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The reduced nature of the subducting slab has been used to explain the relatively poor endowment of economic porphyry copper deposits in Paleo-Tethyan arc systems. The presence of numerous porphyry Cu deposits in the southern Yidun terrane potentially challenges this model, because these deposits are thought to be the product of Paleo-Tethyan subduction. To investigate this, two representative deposits (i.e., Pulang and Songnuo porphyry Cu deposits) from the southern Yidun terrane have been studied. Zircon U-Pb ages of pre- and syn-mineral porphyries in Pulang are 221 ± 2 Ma (MSWD = 0.89) and 215 ± 2 Ma (MSWD = 1.50), respectively. Zircon and garnet U-Pb ages of the Songnuo syn-mineral porphyry are 217 ± 2 Ma (MSWD = 1.15) and 223 ± 5 Ma (MSWD = 0.97), respectively. The Pulang and Songnuo porphyries both have high whole-rock Sr/Y ratios with minor or no negative Eu anomalies, consistent with derivation from hydrous magmas that underwent minor early plagioclase crystallization but abundant amphibole fractionation. The two porphyry intrusions are characterized by high large-ion-lithophile elements (LILE: Th, U, Ba, Rb) abundances, and low concentrations of high-field-strength elements (HFSE: Nb, Ta, Ti, Zr, Hf). They have similar initial Sr isotope ratios from 0.7055 to 0.7073, ƐNd (t) values from − 4.3 to − 1.6 and zircon ƐHf (t) values of − 1.81 ± 1.34 (n = 47) that are distinct from published results for the Permian–Early Triassic Paleo-Tethyan arc granitoids in the Sanjiang region but similar to the Neoproterozoic arc intrusions in the nearby western Yangtze craton. The Pulang and Songnuo porphyries have relatively high zircon EuN/EuN* ratios (0.59 ± 0.04, n = 52) and calculated Δ log fO2 (FMQ) values (1.61 ± 0.23, n = 52), consistent with relatively oxidized magmas. This feature is similar to the published data for the Neoproterozoic arc intrusions (EuN/EuN* = 0.55 ± 0.08; Δ log fO2 (FMQ) = 2.14 ± 0.60), but distinct from the published data for the reduced normal Paleo-Tethyan arc magmas (EuN/EuN* = 0.29 ± 0.10; Δ log fO2 (FMQ) = − 0.68 ± 0.88). Given that the most recent tectonic reconstruction models suggest that the Paleo-Tethys Ocean closed before ~ 220 Ma, we propose that the Pulang and Songnuo porphyries Cu deposits were formed in a postsubduction setting from oxidized melts generated by reactivating the Neoproterozoic arc root, unrelated to Paleo-Tethyan subduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Paleo-Tethyan arc belt is host to a small number of porphyry Cu deposits the key controls on which remains poorly understood. It has been hypothesized that the Paleo-Tethyan arc magmas were reduced and therefore less fertile for porphyry Cu formation but few studies have been conducted to directly assess the magmatic oxygen fugacity. We investigate the magma fertility of eastern Paleo-Tethyan arc igneous rocks in the Sanjiang region, SW China, represented by the Maoding (268.3 ± 2.3 Ma), Suwalong (275.6 ± 1.4 Ma to 264.7 ± 1.4 Ma) and Baimaxueshan (255.7 ± 1.5 Ma to 249.3 ± 1.1 Ma) granitoids. They have geochemical features consistent with typical continental arc rocks, formed from partial melting of the mantle wedge, with increasing contamination of crust-derived melts over time. The presence of amphibole, high Sr/Y ratios (35 ± 20, n = 17), and lack of negative Eu anomalies (Eu N /Eu N ⁎ = 1.04 ± 0.3, n = 17) are consistent with derivation from hydrous magmas. Zircons from the intrusive rocks have relatively low Eu N /Eu N ⁎ (mostly <0.4) ratios and calculated ΔFMQ values (−2.1 ± 1.2, n = 86). Combined with apatite microphenocrysts with extremely low sulfur contents (< 0.12 wt% SO 3), it suggests that the intrusions originated from water-rich but reduced arc magmas, that were less fertile for porphyry Cu formation. Our study highlights that magmatic f O 2 is probably a critical control on the prospectivity of arc systems and confirms that zircon and apatite compositions can be used to evaluate porphyry Cu fertility. • The Paleo-Tethyan arc igneous rocks were dated from ~275 to 249 Ma. • They were derived from partial melting of mantle wedge during MASH processes. • These arc magmas were reduced and less fertile for porphyry Cu formation. • Zircon and apatite compositions can be used to evaluate porphyry Cu fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] New geochronology data to constrain the duration of magmatic-hydrothermal activity. [•] Two stages cooling history, early rapid cooling and late slow cooling. [•] Hydrothermal fluid circulation related to multiple stages of magma emplacement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Two episodes granite porphyry, 156 Ma for ore-forming one, 137 Ma for barren one. • Both derived from dehydration melting of Proterozoic meta-sedimentary rocks. • Relative moderate oxidation state and water content in ore-forming magma. The Lengshuikeng Ag-(Pb-Zn) deposit (LSKD) is one of the largest independent porphyry silver deposits in China. Its silver mineralization is related to the Late Mesozoic granite porphyry, but the oxidizing hydrous conditions of the associated magma are still unclear. This study focuses on the associated granite porphyry (GP) and barren K-feldspar granite porphyry (KFGP) to constrain their oxidizing hydrous conditions. New zircon U-Pb dating shows the GP emplaced at 155.8 ± 1.9 Ma and 158.5 ± 2.3 Ma for GP, and the KFGP emplaced at 136.6 ± 1.9 Ma. Both granites are peraluminous with A/CNK ratios of 1.09–3.01 (mean = 1.48), similar to that of typical S-type granites. They are enriched in light rare earth elements (LREE), with large (La/Yb) N (7.0–19.1 for the GP and 1.8–34.3 for the KFGP) and negative Eu anomalies (0.29–0.67 for the GP and 0.02–0.05 for the KFGP). The GP has ε Nd (t) values ranging from − 10.0 to − 9.7 with T DM2 ages of 1688–1915 Ma, while the KFGP has higher ε Nd (t) values ranging from − 7.5 to − 7.6 with younger T DM2 ages of 1538–1548 Ma. The initial Pb isotopic ratios for (206Pb/204Pb) i , (207Pb/204Pb) i and (208Pb/204Pb) i are 17.647–17.952, 15.555–15.604 and 37.851–38.541, respectively. Our new chemical and isotopic data suggest that both granites were dominantly derived from dehydration melting of the Proterozoic meta-sedimentary rocks, with more dehydration fluids for the GP and relatively more mantle contribution to the KFGP. Both granites underwent fractional crystallization of plagioclase, K-feldspar and ilmenite/magnetite followed by minor assimilation of the upper crust. Comparative study on the relative water content, oxidation state and melting temperature of magma have shown relatively moderate oxidation state and water content in the associated magma probably played more important roles in porphyry silver mineralization than other factors in porphyry Cu deposit. This study helps deepen the understanding of silver mineralization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magmatic sources of porphyry deposits in postcollisional settings remain controversial. We have used new and published petrological and geochemical data for the Eocene–Oligocene porphyry Cu ± Mo ± Au deposits in the Sanjiang region, SW China, to address this outstanding issue. New data for three deposits (Machangqing, Tongchang, and Beiya) in the Ailaoshan–Red River porphyry Au-Cu-Mo belt (southern part of the Sanjiang region) suggest that ore-forming porphyries were emplaced at ~ 35 Ma, have high (87Sr/86Sr)i (0.7068–0.7071) and negative εNd(t) (− 6.9 to − 5.0), low zircon εHf(t) (− 5.3 to 4.5), and relatively high δ18O (5.9–9.0‰). Magmatic amphibole phenocryst compositions indicate that the parental magmas are all relatively oxidized (ΔFMQ = 1.7 ± 0.6), and H2O-rich (3.8 ± 0.3 wt% H2O). These results are consistent with those estimated from zircon compositions (ΔFMQ = 1.8 ± 0.8) and high whole-rock Sr/Y ratios (75 ± 31), respectively. Based on the new and published data, we suggest that the parental magmas for the Ailaoshan–Red River porphyry Au-Cu-Mo belt were derived from a preserved juvenile arc lower-crust and the underlying metasomatized subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) attributed to a Neoproterozoic subduction event, whereas the parental magmas for the Yulong porphyry Cu-Mo belt (northern part of the Sanjiang region) originated from the Permian–Triassic juvenile arc lower-crust and metasomatized SCLM. Additionally, parental magmas for these porphyry deposits are all oxidized and H2O-rich, and we attribute such characteristics to inheritance from mixed mantle-crust sources that were modified by previous oceanic slab subduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porphyry Mo deposits have traditionally been classified into two major classes, arc-related and Climax-type, based on the tectonic setting and chemistry of associated intrusions. Although there is a consensus that porphyry Mo systems were formed by the optimal coincidence of geological processes operating at different scales, it is unclear what key parameter(s) render systems productive and whether the two classes of porphyry Mo deposits are unique in their mode of formation, or if they share fundamentally similar geological processes. These questions are important as a clearer understanding of the optimum conditions for the formation of porphyry Mo deposits is a prerequisite for more efficient exploration. This contribution presents a detailed assessment of the factors affecting the formation of porphyry Mo deposits through the investigation of barren and mineralized intrusions from the arc-related Songbei-Yangjiazhangzi-Lanjiagou (SYL) ore zone and the Climax-type Hashitu deposit of northeastern China. Our results show that the syn-mineralization intrusions from the SYL ore zone are quite evolved (SiO2 ~ 75 wt%; Na2O+K2O ~ 8.7 wt%) and are characterized by apparent light rare earth element (LREE) enrichments (LaN/YbN = 2.7–33.1) and moderate negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.4–0.7). They show enriched zircon Hf isotopic compositions [εHf(t) = –11.9 to –4.8], indicating their parental magmas were likely derived from an ancient crustal source. Melt inclusions from the SYL syn-mineralization intrusions contain negligible F and Cl. In contrast, Hashitu syn-mineralization intrusions are characterized by weak LREE enrichments (LaN/YbN = 2.2–6.9) and strong negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.02–0.10), with SiO2 and Na2O+K2O contents similar to the SYL syn-mineralization intrusions. They show depleted zircon Hf isotopic compositions [εHf(t) = 3.1–5.0], indicating their parental magmas were likely derived from a juvenile crustal source. Melt inclusions from the Hashitu syn-mineralization intrusions contain up to 0.4 wt% F and 0.03 to 0.09 wt% Cl. However, in both cases, the syn-mineralization intrusions are Mo-poor (1–7 ppm Mo), oxidized (above the quartz-fayalite-magnetite buffer), water-saturated (4.4–7.8 wt% H2O), and were emplaced at palaeodepths of 3.3 to 8.3 km. These data imply that magma source composition is not a key factor in the formation of porphyry Mo deposits. In contrast, magma oxygen fugacity, water content, and emplacement depth appear to play fundamental roles in the formation of porphyry Mo deposits of both arc-related and Climax-type. Within individual deposits, no systematic differences between pre- and syn-mineralization intrusions are observed in terms of magma source, fractionation degree, oxygen fugacity, emplacement depth, and volatile and Mo contents. Instead, a crucial apparent difference lies in the geometry of the intrusions, i.e., pre-mineralization intrusions generally occur as flat, ponded bodies, whereas syn-mineralization intrusions commonly develop as small stocks or dikes. Our results, in combination with an examination of other porphyry Mo systems, suggest that the sudden depressurization of magma chambers and subsequent venting of voluminous fluids along focusing structures (such as small stocks or dikes) most likely plays a critical role in the formation of porphyry Mo deposits of both arc-related and Climax-type. The findings of this study indicate that fluid processes in the shallow crust are pivotal for the formation of porphyry Mo deposits and that settings with ideal magmatic-hydrothermal architectures are most likely to develop into productive porphyry Mo systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Jinshajiang-Red River alkaline igneous belt in the eastern Indian-Asian collision zone, of southwestern China, hosts abundant, economically important Cu-Mo-Au mineralization of Cenozoic age. Major- and trace-element compositions of titanites from representative Cu-mineralized intrusions determined by LA-ICP-MS show higher values for FeO/AlO, ΣREE + Y, LREE/HREE, Ce/Ce*, (Ce/Ce*)/(Eu/Eu*), U, Th, Ta, Nb and Ga, and lower values for AlO, CaO, Eu/Eu*, Zr/Hf, Nb/Ta and Sr than those for titanites from barren intrusions. Different ΣREE + Y, LREE/HREE, U, Th, Ta and Nb values of titanites between Cu-mineralized and barren intrusions were controlled mainly by the coexisting melt compositions. However, different Sr concentrations and negative Eu anomalies of titanites between Cu-mineralized and barren intrusions were most probably caused by different degrees of crystallization of feldspar from melts. In addition, different Ga concentrations and positive Ce anomalies of titanites between Cu-mineralized and barren intrusions were most likely caused by different magmatic fO conditions. Pronounced compositional differences of titanites between Cu-mineralized and barren intrusions can provide a useful tool to help discriminate between ore-bearing and barren intrusions at an early stage of exploration, and, thus, have a potential application in exploration for porphyry Cu deposits in the Jinshajiang - Red River alkaline igneous belt, and to other areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Jinshajiang–Red River alkaline igneous belt with abundant Cu–Mo–Au mineralization, in the eastern Indian–Asian collision zone, is an important Cenozoic magmatic belt formed under an intra-continental strike-slip system in southwestern (SW) China. The Tongchang deposit is a representative porphyry Cu–Mo deposit in southern segment of the Jinshajiang–Red River alkaline igneous belt, with 8621t Cu @ 1.24wt.% and 17,060t Mo @ 0.218wt.%. In this study, He, Ar and S isotopic compositions of the Tongchang deposit were determined. He and Ar isotopic compositions suggest that the ore-forming fluids, with 3He/4He ratios varying from 0.17 to 1.50Ra and 40Ar/36Ar ratios from 299.1 to 347.3 for the deposit, are a mixture between a crust-derived fluid (MASW) with near atmospheric Ar and crustal He, and a mantle-derived fluid. However, the δ34S values of the hydrothermal pyrite samples ranging from 1.0‰ to 1.5‰ with an average of 1.2‰, indicate that the sulfur in the ore-forming fluids of the Tongchang deposit was primarily derived from the magma or indirectly mantle-derived without assimilation of crustal sulfur. In combination with previously published He and Ar isotopic data of the Yulong and Machangqing deposits in northern and central segments of the Jinshajiang–Red River alkaline igneous belt, respectively, the ore-forming fluids of the Yulong and Machangqing deposits are obviously richer in 3He and 40Ar, and poorer in 36Ar in comparison with the Tongchang deposit, implying that more mantle-derived fluids were involved in the ore-forming fluids of the Yulong and Machangqing deposits than those for the Tongchang deposit. This might be one of the most important factors producing larger scales of mineralization in the Yulong and Machangqing deposits than the Tongchang deposit. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Jinshajiang–Red River porphyry Cu–Mo metallogenic belt is an important Cenozoic porphyry Cu–Mo mineralization concentrating zone in the eastern Indo‐Asian collision zone. New zircon U–Pb and molybdenite Re–Os ages and compilation of previously published ages indicate that porphyry Cu–Mo deposits in the belt did not form at the same time, i.e., the porphyry emplacement and relevant Cu–Mo mineralization ages of the Ailaoshan–Red River ore belt in south range from 36.3Ma to 34.6Ma, and from 36.0Ma to 33.9Ma, respectively, which are obviously younger than the porphyry emplacement ages of 43.8–36.9Ma and the relevant Cu–Mo mineralization ages of 41.6–35.8Ma of the Yulong ore belt in north. Tectonic studies indicated that the Jinshajiang fault system in north and Ailaoshan–Red River fault system in south of the Jinsjiang–Red river belt had different strike-slip patterns and ages. The right-lateral strike-slip motion of the Jinshajiang fault system initiated at ca. 43Ma with corresponding formation of the Yulong porphyry Cu–Mo system, whereas the left-lateral strike-slip motion of the Ailaoshan–Red River fault system initiated at ca. 36Ma with corresponding formation of the Ailaoshan–Red River porphyry Cu–Mo system. Therefore, the different ages of porphyry Cu–Mo systems, between in north and south of the Jinshajiang–Red River belt, indicate that the porphyry Cu–Mo mineralization is closely related to the divergent strike-slip movements between the Jinshajiang and Ailaoshan–Red River strike-slip faulting resulted from the Indo‐Asian collision. The tanslithospheric Jinshajiang–Red River faulting caused partial melting of the enriched mantle sources of alkali-rich porphyries by depressurization or/and asthenospheric heating, and facilitated the migration of alkali-rich magmas and the corresponding formation of alkali-rich porphyries and relevant Cu–Mo deposits in the belt. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Alkali-rich Cu (Au, Mo) deposits are of increasing economic significance and are an attractive exploration target. They include some of the world's highest grade and largest porphyry related gold resources as well as some of the largest gold accumulations in epithermal settings. The Jinshajiang–Red River alkali-rich intrusive belt, with many porphyry Cu (Au, Mo) deposits, is a representative magmatic belt associated with mineralization. The Jinshajiang–Red River alkali-rich intrusive belt contains several Cu (Au, Mo) mineralized alkali-rich porphyry rocks including the Yulong quartz monzonite porphyry, the Machangqing granite porphyry, the Tongchang quartz syenite porphyry, and the Beiya quartz syenite porphyry. Additionally, there are also some barren alkali-rich porphyry rocks in the belt, such as the Yanshuiqing quartz syenite porphyry. Fluid inclusion petrography and microthermometry on those porphyry rocks are carried out in detail. The results show that the fluid inclusion assemblages in ore-bearing and barren porphyries are distinct: inclusions from barren porphyry are dominated by primary melt inclusions, and contain rare or no fluid inclusions, whereas inclusions from ore-bearing porphyries are dominated by fluid inclusions, and contain rare melt inclusions. Furthermore, halite, sylvite, calcite daughter minerals and an opaque phase in fluid inclusions from ore-bearing rocks are common, but rare in fluid inclusions from barren rocks. The results suggests that the evolution of ore forming fluids especially the halite, sylvite, calcite and opaque daughter minerals bearing fluid inclusions of quartz phenocrysts could be used to judge the degree of metasomatism and mineralization of a porphyry system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mo-Cu mineralization in the Baituyingzi district of eastern Inner Mongolia occurs within a granitic complex. This paper presents and discusses zircon U-Pb ages and whole-rock geochemical and Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic data from the granitic complex as potential indicators for porphyry Mo fertility. The U-Pb ages indicate that five units of the granitic complex were emplaced between 265.2 ± 0.7 and 246.5 ± 1.0 Ma. Constrained by crosscutting dikes, Mo-Cu mineralization was probably related to the Baituyingzi monzogranite porphyry dated at 248.2 ± 0.64 Ma. The intrusions belong to high-K calc-alkaline to shoshonitic series that are characterized by highly fractionated rare earth element (REE) patterns and strong enrichments of large ion lithophile elements, relative to high-field strength elements. Apart from the ∼246-Ma dike that shows negative εNd ( t) values (−14.9 to −13.1), the intrusions have εNd( t) values ranging from −3.9 to 1.0, relatively young depleted mantle model ages (811 to 1183 Ma), Pb/Pb of 18.137-18.335, and Pb/Pb of 15.591-15.625, which are consistent with a juvenile lower crustal origin. Among the intrusions, the ∼248-Ma porphyry and the ∼246-Ma dike show adakite-like characteristics (e.g., Sr/Y = 44.9-185) and listric-shaped REE patterns that indicate amphibole fractionation and a hydrous magma source. However, the porphyry exhibits a higher differentiation index (81.4-91.5) and a steeper REE profile (e.g., La/Yb = 25.6-87.0) than those of the ∼246-Ma dike, which suggests that it is highly differentiated. We propose that the complex was generated by the partial melting of juvenile mafic lower crust (containing minor old crustal relicts) that was triggered by collision between the North China Craton and Siberian Craton. As indicated by the Th/Nb, Th/Yb, Ba/Th, and Ba/La ratios of the intrusions, the crust may have been derived from the melting of the fertile mantle wedge that was metasomatized by various amounts of slab-derived fluids or melts due to earlier subduction and was heterogeneous in terms of water, Cu, Mo, and S contents and possible oxidation state. The fertility of the porphyry was likely associated with the addition of earlier subduction-related slab melts to the magma source (leading to a hydrous and possible high oxidation state) and the long-time (∼20 Ma) collision tectonic setting in which it formed (resulting in a highly differentiated state). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Baituyingzi Mo (Cu) deposit is a newly identified porphyry deposit located in the southern part of the Xilamulun Mo metallogenic belt, Northeast China. Mo (Cu) mineralization mainly occurs as quartz veinlets and stockwork veinlets in the potassic altered Baituyingzi monzogranite porphyry. A detailed investigation of fluid inclusions and O H isotopes from hydrothermal veins at Baituyingzi allow us to establish the evolving history of the fluid system, as well as understand factors controlling Cu Mo precipitation in CO 2 -rich fluids. Six vein types are recognized at Baituyingzi, which belong to five hydrothermal stages: (1) UST quartz vein, formed during magmatic-hydrothermal transitional stage; (2) A 1 vein (sulfide-barren quartz vein) and A 2 vein (quartz–pyrite–chalcopyrite ± molybdenite vein, Cu mineralization), related to potassic alteration; (3) B vein (quartz–molybdenite ± chalcopyrite ± pyrite vein, Mo mineralization), formed during the potassic-sericitic transitional stage; (4) D vein (quartz–pyrite ± molybdenite ± chalcopyrite vein), associated with sericitic alteration; and (5) late stage L vein (quartz–carbonate vein). Four types of fluid inclusions have been observed in these veins, i.e., liquid-rich inclusions (L-type), vapor-rich inclusions (V-type), polyphase high-salinity inclusions (S-type), and CO 2 -rich inclusions (C-type). UST quartz veins contain abundant S- and co-existing V-type inclusions, accompanied by minor melt inclusions, indicating that the parent fluids were likely in the form of bubbly magma (~ 10 wt% NaCl equiv.) that was derived from a deep magma chamber. A 1 veins are dominated by coexisting S- and V-type inclusions that homogenized at temperatures ranging from 400° to 548.5 °C and pressures between 300 and 750 bar, which may represent the result of parent fluid immiscibility (vapor-brine) at depth. Apart from S- and V-type inclusions, Cu-bearing A 2 veins are especially rich in isolated L-type inclusions (homogenized at 347 to 430 °C) that share the same salinity range as V-type inclusions (homogenized at 375 to 470 °C), suggesting that the vapor gradually contracted to a liquid phase at around 350 bar. Because the system was still in a lithostatic condition (revealed by textures of A 2 veins), Cu precipitation at Baituyingzi was thus largely controlled by temperature reduction (to below 400 °C) near the vapor-liquid surface in relatively oxidized fluids (indicated by the precipitation of abundant hematite). C-type inclusions (homogenize at 275 to 350 °C) seem to be more widely developed, and they commonly co-exist with L-type inclusions (homogenized at 340 to 380 °C) of similar salinity in B veins, implying that they unmixed at temperatures below 350 °C and pressures below 200 bar. Considering that the system had already fluctuated to hydrostatic conditions (revealed by clear open-space filling textures), as well as considering the occurrence of minor feldspar-destructive alteration halos in B veins, Mo precipitation would likely be a result of water-CO 2 immiscibility at temperatures below 350 °C with a sharp pressure reduction to below 200 bar and an increase in fluid acidity. D veins contain plentiful L- and minor C– and S-type inclusions that homogenized at lower temperatures (240 to 350 °C) and pressures (30 to 150 bar). The wide feldspar-destructive alteration halos indicate that the fluids became progressively more acidic and reacted intensely with wall-rocks. L veins only contain low temperature (168 to 280 °C) and low salinity (0.4 to 10.9 wt% NaCl equiv.) L-type inclusions, implying that meteoric water was introduced to the barren magmatic fluids, leading to precipitation of a large amount of remnant material. δ 18 O and δD isotope ratios in quartz (δ 18 O fluid = 3.54‰ to 7.51‰, δD = − 107‰ to − 87‰) also confirm a primary magmatic origin for ore-forming fluids in earlier veins, except for L veins. Therefore, fluid evolution at Baituyingzi was characterized by relatively continuous, system-scale cooling along an ascent path gradually straddling the vapor-brine, vapor-liquid, and water–CO 2 surface in the vapor-dominated H 2 O CO 2 NaCl fluid system, whereas the subtle temporal change in P-T-redox conditions and acid balance of the evolutionary paths of the magmatic fluid may be responsible for Cu and Mo separation at the Baituyingzi CO 2 –rich systems. Additionally, water-CO 2 immiscibility seems to be an additional important mechanism that complicates Mo precipitation in CO 2 –rich systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The Pulang composite intrusion defined a magmatic duration of 10 m.y. from ∼226 Ma to ∼216 Ma. • Six porphyry phases (i.e., premineralized and synmineralized porphyries) at Pulang were all derived from relatively oxidized and hydrous magmas. • The synmineralized porphyries showed higher magmatic sulfur and chlorine contents than those for the premineralized porphyry phases. • Magmatic sulfur and chlorine contents might be important for Pulang porphyry Cu-Au formation. The giant Pulang porphyry Cu-Au district (446.8 million tonnes at 0.52% Cu and 0.18 g/t Au) is located in the southern Yidun terrane of the Sanjiang (Three-river) region, southwest China. It has six phases of porphyry intrusions: premineralized fine-grained quartz diorite (FQD) and coarse-grained quartz diorite porphyry (CQD), the main synmineralized quartz monzonite porphyry (QMP), and late synmineralized granodiorite porphyry (GP), diorite porphyry (DP), and aplite. New zircon U-Pb ages for the premineralized FQD and late synmineralized GP, DP, and aplite are 226.3 ± 2.6 Ma (MSWD = 1.9), 216.4 ± 1.0 Ma (MSWD = 2.0), 216.0 ± 1.1 Ma (MSWD = 1.7), and 216.0 ± 1.5 Ma (MSWD = 1.7), respectively. All Pulang porphyry rocks have high whole-rock Sr/Y ratios (37.8–184) with minor or no negative Eu anomalies (0.73–1.04), and are characterized by high large-ion-lithophile-element (LILE: Th, U, Ba, Rb) abundances and low high-field-strength-element (HFSE: Nb, Ta, Ti, Zr, Hf). Zircons from premineralized FQD and synmineralized GP, DP, and aplite rocks have consistently high Eu N /Eu N * ratios (mostly > 0.4). The magmatic oxygen fugacity calculated from zircon compositions, show that the FQD (ΔFMQ = 1.59 ± 0.43), GP (ΔFMQ = 1.52 ± 0.18), DP (ΔFMQ = 1.52 ± 0.30), and aplite (ΔFMQ = 1.75 ± 0.60) were all derived from moderately oxidized magmas. Magmatic water contents estimated from amphibole compositions and the extensive presence of amphibole phenocrysts suggest that H 2 O contents are >4 wt%. Together with the published results for premineralized CQD and main synmineralized QMP, it is concluded the causative magmas for the six porphyry phases at Pulang were all relatively oxidized and hydrous. The difference between premineralized FQD and CQD and synmineralized QMP, GP, and DP are reflected in magmatic chlorine and sulfur contents. To minimize the effect of hydrothermal alteration, the apatite microphenocrysts enclosed by least altered phenocrysts were selected for analyses. The Cl contents of magmatic apatite microphenocrysts from the synmineralized QMP (avg = 0.340 ± 0.192, n = 26), GP (avg = 0.317 ± 0.151, n = 21), and DP (avg = 0.179 ± 0.112, n = 18) are significantly higher than those from the premineralized FQD (avg = 0.046 ± 0.032, n = 9) and CQD (avg = 0.043 ± 0.034, n = 13). Similarly, the SO 3 contents of igneous apatite microphenocrysts from the synmineralized QMP (avg = 0.259 ± 0.156, n = 25), GP (avg = 0.203 ± 0.163, n = 20), and DP (avg = 0.306 ± 0.173, n = 18) are higher than those from the premineralized FQD (avg = 0.181 ± 0.136, n = 10) and CQD (avg = 0.085 ± 0.068, n = 6). The S-Cl contents of synmineralized melts estimated from apatite S-Cl compositions are higher than those of premineralized magmas, suggesting that the elevated magmatic S-Cl contents in the synmineralized porphyries might have been important for Cu-Au mineralization. This was likely due to S-Cl rich mafic magma recharge, supported by the presence of abundant mafic magmatic enclaves in the synmineralized QMP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The Lawu volcanic rocks and associated porphyries have a closely comagmatic relation. • The mantle domains were metasomatized by Paleo-Tethyan oceanic marine sediments. • The porphyry-volcanic system has similar H 2 O but lower fO 2 of than Yulong deposit. Generally, porphyry Cu deposits are associated with the comagmatic porphyry (or subvolcanic)-volcanic systems of high magmatic H 2 O-fO 2 conditions. The volcanic rocks, as the counterpart of the porphyries, thus can provide some significant insights into the fertility of the porphyries to some extent. For this reason, we have used the Lawu volcanic rocks and spatial-temporal closely-related porphyries in the newly discovered porphyry Cu prospects (e.g., Seli, Zongguo, Mamupu) in the southern segment of the Yulong intracontinental porphyry Cu belt to illustrate the relationship between the porphyries and volcanic rocks, petrogenesis of the volcanic rocks, and then to evaluate the ore potential of the porphyries based on the magmatic H 2 O-fO 2 conditions. Both the Lawu volcanic rocks and Seli-Zonguo-Mamupu porphyries are shoshonitic and metaluminous, and have similar REE patterns, and Sr-Nd-Hf isotopic compositions, which suggest a comagmatic relation between the volcanic rocks and porphyries. An episodic magmatism model is proposed to explain the slightly younger age (~36–35 Ma) and less evolved nature of volcanic rocks than the porphyries. The Lawu volcanic rocks of mainly intermediate composition (SiO 2 = 54.25–64.68 wt%) have high K 2 O (4.75–5.94 wt%) and high K 2 O/Na 2 O ratios (1.69–2.00), broadly similar to the coeval Yulong fertile granitic porphyries and the Nangqian mafic lavas. The (87Sr/86Sr) i and ε Nd (t) values, uniform zircon ε Hf (t) and δ18O values, and lack of inherited zircons of the Lawu volcanic rocks don't support their formation by mixing between the mantle-derived Nangqian mafic lavas and crust-derived Yulong felsic porphyries or assimilation and fractional crystallization (AFC) of mafic magmas. They are characterized by high Ba/Th, Ba/La and listric-shaped normalized rare earth element profile with significantly negative Nb-Ta-Ti anomalies, and have high initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.7071–0.7079) and low ε Nd (t) values (−5.71 to −3.05), and low zircon ε Hf (t) (−1.53 to 4.09) and clearly high δ18O values (6.67–8.42‰), suggesting that, they were probably formed by fractional crystallization (FC) of mantle-derived mafic magmas and originated from mantle domains modified by significant amount of H 2 O-rich marine sediments of the Paleo-Tethyan oceanic slab. Magmatic H 2 O contents calculated from deepest-crystallized amphiboles indicate that, the Lawu volcanic rocks and Zongguo porphyries have initial magmatic H 2 O contents as high as the Yulong fertile porphyries and typical porphyry Cu systems worldwide (commonly >4 wt% H 2 O). Magmatic fO 2 (ΔFMQ) of the Lawu volcanic rocks (0.6–1.3, ave. 0.9 ± 0.1) and the Zongguo porphyries (0.9–1.7, ave. 1.4 ± 0.2) are clearly lower than the fertile porphyries in the giant Yulong deposit (ΔFMQ = 1.6–3.3, ave. 2.3 ± 0.5) and typical porphyry Cu deposits in the world (commonly ΔFMQ > 2). The slightly lower magmatic H 2 O contents and slightly higher magmatic fO 2 of the Zongguo porphyries than the Lawu volcanic rocks were ascribed to variable degassing during magmatic evolution. These suggest that, in spite of the high magmatic H 2 O contents, the comagmatic porphyries (at least the Zongguo porphyries) of the Lawu volcanic rocks in the southern segment of the Yulong porphyry Cu belt are unlikely to produce large-scale porphyry Cu mineralization like the giant Yulong deposit, due to the low magmatic fO 2 conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]