Rare Earth Element Behaviour in the Wunugetushan Copper – Molybdenum Deposit,Inner Mongolia,and Its Implications1

Abstract Considering porphyry and wall rocks as a whole system, the behaviour of rare earth elements (REE) in hydro thermal alteration and mineralization of the exceedingly large Wunugetushan porphyry Cu-Mo deposit of Inner Mongolia has been studied. It has been found for the first time that there exists complementary REE variation in hydrothermal alteration between porphyry and wall rocks, and Eu depletion has certain significance in indicating mineralization. Based on an analysis of the variation in REE contents of relevant minerals during the hydrothermal alteration, the ore-forming fluids are inferred to be depleted in ∑REE, comparatively enriched in ∑Y and strongly depleted in Eu. In the intermediate-strong alteration zones, porphyry and wall rock took part in hydrothermal metasomatism and alteration almost in equal ratio mass. Furthermore, studies of REE and hydrogen and oxygen isotopes and fluid inclusions confirm the existence of hydrothermal convection and the possibility of supplying part of ore materials by the wall rock and indicate that the application of REE geochemistry in mineral prospecting is promising.