Geochemistry, mineral paragenesis and geothermal conditions of oreforming fluids from the Ain El Bey Cu–Fe deposit: potential occurrence of native gold and precious metal traces (North African orogenic belt, Northern Tunisia)

The Ain El Bey abandoned mine, in North-West Tunisia, fits into the geodynamic context of the European and African plate boundary. Ore deposit corresponds to veins and breccia of multiphase Cu–Fe-rich mineralization related to various hydrothermal fluid circulations. Petromineralogical studies indicate a rich mineral paragenesis with a minimum of seven mineralization phases and, at least, six pyrite generations. As is also the case for galena and native silver, native gold is observed for the first time as inclusion in quartz which opens up, thus, new perspectives for prospecting and evaluating the potential for noble metals associated with the mineralization. Scanning Electron Microscope--Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy and Transmission electron microscopy analyses show, in addition, a large incorporation of trace elements, including Ag and Au, in mineral structures such as fahlores(tetrahedrite-tennantite) and chalcopyrite ones. The mineral/mineral associations, used as geothermometers, gave estimated temperatures for the mineralizing fluids varying from 254 to 330 ℃ for phase Ⅲ, from 254 to 350 ℃ for phase Ⅳ, and from 200 to 300 ℃ for phases Ⅴ and Ⅵ. The seventh and last identified mineralization phase, marked by a deposit of native gold, reflects a drop in the mineralizing fluid’s temperature(< 200 ℃) compatible with boiling conditions. Such results open up perspectives for the development of precious metal research and the revaluation of the Cu–Fe ore deposit at the Ain El Bey abandoned mine, as well as at the surrounding areas fitting in the geodynamic framework of the Africa-Europe plate boundary.

Trace Elements and Rare Earth Elements of Sulfide Minerals in the Tianqiao Pb-Zn Ore Deposit,Guizhou Province,China

Trace elements and rare earth elements（REE） of the sulfide minerals were determined by inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry.The results indicate that V,Cu,Sn,Ga,Cd,In,and Se are concentrated in sphalerite,Sb,As,Ge,and Tl are concentrated in galena,and almost all trace elements in pyrite are low.The Ga and Cd contents in the light-yellow sphalerites are higher than that in the brown and the black sphalerites.The contents of Ge,Tl,In,and Se in brown sphalerites are higher than that in light-yellow sphalerites and black sphalerites.It shows that REE concentrations are higher in pyrite than in sphalerite,and galena.In sphalerites,the REE concentration decreases from light-yellow sphalerites,brown sphalerites,to black sphalerites.The ratios of Ga/In are more than 10, and Co/Ni are less than 1 in the studied sphalerites and pyrites,respectively,indicating that the genesis of the Tianqiao Pb-Zn ore deposit might belong to sedimentary-reformed genesis associated with hydrothermal genesis.The relationship between LnGa and LnIn in sphalerite,and between LnBi and LnSb in galena,indicates that the Tianqiao Pb-Zn ore deposit might belong to sedimentary-reformed genesis.Based on the chondrite-normalized REE patterns,δEu is a negative anomaly（0.13-0.88）,andδCe does not show obvious anomaly（0.88-1.31）;all the samples have low total REE concentrations（〈3 ppm） and a wide range of light rare earth element/high rare earth element ratios（1.12-12.35）.These results indicate that the ore-forming fluids occur under a reducing environment.Comparison REE compositions and parameters of sphalerites,galenas,pyrites,ores,altered dolostone rocks,strata carbonates,and the pyrite from Lower Carboniferous Datang Formation showed that the ore-forming fluids might come from polycomponent systems,that is,different chronostratigraphic units could make an important contribution to the ore-forming fluids.Combined with the tectonic setting and previous isotopic geochemistry evidence,we conclude that the ore-deposit genesis is hydrothermal,sedimentary reformed,with multisources characteristics of ore-forming fluids.

Metallogenic Epoch and Ore-forming Environment of the Lamasu Skarn-porphyritic Cu-Zn deposit,western Tianshan,Xinjiang,NW China

Granitic rocks, widely developed in the Lamasu copper ore region, western Tianshan were formed at 390.5±7.7 Ma according to the SHRIMP zircon U-Pb dating of the plagioclase granite porphyry. Based on the regional tectonic evolution and published chronological data of both diagenesis and mineralization, the Biezhentao- Kokirqin region was rolled into the orogen associated with the closure of Yili Ocean during early Devonian. The N-S-trending thrust faults were formed during this period and accompanied by the intrusion of granitic rocks. On this stage, the paleo-Asian Ocean Plate entered into the early collision orogenic phase and the plagioclase granite porphyry intruded （390.5±7.7 Ma） and replaced with limestone of the Mesoproterozoic Kusongmuqieke Group, Jixianian System and formed the early phase of skarn-type copper mineralization in the Lamasu region. Furthermore, the subduction-melting of Bayingou Ocean Plate during Carboniferous generated a deep-seated magmatic chamber in the Lamasu copper ore region which located in the northwestern part of the Paleozoic Biezhentao-Kokirqin island arc. The magmatic chamber segregated Cu-bearing magmas, which transported upward to the shallow earth crust along the faults or fractures and formed the Cu-hosting porphyry. According to the research on the characteristics of the ore deposit and the ore-forming environment as mentioned above, the Lamasu Cu-Zn deposit was characterized by the superposing of mineralization at different geological settings and it was skarn-porphyritic type.

Geochemistry of Rare Earth Elements in Xikeng Ag-Pb-Zn Ore Deposit, South Anhui, China

In this paper, a comparative study is done on the geochemical charateristics of REE in ore, ore-hosted rocks of Lantian group, granite related to ore deposit, and altered rocks for tracing origin of ore-forming materials. The result indicates that the ore-forming fluid and ore-forming materials for Xikeng silver-polymetallic ore deposit were derived from Yixian granite's magmatic activity. Water-rock reaction of the hydrothermal fluid with the carbonate-rich stratum led the altered rock to relatively enrich in HREE.

Geochemistry of Rare Earth Elements in Hydrothermal Ore Deposit in Heishan Area,Shaanxi Province

The study on rare earth elements in hydrothermal ore deposit in Heishan area indicates that the REE concentration in rock with very weak negative Ce and Eu anomaly is far higher than those in ore. The REE pattern in ore is characterized by very low REE concentration, typical enrichment in LRE and distinctive negative Eu and Ce anomaly. δ Eu and δ Ce values vary from 0 51～0 6 to 0 71～0 77 and 0 84～0 88 to 0 60～0 78, respectively, as shown in samples from Fe Cu ore to Au ore. Different δ Eu and δ Ce values reveal that temperature gradually decreases and oxygen fugacity gradually increases when ore bearing hydrothermal solution evolves from early to late stage. It is likely that REE in solution is mainly transported in the forms of(RE(CO 3) 3F) 4- , (RE(CO 3)F 2) -, (RE(F,Cl) 2) + , (RE(CO 3) 3) 3- and (RE(CO 3) 4) 5- complexes.

Metallogeny of the Baiyangping Lead-Zinc Polymetallic Ore Concentration Area, Northern Lanping Basin of Yunnan Province, China

The Lanping Basin in the Nujiang-Lancangjiang-Jinshajiang （the Sanjiang） area of northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau is an important part of eastern Tethyan metallogenic domain. This basin hosts a number of large unique sediment-hosted Pb-Zn polymetallic deposits or ore districts, such as the Baiyangping ore concentration area which is one of the representative ore district. The Baiyangping ore concentration area can be divided into the east and west ore belts, which were formed in a folded tectogene of the India-Asia continental coUisional setting and was controlled by a large reverse fault. Field observations reveal that the Mesozoic and Cenozoic sedimentary strata were outcropped in the mining area, and that the orebodies are obviously controlled by faults and hosted in sandstone and carbonate rocks. However, the oreforming elements in the east ore belt are mainly Pb-Zn -Sr-Ag, while Pb-Zn-Ag-Cu-Co elements are dominant in the west ore belt. Comparative analysis of the C-O-Sr-S-Pb isotopic compositions suggest that both ore belts had a homogeneous carbon source, and the carbon in hydrothermal calcite is derived from the dissolution of carbonate rock strata; the ore- forming fluids were originated from formation water and precipitate water, which belonged to basin brine fluid system; sulfur was from organic thermal chemical sulfate reduction and biological sulfate reduction; the metal mineralization material was from sedimentary strata and basement, but the difference of the material source of the basement and the strata and the superimposed mineralization of the west ore belt resulted in the difference of metallogenic elements between the eastern and western metallogenic belts. The Pb-Zn mineralization age of both ore belts was contemporary and formed in the same metaliogenetic event. Both thrust formed at the same time and occurred at the Early Oligocene, which is consistent with the age constrained by field geological relationship.

Fluid Inclusion Geochemistry of Metallic Ore Deposits in the South- Central Sector of theDa Hinggan Mountains in China

Physicochemical parameters of mineralization such as temperature, pressure, salinity, density, composition and boiling of ore fluids as well as pH, Eh, fo2 and reducing parameter in theprocess of mineralization of major ore deposits in the study district have been obtained by the authors through systematic observation and determination of characteristics and phase changes of fluid inclusions at different temperatures and analysis of gaseous and liquid phase compositions of the inclusions, thus providing a scientific basis for the division of mineralization-alteration stages, types of mineral deposits and minerogenetic series and the deepening of the knowledge about the ore-forming processes and mechanisms of mineral deposits. It is indicated that the deposits of the same type have similar fluid inclusion geochemical features and physicochemical parameters though they belong to different minerogenetic series, while the compositions of inclusions are not conditioned by deposit types but closely related to the minerogenetic series of deposits.

Geochemistry of arsenic and selenium in a Ge-poor coal from the Wulantuga coal-hosted Ge ore deposit,Inner Mongolia,North China

This paper reports new data for arsenic(As)and selenium(Se)in a total of twelve bench samples of Ge-rich and Ge-poor coals in the No.6 coal seam from the Wulantuga ore deposit,Inner Mongolia,Northeastern China.The Gepoor coals are characterized by low-ash(with a weighted average ash yield 10.59%).The coal samples were digested using an UltraClave microwave high pressure reactor(milestone)and trace elements were detected by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry—collision/reaction cell technology,a reliable method for As and Se determination in coal samples.The contents of As and Se in the Ge-poor(with a weighted average content of 9.14 and 0.30 lg/g,respectively)and Ge-rich coal samples in the present study(varies from 16.88 to 17,776 lg/g and from 0.26 to 14.39 lg/g,respectively)are in a sharp contrast.The As in the Ge-poor coals is of both organic-and pyrite-associations,and its enrichment is attributed to the sediment source,and to a lesser extent,to hydrothermal fluids.Se is predominantly connected with organic matter in the Wulantuga Ge-poor coals.

Dynamics of Ore-Forming Processesof the Stratabound Skarn Copper Depositsof Tongling, Anhui Province

The skarn and ore bodies of the stratabound skarn copper deposits of Tongling, Anhui Province, are both controlled by definite stratigraphic horizons, and they are concordant with the strata. They occur as layers and layer-like bodies in permeable carbonate rocks of the Middle-Upper Carboniferous Huanglong and Chuanshan Formations which are underlain by impermeable shale or siliceous rocks of the Upper Devonian Wutong Formation. The authors study the dynamics of ore-forming processes of the ore deposits with the dynamic model of coupled transport and reaction, and the following results are obtained: The salinity gradient and flow rate of the ore-forming fluids can both promote the mixing and reaction of juvenile water and formation water, and the permeable strata are favourable sites for the intense transport-reaction of mixing and the formation of deposits. (2) As isothermal transport-reaction took place along the bedding of strata, the moving transport-reaction front formed at the contact between the ore-forming fluids and the rocks advanced slowly along the permeable strata, and then stratiform skarn and ore bodies concordant with the strata were formed. (3) The gradient transport-reaction taking place across the isotherms in the cross-bedding direction caused the mineralogical composition to alter gradually from magnesian skarn to sulphide ore bodies.

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.

Origin of the ～1.74 Ga, Anorthosite-hosted Damiao Fe-Ti-P Ore Deposit, North China

The Damiao Fe-Ti-P ore deposit,hosted in the;.74 Ga Damiao anorthosite complex,is the only known anorthosite-hosted deposit in China.The deposit contains hundreds of ore bodies occurring as irregular lenses,veins

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.

Mill tailings based composites as paste backfill in mines of U-bearing dolomitic limestone ore

This paper elaborates on the development of paste backfill using mill tailings generated during the processing of a uranium ore deposit hosted in dolomitic limestone. The tailings have been characterized in terms of the physical, chemical and mineralogical properties. Time-dependent rheological behaviors and geotechnical properties of cemented paste backfill(CPB) are also determined. The studies show that the mill tailing has the potential to form paste and the CPB has adequate strength to provide support to mine pillars, roofs, and walls.

Zinc, copper, and strontium isotopic variability in the Baiyangping Cu–Pb–Zn–Ag polymetallic ore field, Lanping Basin, Southwest China

The Baiyangping Cu-Ag polymetallic ore district is located in the northern part of the Lanping-Simao foreland fold belt,between the Jinshajiang-Ailaoshan and Lancangjiang faults,and the deposit can be divided into eastern and western ore zones.Based upon microscope observation of ore minerals and analysis of zinc,copper,and strontium isotope composition,we conclude that:(1)the zinc isotopic compositions of sphalerite from the eastern and western ore belt of the Baiyangping polymetallic ore deposits are enriched in both the heavy(-0.09‰ to+0.15‰) and light(-0.19‰ to-0.01‰)zinc isotopes.Rayleigh fractionation is likely the additional factor controlling the observed temporal and spatial variations in zinc isotopes in the two studied ore zones.The zinc isotopic composition in the Baiyangping polymetallic Pb-Zn deposits may have the same fractionation as that of magmatic-hydrothermal,VHMS,SEDEX,and MVT deposits,as demonstrated by geological and other geochemical evidence;(2) the range of δ^(65)Cu in massive tetrahedrite is from-0.06‰ to+0.12 ‰ that relates to the early stages of ore-formation,which are higher than that of venial chalcopyrite(from-0.72‰ to-0.07‰)formed at a late ore-forming stage in the western ore belt.Different ore-forming stages and alteration or leaching processes are likely the main factors controlling the observed variations in copper isotopes in the western ore zone;(3) the ^(87)Sr/^(86)Sr value of hydrothermal calcite in eastern(0.7080-0.7093) and western(0.7085-0.7113) ore belt suggested that mineralization of early calcite,with^(87)Sr/^(86)Sr values much higher than in ancient Late Triassic seawater,may be related to recrystallization from a radiogenic Sr-rich or silicifying fluid,either from the strata that the ore-forming fluid flows through or from other fluids.

Oxygen Isotope Studies of Wolframite in Tungsten Ore Deposits of South China

Based on the oxygen isotopic compositions of 133 wolframite samples and 110 quartz sampleseollected from 30 tungsten ore deposits in south China,in conjunction with δD values and other data,thesc deposits can be divided into four types. （l）Reequilibrated magmatic water-hydrothermal tungsten ore deposits. The δ18O values ofwolframite and quartz samples from this type of tungsten ore deposits are about +5-+12‰,respectively.The calculated δ（18）OH2O values of ore fluids in equilibrium with quartz are about+65‰,and the δDH2O values of fluid inclusions in quartz range from -40 to-70‰. （2）Meteoric water-hydrothermal tungsten ore deposits.Theδ18O values of wolframite in this type oftungsten dePosits are around-1‰. （3）Stratiform tungsten ore deposits.In these deposits,theδ18O values of quartz and wolframite areabout+17 and+3‰,respectively.It is considered that these stratiform tungsten ore deposits aregenetically related to submarine hot—spring activities。 （4）Complex mid-hydrothermal tungsten ore deposits.These tungsten ore deposits arecharacterized by multi-staged mineralization.The δ18O values of early wolframite are around+5‰,butof later wolframite are lower than+4‰,indicating that the early wolframite was precipitated fromreequilibrated magmatic water-hydrothermal solutions and the late one from the mixture ofhvdrothermal solutions with meteoric waters or mainly from meteoric waters, Based on the δ18O values of the coexisting quartz and wolframite and temperature data,twocalibration equilibrium curves have been constructed,and the corresponding equations have beenObtained: 1000 lnaQ-Wf=2.565×107T-2—7.28×l04T-1+57.27 1000 In aWf-H20=-2.285×107T-2+7.49×104T-1-61.79.

Ar-Ar Geochronology Study on K-feldspar in Xishan W-Sn Ore Deposit in Yangchun, Guangdong Province

1 Introduction Yangchun basin locates in the west of Guangdong Province,where more than 50 deposits have been discovered to date,including Xishan W-Sn deposit,Shilv Cu-Mo deposits,Tiantang Cu-Pb-Zn polymetallic

Approaches to location prognosis of concealed ore deposits (bodies) of productive mines

This paper demonstrates the channels and methods for location prognosis of concealed ore deposits (bodies) in the deep seated and surrounding districts of productive mines in accordance with their special features. The system frame map is built, from quick exploration in the field to the rapid building of a model indoors. The main research points of location prognosis are also discussed in the paper, which include: 1) integrating the location with the surrounding geological areas, microscopic with macroscopic; 2) analyzing and synthesizing all geological information of different levels, depths and aspects; 3) laying stress on mineralization series; 4) paying attention to the study of the distribution law of ore bodies; 5) introducing the theory of nonlinear dynamics of ore forming processes to ordinary static prognosis; 6) the necessity of the geophysical me thod in recovering information of concealed ore bodies; 7) the combination of all kinds of geology, geophysics, geochemistry and remote sensing methods.

Control of relay structure on mineralization of sedimentary-exhalative ore deposit in growth faults of graben systems

Based on the study of ore deposits and orebody structures of two sedimentary-exhalative ore deposits, i.e., Changba and Xitieshan Ore Deposits, it is found that the structural patterns of metallogenic basin of seafloor exhalative sulfide deposits in the ancient graben systems are controlled by relay structures in normal faults. The shapes of metallogenic basins are composed of tilting ramp, fault-tip ramp and relay ramp, which dominate migration of gravity current of ore-hosted fluid and shape of orebody sedimentary fan in the ramp. By measuring and comparing the difference of length-to-thickness ratios of orebody sedimentary fan, the result shows that the occurrence of the ramp has a remarkable impact on the shape of orebody.

Diagenesis-Mineralization and Ore Prospecting of the Yangla Copper Deposit, Yunnan Province, Southwest China

The large-scale Yangla copper deposit, located in the central part of the Sanjiang Tethys polymetallic belt, is structurally controlled by the Jinsha River Fault and Yangla Fault. This deposit consists of seven ore blocks, including the Beiwu, Nilv, Jiangbian, Linong, Lunong, Tongjige and Jiaren. The Cu metal prospective reserves of the Yangla deposit are above 1 million tons. There are widely distributed Indosinian granodiorite and also many gabbro-diabase dikes and few quartz porphyries exposed in the Yangla ore district. The ore-hosting rocks are diopsode-garnet skarn, sericitie sandy slate and metamorphic quartz sandstone of the first member of the Devonian Linong Formation. Ore bodies occur as layered, stratoid, lenticular and veined shapes, and are strictly controlled by rocks, strata and structures.