Belt In Tibet Research Articles

Ore genesis of the Chazangcuo Cu-Pb-Zn deposit in Tibet: evidence from mineralogy, fluid inclusions, S-Pb isotopes, and elemental geochemistry

The Chazangcuo copper-lead-zinc deposit (hereafter referred to as the Chazangcuo deposit) is situated in the northern portion of the western section of the Gangdese polymetallic metallogenic belt in Tibet, with ore bodies strictly governed by Linzizong Group magmatic rocks and EW-trending faults. This study aims to ascertain the mineralization periods, sources of ore-forming materials, metallogenic physicochemical conditions, and genesis of this deposit. Based on comprehensive field geological surveys, sampling, and microscopic examination of petrological and mineralogical characteristics, we perform qualitative and quantitative geochemical analyses of major elements, trace elements, and rare earth elements (REEs), fluid inclusions, and sulfur and lead isotopes. The findings reveal that the mineralization process of the Chazangcuo deposit can be divided into three periods and four stages: the magmatic-hydrothermal, hydrothermal, and supergene mineralization periods sequentially, which consist of the mineralization stages of quartz-pyrite-sphalerite, medium-low-temperature hydrothermal sulfides, chlorite-carbonate minerals, and supergene oxidation in a chronological order. The ore-forming fluids prove to be medium-low-temperature low-density fluids, and the ore-forming materials are characteristic of upper crustal-derived materials. The ore-forming environment is a medium-low mineralization temperature, a shallow and weakly reducing environment. Overall, the Chazangcuo deposit is identified as a medium-low-temperature magmatic-hydrothermal deposit. The metallogenic model has the vertical zoning characteristics of lead-zinc in the upper part and copper in the lower part.

Petrogenesis and Metallogenesis of Late Cretaceous Adakites in the Nuri Large Cu-W-Mo Deposit, Tibet, China: Constraints from Geochronology, Geochemistry, and Hf Isotopes

The Gangdese metallogenic belt in Tibet is an important polymetallic metallogenic belt formed during the subduction of the Neo-Tethys Ocean and subsequent India–Asia collision. Adakitic rocks are widely distributed in this belt and are considered to be closely related to porphyry–skarn Cu-Mo polymetallic mineralization. However, the petrogenesis and geodynamic setting of the Late Cretaceous adakites in the Gangdese belt remain controversial. In this study, we focus on the quartz diorite in the Nuri Cu-W-Mo deposit along the southern margin of the eastern Gangdese belt. LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating yields a Late Cretaceous age of 93.6 ± 0.4 Ma for the quartz diorite. Whole-rock geochemistry shows that the quartz diorite possesses typical adakitic signatures, with high SiO2, Al2O3, and Sr contents, but low Y and Yb contents. The relatively low K2O content and high MgO, Cr, and Ni contents, as well as the positive zircon εHf(t) values (+6.58 to +14.52), suggest that the adakites were derived from the partial melting of the subducted Neo-Tethys oceanic slab, with subsequent interaction with the overlying mantle wedge. The Late Cretaceous magmatic flare-up and coeval high-temperature granulite-facies metamorphism in the Gangdese belt were likely triggered by Neo-Tethys mid-ocean ridge subduction. The widespread occurrence of Late Cretaceous adakitic intrusions and associated Cu mineralization in the Nuri ore district indicate a strong tectono-magmatic-metallogenic event related to the Neo-Tethys subduction during this period. This study provides new insights into the petrogenesis and geodynamic setting of the Late Cretaceous adakites in the Gangdese belt, and has important implications for Cu polymetallic deposit exploration in this region.

Prospecting Prediction for the Yulong Metallogenic Belt in Tibet Based on Remote Sensing Alteration Information and Structural Interpretation

The Yulong porphyry copper belt in eastern Tibet is located in the middle of Tethys–Himalayan metallogenic mega-province, which is one of the three major porphyry copper metallogenic mega-provinces. The Yulong copper belt belongs to the super porphyry copper belt and represents one of the most important copper mineralization prospecting areas in China. A significant quantity of research data shows that this study area belongs to the environment of intracontinental collision and compression, with a complex geological structure, magmatic rock development and excellent metallogenic geological background. However, because this area is located in an alpine and high-altitude area, it is difficult to carry out any traditional field geological surveys, and the existing studies of both prospecting and prediction are relatively weak. This study focused on information extraction for alteration minerals in the Yulong metallogenic belt and its surroundings based on multispectral data and hyperspectral data, establishing a spectral library of alteration minerals in this area. Based on Sentinel-1A radar data and Landsat-8 OLI color synthesis data, the linear structure of the study area was interpreted. On this basis, the information extraction results relating to alteration minerals obtained from multi-source remote sensing data, linear structure interpretation results and the geochemical exploration data of the study area were superimposed to comprehensively analyze the metallogenic geological conditions and mineralization characteristics in the area, establish remote sensing prospecting indicators there and optimize the potential areas for prospecting, providing technical support for the next step of prospecting and exploration in the area.

Mineral Geochemistry of Apatite in the Jiama Porphyry‐Skarn Deposit, Tibet and its Geological Significance

AbstractThe Jiama deposit, a significant porphyry‐skarn‐type copper polymetallic deposit located within the Gangdese metallogenic belt in Tibet, China, exemplifies a typical porphyry metallogenic system. However, the mineral chemistry of its accessory minerals remains under‐examined, posing challenges for resource assessment and ore prospecting. Utilizing electron microprobe analysis and LA‐ICP‐MS analysis, this study investigated the geochemical characteristics of apatite in ore‐bearing granite and monzogranite porphyries, as well as granodiorite, quartz diorite, and dark diorite porphyries in the deposit. It also delved into the diagenetic and metallogenic information from these geochemical signatures. Key findings include: (1) The SiO2 content, rare earth element (REE) contents, and REE partition coefficients of apatite indicate that the dark diorite porphyry possibly does not share a cogenetic magma source with the other four types of porphyries; (2) the volatile F and Cl contents in apatite, along with their ratio, indicate the Jiama deposit, formed in a collisional setting, demonstrates lower Cl/F ratios in apatite than the same type of deposits formed in a subduction environment; (3) compared to non‐ore‐bearing rock bodies in other deposits formed in a collisional setting, apatite in the Jiama deposit exhibits lower Ce and Ga contents. This might indicate that rock bodies in the Jiama deposit have higher oxygen fugacity. Nevertheless, the marginal variation in oxygen fugacity between ore‐bearing and non‐ore‐bearing rock bodies within the deposit suggests oxygen fugacity may not serve as the decisive factor in the ore‐hosting potential of rock bodies in the Jiama deposit.

Metabasic rocks as important nitrogen carriers to forearc depths: Implications for deep nitrogen cycling

Understanding deep nitrogen (N) cycling better requires investigating the delivery of N to subduction systems via various lithologies. Input to subduction zones through mafic rocks is more voluminous and massive as compared to sedimentary rocks which calls for a thorough investigation of the behavior of N in metabasic rocks. Here we estimate the delivery of N to subduction zones at forearc depths by investigating the geochemistry of amphibolites and epidote-blueschists from the Central Qiangtang Metamorphic Belt in Tibet where the metabasic rocks likely represent the transition from oceanic to continental subduction. The rocks contain 21–147 ppm N with δ15N values from +1.8 ‰ to +10.0 ‰, and 147 ppm N is the highest that has been reported in a metabasic rock thus far. Given the N abundances for most of the rocks are much higher than those of altered oceanic crust (i.e. basalts, sheeted dikes and gabbros; 6.0 ± 4.7 ppm), the N is likely neither magmatic nor was introduced in the rocks during hydrothermal alteration prior to subduction. This is confirmed by the K2O/Th versus Ba/Th, Th/U versus Th and Ba/Rb versus K2O plots where these rocks align with the trend of metamorphic fluid alteration rather than seafloor hydrothermal alteration. A two-step process led to N acquisition in the metabasic rocks. In the first step, the metabasic rocks acquired their N from metasediment-derived fluids during metamorphism in the subduction channel. In the second step, some of the metabasic rocks underwent N loss and concomitant enrichment in 15N due to devolatilization within the subduction channel. We modeled the N fluxes at forearc depths in 55 modern-day subduction zones via metasedimentary and metabasic rocks assuming their minimum, median and maximum N concentrations to assess their relative importance in delivery of N to subduction zones. We find that metabasic rocks supply comparable fluxes of N to metasedimentary rocks at forearc depths, even though metasedimentary rocks have at least an order of magnitude higher N abundance than metabasic rocks. The importance of metabasic rocks in N delivery reinforces the need to investigate the behavior of N in them from more locations globally to improve our understanding of deep N cycling.

Origin and Geodynamic Mechanism of the Tibetan Demingding Porphyry Mo (Cu) Deposit from Oceanic Subduction to Continental Collision

Demingding is a promising porphyry Mo-dominated deposit recently discovered in the eastern Gangdese metallogenic belt in Tibet, China. We present zircon U-Pb-Lu-Hf isotopic studies, as well as geochemical data of the late monzogranites and the prior rhyolites from the Demingding porphyry deposit to uncover their origin and geodynamic mechanism. Zircon U–Pb dating yielded precise crystallization ages of 17.3 ± 0.6 Ma (MSWD = 2.5) and 186.5 ± 3.0 Ma (MSWD = 2.0) for monzogranite and rhyolite, respectively. The monzogranite is characterized by high-K calc-alkaline, adakitic affinities, and positive zircon εHf(t) values (+0.9∼+5.6, avg.+3.1) with TDM2 (0.73–1.04 Ga), while the rhyolite has εHf(t) values of (+2.1∼+7.3, avg.+5.2) and TDM2 of (0.76–1.09 Ga) similar to the monzogranite. Our results suggest that the Demingding porphyry Mo (Cu) deposit is related to magma generated from the Neo-Tethyan oceanic subduction. The subsequent monzogranite porphyry was likely formed by the remelting of previously subduction-modified arc lithosphere, triggered by continental collision crustal thickening in Miocene. The lower positive εHf(t) values of monzogranites suggest minor inputs from the Mo-rich ancient crust, suggesting that Mo favors the silicate melt. Such magmatic events and special metallogenesis typify intracontinental processes and porphyry copper deposits, which are normally confined to oceanic subduction and Cu-dominated style, thereby making the continental setting and Mo-dominated style of Demingding exceptional and possibly unique.

SIMS Zircon U-Pb Ages and O Isotope Compositions of Gabbro from the Laguoco Ophiolite from Western Shiquanhe–Yonzhu Suture Zone (Tibet) and Their Geological Significance

The Shiquanhe–Laguoco–Yongzhu–Jiali ophiolite mélange belt in Tibet includes the Laguoco Tso ophiolite as part of its western segment. Researchers studying the evolution of the Tibetan Plateau and the Tethys have taken a keen interest in the debated relationship between this ophiolite belt and the Bangong–Nujiang ophiolite belt. However, there is little research in this field. This study reports the rock geochemistry, SIMS (the secondary ion mass spectrometry) zircon U-Pb ages, and O isotope compositions of gabbro from the Laguoco ophiolite. Gabbro has substantial depletion in HFSEs (the high field strength elements) such as Th, Nb, Zr, and Hf, as well as exhibits comparatively high Mg# (80.6 on average), and low K, N, P, and Ti contents. Therefore, it was possibly formed in an intra oceanic subduction island arc environment originating from ~30% partial melting of the depleted spinel lherzolite. The SIMS zircon U-Pb ages of the gabbro samples are 187 ± 1.2 Ma and 189 ± 2.1 Ma, and the weighted averages of δ18O are 5.24‰ ± 0.12‰ and 5.34‰ ± 0.13‰, which are close to mantle-derived zircon δ18O (5.3‰ ± 0.3‰). These results suggest that during the Early Jurassic, the Laguoco ophiolite recorded the intra oceanic subduction of the northern branch of the Neo-Tethys.

3D Primary Geochemical Halo Modeling and Its Application to the Ore Prediction of the Jiama Polymetallic Deposit, Tibet, China

The identification of primary geochemical haloes can be used to predict mineral resources in deep-seated orebodies through the delineation of element distributions. The Jiama deposits a typical skarn–porphyry Cu–polymetallic deposit in the Gangdese metallogenic belt of Tibet. The Cu–polymetallic skarn, Cu–Mo hornfels, and Mo ± Cu porphyry mineralization there exhibit superimposed geochemical haloes at depth. Three-dimensional (3D) primary geochemical halo modeling was undertaken for the deposit with the aim of providing geochemical data to describe element distributions in 3D space. An overall geochemical zonation of Zn(Pb) → Au → Cu(Ag) → Mo gained from geochemical cross-sections, together with dip-direction skarn zonation Pb–Zn(Cu) → Cu(Au–Ag–Mo) → Mo(Cu) → Cu–Mo(Au–Ag) and vertical zonation Cu–(Pb–Zn) → Mo–(Cu) → Mo–Cu–(Ag–Au–Pb–Zn) → Mo in the #24 exploration profile, indicates potential mineralization at depth. Integrated geochemical anomalies were extracted by kernel principal component analysis, which has the advantage of accommodating nonlinear data. A maximum-entropy model was constructed for deep mineral resources of uncertainty prediction. Three potential deep mineral targets are proposed on the basis of the obtained geochemical information and background.

Middle Triassic volcanic rocks from the Gangdese belt, southern Tibet: petrogenesis and implications for Tethys tectonic evolution

ABSTRACT The voluminous Middle Triassic to Early Jurassic magmatic rocks in the southern Gangdese belt of Tibet have received wide attention in tracing the subduction history of the Yarlung-Zangbo Neo-Tethys Ocean (YZNTO) and Bangong-Nujiang Tethys Ocean (BNTO). Here we report a suite of volcanic rocks from the Gangdese arc belt and present results from petrological, geochemical and zircon U-Pb-Lu-Hf isotopic studies with a view to constrain their timing and magma source in relation to the Tethys tectonic evolution. Zircon U-Pb data show ages in the range of 237.2–235.0 Ma for the andesitic rocks, representing their eruption ages during the Middle Triassic. Zircon Lu-Hf data display markedly positive εHf(t) values of 11.44–15.99 with the two-stage model ages (TDM C) of 535–241 Ma, suggesting that the magma was derived from depleted mantle or juvenile crust components. Geochemically, the andesitic rocks show low Sr/Y (20.26–43.74) and La/Yb ratios (8.52–14.21) in the absence of Eu anomalies, enrichment in LILEs (K, U, Rb, Ba) and LREEs, and depletion of HFSEs (Nb, Ta, Ti, Zr) and HREEs, suggesting normal arc andesite with emplacement in a continental island arc setting. Accordingly, we infer that these rocks were formed by partial melting of a young oceanic crust and sediments in the transitional zone between plagioclase and garnet stability within subduction-related setting, followed by fractional crystallization of amphibole and apatite. In conjunction with previous studies on the Tethys tectonic evolution, we argue that the southern margin of the Gangdese belt during the Middle Triassic might be unrelated with the northward subduction of the YZNTO and southward subduction of the BNTO. Our results suggest that the Middle Triassic magmatic suites in the southern margin of the south Gangdese belt were generated through the southward subduction of the Zhikong-Sumdo Tethys Ocean.

Geochronology and petrogenesis of the Xiongmei Cu-bearing granodiorite porphyry in North Lhasa subterrane, central Tibet: Implication for the evolution of Bangong-Nujiang metallogenic belt

Bangong-Nujiang metallogenic belt is a recently recognized post-subduction porphyry-skarn Cu polymetallic metallogenic belt in Tibet. The Xiongmei Cu-bearing granodiorite porphyry was newly found in the middle segment of this belt. In this study, we combined zircon U-Pb ages, Hf isotopic, REEs data, whole-rock Sr-Nd isotopic data, and whole-rock geochemical data to constrain the geochronology, petrogenesis and metallogenic features of the Xiongmei Cu-bearing granodiorite porphyry. Zircon U-Pb and whole rock Rb-Sr isochronal age show Xiongmei Cu-bearing granodiorite porphyry formed during 110–105 Ma. The zircon Hf isotope together with whole rock Sr-Nd isotopic features and high Mg# value (39–59), relatively high Cr (10.9–35.5 ppm) and Ni (10–224 ppm), indicating a melt deriving from mixing between mantle material and an ancient crustal source. The possibility of crustal addition in the magma is further supported by varied Eu anomalies (0.5–1.5), Sr anomalies (0.6–1.9) and high Al2O3 contents (15.50–17.25 wt%). Geochemical composition including K2O contents (0.52–4.72 wt%) and K2O/Na2O ratios (0.2–5.5), and the linear relations between LOI, Cu, Rb and Sr contents indicated that the magma sourced from melting of an amphibolite source, and further suggesting that the juvenile crust derived from an enriched lithospheric mantle. The ratios between incompatible elements together with the absence of Ce anomaly suggested the contribution of fluids from subducted oceanic crust rather than melt. The negative Eu and Sr anomaly features together with relatively high HREEs and Y contents, low (La/Yb)N and Sr/Y ratios are interpreted as low pressure partial melting. Combination with the regional geologic background, we adopted a slab break-off model to explains the diverse contemporaneous magmatic rocks recognized in the North Lhasa subterrane including that of the Xiongmei Cu-bearing granodiorite porphyry.

Zircon U-Pb, Molybdenite Re-Os and Quartz Vein Rb-Sr Geochronology of the Luobuzhen Au-Ag and Hongshan Cu Deposits, Tibet, China: Implications for the Oligocene-Miocene Porphyry–Epithermal Metallogenic System

The Gangdese metallogenic belt in Tibet is an important copper and iron polymetallic, metallogenic belt in western China. The Luobuzhen epithermal Au-Ag and Hongshan porphyry Cu deposits, as two new discovery deposits in the last few years, are located in the western Gangdese metallogenic belt. In this paper, we present quartz vein Rb-Sr isochron, zircon U-Pb and molybdenite Re-Os ages for a better understanding of the minerallogenetic epoch of the deposits. Geochronological data show that the Rb-Sr isochron age of a quartz vein in a Luobuzhen Au-Ag deposit is 21.1 ± 1.8 Ma (MSWD (mean standard weighted deviation) = 0.19), zircon U-Pb ages from diorite and granodiorite porphyry in Hongshan Cu deposit are 50.0 ± 0.4 Ma (MSWD = 0.94) and 23.7 ± 0.1 Ma (MSWD = 0.73), respectively, and a Re-Os isochron age of molybdenite in Hongshan Cu deposit is 23.0 ± 2.0 Ma (MSWD = 0.014). These data suggest that the Luobuzhen epithermal Au-Ag and Hongshan porphyry Cu deposits formed at ca. 23–21 Ma, which were controlled by the same magmatic hydrothermal events. Formation of both the Luobuzhen and Hongshan deposits were obviously earlier than the Miocene porphyry metallogenetic events in the Gangdese porphyry copper belt.

Petrogenesis of the Payangazu Complex in Southern Mandalay, Central Myanmar and Its Tectonic Implications

The Payangazu complex in the central Myanmar is composed mainly of quartz diorite, granodiorite, and some synplutonic mafic dikes. The quartz diorite and granodiorite have zircon U-Pb ages of 130.5±4.0 (MSWD=3.5) and 118.4±2.5 Ma (MSWD=2.4), respectively. Rock samples of the quartz diorite and granodiorite are metaluminous, enriched in large-ion lithophile elements like LREE, Rb, Th, and U, and depleted in high field-strength elements such as HREE, Nb, Ta, P, and Ti, indicative of arc-type magmatic affinities. Whole rock samples of the quartz diorite have eHf(t) value of +0.6, initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios of 0.708 6 to 0.710 0, and eNd(t) values of -4.8 to -4.9; whereas rocks of the granodiorite are relatively isotopically enriched, with eHf(t) values of -5.1 to -7.2, initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios of 0.711 7 to 0.711 8, and eNd(t) values of -8.7 to -8.8. The isotopic data together with the high Mg# (both the quartz diorite and granodiorite have Mg# values of >40) suggest a strong involvement of mantle materials in the genesis of the parent magmas. The possible petrogenetic process may be that the ascending of melts from partial melting of metasomatized mantle wedge triggered by dehydration of subducted slab resulted in partial melting of the lower crust and mixed with the latter. These Early Cretaceous intrusions from the complex are older than those found in the eastern Wuntho-Popa arc in western Myanmar, eastern Himalaya, and western Yunnan which are interpreted to be related to the Neo-Tethyan subduction, and have eNd(t), eHf(t) values lower than the latter. On the contrary, the ages and geochemical characteristics of the Payangazu complex are consistent with some of the intrusions in the northern magmatic belt in Tibet, eastern Himalaya, and western Yunnan which are believed to be associated with the subduction of the Bangong-Nujiang Ocean crust. Thus, we propose that the Early Cretaceous intrusions in the central Myanmar are most likely related to the southward subduction of an ocean slab that was possibly an extension of the Bangong-Nujiang Ocean.

Chapter 4 Geological and tectonic evolution of the Indo-Myanmar Ranges (IMR) in the Myanmar region

The Indo-Myanmar Ranges (IMR) of Myanmar, also known as the Indo-Burman Ranges (IBR) or the Western Ranges, extend from the East Himalayan Syntaxis (EHS) southwards along the eastern side of the Bay of Bengal to the Andaman Sea, comprising the Naga Hills Tract in the north, the Chin Hills in the middle and the Rakhine (Arakan) Yoma in the south. The IMR is economically important; major discoveries of oil and gas have been made in the Bay of Bengal to the west of the Rakhine Yoma, and there are several occurrences of chromite and nickel deposits (e.g. Webula, Mwetaung in Chin State) and submarine volcanic-hosted massive sulphide deposits (e.g. Laymyetna in Ayerwaddy Region). The IMR occupies a complex tectonic zone as the southeastwards continuation of the Indian–Asian collision belt in Tibet and Assam, and lies north of the active subduction zone of the Sunda–Andaman arc (Figs 4.1 & 4.2). The IMR occurs along the western margin of the Myanmar Microplate, also known as the Burmese Platelet or the West Myanmar Terrane or Block, situated between the Eurasian Plate to the east and the Indian Plate to the west (e.g. Fitch 1972; Curray et al. 1979; Mukhopadhyay & Dasgupta 1988; Pivnik et al. 1998; Bertrand & Rangin 2003; Shi et al. 2009; Baxter et al. 2011; Garzanti et al. 2013; Soibam et al. 2015). The West Myanmar Block has been also described as a forearc sliver, bounded on the west by a subduction zone and a strike-slip margin, on the east by a strike-slip fault (Sagaing Fault), on the south by a spreading centre and on the north by a compressional plate boundary (Curray et al. 1979; Pivnik et al. 1998; Nielsen et al. 2004). Fig. 4.1. Tectonic map of Myanmar region …

Further Studies of Ore-Forming Fluid Sources of Bangpu Molybdenum-Copper Polymetallic Deposit, Tibet

Bangpu molybdenum-copper polymetallic deposit is located in the eastern section of the Gangdese Porphyry Copper Belt of Tibet. It is a typical large porphyry molybdenum copper polymetallic deposit. The isotope study of fluid inclusions H and O in the quartz (calcite) of various mineralization stages shows that, the ore-forming fluid comes mainly from meteoric hydrothermal caused by atmospheric precipitation, which has consistency with ore-forming fluid sources of Gangdese Porphyry Copper Belt. The Mo-Cu phase with low δD value (-140.5 ~ -104.0 ) suggests a large-scale magmatic degassing. The alteration and mineralization have been caused precisely by the degassing, and the obvious O isotope drift occurred being accompanied by alteration-mineralization, so that the fluid has a low δ18O (vary from 5.50 to 9.0 ). The statistical research indicates that, the massive magmatic degassing occurred in Gangdese Porphyry Copper Belt, and was gradually increased from east to west, suggesting the direct impact of the magmatic degassing on the formation of the porphyry copper-gold deposit and molybdenum copper deposit: the stronger the magmatic degassing, the more easily to form the molybdenum-based porphyry deposit, otherwise it will be formed the deposits dominated by Cu and Au.

Geochronologic constraints on magmatic intrusions and mineralization of the Zhunuo porphyry copper deposit in Gangdese, Tibet

In situ zircon U-Pb ages for the recently discovered Zhunuo porphyry copper deposit in the western part of the Gangdese metallogenic belt in Tibet were determined by sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe (SHRIMP). The ages can be divided into two separate groups, reflecting more than four major tectono-magmatic events in the area. The 62.5±2.5 Ma age of inherited zircons may be related to the volcanic eruption of the Linzizong Group formed shortly after the India-Asia continental collision. The 50.1±3.6 Ma age most likely corresponds to the time of underplating of mantle-derived mafic magma in Gangdese. The 15.6±0.6 Ma age obtained from magmatic zircons is interpreted as the age of crystallization of the Zhunuo ore-forming porphyry. Finally, a molybdenite Re-Os isochron age of 13.72±0.62 Ma is consistent with another zircon U-Pb age of 13.3±0.2 Ma, representing the time of copper mineralization. These ages, in combination with available literature data, indicate that magmatic crystallization and copper mineralization in the Gangdese metallogenic belt became gradually younger westward, and further suggest that the Zhunuo porphyry copper deposit was formed in the same tectonic stage as other porphyry copper deposits in the eastern and central Gangdese belt. This conclusion provides critical information for future exploration of porphyry copper deposits in western Gangdese.

The Himalayan Yulong Porphyry Copper Belt: Product of Large-ScaleStrike-Slip Faulting in Eastern Tibet

The Yulong porphyry copper belt is the most significant porphyry copper belt in Tibet and is located in the Qiangtang terrane of the Himalayan-Tibetan orogen. The terrane is a collage of continental blocks joined by ophiolitic sutures and volcano-plutonic arc complexes. The Yulong belt is approximately 300 km long and 15 to 30 km wide, contains one giant, two large, and two medium- to small-sized porphyry copper deposits, and more than 20 mineralized porphyry bodies. The Yulong belt is located in the Changdu continental block that comprises Proterozoic to early Paleozoic crystalline folded basement and middle to late Paleozoic platform facies carbonate and clastic sedimentary rocks similar to the Yangtze continent. The porphyry belt is closely associated with Tertiary potassic volcanic rocks and alkali-rich intrusions in the area and controlled by north-south-north-northwest, large-scale, strike-slip faults, which are perpendicular to the collision zone between the Indian and Asian continents. Isotopic age determinations of the ore-bearing porphyries indicate that the magmatism occurred over at least three stages, peaking around 52, 41, and 33 Ma, respectively. The timing of middle and late shallow-level emplacement of these magmas is consistent with the ages of associated potassic volcanism and alkali-rich magmatism in the area. Although the porphyry deposits in the Yulong belt were developed in the intracontinental convergent environment, their mineralization styles and features are comparable to porphyry copper deposits in arc environments. Compared to ore-bearing calc-alkaline porphyries in island arcs or continental margin arcs, the porphyritic intrusions in the Yulong belt are characterized by high K2O contents and enrichment in Rb and Ba, suggesting a shoshonitic magmatic affinity. Strong negative anomalies for Nb, Ta, P, and Ti and positive anomalies for Rb, Ba, Th, and LREE, normalized by chondrite, are characteristic of arc magmas. These intrusions yield a narrow 143Nd/144Nd range varying from 0.51243 to 0.51253 and 87Sr/86Sr values from 0.7065 to 0.7077, which are transitional between type II enriched mantle and mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB) values and closer to the former in terms of epsilon Nd- epsilon Sr. This suggests that the porphyritic magmas were derived either from a hydrous-enriched mantle metasomatized by components such as H2O, K, Rb, Ba, Th, and LREE or by melt derived from the subducted oceanic slab of the Paleozoic Jinshajiang oceanic plate. The hypothesis is supported by Pb isotope data for the intrusions. Large-scale strike-slip faults in eastern Tibet, which accommodated the compressive strains produced by the Asian-Indian continent collision, also localized the porphyry Cu mineralization. North to north-northeast-directed convergence and collision produced a dextral strike-slip fault system around 60 to 70 Ma. Northeast-directed wedging of the Indian continent and subsequent collision with the Yangtze continent during the Paleocene- Eocene produced conjugate strike-slip fault zones. The transition from a dextral strike-slip fault system to conjugate strike-slip zones resulted in stress relaxation and formation of strike-slip pull-apart basins. Crustalscale strike-slip faulting may have caused upwelling and partial melting of the hydrous-enriched mantle by decompression and facilitated the rise of a large volume of volatile-enriched porphyry magma that had ponded near the base of the lithosphere during this period.