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Metallogenesis of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2025) | Viewed by 6564

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Prof. Dr. Xiaoyong Yang

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CAS Key Laboratory of Crust-Mantle Materials and Environments, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
Interests: mineral deposits; application of high-purity quartz
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Dr. Wenhua Ji

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Xi’an Center of China Geological Survey, Xi’an 710119, China
Interests: regional geology; structural geology; tectonics; metallogeny; orogenic belts

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) is one of the world's largest accretionary orogenic belts in the Phanerozoic era, spanning Eurasia from the Ural Mountains in the west to the Pacific Ocean in the east. It is bordered by the Siberian Craton in the north and the Solon suture zone in the east, and extends through the North Mountains of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan to join the Ural suture zone in western China. A long and complex accretionary orogenic process, influenced by multiple geodynamic processes, has given rise to several large-scale metallogenic systems in the CAOB, resulting in multi-stage and multi-type mineralization. As one of the world's three major metallogenic regions, the CAOB is a focus of recent research on the petrogenesis, geochemistry, and geochronology of different geological tectonic units and mineral deposits. This Special Issue aims to understand and provide an overview on the regional tectonic evolution, the formation of igneous rocks, and their role in the formation of mineral deposits (especially the igneous system).

Prof. Dr. Xiaoyong Yang
Dr. Wenhua Ji
Guest Editors

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Keywords

magma mixing
petrogenesis and geochronology
differentiation of rare earth elements
Precambrian
Phanerozoic
western Kunlun Mountains
Chinese Altay

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

26 pages, 8849 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Evolution of Permian Mafic–Ultramafic Magma of the Yunhai Intrusion in the Northern Tianshan, Northwest China, and Its Implications for Cu-Ni Mineralization

by Yuxuan Pei, Mengting Chen, Yujing Zhao, Dahai Li, Jiashun Chen, Zhaoying Chen, Xiaojie Li and Shilin Sun

Minerals 2025, 15(2), 102; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15020102 - 22 Jan 2025

Viewed by 785

Abstract

The early Permian mafic–ultramafic intrusion-related Cu-Ni mineralization in Northern Tianshan offers valuable insights into the nature of the mantle beneath the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) and enhances the understanding of magmatic sulfide mineralization processes in orogenic environments. The Yunhai intrusion, rich in Cu-Ni sulfides, marks a significant advancement for Cu-Ni exploration in the covered regions of the western Jueluotag orogenic belt in Northern Tianshan. This intrusion is well-differentiated, featuring a lithological assemblage of olivine pyroxenite, hornblende pyroxenite, gabbro, and diorite, and contains about 50 kilotons of sulfides with average grades of 0.44 wt% Ni and 0.62 wt% Cu. Sulfide mineralization occurs predominantly as concordant layers or lenses of sparsely and densely disseminated sulfides within the olivine pyroxenite and hornblende pyroxenite. In situ zircon U-Pb dating for the Yunhai intrusion indicates crystallization ages between 288 ± 1 and 284 ± 1 Ma, aligning with several Cu-Ni mineralization-associated mafic–ultramafic intrusions in Northern Tianshan. Samples from the Yunhai intrusion exhibit enrichment in light rare earth elements (LREE), distinct negative Nb and Ta anomalies, positive ε_Nd(t) values ranging from 2.75 to 6.56, low initial (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i ratios between 0.7034 and 0.7053, and positive ε_Hf(t) values from 9.27 to 15.9. These characteristics, coupled with low Ce/Pb (0.77–6.55) and Nb/U (5.47–12.0) ratios and high Ti/Zr values (38.7–102), suggest very restricted amounts (ca. 5%) of crustal assimilation. The high Rb/Y (0.35–4.27) and Th/Zr (0.01–0.03) ratios and low Sm/Yb (1.47–2.32) and La/Yb (3.10–7.52) ratios imply that the primary magma of the Yunhai intrusion likely originated from 2%–10% partial melting of weak slab fluids–metasomatized subcontinental lithospheric mantle (peridotite with 2% spinel and/or 1% garnet) in a post-collisional environment. The ΣPGE levels in the Yunhai rocks and sulfide-bearing ores range from 0.50 to 54.4 ppb, which are lower compared to PGE-undepleted Ni-Cu sulfide deposits. This PGE depletion in the Yunhai intrusion’s parental magma may have been caused by early sulfide segregation from the primary magma at depth due to the high Cu/Pd ratios (43.5 × 10³ to 2353 × 10³) of all samples. The fractional crystallization of minerals such as olivine and pyroxene might be a critical factor in provoking significant sulfide segregation at shallower levels, leading to the extensive disseminated Cu-Ni mineralization at Yunhai. These characteristics are similar to those of typical deposits in the eastern section of the Jueluotage orogenic belt (JLOB), which may indicate that the western and eastern sections of the belt have the same ore-forming potential. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metallogenesis of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt)

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17 pages, 18884 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Timing of Ore Mineralisation in Deposits of the Baikal-Muya Belt and the Barguzin-Vitim Super-Terrain (Transbaikalie)

by Vadim A. Vanin, Alexei V. Ivanov, Viktor A. Gorovoy, Alexander E. Budyak and Nikolay S. Bortnikov

Minerals 2024, 14(11), 1158; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14111158 - 15 Nov 2024

Viewed by 825

Abstract

The study was aimed at dating of Au ores from the Yubileinoe, Irokinda and Uryakh deposits located in the Baikal-Muya fold belt and Pb-Zn ores from the Ozernoe deposit in the Barguzin-Vitim super-terrain (Transbaikalia, Russia). The ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar ages on pyrite-encapsulated sericite of gold-bearing quartz sampled from veins in the Yubileinoe, Irokinda and Uryakh deposits are 265 ± 33 Ma, 276 ± 13 Ma and 287 ± 7 Ma, respectively. The age of disseminated mineralisation in the Ozernoe deposit is 329 ± 19 Ma. The results of this study and previously published data suggest two stages of ore mineralisation at Transbaikalia: 330–320 Ma for the disseminated mineralisation and 290–270 Ma for the vein mineralisation. Irrespective of the location and the nature of the host rocks, the former and the latter mineralisation are transiently associated with the initial and final stages of the emplacement of the Angara-Vitim granitic batholith. The granitoids provided heat and possibly fluids, while Au, Pb and Zn were sourced from the host rocks. Gold deposits to the north and south of the batholith are generally older and younger, respectively, and were formed by different geological processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metallogenesis of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt)

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17 pages, 6334 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Petrogenesis and Geochronology of Late Devonian Intrusive Rocks in Eastern Tianshan, Xinjiang, China: Subduction Constraints of the North Tianshan Ocean

by Yong Meng, Xin Zhang, Kai Wang, Haibo Zhao, Yuan Han, Yaogang Qi and Zuochen Li

Minerals 2024, 14(11), 1144; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14111144 - 11 Nov 2024

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Abstract

We conducted a study on the petrology, geochemistry, and zircon U–Pb dating of Late Devonian intrusive rocks in the Tulargen area of the Eastern Tianshan Orogenic Belt, Xinjiang, China. These intrusive rocks primarily consist of gabbro (382 ± 5 Ma), tonalite (370.9 ± 2.7 Ma), and biotite monzogranite (362.8 ± 4.4 Ma). Gabbro belongs to the low-K calc-alkaline series of quasi-aluminous rocks, with a high Al₂O₃ content (16.46–20.34 wt.%) and Mg^# value (64.55–67.73). Tonalite and biotite monzogranite, which belong to the high-K calc-alkaline series, are metaluminous or weakly peraluminous and also exhibit high Al₂O₃ contents (14.6–15.87 wt.%) and Mg^# values (40.12–62.47). These rocks are enriched in light rare-earth and large-ion lithophile elements (Rb, Ba, and K) and depleted in heavy rare-earth and high-field-strength elements (e.g., Ta, Nb, and Ti), characteristics typical of island-arc magmatic rocks. Gabbro melts are primarily derived from the mantle and result from the partial melting of a depleted mantle that has undergone fluid metasomatism due to subducted plates. Tonalite exhibits high ¹⁷⁶Hf/¹⁷⁷Hf and _εHf(t) values, with a younger two-stage model age (t_DM2) derived from partial juvenile crust melting. The source magma of the biotite monzogranite originated from partial metabasalt melting at a medium crustal depth combined with a new lower crustal material. We concluded that the Late Devonian intrusive rocks in this area formed within the island-arc tectonic setting are associated with the subduction of the North Tianshan Ocean. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metallogenesis of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt)

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19 pages, 6614 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Genesis of Ultramafic Rock Mass on the Northern Slope of Lüliang Mountain in North Qaidam, China

by Haiming Guo, Yanguang Li, Bo Chen, Huishan Zhang, Xiaoyong Yang, Li He, Yongjiu Ma, Yunping Li, Jincheng Luo and Haichao Zhao

Minerals 2024, 14(9), 871; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14090871 - 27 Aug 2024

Viewed by 843

Abstract

The ultramafic rock located on the northern slope of Lüliang Mountain in the northwestern region of North Qaidam Orogen is altered to serpentinite. The occurrence of disseminated chromite within the serpentinite holds significant implications for understanding the petrogenesis of the protolith. This work provides strong evidence of a distinct zonal texture in the chromite found in the ultramafic rock, using petrographic microstructure and electron probe composition analysis. The core of the chromite is characterized by high contents of Cr^#, with enrichment in Fe^3+# (Fe³⁺/(Cr + Al + Fe³⁺)) and depletion in Al₂O₃ and TiO₂. The Cr₂O₃ content ranges from 51.64% to 53.72%, while the Cr^# values range from 0.80 to 0.84. The FeO content varies from 24.9% to 27.8%, while the Fe₂O₃ content ranges from 5.19% to 8.74%. The Al₂O₃ content ranges from 6.70% to 9.20%, and the TiO₂ content is below the detection limit (<0.1%). Furthermore, the rocks exhibit Mg^# values ranging from 0.13 to 0.25 and Fe^3+# values ranging from 0.07 to 0.12. The mineral chemistry of the chromite core in the ultramafic rock suggests it to be from an ophiolite. This ophiolite originated from the fore-arc deficit asthenosphere in a supra-subduction zone. The estimated average crystallization temperature and pressure of the chromite are 1306.02 °C and 3.41 GPa, respectively. These values suggest that the chromite formed at a depth of approximately 110 km, which is comparable to that of the asthenosphere. The chromite grains are surrounded by thick rims composed of Cr-rich magnetite characterized by enrichment in Fe^3+# contents and depletions in Cr₂O₃, Al₂O₃, TiO₂, and Cr^#. The FeO content ranges from 28.25% to 31.15%, while the Fe₂O₃ content ranges from 44.94% to 68.92%. The Cr₂O₃ content ranges from 0.18% to 23.59%, and the Al₂O₃ and TiO₂ contents are below the detection limit (<0.1%). Moreover, the rim of the Cr-rich magnetite exhibits Cr^# values ranging from 0.90 to 1.00, Mg^# values ranging from 0.01 to 0.06, and Fe^3+# values ranging from 0.64 to 1.00, indicating late-stage alteration processes. The LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating of the ultramafic rock yielded an age of 480.6 ± 2.4 Ma (MSWD = 0.46, n = 18), representing the crystallization age of the ultramafic rock. This evidence suggests that the host rock of chromite is an ultramafic cumulate, which is part of the ophiolite suite. It originated from the fore-arc deficit asthenosphere in a supra-subduction zone during the northward subduction of the North Qaidam Ocean in the Ordovician period. Furthermore, clear evidence of Fe-hydrothermal alteration during the post-uplift-denudation stage is observed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metallogenesis of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt)

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27 pages, 9251 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Petrogenesis of Carboniferous-Permian Granitoids in the Kumishi Area of Tianshan, China: Insights into the Geodynamic Evolution Triggered by Subduction and Closure of the South Tianshan Ocean

by Wenbin Kang, Kai Weng, Kai Cao, Xiaojian Zhao and Yongwei Gao

Minerals 2024, 14(8), 811; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14080811 - 11 Aug 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1013

Abstract

Late Carboniferous–Early Permian granitoids are widespread in the Tianshan area and their tectonic setting is controversially discussed. Our research presents fresh whole-rock geochemical and Pb isotopic data, along with zircon U-Pb ages and Hf isotopic data for representative monzonitic and granitic intrusions in the Kumishi area. The aim is to decipher their magma sources and illuminate their geodynamic evolution. Zircon U-Pb dating results reveal that biotite monzonites in the Central Tianshan Belt were emplaced at 312.7 ± 2.9 Ma, while the quartz-monzonites and syenogranites in the South Tianshan Belt were formed at 284.5 ± 2.4 Ma and 283.4 ± 3.9 Ma, respectively. The biotite monzonites generally exhibit metaluminous and high-K calc-alkaline characteristics. They have a positive ε_Hf(t) value (+4.9–+14.1), and are enriched in LREEs and LILEs but depleted in HREEs and HFSEs. These characteristics indicate that they were derived from a mixed magma source of the lower crust and the input of components derived from the mantle wedge above the subduction zone. The quartz-monzonites and syenogranites are high-K calc-alkaline to shoshonitic I-type granites, with ε_Hf(t) values of +14.9–+15.5 and +6.6–+14.9, respectively. They are enriched in LREEs but depleted in HFSEs (e.g., Nb, Ta, and Ti), displaying relatively flat HREE patterns and negative Eu anomalies. The genesis of these rocks is attributed to a partial melting of the lower crust in which mantle-derived magmas participated, which was triggered by an upwelling asthenosphere in a post-collisional extensional geodynamic setting. These granitoids, together with regional analysis of other magmatism in the study area, suggest that the Kumishi area has experienced an evolution from subduction to post-collision from the Late Carboniferous to the Early Permian, which constrains the local closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metallogenesis of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt)

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18 pages, 15133 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Rb–Sr Pyrite Dating and S–Pb Isotopes in the Fang’an Gold Deposit, Wuhe Area, Eastern Anhui Province

by Ying Wang, Ke Shi, Ze Zhong, Shenglian Ren, Juan Wang, Yan Zhang, Chuanzhong Song, Gang Zhang and Fangyu Ren

Minerals 2024, 14(4), 398; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14040398 - 13 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1224

Abstract

The Fang’an gold deposit in the Wuhe area, Anhui Province, is located in the area adjacent to the Bengbu Uplift and Wuhe Platform Depression in the southeastern part of North China. This study aimed to determine the deposit’s mineralization age and the source of its metallogenic materials and mineralization processes through investigations into its geological characteristics, Rb–Sr isotopes, and S–Pb isotopes. The orebodies of the Fang’an gold deposit in the Neoarchean Xigudui Formation primarily exhibit a vein-type structure. The ore-forming process can be divided into four stages: (i) the quartz stage (Py1); (ii) the quartz–pyrite stage (Py2); (iii) the polymetallic sulfide stage (Py3); and (iv) the carbonate stage. Of these, the main mineralization stage is also the main period in which gold mineralization occurs. In situ sulfur isotope results of pyrite (Py1 to Py3) in the first three mineralization stages, suggesting a contribution of sulfur from crust–mantle magmatic fluids. The δ³⁴S values for Py2 (average 5.51‰) are higher than Py1 (average 4.45‰) and showed that the magmatic fluids mixed with meteoric waters. The δ³⁴S values for Py3 (average 5.18‰) are lower than Py2 (average 5.51‰), revealing that it related fluid immiscibility. The lead isotopic compositions of sulfides within the ores possessed ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios ranging from 16.759 to 16.93, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios ranging from 15.311 to 15.402, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios ranging from 37.158 to 37.548. These lead data were plotted close to the Xigudui Formation, relatively distant from the Mesozoic granites, indicating that the Xigudui Formation was the source of lead for the Late Mesozoic ores of the deposit. Taken together, due to the degassing of mantle-derived magma in the shallow parts of the crust, it can be determined that the sources of ore-forming sulfur and lead were crust–mantle magmatic activities in the Wuhe area. Rb–Sr dating of pyrite from Fang’an gold deposit reveals that the mineralization occurred at 126.89 ± 0.58 Ma. Considering the previous research into the dating of magmatic rocks in the Wuhe area, we propose that the genesis of the Fang’an gold deposit is closely associated with magmatic activities in the area at around 130 Ma. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metallogenesis of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt)

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