Origin of the Newly Discovered Zhunuo Porphyry Cu-Mo-Au Deposit in the Western Part of the Gangdese Porphyry Copper Belt in the Southern Tibetan Plateau, SW China

The newly discovered Zhunuo porphyry Cu-Mo-Au deposit is located in the western part of the Gangdese porphyry copper belt in southern Tibet, SW China. The granitoid plutons in the Zhunuo region are composed of quartz diorite porphyry, diorite porphyry, granodiorite porphyry, biotite monzogranite and quartz porphyry. The quartz diorite porphyry yielded zircon U-Pb ages of 51.9±0.7 Ma(Eocene) using LA-ICP-MS, whereas the diorite porphyry, granodiorite porphyry, biotite monzogranite and quartz porphyry yielded ages ranging from 16.2±0.2 to 14.0±0.2 Ma(Miocene). CuMo-Au mineralization is mainly hosted in the Miocene granodiorite porphyry. Samples from all granitoid plutons have geochemical compositions consistent with high-K calc-alkaline series magmatism. The samples display highly fractionated light rare-earth element(REE) distributions and heavy REE distributions with weakly negative Eu anomalies on chondrite-normalized REE patterns. The trace element distributions exhibit positive anomalies for large-ion lithophile elements(Rb, K, U, Th and Pb) and negative anomalies for high-field-strength elements(Nb and Ti) relative to primitive mantlenormalized values. The Eocene quartz diorite porphyry yielded εNd(t) values ranging from-3.6 to-5.2,(~(87)Sr/~(86)Sr)i values in the range 0.7046–0.7063 and initial radiogenic Pb isotopic compositions with ranges of 18.599–18.657 ~(206)Pb/~(204)Pb, 15.642–15.673 ~(207)Pb/~(204)Pb and 38.956–39.199 ~(208)Pb/~(204)Pb. In contrast, the Miocene granitoid plutons yielded ε_(Nd)(t) values ranging from-6.1 to-7.3 and(87Sr/86Sr)i values in the range 0.7071–0.7078 with similar Pb isotopic compositions to the Eocene quart diorite. The Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic compositions of the rocks are consistent with formation from magma containing a component of remelted ancient crust. Zircon grains from the Eocene quartz diorite have ε_(Hf)(t) values ranging from-5.2 to +0.9 and two-stage Hf model ages ranging from 1.07 to 1.46 Ga, while zircon grains from the Miocene granitoid plutons have ε_(Hf)(t) values from-9.9 to +4.2 and two-stage Hf model ages ranging from 1.05–1.73 Ga, indicating that the ancient crustal component likely derives from Paleo- to Mesoproterozoic basement. This source is distinct from that of most porphyry Cu-Mo-Au deposits in the eastern part of the Gangdese porphyry copper belt, which likely originated from juvenile crust. We therefore consider melting of ancient crustal basement to have contributed significantly to the formation Miocene porphyry Cu-Mo-Au deposits in the western part of the Gangdese porphyry copper belt.     

Emplacement Ages and Petrogenesis of the Molybdenum–bearing Granites in the Jinduicheng Area of East Qinling, China: Constraints from Zircon U–Pb Ages and Hf Isotopes

The Mesozoic porphyry assemblage in the Jinduicheng area is a special molybdenum area in China, the Mo deposits, including the Jinduicheng, Balipo, Shijiawan, Huanglongpu, are distributed. The emplacement age and geochemical features of the granites in the Jinduicheng area can provide essential information for the exploration and development of the porphyry molybdenum deposit. In this study, we report LA–ICP–MS zircon U–Pb age and zircon Hf isotopic compositions of granite porphyries from the Jinduicheng area, and provide insights on the petrogensis and source characteristics of the granites. The results show that the zircon U–Pb ages of the Jinduicheng granite porphyry (143±1 Ma) and the Balipo granite (154±1 Ma), agree well with the Re–Os ages of molybdenite in the Jinduicheng molybdenum polymetallic deposit (139±3 Ma) and the Balipo molybdenum polymetallic deposit (156±2 Ma), indicating that the emplacement of granite porphyries occurred between Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous. Zircons granite from the Jinduicheng area give the εHf(t) values mainly ranging from ?10 to ?16, and ?20 to ?24, respectively, corresponding to two–stage model ages (tDM2: mainly focused on 1.86–2.0 Ga, and 2.2–2.6 Ga, respectively) of zircons of the granite from the Jinduicheng values. The ore–forming materials are mainly derived from crust, with minor mantle substances. Zircons of the granite from the Balipo area give εHf(t) values ranging from ?18 to ?20, ?28 to ?38, and ?42 to ?44, respectively, corresponding to two–stage model ages (tDM2: mainly focused on 1.88–3.0 Ga, and 3.2–3.90 Ga, respectively). the εHf(t) values of the Jinduicheng porphyry more than that of the Balipo porphyry, and two–stage model ages (tDM2) less than that of the Balipo porphyry, shows that he source of the porphyries originated from ancient lower crustal materials in the Jinduicheng area, and mixed younger components, more younger components contributed for the source of the Jinduicheng porphyry.     

Transition from oceanic subduction to continental collision recorded in the Bangong-Nujiang suture zone: Insights from Early Cretaceous magmatic rocks in the north-central Tibet

The transition from oceanic subduction to continental collision is a key stage in the evolution of ancient orogens. We present new data for Early Cretaceous diorite and granite porphyry from north–central Tibet to constrain the evolution of the Bangong–Nujiang Tethyan Ocean (BNTO). The diorites have moderate SiO₂ and high MgO contents, similar to high-Mg andesites. Zircon grains yield U–Pb ages of 128–124 Ma and positive ε_Hf(t) values between +13.2 and + 16.3, corresponding to Hf depleted-mantle model ages (T_DM) of 281–131 Ma. The high-Mg diorite was probably formed by partial melting of hydrous mantle wedge fluxed by slab-derived fluids in an oceanic subduction setting. The granite porphyries yield zircon U–Pb ages of 117–115 Ma and zircon ε_Hf(t) values ranging from +0.1 to +4.5. Most samples have high SiO₂ and Fe₂O₃^T contents, variable FeO^T/MgO and Ga/Al ratios, and are depleted in Ba, Sr, P, and Ti, similar to I- and A-type granites. The granite porphyries were most likely derived from partial melting of juvenile dioritic or granodioritic crust due to break-off of the BNTO lithosphere following collision between the Lhasa and Qiangtang blocks. The Early Cretaceous high-Mg diorite and A-type granite porphyry thus record the Early Cretaceous transition from oceanic subduction to continental collision along the Bangong–Nujiang suture zone (BNSZ).     

Chronology and Crust-Mantle Mixing of Ore-forming Porphyry of the Bangongco: Evidence from Zircon U-Pb Age and Hf Isotopes of the Naruo Porphyry Copper-Gold Deposit

The Naruo porphyry copper-gold deposit(hereinafter referred to as the Naruo deposit) in Tibet is a potentially ultra-large, typical gold-rich porphyry copper deposit, which was recently discovered in the Bangongco-Nujiang metallogenic belt. This study analyzed U-Pb chronology and Hf isotopes of the ore-bearing granodiorite porphyry in the Naruo deposit using the LA-ICPMS dating technique. The results show that the weighted average age is 124.03±0.94Ma(MSWD=1.7, n=20), and 206Pb/238 U isochron age is 126.2±2.7 Ma(MSWD=1.02, n=20), both of which are within the error. The weighted average age represents the crystallization age of the granodiorite porphyry, which indicates that the ore-bearing porphyry in the Naruo deposit area was formed in the Early Cretaceous and further implies that the Neo-tethys Ocean had not been closed before 124 Ma under a typical island-arc subduction environment. The εHf(t) of zircons from the granodiorite porphyry varies from 2.14 to 9.07, with an average of 5.18, and all zircons have εHf(t) values greater than 0; 176Hf/177 Hf ratio is relatively high(0.282725–0.282986). Combined with the zircon age―Hf isotope correlation diagram, the aforementioned data indicate that the source reservoir might be a region that is mixed with depleted mantle and ancient crust, which possibly contains more materials sourced from depleted mantle. Rock-forming ages and ore-forming ages of the Duolong ore concentrate area are 120–124 Ma and 118–119 Ma, respectively, which indicate 124–118 Ma represents the main rockforming and ore-forming stage within the area. The Naruo deposit is located in the north of the Bangongco-Nujiang suture, and it yielded a zircon LA-ICPMS age of 124.03 Ma. This indicates the Bangongco-Nujiang oceanic basin subducted towards the north at about 124 Ma, and the Neo-tethys Ocean had not been closed before the middle Early Cretaceous. It is possible that the crust-mantle mixing formed the series of large and giant porphyry copper-gold deposits in the Bangongco.     

Ages of the Laocheng Granitoids and Crustal Growth in the South Qinling Tectonic Domain, Central China: Zircon U-Pb and Lu-Hf Isotopic Constraints

The Laocheng granitoid pluton is located in the South Qinling tectonic domain of the Qinling orogenic belt,southern Shaanxi Province,and consists chiefly of quartz diorite,granodiorite and monzogranite.A LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb isotopic dating,in conjunction with cathodoluminescence images,reveals that the quartz diorite and granodiorite were emplaced from 220 Ma to 216 Ma,while the monzogranite was emplaced at～210 Ma.In-situ zircon Hf isotopic analyses show that theε_(Hf)(t) values of the quartz diorite a...     

Petrogenesis of Cretaceous igneous rocks from the Duolong porphyry Cu–Au deposit,central Tibet: evidence from zircon U–Pb geochronology,petrochemistry and Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf isotope characteristics

The Duolong porphyry Cu–Au deposit (5.4 Mt at 0.72% Cu, 41 t at 0.23 g/t Au) was recently discovered in the southern Qiangtang terrane, central Tibet. Here, new whole‐rock elemental and Sr–Nd–Pb isotope and zircon Hf isotopic data of syn‐ and post‐ore volcanic rocks and barren and ore‐bearing granodiorite porphyries are presented for a reconstruction of magmas associated with Cu–Au mineralization. LA–ICP–MS zircon U–Pb dating yields mean ages of 117.0 ± 2.0 and 120.9 ± 1.7 Ma for ore‐bearing granodiorite porphyry and 105.2 ± 1.3 Ma for post‐ore basaltic andesite. All the samples show high‐K calc‐alkaline compositions, with enrichment of light rare earth elements (LREE) and large ion lithophile elements (LILE: Cs and Rb) and depletion of high field strength elements (HFSE: Nb and Ti), consistent with the geochemical characteristics of arc‐type magmas. Syn‐ and post‐ore volcanic rocks show initial Sr ratios of 0.7045–0.7055, ε_Nd(t) values of −0.8 to 3.6, (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_t ratios of 18.408–18.642, (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_t of 15.584–15.672 and positive zircon ε_Hf(t) values of 1.3–10.5, likely suggesting they dominantly were derived from metasomatized mantle wedge and contaminated by southern Qiangtang crust. Compared to mafic volcanic rocks, barren and ore‐bearing granodiorite porphyries have relatively high initial Sr isotopic ratios (0.7054–0.7072), low ε_Nd(t) values (−1.7 to −4.0), similar Pb and enriched zircon Hf isotopic compositions [ε_Hf(t) of 1.5–9.7], possibly suggesting more contribution from southern Qiangtang crust. Duolong volcanic rocks and granodiorite porphyries likely formed in a continental arc setting during northward subduction of the Bangong–Nujiang ocean and evolved at the base of the lower crust by MASH (melting, assimilation, storage and homogenization) processes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Origin of the Yinshan epithermal-porphyry Cu–Au–Pb–Zn–Ag deposit,southeastern China: insights from geochemistry,Sr–Nd and zircon U–Pb–Hf–O isotopes

The Yinshan deposit is a large epithermal-porphyry polymetallic deposit, and the timing and petrogenesis of ore-hosting porphyries have been hotly debated. We present new results from geochemical, whole-rock Sr–Nd and zircon U–Pb–Hf–O isotopic investigations. Zircon U–Pb data demonstrate that the quartz porphyry, dacitic porphyry, and quartz dioritic porphyry formed at ?172.2 ± 0.4 Ma, ?171.7 ± 0.5 Ma, and ?170.9 ± 0.3 Ma, respectively. Inherited zircon cores show significant age spreads from ?730 to ?1390 Ma. Geochemically, they are high-K calc-alkaline or shoshonitic rocks with arc-like trace element patterns. They have similar whole-rock Nd and zircon Hf isotopic compositions, yet an increasing trend in ?_Nd(t) and ?_Hf(t) values typifies the suite. Older (inherited) zircons of the three porphyries display Hf compositions comparable to those of the Jiangnan Orogen basement rocks. In situ zircon oxygen isotopic analyses reveal that they have similar oxygen isotopic compositions, which are close to those of mantle zircons. Moreover, a decreasing trend of δ¹⁸O values is present. We propose that the ore-related porphyries of the Yinshan deposit were emplaced contemporaneously and derived from partial melting of Neoproterozoic arc-derived mafic (or ultra-mafic) rocks. Modelling suggests that the quartz porphyries, dacitic porphyries, and quartz dioritic porphyries experienced ?25%, ?10%, and ?10% crustal contaminations by Shuangqiaoshan rocks. Our study provides important constraints on mantle–crust interaction in the genesis of polymetallic mineralization associated with Mesozoic magmatism in southeastern China.     

Ages and Sources of Ore‐Related Porphyries at Yongping Cu–Mo Deposit in Jiangxi Province,Southeast China

Whole‐rock geochemistry, zircon U–Pb and molybdenite Re–Os geochronology, and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopes analyses were performed on ore‐related dacite porphyry and quartz porphyry at the Yongping Cu–Mo deposit in Southeast China. The geochemical results show that these porphyry stocks have similar REE patterns, and primitive mantle‐normalized spectra show LILE‐enrichment (Ba, Rb, K) and HFSE (Th, Nb, Ta, Ti) depletion. The zircon SHRIMP U–Pb geochronologic results show that the ore‐related porphyries were emplaced at 162–156 Ma. Hydrothermal muscovite of the quartz porphyry yields a plateau age of 162.1 ± 1.4 Ma (2σ). Two hydrothermal biotite samples of the dacite porphyry show plateau ages of 164 ± 1.3 and 163.8 ± 1.3 Ma. Two molybdenite samples from quartz+molybdenite veins contained in the quartz porphyry yield Re–Os ages of 156.7 ± 2.8 Ma and 155.7 ± 3.6 Ma. The ages of molybdenite coeval to zircon and biotite and muscovite ages of the porphyries within the errors suggest that the Mo mineralization was genetically related to the magmatic emplacement. The whole rocks Nd–Sr isotopic data obtained from both the dacite and quartz porphyries suggest partial melting of the Meso‐Proterozoic crust in contribution to the magma process. The zircon Hf isotopic data also indicate the crustal component is the dominated during the magma generation.     

Archaean crustal growth through successive partial melting events in an oceanic plateau‐like setting in the Tanzania Craton

The detrital zircon population in quartzitic conglomerates from the northern Tanzania Craton yield ages between 2640 Ma and 2790 Ma which includes most of the igneous history from this part of the craton. The igneous evolution is characterised by mafic volcanism with an oceanic plateau‐like geochemical signature at ~2800 Ma followed by diorite and tonalite–trondhjemite–granodiorite dominated magmatism between 2790 and 2700 Ma, which transitioned into more evolved high‐K magmatism between 2700 and 2620 Ma. The ε_Hf values of the detrital zircons range from +2.4 to ?1.4 and change with time from radiogenic Hf pre‐2700 Ma (98% positive ε_Hf) to unradiogenic Hf post‐2700 Ma (41% positive ε_Hf). The petrological progression from mafic to felsic crust is reflected in the detrital age distribution and Hf isotopes and is consistent with juvenile mafic crust slowly maturing into more evolved felsic crust through a series of successive partial melting events in an oceanic‐plateau‐like environment.     

Geochronology and Genesis of the Tiegelongnan Porphyry Cu(Au) Deposit in Tibet: Evidence from U–Pb,Re–Os Dating and Hf,S, and H–O Isotopes

The Tiegelongnan Cu (Au) deposit is the largest copper deposit newly discovered in the Bangong–Nujiang metallogenic belt. The deposit has a clear alteration zoning consisting of, from core to margin, potassic to propylitic, superimposed by phyllic and advanced argillic alteration. The shallow part of the deposit consists of a high sulphidation‐state overprint, mainly comprising disseminated pyrite and Cu–S minerals such as bornite, covellite, digenite, and enargite. At depth porphyry‐type mineralization mainly comprises disseminated chalcopyrite, bornite, pyrite, and a minor vein molybdenite. Mineralization is disseminated and associated with veins contained within the porphyry intrusions and their surrounding rocks. The zircon U–Pb ages of the mineralized diorite porphyry and granodiorite porphyry are 123.1 ± 1.7 Ma (2σ) and 121.5 ± 1.5 Ma (2σ), respectively. The molybdenite Re–Os age is 121.2 ± 1.2 Ma, suggesting that mineralization was closely associated with magmatism. Andesite lava (zircon U–Pb age of 111.7 ± 1.6 Ma, 2σ) overlies the ore‐bodies and is the product of post‐mineralization volcanic activity that played a critical role in preserving the ore‐bodies. Values of ?4.6 ‰ to + 0.8 ‰ δ³⁴S for the metal sulfides (mean ? 1.55 ‰) suggest that S mainly has a deep magmatic source. The H and O isotopic composition is (δD = ?87 ‰ to ?64 ‰; δ¹⁸O_H2O = 5.5 ‰ to 9.0 ‰), indicating that the ore‐forming fluids are mostly magmatic‐hydrothermal, possibly mixed with a small amount of meteoric water. The zircon ε_Hf(t) of the diorite porphyry is 3.7 to 8.3, and the granodiorite porphyry is 1.8 to 7.5. Molybdenite has a high Re from 382.2 × 10^?6 to 1600 × 10^?6. Re and Hf isotope composition show that Tiegelongnan has some mantle source, maybe the juvenile lower crust from crust–mantle mixed source. Metallogenesis of the Tiegelongnan giant porphyry system was associated with intermediate to acidic magma in the Early Cretaceous (~120 Ma). The magma provenance of the Tiegelongnan deposit has some mantle‐derived composition, possibly mixed with the crust‐derived materials.     

湖南黄沙坪多金属矿床成矿斑岩锆石U-Pb年代学及Hf同位素制约

湖南黄沙坪铅锌钨钼多金属矿床位于南岭花岗岩带中段的北缘,是区内的典型矿床之一.该矿床与成矿关系密切的岩体为花岗斑岩、花斑岩和石英斑岩.LA-ICP-MS锆石U-Pb年代学显示,花岗斑岩的成岩年龄为(150.1±0.4) Ma,花斑岩的年龄为(150.2±0.4) Ma,石英斑岩的年龄为(155.3±0.7) Ma,表明岩体形成于晚侏罗世.锆石原位Hf同位素数据分析结果表明,含矿斑岩可能来源于中元古代古老基底的重熔,其中石英斑岩主要来源于地壳,花岗斑岩与花斑岩的形成伴有少量地幔物质的加入,是壳幔相互作用的产物.另外,由于花岗斑岩与花斑岩成岩年龄相近,Hf同位素组成相似,进一步印证了花斑岩和花岗斑岩是同源同期岩浆的产物.结合该矿床所处的区域大地构造背景以及成矿年龄,认为该矿床形成的动力学机制主要为中-晚侏罗世活动的Farallon-Izanagi洋岭和转换断层俯冲,导致华南内陆岩石圈全面伸展-减薄-地幔物质上涌,从而使得地壳物质部分熔融.     

Mesozoic Bimodal Volcanic Suite in Zhalantun of the Da Hinggan Range and Its Geological Significance： Zircon U-Pb Age and Hf Isotopic Constraints

1 Introduction Mesozoic volcano-intrusive rocks are widely distributed in the Da Hinggan Range of northeastern China, and are considered as one of the most spectacular geological sights in eastern Asia. Recently, studies on granites with high εNd(t) values and Phanerozoic crustal growth in the Centra Asian Orogenic Belt have greatly promoted fundamental research into the geology of this area (Jahn et al., 2000, 2001, 2004; Wu et al., 2000, 2002, 2003). However, work on the eruption time,…     

Geochronology and Petrogenesis for the Protolith of Biotite Plagioclase Gneiss at Lianghe, Western Yunnan

In this paper,we report an integrated study of U-Pb age and Hf isotope compositions of zircons from biotite plagioclase gneiss at Lianghe in western Yunnan.The zircons preserved inherited core and rim texture.Igneous zircon grains and rims yielded a weighted mean ~(206)Pb/~(238)U age of 120.4±1.7 Ma,theirε_(Hf)(120 Ma)values were mainly negative ranging from-13.9 to-10.7,with Hf model ages between 1.9 Ga and 2.0 Ga,some zircons had positiveε_(Hf)(120 Ma)values ranging from 0.2 to 2.1.The inherited cores ...     

Late Paleozoic magmatism and metallogenesis in the Aqishan-Yamansu belt,Eastern Tianshan: Constraints from the Bailingshan intrusive complex

The Aqishan-Yamansu belt in the Eastern Tianshan (NW China) contains many intermediate to felsic intrusive rocks and spatially and temporally associated Fe (-Cu) deposits. Zircon U-Pb dating of the Bailingshan granitoids, including diorite enclaves (in granodiorite), diorite, monzogranite and granodiorite, and andesitic tuff from the Shuanglong Fe-Cu deposit area yielded ages of 329.3 ± 2.1 Ma, 323.4 ± 2.6 Ma, 313.0 ± 2.0 Ma, 307.5 ± 1.7 Ma and 318.0 ± 2.0 Ma, respectively. These new ages, in combination with published data can be used to subdivide magmatism of the Bailingshan intrusive complex into three phases at ca. 329–323 Ma, ca. 318–313 Ma and ca. 308–297 Ma. Of the analyzed rocks of this study, the Shuanglong diorite enclave, diorite and andesitic tuff show calc-alkaline affinities, exhibiting LILE enrichment and HFSE depletion, with negative Nb and Ta anomalies. They have high MgO contents and Mg^# values, with depleted ε_Hf(t) and positive ε_Nd(t) values, similar crustal-derived Nb/Ta and Y/Nb ratios, low Th/Yb and Th/Nb, and high Ba/La ratios, which are consistent with them being sourced from a depleted mantle wedge metasomatized by slab-derived fluids and crustal contamination. However, the monzogranite and granodiorite are metaluminous with characteristics of low- to high-K calc-alkaline I-type granites. The granitic rocks are enriched in LILE, depleted in HFSE and have significant Eu anomalies, with high Y contents and low Sr/Y ratios, resembling typical of normal arc magmas. Depleted ε_Hf(t) and positive ε_Nd(t) values with corresponding young T_DM^C ages of zircons, as well as Nb/Ta, Y/Nb, Th/U and La/Yb ratios suggest that the granitic rocks were probably formed by re-melting of juvenile lower crust or pre-existing mantle-derived mafic–intermediate igneous rocks. Integrating published data, we conclude that the Bailingshan granitoids (excluding the Shuanglong diorite and diorite enclave) were derived from re-melting of juvenile lower crust and mantle-derived mafic–intermediate igneous rocks, with mantle components playing a more prominent role in the formation of the younger and more felsic rocks. A comprehensive review, including our new data, suggests that the Aqishan-Yamansu belt formed as a fore-arc basin during the Carboniferous (ca. 350–300 Ma) when the Kangguer oceanic slab subducted beneath the Yili-Central Tianshan block. The ongoing southward subduction of the slab resulted in the closure of the Aqishan-Yamansu fore-arc basin (ca. 320–300 Ma), due to slab steepening and rollback followed by slab breakoff and rebound. During the Aqishan-Yamansu fore-arc basin inversion, the main phase of the Bailingshan granitoids emplaced in the Aqishan-Yamansu belt, accompanied by contemporary Fe and Fe-Cu mineralization.     

Ages,Sources and Tectonic Settings of the Triassic Igneous Rocks in the Easternmost Segment of the East Kunlun Orogen,Central China

U–Pb analysis of zircons from igneous rocks in the Elashan Mountain, easternmost segment of the East Kunlun Orogen yielded 252–232 Ma. Geochemically, these rocks are mainly high in SiO_2, K_2O and K_2O+Na_2O contents, low in P_2O_5 and TiO_2 contents, depleted in Ba, Sr, P, Ti and enriched in U, Hf, Zr, showing features of I–type granite. The zircon εHf(t) values of the Early Triassic Jiamuge'er rhyolite porphyry(252±3 Ma) are positive(+1.6 to +12.1), suggesting a juvenile crustal source mixing with little old crustal component, and the zircon εHf(t) values of the Middle Triassic Manzhang'gang granodiorite(244±3 Ma) and Dehailong diorite(237±3 Ma) are predominately negative(-8.4 to +1.0), indicating an older crustal source. In comparison, the zircon εHf(t) values of the Late Triassic syenogranites from Suigen'ergang(234±2Ma), Ge'ermugang(233±2 Ma) and Yue'ergen(232±3 Ma) plutons vary from-3.8 to +5.0, suggesting a crust-mantle mixing source. From Early–Middle Triassic(252–237 Ma) to Late Triassic(234–232 Ma), the geochemical characteristics of these rocks show the change from a subduction–collision setting to a post-collision or within-plate setting. By comparing of these new age data with 77 zircon U–Pb ages of igneous rocks of the eastern part of East Kunlun orogen from published literatures, we conclude that the igneous rocks of Elashan Mountain and these of the eastern part of East Kunlun Orogen belong to one magmatic belt. All these data indicate that the Triassic magmatic events of the eastern part of East Kunlun Orogen can be divided into three stages: 252–238 Ma, 238–226 Ma and 226–212 Ma. Statistically, the average εHf(t) values of the threestage igneous rocks show a tendency, from the old to young, from-0.75±0.25 to lower-2.65±0.52 and then to-1.22±0.25, respectively, which reveal the change of their sources. These characteristics can be explained as a crust-mantle mixing source generated in a subductional stage, mainly crust source in a syn–collisional stage and a crust-mantle mixing source(lower crust with mantle-derived underplating magma) in a post-collisional stage. The identification of these three magmatic events in the Elashan Mountain, including all the eastern part of East Kunlun Orogen, provides new evidence for better understanding of the tectonic evolution of the northward subduction and closure of the Paleo-Tethyan(252–238 Ma), the collision of the Songpan–Ganzi block with the southern margin of Qaidam block(238–226 Ma), and the post–collisional setting(226–212 Ma) during the Early Mesozoic period.     

Geochemistry, U-Pb Geochronology and Sr-Nd-Hf Isotopes of the Early Cretaceous Volcanic Rocks in the Northern Da Hinggan Mountains

Whole-rock geochemical, zircon U-Pb geochronological and Sr-Nd-Hf isotopic data are presented for the Early Cretaceous volcanic rocks from the northern Da Hinggan Mountains. The volcanic rocks generally display high SiO2(73.19–77.68 wt%) and Na2O+K2O(6.53–8.98 wt%) contents, with enrichment in Rb, Th, U, Pb and LREE, and depletion in Nb, Ta, P and Ti. Three rhyolite samples, one rhyolite porphyry sample, and one volcanic breccia sample yield weighted mean 206Pb/238 U ages of 135.1±1.2 Ma, 116.5±1.1 Ma, 121.9±1.0 Ma, 118.1±0.9 Ma and 116.9±1.4 Ma, respectively. All these rocks have moderate(87Sr/86Sr)i values of 0.704912 to 0.705896, slightly negative εNd(t) values of –1.4 to –0.1, and positive εHf(t) values of 3.7 to 8. Their zircon Hf and whole-rock Nd isotopic model ages range from 594 to 1024 Ma. These results suggest that the Early Cretaceous volcanic rocks were originated from melting of subducted oceanic crust and associated sediments during the closure of the Mongol-Okhotsk Ocean.     

Triassic magmatism and Mo mineralization in Northeast China: geochronological and isotopic constraints from the Laojiagou porphyry Mo deposit

The Laojiagou Mo deposit is a newly discovered porphyry Mo deposit located in the Xilamulun Mo metallogenic belt, Northeast China. Mo mineralization mainly occurred within the monzogranite and monzogranite porphyry. Re–Os isochron dating of molybdenites indicate a mineralization age of 234.9 ± 3.1 Ma. Zircon LA–ICP–MS U–Pb analysis for monzogranite porphyry and monzogranite yield ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages of 238.6 ± 1.8 and 241.3 ± 1.5 Ma, respectively, indicating that Laojiagou Mo mineralization is related to Middle Triassic magmatism. Hf isotopic compositions of zircons from both monzogranite porphyry and monzogranite are characterized by positive ε_Hf(t) values [ε_Hf(t) = 2.9–7.3 and 1.5–7.9, respectively] and young T_DM2 model ages, which implies that the magma was derived from juvenile crust created during accretion of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). Identification of the Laojiagou Mo deposit adds another important example of Triassic Mo mineralization in the Xilamulun Mo metallogenic belt where most Triassic Mo deposits in northeast China cluster around the northern margin of North China Craton. Based on the regional geological setting and geochronological and Hf isotope characteristics, we propose that Triassic Mo deposits and related magmatic rocks in northeast China formed during the last stages of evolution of the CAOB. These deposits formed during post-collisional extension after the closure of the Palaeo-Asian Ocean and amalgamation of the North China–Mongolian Block with the Siberian Craton.     

Petrogenesis and metallogenic potential of the Jurassic porphyries in the northwest Zhejiang Province,South China: insights from SHRIMP zircon geochronology,geochemistry, and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopes of the Huangbaikeng ore-bearing porphyries

The northwest Zhejiang Province is a key domain for providing deep insight into the crust–mantle interaction and tectonic evolution of the South China block. In this paper, we collect geochemical, geochronological, and isotopic data of the Jurassic porphyries in this region, and investigated the Huangbaikeng ore-bearing porphyry in the Tongcun Mo–Cu deposit, using it as an example to uncover the porphyry petrogenesis and evaluate their metallogenic potential. Two varieties of the Huangbaikeng porphyry were distinguished: the medium- to coarse-grained type and medium- to fine-grained type. Zircon Sensitive High-Resolution Ion Microprobe U–Pb dating indicates that they were emplaced at 161.8 ± 2.8 and 162.7 ± 3.5 Ma, respectively, which are consistent with the molybdenite Re–Os ages of 163.9–161.8 Ma. The inherited zircons age spectrum significantly recorded a series of geological events, for example, assembly and breakup of the Columbia and Rodinia supercontinent, and the Triassic collision of Yangtze and North China blocks. Whole rock Sr–Nd and Jurassic zircon Hf isotopic data yield mostly negative ε_Hf(t) values (0.5 to ?8.4) and ε_Nd(t) values (?0.79 to ?4.82). Besides the Huangbaikeng porphyry, all the Jurassic porphyries in the northwest Zhejiang Province have a wide range of SiO₂ contents (76.78–60.91 wt.%). They do not contain typical aluminous minerals (e.g. cordierite and garnet), and are mainly metaluminous to weakly peraluminous with high Na₂O, low FeO^T/MgO, and Zr + Nb + Ce + Y concentrations in composition. They thus fit the I-type granite definition. Some major and trace elements show strong correlations with SiO₂, possibly indicating extensive fractional crystallization during their magma evolution. Tectonic discriminations imply that these plutons were likely formed in a volcanic arc regime possibly related to subduction of the Palaeo-Pacific plate. Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic data suggest a mixed source of the Mesoproterozoic crust and 30–50% mantle components. Compared with the adjacent Dexing Cu-bearing porphyies, which have more positive ε_Hf(t) and ε_Nd(t) values with more significant mantle components (55–70%), the Jurassic porphyries in the northwest Zhejiang Province probably lack metallogenic potential to form a giant porphyry copper deposit as Dexing.     

Carboniferous porphyry Cu–Au deposits in the Almalyk orefield,Uzbekistan: the Sarycheku and Kalmakyr examples

The Almalyk porphyry cluster in the western part of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt is the second largest porphyry region in Asia and hence has attracted considerable attention of the geologists. In this contribution, we report the zircon U–Pb ages, major and trace element geochemistry as well as Sr–Nd isotopic data for the ore-related porphyries of the Sarycheku and Kalmakyr deposits. The zircon U–Pb ages (Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS)) of ore-bearing quartz monzonite and granodiorite porphyries from the Kalmakyr deposit are 326.1 ± 3.4 and 315.2 ± 2.8 Ma, and those for the ore-bearing granodiorite porphyries and monzonite dike from the Sarycheku deposit are 337.8 ± 3.1 and 313.2 ± 2.5 Ma, respectively. Together with the previous ages, they confine multi-phase intrusions from 337 to 306 Ma for the Almalyk ore cluster. Geochemically, all samples belong to shoshonitic series and are enriched in large-ion lithophile elements relative to high field strength elements with very low Nb/U weight ratios (0.83–2.56). They show initial (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i ratios of 0.7059–0.7068 for Kalmakyr and 0.7067–0.7072 for Sarycheku and low ε_Nd(t) values of ?1.0 to ?0.1 for Kalmakyr and ?2.3 to 0.2 for Sarycheku, suggesting that the magmas were dominantly derived from a metasomatized mantle wedge modified by slab-derived fluids with the contribution of the continental crust by assimilation-fractional-crystallization process. Compared to the typical porphyry Cu deposits, the ore-bearing porphyries in the Almalyk cluster are shoshonitic instead of the calc-alkaline. Moreover, although the magmatic events were genetically related to a continental arc environment, the ore-bearing porphyries at Sarycheku and Kalmakyr do not show geochemical signatures of typical adakites as reflected in some giant porphyry deposits in the Circum-Pacific Ocean, indicating that slab-melting may not have been involved in their petrogenesis.     

Zircon LA-ICP-MS dating and geochemical characteristics of I-type granitoids from the Yanhu area,west segment of the Bangongco-Nujiang suture (western Tibet): Petrogenesis and implications for the southward subduction of the Tethyan Ocean

The Yanhu granitoids are located in the west segment of the Bangongco-Nujiang suture in the western Tibetan Plateau. The main rock types of the granitoids are diorite porphyry, quartz diorite, granodiorite, granite and granite porphyry. Here, their zircon LA-ICP-MS U-Pb ages and petrogeochemical data are reported. Three groups of magmatic events can be distinguished from the Yanhu area: group 1 includes samples AK01 and ZK01 of diorite porphyry, and sample D3658 of quartz diorite that yield mean zircon U-Pb ages of 121.0 ± 2.7 Ma, 116.6 ± 2.0 Ma and 116.0 ± 3.9 Ma, respectively; group 2 includes sample D0050 of diorite porphyry, samples D1393 and D3660 of granodiorite and sample D3065 of granite porphyry that yield mean zircon U-Pb ages of 104.9 ± 2.0 Ma, 105.4 ± 3.8 Ma, 104.2 ± 1.9 Ma and 104.2 ± 1.9 Ma, respectively; group 3 includes sample D3093 of granite that yields mean zircon U-Pb ages of 93.6 ± 1.5 Ma. The zircon LA-ICP-MS U-Pb ages suggest that the Yanhu granitoids were emplaced at 121.0–93.6 Ma, representing Cretaceous magmatism in the west segment of the Bangongco-Nujiang suture. The granitoids are composed of SiO₂ (56.57 to 76.98 wt.%), Al₂O₃ (12.20 to 17.90 wt.%), Na₂O (3.61 to 4.98 wt.%), K₂O (2.06 to 4.71 wt.%) and CaO (0.27 to 5.74 wt.%). The Yanhu granitoids exhibit enrichment in LREE (light REE) and LILE (large ion lithophile elements) such as Rb, Th, U, Pb and K and depletion of HREE (heavy REE), P, Ti, Nb, Ta and Zr. Their A/CNK ratios of 0.85-1.06 are <1.1, implying that they are high-K, metaluminous-weakly peraluminous I-type granites. TheYanhu granitoids were generated mainly by partial melts of the meta-igneous lower crust and some arc-related materials. The Yanhu granitoids probably formed in VAG and syn-COLG tectonic settings related to the southward subduction of the Tethyan Ocean. Diorite porphyry and quartz diorite magmatism from 121.0 Ma to 116.0 Ma may be associated with the southward Bangongco–Nujiang Tethys oceanic crust subduction. Diorite porphyry, granodiorite, and granite porphyry magmatism from 105.4 Ma to 104.2 Ma may be associated with the rising asthenosphere induced by the slab breakoff. Granite magmatism from 93.6 Ma may be related to the crustal thickening induced by the final amalgamation of the Lhasa Terrane and the Qiangtang Terrane.