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The Xing-Meng Orogenic Belt is characterized by intense and widespread Mesozoic granitic magmatism related to large-scale W mineralization. Three periods of W-mineralized granitic magmatism can be ...

Weakly disseminated sulphide mineralization is present in the outcrops of several mafic–ultramafic intrusions in the Beishan region of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt in western China, but the pote...

The Dahongliutan rare-metal pegmatite deposit, associated with the pegmatite dikes hosted by Dahongliutan pluton and metasedimentary rocks, is a new discovered Li–Be deposit in the the West Kunlun ...

The Palaeozoic mafic-ultramafic complexes hosting Ni-Cu-Co mineralization occurred discontinuously and coexisted with early Palaeozoic eclogites in the East Kunlun orogenic belt (EKOB), western Chi...

The Okinawa Trough is an extensive back-arc basin that was formed by the subduction of the Philippine Sea plate beneath the Eurasian continent. Instances of Zn–Pb–(Cu) mineralization, which are typically associated with volcanism, are commonly found in many of the hydrothermal fields throughout this trough. We analysed the fluid inclusions and helium isotopic compositions of samples collected from the sulphide–sulphate chimneys/mounds in the Iheya North Knoll hydrothermal field in the Middle Okinawa Trough. For fluid inclusions in sphalerite and anglesite, we found that the homogenization temperatures ranged from 288°C to 345°C and 242°C to 370°C, while the salinity values ranged from 5.45 to 10.55 wt.% NaCl equiv. and 6.45 to 8.55 wt.% NaCl equiv., respectively. Microthermometry results from these inclusions yielded temperatures of 330°C–350°C; at these temperatures, seawater may have been boiling during the ore formation process. These data, in addition to measurement of high hydrothermal fluid 3He/4He ratios (6.5 to 7.8 Ra), suggest that the fluid is mainly derived from the back-arc basin basalts (BABBs), and have been mixed with a small amount of seawater. Moreover, the 3He enrichment found in this hydrothermal system indicates that these fluids may be sourced from deeper basaltic magma, rather than strongly degassed rhyolitic magma. Based on these anglesite-hosted fluid inclusions and the results of IODP Expedition 331 in this hydrothermal field, we infer that multiple hydrothermal fluid reservoirs exist beneath the seafloor in this region; the accumulation and migration of various solutions in these reservoirs promote mineralization, and extensive alteration of the host rocks. Mantle-derived He enters the hydrothermal fluid system by basaltic magma degassing. After experiencing fluid mixing, phase separation, and cooling, Pb–Zn–(Cu) minerals ultimately precipitate out of this hydrothermal fluid.

The formation of large, economic borate deposits requires a boron-rich source, the means of transporting and concentrating the boron in a restricted environment, and mechanisms for the preservation of the deposit. There are several Miocene basins in western Turkey containing world-class borate reserves, with mineralization present as stratabound deposits in volcano-sedimentary successions. Although it is well-documented that the conditions required to form and preserve large borate deposits are most common in post-collisional tectonic settings (of which western Anatolia is a prime example), recent advances in the understanding of extensional tectonics and volcanism in this region, make it possible to gain fresh insights into their formation. Here, we suggest that formation of one of the largest borate deposits in the world was intimately related to the recently recognized Kırka-Phrigian caldera that lies in the northernmost part of the Miocene Eskişehir–Afyon volcanic field. Following caldera collapse, the basin filled with lacustrine sediments and volcaniclastic deposits with the boron mineralization concentrated in two main sub-basins: Sarıkaya and Göcenoluk. The close spatial and temporal relationship between borate deposition and the vast Early Miocene ignimbrite deposits that surround the caldera (and contain high levels of elements associated with mineralization) strongly suggest that the ignimbrites were the major source of boron. The boron was transported by geothermal fluids and post-volcanic gases that vented into warm water at the base of the caldera-paleolake system and was then concentrated during cycles of sedimentation and evaporation, with most of the mineralization concentrated along a N-S striking fault system.

Ocean-continent subduction drives sequential geologic events, including upwelling of mantle magmas and delamination of thickened lithosphere, which lead to crustal thickness variations and metallic...

Evolving atmospheric oxygen levels during the early Earth history had a profound impact on Earth’s surface processes, especially on the mineralization of redox-sensitive elements such as iron (Fe) ...

The Shitoukengde mafic–ultramafic intrusion, located in the East Kunlun Orogenic Belt, is spatially and temporally associated with the Xiarihamu Ni-Cu sulphide deposit, the second-largest Ni deposi...

Large porphyry Cu-Au deposits are associated with Early Miocene intrusive rocks in Tethyan belt, discovered along Chagai magmatic arc in Western Pakistan, adjacent to Southeast Iran. Two types of r...

The northern Lesser Xing’an Range in NE China hosts many gold deposits. However, genesis and tectonic background for the mineralization remain unclear. The newly discovered Yongxin gold deposit in this region provides a good example for understanding the related issues. Two economic orebodies have been recognized at Yongxin and they are mainly hosted in the hydrothermal breccias. Zircon U–Pb ages of granite porphyry and diorite porphyry are 119.3 ± 0.7 Ma and 119.9 ± 0.6 Ma, respectively. These data provide constraints to the upper limit of ore-forming age. The δ34S values of pyrite from orebodies range from 2.3‰ to 5.1‰. The 206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb and 208Pb/204Pb ratios of the pyrite are of 18.126–18.255, 15.492–15.537 and 37.880–38.019, respectively. The δ18OH2O and δD values of ore-forming fluids range from −12.5‰ to 1.8‰ and from −124.8‰ to −102.1‰, respectively. The REE compositions of gold-bearing pyrite are similar to those of the volcanic rocks of the Longjiang formation, diorite porphyry and granite porphyry. The combined geological, geochronological and geochemical characteristics of the Yongxin gold deposit indicate that the ore-forming materials were likely sourced from the volcanic rocks of the Longjiang formation, diorite porphyry and granite porphyry, whereas the ore-forming fluids are dominated by meteoric water. The Yongxin gold deposit could be a product of the Early Cretaceous large-scale gold mineralization in northeast China which occurred in an extensional tectonic setting and were related to the rollback of the subducted Paleo-Pacific Oceanic Plate beneath the continental margin of northeast China.

Large-scale Cu–Au mineralization is associated with Late Mesozoic intrusive rocks in the Tongling region of eastern China, which mainly comprise pyroxene monzodiorite, quartz monzodiorite, and gran...

The Wunugetushan porphyry Cu–Mo deposit is located in northeastern China. The deposit lies within the Mongolia–Erguna metallogenic belt, which is associated with the evolution of the Mongol–Okhotsk Ocean. The multiple episodes of magmatism in the ore district, occurred from 206 to 173 Ma, can be divided into pre-mineralization stage (biotite granite), mineralization stage (monzogranitic porphyry and rhyolitic porphyry), and post-mineralization stage (andesitic porphyry). The biotite granite has (87Sr/86Sr)i values of 0.704105–0.704706, eNd(t) values of −0.67 to −0.07, and eHf(t) values of −0.4 to 2.8, yielding Hf two-stage model ages (TDM2) 1250–1067 Ma, and Nd model ages of 1.04–0.96 Ga, indicating that the pre-mineralization magmas were generated by the remelting of Neoproterozoic juvenile crustal material. The monzogranitic porphyry has (87Sr/86Sr)i values of 0.704707–0.706134, eNd(t) values of 0.29–1.33, and eHf(t) values of 1.0–2.9, yielding TDM2 model ages of 1173–1047 Ma. The rhyolitic porp...

The Tiantang Cu–Pb–Zn polymetallic deposit in western Guangdong, South China, is hosted in the contact zone between the monzogranite porphyry and limestone of the Devonian Tianziling Formation. Orebodies occur in the skarn and skarnized marble as bedded, lenses, and irregular shapes. In this study, we performed LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb dating, zircon trace elements, and Hf isotopic analyses on the Tiantang monzogranite porphyry closely related to Cu–Pb–Zn mineralization. Twenty-two zircons from the sample yield excellent concordia results with a weighted mean 206Pb/238U age of 104.5 ± 0.7 Ma, which shows that the emplacement of the monzogranite porphyry in the Tiantang deposit occurred in the Early Cretaceous. The zircon U–Pb age is largely consistent with the sulphide Rb–Sr isochron ages, indicating that both the intrusion and Cu–Pb–Zn mineralization were formed during the Early Cretaceous in South China. The eHf(t) values of three inherited zircons from the monzogranite porphyry are 13.1, 11.9, and...

The Circum–Balkhash–Junggar area, including mostly Kazakhstan, NW China, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Mongolia, occupies an important tectonic position of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) (Figure 1). Tectonically, this vast area records the complicated geodynamic processes, among which the most prominent stages are the formation of the U-shaped Kazakhstan Orocline and its interactions with adjacent Altai (Altay), Junggar (West Junggar, Junggar Basin, and East Junggar), and Tianshan orogenic collages in the Palaeozoic, bearing large-scale mineral deposits. The formation of the Late Palaeozoic mineral deposits is related to the tectonic evolution of the Devonian and Carboniferous–Permian volcano-magmatic arcs in the region. However, the link between the metallogeny and the evolution of the volcano-magmatic arcs is not well understood and existing geodynamic models have not explained satisfactorily the mechanism of the huge metallogenic belt. Therefore, this special issue foc...

The strata-bound Pb–Zn deposits in western China share many similarities and are controversial in genesis. The large Uragen Pb–Zn deposit is located in the northwestern part of the Kashgar sag, sou...

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 hydrotherm...

The Mesozoic granitoids in the Dabie Orogen are of particular geological interest as indicators for Mesozoic lithospheric evolution and because of their close association with porphyry Mo mineraliz...

Late Mesozoic granitoids are widely distributed in southern Anhui Province, southeastern China, which also contains significant W–Mo–Cu mineralization. This study presents new geochronological and ...

The Daolundaba Cu–polymetallic deposit is a newly discovered Cu–W–Sn deposit on the western slopes of the southern Great Xing’an Range, and its mineralization was related to an early Permian coarse-grained biotite granite. However, there is little information on the age of formation of the deposit. In this article, we present the results of our investigation into the age of the Daolundaba Cu–polymetallic deposit, which involved the selection of chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite samples for Rb–Sr isochron dating. A Rb–Sr isochron defined by the chalcopyrite samples yielded a Rb–Sr isochron age of 290.0 ± 11 Ma (MSWD = 1.2) with an initial Sr isotopic composition (ISr) of 0.71446. The pyrrhotite samples yielded a Rb–Sr isochron age of 283.0 ± 2.6 Ma (MSWD = 1.16) with an initial Sr isotopic composition (ISr) of 0.71447. The Rb–Sr isochron age determined from the chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite is 282.7 ± 1.7 Ma (MSWD = 1.13). These results indicate that the Daolundaba Cu–polymetallic deposit formed during the...

Electron microprobe analyses of gold and associated ore minerals as well as stable isotope analyses of sulphide and carbonate minerals were performed in order to determine the metal and fluid sources and temperature of the mineralizing systems to better understand the genesis of the Atud gold deposit hosted in the metagabbro–diorite complex of Gabal Atud (Central Eastern Desert, Egypt). The gold can be classified as electrum (63.6–74.3 wt.% Au and 24.6–26.6 wt.% Ag) and is associated with arsenopyrite and As-bearing pyrite in the main mineralization (gold-sulphides) phase within the main mineralized quartz veins and altered host rocks. Based on the arsenopyrite geothermometer, As-contents (29.3–32.7 atom%) in arsenopyrite point to deposition in the Log ƒS2 and T ranges of −10.5 to −5.5 and 305–450°C, respectively, during the main mineralizing phase. Based on the δ34S isotopic compositions of the sulphides, they are originated from magmatic fluids in which the sulphur is either sourced directly fro...

The NS-treading Zhongdian Arc located in the southern part of the Yidun Arc is an important region to address the evolution and reconstruction of the Palaeo-Tethys Ocean and related mineralization....

The Suyunhe porphyry Mo deposit, located in the West Junggar terrane, is the largest molybdenum deposit found in Xinjiang to date, with a proven reserve of 0.57 Mt. The Suyunhe deposit is associated with Early Permian granitic rocks, which emplaced into the volcano-sedimentary sequences of the Middle Devonian Barluk Formation. Four metallogenic stages are identified in this study. Stage I is marked by the quartz-magnetite-K-feldspar±biotite±pyrite±molybdenite veins, which mainly occurred in the intensively potassic alternation zone and were formed at high temperature (>481°C), high salinity (58.6−65.18 wt.%), and relatively high oxygen fugacity conditions with a fluid system of NaCl-H2O-CO2. Stage II is the main metallogenic stage and develops numerous quartz-molybdenite±pyrite veins associated with muscovite–chlorite alteration, which were formed by immiscible fluids at medium-high temperature (210−427°C), medium-high salinity (43.36−49.90 wt.%), and relatively low oxygen fugacity conditions with...

A major metallogenic belt with substantial resources of gold, lead, zinc, copper, and molybdenum is present in the southern Zhangguangcai Range, NE China. Several large porphyry Mo deposits are located in this belt, as for example at Jidetun, Fu’anpu, and Daheishan. Five molybdenite samples from the Jidetun deposit yielded an Re–Os isochron age of 168.6 ± 2.1 Ma (mean standard weighted deviation = 0.20), and this is consistent with the Re–Os isochron ages of the other Mo deposits in the southern Zhangguangcai Range, giving a Middle Jurassic age for metallogenesis. The Jidetun, Fu’anpu, and Daheishan deposits all tend to have weakly enriched 34S values of 0.80‰–3.20‰ and relatively low Re contents ranging from 3.073 to 43.567 ppm, which indicates the ore-forming materials were derived mainly from granitic magmas that had an origin in the mixture of crust and mantle. Three stages of mineralization can be identified in the deposits at Jidetun, Fu’anpu, and Daheishan. The original ore-forming fluids i...

The Geza Andean-type arc is located in the southwestern Sanjiang tectonic belt (i.e. Jinsha, Lancang, and Nujiang River) of SW China, which is a product of the subduction of the Garze–Litang oceanic crust beneath Zhongdian landmasses in the Late Triassic (235–204 Ma). The Geza Andean-type arc is an important belt of Cu-rich polymetallic mineralization that was recently discovered in China. Prolonged regional tectono-magmatic activity and several episodes of rich mineralization throughout the tectonic evolution of the Andean-type arc produced the super-large Pulang porphyry Cu deposits, the large Xuejiping porphyry Cu deposits, and the large Hongshan skarn-porphyry Cu polymetallic deposits. Here we report new LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb age of Songnuo and Qiansui intrusive rocks, and whole-rock major and trace element compositions of the Late Triassic mineralized porphyries from Geza in this region. Zircon U–Pb dating of the Qiansui quartz diorite porphyrite revealed a crystallization age of 220.3 ± 0.66...

Southern Hunan Province, located in the Cathaysia Block where the Shi–Hang zone and Nanling belt meet, is characterized by extensive Mesozoic magmatism and coeval polymetallic mineralization. The Huangshaping W–Mo–Pb–Zn–(Cu) deposit is representative in this area. However, the petrogenesis of the granitoids associated with the Huangshaping deposit, and their relationships with mineralization, remain undetermined. In this paper we focus on zircon U–Pb dating, whole-rock geochemistry, and Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf isotopic compositions in order to further our understanding of these issues, as well as their regional implications. The Huangshaping granitoids are characterized by two pulses of intrusive activity: a first-stage quartz porphyry and a second-stage felsite and granite porphyry, our new data show that the quartz porphyry and felsite formed at 160.5 ± 1.3 and 156.6 ± 1.4 Ma, respectively, representing a period of Late Jurassic magmatism. Granitic enclaves within the quartz porphyry crystallized at 160.2 ± 1.6 Ma, and zircons and apatites from the enclaves exhibit Hf isotopic and geochemical compositions that suggest a Palaeoproterozoic lower crustal melt as one end-member of the magma that formed the quartz porphyry, whereas another likely end-member was coeval mantle-derived magma, as indicated by the geochemistry and Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf isotopes. However, both the felsite and granite porphyry were probably derived from the melting of metamorphic basement rocks in the upper crust. The felsite clearly formed as a result of the rapid ascent and cooling of magma, whereas the granite porphyry underwent fractional crystallization. The magma sources and evolution of the granitoids, as well as their association with the Huangshaping mineralization, suggest that melting of upper crustal components controlled the W–Mo and Pb–Zn mineralization, whereas dehydration of a subducted slab provided the Cu mineralization in southern Hunan Province.

Liaoning Province in China is an area known for the occurrence of numerous copper and/or molybdenum deposits of variable size. However, the age of mineralization and tectonic setting in this region are still a subject of debate. In this study we describe the geology of these deposits and apply zircon U–Pb and molybdenite Re–Os isotopic dating to constrain their ages and define the metallogenic epochs of this province. The Huatong Cu–Mo deposit yields molybdenite Re–Os model ages of 127.6–126.3 Ma and an isochron age of 127.4 ± 0.7 Ma. The Dongbeigou Mo deposit yields molybdenite Re–Os model ages of 132.6–127.1 Ma, an isochron age of 128.1 ± 5.1 Ma, and a zircon U–Pb age of 129.4 ± 0.3 Ma for the associated monzogranite. The granodiorite associated with the Wanbaoyuan Cu–Mo deposit yields a zircon U–Pb age of 128.4 ± 1.1 Ma; the plagiogranite associated with the Yaojiagou Mo deposit yields an age of 167.5 ± 0.9 Ma; and the biotite–plagioclase gneiss from the Shujigou Cu deposit yields an age of 254...

The east–central part of Jilin Province, NE China, hosts an important polymetallic metallogenic district that contains more than 10 recently discovered large-, medium-, and small-scale Mo deposits. The Mo deposits in this area include porphyry-, skarn-, and quartz vein-type mineralization, of which the porphyry-type deposits dominate. Few studies of these mineralization-related granitoids have been undertaken. Here, we present the results of a systematic regional survey of the geochemistry and geochronology of Mo mineralization-related granites in this area. Zircon U–Pb dating of the Fuanpu, Jidetun, Shuangshan, and Jiapigou granites, all of which are associated with Mo mineralization, yielded weighted mean 206Pb/238U ages of 167.05 ± 0.81, 170.91 ± 0.83, 183.8 ± 1.1, and 182.3 ± 2.2 Ma, respectively, indicating that these plutons were emplaced during the Early–Middle Jurassic. They have SiO2 = 62.59–73.5 wt.%, Al2O3 = 13.74–16.19 wt.%, and K2O/Na2O = 0.8–2.18. Chemically, they are metaluminous to...

The age and nature of Permian volcanism and sulphide mineralization in Malaysia are poorly understood. The Tasik Chini district is located in the Central Belt of Peninsular Malaysia and hosts the Bukit Botol and Bukit Ketaya volcanic-hosted massive sulphide (VHMS) deposits. These deposits are hosted by felsic-dominated Permian felsic volcanics that are part of a mixed volcano-sedimentary rock succession. Four mineralization zones were identified in both deposits: (1) stringer sulphide/zone; (2) massive sulphide zone; (3) barite zone; and (4) Fe-Mn and Fe-Si zones. The stringer and massive sulphides generally define the lower mineralized zones, whereas the barite, Fe-Mn, and Fe-Si layers define the stratigraphically upper mineralized zones. The main sulphide phases are pyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, rare galena, and trace Sn-, Au-, and Ag-bearing minerals, with the latter two confined to the massive sulphide and barite zones. Trace and rare earth element data for the host rhyodacite-rhyolite at ...

A newly discovered, shoshonitic lava-hosted Pb deposit at Nariniya in central Tibet provides an excellent example to help improve our understanding of the linkage between post-collisional potassic magmatism and ore formation in Tibet. The Pb ores exist as veins or veinlets in NWW-striking fracture zones within the potassic lava (trachyte). The veins contain quartz, galena, pyrite, and sericite (muscovite) as well as minor chalcopyrite, sphalerite, calcite, and dolomite with sericitization, pyritization, and minor silicification. The 40Ar–39Ar plateau age of the hydrothermal muscovite is 37.95 ± 0.30 Ma, which represents the Pb mineralization age. This obtained age is indistinguishable, within analytical error, from the zircon U–Pb age of 37.88 ± 0.22 Ma for potassic lava. Therefore, the ore formation can be genetically linked to potassic magmatism. Galena has similar Pb isotopic composition to magmatic feldspar from the host lava, suggesting the derivation of Pb from the magmatic system. Previous ...

The Jurassic Bokan Mountain complex (BMC), composed of arfvedsonite and/or aegirine-bearing peralkaline A-type granitic rocks, is a circular body about 3 km in diameter located in southeastern Alaska. Like many other highly fractionated granitic bodies, the BMC granites were affected by late magmatic or post-magmatic processes, which, however, did not modify the contents of major elements. The granitic rocks are distinctly enriched in high-field-strength elements (HFSEs), rare earth elements (REEs), Y, Th, and U but depleted in Ba, Sr, and Eu and have high positive ɛNd(T) values. Unlike the variations in the major elements, Sr and Ba, which can be accounted by fractional crystallization, the abundance of REE, Y, HFSE, U, and Th (the elements which are hosted in accessory phases) were modified by F-rich hydrothermal fluids. The BMC hosts significant rare metal mineralization related to the late-stage crystallization history of the complex involving late magmatic and/or post-magmatic fluids. The min...

The Longmala and Mengya’a deposits are two representative skarn Pb–Zn deposits of the Nyainqentanglha Pb–Zn–(Cu–Mo–Ag) polymetallic belt in the Gangdese region, Tibet, China. Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) zircon U–Pb dating of the mineralization-related biotite monzogranite from the Longmala deposit yielded a weighted mean age of 55.7 Ma, which can be interpreted as the emplacement age of the pluton. Re–Os dating of three molybdenite samples from the Longmala deposit yielded model ages of 51.8–54.3 Ma, with a weighted mean age of 53.3 Ma, which is interpreted as the mineralization age of the deposit and overlaps the age of the causative intrusion. The Re–Os dating of four molybdenite samples from the Mengya’a deposit yielded model ages of 60.4–65.8 Ma, with a weighted mean age of 63.6 Ma, which represents the mineralization age of this deposit. Our new precise age data for these two deposits are consistent with the existing ages of ca. 65–51 Ma for other skarn pol...

Several Pb-Zn deposits and occurrences within Iran are hosted by Mesozoic–Tertiary-aged sedimentary and igneous rocks. This study reports new Pb isotope analyses for galena from 14 Pb-Zn deposits in the Alborz and Central Iran structural zones. In general, Pb isotope ratios are extremely variable with data plotting between the upper crustal and orogenic curves in a plumbotectonic diagram. The latter may be attributed to Pb inputs from crustal and mantle end-members. Most of the galena samples are characterized by high 207Pb/204Pb ratios, suggesting significant input of Pb from old continental crust or pelagic sediment. Pb isotope data also indicate that some of the deposits, which are hosted by sedimentary rocks in Central Iran and Alborz, have similar Pb isotopic compositions and hence suggest similar source regions. Most of the galenas yield Pb model ‘ages’ that vary between ~140 and ~250 Ma, indicating that mineralization resulted from the extraction of ore-bearing fluids from Upper Triassic–Lower Jura...

The geodynamic setting of Mesozoic magmatic rocks and associated mineralization in eastern Tianshan, Northwest China, are attracting increasing attention. The newly discovered giant Donggebi molybdenum deposit (0.508 Mt at 0.115% Mo) is located in the central part of eastern Tianshan, Xinjiang. The molybdenum mineralization was genetically associated with the Donggebi stock, comprised of porphyritic granite and granite porphyry. Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) zircon U–Pb dating constrains that the porphyritic granite and granite porphyry emplacement occurred at 233.8 ± 2.5 Ma and 231.7 ± 2.6 Ma, respectively. The Re–Os model ages of six molybdenite samples range from 235.2 to 237.0 Ma, with a weighted mean age of 236.1 ± 1.4 Ma, which is roughly consistent within errors with the zircon U–Pb ages, suggesting a Middle Triassic magmatic–mineralization event at Donggebi. Geochemically, the Donggebi granitoids are characterized by high SiO2 and K2O contents, with low MgO contents, belonging to high-K c...

Subduction of Neo-Tethyan oceanic crust and the subsequent continental collision has created important geological features along the Alpine-Himalayan orogenic belt, including various magmatic arcs ...

The recently discovered Taolaituo porphyry Mo deposit and Aobaotu hydrothermal vein Pb–Zn deposit are both located in the Great Xing’an Range, Northeast China. Here we present new zircon U–Pb ages, whole-rock geochemical and Pb isotopic data, and molybdenite Re–Os ages for these two deposits. The Mo mineralization in the Taolaituo area occurred in quartz porphyry, which yields zircon U–Pb ages ranging from 138.5 ± 0.8 to 139.1 ± 0.5 Ma. Fine-grained granite representing pre-mineralization magmatic activity was formed at 145.2 ± 0.5 Ma. Molybdenite Re–Os dating indicates that Mo mineralization occurred at 133.8 ± 1.2 Ma. In the Aobaotu deposit, the ore-related granodioritic porphyry has a zircon U–Pb age of 140.0 ± 0.4 Ma. These geochronological data indicate that these magmatic and hydrothermal activities occurred during the Early Cretaceous. The mineralogical and geochemical features of the Taolaituo and Aobaotu granitoids suggest they can be classified as A1-type within-plate anorogenic granites and I-t...

The Laojiagou Mo deposit is a newly discovered porphyry Mo deposit located in the Xilamulun Mo metallogenic belt, Northeast China. Mo mineralization mainly occurred within the monzogranite and monzogranite porphyry. Re–Os isochron dating of molybdenites indicate a mineralization age of 234.9 ± 3.1 Ma. Zircon LA–ICP–MS U–Pb analysis for monzogranite porphyry and monzogranite yield 206Pb/238U ages of 238.6 ± 1.8 and 241.3 ± 1.5 Ma, respectively, indicating that Laojiagou Mo mineralization is related to Middle Triassic magmatism. Hf isotopic compositions of zircons from both monzogranite porphyry and monzogranite are characterized by positive eHf(t) values [eHf(t) = 2.9–7.3 and 1.5–7.9, respectively] and young TDM2 model ages, which implies that the magma was derived from juvenile crust created during accretion of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). Identification of the Laojiagou Mo deposit adds another important example of Triassic Mo mineralization in the Xilamulun Mo metallogenic belt where most Tria...

The Taipingchuan Cu–Mo deposit is a recently discovered large porphyry deposit located in the north of the Derbugan metallogenic belt of northeastern China. The geochronological data of the deposit yielded a Late Triassic zircon U–Pb age of 202 ± 6 Ma from a granodiorite porphyry that hosts the Cu–Mo mineralization. Measured Re–Os isotopes of seven disseminated molybdenite samples yielded an isochron age of 200 ± 5 Ma with mean square of weighted deviates of 2.7, while those of seven veinlet molybdenite samples also produced an isochron age of 200.1 ± 2.5 Ma and mean square of weighted deviates of 3.3. These isochron ages show that a Cu–Mo mineralization event occurred at ca. 200 Ma. Based on regional tectonic evolution, we propose that the Late Triassic Cu–Mo mineralization of the host porphyry in the Derbugan metallogenic belt was mainly associated with the subduction of the Mongol–Okhotsk Ocean slab under the Ergun block, contrary to previous suggestion that it was related to the subduction of the Meso...

The Chibaisong magmatic Cu–Ni sulphide deposit is located in Tonghua City, Jilin Province, in the eastern part of the northern margin of the North China Craton. The geological characteristics of the deposit have been investigated, and pyrrhotite Re–Os isotope dating has been utilized to constrain the age. Five pyrrhotite samples separated from the Chibaisong Cu–Ni sulphide deposit yielded a Re–Os isotopic isochron age of 2237 ± 62 Ma (mean squared weighted deviation = 1.13, n = 5), indicating that the only Palaeoproterozoic magmatic Cu–Ni sulphide deposit in China is the Chibaisong Cu–Ni sulphide deposit. The geodynamic setting during ore formation was related to the Liaoning–Jilin Palaeoproterozoic rift split. The Re–Os isotope analyses showed an initial 187Os/188Os ratio of 0.778 ± 0.033, and (187Os/188Os)i and γOs(t) values ranged from 0.7531 to 0.8013 (average 0.7734) and from 574 to 617 (average 592), respectively, indicating that abundant crustal material (5–10%) was mixed with the Cu–Ni sulphide or...

The Jiazishan porphyry-type molybdenum deposit is located in the eastern Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in China. Mineralization occurs mainly as veins, lenses, and layers within the host porphyry. To better understand the link between mineralization and host igneous rocks, we studied samples from underground workings and report new SHRIMP II zircon U–Pb and Re–Os molybdenite ages, and geochemical data from both the molybdenites and the porphyry granites. Seven molybdenite samples yield a Re–Os isochron weighted mean age of 135.4 ± 2.1 Ma, whereas the porphyry granite samples yield crystallization ages of 139 ± 1.5 Ma (Jiazishan deposit) and 133 ± 1 Ma (Taolaituo deposit). The U–Pb and Re–Os ages are similar, suggesting that the mineralization is genetically related to Early Cretaceous porphyry emplacement. Re contents of the molybdenite range from 21.74 ppm to 52.08 ppm, with an average of 35.92 ppm, whereas δ34 S values of the sulphide vary from 1.3‰ to 4.2‰. The ores have 206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb, an...

Daheishan giant porphyry Mo deposit is located in the Lesser Xing’an–Zhangguangcai Ranges, Jilin Province, NE China. Mineralization is closely related to the Daheishan intrusive complex, which can be divided into Changganglin biotite granodiorite, Qiancuoluo biotite granodiorite, and Qiancuoluo granodioritic porphyry. Four stages of mineralization are distinguished, based on the cross-cutting relationships of mineralized veins. LA-ICPMS zircon U-Pb analysis yields 206Pb/238U ages of 177.9 ± 2.3 Ma for the Changganglin biotite granodiorite, 169.9 ± 2.3 Ma for the Qiancuoluo biotite granodiorite, and 166.6 ± 4.0 Ma for the Qiancuoluo granodioritic porphyry. Hydrothermal fluids responsible for mineralization evolved from different magmas. Six molybdenite samples yield Re-Os model ages of ~167 Ma. Muscovite from the last mineralization stage gives a 40Ar/39Ar plateau age of 163.6 ± 0.9 Ma. Geochronology data indicate that the entire magmatic system lasted for about 10 million years, and the total duration of ...

The petrogenesis and geodynamic setting of magmatic rocks in Eastern Tianshan, Xinjiang, are attracting increasing attention. This study explores these issues by providing SHRIMP zircon U–Pb dating, and element geochemical and Hf isotope data of magmatic rocks exposed in the Yandong region of Eastern Tianshan, Xinjiang. SHRIMP zircon U–Pb dating data indicate that the magmatic activities occurred around 335 Ma, and that mineralization of the Yandong porphyry Cu deposit occurred during the same period as that of the rock formation in the region or slightly later. All the magmatic rocks in Yandong are sub-alkaline or high-K, calc-alkaline with A/CNK values ranging from 0.91 to 2.70, enriched in K, Rb, and Ba and clearly depleted in Nb, Ta, P, Ti, and Th, and have geochemical characteristics typical of adakites (i.e, high Al2O3, high La/Yb ratios and Sr contents, low Y and HREE contents, and positive Eu anomalies). In situ Hf isotopic analyses of zircons that had previously been dated by SHRIMP yielded posit...

Shapinggou porphyry Mo deposit is the largest Climax-type Mo deposit in China and probably also in the world, with total proven Mo reserves of over 2.2 million tonnes at an average grade of 0.17%. It is located in the western Dabie Mountains, along the eastern extension of the East Qinling Mo mineralization belt. Similar to the majority of Mo deposits in the Qinling Mo belt, it is located north of the Triassic suture between the north and south China blocks. The orebody is mainly hosted in Cretaceous high-K granitic porphyry and explosive breccia, with potassic, silicification, and sericite-pyrite alterations. Fluorite is common in Shapinggou, indicating high-F content. The porphyry is closely associated with a large quartz syenite intrusion. Re–Os dating of molybdenite yielded an isochron age of 111.1 ± 1.2 Ma for the mineralization. Zircon U–Pb ages are 111.7 ± 0.8 Ma and 111.9 ± 0.6 Ma for the granitic porphyry and quartz syenite, respectively. Shapinggou is similar to the well-known Climax and Hender...

Central Jilin Province lies along the eastern edge of the Xing–Meng orogenic belt of northeast China. At least 10 Mo deposits have been discovered in this area, making it the second-richest concentration of Mo resources in China. To better understand the formation and distribution of porphyry Mo deposits in the area, we investigated the geological characteristics of the deposits and applied zircon U–Pb and molybdenite Re–Os isotope dating to constrain the age of mineralization. Our new geochronological data show the following: the Jidetun Mo deposit yields molybdenite Re–Os model ages of 164.6–167.1 Ma, an isochron age of 168 ± 2.5 Ma, and a weighted mean model age of 165.9 ± 1.2 Ma; the Houdaomu Mo deposit yields molybdenite Re–Os model ages of 167.4–167.7 Ma, an isochron age of 168 ± 13 Ma, and a weighted mean model age of 167.5 ± 1.2 Ma; and the Chang’anpu Mo deposit yields a zircon U–Pb age for granodiorite porphyry of 166.9 ± 1.5 Ma (N = 16). These new age data, combined with existing molybdenite Re–...

This study focuses on the geochronology and elemental and Nd isotopic geochemistry of the Baogutu Cu deposit and the newly discovered Suyunhe W-Mo deposit in the southern West Junggar ore belt (Xinjiang, China), as well as the geology of the newly discovered Hongyuan Mo deposit in the southern West Junggar ore belt and the Kounrad, Borly, and Aktogai Cu deposits and the East Kounrad, Zhanet, and Akshatau W-Mo deposits in the North Balkhash ore belt (Kazakhstan). The aim is to compare their petrogenesis, tectonic setting, and mineralization and to determine the relationship between the southern West Junggar and North Balkhash ore belts. Based on our newly acquired results, we propose that the Kounrad, Borly, Aktogai, and Baogutu deposits are typical porphyry Cu deposits associated with calc-alkaline magmas and formed in a Carboniferous (327–312 Ma) subduction-related setting. In contrast, the East Kounrad, Zhanet, Akshatau, Suyunhe, and Hongyuan deposits are quartz-vein greisen or greisen W-Mo or Mo deposi...

We report new zircon U–Pb and pyrite Re–Os geochronological studies of the Yinjiagou poly-metallic deposit, sited along the southern margin of the North China Craton (SMNCC). In this deposit, pyrite, the most important economic mineral, is intergrown/associated with Mo, Cu, Au, Pb, Zn, and Ag. Prior to our new work, the age of chalcopyrite–pyrite mineralization was known only from its spatial relationship with molybdenite mineralization and with intrusions of known ages. The U–Pb and Re–Os isotope systems provide an excellent means of dating the mineralization itself and additionally place constraints on the ore genesis and metal source. Zircons separated from the quartz–chalcopyrite–pyrite veins include both detrital and magmatic groups. The magmatic zircons confine the maximum age of chalcopyrite–pyrite mineralization to 142.0 ± 1.5 Ma. The Re–Os results yield an age of 141.1 ± 1.1 Ma, which represents the age of the chalcopyrite–pyrite mineralization quite well. The common Os contents are notably low (...

The eastern Qinling belt is characterized by widespread Mesozoic post-orogenic magmatism and abundant Mo–(Au–Ag) polymetallic mineralization. Most Mo deposits in this belt are genetically related to Mesozoic granitoids. The tectonic context of this close spatial and temporal relationship is still debated. This study reports U–Pb ages and Hf isotopic composition of zircons, major and trace element and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic composition of the Donggou granite porphyry, host rock to one of the important Mesozoic Mo deposits in this orogen. Based on geochemical results, the Donggou granite porphyry is a silica-supersaturated, high-K metaluminous A-type granite showing enrichment in light REEs, depletion in middle REEs and significant negative Eu, Ba, Nb, Sr, P, and Ti anomalies. Negative initial ϵNd values of −17.0 to −13.2 for whole-rock and negative initial ϵHf values of −19.9 to −7.8 for zircon suggest that the magma was derived from a mixture of Archaean/Proterozoic crustal rocks and mantle-derived or newly ad...

Recently, many Mo deposits genetically related to emplacement of Early Cretaceous granites have been found in the Dabie–Qinling belt. A typical intrusion that combines magmatism and metallogenesis, the Bao'anzhai granite, yields a zircon 238U–206Pb age of 123.2 ± 1.1 Ma and a molybdenite Re–Os isochron age of 122.5 ± 2.7 Ma. This granite is characterized by high silica and alkali, but low Mg, Fe, and Ca. It is enriched with light rare earth elements (REEs) and large-ion lithophile elements (LILEs, Rb, K, Th, U) but depleted of heavy REEs, high field strength elements (HFSEs, Nb, Ta, Ti, and Y), and Sr. This high-K granite has medium initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.706518–0.707116) and low initial Pb isotopic ratios [(206Pb/204Pb)i, 16.423–16.699; (207Pb/204Pb)i, 15.285–15.345; (208Pb/204Pb)i, 37.335–37.633], and is characterized by low ϵNd(t) and ϵHf(t) values (−14.92 to −14.22 and −21.67 to −19.19, respectively). These data indicate that this pluton is a high-K calc-alkaline fractionated I-type granitite. It...

The chemical compositions of rock-forming minerals have been determined for both altered and least-altered igneous rocks spatially associated with numerous mineralized zones (Nucleus Au–Bi–Cu–As deposit, Revenue Au ± Cu and Stoddart Cu–Mo ± W mineral occurrences, and Laforma Au–Ag deposit) across the Freegold Mountain area, Yukon, Canada. Within the study area, K-feldspar has a narrow compositional range (89.4–91% Or), whereas plagioclase spans a wide range (4.4–70.07% An). In all of the investigated samples, T Ab = T An = T Or, suggesting that magmatic equilibrium between the coexisting plagioclase and K-feldspar was maintained. Igneous amphibole phenocrysts from hypabyssal dikes are typically calcic, whereas the Stoddart Cu–Mo ± W, Laforma Au–Ag, and Goldy Au mineralization are associated with Mg-enriched primary amphibole of edenite composition, and Au–Bi–Cu–As mineralization from Nucleus is related to Al-enriched primary amphibole of ferropargasite composition. Primary biotite phenocrysts across the F...

The Chipu Mississippi Valley-type (MVT) deposit is located on the southwest (SW) margin of the Sichuan Basin. Occurrence of plentiful organic matter (bitumen) at this deposit and abundant hydrocarbon reservoirs in the SW Sichuan Basin implies a link between lead–zinc mineralization and hydrocarbon systems in this area. The high δ34S values of most metal sulphides from the different ore stages suggest that H2S-bearing gases and/or thermochemical sulphate reduction (TSR) by organic matter could have been the source of reduced sulphur involved in ore formation. Sulphides with small positive to negative δ34S values can be attributed to organically bound sulphur at the Chipu deposit. Carbon and oxygen isotopic compositions from sparry carbonates suggest mixing of organic carbon with seawater-derived carbon in the mineralization process. From the early to the later ore stages, δ13CPDB values of ore-hosting carbonates are increasingly more negative, which indicates strengthening of the TSR role during mineraliza...