on the structure, geodynamics, and metallogeny of the Khakandzha ore district in northwestern Okhotsk region are analyzed and the two main factors responsible for the localization of ore deposits are defined. The magmatic factor controls the confinement of the ore district to the tectono-magmatic structure of the central type (source of ore matter), which determines the concentric zoning patterns in the distribution of ore mineralization. The tectonic factor determines the confinement of the ore districts, deposits, and ore occurrences of the region to the meridional left-lateral shear structure, which controls the magma and fluid distribution. Local extension (transtension) in this structure against the background of general lateral compression (transpression) provided tectonic environments most favorable for ore accumulation.     

Geological characteristics and genesis of the Jurassic No. I porphyry Cu–Au deposit in the Xiongcun district,Gangdese porphyry copper belt,Tibet

The Xiongcun district, located in the western segment of the Gangdese porphyry copper belt (GPCB), hosts the only known Jurassic mineralization in the GPCB, Tibet, PRC. The No. I deposit in the Xiongcun district is related to the Middle Jurassic quartz diorite porphyry (167–161 Ma) and the mineralization was formed at ca. 161.5 ± 2.7 Ma. Ore-bearing Middle Jurassic quartz diorite porphyry emplaced into the Early Jurassic volcano-sedimentary rock sequences of the Xiongcun Formation. Veinlets and disseminated mineralization developed within the Middle Jurassic quartz diorite porphyry and the surrounding metamorphosed tuff, hosting a measured and indicated resource of 1.04 Mt copper, 143.31 t gold and 900.43 t silver with an average grade of 0.48% copper, 0.66 g/t gold, and 4.19 g/t silver. The mineralization can be assigned to four stages, including three main stages of hypogene mineralization and one epigenetic stage. The main alteration associated with mineralization is potassic. Seven mineralization-related hydrothermal veins have been recognized, including quartz–sulfide, biotite–sulfide, magnetite–sulfide, quartz–molybdenite–sulfide, chalcopyrite–pyrite–pyrrhotite, pyrite and polymetallic veins. The S and Pb isotopic compositions of the ore sulfides and the Re contents of the molybdenite suggest a mantle source for the ore-forming materials with minor contamination from the subducted sediments. Hydrogen and oxygen isotope compositions of quartz in the ores suggest that both magmatic and meteoric waters were involved in the ore-forming process. The ore-bearing porphyry (167–161 Ma) and ore-forming (161.5 ± 2.7 Ma) ages of the No. I deposit correspond to the time of northward subduction of Neo-Tethys oceanic slab. The geochemical data of the ore-bearing porphyry indicate that the No. I deposit formed in an intra-oceanic island arc setting and the ore-bearing porphyry originated from the partial melting of mantle with limited contribution of subducted sediments. The genesis of the ore-bearing porphyry and No. I deposit is interpreted as being related to northward intra-oceanic subduction of Neo-Tethys oceanic slab in the Middle Jurassic time (167–161 Ma).     

Geodynamic setting of the Zijinshan porphyry–epithermal Cu–Au–Mo–Ag ore system,SW Fujian Province,China: Constrains from the geochronology and geochemistry of the igneous rocks

Zijinshan is a large porphyry–epithermal Cu–Au–Mo–Ag ore system located in the Zijinshan mineral field (ZMF) of southwestern Fujian Province, China. Although it is commonly accepted that the early Cretaceous magmatism and the metallogenesis of the mineral field are closely related, the tectonic setting for the ore-forming event(s) has been controversial and regarded as either extensional or subduction-related. New U–Pb zircon geochronology, Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic systematics, and geochemical data presented here from granites and volcanic rocks in the mineral field help to clarify this uncertainty.LA–MC–ICP-MS U–Pb zircon analyses yield weighted mean ages of between ca. 165 and 157 for the monzogranite, ca. 112 Ma for granodiorite, and between ca. 111 and 102 Ma for nine samples of volcanic units in the study area. These dates, integrated with previous geochronological data, indicate that there were two magmatic events in the area during the Middle to Late Jurassic and the Early Cretaceous. Major and trace element geochemistry indicates that these rocks are high-K, calc-alkaline granites, are enriched in LREE and Th, U, Ta, Nd, Sm and Yb, and depleted in Ba, K, Sr, P, Ti and Y. These features are characteristic of volcanic-arc granites or active-continental margin granites. The Middle to Late Jurassic monzogranitic plutons in the region have initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of 0.7096 to 0.7173, εNd_T values of − 10.1 to − 7.6, ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb isotope ratios of 18.51–18.86, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb isotope ratios of 15.64–15.73, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb isotope ratios of 38.76–39.18. The Early Cretaceous granodiorite and volcanic rocks are distinctly different with initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of 0.7055–0.7116, εNd_T values of − 8 to 0.5, ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios ranging between 18.49 and 19.77, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios of 15.63–15.71, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios of 38.71–40.62. These characteristics suggest that the source for the Middle to Late Jurassic monzogranitic plutons is a partially melted Mesoproterozoic substrate, with a minor component from Paleozoic material, whereas the Early Cretaceous granodiorite and volcanic rocks may represent mixing of crustal and mantle-derived melts. It is therefore suggested that the Middle to Late Jurassic monzogranitic plutons, and the Early Cretaceous granodiorite and volcanic rocks in the ZMF are the result of an active continental-margin setting related to the subduction of the Paleo-Pacific Plate beneath the Eurasian continent. Given that the mineralization and the early Cretaceous granodiorite and volcanic rocks in the area are genetically related, the Zijinshan porphyry–epithermal ore system formed in the subduction-related tectonic setting.     

Inferred phase relations in part of the system Au–Ag–Te: an integrated analytical study of gold ore from the Golden Mile, Kalgoorlie, Australia

Summary Integrated X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, electron probe, and transmission electron microscopy studies have identified the rare contact assemblage calaverite–sylvanite–hessite in a sample of gold ore from the Golden Mile deposit, Kalgoorlie, Australia. The presence of coexisting calaverite–hessite at Kalgoorlie is a non-equilibrium assemblage whereby the stable hessite-bearing assemblage is hessite–sylvanite, which formed from the breakdown of the -phase or -phase below 120°C, stützite+-phase, or sylvanite+stützite+-phase, as predicted by Cabri (1965).     

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

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

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.     

Distribution characteristics and differential enrichment mechanism of rhenium in molybdenite in the Dexing copper ore fieldSCIEI北大核心CSCD

世界上绝大部分Re赋存在斑岩型矿床的辉钼矿之中,且分布极不均匀。在矿床-矿石-矿物颗粒等不同尺度上,Re含量均存在较大差异,但造成这些差异的因素目前尚不清楚。本文以德兴矿田中富家坞和铜厂二个矿床的辉钼矿为研究对象,在细致的矿相学研究的基础上,对其开展了EPMA、LA-ICP-MS和XRD分析,同时结合前人研究资料,详细探讨了Re在这两个矿床辉钼矿中的分布规律及差异性富集机制。结果显示:富家坞和铜厂均普遍发育两种形态的辉钼矿(细粒集合体型和粗粒片状型),Re在两种辉钼矿中的分布均极为不均,但细粒集合体型相对更富Re,而同一形态辉钼矿铜厂矿床则具有更高的Re含量;同一矿床中辉钼矿结晶越晚,往往越富集Re;个别辉钼矿可见扭结现象,且扭结部位的Re含量更低,暗示后期构造变形可能导致了Re的丢失;两个矿床高Re辉钼矿和低Re辉钼矿的结构均为2H多型,表明Re含量与辉钼矿晶体结构无关。结合前人资料,本文认为成矿流体性质(如温度、盐度等)是导致铜厂和富家坞辉钼矿Re含量差异的主要因素。     

Mixed messages in iron oxide–copper–gold systems of the Cloncurry district,Australia: insights from PIXE analysis of halogens and copper in fluid inclusions

Proterozoic rocks of the Cloncurry district in NW Queensland, Australia, are host to giant (tens to hundreds of square kilometers) hydrothermal systems that include (1) barren regional sodic–calcic alteration, (2) granite-hosted hydrothermal complexes with magmatic–hydrothermal transition features, and (3) iron oxide–copper–gold (IOCG) deposits. Fluid inclusion microthermometry and proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) show that IOCG deposits and the granite-hosted hydrothermal complexes contain abundant high temperature, ultrasaline, complex multisolid (type 1) inclusions that are less common in the regional sodic–calcic alteration. The latter is characterized by lower salinity three-phase halite-bearing (type 2) and two-phase (type 3) aqueous inclusions. Copper contents of the type 1 inclusions (>300 ppm) is higher than in type 2 and 3 inclusions (<300 ppm), and the highest copper concentrations (>1,000 ppm) are found both in the granite-hosted systems and in inclusions with Br/Cl ratios that are consistent with a magmatic source. The Br/Cl ratios of the inclusions with lower Cu contents are consistent with an evaporite-related origin. Wide ranges in salinity and homogenization temperatures for fluid inclusions in IOCG deposits and evidence for multiple fluid sources, as suggested by halogen ratios, indicate fluid mixing as an important process in IOCG genesis. The data support both leaching of Cu by voluminous nonmagmatic fluids from crustal rocks, as well as the direct exsolution of Cu-rich fluids from magmas. However, larger IOCG deposits may form from magmatic-derived fluids based on their higher Cu content.     

Heavy metal contamination of soils and waters in and around the Imcheon Au–Ag mine,Korea

The heavy metal contamination of soils and waters by metalliferous mining activities in an area of Korea was studied. In the study area of the Imcheon Au–Ag mine, soils and waters were sampled and analyzed using AAS for Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn. Analysis of HCO₃⁻, F⁻, NO₃⁻ and SO₄²⁻ in water samples was also undertaken by ion chromatography. Elevated concentrations of the metals were found in tailings. The maximum contents in the tailings were 9.4, 229, 6160 and 1640 mg/kg extracted by aqua regia and 1.35, 26.4, 70.3 and 410 mg/kg extracted by 0.1 N HCl solution for Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn, respectively. These metals are continuously dispersed downstream and downslope from the tailings by clastic movement through wind and water. Because of the existence of sulfides in the tailings, a water sample taken on the tailings site was very acidic with a pH of 2.2, with high total dissolved solids (TDS) of 1845 mg/l and electric conductivity (EC) of 3820 μS/cm. This sample also contained up to 0.27, 1.90, 2.80, 53.4, 4,700 mg/l of Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn and SO₄²⁻, respectively. TDS, EC and concentrations of metals in waters decreased with distance from the tailings. The total amount of pulverized limestone needed for neutralizing the acid tailings was estimated to be 46 metric tons, assuming its volume of 45,000 m³ and its bulk density of 1855 kg/m³.     

Low-Sulfide PGE ores in paleoproterozoic Monchegorsk pluton and massifs of its southern framing,Kola Peninsula,Russia: Geological characteristic and isotopic geochronological evidence of polychronous ore–magmatic systems

New U–Pb and Sm–Nd isotopic geochronological data are reported for rocks of the Monchegorsk pluton and massifs of its southern framing, which contain low-sulfide PGE ores. U–Pb zircon ages have been determined for orthopyroxenite (2506 ± 3 Ma) and mineralized norite (2503 ± 8 Ma) from critical units of Monchepluton at the Nyud-II deposit, metaplagioclasite (2496 ± 4 Ma) from PGE-bearing reef at the Vurechuaivench deposit, and host metagabbronorite (2504.3 ± 2.2. Ma); the latter is the youngest in Monchepluton. In the southern framing of Monchepluton, the following new datings are now available: U–Pb zircon ages of mineralized metanorite from the lower marginal zone (2504 ± 1 Ma) and metagabbro from the upper zone (2478 ± 20 Ma) of the South Sopcha PGE deposit, as well as metanorite from the Lake Moroshkovoe massif (2463.1 ± 2.7 Ma). The Sm–Nd isochron (rock-forming minerals, sulfides, whole-rock samples) age of orthopyroxenite from the Nyud-II deposit (2497 ± 36 Ma) is close to results obtained using the U–Pb method. The age of harzburgite from PGE-bearing 330 horizon reef of the Sopcha massif related to Monchepluton is 2451 ± 64 Ma at initial ε_Nd =–6.0. The latter value agrees with geological data indicating that this reef was formed due to the injection of an additional portion of high-temperature ultramafic magma, which experienced significant crustal contamination. The results of Sm–Nd isotopic geochronological study of ore-bearing metaplagioclasite from PGE reef of the Vurechuaivench deposit (2410 ± 58 Ma at ε_Nd =–2.4) provide evidence for the appreciable effect of metamorphic and hydrothermal metasomatic alterations on PGE ore formation. The Sm–Nd age of mineralized norite from the Nyud-II deposit is 1940 ± 32 Ma at initial ε_Nd =–7.8. This estimate reflects the influence of the Svecofennian metamorphism on the Monchepluton ore–magmatic system, which resulted in the rearrangement of the Sm–Nd system and its incomplete closure. Thus, the new isotopic geochronological data record the polychronous development of the Monchegorsk ore–magmatic systems and the massifs in its southern framing.     

Explosion breccias of the Vysokogorskoe tin–porphyry deposit: Genesis and role in ore formation (Kavalerovo ore district,Primorye)

Detailed geological observations and analytical studies make it possible to distinguish two groups of fluid-explosion breccias (FEB) in the Vysokogorskoe tin deposit of the Kavalerovo ore district. These breccias are assumed to be related to different stages of geological (geodynamic) evolution and played different roles in ore formation. The earlier breccias (79–69 Ma), which were altered by boron metasomatism and subsequent main tin mineralization, were most probably formed at the Cretaceous subduction stage. The later breccias (55–51 Ma) are syngenetic to the dacite (rhyolite) porphyry dikes of the Paleocene–Eocene transform stage. They were formed after precipitation of the majority of the cassiterite, but prior to the latest quartz–fluorite–carbonate stage of ore formation. According to the Sillitoe classification, the explosion breccias of the Vysokogorskoe deposit correspond to a magmatic–hydrothermal genetic type. They are characterized by multiple brecciation and intersection by small bodies of porphyritic rhyolites.