Metallogenic Enrichment in Orogenic Systems: Processes Linking Crustal Evolution to Ore Genesis

A special issue of Minerals (ISSN 2075-163X). This special issue belongs to the section "Mineral Geochemistry and Geochronology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2026 | Viewed by 2852

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Key Laboratory of Metallogenic Prediction of Nonferrous Metals and Geological Environment Monitoring, Ministry of Education, School of Geosciences and Info-Physics, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
Interests: geochronology; crustal evolution; ore deposits

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The evolution of the Earth’s crust, encompassing both continental and oceanic domains, has played a pivotal role in the formation of diverse ore deposits within orogenic systems. This Special Issue seeks to explore the intricate relationship between crustal evolution and metallogenic enrichment processes, with a particular emphasis on the mechanisms that drive ore genesis in orogenic settings. By focusing on the interplay between tectonic processes and metal enrichment, this Issue aims to advance our understanding of how crustal dynamics influence the distribution and concentration of mineral resources.

By exploring the complex relationship between crustal evolution and metallogenic enrichment in orogenic systems, this Special Issue aims to deepen our understanding of the geological processes that have shaped the Earth’s crust and enriched it with mineral resources. Through interdisciplinary research and collaboration, we can unlock new insights that will guide future exploration efforts and resource management practices in these geologically dynamic regions.

Key Themes:

  1. Crustal Evolution and Metallogenic Enrichment: Investigate the role of continental and oceanic crustal evolution in the formation of ore deposits. Contributions should emphasize the tectonic processes—such as subduction, collision, magmatism, metamorphism, and metasomatism—that facilitate the mobilization and concentration of metals within orogenic systems. A central theme of this Issue is the metallogenic enrichment processes that occur during orogenesis. We encourage the contribution of studies that elucidate the geochemical and physical mechanisms—such as fluid migration, magmatic differentiation, and structural controls—that lead to the concentration of metals, with a particular focus on copper and lead–zinc.
  2. Geochronology and Isotopic Studies: Highlight the importance of geochronological and isotopic studies in unraveling the timing and sources of metallogenic events, shedding light on the evolution of crustal materials and magmatic processes, providing insights into the genesis of ore deposits within orogenic systems.
  3. Case Studies and Field Observations: Present case studies that illustrate specific metallogenic environments, such as the orogenic processes leading to the enrichment of metals, showcasing the diversity of geological settings and crustal evolution histories that contribute to the richness of mineral resources in these regions.
  4. Implications for Mineral Exploration: Discuss the implications of understanding metallogenic processes for mineral exploration strategies, resource assessment, and sustainable mining practices. By linking crustal evolution to ore genesis, this Special Issue aims to provide a framework for future exploration efforts in orogenic systems.

Dr. Miao Yu
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • crustal evolution (continental and oceanic)
  • metallogenic enrichment processes
  • orogenic systems
  • ore genesis
  • geochronology
  • isotope geochemistry

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

19 pages, 7398 KB  
Article
Origins of Au Deposits in Mesozoic Clastic-Hosted Ore Formations in the Great Xing’an Range, China: Constraints from the Baoxinggou Au Deposit
by Sheng Lu, Tao Liu, Tiesheng Li, Hongpeng Chen, Qingyuan Song, Zhengbo Zang and Wenlong Li
Minerals 2026, 16(4), 423; https://doi.org/10.3390/min16040423 - 19 Apr 2026
Viewed by 345
Abstract
The northern part of the Great Xing’an Range in China hosts a prominent Au mineralization belt, where Mesozoic clastic rock-hosted Au deposits represent the mineralization type. A study of the Baoxinggou Au deposit in this region might provide new perspectives on the mineralization [...] Read more.
The northern part of the Great Xing’an Range in China hosts a prominent Au mineralization belt, where Mesozoic clastic rock-hosted Au deposits represent the mineralization type. A study of the Baoxinggou Au deposit in this region might provide new perspectives on the mineralization mechanisms of these Mesozoic clastic-rock-hosted Au deposits. This study investigated the age of mineralization, origins and evolution of the ore-forming fluids, and sources of the ore-forming materials in this deposit. Rubidium–Sr dating of sulfides yielded a mineralization age of 119 ± 2 Ma. Fluid inclusion analyses revealed that the ore precipitated from fluids with temperatures of 105–415 °C and salinities of 4.3–8.8 wt.% NaCl equivalent. Hydrogen and O isotopic data show that the ore-forming fluids were of magmatic origin and, during mineralization, the proportion of meteoric waters increased gradually and eventually dominated the late mineralization stage. Fluid mixing was the primary ore-forming mechanism. Sulfur isotopic data for pyrite and chalcopyrite (δ34SV–CDT = −4.35‰ to −0.91‰) and Pb isotopic ratios (206Pb/204Pb = 18.429–18.477; 207Pb/204Pb = 15.581–15.591) indicate the ore-forming materials were magmatic in origin, with a similar source as an Early Cretaceous diorite and mixed crust–mantle materials. The results indicate the Baoxinggou Au deposit is a magmatic–hydrothermal deposit. Full article
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21 pages, 7807 KB  
Article
The Fluid Characteristics, Metallogenic Chronology and Ore-Forming Mechanism of the Nanping Granitic Pegmatite-Type Nb-Ta Deposit, Southeast China
by Yihong Que, Jiahao Zheng, Wanyi Feng and Huichao Zhang
Minerals 2026, 16(3), 285; https://doi.org/10.3390/min16030285 - 9 Mar 2026
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Abstract
The Nanping pegmatite-type Nb-Ta deposit is one of the large-scale Li-Cs-Ta (LCT)-type pegmatite deposits in Southeast China. Nevertheless, the mineralization mechanism of this ore deposit remains unclear, primarily due to the lack of systematic research on the characteristics of ore-forming fluids and mineralization [...] Read more.
The Nanping pegmatite-type Nb-Ta deposit is one of the large-scale Li-Cs-Ta (LCT)-type pegmatite deposits in Southeast China. Nevertheless, the mineralization mechanism of this ore deposit remains unclear, primarily due to the lack of systematic research on the characteristics of ore-forming fluids and mineralization processes. To address this issue, analyses of the fluid inclusion characteristics, hydrogen–oxygen isotope compositions and in situ U-Pb geochronology of Nb-Ta minerals were performed on the No. 31 vein of the Nanping pegmatite deposit. In situ U-Pb dating of the Nb-Ta minerals with varying textures from different zones yields main mineralization ages clustered between 390 and 370 Ma, along with isolated younger ages around 270 Ma in specific mineral zones, indicating multiple mineralization episodes. The fluid inclusion homogenization temperatures of different zones range from 130 to 382 °C, and salinities between 2 and 16 wt% NaCl eqv, consistent with a medium-to-low temperature and salinity fluid system. Hydrogen and oxygen isotope data show that the ore-forming fluids were predominantly derived from magmatic fluids, mixed with later meteoric waters. This study clarifies the multistage mineralization history and fluid evolution of the Nanping pegmatite-type Nb-Ta deposit, providing key constraints for metallogenic models of pegmatite-hosted rare-metal deposits. Full article
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17 pages, 6021 KB  
Article
Triassic Skarn Co Mineralization in Eastern Segment of East Kunlun Orogenic Belt, China: Insights from Haisi Fe-Co Deposit
by Jiaxin Gao, Yueqiang Zhou, Tao Wang, Zhiqiang Li, Yufei Wang, Fan Xiao and Zhilin Wang
Minerals 2026, 16(2), 194; https://doi.org/10.3390/min16020194 - 12 Feb 2026
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Abstract
Skarn deposits, as one of the most widespread ore deposit types, commonly contain economically subordinate Co, which can locally reach ore-grade concentrations in arsenide and sulfarsenide minerals. However, the partition behavior of Co during skarn mineralization and the key physicochemical factors governing its [...] Read more.
Skarn deposits, as one of the most widespread ore deposit types, commonly contain economically subordinate Co, which can locally reach ore-grade concentrations in arsenide and sulfarsenide minerals. However, the partition behavior of Co during skarn mineralization and the key physicochemical factors governing its enrichment remain unclear. The Haisi Fe-Co deposit in the eastern segment of the East Kunlun Orogenic Belt is an ideal case for understanding Co mineralizing processes. Based on mineral paragenesis and texture observation, the chemical compositions of magnetite and Fe, Co-, and As- mineral phases were obtained using the EPMA and LA-ICPMS methods. Low Co concentrations (<7 ppm) in magnetite suggest a low partition coefficient of magnetite relative to skarn fluids. During the sulfide stage, abundant glaucodot, alloclasite, cobaltite, and Co-rich arsenopyrite were formed, following earlier native bismuth, safflorite, and löllingite mineralization. The observed paragenetic evolution from diarsenides to sulfarsenides likely records a progressive increase in oxygen fugacity (fO2) and an increase in the S/As ratio of ore-forming fluids. Thermodynamic modeling using CHNOSZ corroborates that the continuous increase in fO2 and sulfur fugacity (fS2), coupled with a possible decrease in pH, promoted the sequential precipitation of diarsenides, sulfarsenides, and ultimately sulfides. These findings imply that dynamic redox and sulfur activity gradients are critical drivers for Co concentration in skarn systems. Full article
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31 pages, 5641 KB  
Article
Origin of Black Shale-Hosted Dagangou Vanadium Deposit, East Kunlun Orogenic Belt, NW China: Evidence from Mineralogy and Geochemistry
by Tao Tian, Fengyue Sun, Guang Xu, Guowen Miao, Ye Qian, Jianfeng Qiao, Shukuan Wu and Zhian Wang
Minerals 2026, 16(2), 163; https://doi.org/10.3390/min16020163 - 30 Jan 2026
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Abstract
Little is known of a large black shale belt within the Naij Tal Group in the East Kunlun region, which hosts polymetallic deposits, including manganese, vanadium, and cobalt. The recently discovered Dagangou vanadium mineralization is the first black rock series-type vanadium deposit in [...] Read more.
Little is known of a large black shale belt within the Naij Tal Group in the East Kunlun region, which hosts polymetallic deposits, including manganese, vanadium, and cobalt. The recently discovered Dagangou vanadium mineralization is the first black rock series-type vanadium deposit in the East Kunlun region and Qinghai Province and represents a significant find owing to its intermediate scale. This study investigated the mineralogy, major and trace elements, rare earth elements, and platinum group element geochemistry of the Dagangou vanadium deposit. Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed that the main vanadium-bearing minerals are micas, followed by limonite, clay minerals, feldspar, and jarosite. The SiO2/Al2O3, Co/Zn, Sr/Ba, and Pd/Ir ratios, as well as the Ir content of the ores, indicated strong involvement of hydrothermal activity in the mineralization process. The V/Cr, Ni/Co, and U/Th ratios, as well as the δU values and significant negative δCe anomalies, suggested that the vanadium-bearing black rock series formed in a strongly anoxic reducing environment. The Al2O3/(Al2O3 + Fe2O3) and MnO/TiO2 ratios, along with weak positive δEu anomalies and strong enrichment of heavy rare earth elements, indicated that mineralization occurred in an extensional tectonic setting. The black shale-hosted vanadium polymetallic deposit formed in a setting that transitioned from an open oceanic deep-sea environment to a progressively shallower continental margin. Full article
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