Search Results (105)

Thermodynamic simulations of fluid–rock interactions provide valuable insights into mineral deposit formation mechanisms. This study investigates the Pulang porphyry Cu-Au deposit in the Sanjiang Tethys Orogen, employing both Gibbs energy minimization (GEM) and the Law of mass action (LMA) method to understand alteration overprinting and metal precipitation. The modeling results suggest that the ore-forming fluid related to potassic alteration was initially oxidized (ΔFMQ = +3.54~+3.26) with a near-neutral pH (pH = 5.0~7.0). Continued fluid–rock interactions, combined with the input of reduced groundwater, resulted in a decrease in both pH (4.8~6.1) and redox potential (ΔFMQ~+1), leading to the precipitation of propylitic alteration minerals and pyrrhotite. As temperature further decreased, fluids associated with phyllic alteration showed a slight increase in pH (5.8~6.0) and redox potential (ΔFMQ = +2). The intense superposition of propylitic and phyllic alteration on the potassic alteration zone is attributed to the rapid temperature decline in the magmatic–hydrothermal system, triggering fluid collapse and reflux. Mo, mainly transported as HMoO₄⁻ and MoO₄⁻², precipitated in the high-temperature range; Cu, carried primarily by CuCl complexes (CuCl₄⁻³, CuCl₂⁻, CuCl), precipitated over intermediate to high temperatures; and Au, transported as Au-S complexes (Au(HS)₂⁻, AuHS), precipitated from intermediate to low temperatures. This study demonstrates that fluid–rock interactions alone can account for the observed sequence of alteration and mineralization in porphyry systems. Full article

The Chagai porphyry copper belt is a major component of the Tethyan metallogenic domain, which spans approximately 300 km and hosts several giant porphyry copper deposits. The tectonic setting, whether subduction-related or post-collisional, and the deep dynamic processes governing the formation of these giant deposits remain poorly understood. Mafic microgranular enclaves (MMEs), mafic dikes, and multiple porphyries have been documented in the Saindak mining area. This work examines both the ore-rich and non-ore intrusions in the Saindak porphyry Cu-Au deposit, using methods like molybdenite Re-Os dating, U-Pb zircon ages, Hf isotopes, and bulk-rock geochemical data. Geochronological results indicate that ore-fertile and barren porphyries yield ages of 22.15 ± 0.22 Ma and 22.21 ± 0.33 Ma, respectively. Both MMEs and mafic dikes have zircons with nearly identical ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U weighted mean ages (21.21 ± 0.18 Ma and 21.21 ± 0.16 Ma, respectively), corresponding to the age of the host rock. Geochemical and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic evidence indicates that the Saindak adakites were generated by the subduction of the Arabian oceanic lithosphere under the Eurasian plate, rather than through continental collision. The adakites were mainly formed by the partial melting of a metasomatized mantle wedge, induced by fluids from the dehydrating subducting slab, with minor input from subducted sediments and later crust–mantle interactions during magma ascent. We conclude that shallow subduction of the Arabian plate during the Oligocene–Miocene may have increased the flow of subducted fluids into the sub-arc mantle source of the Chagai arc. This process may have facilitated the widespread deposition of porphyry copper and copper–gold mineralization in the region. Full article

Cenozoic alkali-rich porphyries are widely distributed in the junction zone between the Sanjiang Orogenic belt and the Yangtze Plate. They are of great significance for understanding the regional geodynamics, tectonic evolution, and metallogenesis. However, the origin of these porphyries remains controversial. In this study, new petrological, geochemical, and geochronological data are presented for Cenozoic syenite porphyry from the Beiya porphyry Au-polymetallic deposit in western Yunnan. Zircon U-Pb dating results show that the Beiya syenite porphyries formed around 36.3–35.0 Ma, coinciding with the magmatic peak in the Jinshajiang-Red River (JSJ-RR) alkali-rich porphyry belt. Geochemical analyses indicate that the Beiya porphyries have potassic characteristics and an arc-like geochemical affinity, with C-type adakite affinity, suggesting a post-collisional setting. The JSJ-RR fault zone is unlikely to be the primary mechanism responsible for the formation of this alkali-rich porphyry magmatism. Instead, the development of the Beiya alkali-rich porphyries is likely associated with the convective removal of the lower part of the overthickened lithospheric mantle and asthenospheric upwelling during the Eocene–Oligocene. Their magmas probably originated from the partial melting of Paleo–Mesoproterozoic garnet amphibolite facies rocks in the thickened lower continental crust, with the addition of shoshonitic mafic magmas produced by the partial melting of metasomatized lithospheric mantle triggered by asthenospheric upwelling. This study provides additional reliable evidence to further constrain the origin of Cenozoic alkali-rich porphyries in the JSJ-RR belt. Full article

There are a large number of fahlores recognized in the Zijinshan ore field, including tetrahedrite, tennantite, Zn-rich tetrahedrite, goldfieldite, Bi-rich tetrahedrite, etc. The changes in their mineral composition have significance for the evolution of the ore-forming environment. This article presents a detailed study of the fahlores using electron probe analysis. The results indicate that in the Zijinshan Au-Cu deposit, fahlores are Te-rich in shallow zones and Zn-rich in deep zones. The Zijinshan Xi’nan deposit is generally Zn-rich, with a Bi-rich in middle levels. The Longjiangting deposit is Sb- and Zn-rich in shallow zones and As- and Bi-rich in deep zones, whereas the Yueyang deposit is Sb- and Zn-rich in shallow zones and Bi-rich in deep zones. The fahlores in the Zijinshan ore field often show zoning in backscattered images due to As and Sb variations. From the porphyry to high-sulfidation stages, fahlores evolve from Fe-rich to Zn-, Bi-, and Sb-rich, and finally to Te-rich. From the porphyry to low-sulfidation stages, fahlores transition from Bi-rich to Zn-rich and eventually to Ag-rich compositions. The discovered mineral assemblages of the fahlores are of great significance for understanding the framework of complex porphyry shallow hydrothermal environments and prospecting for underlying porphyry ore bodies in the Zijinshan ore field. Full article

The Yidun island arc was formed in response to the Late Triassic westward subduction of the Ganzi–Litang oceanic plate, a branch of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean. The Zhongdian arc, located in the south of the Yidun island arc, has relatively large number of porphyry (skarn) type Cu–Mo ± Au polymetallic deposits, the largest of which is the Pulang Cu (–Mo–Au) deposit with proven Cu reserves of 5.11 Mt, Au reserves of 113 t, and 0.17 Mt of molybdenum. However, the relationship between mineralization and the potassic alteration zone, phyllic zone, and propylitic zone of the Pulang porphyry deposit is still controversial and needs further study. Titanite (CaTiSiO₅) is a common accessory mineral in acidic, intermediate, and alkaline igneous rocks. It is widely developed in various types of metamorphic rocks, hydrothermally altered rocks, and a few sedimentary rocks. It is a dominant Mo-bearing phase in igneous rocks and contains abundant rare earth elements and high-field-strength elements. As an effective geochronometer, thermobarometer, oxybarometer, and metallogenic potential indicator mineral, titanite is ideal to reveal the magmatic–hydrothermal evolution and the mechanism of metal enrichment and precipitation. In this paper, major and trace element contents of the titanite grains from different alteration zones were obtained using electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) and laser-ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) to define the changes in physicochemical conditions and the behavior of these elements during the process of hydrothermal alteration at Pulang. Titanite in the potassic alteration zone is usually shaped like an envelope. It occurs discretely or is enclosed by feldspar, with lower contents of CaO, Al, Sr, Zr and Hf; a low Nb/Ta ratio; high ∑REE + Y, U, Th, Ta, Nb, and Ga content; and high FeO/Al₂O₃ and LREE/HREE ratios. This is consistent with the characteristics of magmatic titanite from fresh quartz monzonite porphyry in Pulang and other porphyry Cu deposits. Titanite in the potassium silicate alteration zone has more negative Eu anomaly and a higher U content and Th/U ratio, indicating that the oxygen fugacity decreased during the transformation to phyllic alteration and propylitic alteration in Pulang. High oxygen fugacity is favorable for the enrichment of copper, gold, and other metallogenic elements. Therefore, the enrichment of copper is more closely related to the potassium silicate alteration. The molybdenum content of titanite in the potassium silicate alteration zone is 10²–10⁴ times that of the phyllic alteration zone and propylitic alteration zone, while the copper content is indistinctive, indicating that molybdenum was dissolved into the fluid or deposited in the form of sulfide before the medium- to low-temperature hydrothermal alteration, which may lead to the further separation and deposition of copper and molybdenum. Full article

Characterizing alteration and its geochemical signature provides critical information relevant to ore-deposit genesis and its related footprint; for porphyry-type deposits, zoned potassic-phyllic-propylitic alteration and metal enrichment are critical features. Here we integrate earlier lithological and mineralogical studies of the (10+ Moz Au) Archean Côté Gold porphyry-type Au(-Cu) deposit (Ontario, Canada) with identified alteration types to provide exploration vectors. The ca. 2740 tonalite-quartz diorite-diorite intrusive complex and co-temporal Au(-Cu) mineralization as disseminations, breccias and veins are co-spatial with ore-related alteration types (amphibole, biotite, muscovite). An early, locally developed amphibole event coring the deposit is followed by emplacement of a Au(-Cu) mineralized biotite-rich magmatic-hydrothermal breccia body and broad halo of disseminated biotite and quartz veining. These rocks record gains via mass balance calculations of K, Fe, Mg, LILE, and LREE with Au, Cu, Mo, Ag, Se and Bi. Later muscovite alteration is enriched in K, Rb, Cs, Ba, CO₂, and LOI with varied Au, Cu, Mo, Te, As, and Bi values. A strong albite overprint records extreme Na gains with the loss of most other elements, including ore metals (i.e., Au, Cu). Together these data define an Au-Cu-Mo-Ag-Te-Bi-Se core co-spatial with biotite breccia versus a peripheral stockwork and sheeted vein zone with a Te-Se-Zn-Pb-As association. These features further support the posited porphyry-type model for the Côté Gold Au(-Cu) deposit. Full article

The Luang Prabang (Laos)–Loei (Thailand) metallogenic belt is located on the northwestern margin of the Indochina Block. It is one of the most important gold–copper metallogenic belts in Southeast Asia. This region underwent tectonic and magmatic evolution in the late Paleozoic-Mesozoic period within the Paleo-Tethys realm, resulting in complex metallogenic processes. Consequently, epithermal Au-Ag, porphyry-skarn Au-Cu, and hydrothermal vein-type gold deposits were formed. However, the genetic type of the vein-type gold deposits is still not fully understood. The relationship between the three types of gold deposits and the regional tectonic evolution has not been summarized up until today. We summarize the previous mineralization characteristics and exploration data of commonly known deposits and combine them with new evidence and ore deposit insights from our recent studies on the source and evolution of ore-forming fluids in the region. We confirm that the hydrothermal vein-type gold deposits in the belt are typical orogenic gold deposits. Based on previous regional tectonic-magmatic-metallogenic studies, metallogenic characteristics, and temporal and spatial distribution of three types of typical gold–copper deposits in the belt, we synthesize and establish a regional metallogenic model related to the subduction-closure of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean and subsequent continental–continental collision process, resulting in the formation of epithermal Au-Ag during the late Permian-early Triassic subduction, porphyry-skarn Au-Cu in the early–middle Triassic period during the closure of the ocean, and orogenic Au during the late Triassic collision. Since there are few reports on the geochemical characteristics of gold–copper deposits and their related magmatic rocks, the potential for gold–copper mineralization and their links to the magmatic rocks in the belt still needs further study. Full article

Geologic understanding of the richly mineralized Dawson Range gold belt (DRGB) in the central Yukon, Canada is hindered by: (1) limited outcrop exposure due to thick soil cover; and (2) low resolution age-constraints despite a long history of porphyry Cu–Au–Mo deposit (PCD) exploration. Here, the well-preserved Klaza Au–Ag–Pb–Zn porphyry–epithermal deposit is used as a type-example of Late Cretaceous magmatic–hydrothermal mineralization to address the complex metallogeny of the DRGB. U–Pb zircon dating defines four magmatic pulses of Late Triassic to Late Cretaceous ages with the latter consisting of the Casino (80–72 Ma) and Prospector Mt. (72–65 Ma) suites. The Casino suite has five phases of intermediate-to-felsic calc-alkaline composition, correspond with older (77 Ma) porphyry mineralization, and displays evidence of magma mingling. The intermediate-to-mafic, slightly alkalic Prospector Mt. suite shows evidence of mingling with the youngest Casino suite phases, correlates with younger (71 Ma), intermediate-sulfidation epithermal and porphyry-type mineralization, and shoshonitic basalts of the Carmacks Group. Zircon trace element data suggest a common melt source for these suites; however, the younger suite records features (e.g., high La/Yb) that indicate a higher pressure melt source. The results from this study highlight the Prospector Mt. suite as a historically overlooked causative magma event linked to Au-rich PCDs in the DRGB and extends the temporal window of PCD prospectivity in this area. The transition from mid-Cretaceous Whitehorse suite magmas to Late Cretaceous Casino-Prospector Mt. suite magmas is proposed to reflect a transition from subduction to localized extension, which is becoming more recognized as a common characteristic of productive porphyry belts globally. Full article

The work focuses on five epithermal Au-Ag deposits of the Kamchatka volcanogenic belts: Rodnikovoe, Baranyevskoe, Kumroch, Lazurnoe (adularia-sericite type–Ad-Ser) and Maletoyvayam (acid-sulfate type–Ac-Sul). The geochemical characteristics of the deposits were presented based on the results of ICP-OES and fire-assay analysis. The compositions and physicochemical parameters of ore-forming fluids were based on microthermometry, Raman spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. It was shown that all deposits were comparable in terms of temperatures, salinity and the predominance of H₂O and CO₂ in ore-forming fluids. The deposits were formed at temperatures of 160–308 °C by aqueous fluids with salinities of 0.5–6.8 wt. % (NaCl-eq.). The Maletoyvayam deposit differed from the other ones in significant enrichment in Se, Te, Sb, Bi and As, as well as much higher concentrations of hydrocarbons, nitrogenated and sulfonated compounds (31.4 rel.% in total) in the composition of fluid inclusions. This gave us a reason to assume that organic compounds favourably affected the concentrations of these elements in the mineralising fluid. Kumroch and Lazurnoe were distinguished from Rodnikovoe and Baranyevskoe by high Zn, Pb and Cu contents, where each of them represented a single system combining both Ad-Ser type epithermal gold-silver and copper porphyry mineralisations. The presence of alkanes, esters, ketones, carboxylic acids and aldehydes in different quantities at all deposits were indicators of the combination of biogenic and thermogenic origins of organic compounds. The contents of ore-forming elements in ores were consistent with the specificity of mineral assemblages in the Kamchatka deposits. Full article

The Neoarchean diorite- and tonalite-dominated Chibougamau pluton (Canada) is ideal for case studies dedicated to the petrogenesis and timing of emplacement of fertile magmatic systems and associated Cu-Au porphyry systems. Using whole-rock analyses, geochronology, and zircon chemistry, it is determined that an early magmatic phase (pre-2714 Ma) is derived from a dioritic magma with a moderate ƒO₂ (ΔFMQ 0 to +1), which is optimal for transporting Au and Cu, and that diorite is a potentially fertile magma. Field descriptions indicate that the main mineralizing style consists of sulfide-filled hairline fractures and quartz–carbonate veins. This is likely the consequence of fluid circulation facilitated by a well-developed diaclase network formed following the intrusion of magma at about 4–7 km depth in a competent hosting material. The petrographic features of fluid inclusions (FIs), considered with their microthermometric data and evaporate mound chemistry, suggest the exsolution of early CO₂-rich fluids followed by the unmixing of later aqueous saline fluids characterized by a magmatic signature (i.e., Na-, Ca-, Fe-, Mn-, Ba-, and Cl-F). The type of magmatism and its oxidation state, age relationships, the nature of mineralization, and fluid chemistry together support a model whereby metalliferous fluids are derived from an intermediate hydrous magma. This therefore enforces a porphyry-type metallogenic model for this Archean setting. Full article

The Juruena Mineral Province is an emerging world-class mineral province in the southern Amazonian Craton, due to numerous Au-Cu and base metal deposits, such as the Raimunda deposit, related to Novo Mundo 2.03–1.98 Ga I-type calc-alkaline granites. Its hydrothermal alteration zones comprise Na-metasomatism, microclinization, propylitic and sericitic alteration, silicification, a sulfide stage, and late carbonate alteration. The disseminated mineralization, associated with the sulfide stage, the main mineralization stage, is represented by gold inclusions and fracture-filling grains in pyrite, chalcopyrite, and Cu-Bi sulfides. Chlorite geothermometer and fluid inclusion data indicate temperature conditions of 325–380 °C for the mineralization. The coexistence of high-temperature aqueous and aqueous-carbonic fluid inclusions, based on a microthermometric study of fluid inclusions, reveals a mixing of medium-saline hot fluids with cooler and low-saline fluid. The δ¹⁸O_fluid (3.11–7.86‰) and δ³⁴S_py data (−1.4–0.1‰) are coherent to the magmatic origin of the mineralizing fluid. Gold was initially transported as chlorine complexes in a hot, high-salinity, acidic, and oxidized fluid from the magma chamber, and later as H₂S⁻ complexes. The chemical-physical instability during fluid ascent is interpreted as a triggering factor for ore precipitation. The results offer valuable insights into the genesis of porphyry–Au deposits and their implications for prospecting in the Amazonian Craton. Full article

An association of bismuth sulfosalts coexisting with native gold is described from a sulfide-rich copper vein in the Nistru area, Baia Mare metallogenetic district, NW Romania. This mineralization is hosted within a Neogene calc-alkaline subvolcanic porphyry quartz-micromonzodiorite stock on the southern border of the Gutâi Mountains. Cu+Au+Bi mineralization represents the inner part of a zoned vein of a type specific to the SE part of the Nistru orefield. The Pb-Zn and Au-Ag veins are located towards the external zone at the boundary of the stock with the surrounding rocks. Bismuth sulfosalts are mainly represented by bismuthinite derivatives and members of the lillianite homologous series. Cosalite, matildite and wittichenite are also present in subordinate amounts. Bi-rich members of the bismuthinite-aikinite series (from krupkaite to bismuthinite) are predominant. A phase with the empirical formula CuPbBi₇S₁₂ was also identified and could potentially be a new bismuthinite derivative. The lillianite homologous series is represented by phases with composition between Gus₇₃ and Gus₅₉, with a dominance of members closer to gustavite (Gus_97–79) and less abundant members closer to lillianite (Gus₄₉). Native gold and Bi-sulfosalts are closely associated with the main sulfides (pyrrhotite, pyrite, chalcopyrite) and quartz, indicating simultaneous crystallization. Fluid inclusion data for quartz indicate a temperature interval between 205 and 247 °C. The assemblage within this vein was deposited from a low-salinity fluid (0.4–2.6 wt.% NaCl equiv.) and density from 0.80 to 0.87 g/cm³. Full article

Porphyry and the associated skarn-type deposit is one of the most important types of ore deposits worldwide, which usually exhibit significant zoning of mineralization-alteration, but the research on element migration in these mineralization-alteration zones is relatively weak. The Beiya porphyry–skarn gold-polymetallic deposit is a super-large Cenozoic deposit located in the Sanjiang metallogenic belt, northwestern Yunnan, China. In this paper, through a detailed analysis of mineralization and alteration zoning and its element migration regularity, the findings are as follows: (1) Three types of hydrothermal alteration—porphyry alteration, contact alteration, and wall-rock alteration—are developed, and porphyry alteration includes potassic, phyllic, propylitic, and argillic alteration; (2) five types of mineralization—porphyry-type Cu–Au–(Mo), skarn-type Au–Fe–(Cu), hydrothermal vein-type Au–Fe, distal hydrothermal-type Pb-polymetallic, and oxidizing-leaching enriched-type Au—occur in a diversity of forms, which are dominantly controlled by structures and lithologies; (3) concentric-banded mineralization-alteration zones are exhibited centrally from the alkaline porphyry outward or upward, namely [porphyry alteration] potassic → phyllic → propylitic → argillic → [contact alteration] skarnitization–marbleization → [wall-rock alteration] marbleization–silicification–calcitization; (4) porphyry-type mineralization predominantly forms within potassic and phyllic zones, while skarn-type mineralization occurs in contact alteration zones, and proximal and distal hydrothermal (vein)-type mineralization are commonly distributed in marbleization–silicification–calcitization alteration zones; and (5) element migration analysis demonstrates a significantly lateral and vertical zoning in the metallogenic element association of Cu–Mo → Cu–Au → Au–Fe–Cu → Au–Fe → Pb–Zn–Au–Ag–Fe from alkaline porphyry outward to the wall-rock. The mineralization-alteration zoning model indicates the Beiya deposit has similar mineralization and alteration zone characteristics to the typical porphyry copper system; and element migration within mineralization-alteration zones provides new scientific information for understanding the metallogenic regularity and prospecting at Beiya, as well as the similar types of deposits in the Sanjiang metallogenic belt and elsewhere in the world. Full article

The Xifanping deposit is a distinct Cenozoic porphyry Cu (Au) deposit located in the Sanjing porphyry metallogenic belt 100–150 km east of the JinshajFiang fault in the western Yangtze craton. We present new zircon U–Pb–Lu–Hf isotopic studies and geochemical data of the ore-bearing quartz monzonite porphyry from the Xifanping deposit to determine their petrogenesis and geodynamic mechanisms. LA–ICP–MS zircon U–Pb dating yielded precise emplacement ages of 31.87 ± 0.41 Ma (MSWD = 0.86) and 32.24 ± 0.61 Ma (MSWD = 1.8) for quartz monzonite porphyry intrusions, and 254.9 ± 5.1 Ma (MSWD = 1.7) for inherited zircons of the monzonite porphyry. The ore-bearing monzonite porphyry is characterized by high-K calc–alkaline to shoshonite and peraluminous series, relatively enriched in light over heavy REEs, with no distinct Eu anomalies, as well as enrichment in LILEs and depletion of HFSEs, with adakitic affinities. The zircon Lu–Hf isotope data ranged from εHf(t) values of −2.94 to +3.68 (average −0.47) with crustal model (T_DM2) ages ranging from 0.88 to 1.30 Ga, whereas the inherited zircons displayed positive εHf(t) values ranging from +1.83 to +7.98 (average +5.82), with crustal model (T_DM2) ages ranging from 0.77 to 1.17 Ga. Results suggest that the Xifanping porphyry Cu (Au) deposit is related to two periods of magmatic activities. Early magmas were generated from the Paleo-Tethys oceanic subduction during the Late Permian. The subsequent porphyry magma was likely formed by the remelting of previously subduction-modified arc lithosphere, triggered by the continental collision between the Indian and Asian plates in the Cenozoic. The deep magmas and late hydrothermal fluids took advantage of the early magma transport channels along tectonically weak zones during the transition from an extrusive to an extensional–tensional tectonic environment. Early dikes from remelted and assimilated crust contributed to the two age ranges observed in the porphyry intrusions from the Xifanping deposit. The juvenile lower crust materials of the early magmatic arc were potential sources of the Cenozoic porphyry magmas, which has significant implications for mineral exploration and the geological understanding of porphyry Cu deposits in this region. Full article

The Imourkhssen porphyry Cu±Mo±Au±Ag deposit is located at the Ouzellagh-Siroua Salient (OSS) straddling the boundary between the central Anti-Atlas and the central High Atlas. It is characterized by a typical porphyry-style mineralization. The volcanic rocks are intruded by numerous magmatic rocks of the Ouarzazate Group (580–539 Ma), referred to as the Late Ediacaran magmatic suites (LEMS). Of these, the Askaoun, Imourkhssen, and Imourgane granites are the most significant as they are related to the porphyry mineralization. The entire set is intruded by the Zaghar mafic dyke swarms. Zircon U-Pb dating of the Imourkhssen granite and the ore-bearing granite porphyry shows that these intrusive rocks were emplaced at 558 ± 1 and 550 ± 2 Ma, respectively. Moreover, the whole-rock major and trace element geochemistry reveal a high-K calc-alkaline I-type composition, consistent with an emplacement in a post-collisional setting under a trans-tensional tectonic regime. Ore bodies are hosted by the Askaoun granodiorite as well as the Imourgane granite. The mineralization occurs as fine-grained dissemination and infills of hydrothermally altered NNE–SSW to N–S trending veins and veinlets. Ore-related hydrothermal alteration consists of potassic, chlorite-sericite, serecitic, and propylitic mineral assemblages along with pervasive silicification and pyritization, providing a porphyry-style alteration pattern. The ore periods comprise supergene and magmatic-hydrothermal periods. The latter includes primary dissemination and secondary NNE–SSW to N–S ore-bearing system stages. The occurrence of molybdenite is either restricted to the potassic and chlorite-sericite alteration zones of the ore-bearing granite as fine disseminations or alternatively as veinlet infills within the propylitic halos. The molybdenite occurrences along with pyrite, chalcopyrite, galena, and tennantite dissemination are assigned to the primary ore stage, while the NNE–SSW to N–S ore-bearing system is related to the secondary ore stage. It consists of pyrite, chalcopyrite, bornite, covellite, diagenite, sphalerite, hematite, galena, gold, and chenguodaite. The predominance of cockade and crack-and-seal textures suggest multiple episodes of ore-forming fluid circulations under epithermal conditions. The supergene stage is achieved by subordinate malachite, azurite, barite, hematite, epsomite, and chrysocolla. From the descriptions above, we argue that the Imourkhssen Cu±Mo±Au±Ag mineralization shares many mineralogical and paragenetic attributes of porphyry-copper deposits. Full article