The Igneous Rock Series and Tin Polymetailic Minerogenetic Series in the Tengchong Area, Yunnan

This paper discusses the late Yanshanian-Himalayan igneous rock series and minerogenetic series (Cheng et al., 1979, 1982) related to tin polymetallic deposits in the Tengchong area. The multi-stage differentiation and evolution of the igneous rock series led to the concentration of metal and ore-forming elements in a cupola of a granite body formed in the late stage. The minerogenetic series shows a zoning of Nb-Ta-W-Sn, Sn-Fe and Sn around the cupola in space and a multi-stage regularity in time. Finally a minerogenetic model and three key factors of tin minerogenesis are put forward for tin polymetallic deposits in the area.

The Minerogenetic Series of Nonmetallic Mineral Deposits of China

Owing to the internal relationship between material sources or mineralization ways and the difference ofmineralization micro-environments or the change of constraints. certain types of nonmetallic mineral depositsare regularly formed either simultaneously or in successive order under the control of certain association ofmineralization processes in a certain geotectonic environment, thus forming a minerogenetic series ofnonmetallic mineral deposits. The geological setting that controls the formation of minerogenetic series is mosttruly recorded in ore-bearing formations. while the mineralization processes which are associated or surely suc-cessive are the indispensable prerequisite for the formation of the various mineral deposits of a minerogeneticseries. Therefore, the minerogenetic series of nonmetallic mineral deposits can be classified according tomineral-bearing formations and mineralization processes. Based on available data. 13 minerogenetic series aredistinguished in China. The study of minerogenetic series may not only result in the enrichment of the theory ofmineral deposits but also help direct mineral prospecting and give guidance in the integrated development andutillization of mineral resources.

Cenozoic Mineralization in China,as a Key to Past Mineralization and a Clue to Future Prospecting

Many Cenozoic metal deposits have been found during the past decade. Among them, the Fuwan Ag deposit in Guangdong is the largest Ag deposit in China. Besides, the largest Cu deposit of China in Yulong, Tibet, the largest Pb-Zn deposit of China in Jinding, Yunnan, and the largest Au deposit of China in Jinguashi, Taiwan, were also formed in the Cenozoic. Why so many important “present” deposits formed during such a short period of geological history is the key problem. The major reason is that different tectonic settings control different kinds of magmatic activity and mineralization at the same time. In southwestern China, porphyry-type Cu deposits such as Yulong were formed during the early stage of the Himalayan orogeny, sediment-hosted Pb-Zn deposits such as Jinding were formed within intermontane basins related to deep faults, and carbonatite-related deposits such as the Maoniuping REE deposit and alkalic magmatic rock-related deposits such as the Beiya Au deposit originated from the mantle source. In southeastern China, the Fuwan Ag deposit was related to continental rifting which was triggered by the mantle plume. In Taiwan, the Jinguashi Au deposit was formed during the subduction process of an oceanic plate beneath a continental plate. Besides, the features such as the diversification, inheritance, large size, deep source of metals and fluids of the Cenozoic (Present or Recent) mineralization can be used as a key to the search for past deposits.

Temporo-Spatial Distribution and Evolution of Ore Deposits in the West Sector of the Northern Qilian Mountains

The west sector of the northern Qilian Mountains is well-known for the Jingtieshan-type iron deposits. A new breakthrough has been made in prospecting for gold and copper in recent years. In this paper, the distribution characteristics of ore deposits in the study area are discussed from the viewpoint of tectonic evolution. It is suggested that there are 9 stages of mineralization from the Palaeoproterozoic to Indosinian. Four minerogenetic series and two minerogenetic subseries of ore deposits are recognized. Iron mineralization occurred in several stages, while most of the metals were accumulated in large amounts in the Caledonian. The enrichment and mineralization of gold is related to large-scale shear-strike-slip faults and the ascent and unloading of deep-seated fluids.