Geochemical studies of sodium enriched metavolcanite series in the Area of Longbohe copper deposit, Yunnan Province, SW China: Nd, Sr and Pb isotopic characteristics and chronology

Abstract

The chronological data obtained by a variety of dating methods have confirmed that the sodium enriched metavolcanite series in the area of the Longbohe copper deposit at Jinping, Yunnan Province, was formed during the Proterozoic (its Pb−Pb isochron age=1595±75 Ma), corresponding to the Dahongshan Group sodium enriched metavolcanites. The Sm−Nd isochron age of 1336±46Ma should represent the time at which this series of volcanic rocks experienced spilitization in response to sodium metasomatism, equivalent to the time of sedimentation of the Ailaoshan Group and Yashan Group rocks. The Rb−Sr ages of the volcanic rocks and the Pb−Pb ages of copper ores have recorded the events of strong dynamic metamorphism and of strong reworking-metallogenesis of copper during the Jinningian period. Similarities in forming age, rock assemblage and isotopic characteristics between the sodium enriched metavolcanite series and the Dahongshan Group sodium enriched metavolcanite series have provided new clues to the exploration of the Dahongshan-type copper deposits in this area.