Search Results (591)

The magmatic Ni-Co-Cu mineralization in the Iken deposit in the central part of the Kun-Manie complex, Amur Oblast, Russia, hosted by an olivine-bearing websterite, is of a low-sulfide type. The fine-grained disseminations of base metal sulfides (BMS), dominantly pyrrhotite, pentlandite (a major source of Ni of industrial importance), and chalcopyrite, are followed by a scarce Pd-Pt-Ag mineralization. Elevated contents of Al in orthopyroxene (mean 2.78 wt.% Al₂O₃) along with Al–Na enrichment in clinopyroxene (diopside; mean 5.10 wt.% Al₂O₃) are associated with highly aluminous compositions of low-chromium members of the spinel–hercynite series. High levels of TiO₂ in kaersutite and titanian phlogopite also reflect a pronounced degree of fractionation of the ore-forming melt. Minor portions of sulfide melt are distributed evenly as a result of immiscibility at advanced stages of orthopyroxene crystallization, after the formation of olivine. Differentiated grains of droplet-like BMS largely settled in situ close to grain boundaries of orthopyroxene or occupied interstitial spaces of pyroxenes and olivine in association with spinel–hercynite and fluorapatite. A combination of late saturation in S with relatively quick cooling rates of the hypabyssal body prevented the effective settlement and accumulation of sulfide droplets in the ore zone. The well-developed lamellae of troilite (Fe₅₀S₅₀) exsolved from the host pyrrhotite Fe₄₈S₅₂ during subsolidus cooling, as a consequence of a low-temperature reaction triggered by a sudden drop in fO₂. An influx of mantle-derived fluid bearing CO₂, CO, and CH₄ with the rising magma could be the primary cause of the fO₂ reduction. Also, graphite-bearing metasedimentary rocks could have been assimilated. Tiny grains of minerals of noble metals (moncheite and merenskyite with essential amounts of melonite component, sperrylite, hessite, alloy Au_63.2Ag_36.8, and argentopentlandite) deposited late in a fluid-enriched medium under submagmatic conditions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Red beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) is recognized for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic properties. This study evaluated the effects of two beetroot cultivars (Boldor and Wodan) on blood serum parameters, body composition, and organ weights in male WKY rats fed a low-protein diet (LPD, 8.8% protein). Methods: Five-week-old male rats were maintained on an LPD for 8 weeks and subsequently continued on the LPD diet supplemented with 4% dried beetroot for 45 days. The experimental diets included beetroot from the Boldor and Wodan cultivars, either treated or untreated with a plant growth stimulator during cultivation. Results: Foliar application of the selenium-based plant growth stimulator did not significantly increase selenium or other element concentrations in beet roots. Elemental analysis showed higher levels of Fe, Zn, Cu, Cr, Pb, As, Cd, and Sb in the Wodan group, while Boldor increased Cr, Pb, and As; Ni and Se remained unchanged. Beetroot supplementation significantly affected 14 of the 30 measured biochemical parameters, including biomarkers of liver function (ALT, ALP, total bilirubin, albumin, and total protein), renal function (uric acid), pancreatic activity (amylase and lipase), electrolyte balance (sodium, potassium, and chloride), mineral metabolism (calcium), inflammatory status (CRP), and nutritional metabolism (iron). Conversely, no significant effects were observed on lipid profile parameters or biomarkers of cardiac and skeletal muscle injury. Among the beetroot cultivars evaluated, Wodan exerted distinct effects relative to Boldor, resulting in higher circulating total bilirubin and potassium concentrations, alongside reduced uric acid and lipase levels in treated rats. Boldor supplementation significantly increased body weight gain and fat mass, with a trend toward higher lean mass, and increased kidney weight. Wodan did not significantly affect body weight but increased kidney and spleen mass. Feed intake was similar across groups. No changes in cardiovascular function were observed ex vivo. Conclusions: Beetroot supplementation modulated multiple metabolic and physiological biomarkers in rats fed a low-protein diet, with distinct cultivar-specific effects, underscoring the importance of cultivar selection for optimizing functional dietary interventions. Full article

Sandstone-type uranium deposits are the main source of uranium in China. The Ordos Basin, one of the most typical Mesozoic intracontinental sedimentary basins in northern China, is a major uranium-bearing basin in China. The Hangjinqi area is a significant uranium-bearing region in the northern Ordos Basin, with favorable geological conditions and promising exploration prospects for mineralization, and the Lower Cretaceous Huanhe Formation is one of the uranium-bearing strata in this area. This study focuses on the Huanhe Formation in the Hangjinqi area to investigate the governing factors of uranium enrichment and mineralization in this stratum. U-Pb dating of detrital zircons from sandstones of the Huanhe Formation reveals dominant peak ages of 2370–2585 Ma, 214–320 Ma, and 1805–2325 Ma, and secondary peak ages of 340–506 Ma, 1598–1797 Ma, and 110–150 Ma. The age results of the selected detrital zircons indicate that the provenance of the Huanhe Formation is mainly derived from three sources: (1) the 2.6–2.5 Ga TTG gneisses and granulites in the Yinshan Block; (2) the Paleoproterozoic (2500–1800 Ma) khondalites and granitic gneisses in the Daqingshan–Wulashan–Jining area, as well as granites in the Yinshan area; and (3) large-scale intermediate–acidic intrusive rocks and volcanic rocks of the Yinshan orogenic belt, whose ages range from 110.9 to 505.9 Ma (predominantly Paleozoic). These source rocks may have provided a potential uranium source. The paleoclimate proxies, including Sr/Cu, Sr/Ba, V/Cr, Ni/Co, and Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺ ratios, combined with the Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) and the Index of Compositional Variability (ICV), suggest that the Huanhe Formation was formed in a relatively arid and oxidized environment with a low degree of chemical weathering, which facilitated the migration of uranium-bearing ore-forming fluids. The sedimentary environment, provenance, and paleoclimate created favorable geological conditions for uranium enrichment in the Huanhe Formation of the northern Ordos Basin. Full article

Geochemical data provide direct constraints on mineralization, and the extraction of mineralization-related geochemical anomalies is essential for mineral resource prediction and assessment. The regional geochemical field reflects the spatial expression of ore-forming environments resulting from the superposition of multiple geological processes, with distinct elemental assemblages corresponding to different processes. The Ailaoshan metallogenic belt, located in the southeastern segment of the India–Eurasia collisional orogen, experienced multiple episodes of opening and closure, extension, amalgamation, and compression, leading to intense deformation. Its complex structural framework, multistage magmatism, and metamorphism have generated abundant mineral resources, particularly Au, Sn, Cu, Pb-Zn, and Ni deposits. Using the 1:200,000–scale national stream sediment geochemical dataset, principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to identify major ore-forming elemental assemblages. Singular value decomposition (SVD) was then used to extract regional and local anomalies for PC2 (Ag-As-Bi-Cu-Mn-Pb-Sn), PC3 (B-Be-Bi-Cu-F-W), PC4 (La-Nb-Th-U-Y-Zr), and PC10 (Au-Hg). Ultimately, six metallogenic prospective areas were consequently delineated. Full article

Certified reference materials (CRMs) play a pivotal yet frequently overlooked function in mineral exploration. Effective exploration requires CRMs that closely match the geological background. With the full launch of a new round of prospecting strategic breakthrough actions, large-scale regional geochemical surveys will be conducted around the main metallogenic zones in China. Currently, there is a notable shortage of CRMs specifically designed for the arid desert regions of northern China, which have huge mineralization potential. To address this gap and meet analysis and testing needs for stream sediment samples, five stream sediment CRMs have been developed for these arid desert areas. These CRMs represent diverse geological settings: a regional background area, a Ni-polymetallic mining area, a Cu mining area, a Cu-Pb-Zn polymetallic mining area, and a Cu-Fe mining area. The development process strictly followed the requirements outlined in the ISO series of international standards for CRMs. The candidate materials were prepared in accordance with these standards, involving procedures such as impurity removal, drying, multi-stage milling, and homogenization prior to packaging. Homogeneity and stability were evaluated using 30 randomly selected units per candidate, and the results demonstrated excellent performance in both aspects. For characterization, 13 authoritative laboratories collaborated to determine the concentrations of 73 components using validated measurement techniques. Through statistical measurement and rigorous uncertainty assessment, it was confirmed that these materials meet all requirements for CRMs. These new CRMs are recommended for property value assignment, instrument calibration, quality control, and proficiency testing in regional geochemical surveys and mineral exploration. Full article

The southern margin of the Beishan orogen is a key region hosting mafic–ultramafic intrusions and Cu-Ni sulfide deposits, yet previous studies have focused mainly on the Xinjiang segment, leaving the eastern extension in Gansu Beishan poorly constrained. To constrain the emplacement age, tectonic setting and assimilation–contamination of the mafic–ultramafic intrusions in the Chengxuan area, and to address the research gaps regarding Cu-Ni sulfide mineralization and magmatic evolution, this study conducted systematic petrographic, geochronological, and whole-rock geochemical and isotopic analyses of the Chengxuanbei intrusions. The intrusions are dominated by olivine gabbro and gabbro facies, with the sulfides predominantly hosted in the olivine gabbro and gabbro; zircon U-Pb dating yields a weighted mean age of 283.5 ± 0.85 Ma, corresponding to the Early Permian. The rocks exhibit pronounced negative Nb-Ta and moderate negative Zr-Hf anomalies, indicating magma derivation from partial melting of the mantle wedge metasomatized by subduction fluids, and high-field-strength element diagrams reveal an island arc calc-alkaline basalt affinity, reflecting a subduction-related extensional setting (e.g., back-arc extension) during the Early Permian. The Sr-Nd-Hf isotopes suggest crustal contamination during magma ascent, while the δ³⁴S values indicate input of crust-derived sulfur; the olivine Fo values (79.8–81.0) and Ni contents (573–1320 ppm) indicate sulfide saturation and Ni extraction processes. A regional correlation confirms that the Chengxuanbei intrusion has favorable magmatic Cu-Ni metallogenic conditions and great exploration potential, providing pivotal theoretical support for Early Permian Cu-Ni prospecting in the southern Beishan belt. Full article

Data on arsenic (As) and other potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in Pakistani retail meats are limited, constraining evidence-based dietary risk assessment and management. This study aimed to determine the concentrations and profiles of As and seven other PTEs (Cr, Ni, Mn, Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn) in commonly consumed meats and to evaluate the associated non-carcinogenic health risks. Ninety-two paired liver and muscle samples from broiler chicken, goat (mutton), and beef cattle were collected from four cities across the Indus Plain and analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Dietary exposure was evaluated using estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), and hazardous index (HI) under typical and high-consumption scenarios. Overall, Zn and Cu exhibited the highest concentrations, followed by Mn and Cr, whereas As, Pb, Ni, and Cd occurred at comparatively lower but environmentally relevant levels. Beef liver exhibited the highest contamination levels, exceeding FAO/WHO permissible limits for Pb, Cu, and Cd in up to 40% of samples. In contrast, mutton and beef muscle contained the highest As and Zn concentrations, while chicken muscle showed elevated Cr levels. Multivariate statistical analysis revealed three dominant co-variation patterns, suggesting potential contamination pathways: (i) geogenic groundwater sources enriched with As, Cr, and Ni; (ii) atmospheric and industrial dust inputs linked with Pb, Cd, and Mn; (iii) mineral-enriched feed additives potentially contributing to elevated Zn and Cu, particularly in poultry. Under high-consumption scenarios, THQ values for As, Cr, Cu, and Zn exceeded the safety threshold (THQ > 1), highlighting beef products as the dominant source of chronic dietary risk. Overall, the findings highlight pronounced tissue- and species-specific accumulation trends, and emphasizes the urgent need for stricter feed and water quality control measures to minimize dietary exposure to PTEs. Full article

Nickel (Ni) is a ubiquitous trace metal, yet its physiological dynamics and dose-dependent roles in skeletal biology remain unclear. Here we combined elemental mapping, cellular assays, multi-omics and mouse models to define how Ni availability modulates osteogenesis. Ni, together with Manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr) and copper (Cu), was readily detectable in serum from both mice and humans. In situ LA–ICP–MS further showed that Ni levels in embryonic calvaria rose significantly across stages and CaO exhibited a consistent upward trend, suggesting coordinated accumulation of Ni with cranial mineralization. In vitro, Ni exerted biphasic effects on bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs): high-dose Ni (100 μM) suppressed proliferation, elevated ROS, and induced time-dependent upregulation of Hmox1 and Nos2, consistent with escalating oxidative/nitrosative stress. By contrast, low-dose Ni (0.1 μM) enhanced matrix mineralization, whereas this pro-mineralization effect was attenuated at higher concentrations. In vivo, both Ni deprivation and Ni overload impaired bone formation: a Ni-free diet caused trabecular rarefaction and reduced mineral apposition, while high Ni hindered bone development of mice, especially in the early-stage intake. Mechanistically, RNA-seq and Ni-NTA proteomics identified Ni-driven osteogenic transcriptional remodeling and increased Ni-binding proteins, prioritizing integrin-linked kinase (ILK) as a Ni-inducible binder. ILK was required for osteogenic differentiation, and low-dose Ni activated AKT–mTOR signaling in an ILK-dependent manner. Finally, low-dose Ni-pretreated collagen scaffolds enhanced calvarial defect repair. Together, these findings define a narrow physiological window in which Ni supports osteogenesis via ILK–AKT–mTOR, whereas both deficiency and excess disrupt skeletal accrual. Full article

The global challenge of effectively using and treating solid wastes in an environmentally sustainable way is significant. This study explores the creation of ternary low-carbon gelling materials made from red mud (RM), mineral powder (MP), and soda residue (SR). Using techniques such as SEM-ED, XRD, and FTIR, the microstructure of the red mud–mineral powder–alkaline slag (RM-MP-SR) mixture was analyzed, and the mechanical and physical properties of the material, as well as the leaching behavior of heavy metals, were investigated. The MRS16 sample, containing a 16% SR replacement, exhibited the best properties: compared with the control sample MRS0 (without replacement), its 28-day compressive strength increased by 43.7% to 51.3 MPa, the drying shrinkage rate decreased by 43.2%, and the mass loss rate reduced by 73.9%. After 100 freeze–thaw cycles, the mass loss was only 3.7%. The addition of SR can decrease the porosity in ternary materials, enhancing their mechanical properties; this is mainly due to SR promoting the increase in C-S-H, C-A-S-H gel, and ettringite. Meanwhile, MRS16 showed excellent freeze–thaw resistance, and the leaching levels of Cu, As, Pb, Cr, and Ni were within China’s non-hazardous limits. This study emphasizes the potential of combining RM, MP, and SR, providing useful scientific and theoretical insights for the joint use of alkaline, silica–aluminum, and calcium-based solid wastes. Full article

Clay minerals in coal play a key role in controlling mineralogical composition, geochemical signatures, and the industrial behavior of coal and its combustion residues. This study investigates the occurrence, provenance, and potential applications of clay minerals in Carboniferous ash-rich coals from the Bogatyr, Lenin, and Saradyr coal mines in northeastern Kazakhstan. A total of 60 coal samples were analyzed using XRD, SEM–EDS/BSE, XRF, and ICP-OES following acid leaching. Based on ash yield, 52 samples were classified as coal (<50% ash), while 8 samples were classified as carbonaceous shale or mudstone (>50% ash). Mineralogical assemblages show clear variability among the studied mines. Saradyr samples are strongly quartz-dominated with lower clay proportions, Bogatyr samples exhibit highly heterogeneous quartz–clay–mica assemblages, whereas Lenin samples are relatively more clay-rich and dominated by kaolinite and illite-group minerals. Across all samples, kaolinite is the dominant clay mineral (16.6–46 wt.%), occurring mainly as authigenic pore- and cell-filling aggregates. Minor phases include illite–muscovite (7.1–29.9 wt.%), illite–smectite (up to 7.6 wt.% in Bogatyr), and smectite–montmorillonite (0.4–0.7 wt.%). Clay minerals occur as discrete particles, coatings, and pore fillings, contributing to ash formation; however, their correlation with ash yield is weak (R = 0.03–0.05), reflecting heterogeneous mineral inputs and diagenetic overprinting. All geochemical data are reported on a high-temperature coal ash (HTA) basis (815 °C). Geochemical indices (CIA, CIW, CIX) and Al₂O₃/TiO₂ ratios (1.8–17.4) indicate variable provenance and moderate to high weathering intensity, reflecting mixed mafic to intermediate source rocks. A total of 23 trace elements were identified. Au occurs at trace levels (up to 0.02 ppm), while selected rare earth elements (REE: Ce, Dy, Eu, La, Nd, Sm, Y, Yb) average 0.2–0.3 ppm, indicating negligible economic recovery potential. REEs show a strong positive correlation with clay minerals (r = 0.93), indicating adsorption and minor structural incorporation. In contrast, Au correlates with As, V, Zn, Cu, Ni, and Nb, suggesting sulfide association. HTA is enriched in SiO₂–Al₂O₃ phases dominated by kaolinite and quartz, indicating strong potential for cement, geopolymer, ceramic, and zeolite applications. Full article

The distribution and concentrations of gold and other trace elements in numerous pyrite-bearing ore samples from volcanic-hosted massive sulfide (VHMS) deposits were obtained using LA-ICPMS imaging techniques. Pyrite in VHMS deposits is characterized by low Co and Ni (generally less than 100 ppm Co and Ni, but rarely above 1000 ppm in either element). On the other hand, Cu, As, Ag, Au, Sb, Mn, Tl, and Pb are commonly elevated above background and appear to be deposited in multiple forms, including solid solution as well as nano- and micro-inclusions of other mineral phases. Gold is predominantly present in solid solution within the crystal lattice. Such trace element signatures in pyrite are indicative of moderate- to high-temperature hydrothermal fluids varying in pH from moderately to strongly acidic. Pyrite from VHMS-style mineralization is distinguishable from pyrite in other deposit types by its relatively low abundance of Co and Ni. For example, pyrite from IOCG-type mineralization is nearly always enriched in Co at or above the weight-percent level, with lower but still elevated concentrations of Ni. In addition, IOCG pyrites do not contain elements such as Sb, Tl, or Pb in solid solution. Pyrite from porphyry-style Cu-Au-Mo mineralization likewise contains higher average Co and Ni than VHMS pyrite and lacks solid solution deportment of Sb, Tl, Pb, and other associated elements. This study underscores the effectiveness of trace element imaging via LA-ICPMS for the discrimination of pyrite from different mineral systems and for detailed paragenetic information. Full article

Aiming at the problem of heavy metal release from ultra-low-grade waste rock caused by the coupling of natural weathering and acid-rain leaching, black shale gravel of the Cambrian Series in western Hunan was taken as the research object. Gradient mechanical crushing was used to simulate physical weathering, and sulfuric–nitric acid-type simulated acid rain was prepared for continuous leaching experiments. Combined with ICP-MS monitoring and SEM-EDS characterization, the effects of crushing intensity on the physicochemical properties of leaching system and heavy metal release kinetics were systematically analyzed. The results showed that the pH of the leaching system presented three evolutionary stages: acid-dominated, alkaline transition and buffer stabilization. Heavy metal release could be divided into three types according to their occurrence forms: the sulfide-phase-sensitive type (Cd, Zn), secondary stable type (Pb), and silicate lattice bound type (Cu, Ni, Cr). The promotion effect of crushing on interface reaction activity showed diminishing marginal effect, and the particle fractal dimension increased from 2.15 to 2.67. It was concluded that the core controlling factor of heavy metal release risk is the selective exposure degree of occurrence mineral phases by physical disturbance. A coupling framework of “physical weathering–mineral exposure–release response” was established, providing a scientific basis for the differentiated management and control of heavy metals in filling sites. Full article

This study presents the first stream-sediment geochemical survey conducted in the western Oecusse enclave (Timor-Leste), aiming to identify geochemical anomalies associated with potential metallic mineralization in a region where mineral occurrences remain poorly documented. A total of 27 stream-sediment samples were collected from first- and second-order drainage systems and analysed for a multi-element suite using ICP-MS and INAA. Robust statistical approaches, including univariate analysis, median absolute deviation (MAD), Tukey boxplot thresholds, and compositional data analysis combined with principal component analysis (CLR–PCA), were applied to identify anomalous geochemical associations. To improve statistical robustness, PCA was performed on reduced and process-oriented variable sets. The results reveal significant geochemical variability, with maximum concentrations reaching 214 mg/kg for As, 142 mg/kg for Co, 27,220 mg/kg for Cr, 437 mg/kg for Cu, 1520 mg/kg for Ni, 67 mg/kg for Pb and 267 mg/kg for Zn. Multivariate analysis distinguishes two main geochemical signatures. The first association (Co–Cr–Ni–Mg–Fe) reflects a strong ultramafic geochemical signal consistent with contributions from mafic to ultramafic lithologies documented in the region. The second association (As–Bi–Cu–Pb–S–Sb–Se–Tl–Zn) indicates polymetallic enrichment commonly observed in sulphide-related geochemical systems. The spatial distribution of these geochemical signals highlights localized drainage basins exhibiting relative enrichment patterns. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of stream-sediment geochemistry as a first-pass exploration tool and provide new geochemical constraints for geological interpretation and future mineral exploration in Timor-Leste. The approach demonstrates the value of integrated geochemical and statistical methods for mineral exploration in data-poor regions. Full article

Arsenopyrite (FeAsS) is an important sulfide that holds gold in orogenic systems. Its arsenic content is often used as a proxy for gold fertility. However, arsenopyrite from the Um Rus gold deposit in Egypt’s Central Eastern Desert shows a complicated gold distribution that makes simple Au-As correlations hard to make. Integrated electron microprobe analysis (EMPA), laser ablation ICP-MS, and principal component analysis (PCA) reveal three unique textural and geochemical domains. Fine-grained arsenopyrite inclusions within pyrite aggregates (28–31 at% As) are devoid of detectable gold; PCA elucidates 84% of their variance through Fe–S versus Co-As substitution (PC1: 61.8%) and Pb-decoupled variability (PC2: 22.2%), suggesting crystallization from a Co-rich, Au-poor fluid. On the other hand, coarse oscillatory-zoned arsenopyrite can hold up to 6154 ppm of invisible gold. This is because of a moderate Au-As substitution (R = 0.41063, p = 0.08074) that was overprinted by a separate Au-Ag-Sb-Te hydrothermal pulse (Au–Ag: R = 0.97762; Au–Sb: R = 0.97608). PCA finds four parts (72.8% variance): Ag-Cu-As associations (PC1: 25.1%), Te versus Bi-Au signatures (PC2: 17.8%), Fe–S stoichiometry (PC3: 17.1%), and an Au versus Pb-decoupled event (PC4: 12.9%). This shows that minerals formed in more than one stage. Irregular As-rich overgrowths, containing ≤950 ppm gold and lacking significant Au–As correlation (R = −0.14011, p = 0.56726), show PCA (74.3% variance) that highlights S-As contrasts (PC1: 25.2%), Co-Ni enrichment (PC2: 18.8%), Cu-Fe-Ni associations (PC3: 16.2%), and a late Au-decoupled event (PC4: 14.2%), indicating barren recrystallization. These results show that just adding arsenic is not a good way to tell if gold is fertile. The highest amounts of invisible gold, on the other hand, are found in oscillatory-zoned domains with Ag-Sb-Te signatures. This research highlights the importance of combining PCA, geochemistry, and microtextures to differentiate auriferous from barren arsenopyrite, thereby enhancing exploration methodologies for structurally intricate orogenic gold systems. Full article

The peripheries of rare-metal metallogenic systems frequently host skarn-type or hydrothermal vein-type Pb-Zn deposits, though their genetic connections with parental systems remain debated. The newly identified Gariatong W-Mo polymetallic metallogenic system in the Lhasa Terrane displays well-defined Nb-Ta-Rb, Mo-W, W-Mo, W-Bi, and Pb-Zn-Ag metallogenic zoning, establishing it as an exemplary site for investigating genetic relationships between Pb-Zn and rare-metal mineralization. This investigation targets skarn-type Pb-Zn deposits spatially associated with rare-metal orebodies at Gariatong, utilizing integrated analytical approaches, including in situ LA-ICP-MS trace-element analysis of sulfides, sulfur isotope geochemistry, and LA-ICP-MS elemental mapping of sphalerite, to constrain metal sources, characterize fluid evolution, and establish genetic correlations with the rare-metal system. Key findings include the following: (1) sphalerite shows enrichment in Fe, Mn, Co, and Cd, while pyrite contains elevated As, Pb, Co, Cu, and Mn. Fe, Cd, and Mn primarily occur as solid solutions or nanoparticles, whereas As and Pb exist as micro-inclusions. (2) Sphalerite Zn/Cd ratios (73.6–184) and Co-Ni-As ternary diagrams confirm a magmatic–hydrothermal skarn origin. (3) Mineralization occurred under moderate-temperature, mildly oxidized conditions, as constrained by sphalerite Fe contents and mineral assemblages. Sulfur isotope compositions (δ³⁴S = −1.0‰ to 3.2‰; mean: 1.9‰) indicate a magmatic sulfur source. This study reveals that the Nb-Ta-Rb mineralization, quartz-vein- and greisen-type W-Mo deposits, and skarn-type Pb-Zn orebodies—all genetically associated with highly fractionated granites—constitute an integrated magmatic–hydrothermal system with vertical (depth-related) zoning relative to the granitic intrusion. These results provide critical constraints for understanding rare-metal–Pb-Zn genetic associations and suggest that Pb-Zn mineralization may serve as a key exploration indicator for rare metals in the Lhasa Terrane. Full article