Geological Characteristics and Metallogenic Setting of Representative Magmatic Cu-Ni Deposits in the Tianshan-Xingmeng Orogenic Belt, Central Asia

A great number of magmatic Cu-Ni deposits(including Kalatongke in Xinjiang and Hongqiling in Jilin) are distributed over a distance of almost 3000 km across the Tianshan-Xingmeng Orogenic Belt, from Tianshan Mountains in Xinjiang in the west, to Jilin in eastern China in the east. These deposits were formed during a range of magmatic episodes from the Devonian to the Triassic. Significant magmatic Cu-Ni-Co-PGE deposits were formed from the Devonian period in the Nalati arc(e.g. Jingbulake Cu-Ni in Xinjiang), Carboniferous period in the Puerjin-Ertai arc(e.g. Kalatongke Cu-Ni-Co-PGE in Xinjiang), Carboniferous period in the Dananhu-Touquan arc(e.g. Huangshandong, Xiangshan and Tulaergen in estern Tianshan, Xinjiang) to Triassic period in the Hulan arc(e.g. Hongqiling Cu-Ni in Jilin). In addition to the overall tectonic, geologic and distribution of magmatic Cu-Ni deposits in the Tianshan-Xingmeng Orogenic Belt, the metallogenic setting, deposit geology and mineralization characteristics of each deposit mentioned above are summarized in this paper. Geochronologic data of Cu-Ni deposits indicate that, from west to east, the metallogenic ages in the Tianshan-Xingmeng Orogenic Belt changed with time, namely, from the Late Caledonian(~440 Ma), through the Late Hercynian(300-265 Ma) to the Late Indosinian(225-200 Ma). Such variation could reflect a gradual scissor type closure of the paleo Asian ocean between the Siberia Craton and the North China Craton from west to east.

Classification of Magmatic Sulphide Deposits in China and Mineralization of Small Intrusions

Many important metal resources, such as Ni （Cu, Co）, PGE, exist in magmatic sulfide deposits, are a hot spot in geological research. We divide the magmatic sulphide deposits in China into four types according to their tectonic setting, intruding mode, ore deposit mode, main metallogenic elements. The four types are as follows： （1） Small-intrusion deposits in paleo-continent; （2） Smallintrusion deposits in continental flood basalt; （3） Small-intrusion deposits in orogenic belt; and （4） The deposits associated with ophiolites. On the basis of the classification, we put forward that the main magmatic metallogenic type in China is small-intrusion metallogeny, and describe its characteristics from small intrusions related concept, three geologic settings, three volcanic-intrusive assemblages and metallogenic key factors. According to the experiences of prospecting at home and abroad, we point out that there is big potential in prospecting small-intrusion deposits, which need further study. At last, we indicate that small-intrusion metallogeny not only widely distributes in mafic-ultramafic intrusions, but also has an important economic value and scientific significance in intermediate-acid intrusions.

Time scales and length scales in magma ?ow pathways and the origin ofmagmatic Ni-Cu-PGE ore deposits

Ore forming processes involve the redistribution of heat, mass and momentum by a wide range of processes operating at different time and length scales. The fastest process at any given length scale tends to be the dominant control. Applying this principle to the array of physical processes that operate within magma flow pathways leads to some key insights into the origins of magmatic Ni-Cu-PGE sulfide ore deposits. A high proportion of mineralised systems, including those in the super-giant Noril'sk-Talnakh camp, are formed in small conduit intrusions where assimilation of country rock has played a major role. Evidence of this process is reflected in the common association of sulfides with varitextured contaminated host rocks containing xenoliths in varying stages of assimilation. Direct incorporation of S-bearing country rock xenoliths is likely to be the dominant mechanism for generating sulfide liquids in this setting. However, the processes of melting or dissolving these xenoliths is relatively slow compared with magma flow rates and, depending on xenolith lithology and the composition of the carrier magma, slow compared with settling and accumulation rates. Chemical equilibration between sulfide droplets and silicate magma is slower still, as is the process of dissolving sulfide liquid into initially undersaturated silicate magmas. Much of the transport and deposition of sulfide in the carrier magmas may occur while sulfide is still incorporated in the xenoliths, accounting for the common association of magmatic sulfide-matrix ore breccias and contaminated "taxitic" host rocks. Effective upgrading of so-formed sulfide liquids would require repetitive recycling by processes such as reentrainment, back flow or gravity flow operating over the lifetime of the magma transport system as a whole. In contrast to mafic-hosted systems, komatiite-hosted ores only rarely show an association with externally-derived xenoliths, an observation which is partially due to the predominant formation of ores in lava flows rather than deep-seated intrusions, but also to the much shorter timescales of key component systems in hotter, less viscous magmas. Nonetheless, multiple cycles of deposition and entrainment are necessary to account for the metal contents of komatiite-hosted sulfides. More generally, the time and length scale approach introduced here may be of value in understanding other igneous processes as well as non-magmatic mineral systems.

Rare Earth Element Geochemistry on Magmatic Rocks and Gold Deposits in Shizishan Ore-Field of Tongling, China

REE geochemical characteristics of the magmatic rocks and gold deposits in Shizishan ore-field of Tongling were studied. Three types of the magmatic rocks have almost the same chondrite-normalized REE patterns, Eu and Ce anomalous values, and ∑REE, ∑LREE/∑HREE regular changes, which indicates that their magmas come from the same source and their digenetic mechanism is fractional crystallization. In three gold deposits, the mineral ores and related altered rocks have similar chondrite-normalized REE patterns and sharp Eu positive anomalous values. The REE contents reduced from the magmatic rocks to skamization or alteration magmatic rocks, skam type ores, sulphide type ores, wall-rocks limestone or marble. The REE geochemical characteristics of the ores and related rocks show that primary fluids originated from magmatic differentiation in lower pressure of shallow crust, ore-forming hydrothermal solutions gained REE and mineralization elements further from leaching the magmatic rocks, then superimposed and reformed the limestones or marbles and deposited ore-forming material.

Magmatic Sulfide Ni-Cu Deposits in China

Deep seated magmatic liquation injection deposits form a major type of magmatic sulfide deposit in China. The reserves of nickel and copper in this type of deposit may attain several hundred thousand tons (e.g.Hongqi 7 and Karatunggu) to nearly ten million tons (e.g.Jinchuan). Those deposits can be classified as large or superlarge deposits. The ore grade is relatively high, commonly with w (Ni)>1 %. The mineralized intrusions are small in size, generally only 0.0 n km 2 to 0. n km 2, with the largest one not exceeding a few km 2. Before intruding, the primary magmas have undergone liquation and partial crystallization at depth; as a result, the magmas have partitioned into barren magma, ore bearing magma, ore rich magma and ore magma, which then ascended and injected into the present locations once or multiple times, to form ore deposits. The above mentioned mineralizing process is known as deep seated magmatic liquation injection mineralization. The volume of the barren magma is generally much larger than those of the ore bearing magma, ore rich magma and ore magma. In the ascending process, most of the barren magma intruded into different locations or outpoured onto the ground surface, forming intrusions or lava flows. The rest barren magma, ore bearing magma, ore rich magma and ore magma may either multiple times inject into the same place in which rocks and ores are formed or separately inject into different spaces to form rocks and ores. Such deep seated magmatic liquation injection deposits have a much smaller volume, greater ore potential and higher ore grade than those of in situ magmatic liquation deposits. Consequently, this mineralizing process leads to the formation of large deposits in small intrusions.

Magmatic Evolution and Mineralization of Porphyry Copper-Gold Deposits in the Duolong Ore Concentration Area, Tibet

The Bangong Lake-Nujiang River metallogenic belt is located between the Qiangtang Block and Lhasa Block, and the Duolong ore concentration area is located in the western section of the Bangong Lake-Nujiang River metallogenic belt. Till now, several large and super large copper-gold deposits, such as Duobuza, Bolong, Dibaonamugang, Naruo and Rongna deposits have been discovered in this area, mainly porphyry copper-gold ones.

Potential of Magmatic Ni-Cu Deposits of the Hualong Block,Qilian Mountains

The Jinchuan magmatic Ni-Cu deposit,located in the Longshou Mountain region,is the largest producer of Ni and Cu in China,with mineralization being related to mafic and ultramafic magmatism.Previous studies have shown that the Longshou Mountain was combined with the Qilian Mountains before Neoproterozoic,and was separated from each other due to the opening of late Qilian oceanic basin in the Paleozoic.The relict Precambrian microcontinents of the Longshou Mountain and Qilian Mountain

Petrogenesis and Physicochemical Conditions of Fertile Porphyry in Non-arc Porphyry Mineralization:A Case from Habo Porphyry Cu-Mo Deposits,SW China

The Habo deposit is a typical porphyry Cu-Mo deposit in the Ailaoshan–Red River metallogenic belt.Ore minerals in the Habo deposit typically occur as veins in the monzonite porphyry.Zircon U-Pb dating suggests that the monzonite porphyry formed at 35.07±0.38 Ma.The monzonite porphyry is characterized by high SiO_(2),Al_(2)O_(3),K_(2)O and Na_(2)O contents,with A/CNK ratios ranging from 0.97 to 1.02.All samples exhibit fractionated REE patterns,characterized by high(La/Yb)N ratios(9.4–13.6,average of 11.2).They show adakite-like geochemical features,high Sr concentrations(627–751 ppm,average of 700 ppm),low Y concentrations(15.13–16.86 ppm,average of 15.81 ppm)and high Sr/Y values(39.5–47.4,average of 44.3).These samples have high initial^(87)Sr/^(86)Sr ratios(0.7074–0.7076)and negativeεNd(t)values(-5.1 to-3.7),whereas the zirconεHf(t)values range from-2.2 to+0.4,suggesting that the monzonite porphyry was derived from the partial melting of a thickened juvenile lower crust.The oxygen fugacity,calculated on the basis of the chemical composition of the amphiboles,shows?NNO values ranging from+1.65 to+2.16(average of 1.94)and lg(fO_(2))ranging from-12.72 to-11.99(average of-12.25),indicating that the monzonite porphyry has high oxygen fugacity.Zircons have high Ce^(4+)/Ce^(3+)ratios(29.29–164.24,average of 84.92),with high?FMQ values ranging from+0.50 to+1.51(average of 0.87)and high lg(fO_(2))values ranging from-14.72 to-12.85(average of-14.07),which also indicates that the oxygen fugacity of the magma was high.The dissolved water content of the Habo monzonite porphyry is 9.5–11.5 wt%,according to the geochemical characteristics,zircon-saturation thermometry(692–794°C)and the mineral phases(amphibole,no plagioclase)in the deep magma chamber.Combined with previous studies,we propose that the high oxygen fugacity and high water content of magma played key roles in controlling the formation of the Habo and other Cu-Mo-Au deposits in the Ailaoshan–Red River metallogenic belt.

Platinum-group Elements Geochemistry of the Yangliuping Magmatic Ni-Cu-PGE Sulfide Deposit:Implications of Its Genetic Link with the Extrusive Basalts

Primitive mantle normalized Platinum group elements (PGE) concentration patterns for the Zhengziyanwo intrusion and Dashibao Formation basalts are of positive slope, similar to most of the world class magmatic Ni Cu PGE sulfide deposits. Characters of this intrusion and its related ores and Dashibao Formation basalts are their negative Pt anomaly and high concentration of Rh relative to Pt and Pd, facts being interpreted to be the results of crystallization and fractionation of Pt alloys and spinel phase free crystallization history for the magma, respectively. PGE parameters of the Dashibao Formation basalts are consistent with the general trend of those found for the Zhengziyanwo intrusion, and this might infer a genetic link between them.

Dating Magmatic Hornblende and Biotite and Hydrothermal Sericite by Laser Probe Technique:Constraints on Genesis of Wangershan Gold Deposit,Eastern Shandong Province,China

The Wangershan gold deposit and spatially related Shangzhuang granite, eastern Shandong Province, have been precisely dated by 40 Ar/ 39 Ar laser incremental heating technique. Magmatic hornblende and biotite, collected from the Shangzhuang granites, yielded well-defined and reproducible plateau ages at 128.1-127.5 and 124.4-124.1 Ma (2 σ ), measuring the cooling ages of the intrusion at ca. 500 ℃ and 300-350 ℃, respectively. Hydrothermal sericite extracted from auriferous vein gave high-quality plateau ages between (120.6±0.3) Ma and (120.0±0.4) Ma (2 σ ). Given the similarity of the closure temperature for argon diffusion (300-350 ℃) in the sericite mineral to the homogenization temperature of primary fluid inclusions in the quartz from gold ores, and the intergrowth of sericite with native gold, present 40 Ar/ 39 Ar sericite ages can be reliably interpreted in terms of the mineralization age for the Wangershan deposit. 40 Ar/ 39 Ar hornblende and biotite ages permit an estimate for the cooling rate of the Shangzhuang granite at about 50 ℃/Ma. There are abundant intermediate-mafic dikes in most gold camps of eastern Shandong, whose ages of formation have been previously constrained mainly at 121-119 Ma. The temporal association between the Shangzhuang granite, the Wangershan gold deposit, and the widespread dikes confirms that intrusive activity, gold mineralization, and dike emplacement in this region were broadly coeval, reflecting significant continental lithosphere thinning and resulting crustal extension of Early Cretaceous in eastern China.

Magmatic Hydrothermal Origin of the Wenyu Copper Polymetallic Deposit, Southern Lancangjiang Zone, SW China

The Wenyu copper polymetallic deposit, with proven reserves of about 0.23 Mt Cu, 394 t Ag and 0.04 Mt Pb, is located in the central part of the Lancangjiang volcanic rock belt （Fig. l a）, which is one of the most potential copper polymetallic exploration areas in SW China.

Magmatic Evolution and Mineralization Process of the Super-Large Shihuiyao Rb–Nb–Ta Deposit,Southern Great Xing'an Range,China

Rare metal ore reserves are an important strategic resource, and their metallogenic mechanism and mineralization studies have also been received widespread international attention.

Sea-floor exhalative sedimentary and magmatic hydrothermal superimposition on the Bainiuchang polymetallic deposit in Yunnan Province: REE geochemical evidence

In order to study the characteristics of sea-floor exhalative sedimentary and magmatic hydrothermal superimposition on the Bainiuchang polymetallic deposit, the REE compositions of the granites, host-rocks and ores have been systematically analyzed by ICP-MS. As viewed from their REE compositions, the granites show obvious negative Eu anomalies and weak negative Ce anomalies. According to their REE characteristics, the host-rocks were derived partly from sea-floor exhalative sediments. In terms of their REE compositions, the ores can be divided into two groups: one group, of which the samples were collected from the Baiyang segment relatively far away from the Bozhushan granite batholith, possesses positive Eu anomalies or no Eu anomaly and negative Ce anomalies, indicating that ore-forming hydrothermal fluid was relatively reductive and its temperature was higher than 250 ℃. Furthermore, the coinstantaneous presence of positive Eu anomalies and negative Ce anomalies indicate that the convective mixing of a little amount of seawater with hydrothermal fluid had happened while ores were precipitated on ancient sea floor. The other group, of which the samples were mainly collected from the Chuanxindong and Duimenshan segments near the Bozhushan granite batholith, has similar chondrite-monalized REE distribution patterns to those of the magmatic rocks. But as a whole, the REE characteristics of both groups change gradually starting from the Bozhushan granite batholith. Based on the REE characteristics of the granites, host-rocks and ores, it is suggested that the ore-forming metals seem to have come from several different sources.

The Sachakou Deposit in West Kunlun of Xinjiang: A Pb-Zn Polymetallic Deposit Associated with Magmatic Metasomatism of Carbonate Rock

Objective The Sachakou Pb-Zn polymetallic deposit is located in Hetian County, Xinjiang （geographical coordinates of E78° 57＇ 54.30＂-78°59＇ 53.63＂, N34° 39＇ 27.50＂-34° 40＇ 57.21＂）. It belongs to the West Kunlun orogenic belt on the northwest edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and is connected to the Sanjiang orogenic belt to the south （Spurlin et al., 2005）. In recent years, a series of Pb-Zn mineralized spots and deposits have been discovered in this area one after another, which is called the Huoshaoyun ore concentration area. Among them, the Sachakou Pb-Zn deposit has reserves up to140 Mt, which has reached a large scale. However, the study on the genesis of deposits in this area has only just begun. This work studied the genesis ofthis Pb-Zn deposit in order to provide new ideas for the genesis of regional deposits and regional prospecting.

Mineral Chemical Characteristics of Gabbro-diorite for Shulouqiu Uranium Deposit in Northern Guangdong, China: Constraint on the Magmatic Source

1 Introduction The uranium deposits related with Indosinian and Yanshanian granite have provided the abundant resource of uranium during the past several decades in China.The deposits are mainly distributing in the Guidong granite

Re-Os Age of Cu-Ni Ores from the Huangshandong Cu-Ni Sulfide Deposit in the East Tianshan Mountains and Its Implication for Geodynamic Processes

An isochron age of 282±20 (95% conf. limit) Ma of the sulfide ores in the Huangshandong Cu-Ni sulfide deposit, the East Tianshan Mountains has been obtained through Re-Os isotopic measurement. The age implies that the Cu-Ni sulfide deposit and other related deposits in the same area occurred in a Permian extensional environment of post-collision instead of Devonian-Early Carboniferous ophiolite-related oceanic or island arc environments inferred before. It shares the same ages with the orogenic and epithermal gold deposit systems in the same area. An initial 187Os/188Os ratio of 0.25±0.04 (1σ) and a γos value of 99 on average display the participation of large quantities of crustal components into the rock-forming and ore-forming system during mineralization and magmatic emplacement.

Genetic Types and Metallogenic Model for the Polymetallic Copper–Gold Deposits in the Tongling Ore District, Anhui Province, Eastern China

The Tongling ore district is one of the most economically important ore areas in the Middle–Lower Yangtze River Metallogenic Belt, eastern China. It contains hundreds of polymetallic copper–gold deposits and occurrences. Those deposits are mainly clustered(from west to east) within the Tongguanshan, Shizishan, Xinqiao, Fenghuangshan, and Shatanjiao orefields. Until recently, the majority of these deposits were thought to be skarn-or porphyry–skarn-type deposits; however there have been recent discoveries of numerous vein-type Au, Ag, and Pb-Zn deposits that do not fall into either of these categories. This indicates that there is some uncertainty over this classification. Here, we present the results of several systematic geological studies of representative deposits in the Tongling ore district. From investigation of the ore-controlling structures, lithology of the host rock, mineral assemblages, and the characteristics of the mineralization and alteration within these deposits, three genetic types of deposits(skarn-, porphyry-, and vein-type deposits) have been identified. The spatial and temporal relationships between the orebodies and Yanshanian intrusions combined with the sources of the ore-forming fluids and metals, as well as the geodynamic setting of this ore district, indicate that all three deposit types are genetically related each other and constitute a magmatic–hydrothermal system. This study outlines a model that relates the polymetallic copper–gold porphyry-, skarn-, and vein-type deposits within the Tongling ore district. This model provides a theoretical basis to guide exploration for deep-seated and concealed porphyry-type Cu(–Mo, –Au) deposits as well as shallow vein-type Au, Ag, and Pb–Zn deposits in this area and elsewhere.

Advances in Research of Mineral Chemistry of Magmatic and Hydrothermal Biotites

Biotite is an important hydrated ferromagnesian silicate mineral in igneous rocks and porphyry deposits.The determination of chemical compositions of biotite plays an important role in both igneous petrology and ore forming processes.This paper summarizes research results of magmatic and hydrothermal biotites exemplified by the Lakange porphyry Cu–Mo deposit and the Qulong porphyry Cu deposit in the Gangdese porphyry–skarn metallogenic belt,Tibet.Biotite mineral chemistry can provide critical insights into classification,geothermometer,geothermobarometry,oxygen fugacity,petrogenesis and tectonic setting,evaluating magmatic-hydrothermal process by halogen and halogen fugacity ratios,and distinguishing between barren and mineralized rocks.Biotite provides the latest mineralogical evidence on metallogenic prognosis and prospecting evaluation for porphyry Cu polymetallic deposits or magmatic hydrothermal deposits.