Metallogenesis and geodynamics of the Lachlan Orogen: New (and old) insights from spatial and temporal variations in lead isotopes

Analysis of the distribution patterns of Pb isotope data from mineralised samples using the plumbotectonic model of Carr et al. (1995), which invokes mixing between crustal and mantle reservoirs, indicates systematic spatial patterns that reflect major metallogenic and tectonic boundaries in the Paleozoic Lachlan and Delamerian orogens in New South Wales and Victoria, Australia. This distribution pattern accurately maps the boundary between the Central and Eastern Lachlan subprovinces. The Central Lachlan Subprovince is characterised by Pb isotope characteristics with a strong crustal signature, whereas the Eastern Lachlan Subprovince is characterised by variable crustal and mantle signatures. The Macquarie Volcanic Province is dominated by Pb with a mantle signature: known porphyry Cu–Au and high sulphidation epithermal Au–Cu deposits in the province are associated with a zone characterised by the strongest mantle signatures. In contrast, granite-related Sn deposits in the Central Lachlan Subprovince are characterised by the strongest crustal signatures. The Pb isotope patterns are broadly similar to Nd isotope model age patterns derived from felsic magmatic rocks, although a lower density of Nd isotope data locations makes direct comparison difficult.The two reservoirs identified by Carr et al. (1995) do not appear to be isotopically linked: the crustal source was not formed via extraction from the mantle source. Rather, the two reservoirs formed separately. The mantle reservoir may have been sourced from a subducting proto-Pacific plate, whereas the crustal reservoir is most likely to be extended Australian crust. The data allow the possibility that the proto-Pacific mantle source was isotopically linked to the western Tasmanian crustal source.Comparison of Pb isotope data from the Girilambone district, Central Lachlan Subprovince, (e.g., Tritton and Avoca Tank Cu deposits) with those from the Cobar Cu–Au–Zn–Pb district, Eastern Lachlan Subprovince, in north central New South Wales indicates a less radiogenic signature, and probably older age, for deposits in the Girilambone district. Hence, a syngenetic volcanic-associated massive sulphide origin for these deposits is preferred over a syn-tectonic origin. The data are also consistent with formation of the Girilambone deposits in a back-arc basin inboard from the earliest phase of the Macquarie Volcanic Province.