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.

Analysis of Mineralization System and Prediction of New-Type Ore Deposits

The discovery of new-type ore deposits, an important approach to guarantee the mineral resources supply in the 21st century, often brings about a gigantic increase in the mineral resources reserves. The analysis of mineralization system is of great importance to the discovery of new type ore deposits. ① The understanding of the relationship among various ore deposit types within a mineralization system in a region can help us to locate the unknown ore deposit types from the known ore deposit types, evidence that has been proved in the mineral prospecting history of ore belts in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, China. ② The understanding of the spatial structure of a mineralization system, especially of the vertical zonation, is helpful for the discovery of the concealed ore deposit types. ③ Clarifying the temporal structure of a mineralization system, including the iteration relationship between the mineral deposit types in the mineralization, leads to the location of the missing mineralization chains from the known mineralization chains (mineral deposit type), a method often proved to be effective in the magmatic hydrothermal mineralization system.④ Clarifying the factors restraining the diversity of mineral deposit types in mineralization system leads to the discovery of the potential of new type mineral deposits in relevant region. ⑤ Studying new mineralization setting and new ore forming processes leads to discovery of new type mineral deposit. More probabilities of discovery of new type mineral deposits are present in biogenic mineralization system, deep sea mineralization system, low temperature mineralization system, tectonic mineralization system and superimposed mineralization system.

Ore-forming fluid characteristics and genesis of vein-type lead-zinc mineralization of Xiaohongshilazi deposit,Jilin Province, China

The Xiaohongshilazi mineral deposit in Jilin Province,China,is located in the accretion zone in the northern margin of the North China Block. The deposit contains two types of ore bodies: layered Pb-Zn ore bodies in volcanic rock and vein-hosted Pb-Zn ore bodies controlled by fractures. The vein Pb-Zn ore bodies are strictly controlled by tectonic fracture zones trending in S-N direction,which comprise sulfide veins or sulfidebearing quartz veins distributed along faults or structural fissures. The ores mainly appear mesh-vein and vein structures,and also show solid-solution separation and metasomatic textures. The metal minerals are mainly sphalerite,galena,and pyrite,etc. Wall-rock alteration includes mainly sericitization,chloritization,silicification and carbonatization,etc. Microscope observations and Raman spectroscopy analyses indicate that the oreforming fluid of the vein Pb-Zn ore bodies was mainly magmatic water with low temperature,low salinity,and a shallow depth of metallogenesis( ~ 1.5 km). Sulfur and lead isotope analyses indicate that the sulfide source is mainly formation sulfur or biogenic sulfur,which is similar to the sulfur source of hydrothermal deposit( negative( δ^(34) S values),while the main Pb source was the upper crust with some mantle input. This article argues that the vein Pb-Zn ore body of the Xiaohongshilazi deposit is a low-to medium-temperature hydrothermal vein type related to the formation of a shallow magma chamber.

Exploration and research progress on ion-adsorption type REE deposit in South China

Since 2011,certain advances have been made through the resource investigation,metallogenesis research,mining supervision and environmental protection of ion-adsorption type rare earth element (REE) deposit in South China.Firstly,some progress has been made in REE prospecting in Jiangxi,Guangdong,Guangxi and Yunnan.REE deposits are not only found within the weathering crusts of granites and felsic volcanic rocks,but also within the weathering crusts of epimetamorphic rocks and basic magmatic rocks.Secondly,the methods of exploration,delineating ore bodies and calculation of reserves have been improved,which intuitively reflect the thickness,REE composition and value of weathering crust.Thirdly,the relationship between REEs and weathering degree and the rule of distribution,migration and enrichment of REEs in the weathering profile was summarized through the analysis of big data,which can predict the metallogenetic horizon of REEs.Fourthly,a method for quick,accurate and dynamic investigation of the REE deposit has been established by using high resolution remote sensing technology.Finally,the relation between the production status of REE mines and water pollution has been revealed based on long-term hydrochemical monitoring data of rivers and wells in mines and surrounding areas.

A Study of Occurrences of Ag in Pb-Zn-Cu Ore Deposits in China

A systematic study of occurrences of silver in 156 Pb-Zn-Cu ore deposits indicates that silver mainly occurs in nonferrous metal ore deposits in forms of association and paragenesis. It occurs mainly as independent minerals in nature and occasionally as ion adsorption, isomorphous or amorphous silver minerals. Nearly 190 silver minerals have been discovered in China. Their shapes, constituents, textures, grain sizes, embedded types, distribution patterns, mineral assemblages and metallogenic series suggest that these characteristics are closely related to geneses of deposits and dependent of ore-forming conditions. Pb, Zn and Cu sulphides are the main carrier minerals of silver. The partition of silver in ore is constrained by the mineralization intensity, grain size and embedded form of silver minerals and mineral assemblages.

The Major Ore Clusters of Super-Large Iron Deposits in the World, Present Situation of Iron Resources in China, and Prospect

The metamorphosed sedimentary type of iron deposits（BIF） is the most important type of iron deposits in the world, and super-large iron ore clusters of this type include the Quadrilatero Ferrifero district and Carajas in Brazil, Hamersley in Australia, Kursk in Russia, Central Province of India and Anshan-Benxi in China. Subordinated types of iron deposits are magmatic, volcanic-hosted and sedimentary ones. This paper briefly introduces the geological characteristics of major super-large iron ore clusters in the world. The proven reserves of iron ores in China are relatively abundant, but they are mainly low-grade ores. Moreover, a considerate part of iron ores are difficult to utilize for their difficult ore dressing, deep burial or other reasons. Iron ore deposits are relatively concentrated in 11 metallogenic provinces（belts）, such as the Anshan-Benxi, eastern Hebei, Xichang-Central Yunnan Province and middle-lower reaches of Yangtze River. The main minerogenetic epoches vary widely from the Archean to Quaternary, and are mainly the Late Archean to Middle Proterozoic, Variscan, and Yanshanian periods. The main 7 genetic types of iron deposits in China are metamorphosed sedimentary type（BIF）, magmatic type, volcanic-hosted type, skarn type, hydrothermal type, sedimentary type and weathered leaching type. The iron-rich ores occur predominantly in the skarn and marine volcanic-hosted iron deposits, locally in the metamorphosed sedimentary type（BIF） as hydrothermal reformation products. The theory of minerogenetic series of mineral deposits and minerogenic models has applied in investigation and prospecting of iron ore deposits. A combination of deep analyses of aeromagnetic anomalies and geomagnetic anomalies, with gravity anomalies are an effective method to seeking large and deep-buried iron deposits. China has a relatively great oresearching potential of iron ores, especially for metamorphosed sedimentary, skarn, and marine volcanic-hosted iron deposits. For the lower guarantee degree of iron and steel industry, China should give a trading and open the foreign mining markets.

POLYGENETIC COMPOUND ORE DEPOSITS AND THEIR ORIGIN IN THE CONTEXT OF REGULARITIES IN CRUSTAL EVOLUTION

Polygenetic compound ore deposits are here defined as those ore deposits which evidently possess n1any sided genetic characteristics as a comprehensive result of more than one rnineralization stages, from many rnaterial sources, and of many genetic types. They are formed most commonly during the diwa (geo(lepression) stage in the process of crustal evolution and, therefore, spread most widely in diwa regions. At the present stage of our knowledge, they may be subdivided into three principal models and many types of metallogenesis, controlled by different geotectonic conditions and being distributed in time and in space according to the corresponding regularities. This is a newly rccognizcd, third gcnetic type of ore deposits, being not reasonable to be simply referred to either pure endogenic or pure exogenic origin. They are very important and are of great study significance, becausc they comrnonly are rich and have a large amount of reserve with high economic value.

Geological Characteristics and Genesis of the Jiamoshan MVT Pb–Zn Deposit in the Sanjiang belt, Tibetan Plateau

The carbonate-hosted Pb–Zn deposits in the Sanjiang metallogenic belt on the Tibetan Plateau are typical of MVT Pb–Zn deposits that form in thrust-fold belts. The Jiamoshan Pb–Zn deposit is located in the Changdu area in the middle part of the Sanjiang belt, and it represents a new style of MVT deposit that was controlled by karst structures in a thrust–fold system. Such a karst-controlled MVT Pb–Zn deposit in thrust settings has not previously been described in detail, and we therefore mapped the geology of the deposit and undertook a detailed study of its genesis. The karst structures that host the Jiamoshan deposit were formed in Triassic limestones along secondary reverse faults, and the orebodies have irregular tubular shapes. The main sulfide minerals are galena, sphalerite, and pyrite that occur in massive and lamellar form. The ore-forming fluids belonged to a Mg2+–Na+–K+–SO2-4–Cl-–F-–NO-3–H2 O system at low temperatures(120–130°C) but with high salinities(19–22% NaCl eq.). We have recognized basinal brine as the source of the ore-forming fluids on the basis of their H–O isotopic compositions(-145‰ to-93‰ for δDV-SMOW and-2.22‰ to 13.00‰ for δ18 Ofluid), the ratios of Cl/Br(14–1196) and Na/Br(16–586) in the hydrothermal fluids, and the C–O isotopic compositions of calcite(-5.0‰ to 3.7‰ for δ13 CV-PDB and 15.1‰ to 22.3‰ for δ18 OV-SMOW). These fluids may have been derived from evaporated seawater trapped in marine strata at depth or from Paleogene–Neogene basins on the surface. The δ34 S values are low in the galena(-3.2‰ to 0.6‰) but high in the barite(27.1‰), indicating that the reduced sulfur came from gypsum in the regional Cenozoic basins and from sulfates in trapped paleo-seawater by bacterial sulfate reduction. The Pb isotopic compositions of the galena samples(18.3270–18.3482 for 206 Pb/204 Pb, 15.6345–15.6390 for 207 Pb/204 Pb, and 38.5503–38.5582 for 208 Pb/204 Pb) are similar to those of the regional Triassic volcanic-arc rocks that formed during the closure of the Paleo-Tethys, indicating these arc rocks were the source of the metals in the deposit. Taking into account our new observations and data, as well as regional Pb–Zn metallogenic processes, we present here a new model for MVT deposits controlled by karst structures in thrust–fold systems.

Geology,Geochemistry,and Genesis of the Tongcun Reduced Porphyry Mo(Cu) Deposit,NW Zhejiang Province,China

The Tongcun Mo（Cu） deposit in Kaihua city of Zhejiang Province,eastern China,occurs in and adjacent to the Songjiazhuang granodiorite porphyry and is a medium-sized and important porphyry type ore deposit.Two irregular Mo（Cu） orebodies consist of various types of hydrothermal veinlets.Intensive hydrothermal alteration contains skarnization,chloritization,carbonatization,silicification and sericitization.Based on mineral assemblages and crosscutting relationships,the oreforming processes are divided into five stages,i.e.,the early stage of garnet ＋ epidote ± chlorite associated with skarnization and K-feldspar ＋ quartz ± molybdenite veins associated with potassicsilicic alteration,the quartz-sulfides stage of quartz ＋ molybdenite ± chalcopyrite ± pyrite veins,the carbonatization stage of calcite veinlets or stockworks,the sericite ＋ chalcopyrite ± pyrite stage,and the late calcite ＋ quartz stage.Only the quartz-bearing samples in the early stage and in the quartzsulfides stage are suitable for fluid inclusions（FIs） study.Four types of FIs were observed,including1） CO2-CH4 single phase FIs,2） CO2-bearing two- or three-phase FIs,3） Aqueous two-phase FIs,and4） Aqueous single phase FIs.FIs of the early stages are predominantly CO2- and CH4-rich FIs of the CO2-CH4-H2O-NaCl system,whereas minerals in the quartz-sulfides stage contain CO2-rich FIs of the CO2-H2O-NaCl system and liquid-rich FIs of the H2O-NaCl system.For the CO2-CH4 single phase FIs of the early mineralization stage,the homogenization temperatures of the CO2 phase range from 15.4 ℃ to 25.3 ℃（to liquid）,and the fluid density varies from 0.7 g/cm^3 to 0.8 g/cm^3;for two- or three-phase FIs of the CO2-CH4-H2O-NaCl system,the homogenization temperatures,salinities and densities range from 312℃ to 412℃,7.7 wt%NaCl eqv.to 10.9 wt%NaCl eqv.,and 0.9 g/cm^3 to 1.0 g/cm^3,respectively.For CO2-H2O-NaCI two- or threephase FIs of the quartz-sulfides stage,the homogenization temperatures and salinities range from255℃ to 418℃,4.8 wt%NaCl eqv.to 12.4 wt%NaCl eqv.,respectively;for H2O-NaCl two-phase FIs,the homogenization temperatures range from 230 ℃ to 368 ℃,salinities from 11.7 wt%NaCl eqv.to16.9 wt%NaCl eqv.,and densities from 0.7 g/cm^3 to 1.0 g/cm^3.Microthermometric measurements and Laser Raman spectroscopy analyses indicate that CO2 and CH4 contents and reducibility（indicated by the presence of CH4） of the fluid inclusions trapped in quartz-sulfides stage minerals are lower than those in the early stage.Twelve molybdenite separates yield a Re-Os isochron age of 163 ± 2.4 Ma,which is consistent with the emplacement age of the Tongcun,Songjiazhuang,Dayutang and Huangbaikeng granodiorite porphyries.The 〈S18OSMow values of fluids calculated from quartz of the quartz-sulfides stage range from 5.6‰ to 8.6‰,and the 〈JDSMOw values of fluid inclusions in quartz of this stage range from-71.8‰ to-88.9‰,indicating a primary magmatic fluid source.〈534SV-cdt values of sulfides range from＋1.6‰ to ＋3.8‰,which indicate that the sulfur in the ores was sourced from magmatic origins.Phase separation is inferred to have occurred from the early stage to the quartz-sulfides stage and resulted in ore mineral precipitation.The characteristics of alteration and mineralization,fluid inclusion,sulfur and hydrogen-oxygen isotope data,and molybdenite Re-Os ages all suggest that the Tongcun Mo（Cu） deposit is likely to be a reduced porphyry Mo（Cu） deposit associated with the granodiorite porphyry in the Tongcun area.

The Massive Sulfide Deposit of Siirt Madenkoy,South-Eastern Turkey--Geology,Geochemistry and Mineral Raw Material Potential

The Siirt Madenköy massive sulfide ore deposit has been in operation since 2005. With its approx. 39 Mt reserves (2.40% Cu), it represents the largest Cu deposit and the largest mining operation in the country (1.5 Mt ore/year). The thickness of the adjacent rocks is composed of olivine-pyroxenite basalts pillow lava, which is spilite, interchangeable ore lenses of chalcopyrite and pyrite is about 170 m and reaches a depth of 350 m. The mid-Eocene aged porphyritic, strongly altered spilites are locally interspersed with diabase and covered by conglomerates. The ores appear massive, stock work and disseminated. Main ore minerals are idiomorphic pyrite, cataclastic chalcopyrite and fine-grained magnetite. The geochemical composition of the Cu ores of the Siirt-Madenköy deposit shows in places high levels of Cu, Fe and S, as important trace elements, As, Ba, Co and Ti are listed. In relation to Clarke values, Se, Bi, Cu, Mo and Co are strongly enriched, while Na, K and Ca as well as their coherent trace elements Rb, Sr and Cd are depleted due to hydrothermal alteration. The elemental distribution is characterized by log-normal distribution, proportionality effect, high Cu/Ni ratio and significantly positive correlation between the element pairs MgO-Ni, Cr-Ni and Co/FeO-Co. The dependence of Cu and SO3 contents and Cu/FeO, SO3/FeO ratios are to be interpreted as an indication of the common origin of Cu, Fe and S. In general, Cu, Zn, Pb and S content decrease with depth, whereas those of Fe3O4 increase. The variograms of the ore distributions are characterized by hole effect, trend and zonal anisotropy, which reflect alternation of ores with host rocks and changes in elemental contents. The Siirt Madenköy deposit is attributable to Cu and Zn ratios of the Cu class of ophiolitic massive sulfide deposits. Due to the very high Cu/Pb and Cu/Zn ratios, it can be described as an analogous deposit of the mid oceanic ridge, for example comparable to ores of Galapagos Ridge. The Siirt Madenköy deposit is considered to be a syngenetic volcanogenic-exhalative massive sulfide ore deposit based on the results of the study. It belongs to the “Cyprus deposit type”. Similar deposits are Küre and Ergani-Maden in Turkey, Ermioni in Greece and Outukumpu in Finland.

Discovery of a new type of auriferous ore deposit in Jiao-Lai Basin

An auriferous ore deposit of industrial scale was discovered by the authors in carbon-aceous rock series or the Jiao-Lai Basin on the North China Platform. The carbonaceousrock series is developed at the bottom of the Cretaceous Laiyang Group which is over 270mthick, and overlies unconformably the Archaean-Proterozoic metamorphic rocks. The

Characteristics and origin of a new type of polyhalite potassium ore in the Lower Triassic Jialingjiang Formation, Puguang area, northeastern Sichuan Basin, SW China

A new type of polyhalite potassium ore(NTPPO) was found in the Lower Triassic Jialingjiang Formation, NE Sichuan Basin, SW China. It is water soluble, therefore can be exploited using the water-solution method, and is of great potential of economic value and research significance. Based on cores, thin sections, energy spectrum and SEM analyses, its microfeatures, macrofeatures and origin are discussed, and a genetic model is established to provide a scientific basis for future evaluation, prediction and exploration of potassium ore in the Sichuan Basin. It is proposed that the NTPPO was caused by storm activities:(1) the storm broke the original sedimentary polyhalite–gypsum beds, whose fragments were transported into the salt basin with high content of K+ and Mg2+;(2) in the basin, the polyhalite continued to be formed from gypsum by metasomatism with K-and Mg-rich brine;(3) during diagenesis, under high temperature and high pressure, K–Mg-rich brine from halite continued to replace anhydrite(or gypsum) to form polyhalite.

Origin of Dispersed Organic Matter within Sandstones and Its Implication for Uranium Mineralization:A Case Study from Dongsheng Uranium Ore Filed in China

Carbonaceous debris(CD),common dispersed organic matter(i.e.,DOM),is widely disseminated in sandstones from uranium-bearing strata from the Dongsheng uranium ore field of the northern Ordos Basin.Compositions of maceral,element and biomarkers of CD were investigated through a series of methods with optical microscope,elemental analyzer and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses(GC-MS)to study origin of CD.The results show that CD,centrally distributed nearby channel erosion surface,decreases with the increased distances to channel erosion surface,which indicates the CD might be related to the coal seam from the upper unit of the J2y Formation or synsedimentary plant from the J2z Formation.Macerals of CD are composed of vitrinite(i.e.,V),inertinite(i.e.,I),and minerals,including that V is primary.Compared with the coals from the J2y Formation classed into vitrinertite-V(V+I>95%,V>I),CD is grouped into vitrite(V>95%).Although,CD and coal are similar in element composition,the former is of lower organic carbon,H,N,and higher S.The(C27+C29)/(C31+C33)ratios of n-alkanes biomarkers indicate that the percentage of woody plants accounting for vegetation composition of CD predominate over that of coal,which is also evidenced by the higher C/N ratios and oleanane contents of CD.The evidence is also supported by plant branch buried in sandstones.The distribution characteristics of CD and differences in vegetation types between CD and coal suggest that CD might be not from the coal seam from J2y.The tissue preservation index,gelification index,ground water level index,and vegetation index reflect that the paleoenvironment of CD is controlled by fluctuating water,which is also supported by the existences of round CD.Compared with peat,sedimentary paleoenvironment where CD deposits is of weaker reducibility,higher salinity by analyzing Pr/Ph ratios and gammacerane index.Distributions of n-alkanes carbon number of CD with the presence of unknown complex mixtures show that microbial activities exist in sand bodies.Differences in hydrodynamic intensity,redox condition,and microbial activity intensity between sedimentary paleoenvironment of CD and peat,show that CD is born in synsedimentary sandstone environment not in peat.Hence,it comprehensively draws conclusions that immature‘non-peatborn’CD is formed from the trunk,stem,branch,root fragments buried in sandstones,depositing in(micro)allochthonous positions by the influences of fluctuating water.The DOM from synsedimentary plant debris might play more roles in adsorption and complexation,and microorganisms may participate in uranium mineralization,which could provide certain guidance for uranium exploration and mining.