The Iorokhan Complex of Minor Intrusions in the Eastern Part of the Bureya Massif: Geology, Age, and Gold Mineralization

Abstract

We analyze and generalize new data inferred from the geological, geochronological, and metallogenic studies performed in recent decades on igneous rocks of the Iorokhan gold-bearing complex in the eastern Bureya Massif. It is shown that four phases are determinative of the structure of the Iorokhan complex of minor intrusions whose rocks are referred to hypabyssal and subvolcanic intrusive facies. Specific features of their rock composition and structural tectonic conditions of localization are described and geological and geochronological (103 ± 1.0-97.4 ± 6.5 Ma) data on their Late Albian–Early Cenomanian age are presented. Based on the alumina, calcium, and alkali ratio, the major part of their compositions corresponds to the I-type (A/CNK < 1.1) high-alumina magnesia and magnesia–ferruginous varieties with decreased HFSE concentrations, including HREE. Melts formed due to amphibolite source melting might have been the deep sources of the Iorokhan diorites. The Noni deposit is briefly described and the main localization factors of the gold-ore mineralization are considered. The Iorokhan magmatite areals of the East Bureya Volcano–Plutonic Zone may be considered as one of the fragments of the structure bordering between the continental margin of the Bureya Massif and the accretionary prisms of the Sikhote Alin Orogenic Belt. The Iorokhan complex of minor intrusions is assumed to be a small fragment of an extensive band of Late Albian–Early Cenomanian magmatites developed in southern Far East Russia that originated under the transform continental marginal setting, and a combination of synstrike–slip compression and extension zones typical of such margins with further development of the pull-apart depressions.