Cassiterite U-Pb dating of the Yelonggou pegmatite-type lithium deposit in western Sichuan and its metallogenic age constraints

1.Objective Pegmatite hosts important resource of rare metals,e.g.,lithium(Li)and beryllium(Be).In recent years,increasingly more studies were dedicated to characterize and unravel the formation of pegmatite-type deposits,for which accurate dating of pegmatite formation and mineralization is essential.The Songpan-Ganzi orogenic belt is a major rare metal metallogenic belt in China,hosting many important pegmatite-type Li deposits,including the Lijiagou,Dangba,Jiajika,Yelonggou,Cuola,and Declalongba.Radiometric age data(mica Ar-Ar and zircon/cassiterite U-Pb)from these Li deposits are sparse,ranging from 210 to 152 Ma.However,obtaining reliable zircon U-Pb dates can be a challenge due to the strong decidualization in pegmatites.As a result,the formation and mineralization ages of these rare metal pegmatites remain controversial,which hampers the development of pegmatite-type metallogenic model for the Songpan-Ganzi orogenic belt.

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).

Genesis, metallogenic model, and prospecting prediction of the Nibao gold deposit in the Guizhou Province, China

Southwestern Guizhou province is one of China’s most important distribution areas of Carlin-type gold deposits. The Nibao deposit is a typical gold deposit in southwestern Guizhou. To elucidate the genesis of the Nibao gold deposit, establish a metallogenic model, and guide prospecting prediction, we systematically collected previously reported geological, geochemical, and dating data and discussed the genesis of the Nibao gold deposit,based on which we proposed the metallogenic model.Earlier works show that the Nibao anticline, F1 fault, and its hanging wall dragged anticline(Erlongqiangbao anticline) were formed before or simultaneously with gold mineralization, while F2, F3, and F4 faults postdate gold mineralization. Regional geophysical data showed extensive low resistivity anomaly areas near the SBT(the product of tectonic slippage and hydrothermal alteration)between the P2/P3 and the strata of the Longtan Formation in the SSE direction of Nibao anticline in the lower plate of F1 and hanging wall dragged anticline(Erlongqiangbao anticline), and the anomaly areas are distributed within the influence range of anticlines. Simultaneously, soil and structural geochemistry show that F1, Nibao anticline,Erlongqiangbao anticline, and their transition areas all show good metallogenic elements(Au, As, and S) assemblage anomalies, with good metallogenic space and prospecting possibilities. There are five main hypotheses about the source of ore-forming fluids and Au in the Nibao gold deposit:(1) related to the Emeishan mantle plume activity;(2) source from the Emeishan basalt;(3) metamorphic fluid mineralization;(4) basin fluid mineralization;(5) related to deep concealed magmatic rocks;of these, the mainstream understanding is the fifth speculation. It is acknowledged that the ore-forming fluids are hydrothermal fluids with medium–low temperature, high pressure, medium–low salinity, low density, low oxygen fugacity, weak acidity, weak reduction, and rich in CO_(2)and CH_(4). The fluid pressure is 2–96.54 MPa, corresponding to depths of 0.23–3.64 km. The dating results show that the metallogenic age is ~141 Ma, the extensional tectonic environment related to the westward subduction of the Pacific Plate. Based on the above explanation, the genetic model related to deep concealed magmatic rocks of the Nibao gold deposit is established, and favorable prospecting areas are outlined;this is of great significance for regional mineral exploration and studying the genesis of gold deposits.

The first discovery of Xinlong epithermal gold deposit in southern margin of the Bangonghu-Nujiang metallogenic belt: A new expansion of gold prospecting in Northern Tibet

The Xinlong gold deposit is located in Niyma County,Naqu area of Tibet and was discovered by the Institute of Mineral Resources,Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences through the 1∶50000 mineral geological survey.The ore bodies occur in the Zenong Group volcanic rocks in the middle section of the central Lhasa subterrane and are structurally controlled by the NNW-striking faults.Four ore bodies have been found,exhibiting cloddy,dense-sparse,disseminated,and breccia structures.The ore minerals are mainly tetrahedrite group minerals,and other ore minerals include pyrite,chalcopyrite,nevskite,bornite,anglesite,native gold,and silver-gold bearing selenide,etc.The types of alteration are dominated by silicification,as well as middle-and high-graded argillization.The alteration mineral assemblages contain quzrtz,pyrophyllite,and kaolinite.The Zaliela Formation volcanic rocks of Zenong Group are silicified by later hydrothermal fluid with vuggy quartz in some fractured zones.The middle-and high-graded argillization are characterized by pyrophyllitization and kaolinization.The Xinlong gold deposit shows great metallogenetic potentiality and has been revealed by 1∶10000 geological mapping,IP sounding,and trial trenching in the mining area.Combined with the regional metallogenic geological setting,we suppose that a potential epithermal gold belt probably exists in the middle of the Lhasa terrane.The discovery of the Xinlong gold deposit opens a new chapter for the gold prospecting in Northern Tibet.

Origin and Superposition Metallogenic Model of the Sandstone-type Uranium Deposit in the Northeastern Ordos Basin,China

This paper deals with the metallogenic model of the sandstone type uranium deposit in the northeastern Ordos Basin from aspects of uranium source, migration and deposition. A superposition metallogenic model has been established due to complex uranium mineralization processes with superposition of oil-gas reduction and thermal reformation.

Metallogenic mechanism of Pingguo bauxite deposit,western Guangxi,China:Constraints from REE geochemistry and multi-fractal characteristics of major elements in bauxite ore

Major and REE geochemistry and multi-fractal analysis of two types of bauxite(primary bauxite and accumulated bauxite) ores were studied in Pingguo bauxite orefield in western Guangxi,China.The results of geochemical data show that the accumulated bauxite has a feature of high Al_2O_3 whereas relative low Fe_2O_3 and SiO_2 contents compared to the primary bauxite.The similar chondrite-normalized rare earth element(REE) patterns illustrate that they have a cognate relationship.However,the negative Ce anomalies of primary bauxite and positive Ce anomalies of accumulated bauxite indicate that the ore-forming system changed from reducing environment to oxidation environment.The results of multi-fractal spectrum and parameters of Al_2O_3,Fe_2O_3 and SiO_2 between primary bauxite and accumulated bauxite show that the distinct multi-fractal spectrum parameters reflect the different grade distribution between accumulated and primary bauxite ores.Metallogenic process from primary bauxite to accumulated bauxite is accompanied by the loss of diffluent elements(e.g.,Si and S) and enrichment of stable elements(e.g.,Al and Fe) in the surface environment.Among the rest,the migration mechanism of iron during the evolutionary process from primary ore to accumulated ore can be described as combined leaching and chemical weathering action with participation of sulfur.

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.

Metallogenic Effect of Transition of Tectonic Dynamic System

Tectonic dynamic system transition, one of the main factors in metallogenesis, controls metallogenic fluid movement and ore body location in orefields and on an ore deposit scale (mainly in the continental tectonic setting), and even the formation and distribution of large-scale deposit clusters. Tectonic dynamic system transition can be classified as the spacious difference of the tectonic dynamic system in various geological units and the temporal alteration of different tectonic dynamic systems. The former results in outburst of mineralization, while the latter leads to the metallogenic diversity. Both of them are the main contents of metallogenic effect of tectonic dynamic system transition, that is, the alteration of dynamic system, the occurrence of mineralization, and the difference of regional tectonic dynamic system and metallogenic diversity. Generally speaking, the coupling of spatial difference of tectonic dynamic system and its successive alternation controlled the tempo-spatial evolution regularity of mineralization on a larger scale. In addition, the analysis of mineralization factors and processes of typical ore deposits proved that the changes of tectonic stress field, the direct appearance of tectonic dynamic system transition, may lead to the accident of mineralization physical-chemical field and the corresponding accidental interfaces were always located at ore bodies.

Distribution Characteristics and Metallogenic Regularity of Graphite Deposits in Qinling Orogen,China

Qinling orogen is one of the five main repository distribution provinces of large scale graphite resources. Graphite occurrence strata are multitudinous including NeoArchaean group to Neopaleozoic. Mineral deposit types are complete consisting of crystal flaky graphite deposit and aphanitic graphite deposit, ore types of the former are main graphite gneiss, graphite schist and graphitized marble, and ore types of the latter are main graphite layer metamorphosised from coal bed and graphitic carbargilite. At present, most graphite deposits with low research degree only implement preliminary investigations of the graphite resource, which has a good prospect. Based on the basic material of dozens of graphite deposits, spots and plays discovered in the Qinling orogen, this paper applied geologic multidisciplinary analysis method to disclose the graphite deposit types of the Qinling orogen, mainly through outdoors geologic survey and specimen examination with analysis of some typical deposits： regional metamorphism crystal graphite deposits and thermo-contact metamorphic aphanitic graphite deposits, with the control of latitudinally trending regional tectonic, graphite deposits of the Qinling orogen distribute sublatitudinally trending three large ore belts： I the Neoarchean-Proterozoic basement crystal graphite enrichment deposits zone along the south margin of North China plate; II the Carboniferous intermountain basin group aphanitic graphite enrichment deposits zone near the Shangdan suture of the West Qinling; III Paleozoic crystal graphite enrichment deposits zone in the Qinling paleomicroplate of the west part of the East Qinling.Conclusions are reached from multiple inquiries： Qinling multi-cycle complex continental collision orogen zone has experienced multiple tectonic framework transformation and polyphase tectonic thermal event from NeoArchean Erathem adjointing multiple graphite tectonic mineralization cycle. In the light of chief control of mineralization and ore types, each of the three large graphite deposits belts of the Qinling orogen has its own genesis： I graphite deposits enriched metallogenetic zone is that regional tectogenetic movement from NeoArchaean caused polyphase metapepsis, which superimposed up and reconstructed NeoArchean Erathem to Proterozoic basement, forming regional metamorphic big flake crystal graphite deposits; I! graphite deposits enriched metallogenetic zone is that polyphase regional tectogenetic movement associated with multiple heating caused by multiphase igneous intrusion, which resulted in original coal layers emerging multiple thermo-contact metamorphisms and formed thermo-contact metamorphic aphanitic graphite deposits. III graphite deposits enriched metallogenetic zone is that Palaeozoic cap- rock experienced polyphase metapepsis, forming regional metamorphic finely flake crystal graphite deposits. Cemprehensive research of metallogenetic mechanism in graphite deposits and its associated profitable deposits of the Qinling orogen is importance for future exploration.

^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.

Re-Os geochronology of Cu and W-Mo deposits in the Balkhash metallogenic belt,Kazakhstan and its geological significance

The Central Asian metallogenic domain （CAMD） is a multi-core metallogenic system controlled by boundary strike-slip fault systems. The Balkhash metallogenic belt in Kazakhstan, in which occur many large and super-large porphyritic Cu--Mo deposits and some quartz vein- and greisen-type W-Mo deposits, is a well-known porphyritic Cu--Mo metallogenic belt in the CAMD. In this paper 11 molybdenite samples from the western segment of the Balkhash metallogenic belt are selected for Re--Os compositional analyses and Re--Os isotopic dating. Molybdenites from the Borly porphyry Cu deposit and the three quartz vein-greisen W--Mo deposits--East Kounrad, Akshatau and Zhanet--all have relatively high Re contents （2712--2772 μg/g for Borly and 2.267--31.50 μg/g for the other three W-Mo deposits）, and lower common Os contents （0.670-2.696 ng/g for Borly and 0.0051--0.056 ng/g for the other three）. The molybdenites from the Borly porphyry Cu--Mo deposit and the East Kounrad, Zhanet, and Akshatau quartz vein- and greisen-type W-Mo deposits give average model Re--Os ages of 315.9 Ma, 298.0 Ma, 295.0 Ma, and 289.3 Ma respectively. Meanwhile, molybde- nites from the East Kounrad, Zhanet, and Akshatan W-Mo deposits give a Re--Os isochron age of 297.9 Ma, with an MSWD value of 0.97. Re--Os dating of the molybdenites indicates that Cu-W-Mo metallogenesis in the western Balkhash metallogeuic belt occurred during Late Carboniferous to Early Permian （315.9--289.3 Ma）, while the porphyry Cu--Mo deposits formed at ~316 Ma, and the quartz vein-greisen W--Mo deposits formed at ~298 Ma. The Re--Os model and isochron ages thus suggest that Late Carboniferous porphyry granitoid and pegmatite magmatism took place during the late Hercy- nian movement. Compared to the Junggar-East Tianshan porphyry Cu metallogenic belt in northwestern China, the formation of the Cu-Mo metallogenesis in the Balkhash rnetallogenic belt occurred between that of the Tuwu-Yandong in East Tianshan and the Baogutu porphyry Cu deposits in West Junggar. Collectively, the large-scale Late Carboniferous porphyry Cu-Mo metallogenesis in the Central Asian metallogenic domain is related to Hercynian tectono-magmatic activities.

Magmatic-Hydrothermal Superlarge Metallogenic Systems——A Case Study of the Nannihu Ore Field

Located in the Qinling （秦岭） molybdenum metallogenic belt on the southern margin of North China craton, the Nannihu （南泥湖） molybdenum （-tungsten） ore field, consisting of the Nannihu, Sandaozhuang （三道幢）, and Shangfang （上房） deposits, represents a superlarge skarn-porphyry molybdenum （-tungsten） accumulation. Outside the ore field, there are some hydrothermal lead-zinc-silver deposits found in recent years, for example, the Lengshuibeigou （冷水北沟）, Yindonggou （银涧沟）, Yangshuwa （杨树凹）, and Yinhegou （银河沟） deposits. Ore-forming fluid geochemistry indicates that these deposits belong to the same metallogenic system. The hydrothermal solutions were mainly derived from primary magmatic water in the early stage and from the mixture of the primary magmatic water and meteoric water in the later stage, with an obvious decreasing tendency in temperature, salinity and gas-liquid ratio of fluid inclusions. Sulfur and lead isotope data show that the ore-forming substances and related porphyries were mainly derived from the lower crust, and a hidden magmatic chamber is indicated by aeromagnetic anomaly and drill hole data indicate that the Nannihu granite body extends to being larger and larger with depth increasing. The large-scale mineralization was the consequence of lithospheric extension during the late stage of the tectonic regime when the main compressional stress changed from NS-trending to EW-trending.

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.

Uranium Metallogenic Regionalization and Resource Potential in China

This paper is comprehensively involved in main types of uranium deposits and their general metallogenic characteristics, metallogenic fields, provinces, regions and belts, and uranium resources potential evaluation. Generally speaking, there are favorable conditions and good uranium resources potential for uranium mineralization in China.

Metallogenic Epoch of Nonferrous Metallic and Silver Deposits in the Jiaodong Peninsula, China and its Geological Significance

As China＇s most important gold-producing district, the Jiaodong Peninsula also contains copper, lead-zinc, molybdenum （tungsten）, and other nonferrous metal ore deposits, but the space-time and genetic relationships with gold deposits remain uncertain. To investigate the temporal relationship between these nonferrous metal and gold ore deposits, We collected the samples from a number of nonferrous metallic and silver deposits and metallogenetic rock bodies in the eastern Jiaodong Peninsula for isotopic dating. The results show that the Re-Os isotopic model ages of the Lengjia molybdenum deposit in Rongcheng range from 114.5 ± 1.8 Ma to 112.6 ± 1.5 Ma, with an average age of 113.6 ± 1.6 Ma; the LA-ICP-MS ^206pb/^238U ages of 33 zircons in the sericitization porphyritic monzogranite that hosts the Tongjiazhuang silver deposit in Rongcheng range between 122 Ma and 109 Ma, with a weighted mean age of 116.04 ± 0.95 Ma; the LA-ICP-MS ^206pb/^238U ages of 31 zircons in the copper metallogenic pyroxene monzodiorite that hosts the Kuangbei copper deposit in Rongcheng range from 126 Ma to 106 Ma, with a weighted mean age of 116.6 ± 1.7 Ma; and the LA-ICP-MS ^206pb/^238U ages of 19 zircons in the pyroxene monzodiorite surrounding the Dadengge gold and multimetal deposit in Weihai range from 113 Ma to 110 Ma, with a weighted mean age of 111.7 ± 0.6 Ma. All these results indicate that the metallogenic ages of the silver and nonferrous metallic deposits in the Jiaodong Peninsula are in a limited range from 118 Ma to 111 Ma. Previous studies have demonstrated that the isotopic ages of gold deposits in the Jiaodong Peninsula range from 123 Ma to 110 Ma, while Weideshanian magmatism occurred between 126 Ma to 108 Ma. Both these ranges are grossly consistent with the metallogenic ages of silver and nonferrous metallic deposits in this study, suggesting that the large-scale mineralization occurred in the Early Cretaceous when magmatic activities were strong. This epoch may be linked to the lithosphere thinning and the thermo-upwelling extension in eastern China at that time. In addition, field investigation also shows that gold and nonferrous metallic deposits are distributed nearby the Weideshanian granite, with the nonferrous metallic deposits lying within or surrounding the granite pluton and the gold deposits outside the granite pluton. We propose the following mineralization scenario： In the Early Cretaceous, an intensive lithospheric extension induced partial melting and degassing of the metasomatized lithospheric mantle, which resulted in the formation of mantle-derived fluids enriched in metal elements. During the rapid process of magma ascent and intrusion, crust-derived fluids were activated by the magmatic thermal dome and served to further extract ore-forming materials from the crust. These fluids may have mixed with the mantle-derived fluid to form a crust-mantle mixing-type ore-forming fluid. The high-temperature conditions in the center or in contact with the granitic magmatic thermal dome would have been favorable for the formation of porphyry-type, skarn-type, and hydrothermal-vein-type ores, thus forming a series of Mo（W）, Cu, and Pb-Zn deposits in the mid-eastern Jiaodong Peninsula. In contrast, the medium- to low-temperature conditions in the periphery of the magmatic thermal dome would have favored the deposition of gold （silver） ores under the appropriate physiochemical and structural conditions. The metaliogenic epoch of the molybdenum, copper, and silver deposits, and their spatio-temporal and genetic relations to the gold deposits, as demonstrated in this study, not only provide important insights to the study of regional metallogeny, our understanding of the metallogenesis of the Jiaodong type gold deposit, and the geodynamic background of the large-scale mineralization in the Jiaodong Peninsula, but also have practical value in guiding the mineral exploration.

Metallogenic Series Related to Permian Mafic Complex in North Xinjiang:Post-collisional Stage or Mantle Plume Result?

There are four deposit types related to a Permian mafic complex in northern Xinjiang, i.e., copper-nickel sulfide deposit, vanadic titanomagnetite deposit, magnetite （-cobalt） deposit and Cu-Ni- VTiFe composite deposit. The deposits are distributed spanning tectonic units with close and consecutive metallogenic ages. A transitional deposit type can occur among the end-member deposits. Trace elements of host rocks show that they can derive from similar source area. Hence, they constitute a particular metallogenic series related to a mafic-ultramafic complex that is also a symbol series of the post-collisional stage of the Central Asia Metallogenic Province （CAMP）. The metallogenic ages of the series are between 260 Ma and 300 Ma throughout the Permian. Unlike mineralization from a mantle plume, the metallogenic period of this series spans at least 40 Ma. Compared with related deposits of the Emeishan mantle plume, the North Xinjiang series has a similar ore-forming element assemblage but has preferably developed Cu-Ni sulfide deposits rather than vanadic titanomagnetite deposits. In concomitance with this series, North Xinjiang area has developed a set of syntectonic Au-Cu-Mo metallogenic series related to a felsic volcanic-intrusive complex, which might indicate that there is no direct relationship with mantle plume activity. From early to late, i.e., the sequence of copper-nickel sulfide to magnetite （-cobalt） to vanadic titanomagnetite deposit, the host rock series evolves from mafic-ultramafic and tholeiite series to mafic and alkalic series, the ~REE content tends to increase with increasing of REE fractionation, and some of the trace elements （particularly LIL） also show an increasing tendency. The above evolutionary regularity possibly reflects a course where the magma source deepens and thermal interface moves down, energy gradually exhausts, and neo-continental crust forming in the postcollision stage tends to stabilize.

Metallogenic Systems on the Paleocontinental Margin of the North China Craton

The North China Craton (NCC) is one of the largest blocks composing the continent. Different types of continental margins well developed around the NCC, along with lots of metallogenic systems of different metals and different times. Based on the study on the structural evolution of the NCC, the authors made a new division of tectonic units of the NCC. Through an analysis of the data of 1:25000 geochemical survey on stream sediments, regional geochemical features of main ore-forming elements including Au, Ag, Cu, Pb, Zn, W, Ni, Co and Mo of the NCC are discussed in the paper. Then different metallogenic systems and their forming processes and geodynamics are discussed in detail. At last, temporal and spatial distribution regularities are summarized and ten favorable ore-control factors on the paleocontinental margins are put forward, including (1) abundance of ore sources; (2) rendezvous of ore-forming fluids; (3) high thermo-dynamic anomaly; (4) remarkable Earth crust-mantle interaction; (5) cluster of macroscopic structures and their long activities; (6) diversity of ore-forming environments; (7) long geohistory; (8) multiforms of critical transitional ore-forming mechanisms; (9) multi-staged and superimposed ore-formation; and (10) suitable preservation condition.

Tectonic Setting and Metallogenic System of North China Block Margins

The paleocontinental margins have frequent and intensive tectonic movement and various ore forming processes. According to their tectono dynamic characteristics, the paleocontinental margins can be classified into three types: the divergent, the convergent and the transformational. Each type has its specific geological geochemical processes and metallogenic system. The paper discusses the tectonic evolution and ore forming features of the North China block margins, puts forward conceptions such as complexity, variety and multi stage development of metallogenic evolution in the paleocontinental margins, and expounds five factors controlling the formation of large superlarge ore deposits in the paleocontinental margins: (1) channelway, (2) rendezvous of fluids, (3) abundance of ore source, (4) thermo dynamic anomaly, (5) long duration of structural activities.

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.

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.