Geodynamics and Metallogeny of Mongolia with a Special Emphasis on Copper and Gold Deposits.: R. SELTMANN, O. GEREL, AND D. KIRWIN, EDITORS. 225 Pp. Centre for Russian and Central Eurasian Mineral Studies, IAGOD Guidebook Series 11. London. 2005. ISBN 5-8198-0075-3. Price US$90.

Abstract

This volume represents another important contribution in the economic geology series of books on Eurasia, all of which have been essentially organized through CERCAMS (Centre for Russian and Central Eurasian Mineral Studies) and the London Natural History Museum. As stated in the foreword, the volume was originally compiled as a part of a 2003 international metallurgy workshop. It was then updated and expanded in 2005, as a part of the SEG-IAGOD field trip associated with the 8th Biennial SGA meeting in Beijing. The book includes 17 chapters of varying quality and length, with some of the chapters containing abstracts and some without. The value of the book lies in its descriptions of Mongolia’s most important recognized metallic mineral resources. The largest developed porphyry deposit, Erdenetiin Ovoo in northern Mongolia, is described in detail by Gerel and Munkhtsengel. The chapter includes well-organized geological maps, detailed igneous geochemistry, and descriptions of the igneous paragenesis, early Mesozoic Cu-Mo mineralization, and hydrothermal alteration. Two chapters describe the giant Devonian Oyu Tolgoi Cu-Au porphyry deposits in the South Gobi region of southern Mongolia. Kirwin and coworkers provide detailed drill hole data, geophysical information, and recent resource estimates from Ivanhoe Mines’ exploration program. A brief summary of the major and trace element geochemistry of the country rocks and Oyu Tolgoi intrusions is contributed by Kavalieris and Wainwright. Other Cu-Au porphyry deposits located to the north of Oyu Tolgoi are described and well-illustrated in chapters by Kirwin et al. (Kharmagtai district) and Bignall et al. (Shunteen deposit). A definite highlight of the volume …