Next Article in Journal
Effects of Microwave Energy and MnO2 from Deep-Sea Polymetallic Nodules as an Oxidizing Agent on the Leaching of Chalcopyrite Concentrate
Next Article in Special Issue
An Occurrence of Pyroxmangite in the NYF Granitic Pegmatite of the Gabal El-Bakriya Intrusion, Arabian–Nubian Shield
Previous Article in Journal
Effects of Fluid Inclusion Component Release on Flotation Behavior of Fluorite Minerals
Previous Article in Special Issue
Hydrothermal Scheelite Associated with Upper Cretaceous Intrusions in Romania: A Mineralogical Insight to the W Metallogeny
 
 
Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
Journals
Minerals
Volume 15
Issue 9
10.3390/min15090913
minerals-logo
Submit to this Journal Review for this Journal Propose a Special Issue
► Article Menu

Article Menu

share Share announcement Help format_quote Cite question_answer Discuss in SciProfiles
first_page
settings
Order Article Reprints
Font Type:
Arial Georgia Verdana
Font Size:
Aa Aa Aa
Line Spacing:
Column Width:
Background:
Review

Advances in Distribution Pattern and Enrichment Mechanism of Associated Cobalt Resources in Skarn-Type Deposits, China

by
Rongfang Zhang
1,
Chong Cao
1,*,
Yanbo Zhang
2,
Shuzhi Wang
1,
Yang Zhang
3,
Zhaokang Yuan
1,
Boxiao Dong
1,
Qing Cao
1,
Wenzhe Zuo
2 and
Zhihua Guo
1
1
Tangshan Key Laboratory of Geological Resource Development and Disaster Prevention, School of Emergency Management and Safety Engineering, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China
2
Hebei Key Laboratory of Mining Development and Safety Technology, College of Mining Engineering, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China
3
Hebei Iron and Steel Group Shahe Zhongguan Iron Mine Co., Ltd., Xingtai 054100, China
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Minerals 2025, 15(9), 913; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15090913
Submission received: 2 July 2025 / Revised: 25 August 2025 / Accepted: 26 August 2025 / Published: 28 August 2025
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Igneous Rocks and Related Mineral Deposits)
Browse Figures
Versions Notes

Abstract

Although skarn-type deposits represent significant hosts for Co resources, the distribution patterns and enrichment mechanisms of associated Co resources within these deposits have not been systematically investigated. This study summarizes relevant data on Co resources from representative skarn-type deposits in China to comparatively reveal the grade and reserve characteristics, spatiotemporal distribution patterns, and coupled enrichment mechanisms of Co across three principal skarn mineralization subtypes: iron-, copper-, and lead–zinc polymetallic-dominated deposits. Studies demonstrate that Fe-dominated skarn-type cobalt deposits exhibit widespread distribution, high Co grades (100–2000 ppm), and abundant Co reserves (4000–32,000 t), demonstrating significantly superior Co resource potential compared to Cu-dominated (Co grades: 20–200 ppm, Co reserves: 3000–10,000 t) and Pb-Zn polymetallic-dominated (Co grades: 140–853 ppm, Co reserves: approximately 3000 t) subtypes. In these skarn-type cobalt deposits, cobalt is mainly hosted in sulfide minerals. Influenced by tectonic settings, magmatic activity, and hydrothermal fluid evolution, associated Co resources in these skarn-type deposits exhibit both regional zonation and stage-specific differential enrichment patterns. In the formation of skarn-type cobalt deposits, mantle-derived magmas play a critical role in the pre-enrichment of Co. The injection of mafic magmas, assimilation of evaporite sequences, and the dissolution–reprecipitation mechanism of hydrothermal fluids collectively promote the re-enrichment of Co during magmatic evolution. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for targeted exploration, sustainable development, and comprehensive utilization of associated Co resources in skarn-type deposits.
Keywords: skarn-type deposits; associated cobalt resources; distribution patterns; enrichment mechanisms skarn-type deposits; associated cobalt resources; distribution patterns; enrichment mechanisms

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Zhang, R.; Cao, C.; Zhang, Y.; Wang, S.; Zhang, Y.; Yuan, Z.; Dong, B.; Cao, Q.; Zuo, W.; Guo, Z. Advances in Distribution Pattern and Enrichment Mechanism of Associated Cobalt Resources in Skarn-Type Deposits, China. Minerals 2025, 15, 913. https://doi.org/10.3390/min15090913

AMA Style

Zhang R, Cao C, Zhang Y, Wang S, Zhang Y, Yuan Z, Dong B, Cao Q, Zuo W, Guo Z. Advances in Distribution Pattern and Enrichment Mechanism of Associated Cobalt Resources in Skarn-Type Deposits, China. Minerals. 2025; 15(9):913. https://doi.org/10.3390/min15090913

Chicago/Turabian Style

Zhang, Rongfang, Chong Cao, Yanbo Zhang, Shuzhi Wang, Yang Zhang, Zhaokang Yuan, Boxiao Dong, Qing Cao, Wenzhe Zuo, and Zhihua Guo. 2025. "Advances in Distribution Pattern and Enrichment Mechanism of Associated Cobalt Resources in Skarn-Type Deposits, China" Minerals 15, no. 9: 913. https://doi.org/10.3390/min15090913

APA Style

Zhang, R., Cao, C., Zhang, Y., Wang, S., Zhang, Y., Yuan, Z., Dong, B., Cao, Q., Zuo, W., & Guo, Z. (2025). Advances in Distribution Pattern and Enrichment Mechanism of Associated Cobalt Resources in Skarn-Type Deposits, China. Minerals, 15(9), 913. https://doi.org/10.3390/min15090913

Note that from the first issue of 2016, this journal uses article numbers instead of page numbers. See further details here.

Article Metrics

Back to TopTop