Gravity and Magnetic Evidence for the Geological Setting of Major Mineral Systems of the Main Metallogenic Belts in South China: A Qualitative Analysis

South China is characterized by large-area multistage magmatism.It boasts a huge number of polymetallic deposits such as W-Sn,Cu-Au,rare earth deposits,thus serving as a"giant granary"of metal mineral resources in China(Lüet al.,2021).

CHARACTERISTICS AND METALLOGENIC EVOLUTION OF AILAOSHAN GOLD METALLOGENIC BELTS IN YUNNAN, CHINA

Observations made in different superlarge\|large gold deposits in Ailaoshan gold metallogenic belts, Yunnan Province, China, on the eastern margin of the Qingzang (Himalayas—Karakoram—Tibet) were investigated. Geotectonically, the study area is situated in the conjoint between the Tethys and Himalayas tectonic domain, characterized by very complex geological structure, with strongly influenced by the Himalayas in late development.1\ Regional geology and gold deposits\;Ailaoshan gold metallogenic belts is localized between Ailaoshan super lithospheric faults and Jiujia—Anding brittle\|ductile shear zone, with NNW\|trending about 250km long. To southward, Zhenyuan supergiant gold deposits, Mojiang large gold deposits, and Daping giant gold deposits hosted in low metamorphic volcanic\|sedimentary rocks (D—C). Ore types include gold\|bearing quartz veins, gold\|bearing altered rocks, and the mixing of the two types. Most of gold orebodies took their positions in the substructures of the brittle\|ductile shear zone.

Preliminary Study on the Metallogenic System of Mafic Large Igneous Provinces(MLIPs)

Large igneous provinces（LIPs）generally refer to the different types of the igneous rocks,which intrude in a short time,ranging in area from 50000 to 100000 km;（Sheth,2007;Bryan et al.,2008）.While the mafic large

Fluid inclusion and H-O-S-Pb isotope systematics of the Chayong Cu-polymetallic deposit,Sanjiang Metallogenic Belt,Qinghai Province,China

The Chayong Cu-polymetallic deposit is a recently discovered Cu-polymetallic deposit hosted in the Sanjiang Metallogenic Belt within the Tibetan Plateau of China to the northeast of the North Qiangtang terrane.The ore body occurs in siltstone and is controlled by a northwest-trending fault structure.According to the associations,assemblages,and cutting relationships between ore veins,the hydrothermal mineralization period can be divided into three mineralization stages:(1)a molybdenite mineralization stage,(2)a Cu-polymetallic sulfide stage,and(3)a quartzcarbonate stage.Two types of fluid inclusions(FIs),namely,liquid and vapor-rich inclusions,are present in quartz as so ciated with sulfide minerals.Early-stage FIs are both iquid and vapor-rich,homogenized at temperatures ranging from 364.1 to 384.2℃,and have salinities ranging from0.70%to 9.60%NaCl equivalent(eqv).The middle-stage FIs are also both liquid-and vapor-rich,homogenized at temperatures ranging from 272.4 to 355.6℃,and have salinities ranging from 0.53%-17.10%NaCl eqv.The late-stage FIs are liquid,homogenized at temperatures ranging from 209.4to 255.3℃,and have salinities ranging from 0.35%-6.87%NaCl eqv.The samples from the deposit haveδ^(34)S values of-21.8‰to-19.2‰and-5.5‰to-6.0‰,suggesting that sulfur was derived from the host sediments and magmatic fluids,respectively.The metallic minerals within the deposit have^(206)Pb/^(204)Pb,^(207)Pb/^(204)Pb,and^(208)Pb/^(204)Pb values of 18.439-18.458,15.656-15.679,and 38.772-38.863,respectively,suggesting that the metals were derived from the upper crust and orogenic belts.The samples from the deposit haveδ^(18)O_(W)values of 2.99‰-7.99‰andδD_(W) values ranging from-84.4‰to-73.9‰,indicating that the pre-forming fluids were magmatic and mixed with minor amounts of meteoric water.The ore-forming fluid of the Chayong copper polymetallic deposit was a high-temperature,medium-to low-salinity H_(2)O-NaCl-CH_(4)-N_(2)±CO_(2)fluid system.The early high-temperature magmatic fluid,due to boiling,decreased in temperature,and via the mixing of meteoric water,gradually evolved towards the later-stage medium-to low-temperature and low-salinity fluid,causing nolybdenite mineralization and forming copper polymetallic sulfide veins and quartz carbonate veins.

Research on the Application of Electromagnetic Method in the Exploration of Altered Rock-type Gold Deposits in the East Kunlun Metallogenic Belt

Introduction The East Kunlun Orogenic Belt is located in the northeastern part of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau(Li et al.,2007),stretching from the East Kunlun to the Elashan area in an east–west direction(Guo et al.,2018).It is an important part of the Central Orogenic Belt(Xiong et al.,2023).It is considered one of the important gold mineralization regions in the Tethys tectonic domain(Norbu et al.,2023)and an essential potential base for mineral resources in China.Wulonggou and Gouli gold mines have been discovered successively,earning the reputation of the"Golden Belt of Qinghai Province"(Feng et al.,2004;He et al.,2023).

China's First Independent Cobalt Deposit and its Metallogenic Mechanism:Evidence from Fluid Inclusions and Isotopic Geochemistry

The Tuolugou cobalt deposit is the first independent large-scale Co- and Au-bearing deposit discovered in northwestern China. It is located in the eastern Kunlun orogenic belt in Qinghai Province, and occurs conformably in low-grade metamorphic volcano-sedimentary rock series with well-developed Na-rich hydrothermal sedimentary rocks and typical hydrothermal sedimentary ore fabrics. Fluid inclusions and isotopic geochemistry studies suggest that cobalt mineralizing fluid is dominated by NaCI-H20 system, accompanied by NaCI-CO2-H20-N2 system responsible for gold mineralization. Massive, banded and disseminated pyrite ores have similar compositions of He and Ar isotopes from the mineralizing fluid, with 3He/4He range between 0.10 to 0.31Ra （averaging 0.21Ra）, and 4~Ar/36Ar between 302 and 569 （averaging 373）, which reflects that Co mineralizing fluids derived dominantly from meteoric water deeply circulating. ~34S values of pyrite approaches to zero （~34S ranging from -4.5%o to ＋1.5%o, centering around -1.8%o to -0.2%o）, reflecting its deep source. Ore lead is characterized by distinctly high radiogenesis, with 2~6pb/2~4pb〉19.279, 2~7pb/2~4pb〉15.691 and 2~spb/2~4pb〉39.627, and its values show an increase trend from country rocks, regional Paleozoic volcanic rocks to ores. This may have suggested that high radiogentic ore Pb derived mainly from country rocks by leaching meteoric water-dominated hydrothermal fluid during its circulation at depth. Cobalt occurs mainly in sulfide phase （such as pyrite）, but cobalt enrichment, and presence and increasing contents of Co-bearing minerals have a positive correlation with metamorphic degree. The Tuolugou deposit and other typical strata-bound Co-Cu-Au deposits have striking similarities in the geological features and metallogenic pattern of primary cobalt. All of them are syngenetic hydrothermal exhalative sedimentation in origin.

^40Ar/^39Ar and Rb-Sr Ages of the Tiegelongnan Porphyry Cu-(Au)Deposit in the Bangong Co-Nujiang Metallogenic Belt of Tibet,China:Implication for Generation of Super-Large Deposit

The Tiegelongnan deposit is a newly discovered super-large porphyry-epithermal Cu-（Au） deposit in the western part of the Bangong Co-Nujiang metallogenic belt, Tibet（China）. Field geology and geochronology indicate that the porphyry mineralization was closely related to the Early Cretaceous intermediate-felsic intrusions（ca. 123–120 Ma）. Various epithermal ore and gangue mineral types were discovered in the middle-shallow part of the orebody, indicating the presence of epithermal mineralization at Tiegelongnan. Potassic, propylitic, phyllic and advanced argillic alteration zones were identified. 40Ar/39Ar dating of hydrothermal biotite（potassic zone）, sericite（phyllic zone）, and alunite（advanced argillic zone） in/around the ore-bearing granodiorite porphyry yielded 121.1±0.6 Ma（1σ）, 120.8±0.7 Ma（1σ） and 117.9±1.6 Ma（1σ）, respectively. Five hydrothermal mineralization stages were identified, of which the Stage IV pyrite was Rb-Sr dated to be 117.5±1.8 Ma（2σ）, representing the end of epithermal mineralization. Field geology and geochronology suggest that both the epithermal and porphyry mineralization belong to the same magmatic-hydrothermal system. The Tiegelongnan super-large Cu-（Au） deposit may have undergone a prolonged magmatichydrothermal evolution, with the major mineralization event occurring at ca.120–117Ma.

Outline of Metallogenic Regularity of Bauxite Deposits in China

Among the abundant aluminum ore resources in China, bauxite is dominated, which is mainly distributed in 19 provinces and regions, including Shanxi, Henan, Guizhou and Guangxi. The major deposit type of bauxite is paleo-weathering crust sedimentary type, and the other one is the accumulation type. The main metallogenic period is the late Paleozoic Era followed by the Cenozoic Era. The metallogenic tectonic background is characterized by a cratonic environment. This paper summarizes the bauxite metallogenic regularity based on the characteristics of bauxite resources, bauxite deposit type, bauxite metallogenic belt and metallogenic series in China, and 15 bauxite metallogenic belts, 8 bauxite metallogenic series and 7 bauxite ore concentrated areas were identified in the study. This paper also provides a theoretical basis for the evaluation of the potential of bauxite resources.

Geological and Geochemical Constraints on the Newly Discovered Yangchongli Gold Deposit in Tongling Region, Lower Yangtze Metallogenic Belt

The newly discovered Yangchongli gold deposit is a unique independent gold deposit in the Tongling ore-cluster region controlled by the tectonic alteration firstly discovered in the Lower Yangtze Metallogenic Belt （LYMB）. The host magmatic rocks mainly consist of monzodiorite and K-feldspar granite. The LA-ICP-MS U-Pb zircons dating yielded weighted mean 206pb/23SU ages of 140.7 ± 1.8 Ma and 126.4 ±1.2 Ma for the monzodiorite and K-feldspar granite, respectively. Monzodiorites are enriched in Sr, Ba, Rb, and depleted in Y, Yb with high Sr/Y and La/Yb ratios, similar to the geochemical features of adakite, considered as products of differentiation of mafic magmas originating from lithospheric mantle melt/fluids caused by metasomatism during paleo-Pacific Plate subduction in the Mesozic. In contrast, the compositions of K-feldspar granites are A-type granites, indicating an extensional tectonic background. Gold ores hosted in the fracture zone occurred as quartz vein within cataclastic rock. Sulfur and lead isotopes from pyrites show crust-mantle mixing characteristics. Metal components from strata also took part in the gold mineralization, and resulted from two episodes of magmatism that were probably related to tectonic transition from a compressive to an extensional setting between 140-126 Ma, which led to the Mesozoic large-scale polymetallic mineralization events in eastern China.

Geological Fluid Mapping in the Tongling Area:Implications for the Paleozoic Submarine Hydrothermal System in the Middle-Lower Yangtze Metallogenic Belt,East China

The Tongling area is one of the 7 ore-cluster areas in the Middle-Lower Yangtze metallogenic belt, East China, and has tectonically undergone a long-term geologic history from the late Paleozoic continental rifting, through the Middle Triassic continent-continent collision to the Jurassic-Cretaceous intracontinental tectono-magmatic activation. The Carboniferous sedimentary-exhalative processes in the area produced widespread massive sulfides with ages of 303-321 Ma, which partly formed massive pyrite-Cu deposits, but mostly provided significant sulfur and metals to the skarn Cu mineralization associated with the Yanshanian felsic intrusions.To understand the Carboniferous submarine hydrothermal system, an area of about 1046 km^2 was chosen to carry out the geological fluid mapping. Associated with massive sulfide formation, footwall sequences 948 m to 1146 m thick, composed of the Lower Silurian-Upper Devonian sandstone, siltstone and thin-layered shale, were widely altered. This hydrothermal alteration is interpreted to reflect largescale hydrothermal fluid flow associated with the late Paleozoic crustal rifting and subsidence. Three hydrothermal alteration types, i.e., deep-level semiconformable siliclfication （S1）, fracture-controlled quartz-sericite-pyrite alteration （S2-3）, and upper-level sub-discordant quartz-sericite-chlorite alteration （D3）, were developed to form distinct zones in the mapped area. About 50-m thick semiconformable silicification zones are located at -1-km depth below massive sulfides and developed between an impermeable shale caprock （S1） and the underlying Ordovician unaltered limestone. Comparisons with modern geothermal systems suggest that the alteration zones record a sub-seafioor aquifer with the most productive hydrothermal fluid flow. Fracture-controlled quartz-sericite-pyrite alteration formed transgressive zones, which downward crosscut the semiconformable alteration zones, and upwards grade into sub-discordant alteration zones that enveloped no economic stringer- stockwork zones beneath massive sulfides. This transgressive zone likely marks an upfiow path of high- flux fluids from the hydrothermal aquifer. Lateral zonation of the sub-discordant alteration zones and their relationship to overlying massive sulfide lenses suggest lateral flows and diffusive discharging of the hydrothermal fluids in a permeable sandstone sequence. Three large-sized, 14 middle-small massive sulfide deposits, and 40 massive sulfide sites have been mapped in detail. They show regional strata- bound characters and two major styles, i.e., the layered sheet plus strata-bound stringer-style and the mound-style. Associated exhalite and chemical sedimentary rock suites include （1） anhydrite-barite, （2） jasper-chert, （3） Mg-rich mudstone-pyrite shale, （4） barite lens, （5） siderite-Fe-bearing dolomite, and （6） Mn-rich shale-mudstone, which usually comprise three sulfide-exhalite cyclic units in the area.The spatial distribution of these alteration zones （minerals） and associated massive sulfdes and exhalites, and regional variation in δ^34S of hydrothermal pyrite and in δ^18O-δ^34C of hanging wall carbonates, suggest three WNW-extending domains of fluid flow, controlled by the basement faults and syn-depositional faults. Each fluid domain appears to have at least two upflow zones, with estimated even spacing of about 5-8 km in the mapped area. The repeated appearance of sulfide-sulfate or sulfide-carbonate rhythmic units in the area suggests episodically venting of fluids through the upfiow conduits by breaking the overlying seals of the hydrothermal aquifer.

A Preliminary Review of Metallogenic Regularity of Tungsten Deposits in China

Tungsten ore resources are abundant in China with relatively complete types of deposits. Skarn type and quartz vein type deposits are dominated in the tungsten resources, whereas quartz vein type wolframite deposits are most important in terms of exploitation and utilization. Skarn type tungsten deposits are concentratedly distributed in the central Nanling region, such as South Hunan, South Anhui and the eastern Qinling region, while quartz vein type tungsten deposits occur mainly in South China, such as West Fujian, South Jiangxi, North Guangdong and South Hunan. The most important metallogenic epoch of tungsten is the Mesozoic, while the metallogenic tectonic setting is featured by an intracontinental environment after orogeny with sever tectonic movements, deep-seated faults and frequent magmatic activities, especially Mesozoic granitoids closely related to tungsten-tin mineralization. 22 metallogenic series of ore deposits characterized by or significantly related to tungsten were defined based on precise statistic information of 1199 tungsten mining areas and thorough the summary of metallogenic regularities. Based on studies of the metallogenic regularity of tungsten deposits, skarn type （or greisen type）, quartz vein type and massif-type of tungsten deposits are thought to be the key prediction types. 65 tungsten-forming belts and 22 key ore concentration areas were ascertained and a distribution map of tungsten-forming belts of China was compiled, which provided a theoretical basis for evaluation and prediction of potential tungsten resources.

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.

In Situ Analyses of Trace Elements, U–Pb and Lu–Hf Isotopes in Zircons from the Tongshankou Granodiorite Porphyry in Southeast Hubei Province, Middle-Lower Yangtze River Metallogenic Belt, China

The Tongshankou Cu-Mo deposit, located in southeast Hubei province, is a typical skarn–porphyry type ore deposit closely related to the Tongshankou granodiorite porphyry, characterized by a high Sr/Y ratio.Detailed in situ analyses of the trace elements and U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotopes in zircons from the Tongshankou granodiorite porphyry were performed.Scarcely any inherited zircons were observed, and the analyzed zircons yielded highly concordant results with a weighted mean 206Pb/238 U age of 143.5 ± 0.45 Ma（n=20, mean square weighted deviation was 0.75）, which was interpreted to represent the crystallization age of the Tongshankou granodiorite porphyry.The chondrite-normalized rare-earth element pattern was characterized by a slope that steeply rises from the light-group rare-earth elements（LREE） to the heavy-group rare-earth elements（HREE） with a positive Ce-anomaly and inconspicuous Eu-anomaly, which was coincident with the pattern of the zircons from the Chuquicamata West porphyry, Chile.The analyzed zircons also had relatively low 176Hf/177 Hf ratios of 0.282526–0.282604.Assuming t=143 Ma, the corresponding calculated initial Hf isotope compositions（εHf（t）） ranged from-5.6 to-2.9.The results of the in situ analysis of trace elements and U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotopes in zircons from the Tongshankou granodiorite porphyry suggest that a deep-seated process involving a thickened-crust/enriched-mantle interaction may play an important role in the generation of high Sr/Y-ratio magma and potentially in the generation of porphyry Cu-Mo systems.

A Preliminary Review of Metallogenic Regularity of Gold Deposits in China

Gold is one of the most important mineral resources in China with its rich mineral resources. In recent years, significant progress has been made on the process of gold resource exploration. Some large and giant gold deposits were newly found and some important expansions in the main mining regions were also been completed. Studies on metailogenic regularity of gold deposits in China also have made achievements with a long-term work. This review aims to conclude the achievements of research on gold metallogenic regularity in China. Based on the data of about 2000 gold deposits and other ore （mineralized） occurrences, gold deposits in China were classified into five prediction types： gold deposits genetically related to granite-greenstone formation, gold deposits related to sedimentary formation （including the Carlin type and the metamorphosed clastic rock related vein gold deposit）, gold deposits genetically related to volcanic rocks （including the continental and marine types）, gold deposits genetically related to intrusions （including the porphyry type and the inner intrusion and contact zone related gold deposit）, gold deposits of supergenesis （including fracture zone-altered rock gold deposit, placer gold deposit, gossan type gold precise chronology data of gold deposits indicate deposit and soil type gold deposit）. Statistics on that there occurred 5 main periods of gold- mineralization in geological history of China. They were Neoarchean to Paleoproterozoic, Meso- Neoproterozoic, Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic. Gold deposits in China mainly formed in the Mesozoic and the Cenozoic. On the studies of the spatial-temporal distribution characteristics of gold deposits, 53 gold-forming belts were delineated in China. The metallogenic regularity of gold deposits was preliminarily summarized and 71 gold metallogenic series were proposed in China. This suggests that it is necceary to deepen the study on metallogenic regularity of gold deposits and to provide the theory guide for the ore-prospecting for gold resources in China.

Major and Trace Elements of Magnetite from the Qimantag Metallogenic Belt: Insights into Evolution of Ore–forming Fluids

Magnetite, as a genetic indicator of ores, has been studied in various deposits in the world. In this paper, we present textural and compositional data of magnetite from the Qimantag metallogenic belt of the Kunlun Orogenic Belt in China, to provide a better understanding of the formation mechanism and genesis of the metallogenic belt and to shed light on analytical protocols for the in situ chemical analysis of magnetite. Magnetite samples from various occurrences, including the ore-related granitoid pluton, mineralised endoskarn and vein-type iron ores hosted in marine carbonate intruded by the pluton, were examined using scanning electron microscopy and analysed for major and trace elements using electron microprobe and laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The field and microscope observation reveals that early-stage magnetite from the Hutouya and Kendekeke deposits occurs as massive or banded assemblages, whereas late- stage magnetite is disseminated or scattered in the ores. Early-stage magnetite contains high contents of Ti, V, Ga, AI and low in Mg and Mn. In contrast, late-stage magnetite is high in Mg, Mn and low in Ti, V, Ga, AI. Most magnetite grains from the Qimantag metallogenic belt deposits except the Kendekeke deposit plot in the ＂ Skarn ＂ field in the Ca＋AI＋Mn vs Ti＋V diagram, far from typical magmatic Fe deposits such as the Damiao and Panzhihua deposits. According to the （MgO＋MnO）- TiO^-AI203 diagram, magnetite grains from the Kaerqueka and Galingge deposits and the No.7 ore body of the Hutouya deposit show typical characteristics of skarn magnetite, whereas magnetite grains from the Kendekeke deposit and the No.2 ore body of the Hutouya deposit show continuous elemental variation from magmatic type to skarn type. This compositional contrast indicates that chemical composition of magnetite is largely controlled by the compositions of magmatic fluids and host rocks of the ores that have reacted with the fluids. Moreover, a combination of petrography and magnetite geochemistry indicates that the formation of those ore deposits in the Qimantag metallogenic belt involved a magmatic-hydrothermal process.

Mineralization,Geochemistry and Zircon U-Pb Ages of the Paodaoling Porphyry Gold Deposit in the Guichi Region,Lower Yangtze Metallogenic Belt,Eastern China

The newly discovered Paodaoling porphyry Au deposit from the Guichi region, Lower Yangtze River Metallogenic Belt （LYRB）, contains 〉35 tons of Au at an average grade of -1.7 g/t. It is a porphyry ＇Au-only＇ deposit, as revealed by current exploration in the depths, mostly above -400 m, which is quite uncommon among coeval porphyry mineralization along the LYRB. Additionally, there are also Cu-Au bearing porphyries and barren alkaline granitoids in the Paodaoling district. Zircon LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating of the Cu-Au-bearing porphyries yield an age of 141-140 Ma, falling within the main magmatic stage of the LYRB, whereas the barren granites give an age of 125-120 Ma, coeval with the regional A- type granites. The Cu-Au-bearing porphyries are LILE-, LREE-enriched and HFSE-depleted, typical of arc magmatic affinities. The barren granites are HFSE-enriched, with lower LREE/HREE ratios and pronounced negative Eu anomalies. The Cu-Au-bearing porphyries in the Paodaoling district have high oxygen fugacities and high water content. Pyrite sulfur isotopes of the Paodaoling gold deposit indicate a magmatic-sedimentary mixed source for the ore-forming fluids. Based on the alteration and poly-metal zonation of the deepest exploration drill hole from the Paodaoling Au deposit, we propose that Cu ore bodies could lie at depth beneath the current Au ore bodies. The magmatism and associated Cu-Au mineralization of the Paodaoling district are likely to have formed in a subduction setting, during slab rollback of the paleo-Pacific plate.

Fluorite deposits in China:Geological features,metallogenic regularity,and research progress

Fluorite is one of the important mineral raw materials in the industry.In China,it is mainly distributed in the provinces and regions such as Hunan,Zhejiang,Jiangxi,Inner Mongolia,Fujian,and Henan provinces,boasting huge reserves and large numbers of deposits.However,most of the fluorite deposits are on a small or medium scale.The main fluorite deposits in China were studied in this paper.Their geological features and metallogenic regularity were summarized and compared.Meanwhile,based on their main genetic factors including metallogenic fluid sources and main metallogenic geological processes,they were divided into two groups,namely meso-epithermal deposits and magmatic-hydrothermal deposits.Furthermore,based on the prospecting achievements and research progress obtained in fluorite deposits in recent years,prospecting potential predictions were made for the metallogenic prospect areas and major prospecting areas of fluorite in China.This aims to provide a theoretical basis and direction for future fluorite prospecting in China.

Geological characteristics,metallogenic regularity,and research progress of lithium deposits in China

China is rich in abundant lithium resources characterized by considerable reserves and a concentrated distribution of metallogenic zones or belts,with proven reserves of 4046.8×10^(3) t(calculated based on Li_(2)O)by 2021.China is also a big consumer of lithium.By 2019,China’s lithium consumption in the battery sector alone had reached 99×10^(3) t,with an average annual growth rate of nearly 26%.China has become the world’s largest importer of lithium resources,showing a severely unbalanced relationship between supply and demand for lithium resources.Therefore,there is an urgent need for the prospecting,exploitation,and study of lithium resources in China.This study collected,organized,and summarized the data on the major lithium deposits in China,analyzed and compared the spatial-temporal distribution patterns,geological characteristics,and metallogenic regularity of these lithium deposits,and summarized the prospecting and research achievements over the last decade.The major lithium deposits in China are distributed in provinces and regions such as Qinghai,Jiangxi,Sichuan,Tibet,and Xinjiang.These deposits are mostly small in scale.According to different genetic types,this study divided lithium deposits into granitic pegmatite type,granite type,saline lake brine type,underground brine type,and sedimentary type,as well as new types including hot spring type and magmatic-hydrothermal type,and summarized the characteristics and key metallogenic factors of these different types of deposits.Sixteen metallogenic prospect areas of lithium deposits were delineated according to the deposit types and the distribution patterns of metallogenic belts.The paper introduced the research progress in major metallogenic models and lithium extraction techniques made over the past decade.Based on the comprehensive analysis of the prospecting potential of lithium deposits,the authors concluded that the future prospecting of lithium resources in China should focus on lithium metallogenic belts,the deep and peripheral areas of currently determined large-scale pegmatite-type lithium deposits,geophysical-geochemical anomalous areas with mineralization clues,and areas with developed large-scale low-grade associated granite-type and sedimentary lithium resources.The study aims to serve as a guide for the future prospecting of lithium deposits in China.

Trace Elements in Sphalerite from the Dadongla Zn-Pb Deposit, Western Hunan-Eastern Guizhou Zn-Pb Metallogenic Belt, South China

The western Hunan-eastern Guizhou Zn-Pb metallogenic belt is one of the important Zn-Pb mineralization regions in China.The Dadongla deposit,located in the northeast of Guizhou Province,is one of the typical Zn-Pb deposits in the region and has estimated resources more than 12 million metric tons(Mt)with an average grade of 4.11 wt%Zn+Pb.Its orebodies are hosted in the lower Cambrian Aoxi Formation dolomite,occurring as bedded,para-bedded in shape,and in conformity with the wall rock.The ore mineral assemblage is simple,dominated by sphalerite with minor pyrite and galena,and the gangue minerals are composed of dolomite,calcite with minor bitumen and barite.In view of the lack of geological and geochemical researches,the genesis of Zn-Pb ore is still unclear.Laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry(LA-ICPMS)spot and mapping analyses were used to obtain sphalerite trace element chemistry in the Dadongla Zn-Pb deposit in Guizhou,China,aiming to constrain its ore genesis.The results show that sphalerite is characterized by the enrichment of Cd,Fe,Ge and Hg,corresponding with that of typical MVT deposits.Four zones were identified in the sphalerite crystal from Dadongla from the center to margin according to the color bands.in which the zone in the center,representing the early ore-stage sphalerite,is characterized by enrichment of Cd relatively,while the zone forming at late ore-stage is enriched in Ge and Hg relatively.The finding was controlled by differential leached metals content in ore-forming fluid from its source rock.Notably,critical element Ge trends to be enriched at the late ore-stage and follows a substitution of 2 Zn^2+(?)Ge^4++□(vacancy).Moreover,the calculated ore-forming temperature ranges from 79.9℃to 177.6℃by the empirical formula,which is similar to that of typical Mississippi Valley-type(MVT)deposits.Compared with the features of trace elements in sphalerite from different types of deposits,together with the geology,the Dadongla deposit belongs to an MVT Zn-Pb deposit.

A Preliminary Review of Metallogenic Regularity of Tin Deposits in China

China is rich in tin resources,and contains many types of tin deposits.Among the tin deposit types,the cassiterite-sulfide type,skarn type and quartz vein type occupy a large proportion of tin resources and reserves.From the aspect of exploitation and utilization,the most important types are cassiterite-sulfide type and quartz vein type.The cassiterite-sulfide type tin deposits are mainly located in Northern Guangxi and Eastern Yunnan,skarn type deposits are mainly distributed in the ore-concentration areas of South Hunan in Middle Nanling,and the quartz vein type tin deposits are mainly distributed in South China,such as Western Fujian,Middle Jiangxi,Northern Guangzhou and Southern Hunan.The most important metallogenic epoch for tin deposits is the Mesozoic era.The metallogenic geotectonic background is mainly continental environments after orogeny process,with strong tectonic changes,interlaced deep fracture and frequent magmatism.And the most distinctive feature is the well developed Mesozoic granites,which have a close relationship with tin mineralization.Based on the detailed study of the data from 873 tin deposits in China,this paper summarized the metallogenic regularity of tin deposits,classified 20 important metallogenic series of tin or tin-associated deposits,and inferred that the cassiterite-sulfide type,skarn type,quartz vein type and greisen type are the main prediction types of tin resources.Forty-four tin-mineralization belts were divided,among which,19 belts are the most important.In addition,a series of maps about tin metallogenic belts and tin metallogenic regularity were compiled,aiming to provide theoretical basis for potential estimation and prediction of tin mineral resources.