Late Mesozoic Ore-forming Events in the Ningwu Ore District, Middle-Lower Yangtze River Polymetallic Ore Belt, East China: Evidence from Zircon U-Pb Geochronology and Hf Isotopic Compositions of the Granodioritic Stocks

Late Mesozoic volcanic-subvolcanic rocks and related iron deposits, known as porphyry iron deposits in China, are widespread in the Ningwu ore district （Cretaceous basin） of the middle-lower Yangtze River polymetallic ore belt, East China. Two types of Late Mesozoic magmatic rocks are exposed： one is dioritic rocks closely related to iron mineralization as the hosted rock, and the other one is granodioritic （-granitic） rocks that cut the ore bodies. To understand the age of the iron mineralization and the ore-forming event, detailed zircon U-Pb dating and Hf isotope measurement were performed on granodioritic stocks in the Washan, Gaocun-Nanshan, Dongshan and Heshangqiao iron deposits in the basin. Four emplacement and crystallization （typically for zircons） ages of granodioritic rocks were measured as 126.1±0.5 Ma, 126.8±0.5 Ma, 127.3±0.5 Ma and 126.3±0.4 Ma, respectively in these four deposits, with the LA-MC-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb method. Based on the above results combined with previous dating, it is inferred that the iron deposits in the Ningwu Cretaceous basin occurred in a very short period of 131-127 Ma. In situ zircon Hf compositions of εHf（t） of the granodiorite are mainly from -3 to -8 and their corresponding 176Hf/177Hf ratio are from 0.28245 to 0.28265, indicating similar characteristics of dioritic rocks in the basin. We infer that granodioritic rocks occurring in the Ningwu ore district have an original relationship with dioritic rocks. These new results provide significant evidence for further study of this ore district so as to understand the ore-forming event in the study area.

Finite element modeling of pore-fluid flow in the Dachang ore district,Guangxi,China:Implications for hydrothermal mineralization

Convective heat transfer associated with the circulation of porefluid in porous rocks and fractures within the upper crust of the Earth is substantial when the temperature gradient is sufficiently high. In order to understand the process of Snpolymetallic mineralization in the Dachang ore district of Guangxi, a finite element method has been used in this study to simulate both pore-fluid flow and heat transfer in this district. On the basis of related geological, tectonic and geophysical constraints, a computational model was established. It enables a computational simulation and sensitivity analysis to be carried out for investigating ore-forming pore-fluid flow and other key factors that may affect hydrothermal ore genesis in the district. The related simulation results have indicated that： （1） permeable fault zones in the Dacbang ore district can serve as preferential pathways for pore-fluid flow on a regional-scale; and （2） the pore-fluid flow can affect the salinity distribution. This latter factor is part of the reason why Sn-polymetallic mineralization has taken place in this district.

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.

Genesis of the Huoshenmiao Mo deposit in the Luanchuan ore district, China: Constraints from geochronology, ?uid inclusion, and H-O-Sisotopes

The Huoshenmiao δeposit is Mo skarn δeposit, located in the western part of the Luanchuan ore δistrict.Mineralization process can be δivided into a skarn and a quartz-sulfide episodes with six stages: prograde(I), retrograde(II), quartz-K-feldspar(III), quartz-molybdenite(IV), quartz-pyrite(V), and quartzcalcite(VI). A combined study of geochronology, fluid inclusion(FI), and stable isotopes was conducted to constrain the mineralization age, source of ore materials, as well as the origin and evolution of the ore-forming fluids. Molybdenite Ree Os δating indicates that the δeposit was formed in the Late Jurassic(~145 Ma). The δ^(34)S values of sulfides range from 3.0‰ to 7.1‰, implying that the ore materials in the δeposit are magmatic in origin. Three types and six subtypes of FIs are δistinguished, namely, aqueous two-phase(W_1-and W_2-type), δaughter mineral-bearing multiphase(S_1-and S_2-type), and CO_2-bearing three-phase(C_1-and C_2-type). In stages I and II, the W_1-type FIs δisplay homogenization temperatures(Th) from 496°C to >600°C, with salinities of 14.9-18.3 wt.% NaCl eqv. The FIs in stages III, IV and early stage V composed of coeval S-, C-and W-types, respectively homogenize at similar Th, suggesting the occurrence of boiling. The W1-type FIs in late stage V and stage VI, yield Th of 102-406°C and salinities of 0-4.7 wt.% NaCl eqv. The δD_(H_2O)and δ^(18) O(H_2O)values of the ore-forming fluids in quartz-sulfide episode vary from-112‰ to-76‰, and 11.0‰ to 1.0‰, respectively. All these above observations reveal that the early ore-forming fluids are magmatic in origin, and characterized by high temperature and moderate to high salinity, and gradually evolve to low temperature, low salinity meteoric water. The Huoshenmiao Mo δeposit is associated with the magmatism event induced by the protracted subduction of the Izanagi plate beneath the eastern China continent. The δecrease in temperature, salinity and f(O_2), as well as change of p H δue to boiling and fluid-rock interaction, are the main factors controlling Mo δeposition.

Apatite Fission Track Ages in the Duolong Ore District and the Uplift Time of the Qiangtang Terrrane, Tibet

Objective Fission track （FT） analysis has developed into one of the most useful techniques throughout the geologic community to reconstruct low-temperature thermal historyof rocks over geological time （Reiners et al., 2005）. The FT method is based on the accumulation of narrow damage trails （i.e., fission tracks） in uranium-rich mineral grains （e.g., apatite, zircon, titanite） and natural glasses, which form as a result of spontaneous nuclear fission decay of 238U in nature. Apatite Fission Track （AFT） has been used in many places in Tibet to study the Qinghai- Tibetan Plateanuplifl-exhumation history. However, few AFT studies have been reported in the Duolong ore district. The Duolong ore district is one of the most important ore districts in the Bangong Co-Nujiang metallogenic belt, Tibet （Lin Bin et al., 2017） and the uplift-exhumation of the Duolong ore district is closely related to the evolution of the Qiangtang Basin. Therefore, AFT of the Duolong ore district will provide important information about the uplift-exhumation history of the Duolong ore district and the Qiangtang Basin.

Stable Isotopes and Halogen Geochemistry of the Huayuan Carbonate-hosted Pb-Zn Ore District, South China: Implications for the Salt Source of Ore-forming Fluids

The Huayuan Pb-Zn ore district in China,located in western Hunan Province,is a giant carbonate-hosted Pb-Zn ore district.The source of ore-forming brines in this ore district remains poorly constrained.Whether the highly saline brines are derived from evaporated seawater or dissolved evaporates continues to be intensely debated.Carbonate minerals associated with Pb-Zn mineralization haveδ^(13)CV-PDB andδ^(18)OV-SMOW values ranging from−5.55‰to+1.35‰(mean value of−0.69‰;n=14)and+16.28‰to+25.05‰(mean value of+20.22‰;n=14),respectively.This indicates that carbonate minerals are dominantly formed from dissolved ore-hosted carbonate rocks.Theδ^(34)S values of sulfides range from+20.2‰to+36.8‰,with an average value of+30.0‰(n=27).These results suggest that sulfur is predominantly derived from the thermochemical sulfate reduction of marine sulfate.The crush-leach analyzed solute data of fluid inclusions in sphalerite show the ore-forming fluids have Cl/Br molar ratios range from 118 to 384,and Na/Br molar ratios from 39 to 160(n=8).These Cl/Br ratios of hydrothermal fluid are much lower than those of seawater(657 to 564),but are consistent with bittern brines through early halite precipitation.We propose that ore-forming fluids are mainly derived from evaporitic basin brines,which leached base metals from the basement and/or country rocks.The brine then migrated to the basin margins through clastic rocks of basement and then precipitated sulfides by thermochemical sulfate reduction.

Trace Element Geochemistry of Devonian Strata in the Shizhuyuan Ore District, Hunan Province

1 Introduction Both the Qiziqiao Formation and Shetianqiao Formation,which controls the occurrence and distribution of a great deal of metal mineral resources,are extensively developed in southern Hunan province(Liu et al.,1998),showing quite important indicative significance to deep concealed metal mineral resources(Yu et al.,2003).The geochemistry characteristics of Devonian strata could not affect the spatial occurrence shape of orebody

Petrographic Studies of Pb-Zn Ore Deposits of Rajpura-Dariba-Bethumni Belt in District Udaipur (Rajasthan) India

The Proterozoic Aravalli-Delhi orogenic complex hosts a large number of economically important stratabound base metal sulphide deposits. In the present work, rock samples taken from Outcrop and Underground Mine of Sindeskar Kalan, Vedanta Group, Rajpura-Dariba-Bethumni Belt which are located at a distance of 76 Kms from Udaipur District (Rajasthan) have been studied. The chief litho units of the group are identified which contain sulfide-bearing calc-silicate and graphite mica schist, dolomite marble, calc-biotite schist and quartzite. Importance to the ore minerals like galena and sphalerite which have been reported in association with the buffer minerals like pyrite and pyrrhotite occurr in the host rocks of the study area. Ore petrography denotes two types of sphalerites, 1) highly deformed and dark brown colour, 2) less deformed and with light yellow colour. Galena shows high reflectance and a network of triangular pits. Pyrite shows high reflectance and anomalous anisotropism because of high brittleness.

Geochronology and geochemistry of magmatic rocks in the Dongzi–Changhanboluo Pb–Zn ore district in Chifeng,Inner Mongolia,and their relationship with metallogenesis

Bulk-rock elements,isotopes,and zircon U–Pb ages are reported for magmatic rocks in the Dongzi–Changhanboluo Pb–Zn ore district in Chifeng,Inner Mongolia,China.Zircon U–Pb dating identified four stages of magmatism:Late Silurian gabbroic diorite(*420 Ma),Middle Permian monzonite(*274 Ma),Late Jurassic quartz porphyry and ignimbrite,breccia tuff(153–158 Ma)and Early Cretaceous andesitic porphyrite(*127 Ma).Integrating field observations,geochronology,and element and isotope geochemistry indicated a complex petrogenetic history of the magmatic rocks.The gabbroic diorite may have been sourced from EM1-type mantle.The source of the monzonite may have been mantle metasomatized by melt from the subducting plate.The Jurassic volcaniclastic rocks formed in a medium-pressure,high-temperature environment,possibly in the background of crustal thickening in a syncollisional stage and an early postcollisional stage.During this process,shaly sedimentary rocks were brought into the deep crust and heated,followed by the rapid isostatic uplift of the crust,which caused partial melting of the sedimentary rocks.Quartz monzonite porphyry and quartz porphyry formed by partial melting of mantle metasomatized by subducted sediments,but the quartz porphyry experienced high-degree differentiation and evolution.The andesitic porphyrite has characteristics similar to those of Permian monzonite,indicating that its source area was also the zone of mantle metasomatized by subducted sediment.The late Silurian and Permian magmatic rocks in this area most likely formed against a continental arc background related to the subduction of the Paleo-Asian Ocean Plate beneath the North China Plate.The Late Jurassic magmatic rocks suggest that the northern margin of the North China Craton may have been in a postcollisional setting during the Late Jurassic,with no obvious crustal thinning.The Cretaceous andesitic porphyrite may have formed against the background of lithospheric extension and thinning.According to the comprehensive analysis of geological characteristics,diagenetic and metallogenic epochs,and Pb isotope data,the formation of ore bodies in the Dongzi–Changhanboluo ore district was closely related to the Jurassic quartz porphyry.

Ore Genesis for Stratiform Ore Bodies of the Dongfengnanshan Copper Polymetallic Deposit in the Yanbian Area, NE China:Constraints from LA-ICP-MS in situ Trace Elements and Sulfide S–Pb Isotopes

The Dongfengnanshan Cu polymetallic deposit is one representative deposit of the Tianbaoshan ore district in the Yanbian area, northeast(NE) China. There occur two types of ore bodies in this deposit, the stratiform ore bodies and veintype ones, controlled by the Early Permian strata and the Late Hercynian diorite intrusion, respectively. Due to the ambiguous genetic type of the stratiform ore bodies, there has been controversy on the relationship between them and veintype ore bodies. To determine the genetic type of stratiform ore bodies, laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry(LA-ICP-MS) in situ trace elements and S–Pb isotope analysis have been carried on the sulfides in the stratiform ore bodies. Compared with that in skarn, Mississippi Valley-type(MVT), and epithermal deposits, sphalerite samples in the stratiform ore bodies of the Dongfengnanshan deposit are significantly enriched in Fe, Mn, and In, while depleted in Ga, Ge, and Cd, which is similar to the sphalerite in volcanic-associated massive sulfide(VMS) deposits. Co/Ni ratio of pyrrhotites in the stratiform ore bodies is similar to that in VMS-type deposits. The concentrations of Zn and Cd of chalcopyrites are similar to those of recrystallized VMS-type deposits. These characteristics also reflect the intermediate ore-forming temperature of the stratiform ore bodies in this deposit. Sulfur isotope compositions of sulfides are similar to those of VMS-type deposits, reflecting that sulfur originated from the Permian Miaoling Formation. Lead isotope compositions indicate mixed-source for lead. Moreover, the comparison of the Dongfengnanshan stratiform ore bodies with some VMStype deposits in China and abroad, on the trace elements and S–Pb isotope characteristics of the sulfides reveals that the stratiform ore bodies of the Dongfengnanshan deposit belong to the VMS-type, and have closely genetic relationship with the early Permian marine volcanic sedimentary rocks.

Molybdenite Re-Os,titanite and garnet U-Pb dating of the Magushan skarn Cu-Mo deposit,Xuancheng district,Middle-Lower Yangtze River Metallogenic Belt

The Magushan skarn Cu-Mo deposit is a representative example of the skarn mineralization occurring within the Xuancheng ore district of the Middle-Lower Yangtze River Metallogenic Belt of eastern China.The precise age of an ore deposit is important for understanding the timing of mineralization relative to other geological events in a region and to fully place the formation of a mineral deposit within the geological context of other processes that occur within the study area.Here,we present new molybdenite Re-Os and titanite and andradite garnet U-Pb ages for the Magushan deposit and use these data to outline possible approaches for identifying genetic relationships in geologically complex areas.The spatial and paragenetic relationships between the intrusions,alteration,and mineralization within the study area indicates that the formation of the Magushan deposit is genetically associated with the porphyritic granodiorite.However,this is not always the case,as some areas contain complexly zoned plutons with multiple phases of intrusion or mineralization may be distal from or may not have any clear spatial relationship to a pluton.This means that it may not be possible to determine whether the mineralization formed as a result of single or multiple magmatic/hydrothermal events.As such,the approaches presented in this study provide an approach that allows the identification of any geochronological relationships between mineralization and intrusive events in areas more complex than the study area.Previously published zircon U-Pb data for the mineralization-related porphyritic granodiorite in this area yielded an age of 134.2±1.2 Ma(MSWD=1.4)whereas the Re-Os dating of molybdenite from the study area yielded an isochron age of 137.7±2.5 Ma(MSWD=0.43).The timing of the mineralizing event in the study area was further examined by the dating of magmatic accessory titanite and skarn-related andradite garnet,yielding U-Pb ages of 136.3±2.5 Ma(MSWD=3.2)and 135.9±2.7 Ma(MSWD=2.5),respectively.The dating of magmatic and hydrothermal activity within the Magushan area yields ages around 136 Ma,strongly suggesting that the mineralization in this area formed as a result of the emplacement of the intrusion.The dates presented in this study also provide the first indication of the timing of mineralization within the Xuancheng district.providing evidence of a close genetic relationship between the formation of the mineralization within the Xuancheng district and the Early Cretaceous magmatism that occurred in this area.This in turn suggests that other Early Cretaceous intrusive rocks within this region are likely to be associated with mineralization and should be considered highly prospective for future mineral exploration.This study also indicates that the dating of garnet and titanite can also provide reliable geochronological data and evidence of the timing of mineralization and magmatism,respectively,in areas lacking other dateable minerals(e.g.,molybdenite)or where the relationship between mineralization and magmatism is unclear,for example in areas with multiple stages of magmatism,with complexly zoned plutons,and with distal skarn mineralization.

Deep seismic reflection profiling revealing the complex crustal structure of the Tongling ore district

The deep seismic profiling across the Tongling ore district reveals a complex crustal structure. Strong contrasting dipping layered reflections (4—11 s, TWT),which dominate the lower crust of the northern part of the profile, are interpreted as the underplating of the basalt related to extensional tectonism. In the south of the profile, the Yangtze craton is characterized by strong reflections in the middle crust, showing a distinct two-layer crustal structure. Over the region of the Tongling uplift, there appear the complex arc shape reflections, suggesting folded, faulted and intruded structures, and the transparent zone below them reveals the existence of batholith. The south dipping strong reflections between the upper crust and lower crust (4—7 s, TWT) suggest a detachment between them. The detachment provided space for the magma intrusion, and caused the formation of the batholith. The Yangtze craton has a clear Moho re-flection, while the Tongling uplift has a weak Moho, whereas below the reflective lower crust in the northern part of the profile, there are sub-Moho reflections. The abrupt variation of the Moho characteristics within a short distance indicates the complexity of magmatic activity.

Trace and Rare Earth Element Characteristics in Fe-Mn Carbonates Associated with Stratiform Ag-Pb-Zn Mineralization from the Lengshuikeng Ore District, Jiangxi Province: Implications for Their Genesis and Depositional Environment

We performed a systematic trace and rare earth element analysis for the bedded Fe-Mn carbonate rocks related to the stratiform Ag-Pb-Zn mineralization in the Lengshuikeng ore district, Jiangxi Province, South China. Three types of Fe-Mn carbonates are distinguished, namely, the massive, breccia, and vein types. Both carbonate and silicate fractions in the samples are analyzed for their trace and rare earth element concentrations using a step acid-leaching technique. Our results show that the carbonate fractions in the massive type samples have the lowest REE concentrations but pronounced positive Eu and Y anomalies with Eu/Eu＊ value from 1.3 to 6.2 and Y/Ho value from 40.1 to 59.5, and similar characteristics are also shown for the silicate fractions in the massive type samples（Eu/Eu＊=1.0-6.7, Y/Ho=20.7-55.1）. These REE characteristics are similar to those of Sedex type massive sulfide deposits worldwide, and we suggest that the massive type Fe-Mn carbonate rocks were likely formed from an exhalative volcanic-hydrothermal fluid feeding the depression basin of a volcanic lake. The high concentrations of redox-sensitive elements and ratios such as U/Th, V/Cr and V/（V＋Ni） indicate a dysoxic environment for the Fe-Mn carbonate deposition. In contrast, the breccia type and vein type Fe-Mn carbonate samples show different trace and rare earth element features from those of massive type samples, and they are more similar to the volcanic rocks and magmatic-hydrothermal fluids in the Lengshuikeng ore district and may reflect strong overprinting from volcanic and sub-volcanic magmatism related to the porphyry type mineralization in the district.

Comparative Study of Gacun and Youre Silver–Lead–Zinc–Copper Deposits in Sichuan, SW China, and their Mineralization Significance

The large Gacun silver-lead-zinc-copper deposit in Sichuan Province is one of the largest volcanogenic massive sulfide （VMS） deposits in China. The deposit consists of western and central ore bodies, which form a vein-stockwork mineralization system corresponding to hydrothermal channels, and eastern ore bodies, which form an exhalative chemical sedimentary system derived from a brine pool in a submarine basin. The Youre lead-zinc deposit, which is currently under exploration and lies adjacent to the southern part of the Gacun deposit, is characterized by intense silicification and vein- stockwork structures and consists of massive silicified rhyolitic volcanics, banded rhyolitic tuff, and phyllitic sericite tuff. From a comparison of their ore-bearing horizons, the Gacun and Youre deposits have a continuous and stable hanging wall （calcareous slate and overlying andesite） and foot wall （rhyolite-dacite breccia and agglomerate）, and the Uthologic sequence includes lower intermediate to felsic rocks and upper felsic rocks. Thus, the Youre deposit, which comprises relatively thinly layered low-grade ore, is regarded as forming a southward extension of the Gacun deposit. A further comparison of the structures of the ore-bearing belts between the two deposits suggests that the Youre ore bodies are similar to the western ore bodies of the Gacun deposit. Moreover, the characteristics of fluid inclusions and stable isotopes in the Youre deposit are also similar to those of the western ore bodies of the Gacun deposit. Genetic models of the deposits are proposed for the Gacun-Youre ore district, and massive concealed ore bodies may occcur in the Youre deposit at depths that are similar to those of the eastern ore bodies of the Gacun deposit.

GEOLOGICAL AND GEOCHEMICAL STUDY ON THE GENESIS OF THE FANKOU Pb-Zn DEPOSIT

The super large Pb Zn deposit at Fankou is very complex in metallogenic mechanism. Syngenetic brine sedimentation, hot submarine spring eruption—accumulation, syngenetic sedimentation—vadose brine replacement had been supposed as the genetic models before. Under these models, syngenetic mineralization should be dominant in ore formation. However, a series of geological and geochemical properties investigated by authors of this paper are contrary to these models. Therefore, the authors here suggest that this deposit is a typical polygenetic compound ore deposit which share the properties of multistages of geotectonic evolution, multifactors of mineralization control, multisystem of material derivation of mineralization, multimodes of mineralization and multitypes of genesis.

Geology and mineralization of the Tiegelongnan supergiant porphyry-epithermal Cu(Au, Ag) deposit(10 Mt) in western Tibet, China: A review

The Tiegelongnan Cu(Au,Ag)deposit in central Tibet contains more than 10 Mt of copper ranking 29 th in the world.It is characterized by typical porphyry-epithermal alteration and mineralization.In order to improve the understanding of porphyry-epithermal copper deposit in Tibet,new zircon U-Pb age and sulfur isotope data along with published data in the Tiegelongnan are presented to investigate the formation and preservation mechanism.Ore-related intrusive rocks in the Tiegelongnan including Early Cretaceous(about 120 Ma)granodiorite porphyry and diorite porphyry are closely related to the northward subduction of Bangongco-Nujiang ocean.Sulfur mainly comes from deep magma,and ore-forming fluid is affected by both magmatic and meteoric water.The metallogenic setting of Tiegelongnan is consistent with those of Andean porphyry copper deposits in South America.The cover of the Meiriqiecuo Formation volcanic rocks,Lhasa-Qiangtang collision and India-Eurasian collision have significance in the preservation and uplift of the deposit.The formation,preservation and discovery of Tiegelongnan play an important role in exploration of ancient porphyry-epithermal deposits in Tibet.