Cenozoic magmatism in Kalimantan and its related geodynamic evolution

Abstract

The NE–SW Tertiary magmatic belt of central Kalimantan is related to two separate periods of subduction; during the Eocene–Oligocene and Late Oligocene–Miocene. The younger magmatic belt is superimposed upon the earlier belt. This magmatic belt is characterized chiefly by Late Oligocene–Miocene volcanic products, among which limited exposures of the Eocene volcanics have also been mapped by previous investigators. This calc-alkaline magmatic belt has become known as the ‘gold belt’ of Central West Kalimantan on account of a number of discoveries of Neogene epithermal gold mineralization. This mineralization is found in central to proximal volcanic settings and occurred at relatively shallow depths. The earliest known subduction-related magmatism took place in the Eocene–Early Oligocene with the emplacement of calc-alkaline silicic pyroclastics, followed by a period of continental collision. Subsequent subduction-related magmatism continued from Late Oligocene–Pleistocene, during which time the magma evolved from calc-alkaline to potassic calc-alkaline. Plio-Pleistocene magmatism resulted in the formation of basalt flows. The present available K–Ar ages of the Cenozoic volcanics range from 51 to 1 Ma.