Two geodynamic–metallogenic events in the Balkhash (Kazakhstan) and the West Junggar (China): Carboniferous porphyry Cu and Permian greisen W-Mo mineralization

Abstract

This study focuses on the geochronology and elemental and Nd isotopic geochemistry of the Baogutu Cu deposit and the newly discovered Suyunhe W-Mo deposit in the southern West Junggar ore belt (Xinjiang, China), as well as the geology of the newly discovered Hongyuan Mo deposit in the southern West Junggar ore belt and the Kounrad, Borly, and Aktogai Cu deposits and the East Kounrad, Zhanet, and Akshatau W-Mo deposits in the North Balkhash ore belt (Kazakhstan). The aim is to compare their petrogenesis, tectonic setting, and mineralization and to determine the relationship between the southern West Junggar and North Balkhash ore belts. Based on our newly acquired results, we propose that the Kounrad, Borly, Aktogai, and Baogutu deposits are typical porphyry Cu deposits associated with calc-alkaline magmas and formed in a Carboniferous (327–312 Ma) subduction-related setting. In contrast, the East Kounrad, Zhanet, Akshatau, Suyunhe, and Hongyuan deposits are quartz-vein greisen or greisen W-Mo or Mo deposits associated with alkaline magmas and formed in an early Permian (289–306 Ma) collision-related setting. Therefore, two geodynamic–metallogenic events can be distinguished in the southern West Junggar and North Balkhash ore belts: (1) Carboniferous subduction-related calc-alkaline magma – a porphyry Cu metallogenic event – and (2) early Permian collision-related alkaline magma – a greisen W-Mo metallogenic event. The North Balkhash ore belt is part of the Kazakhstan metallogenic zone, which can be extended eastward to the southern West Junggar in China.