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Chlorite is present extensively in many types of deposits. The mechanism underlying the chemical variations in chlorite remains unclear. The Naruo porphyry deposit is a giant copper porphyry deposit in the Duolong ore district of Tibet. Chlorite, which is abundant in this deposit, has yet to be studied systematically; hence, we used principal component analysis (PCA) to assess the correlation between chlorite elements and various types of mineral deposits. We then conducted a preliminary investigation into its mineralogy and geochemistry to better understand its formation process and identify potential prospecting indicators. The PCA method proved effective in discerning two distinctive element signatures within the chlorite and categorising them into four deposit types: orogenic Au deposits, granite-type U deposits, and skarn-type Sn deposits that exhibit high FeOand low MgO distinguishing them from porphyry copper deposits. The chlorite in the Naruo deposit is classified as either early metasomatic (M-type), consisting mainly of clinochlore, or late hydrothermal (H-type), primarily consisting of clinochlore and chamosite. This classification suggests that H-type chlorite formed in a reductive environment conducive to Cu precipitation at medium temperatures (255°C-342°C). Al-Si and Fe-Mg substitutions were found to be the primary processes involved in its generation. Additionally, from the mineralisation centre outwards, there was an observed decrease in Si content as well as the Fe/(Fe+Mg) ratio in H-type chlorite, along with decreases in temperature, sulphur, and oxygen fugacity of allchlorites; conversely, increases were observed for Al content along with Mg and Mn elements in H-type chlorite. Chlorite is useful for exploring porphyry copper systems as an indicator mineral. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Eocene Yulong porphyry copper belt (YPCB) in eastern Tibet contains more than 10 Mt of Cu metal, associated with subvolcanic to volcanic porphyry systems intruding Cenozoic sedimentary basins. Geochemical data analysis shows that all samples belonged to high-K calc-alkaline and shoshonite series with metaluminous–peraluminous characteristics, light rare earth elements and large ion lithophile elements enrichment, high field strength elements depletion, and share geochemical similarities to adakitic rocks. We have established a spatiotemporal evolution framework through geochronological data analysis, combined with calculated bulk zirconium saturation temperature, calculated crustal thickness and geophysical evidence. We identified three magmatic processes triggered by asthenospheric upwelling and thermal erosion of thickened crust: (1) ultrapotassic magma derived from metasomatized mantle; (2) coeval ultrapotassic melt that promoted the partial melting of eroded lower crust and the generation of high-K adakitic felsic melt; high-K and Mg# adakitic fertile magma was formed by interaction between the eroded sulfide-rich juvenile lower crust-derived melt and mantle peridotite; (3) high-K adakitic fertile magma was derived from sulfide-rich juvenile lower crust, triggered by injecting hydrous ultrapotassic magma into thinned lower crust. The difference between deposit size in the north/south section of Yulong belt may be caused by the temperature of magmatic source and the volume of coeval potassic–ultrapotassic magmatism. Our analysis of the YPCB suggests that magmatism after 175 Ma within Intermontane arc complex of the Canadian Cordillera has high potential for porphyry deposits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genetic link between subduction- and collision-related porphyry Cu deposits (PCD) is still not well understood. The Gangdese porphyry Cu belt (GPCB) in southern Tibet hosts two parallel E–W-oriented metallogenic subbelts, including a southern Jurassic subduction-related and a northern Miocene post-collision PCD subbelt. In this study, we combine new and published whole-rock major and trace element data, Cu isotopic compositions and zircon trace element data of Jurassic magmatic rocks from the GPCB. Combined Sr/Y and La/Yb crustal thickness proxies confirm the south to north geometry of the Jurassic arc-back-arc system across the GPCB. The southern Jurassic magmatic arc rocks have systematically higher whole-rock V/Yb ratios, δ65Cu values and zircon Eu/Eu* ratios compared to those of the northern back-arc region. This suggests that Jurassic southern arc magmas had higher oxygen fugacity and H2O concentration than the contemporaneous northern back-arc magmas, which was controlled by a steep subduction geometry of the Neo-Tethyan oceanic slab. Hydrous and oxidized magmas resulted in Cu enrichment during magma evolution and generation of Jurassic PCD in the southern magmatic arc by inhibiting early sulfide saturation at deep crustal levels. In contrast, the northern back-arc magmas were less oxidized and less hydrous, which triggered early sulfide saturation, resulting in segregation of Cu-bearing sulfides in lower crustal cumulates that provided a favorable metal source for later Miocene PCD in the northern subbelt. Our study indicates that the Jurassic subduction geometry controlled the formation and distribution of Jurassic subduction-related and Miocene post-collision-related PCD in the GPCB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jiama is a giant, high‐grade porphyry copper system in the Gangdese metallogenic belt, Tibet. Multistage intermediate–felsic porphyries intruded in this deposit, some of which are strongly associated with copper‐polymetallic mineralization. These ore‐bearing porphyries include monzogranite, granodiorite, and quartz diorite porphyries. A new granite aplite dyke was found in the south of Jiama. Its age, genesis, and relationship with ore‐related magmatism are obscure. Here, its emplacement age and petrogenesis were determined using mineralogy, zircon U‐Pb dating, geochemistry, and Sr‐Nd‐Pb isotope studies. The zircon LA‐ICP‐MS U‐Pb age of the aplite dyke is 16.66 ± 0.21 Ma (n = 14, MSWD = 0.66), earlier than that of the ore‐bearing porphyries (∼15 Ma) in Jiama. Furthermore, the aplite exhibits high amounts of silicon (SiO2 = 73.39%–74.74%), potassium (K2O = 5.12%–6.61%), aluminum (Al2O3 = 14.25%–14.69%), and light/heavy rare earth elements (LREE/HREE = 12.12–16.19) as well as negative europium (δEu = 0.47–0.72) and weak negative cerium anomalies (δCe = 0.84–0.93). The aplite dyke is characteristic of metaluminous–peraluminous I‐type granite, which is rich in large‐ion lithophile elements (Rb, Ba, Th and U) and depleted in high‐field‐strength elements (Nb, P and Ti). The aplite dyke and ore‐bearing porphyries in the Jiama deposit are the results of a partial melting of the juvenile lower crust, according to whole‐rock geochemistry and Sr‐Nd‐Pb isotope data, but the dyke and ore‐bearing porphyries were emplaced from the same magma chamber at different times. Thus, the aplite dyke shows the composition of the early evolution stage of shallow magma in the Jiama deposit and is the product of rapid condensation and crystallization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The statistical modeling with ILR-RPCA-back CLR has two problems when dealing with the closure effect of geochemical data. Firstly, after performing isometric logratio (ilr) transformation, robust principal component analysis (RPCA) is employed for processing. The double-plot diagram illustrates that the element sequence transformation occurs in the first and second principal components, while the unique principal component remains unattainable. Secondly, by transforming both the score and load into the centered logratio (CLR) space using the U matrix, it is possible to obtain a score result that corresponds to the original order of elements according to the CLR = ILR·U formula. However, for obtaining a load result that corresponds to the original order of elements, an alternative formula "CLR = UT·ILR" must be used instead. In order to determine the optimal element assemblage for porphyry copper deposits, this study conducted statistical analysis on mineral assemblages from discovered deposits in the Gangdese metallogenic belt and identified Cu, Mo, Au, Ag, W, and Bi as key elements associated with porphyry copper deposits. Subsequently, by analyzing the singularities of the composite elements, the spatial overlay of the combined element is carried out, and concentration-area (C-A) fractal filtering is applied to identify the anomaly and background areas. To facilitate comparison, we conducted an analysis of various mineral and ore deposit types, revealing the following findings: (1) Combination elements exhibit superior recognition capability than single elements in porphyry copper deposits; (2) Skarn-type copper deposits unrelated to porphyry show a high degree of dissimilarity compared to those related to porphyry; (3) this method offers advantages over the single element method in evaluating porphyry gold deposits by reducing anomaly levels and initial investment during the evaluation stage for porphyry copper anomalies; (4) However, this method has limited ability in distinguishing between porphyry copper and molybdenum deposits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bangbule skarn lead‐zinc (Pb‐Zn) deposit (>1 Mt Zn + Pb) is located in the western Nyainqentanglha polymetallic metallogenetic belt, central Tibet. Lenticular orebodies are all hosted in skarn and developed in the contact zone between the quartz porphyry and carbonate strata of the mid Paleozoic Middle to Upper Chaguoluoma Formation as well as in carbonate and sandstone beds of the Upper Paleozoic Laga Formation. As a newly discovered skarn deposit, the geological background and metallogenesis of this deposit remain poorly understood. Detailed petrological, geochemical and geochronological data of the ore‐related quartz porphyry, helps constrain the mineralization age and contributes to discussion on the ore genesis of the Bangbule deposit. Both endoskarn and exoskarn are identified in the Bangbule deposit. From quartz porphyry to carbonate formation, the exoskarn is zoned from proximal garnet skarn to distal pyroxene skarn. Zircon U‐Pb dating results show that the quartz porphyry formed at 73.9 ± 0.8 Ma. Geochemical analysis results show that the quartz porphyry has high contents of SiO2 (71.40–74.94 wt%) and K2O + Na2O (3.76–8.46 wt%) with A/CNK values of 0.69 to 1.06. Besides, the quartz porphyry is enriched in large ion lithophile elements (LILEs) and light rare earth elements (LREEs) and have low εNd(t) (from –8.25 to –8.19) and high initial (87Sr/86Sr)i values (0.713611–0.714478). Major, trace elements and whole‐rock F concentration analysis results from the endoskarn samples show higher TFe2O3, MgO, CaO, Pb + Zn, W, Sn, Mo and F etc., and lower alkalis (K2O, Na2O, Sr and Ba) than those of fresh quartz porphyry, indicating that the early ore‐forming fluids were an Ca‐Fe‐F‐enriched fluid. Massive ore in the proximal skarn might be related to the high F content in the magma, which lowered the solidus temperature of the quartz porphyry magma and caused a lower temperature of the ore‐forming fluids, as well as facilitating the precipitation of sphalerite and galena. Based on the geochemical characteristics presented in this study, we propose that the ore‐related quartz porphyry was formed by partial melting of crust materials with some juvenile crustal component input. The partial melting of the middle‐upper crust after the initial enrichment of lead and zinc elements are important for the formation of Pb‐Zn deposits. The case study of the Bangbule deposit has proven that there is still a crust‐derived magmatic source region in the western segment of the central Lhasa terrane. Therefore, there is still great potential for Pb‐Zn mineralization and Pb‐Zn exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The Naruo porphyry copper deposit containing more than 2 Mt of copper is located in the Duolong ore district in the west of the Bangongco–Nujiang belt in central Tibet. New zircon U‐Pb, biotite 40Ar/39Ar, zircon (U‐Th)/He ages, published age data together with thermal modeling were presented in this paper to investigate the thermal history of Naruo deposit. Thermal modeling reveals a prolonged magmatic‐hydrothermal evolution firstly cooling from ∼700°C to ∼350°C at 120 Ma, then cooling to 230°C at 106 Ma and maintaining at 200°C from 106 to 90 Ma which is attributed to multiple magmatic events and thermal effect of strike‐slip fault. Affected by thrust nappe structure, the sample was consistent with 120°C from 70 to 63 Ma. The Naruo deposit started to experience exhumation at a rate of ∼0.07 km/Myr since 60 Ma which is related to India‐Asia collision. The prolonged magmatic‐hydrothermal evolution process might have important influence on the Naruo deposit. The ore‐related intrusions preserved in the foot walls of strike‐slip fault and thrust nappe structure are the objects of future exploration in the Duolong ore district. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Demingding is a promising porphyry Mo-dominated deposit recently discovered in the eastern Gangdese metallogenic belt in Tibet, China. We present zircon U-Pb-Lu-Hf isotopic studies, as well as geochemical data of the late monzogranites and the prior rhyolites from the Demingding porphyry deposit to uncover their origin and geodynamic mechanism. Zircon U–Pb dating yielded precise crystallization ages of 17.3 ± 0.6 Ma (MSWD = 2.5) and 186.5 ± 3.0 Ma (MSWD = 2.0) for monzogranite and rhyolite, respectively. The monzogranite is characterized by high-K calc-alkaline, adakitic affinities, and positive zircon εHf(t) values (+0.9∼+5.6, avg.+3.1) with TDM2 (0.73–1.04 Ga), while the rhyolite has εHf(t) values of (+2.1∼+7.3, avg.+5.2) and TDM2 of (0.76–1.09 Ga) similar to the monzogranite. Our results suggest that the Demingding porphyry Mo (Cu) deposit is related to magma generated from the Neo-Tethyan oceanic subduction. The subsequent monzogranite porphyry was likely formed by the remelting of previously subduction-modified arc lithosphere, triggered by continental collision crustal thickening in Miocene. The lower positive εHf(t) values of monzogranites suggest minor inputs from the Mo-rich ancient crust, suggesting that Mo favors the silicate melt. Such magmatic events and special metallogenesis typify intracontinental processes and porphyry copper deposits, which are normally confined to oceanic subduction and Cu-dominated style, thereby making the continental setting and Mo-dominated style of Demingding exceptional and possibly unique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mamupu skarn‐type Cu‐Au polymetallic deposit represents the first discovery of a medium deposit in the southern Yulong porphyry copper belt (YPCB), eastern Tibet. The Cu‐Au mineralization mainly occurs as chalcopyrite in breccia, within the plate‐like carbonate interlayer, being closely related to chloritization (e.g., chlorite, magnetite and epidote) and skarnization (e.g., diopside, tremolite and garnet). The ore‐related quartz syenite porphyry (QSP) and granodiorite porphyry (GP) were emplaced at 40.1 ± 0.2 Ma and 39.9 ± 0.3 Ma, respectively. The QSP of Mamupu is an alkaline‐rich intrusion, relatively enriched in LREE, LILE, depleted in HFSE, with no significant negative Eu and Ce anomalies, slightly high (87Sr/86Sr)i, low ∊Nd(t), uniform (206Pb/204Pb)i and ∊Hf(t) values, which indicates that the porphyry magma may be caused by both the mixing of metasomatized EM II enriched mantle and thickened juvenile lower crust. The QSP in the Mamupu deposit shares a similar genesis of petrology to other ore‐related porphyries within the YPCB. High oxygen fugacity and water content of the magmas are essential for the formation of porphyry and skarn Cu deposits. The QSP has similar high magmatic oxidation states and water content to the Yulong deposit, which indicates that the Mamupu has a high prospecting potential. Differences in the geological characteristics and scale of mineralization between the Mamupu and other YPCB deposits may be due to the different emplacement depths of ore‐related intrusions, as well as differences in the surrounding rocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Identification of the Suolong Cu-rich porphyry is suggestive of a new mineralization event. • The porphyry was generated from crust-mantle interactions during the roll-back of subducted NTO. • The features of magma promoted the enrichment of Cu, but thinned crust limited the scale of deposit. The Tibetan Plateau hosts the majority of porphyry Cu deposits in China. There are two large metallogenic belts, the Gangdese and Bangong-Nujiang belts, in the Lhasa Terrane, Central Tibet. The Lhasa Terrane experienced multistage magmatic activity from the Mesozoic to Cenozoic, and the subaerial volcanic areas of the western part of the terrane are regarded as favorable targets of porphyry Cu deposits. In this paper, we describe the geology of our newly identified Early Cretaceous Suolong Cu-rich porphyry in the western Lhasa Terrane and present new U–Pb ages, trace element and Hf isotopic compositions of zircon and whole-rock elemental and Sr–Nd isotopic compositions. The Suolong porphyry contains zircon grains with ages ranging from 136 to 135 Ma, ε Hf (t) values ranging from −1.5 ∼ +2.7 and log f O 2 values ranging from −16.27 ∼ −9.92. Geochemically, the porphyry rocks are peraluminous in nature, with whole-rock ε Nd (t) values of −5.7 ∼ −5.4. We infer that the Suolong porphyry originated from a mixture of ∼53 % enriched lithospheric mantle and ∼47 % ancient lower crustal melt, triggered by the roll-back of the northward-subducting Neo-Tethyan Ocean. The conditions of high oxygen fugacity and water content and tectonic transition promoted the formation of the Suolong Cu-rich porphyry, but the condition of a thinned crust may have constrained the mineralization scale of the Cu deposits. This new identification of Early Cretaceous mineralization event provides important clues for identifying new potential exploration targets for porphyry Cu deposits in the western segment of the Lhasa Terrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the discovery of porphyry Cu–Au ore bodies (No. 2 and No. 3) in Xiongcun, Tibet, China, through the investigation of stream sediments, soils and rocks. The study area (Xiongcun), located in the city of Xigaze, has a complex topography due to its complicated geological background. The Xiongcun No. 1 ore body will soon be mined, 15 years after its discovery. However, recent research on stream sediments, soils and rocks around the No. 1 ore body has revealed notable Cu anomalies on the periphery. With the successful application of exploratory geochemistry data in the anomaly locations, the No. 2 and No. 3 ore bodies have been revealed. The ore reserves of the No. 2 and No. 3 ore bodies are estimated to reach 1.64 million tons of Cu, more than 80 tons of Au and 200 tons of Ag. We expect that our findings will not only enhance the understanding of the reanalysis of anomalies surrounding the discovered deposits but also contribute to the evaluation of the ore-prospecting potential of this plateau region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The alteration zone patterns have been identified based on the SWIR data at Demingding. • The relationship between Pos2200 and compositions of white mica has been demonstrated by EPMA and determined the subspecies in the ore and barren zone. • We predicted the center of hydrothermal/mineralization based on the spatial variations of the white mica SWIR scalars. The Demingding Cu–Mo deposit, found in the eastern Gangdese metallogenic belt in China, has a significant exploration potential. Detailed field studies coupled with short-wavelength infrared (SWIR) spectroscopy and electron probe micro analyses (EPMA) identified a total of 15 alteration minerals such as white mica group minerals, chlorite, kandite, and smectite groups. The study also discovered the spatial distribution of alteration zone patterns, including phyllic, propylitic, and intermediate argillic alterations. Furthermore, variations were observed in the Al-OH absorption position (Pos2200) of the white mica group with variable Al-Si-Fe-Mg content. Most of the white micas in the ore zone were muscovitic series, whereas the barren zone contained phengitic series micas. Some micas have undergone a transition to illite due to low-temperature alteration overprinting. The western part of the deposit exhibited lower Pos2200, higher SWIR-IC, and higher Dep2200 values, implying an intense phyllic alteration and higher paleotemperatures. These characteristics suggest that the area is in close proximity to the hydrothermal center and fluid channel. Therefore, it was identified as an exploratory target for buried copper ore bodies. The SWIR spectra of the white mica group can be used for exploration in other similar porphyry deposits. Under acidic conditions, shorter Pos2200 and higher SWIR-IC can be used as indicators for hydrothermal or mineralization centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Late Triassic Xuejiping porphyries originated from mantle enriched by slab-melts and fluids. • Hongshan–Hongniu porphyry formed in late Cretaceous and the adakitic features were inherited from magmatic source. • Hongshan–Hongniu porphyry originated from the late Triassic juvenile crust, as well as a minor component of crystalline basement. • Lithospheric cycle of ore-forming ingredients caused recurrent 'flare-ups' of PCDs in a region. The porphyry Cu deposits with distinct mineralisation ages frequently occur as recurrent 'flare-ups' in a narrow region; however, the reasons controlling their occurrence are still debated. The eastern Yidun Arc in eastern Tibet produced a cluster of porphyry Cu deposits of the late Triassic and late Cretaceous ages, making it the ideal location for conducting this research. As a result, we use the late Triassic Xuejiping Cu–(Au) and late Cretaceous Hongshan–Hongniu Cu–Mo deposits as research objects, compiling new and published geochronological, elemental, and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic data from their ore-forming porphyries to shed light on the above issue. The zircon U–Pb ages of the Xuejiping and Hongshan–Hongniu porphyries are 217.8 – 217.9 Ma and 78.7 Ma, respectively, and display adakitic characteristics. The Xuejiping porphyries present enriched Sr–Nd–Hf isotopes (0.70529 – 0.70590, −3.30 – −1.09, 0.40 – 2.20, respectively), low (Gd/Yb) N (2.24 – 3.20) and Nb/Ta (12.8 – 15.9) ratios, relatively high Nb (14.9 – 20.0 ppm) and Zr/Sm (23.4 – 41.5) values, indicating their origin in the partial melting of enriched mantle that is metasomatised by slab-melts and fluids in subduction zone. Furthermore, the Hongshan–Hongniu porphyry is adakitic, like the late Triassic igneous rocks in this area. Its Sr–Nd–Hf isotopes (0.69873 – 0.70996, −10.7 – −6.72, −14.9 – −0.50, respectively) are close to the isotopic evolution line of the late Triassic Xuejiping intrusions and show a trend towards the regional crystalline basement, which signify that the Hongshan–Hongniu porphyry mainly originated from the late Triassic juvenile crust, with some contributions from crystalline basement. One highly fractionated sample (i.e. HZK17-11-76) has extremely evolved Sr–Nd isotopes (0.70996 and −10.7, respectively), indicative of assimilation of sedimentary rocks. The new genetic models of the late Triassic and late Cretaceous porphyries in the Geza Arc show that the westward subduction of the Garzê–Litang oceanic crust in the late Triassic triggered the occurrence of the highly oxidised and Cu–S–H 2 O rich adakitic melts in the middle–lower crust, which evolved to amphibole cumulates and porphyry Cu–(Au) deposits (i.e. Xuejiping) in the upper crust. In the late Cretaceous, the extensional environment triggered the re-melting of late Triassic juvenile cumulates and Mo-rich crystalline basement, resulting in Cu–Mo–S–H 2 O-rich, highly oxidised magma. Through fractional crystallisation and assimilation of Mo-rich sedimentary rocks, the magma eventually transformed into Hongshan–Hongniu porphyry-(skarn) type Cu–Mo deposits. In summary, we conclude that the periodic recycling of the ore-forming ingredients on a lithospheric scale from slab subduction to post-subduction periods controls the recurrent 'flare-ups' of PCDs in this confined area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large‐scale Cenozoic magmatic rocks from the interplay between the Indian and Eurasian plate are exposed in the Yulong porphyry copper belt in the northern Jinshajiang–Ailaoshan domain. Alkali‐rich magmas along the Yulong porphyry copper belt can reveal the tectono‐magmatic processes in the Sanjiang region. In this study, we present new zircon U–Pb–Hf isotopes and whole rock geochemistry of Cenozoic granitoids from the Zhalaga area in the northern Yulong porphyry copper belt. The Zircon U–Pb dating results show that the Zhalaga granitic porphyry crystallized at ca. 42–38 Ma. These porphyry deposits are depleted in Nb, Ta, Sr, and Ti enriched in alkaline and rare earth elements (REEs), and exhibit high zircon saturation temperatures, that strongly indicate A‐type affinity. These data and the generally positive ∊Hf(t) values (2.0–4.5) suggest the magmas originated from a hybrid of partial melting of subduction‐modified lithospheric mantle, possibly triggered by upwelling of the asthenospheric mantle. Geochronological and geochemical data of the current and previous studies distinguish three magmatic phases during the Cenozoic in the Jinshajiang–Ailaoshan region: (1) ca. 62–48 Ma; (2) ca. 44–30 Ma; and (3) ca. 28–16 Ma. The strong collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates produced relatively fast convergence rates during the first episode (ca. 62–48 Ma), whereas the subsequent right‐lateral strike‐slip faulting in the Jinshajiang fault zone initiated at ca. 43 Ma is associated with the relatively low India–Eurasia convergence rates during ca. 44–30 Ma. These significantly impacted the nature and spatial distribution of the magmatism and the large‐scale metallogeny during the Cenozoic in the Sanjiang region. We suggest that the Zhalaga alkali‐rich magmas occurred in a transition period from involving soft to hard collisional settings. This remarkable example demonstrates that alkali‐rich magmas with A‐type affinity are also generated in an orogenic tectonic setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Xietongmen large deposit is the only known subduction‐related porphyry Cu deposit in the Gangdese Belt, Tibet, which is composed of the No. I and No. II deposits. Previous work suggests that the No. I deposit is reduced while the No. II deposit is oxidized. However, it is ambiguous that both oxidized and reduced porphyry Cu deposits occur in close proximity, in the same tectonic setting, and within a short time period. Detailed examination of the ages, whole‐rock geochemistry, zircon and apatite compositions of the Xietongmen No. I and No. II ore‐bearing porphyries are conducted to investigate their magma characteristics and the genetic types of the Xietongmen No. I and No. II deposits. Zircon U–Pb dating results show that the Xietongmen No. I and No. II ore‐bearing porphyries formed at 166.3 ± 2.6 Ma and 175.5 ± 1.0 Ma, respectively. The Xietongmen No. I and No. II ore‐bearing porphyries have similar mineral assemblage (containing amphibole phenocryst), high Sr/Y ratios and negligible negative Eu anomalies, low Ti‐in‐zircon temperatures (633−749 and 633−763°C, respectively), which indicate that their magmas are water‐rich. In addition, the Xietongmen No. I and No. II ore‐bearing porphyries have: (a) high whole‐rock V/Sc ratios (10−15 and 8−16, respectively); (b) high zircon Ce4+/Ce3+ and EuN/EuN* ratios, falling into the field of the ore‐bearing intrusions in northern Chile; (c) low apatite CeN/CeN* ratios (0.97−1.02 and 0.99−1.02, respectively), which suggest that their magmas are oxidized. The estimated magmatic S contents, based on the magmatic apatite SO3 contents, yield 0.0113−0.0507 wt% and 0.0012−0.0118 wt%, respectively for the Xietongmen No. I and No. II ore‐bearing porphyries, which suggest their magma are sulfur‐rich. Hydrous, oxidized and sulfur‐rich magmas are the parent magma of oxidized porphyry Cu deposits, together with the oxidized minerals of hematite and magnetite, therefore, both Xietongmen No. I and No. II deposit are oxidized porphyry Cu deposits, rather than that the Xietongmen No. I deposit is a reduced porphyry Cu deposit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Zegulangbei deposit develops a complete porphyry metallogenetic system, whose magmatic emplacement and mineralization was similarly related to an isolated apophysis derived from a uniform shallow magmatic chamber as the Main deposit. Jiama is a complex porphyry metallogenetic system composed of several isolated magmatic-hydrothermal centers. Multi-types of mineralization and alteration coexist among these metallogenetic centers, partially overlapped, developed with complicated and various metallogenic elements. [Display omitted] • Geological features of Zegulangbei deposit were identified in the Jiama ore district. • Precise geochronology redefine the magmatism, alteration and mineralization age. • Main deposit and Zegulangei deposit have originated from the same magma source. • Jiama is a polycentric, complex porphyry mineralization system. Jiama is a typical giant-scale collisional-type porphyry mineralization system of in the Gangdese metallogenic belt, Tibet. The Zegulangbei deposit is located in the northern part of the ore district, which was a recent discovery. In the Zegulangbei deposit, intrusions have developed in multiple stages and led to the formation of complex porphyry intrusions (2# porphyries), of which granodiorite porphyry and Ⅱ-quartz diorite porphyry occurred related to mineralization. Hydrothermal alteration surrounding the 2# porphyries is characterized by potassic, phyllic, and chlorite–sericite alteration, with minor propylitization, argillization and tourmalinization. Furthermore, veinlet-disseminated copper and molybdenum mineralization mainly occurred within the potassic and phyllic alteration zones. Partial copper mineralization developed within the chlorite–sericite alteration zone. The mineralization is comprised of porphyry Cu–Mo, hornfels Cu–Mo and skarn Cu–polymetallic ore bodies. Hydrothermal vein system developed well, including 5-staged veins (M-, A-, B-, C-, and D-type vein). The similar ages of intrusive rocks (15.8–14.5 Ma, U–Pb), biotite and sericite alteration minerals (15.04–15.02 Ma, 40Ar–39Ar), and molybdenite (14.9 Ma, Re–Os) indicate that the intermediate–felsic magmatic rock emplacement triggered the hydrothermal alteration and mineralization in the Zegulangbei deposit. Geochemistry and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopes of the intrusions in Zegulangbei are consistent with those of the intrusions in the Main deposit (1# porphyries) and the Miocene adakites that developed in the eastern Gangdese belt, implying they were generated from the partial melting of the thickened phlogopite-bearing juvenile crust that had been reworked by diapirs of the arc magma during subduction. The evidence presented in this study suggests that Zegulangbei developed a complete porphyry Cu–polymetallic mineralization system, which was related to the same magma chamber in the upper crust that caused the mineralization in the Main deposit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Gangdese is a newly explored porphyry copper ore belt in China. Except for the Cu (± Mo ± Au) porphyry deposits there are some Mo (± Cu ± W) porphyry and skarn deposits in this belt. Two pulses of molybdenite mineralization are recognized in the central Lhasa subterrane with ancient continent crust, including the Paleocene–Eocene (65–52 Ma) porphyry Mo and skarn Mo–W deposits formed during the rollback of Neo-Tethyan oceanic slab in collisional setting, and Miocene (21–15 Ma) porphyry Mo–Cu deposits generated in the postcollisional setting. The Gangdese copper deposits also occur during these two periods but are distributed in the southern Lhasa subterrane dominated by juvenile crust through mantle-derived magmatism resulting from Neo-Tethyan ocean lithosphere subduction. The intrusions related to molybdenite mineralization have relatively lower bulk-rock ε Nd (t) and higher ( 87 Sr/ 86 Sr) i values, lower zircon ε Hf (t) values and older Hf model ages, lower molybdenite Re contents, and more radiogenic Pb isotopes than the coeval copper related porphyries in the Gangdese belt. In addition, the Miocene Mo–Cu related intrusions generally have lower zircon Ce 4 + /Ce 3 + ratios than the Miocene Cu (± Mo) related intrusions. These data indicate that more contributions from mature continental crustal materials play crucial role in the generation of Mo than Cu porphyry mineralization in the Gangdese belt. The Eocene Mo related intrusions are characterized by high SiO 2 (68–76%) and K 2 O (5.1–5.9%) concentrations, enrichment of large-ion lithophile elements (LILE), depletion of high field strength elements (HFSE), and low Sr/Y (7.5–23.8) ratios. Their Sr–Nd isotope compositions (ε Nd (t) = − 3.4 to − 4.6; 87 Sr/ 86 Sr (i) = 0.70622–0.70679) indicate that they are associated with partial melting of mantle wedge mixing with significant amounts (55%–65%) of middle-upper crustal materials. The Miocene Mo–Cu related intrusions have relatively high SiO 2 (64%–73%) and K 2 O (1.9–4.8%) contents and are characterized by enrichment of LILE, depletion of HFSE, and high Sr/Y ratios (55–189). Their Sr–Nd isotope compositions (ε Nd (t) = − 4.6 to − 3.4; 87 Sr/ 86 Sr (i) = 0.70622–0.70679) are indicative of derivation from remelting of previously subduction modified Tibetan lithosphere with significant amounts (50%–70%) of middle-upper crustal materials. For the Gangdese Mo (± Cu) porphyry mineralization, Mo metal was suggested to be derived from the middle–upper crustal materials, particularly the Carbonaceous–Permian marine sedimentary, whereas Cu metal to be sourced from the Gangdese Miocene Cu fertile magmas. The exploration targeting of the Gangdese molybdenite deposits should be focused on southern part of the central Lhasa subterrane where the Carbonaceous–Permian strata occur. The occurrence of Mo–Cu porphyry deposits could provide clue for targeting Cu–Mo porphyry deposits in the Gangdese belt. The Gangdese molybdenite deposits share many similarities with the East Qinling molybdenite deposits, such as type of ore deposits, geodynamic setting of their formation, variable Mo grades and high F contents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Luerma is the firstly discovered porphyry in western Gangdese. • The metallogenic of Luerma occurred at ca. ∼ 212 Ma, which thus represents the oldest known porphyry deposit in the Gangdese belt. • Five stages of porphyry copper (molybdenum-gold) mineralization has been put forward in Gangdise porphyry copper belt. Due to the difference of lithospheric structure between the eastern and western segment of Gangdese metallogenic belt, it is generally believed that porphyry copper deposits are mainly developed in the east. However, the newly discovered of Luerma porphyry copper deposit in the western segment of Gangdese provides an excellent research object for us to supplement this understanding. The molybdenite re-Os isotope dating of two samples from quartz veinlet ores (ca. 213.1 ± 5.2 Ma and ca. 212.0 ± 3.7 Ma), combined with the LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating of three ore-bearing quartz monzonite porphyry samples (ca. 212.7 ± 0.9 Ma, 213.1 ± 1.1 Ma, and ca. 211.8 ± 1.8 Ma), indicates a new generation of Late Triassic Luerma copper porphyry-type mineralization events in the western Gangdese magmatic belt. The Luerma porphyry is a strongly peraluminous shoshonite series rock, is rich in silicon total alkalis, potassium and aluminum, has low contents of calcium, magnesium, and iron. It is enriched in light rare earth elements and large ion lithophile elements, relatively depleted in heavy rare earth elements and high field strength elements, and has negative Eu anomalies and no Ce anomalies. The porphyry exhibits relatively low (87Sr/86Sr) i values (0.705617 on average), high ε Nd (t) values (0.63 on average), high ε Hf (t) values (11.98 on average), and young two-stage Hf model ages. The Luerma ore-related porphyries are most likely generated dominantly from partial melting of juvenile crust that formed by metasomatized mantle during the subduction of the NeoTethys Ocean to the Lhasa terrane and underwent crystal fractionation during the process. The deposit is currently the oldest and westernmost porphyry deposit in the Gangdese porphyry copper belt, providing evidence that porphyry copper mineralization in this belt began in at least the Late Triassic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The Yare complex as well as granite units in the Mayum, Pujue, Nanmuqie, and Qiagong areas in the Gangdese magmatic arc were emplaced in Miocene. • The barren adakitic porphyries in Gangdese magmatic arc were derived from ancient crustal sources with little contributions from mantle-derived material. • The history of continuous and relatively complex magmatism prior to emplacement are important factors that discriminate between fertile and barren magmatism. Numerous Miocene porphyry deposits related to adakites have been identified in the eastern Gangdese magmatic arc (east of 87°E), but few of these type of deposits have been found in the western part (west of 87°E), even contemporaneous adakitic porphyries were exposed in the western part. A little research has been undertaken on barren adakitic porphyries in the Gangdese magmatic arc, and the key controls on the metallogenic differences remains unclear. This study presents new whole–rock geochemical, Sr–Nd isotopic, zircon U–Pb and Hf isotopic data for barren adakitic rocks of the Yare complex as well as barren porphyritic and adakitic units in the Mayum, Pujue, Nanmuqie, and Qiagong areas. These data are compared with data for fertile adakitic porphyries, providing insights into the origin and evolution of barren and fertile adakitic magmatism as well as the conditions associated with the porphyry mineralization. The barren adakitic porphyries were formed at 18.03–13.29 Ma. These intrusions have higher (87Sr/86Sr) i ratios (0.708752–0.709785) and lower Ɛ Nd (t) values (−8.4 to −6.5) and zircon Ɛ Hf (t) values (−13.81 to 3.23) than the fertile adakitic porphyries, suggesting the former were derived from ancient crustal sources with a little contributions from mantle-derived material. The fertile adakitic porphyries were formed as a result of partial melting of juvenile lower crust (such as Cu–Mo deposits) and with mixing of material from middle-upper crust (such as Mo–(Cu)–Pb–Zn deposits). The fertile adakitic porphyries also contain more water than the barren adakitic porphyries. Other important factors that discriminate between fertile and barren adakitic magmatism include the involvement of parental magma chambers as well as a history of continuous and relatively complex magmatism prior to emplacement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The variation of Pos2200 in the Cimabanshuo-Luobuzhen area is mainly controlled by Tschermak substitution in white mica crystals. • The indications of SWIR (Pos2200 < 2203 nm, Dep2200 > 0.2, IC > 2.0) have been established at the Zhu'nuo ore-cluster district for rapidly identifying potential porphyry copper mineralization. • Three H/M centers and a new porphyry metallogenic system in the Cimabanshuo-Luobuzhen area have been identified based on the indications of SWIR. The Zhu'nuo ore-cluster district in the western Gangdese belt, southern Tibet, is characterized by a significant Cu geochemical anomaly, where the Zhu'nuo super-large porphyry Cu deposit (PCD) was discovered by stream sediment geochemical method. However, due to the extended coverage of volcanic rocks of the Linzizong group and the large area of ore-forming element anomalies, it is quite difficult to locate the concealed PCDs only by geochemical method. Therefore, the application of new technical methods is urgently needed to guide the exploration breakthroughs in the Zhu'nuo district. Recently, our studies have shown that the wavelength variation of diagnostic absorption peaks of alteration minerals measured by shortwave infrared (SWIR) spectrometry is closely related to the mineralization temperature in the Zhu'nuo PCD, which can be footprints to trace the hydrothermal and/or mineralization (H/M) centers of porphyry ore systems. Hence, we carried out SWIR studies in the Luobuzhen-Cimabanshuo areas with high Cu geochemical anomaly. In this study, sixteen alteration minerals were identified by SWIR, consisting mainly of white mica, chlorite, epidote, and kaolinite. Among them, the white mica and chlorite were widely distributed in the study area, and the Al-OH wavelength position of white mica (∼2200 nm; Pos2200) and Fe-OH wavelength position of chlorite (∼2250 nm; Pos2250) varied between 2191–2219 nm and 2239–2260 nm, respectively. Moreover, there is an increasing trend of Pos2200 from porphyry center to periphery, whereas Pos2250 shows the opposite tendency. When combined with geochemical anomalies of stream sediments and geological characteristics and SWIR features in the Zhu'nuo PCD in study area, three potential H/M centers, namely Cimabanshuo, South Luobuzhen and Ya'nuri, were determined, which are dominated by short wave anomalies (Pos2200, 2191–2206 nm; Pos2350, 2243–2250 nm). Significantly, we showed that the Dongshibu-Hongshan-Luobuzhen may belong to the same porphyry system by SWIR. And SWIR implies that the true center is located in South Luobuzhen (H/M II), which has great prospecting potential in its depth, rather than the previously recognized Dongshibu Cu prospect delineated by stream sediment data. We found that the Dongshibu Cu prospect does not show any alteration information associated with porphyry mineralization as reflected by SWIR, consistent with the barren Cu results from the late drilling validation. This decoupling may be caused by the long-term migration and weathering of stream sediment samples, during which the obtained geochemical anomaly do not represent their in-situ information. Therefore, caution must be taken when using stream sediment data to delineate prospecting targets. Instead, SWIR is a potentially powerful vectoring tool to aid exploration for porphyry systems, especially in the western regions where the level of prospecting work is extremely low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Lakange porphyry Cu-Mo deposit within the Gangdese metallogenic belt of Tibet is located in the southern-central part of the eastern Lhasa block, in the Tibetan Tethyan tectonic domain. This deposit is one of the largest identified by a joint Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau geological survey project undertaken in recent years. Here, we present the results of the systematic logging of drillholes and provide new petrological, zircon U-Pb age, and molybdenite Re-Os age data for the deposit. The ore-bearing porphyritic granodiorite contains elevated concentrations of silica and alkali elements but low concentrations of MgO and CaO. It is metaluminous to weakly peraluminous and has A/CNK values of 0.90-1.01. The samples contain low total REE concentrations and show light REE/heavy REE (LREE/HREE) ratios of 17.51-19.77 and (La/Yb)N values of 29.65-41.05. The intrusion is enriched in the large-ion lithophile elements (LILE) and depleted in the HREE and high field-strength elements (HFSE). The ore-bearing porphyritic granodiorite yielded a Miocene zircon U-Pb crystallization age of 13.58 ± 0.42 Ma, whereas the mineralization within the Lakange deposit yielded Miocene molybdenite Re-Os ages of 13.20 ± 0.20 and 13.64 ± 0.21, with a weighted mean of 13.38 ± 0.15 Ma and an isochron age of 13.12 ± 0.44 Ma. This indicates that the crystallization and mineralization of the Lakange porphyry were contemporaneous. The ore-bearing porphyritic granodiorite yielded zircon εHf( t) values between −3.99 and 4.49 (mean, −0.14) and two-stage model ages between 1349 and 808 Myr (mean, 1103 Myr). The molybdenite within the deposit contains 343.6-835.7 ppm Re (mean, 557.8 ppm). These data indicate that the mineralized porphyritic granodiorite within the Lakange deposit is adakitic and formed from parental magmas derived mainly from juvenile crustal material that partly mixed with older continental crust during the evolution of the magmas. The Lakange porphyry Cu-Mo deposit and numerous associated porphyry-skarn deposits in the eastern Gangdese porphyry copper belt (17-13 Ma) formed in an extensional tectonic setting during the India-Asia continental collision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • K-feldspar antecryst provides an alternative source for high Sr/Y ratio in porphyry. • A long-lived replenishment of mantle-derived melts is the metal source. • Crystal mush can act as a cooling pond to accumulate volatiles and loaded metals. • An extensional stress may terminate potential fluid exsolution by volcanic eruptions. Since a cold storage crystal mush reservoir has been gradually used to describe magmas in shallow crust, traditional mechanisms, such as wall-rock assimilation, melt-crystal separation, as well as magma mixing and mingling, must be used with caution because recycled antecrysts can play a significant role. As a result, magmatic processes accounted for texture, geochemistry, and mineralization diversity among ore-related porphyry, overlying (sub)volcanic rocks, and underlying pluton in porphyry systems remain ambiguous. The Baishiya igneous suite (East Kunlun orogenic belt, China) with porphyry-related skarn mineralization provides an opportunity to resolve this issue. Within the crystal mush concept, we propose a comprehensive model based on the subtle changes. First and foremost, large K-feldspar grains characterized by high Sr/Y ratios (52–134) in the top area of granodiorite have a slightly enriched lead isotopic signature, indicating a previously existed crystal mush equilibrated with K-feldspar. The locked crystal mush was injected by mantle-derived mafic melts, leading to a transfer in heat and volatiles from hot melts to cold crystal mush. The buoyant volatiles and loaded metals introduced by episodic mafic replenishments concentrated on the roof, providing a fluid-rich and thermal cycling condition for K-feldspar coarse graining. Some enlarged K-feldspar grains sunk into the bottom area due to gravity, and subsequently reacted with upwelling hot melts to form rapakivi textures. As a gradually waning of injection of mafic melts, crystallization drove fluid exsolution, forming magmatic-hydrothermal events. The finally solidified granodiorite acted as a host rock for a newly produced magma reservoir, but the following development was different. Catastrophic eruptions induced by tectonic stress transition led to a strong depletion of volatiles and associated metal endowment in the underlying magma reservoir, and subsequently left a barren magma source, terminating potential mineralization events. The residual felsic melts migrated upwards along previously formed magma conduits, and thus emplaced as barren porphyry dike. Our work reveals that recycling of K-feldspar antecryst induced by mafic injection contributes to high Sr/Y ratio in ore-related porphyritic granodiorite. Within a long-lived replenishment of mantle-derived magma, a crystal mush reservoir at shallow crustal levels can act as a 'cooling pond' to quench these hot melts, but accept volatiles and loaded ore-forming elements, concentrating metals by volatile buoyancy with the help of a compressional stress, which is presumably essential for late fluid exsolution from the reservoir's roof. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bangpu porphyry Mo–Cu deposit is a representative Mo-dominated deposit besides the Sharang porphyry Mo deposit in the Gangdese metallogenic belt. The Mo–Cu mineralization has a close relationship with the monzogranite porphyry and diorite porphyrite. We identify three stages during the ore formation: a pre-ore stage, a main-ore stage with Mo–Cu deposited dominantly, and a post-ore stage. In this study, He–Ar, H–O, S and Pb isotopic compositions of the Bangpu deposit were determined. Based on these determinations, integrated isotope geochemistry studies were performed to constrain the possible sources of the ore-forming fluids and metals. The 3 He/ 4 He and 40 Ar/ 36 Ar ratios of fluid inclusions exhibit a range of 0.12209–0.36370 Ra and 275.6–346.1, respectively. The 4 He and 40 Ar concentrations vary from 1.51 to 3.57 (10 −7 cm 3 STP g −1 ) and 0.49 to 9.31 (10 −7 cm 3 STP g −1 ), respectively. He–Ar isotopic compositions suggest dominantly crustal-derived fluid with minor amount of meteoric water in the main ore stage. The δ 18 O fluid and δD fluid values vary from −1.3‰ to 3.9‰ and −140.5‰ to −73.7‰, respectively, indicating that magma fluids mixed with meteoric water. The average δ 34 S value of the sulfides (0.3‰) in the main-ore stage is close to the ore-forming porphyries, indicating a magmatic source. The lead isotopic components of ore sulfides exhibit restricted ranges with 206 Pb/ 204 Pb, 207 Pb/ 204 Pb, and 208 Pb/ 204 Pb ratios of 18.450–18.728, 15.602–5.672, and 38.715–39.211, respectively and μ values in the range of and 9.46–9.58, indicating ore-forming metals of primarily an upper crust source with a small amount of mantle materials. Compared to the Bangpu deposit, the ore metals derived from mantle are even greater in the Jiama and Qulong deposits, which leads to Cu being the dominant mineralization in the Jiama and Qulong deposit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geochronology, geochemical and isotopic studies were carried out on granite porphyry from the Jiama Cu-polymetallic deposit, Gangdese porphyry copper deposit belt, to constrain the genesis and metallogenic potential. LA-ICP-MS zircon U Pb dating indicates that the granite porphyry was emplaced at 14.9 ± 0.3 Ma to 16.0 ± 0.3 Ma, which is consistent with other felsic porphyries in the deposit. The granite porphyry shows high-K calc-alkaline and peraluminous signatures. In addition, the granite porphyry shows enrichment in large ion lithophile elements and depletion in high field strength elements. However, it has low Sr (76.13–401.90 ppm) contents, which is different from other felsic porphyries with high Sr contents in the deposit. The initial 87Sr/86Sr (0.7055 to 0.7070) and ε Nd (t) (−0.53 to -2.37) values of the granite porphyry are close to those of other felsic porphyries in this deposit. The granite porphyry and diorite porphyry have almost identical zircon δ18O (5.71–5.82‰) and ε Hf (t) (4.1–3.97) values. These results suggest that all the felsic porphyries in the Jiama deposit were derived from the same source. Geochemical characteristics show that the magma of the granite porphyry experienced fractional crystallization of hornblende and plagioclase, whereas other felsic porphyries experienced hornblende-dominated fractional crystallization. Zircon Ce4+/Ce3+ values indicate the high oxygen fugacity of granite porphyries, which is key for Cu Mo mineralization. • All the felsic porphyries, belonging to I-type, have identical magma sources. • Fractional crystallization of Hbl, Pl, and Ap occurred in the formation of granite porphyry. • High oxygen fugacity of the granite porphyry is critical for Cu Mo mineralization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Here we characterize the geology and mineralization of the Sangri porphyry-skarn Cu-Mo deposit. • Zircon and garnet U-Pb, molybdenite Re-Os and K-feldspar Ar-Ar geochronology link magmatism, mineralization and alteration. • The Multi-isotopic dating could help to construct the defined time-framework of porphyry system. Obtaining a precise time framework has been a key but difficult problem for the study of metallogenic porphyry systems. This is more complicated when there are several stages of intrusion emplacement, different alterations, and mineralization events. To solve this problem, the Sangri porphyry-skarn Cu-Mo deposit in the Bangongco-Nujiang metallogenic belt, Tibet, was used as a study site for multiple isotopic dating studies. Zircon U-Pb dating of different intrusions shows that the magmatism of intermediate-felsic intrusions dates from 83.2 ± 0.8 Ma to 81.7 ± 0.7 Ma. Garnet U-Pb dating places the skarn as being formed in 83.2 ± 2.3 Ma. Re-Os dating of molybdenite in quartz-molybdenite vein and Ar-Ar dating of K-feldspar indicate ore-forming and alteration periods of 82.6 ± 0.6 Ma and 80.3 ± 1.8 Ma, respectively. The Sangri deposit is a product of magmatic-hydrothermal mineralization between 84 and 80 Ma in the Late Cretaceous. The mineralization of the Sangri deposit and precise geochronology data indicate that there was a Late Cretaceous metallogenic event in the Central Bangongco-Nujiang metallogenic belt, which provides a new clue for regional exploration and metallogeny. Finally, multi-element isotopic dating is shown to be an important method for constructing the time framework of porphyry systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The Beimulang is a newly discovered porphyry Cu deposit in the Gangdese belt. • There are at least two episodes of fluid exsolution events of granites at Beimulang. • The highly oxidized and hydrous magmas are crucial to form porphyry Cu deposits. The porphyry Cu deposits in the Gangdese metallogenic belt were mainly formed in the eastern portion. The Beimulang is a newly discovered deposit formed in post-collisional setting in the western part of the belt and adjacent to the super-large Zhunuo porphyry Cu deposit. There are three epochs of magmatism at Beimulang, including pre-mineralization quartz porphyry (PQP; 49.7 ± 0.4 Ma), inter-mineralization monzogranite porphyry (IMGP; 14.8 ± 0.2 Ma), monzogranite (IMG; 14.1 ± 0.2 Ma), and late-mineralization granite porphyry (LGP; 11.7 ± 0.1 Ma). The various degrees of alteration and sulfide occurred at the IMG(P) and LGP indicate that there are at least two episodes of fluid exsolution events associated with different intrusions spanning ∼ 3 m.y. at Beimulang, which are unlike other Gangdese porphyry Cu deposits showing single fluid exsolution around only one porphyry at Miocene (e.g., Qulong, Zhunuo, Dabu). The PQP is characterized by high SiO 2 (75.6–81.4 wt%) and K 2 O (2.1–4.3 wt%) concentrations, high Nb/Ta (8.4–11.3) ratios, and low Mg# (22–43), Ni (1.5–2.7 ppm) contents. They have high (87Sr/86Sr) i (0.705098–0.707767) ratios and low ε Nd (t) (-4.9 to −1.9) values. These geochemical characteristics indicate that they were probably derived from a juvenile basaltic lower crust during the ongoing Indian-Asian collision. The IMGP and IMG show similar petrography and geochemical characteristics, such as high SiO 2 (65.0–69.8 wt%), K 2 O (3.6–4.3 wt%), Sr (550–809 ppm) contents, high Sr/Y (79–89) ratios, and low Mg# (43–48), Th/Yb, and Nb/Yb values, combined with high (87Sr/86Sr) i (0.707254–0.708017) and low ε Nd (t) (-7.9 to −6.0), implying a similar source probably originated in the subduction-modified lower crust metasomatized by Neo-Tethyan oceanic slab-derived fluids. The LGP displays trends produced by fractionation of magma with a composition similar to the IMG(P), but wall rock assimilation plays a significant role during magmatic evolution. Zircons from the IMG(P) show higher Eu/Eu* (>0.3), 10000*(Eu/Eu*)/Y (>4), and (Ce/Nd)/Y (>0.04) ratios than those of the PQP, indicating the fertile magmas were more oxidized and hydrous. The high magmatic oxidation state for the IMG(P) is also supported by using the zircon (ΔFMQ = +4.1 to + 6.1), and amphibole (ΔFMQ =+2.6 to + 3.4) oxybarometers. Their high magmatic water contents are supported by evaluations using amphibole (∼3.5 wt%) and plagioclase (∼6.7 wt%) compositions, respectively. However, the LGP has higher magmatic oxygen fugacity (Eu/Eu* >0.3, ΔFMQ = +4.2 to + 7.3) caused probably by auto-oxidation of the magmas, but lower magmatic water contents (Sr/Y = 31 ± 15; V/Sc = 6 ± 4) caused presumably by previous fluid exsolution and/or fractionation of hydrous silicate minerals during magma ascent than those of the IMG(P). Therefore, the highly hydrous and oxidized magmas with juvenile material are favorable to form porphyry Cu deposits in Tibetan orogen. On the contrary, magmatic evolution can probably reduce the water content of magma chamber, which is not beneficial to porphyry Cu mineralization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Two fundamental types of collisional orogens have been proposed. • Cold orogens are characterized by brittle fault systems and limited magmatism. • Hot orogens are characterized by ductile flow and widespread partial melting. • MVT Pb–Zn and orogenic gold deposits can occur in both cold and hot orogens. • Porphyry Cu deposits are only associated with hot orogens. It is commonly believed that the thermal regime of collisional orogens evolves from cold to hot with time. Here, we compare the Alpine and Himalayan-Tibetan orogens in terms of their thermal regimes recorded in metamorphic rocks, volcanic suites and related xenoliths, and main mineralization types. The results highlight the fact that the Alpine orogen mostly remained in a relatively cold regime from oceanic subduction to post collision stages. In contrast, most of the Himalayan-Tibetan Plateau rapidly reached and was maintained in a relatively hot regime during the whole course of the collision, except for narrow plate boundary domains. We therefore propose that the thermal regime of collision is inherent to a given geodynamic setting, and that the Alpine and Himalayan-Tibetan orogens represent two fundamental types of collisional orogens, cold and hot, respectively. The main mineral deposit types within collisional orogen include Mississippi Valley type Pb–Zn, orogenic gold, and porphyry Cu deposits. The Mississippi Valley type Pb–Zn and orogenic gold deposits can occur in both cold and hot orogens but porphyry Cu deposits are only associated with hot orogens. Major factors that influence the thermal regime of collisional systems include the rate of continental subduction, the rheology of the underlying lithospheric mantle, the thickness of the overlying lithosphere and radiogenic heat production. Here we propose the removal of suborogenic mantle lithosphere and upwelling of asthenosphere also plays an important role on the thermal structure of collision zones. These processes disturbe the thermal balance of the orogens and cause widespread partial melting of the crust, resulting in the formation of magma-related deposits (i.e., granite-related W-Sn deposits and porphyry Cu deposits). We further give a brief overview of other examples around the globe, such as Pyrenees and Caledonides that reperesent cold orogens versus Variscan and Zagros-Iranian Plateau exemplifying hot orogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Cretaceous granites formed from subduction-related metasomatized sources. • Tin-fertile granites are highly fractionated, reduced, and derived from dry magma. • Copper-Mo-fertile granites are water-rich, oxidized, and weakly fractionated. • Different magma sources are primary controls on the contrasting metal association. The metal and sulfur fertility of granite magmas that formed in post-subduction settings, the key processes that led to their contrasting associated polymetallic mineral deposits, and their post-subduction source remain obscure. The Yidun Terrane, eastern Tibet, extends for 500 km and can be divided into the northern Yidun Terrane (NYT) and southern Yidun Terrane (SYT) based on distinctive magmatic source affinities and related mineral deposits. The NYT has several 103–93 Ma granite plutons and associated magmatic-hydrothermal vein-type Sn–Pb–Zn–Ag polymetallic deposits, such as the giant Xiasai deposit. In contrast, the SYT granites host the Xiuwacu porphyry Mo–W deposit (88–84 Ma) and several porphyry or porphyry–skarn-type Cu–Mo deposits (85–78 Ma), such as Relin, Hongshan and Tongchanggou. The contrasting nature of the causative Cretaceous post-subduction granites and their source is determined from their whole-rock and isotope geochemistry, zircon trace-element concentrations, and biotite and amphibole mineral chemistry. Based on these parameters, the NYT Sn–Pb–Zn–Ag deposits are associated with highly fractionated, reduced ilmenite-series granites derived from a relatively dry magma that formed via mixing between amphibolite-derived and greywacke- and orthogneiss-derived metasomatized crustal melts. In contrast, the SYT Mo–W deposits are associated with strongly- to moderately-evolved and fractionated, oxidized intermediate-series granites. The SYT Cu–Mo deposits are related to more hydrous and less fractionated magnetite-series granites. The granites associated with both Mo–W and Cu–Mo deposits in the SYT were generated by partial melting of metasomatized ancient mafic-intermediate lower continental-crust with variable contributions of metasomatized mantle components. However, there is only evidence for the presence of garnet as a residual phase in the magmatic source of the SYT Cu–Mo-bearing granites. The different magma sources were important in determining the redox state of the Yidun granite magmas, providing a fundamental control on the behaviour of metals and sulfur in fractionating melts and dictating the contrasting polymetallic compositions of causative magmatic-hydrothermal fluids and resultant mineral deposits. The source regions of the granites are thus the primary control on the spatial distribution of the Sn–Pb–Zn–Ag, Mo–W, and Cu–Mo belts in the Yidun Terrane. Although not derived during subduction, as for most Cenozoic porphyry systems, the Yidun deposits are indirectly related to subduction via the metasomatism and fertilization of the mantle lithosphere and lower crust during the earlier subduction phase. The anomalous preservation of Cretaceous porphyry systems in the Yidun Terrane relates to their proximity to the margin of the Yangtze Craton, whose thick buoyant lithosphere inhibited exhumation and erosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Eocene and Miocene rapid cooling and exhumation occurred at Zhunuo. • Missing portion of orebody in the eastern part of Zhunuo would have been eroded. • Gangdese Miocene porphyry copper deposits may share similar cooling and exhumation history during Miocene. Gangdese of southern Tibet is the largest porphyry copper belt in China. Although ore-forming processes have been extensively concerned, the post-mineralization ore preservation state was poorly focused on. Here, we reported apatite fission track (AFT) data for three porphyry copper deposits in the belt (Zhunuo, Jiru and Dabu) to reveal the cooling and exhumation history and evaluate ore preservation. The AFT ages are of 13.5 ± 2.2 to 9.4 ± 1.2 Ma (2σ) for the Miocene monzogranite and granite porphyry, 5.9 ± 1.4 to 3.5 ± 0.8 Ma (2σ) for the Eocene quartz porphyry and rhyolite, and 32.6 ± 8.8 Ma (2σ) for the Eocene rhyolite at Zhunuo. Combined with the thermal history modelling results, these AFT ages and the elevations of samples revealed two rapid cooling episodes at ~10 Ma and ~4 Ma, respectively, in the Zhunuo deposit. Available AFT data from both sides of a nearly N-trending fault at Zhunuo indicated the eastern part would likely have been uplifted relative to the western part where orebodies occurred. The missing portion of orebodies in the eastern part should be located at ca. 600–1200 m above the present surface, all or part of the displaced orebodies would have been eroded at Zhunuo. Our new AFT ages at Jiru (15.4 ± 3.4 to 8.4 ± 1.4 Ma; 2σ) and Dabu (16.4 ± 2.4 to 11.9 ± 3.4 Ma; 2σ), together with the previous low-temperature geochronological data, indicated that Gangdese porphyry copper belt may have undergone similar cooling and exhumation history during ~15–10 Ma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Lakang'e porphyry Mo (Cu) deposit, intermediate to large in size, is located in the eastern part of the southern Gangdese metallogenic belt. It is associated with a Miocene granodiorite porphyry (GDP). The alteration styles are mainly potassic and phyllic alteration, with minor argillic, chlorite, and carbonation alteration. In this study, we present whole-rock geochemical compositions, zircon LA-ICP-MS U-Pb data, zircon Hf isotope analyses, and zircon and apatite major and trace element compositions for the ore-bearing GDP and postmineralization quartz diorite porphyry (QDP) to constrain the formation of the Lakang'e Mo (Cu) deposit. The ore-bearing GDP, with a zircon U-Pb age of 13.83 ± 0.20 Ma, was intruded after mineralization by the QDP, which was emplaced at 13.00 ± 0.16 Ma. The GDP and QDP are high-K calc-alkaline series rocks with adakite-like features characterized by high contents of K 2 O and Al 2 O 3 , high Sr/Y ratios, strongly fractionated REE patterns, LILE enrichment, and HFSE depletion. The GDP and QDP have relatively low (87Sr/86Sr) i values (0.7051–0.7054) and high εNd(t) values (−0.87 to 0.59). Zircon grains from the QDP have high εHf(t) values (7.0–9.6), while zircon grains from the GDP show large εHf(t) variations ranging from −4 to 9.6, indicating that the magma source of the ore-bearing GDP included more continental crust than that of the postmineralization QDP. The zircon Ce4+/Ce3+ and Eu/Eu* ratios and apatite Mn and SO 3 contents indicate that the postmineralization QDP had higher oxygen fugacity than the ore-bearing GDP. The oxygen fugacity of the ore-bearing magma present during apatite crystallization (generally below the Ni-Ni-O (NNO) buffer), was lower than that present during zircon crystallization (above the hematite-magnetite (HM) buffer). The F, Cl, and S contents in apatite show that the GDP and QDP were F and S rich and that the GDP had a higher F content than the QDP. A high oxygen fugacity, a F- and S-rich magma and a Mo-rich crustal source were the key factors for the formation of the Lakang'e porphyry Mo (Cu) deposit. From Lakange Mo (Cu) deposit to Jiama Cu polymetallic deposit to Qulong Cu-Mo deposit to Xiongcun Cu-Au deposits, the Cl contents in apatite gradually increase, but the F contents in apatite gradually decrease, and the S content is similar but variation. It indicates that the Mo-dominated porphyry deposit formed from F-S-rich magma, whereas the Cu-dominated porphyry deposit formed from Cl-S-rich magma. Unlabelled Image • Geological features were identified in the Lakange porphyry Mo (Cu) deposit. • Precise geochronology redefines the magmatism and mineralization age. • High f O 2 , F- and S-rich and Mo-rich crustal source are favorable for mineralization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Apatite high Sr content and (F/Cl) melt ratios were caused by melt fractionation. • Au-fertile porphyry with the highest apatite δEu and lowest δCe value was oxidized. • High Sr/Y and δEu values reflect an adakitic affinity of apatite-bearing host rock. • Porphyries in different tectonic settings show distinguishable Cl and F/Cl ratios. Tethyan orogenesis and Indian–Eurasia collision facilitate the development of abundant Late Mesozoic and Cenozoic porphyries and associated Cu ± Mo ± Au deposits in the SE Tibetan plateau. Typical deposits including Beiya with the largest Au reserve of 350 t, Tongchanggou with the largest Mo reserve of 142.5 Mt and Pulang with the largest Cu reserve of 804 Mt were mostly concerned by economic geologists. Porphyries occurred in these three typical deposits were classified as Au-fertile (Wandongshan monzogranite porphyry in Beiya), Mo-fertile (granodiorite porphyry in Tongchanggou), Cu-fertile (quartz monzogranite porphyry in Pulang) and ore-barren (Baliancun biotite monzogranite porphyry in Beiya) systems. In this study, apatite geochemistry from four porphyry systems with distinctive metal endowments was investigated to further constrain magmatic fertility indicators and granitoid petrogenesis. All the studied apatite grains belong to magmatic fluorapatite and are generally wrapped within plagioclase and biotite phenocrysts, suggesting that apatite occurs as early-crystallization phase during crystal fractionation. Apatite grains with porous texture, irregular patchy zoning and secondary rare earth mineral inclusions were eliminated to make the minimal effect of hydrothermal alteration. The F and Cl contents in melt are also estimated based on analyzed F–Cl contents and corresponding F–Cl partition coefficients between apatite and melt under different P–T conditions in this study. Apatite from the Wandongshan (WDS) Au-fertile monzogranite porphyry (MP) has the highest Sr content (average of 1530 ppm) and (F/Cl) melt ratios (44 to 125), indicating that the WDS MP experienced the highest degree of melt fractionation. Additionally, the WDS Au-fertile porphyry is more oxidized than ore-barren, Mo-fertile and Cu-fertile porphyries, evidenced by its highest apatite δEu (0.56–0.83) and lowest δCe (0.98–1.05) values. Rare earth elements (REEs), Y and Sr in apatite were found to be most effective for discriminating magma types. All the apatite grains from typical Late Mesozoic and Cenozoic porphyries in SE Tibet show relatively high Sr/Y (0.5–23.6) and δEu (0.41–0.83) values, pointing to an adakitic affinity of apatite-bearing rock, which is consistent with the whole-rock geochemistry. These porphyries formed under distinctive tectonic settings show distinguishable Cl melt and (F/Cl) melt ratios. The Pulang Cu-fertile quartz monzonite porphyry formed under a subduction setting has relatively high Cl melt contents of 100–1000 ppm and low (F/Cl) melt ratios of 2–22, suggesting derivation of the parental magma from a metasomatized hydrous mantle wedge. Whereas, the WDS Au-fertile MP and Bailiancun ore-barren biotite monzonite porphyry generated under intracontinental setting show low Cl melt contents of 23–180 ppm and variable (F/Cl) melt ratios of 12–125, because F-bearing minerals were decomposing at greater depths under higher pressures during the collision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen and O stable isotopes suggest that muscovite alteration forms with magmatic water, whereas epithermal alteration alunite and kaolinite form with the mixing of magmatic and high altitude Cretaceous meteoric water. Water-rock isotopic exchange could change the fluid compositions in equilibrium with quartz veins. Late kaolinite O and H isotopes define a mixing line between magmatic and low altitude meteoric water line, which suggests the exhumation at the Tiegelongnan. S isotopes show that porphyry mineralization evolves with lowering sulfides S isotopes, and epithermal mineralization evolves towards a trend of increasing sulfides S isotopes. It suggests an increase of oxidation state during porphyry mineralization, and an increase of reducing state during epithermal mineralization. • Stable isotopes suggest sericite alteration forms with magmatic water. • Alunite and kaolinite alterations result from mixing between magmatic and high altitude Cretaceous meteoric water. • In situ S isotopes suggest porphyry mineralization evolves towards more oxidizing conditions. • Epithermal mineralization evolves towards more reducing conditions. The Tiegelongnan porphyry-epithermal Cu (Au) deposit is located in the Duolong porphyry district, north of the Bangong-Nujiang suture zone, Tibet, China. Mineralization is hosted by Jurassic sedimentary sandstone, and several phases of diorite and granodiorite porphyry dikes intruded between 123 and 116 Ma. The hydrothermal alteration is characterized by alunite-kaolinite-dickite overprinting quartz-muscovite-pyrite and biotite alteration zones. Porphyry chalcopyrite-pyrite ± molybdenite (Stage 1) mineralization is associated with biotite alteration. Porphyry chalcopyrite-bornite (Stage 2), and covellite (Stage 3) mineralization is associated with quartz-muscovite-pyrite alteration formed at ~121 Ma. Epithermal mineralization, consisting of pyrite-alunite (Stage 4), chalcopyrite-bornite-digenite (Stage 5), and tennantite-enargite (Stage 6), is hosted by two pulses of alunite-kaolinite breccia and veins at ~116 Ma and ~112 Ma. The fluid composition related to muscovite, with average δ18O of 8.9‰ and δD of −56‰, indicates a magmatic water origin. Fluid δ18O composition in equilibrium with quartz veins decreases from 6.7 to 2.3‰, which are likely the results of the water-rock isotopic exchange. Quartz fluid inclusions δD values between −50 to −84‰ are partly lower than that obtained from muscovite alteration fluids, which may result from H fractionation during fluid inclusions decrepitation. Epithermal stage fluid composition equilibrium with alunite yield δ18O from −1.2 to 2.7‰ and δD from −71 to −51‰, n = 11, which is comparable to the fluid composition equilibrium with Type Ⅰ kaolinite (hosting ores) with δ18O between −2.5 and 2.9‰, and δD between −72 and −51‰. It suggests that alunite and Type Ⅰ kaolinite formed with mixing between magmatic and high altitude Cretaceous meteoric water. Late Types Ⅱ and III kaolinite (filling alunite and quartz veins) fluid δ18O and δD values plot along a mixing line between magmatic and low altitude Cretaceous meteoric water, probably following the erosion and plateau subsidence. Porphyry mineralization sulfide stage 1 chalcopyrite and pyrite yield δ34S values between −5.8 and 0.9‰, with an average fluid δ34S H2S = −2.5‰ (n = 10), whereas stage 2 chalcopyrite returns δ34S values from −8.7 to −3‰ with an average δ34S H2S = −5.6‰ (n = 5). The lower fluid δ34S H2S values during sulfides stage 2 compared to that of stage 1, suggest that the chalcopyrite-bornite mineralization formed under higher oxidation conditions than that of the chalcopyrite-pyrite mineralization. Alunite yields δ34S values from 11 to 18.3‰ (n = 8), and the associated sulfide stage 4 pyrite have varying δ34S values from −32.2 to 5.4‰. Disequilibrium S isotope in alunite-pyrite pairs was likely because of rapid cooling and retrograde S isotope exchange during later sulfides emplacement. Epithermal mineralization sulfide Stage 4 S-equilibrated pyrite (−14.9 to −9.5‰), Stage 5 chalcopyrite (−11.6 to −8.2‰), and Stage 6 enargite (−5.4 to −2.6‰) display increasing δ34S values suggesting epithermal fluid compositions evolve towards more reducing conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The juvenile lower crust enriched in sulfides and hydrous minerals is necessary to the formation of collision-related PCDs. • The evolution processes of fertile magmas determine the metal associations of collision-related PCDs. • Contemporaneous regional tectonics can affect the tonnage of collision-related PCDs. Porphyry Cu deposits (PCDs) in continental collision settings are new targets for modern mineral exploration, and the relationships among locations, tectonic environments, tonnages, and metal associations are not yet understood. The Gangdese PCD belt formed in a typical continental collision setting between the Indian and Asian plates. In the present study, new elemental and isotopic data from fertile porphyries (Cu–Mo, Cu–Mo–Pb–Zn, and Cu–W–Mo) and barren coeval and pre-ore porphyries of the Gangdese PCD belt were combined with previously published data to provide new insights into the metallogenesis of PCDs in continental collision settings. Factors that contributed to the formation of collision-related PCDs in the Lhasa terrane, Tibet, include the nature of the magmatic sources, magmatic evolution during ascent through the crust, and regional tectonics. These PCDs were not formed by partial melting of ancient lower crust. Instead, attributed to the subduction of Neo-Tethyan oceanic slab, arc magmas and slab-derived fluids resulted in the accumulation of sulfides and hydrous minerals at the base of the continental crust. Partial melting of this refertilized juvenile lower crust produced oxidized water- and Cu-rich magmas with the potential to produce large PCDs, although only under favorable regional tectonic conditions. Regional compressional stress is not conducive to the formation of large magma chambers, so the collision-related adakite-like magmas that developed during the early stages of India–Asia collision commonly lack alteration and associated mineralization. In contrast, relatively large magma chambers can develop in extensional settings within the continental collision orogen, which facilitates the formation of large and giant PCDs. Small Cu–W–Mo deposits formed during the transition between compressional and extensional settings. Thus, the regional tectonic setting and structural framework of the host orogen influenced the tonnage of PCDs. The metal associations of collision-related PCDs in the Lhasa terrane were controlled mainly by the extent of assimilation of the upper crust and the degree of fractional crystallization of the ore-forming magmas. Lead–zinc mineralization in Cu–Mo deposits is attributed to the assimilation of metapelites by fertile magmas in the upper crust, and highly fractionated fertile magmas are required to produce W mineralization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]