Epithermal Gold Mineralization Research Articles

Timing of Hydrothermal Alteration and Au-Sb-W Mineralization, Stibnite-Yellow Pine District, Idaho

Abstract The Stibnite-Yellow Pine district of central Idaho was mined from the early 1900s until the 1990s, extracting gold, antimony, tungsten, and mercury from veins and disseminated and replacement ores in mountainous terrain along the headwaters of the Salmon River. Mining during the two World Wars supplied critical antimony and tungsten to the war efforts. Recent exploration has delineated mineral resources of over 187 metric tons Au, 274 metric tons Ag, and 93,000 metric tons Sb. Mineralization is hosted in Cretaceous Idaho batholith granitic rocks and a sequence of Neoproterozoic to Paleozoic metasedimentary strata of carbonate and siliciclastic compositions. Historic studies outlined some of the complex paragenesis but debated the absolute age of mineralization. New petrographic and geochronologic work documents a sequence of five hydrothermal events in the Stibnite-Yellow Pine district. Event 1 is related to Cretaceous magmatic and hydrothermal activity and includes events ranging in age from 86 to 75 Ma, including sparse quartz-molybdenite veins dated at 86 Ma. Disseminated gold mineralization of Event 2 is associated with sericitic alteration and sulfidation of igneous biotite and replacement of plagioclase by potassium feldspar, largely in granodiorite. Gold is present in zoned arsenian pyrite in both disseminated ores and in crosscutting carbonate-quartz veins containing pyrite and arsenopyrite. The large Yellow Pine deposit, localized at a dilatant bend in the Meadow Creek fault, hosts such disseminated and vein gold. Event 2 is interpreted as the major gold-forming event; 40Ar/39Ar ages of sericite and potassium feldspar alteration range, respectively, from 70 to 59 and 66 to 56 Ma. The long span is interpreted to reflect the age of gold mineralization and local overprinting by Event 3. A narrower range from 66 to 61 Ma is interpreted to date the peak of gold mineralization and alteration. Event 3, tungsten mineralization with scheelite, is texturally later than Event 2 gold and localized along the Meadow Creek structure. Event 3 scheelite has been dated by isotope dilution-thermal ionization mass spectrometry (ID-TIMS) and laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) U-Pb methods at 57 Ma. Event 4, best developed in the West End area, includes gold-silver–bearing quartz-carbonate-pyrite veins and breccias with epithermal textures and potassium feldspar alteration envelopes. Adularia from Event 4 yields 40Ar/39Ar plateau ages of 52 to 51 Ma. Event 5 antimony and mercury mineralization consists of stibnite veins and breccia cements at the Yellow Pine and Hangar Flat deposits as well as cinnabar veins and replacements at the peripheral Fern and Hermes deposits; it is constrained by an LA-ICP-MS U-Pb date on scheelite (ca. 47 Ma) intergrown with stibnite. Minor propylitic and argillic alteration is evident in 47 Ma igneous dikes, which do not contain economic mineralization. The Au-Sb-W ores in the Stibnite-Yellow Pine mining district formed over an extended time period from about 70 to 45 Ma in multiple pulses that were localized along the Meadow Creek fault zone. Each event corresponds to episodes of magmatism and/or hydrothermal activity in the region. Insignificant Event 1 skarn and molybdenum mineralization is similar in age to the Thompson Creek porphyry molybdenum deposit in central Idaho. Event 2 gold mineralization occurred during a magmatic gap in central Idaho but was synchronous with magmatism in the Bitterroot lobe further north; Event 2 is similar in age to orogenic gold-arsenic mineralization at the Beartrack mine in eastern Idaho. Event 3 scheelite mineralization coincides with tungsten mineralization at the Quartz Creek deposit, late magmatism in the Bitterroot lobe, and rapid exhumation of the Atlanta lobe of the Idaho batholith. Event 4 gold mineralization is coincident with the onset of regional Challis magmatism and extension. Event 5 antimony and mercury mineralization is time-equivalent to epithermal gold mineralization in the nearby Thunder Mountain volcanic field and the peak of Challis magmatism.

Geochemical evaluation of the genetic relationship of Kısacık (Ayvacık, Çanakkale/Türkiye) epithermal gold mineralization using trace and rare earth elements

The Kısacık gold deposit is situated in the Biga Peninsula, Northwest Anatolia, Türkiye. The aim of this study is to investigate the genetic relationship between the Kısacık gold deposit and the surrounding rocks using trace element and rare earth element (REE) geochemistry. The results show that the gold mineralizations in the Kısacık area have a compatible pattern with the Alakeçi-Kısacık Volcanics and the Kuşçayırı plutonic rocks in the near vicinity of the area. The gold mineralizations in the Kısacık area are consistent with the trace and rare earth element (REE) patterns of the upper continental and lower continental crust, as shown by comparison with spider diagrams normalized to different geological settings. The gold enrichments in the listvenites and ultramafic rocks in the area are also consistent with the trace and REE element patterns of these rock types. The results of this study support the conclusion that the gold mineralization in the Kısacık area is related to hydrothermal fluids that leached elements from the Alakeçi-Kısacık Volcanics. In addition, hydrothermal fluids from plutonic rocks were also effective in the mineralization process. These results suggest that the gold mineralization in the Kısacık area is related to hydrothermal fluids that leached elements from the Alakeçi-Kısacık Volcanics.

Middle Devonian Evandale porphyry Cu-Mo (Au) deposit, southwestern New Brunswick, Canada: Analysis of petrogenesis to potential as a source for distal intrusion-related epithermal gold mineralization

The 391.2 ± 3.2 Ma (U-Pb on zircon) Evandale Granodiorite of southwestern New Brunswick is quite a unique intrusive rock in the southern part of the northeastern Appalachians. This research examines the relationship between the porphyry Cu-Mo-(Au) and epithermal systems with Evandale Granodiorite and environs. This Middle Devonian multi-phase I-type granite intrudes along the northern boundary of the deformed Silurian sedimentary and mafic volcanic rocks of the Mascarene Basin. This granitoid is identified as an oxidized I-type system with adakitic geochemical signatures and associated porphyry Cu-Mo-(Au) mineralization, possibly linked to slab failure sourced from decompression melting of the lower crust caused by post-collisional uplift, similar to the Magaguadavic Granite to the southwest. The Evandale adakitic intrusion is divided into two phases that consist of (1) a calc-alkalic coarser phase ranging from medium- to coarse-grained, seriate to porphyritic granodiorite to monzogranite with metaluminous to peraluminous features, and (2) the later stage alkali-calcic fine-grained (to aplitic) locally porphyritic phase ranging from a monzogranite to syeno-granite with peraluminous characteristics. The primary mineralogy of the intrusive rocks consists of K-feldspar + albite + plagioclase + quartz + biotite + hornblende + apatite ± muscovite ± zircon, along with several alteration phases, such as biotite, chlorite, sericite, and calcite. Geochemical analyses (using INAA, ICP-MS, and XRF) indicate that both phases of the Evandale granodiorite show a high concentration of Cu (108 ppm) and Au (33 ppb) associated with the presence of pyrite, chalcopyrite, and arsenopyrite in the fine-grained dyke samples. Up to 6 ppm Mo was contained within the granitic phase, whereas lesser amounts of Mo were confined to the fine grained to aplite phases. Microprobe analyses of primary biotite as both phenocrysts and groundmass shows 0.55 avg. wt.% Cl and 0.21 avg. wt.% F, which are relatively concentrated compared to other high-grade porphyry deposits. Hydrothermally altered rocks, veins, and sulfides associated with the porphyritic suite result from buoyant magmatic-hydrothermal fluids from a deeper intrusion exsolving fluids (quenched porphyry related), depressurizing, and reacting with the host coarser grained granodiorite and even some of the dykes locally. Based on the geothermometry and geobarometry of amphibole (actinolite-magnesiohornblende), the crystallization temperature and pressure of the Evandale coarse-grained granite and aplite are 674–755 °C, 0.2–0.7 kbar (20–70 MPa) and 838 °C, 0.42–1.4 kbar (42–140 MPa), respectively. This is consistent with biotite formation at temperatures ranging from 670° to 760 °C, based on Ti-in-biotite thermometry. Also, zircon saturation temperatures of the earlier coarse-grained porphyritic granites and later fine-grained porphyry to aplitic dykes are 736 °C and 787 °C, respectively. Spatially and temporally associated gold deposits beside Evandale and within this region of southwestern New Brunswick suggests that these oxidized I-type intrusions are a potential source for distal, low sulfidation epithermal gold deposits in the region.

Study on Epithermal Gold Mineralization System at Shwebontha Prospect, Monywa Copper-Gold Ore Field, Central Myanmar

The Shwebontha prospect area is situated in the Central Volcanic Belt, central Myanmar, where the well-known Sagaing Fault serves as its eastern boundary. This study aims to document key the mineralogy, host rock geochemistry and ore mineralizing fluids. The mineralization, hosted by Upper Oligocene to Middle Miocene rhyolites, displays a strong lithological control. Mineralization is characterized by gold-bearing silicified massive ore and chalcedonic quartz veins in which sulfides are clustered and disseminated not only in quartz gangue but also in rhyolite host rocks. The significant ore minerals in the mineralized veins include pyrite, sphalerite, galena, chalcopyrite, and gold. Common hydrothermal alterations such as silicic, argillic and propylitic alteration types are recognized. According to the fluid inclusion data and interpretation, ore mineralizing fluids in the research area are characterized by formation temperatures of 260-280 °C and salinity of 0.35-2.41 % wt. NaCl eq. respectively. Mixing of hydrothermal fluids was generally considered to be an effective mechanism for ore transport and deposition.

Low sulfidation epithermal gold mineralization at Tambang Sawah, Lebong, Bengkulu Province, Indonesia

The Tambang Sawah area, Lebong, Bengkulu Province, is geologically located in the Barisan mountain range and the Sumatran fault zone and is composed of igneous rocks of the Sunda – Banda magmatic arc. This study is aimed to elucidate geological framework and characteristics of the low sulfidation epithermal gold at Tambang Sawah. Gold mineralization is hosted by the lithology of granite and andesitic breccia rocks, and controlled by faults, especially the Ketahun fault which forms a fracture and extensional zone. Hydrothermal fluid filled the structure found to form gold-bearing quartz veins. Hydrothermal alteration recognized at the study area is a typical type of alteration found in epithermal gold deposits, namely, argillic, silicified and propylitic. The characteristic sulfide minerals are low sulfidation epithermal gold deposits in the Sawah Mine area which are found, pyrite, chalcopyrite, covelite, sphalerite and galena with vein textures of colloform banded, cockade-crustiform, moss, and brecciated texture. Gold is interpreted to be coevally deposited with sulfides within quartz veins. Gold grade in rocks and veins varies from 0.07 ppm to 21.3 ppm.

Heavy Metal Pollution from Listvenitization: In Case of Alakeçi (Bayramiç-Çanakkale/West Türkiye)

This study aimed to investigate the risk of element/heavy metal pollution caused by listvenitization. In this context, the heavy metal pollution risk of listvenite-derived soils in the region where listvenitized ultrabasic rocks are present as a result of hydrothermal alterations in the vicinity of Alakeçi (Bayramiç Çanakkale/Western Türkiye) was investigated with pollution index, geoaccumulation index and integrated pollution risk parameters. For this purpose, Cu, Zn, Pb element concentrations of 350 soil samples collected from the field were determined, and Pollution Index (PI) and Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo) parameters for each element and Integrated Pollution Index (IPI) parameters for each sampling point were calculated. In addition, distribution maps of PI, Igeo and IPI parameters were plotted. When the site is considered in terms of IPI parameter, it has been determined that the site has medium and high pollution risk. When the field is considered in terms of PI and Igeo parameters, a remarkable level of pollution has been detected in the field, especially by Ni, Co and As elements. When the distribution maps of the PI, Igeo and IPI parameters are examined, it has been determined that the pollution risk is higher than the other areas, especially in the areas where hydrothermal alteration is intense and in the tectonic line areas. Although listvenitizations and listvenite zones are important target areas especially for epithermal gold mineralizations, this study has shown that listvenitization areas are also areas at risk of heavy metal pollution. Therefore, listvenitization zones are areas that should be investigated in terms of heavy metal pollution risk as well as epithermal gold mineralization potentials.

Timing and ore genesis of the Ciweigou low-sulfidation epithermal gold deposit in the Yanbian Cu-Au district, NE China

The Ciweigou low-17 sulfidation epithermal Cu-Au mining district, NE China, is hosted by Early Cretaceous andesite of the Jingouling Formation. From bottom to top (not explored below the 100 m level), the ore bodies consist of gold-bearing quartz veins, gold-bearing quartz-calcite veins, and calcite veins and the sides are stockwork veins and hydrothermal breccia ore bodies. Five mineralization stages are distinguished: (I) pyrite-sericite, (II) quartz-calcite, (III) grey quartz, (IV) milky quartz-adularia and (V) late carbonate. Au-bearing minerals deposited in stages II and III. Hydrothermal alteration is composed of an inner silicic-pyritic zone, intermediate zone of quartz-sericite-adularia, outer zone of quartz-chlorite-epidote and upper zone of calcite. Systematic fluid inclusion petrography shows that two-phase vapour-rich and liquid-rich inclusions are the dominant fluid inclusions types in the quartz and calcite veins, suggesting that the ore-forming fluids belong to a moderate- to low-temperature (140 °C−320 °C) and low-salinity (0 wt%−14 wt% NaCl-eqv.) H2O-NaCl-CO2 system. HO isotopes (δ18OH2O = -14.0 ‰ to −4.9 ‰ and δD = −123.4 ‰ to −88.1 ‰) indicate that the ore-forming fluids likely originated from mixed fluids driven by residual andesitic magmatic fluid. The precipitation mechanisms are mixing and major fluid boiling. The comprehensive geological and isotopic characteristics show that the Ciweigou deposit is a low-sulfidation epithermal deposit. Six pyrite samples from stages I and II yielded a Rb-Sr isochron age of 102.6 ± 2.2 Ma (MSWD = 1.19), consistent with other low-sulfidation epithermal gold mineralization ages in the Yanbian district and Lesser Xing'an Range. The timing of the Ciweigou gold mineralization at ∼103 Ma postdates the eruption of andesitic magma (106.4 ± 2.1 Ma, zircon U–Pb) and granodiorite porphyry (106.6 ± 1.2 Ma, zircon U–Pb) and diorite porphyry (107.8 ± 1.8 Ma, zircon U–Pb) emplacement, suiting in an extensional environment attributed to the rollback of the subducting Paleo-Pacific Plate.

Geophysical characteristics of the Belaya Gora gold deposit (Khabarovsk Krai, Russia)

Research subject. SThe geophysical fields and physical properties of altered gold-bearing rocks within the Belogorskoye ore field and the Belaya Gora gold deposit located in the Khabarovsk Krai.Materials and methods. Magnetic field and the distribution of electrical resistivity and polarisability obtained during land-based surveys as well as magnetic susceptibility, apparent electrical resistivity and polarisability of the samples from trenches and drilling cores have been studied. The analysis of the spatial correlation of the features of geophysical fields and gold mineralisation has been carried out. The physical properties of rocks are analysed depending on the intensity and type of superimposed hydrothermal alterations and gold content.Results. A significant decrease of magnetic susceptibility for all types of altered rock is indicated. Differences in electrical resistivity and polarisability are observed for hydrothermally altered rocks of the pre-ore stage and ore-bearing metasomatites. The former, with a relatively increased electrical resistance, have the highest polarisability (within the ore field), while the latter are characterised by an even higher resistance, but with the significant decrease in polarisability, which remains slightly elevated relative to unaltered rocks. These patterns also determine the geophysical characteristics of the ore field and deposit. The gold ore field is characterised by a significant decrease in the magnetic field intensity, an areal anomaly of increased polarisability, and, in general, an increased apparent electrical resistance. The deposit itself, as an area covering ore bodies, is generally characterised by an even more intensive increase in apparent electrical resistivity and a relative decrease in polarisability against its generally high background.Conclusions. Based on the performed research, a geophysical model of the Belaya Gora gold deposit is proposed, which may be used as a reference during the planning of geophysical works and the interpretation of geophysical data during the exploration works for epithermal gold mineralisation within the volcanic-tectonic structures in the Nizhne-Amursky region.

The Age and Tectonic Position of Epithermal Gold Mineralization of the Omolon Massif (Northeast Asia)

The Age and Tectonic Position of Epithermal Gold Mineralization of the Omolon Massif (Northeast Asia)

The age and tectonic position epithermal gold mineralization Omolon Massif (North-East Asia)

Some aspects of the genesis of industrially important Paleozoic epithermal gold deposits of the Omolon massif are considered. According to the results of Ar-Ar dating of ores, their age is 20–30 Ma younger than that of the volcanic complexes of the Kedonian volcanic belt of the Devonian, with which this mineralization is traditionally associated. For the Paleozoic continental marginal magmatism of the Omolon massif, we have identified a stage of post-subduction rifting, characterized by the formation of volcano-plutonic associations of shoshonite-latite series. The authors suppose that it was at this stage, the chronological boundaries of which are determined as 335–286 Ma, that the ores under consideration were formed. The paragenetic connection with riftogenic shoshonite-latite series explains such specific features of the Paleozoic epithermal gold mineralization of the Omolon massif, such as high gold-silver ratio, low ore sulfide content, widespread development of fluorite and tellurides, low values of the primary Sr isotope ratio (0,703–0,706).

Metallogeny of the Late Jurassic Qiucun epithermal gold deposit in southeastern China: Constraints from geochronology, fluid inclusions, and H-O-C-Pb isotopes

On the basis of zircon and apatite U-Pb dating, H-O-C-Pb isotopes, and fluid inclusion data, a metallogenic model is established for the Qiucun gold deposit (gold resource > 10 t, average grade: 4.9 g/t) in the Dehua goldfield in the Mesozoic Coastal Volcanic Belt (southeastern China). Three hydrothermal stages can be distinguished within the Late Jurassic volcanic host rocks: Stage I, dominated by quartz-pyrite, Stage II with a quartz-sulfide assemblage, and Stage III reflected by quartz-calcite. The ore-hosting volcanic rocks were formed at 170.2 ± 0.9 Ma. Distinctly younger U-Pb ages of 162.5 ± 1.0 Ma and 160.5 ± 6.0 Ma obtained on syn-ore hydrothermal zircon and apatite, respectively, clearly indicate that gold mineralization postdates the volcanic host rocks. Fluid inclusion data reveal that the ores were precipitated from low-temperature (275 to 170 °C), low-pressure (<55 bar), and low-salinity (<5 wt% NaCl equiv.) solutions, with a systematic decrease in temperature and pressure from stages I to III. The δ34SV-CDT ratios for gold ores vary between −3.2 and 0.6 ‰. Sulfide separates yielded 206Pb/204Pb ratios of 18.368 to 18.504, 207Pb/204Pb ratios of 15.685 to 15.718, and 208Pb/204Pb ratios of 38.792 to 39.063. These data suggest S and Pb derivation from the host volcanic rocks and perhaps deeper-seated crustal materials. Calcite from Stage III has δ13CV-PDB values of −2.9 to −2.7 ‰ and δ18OV-SMOW values of 8.2 to 10.8 ‰. Calculated δ18Ofluid (−7.6 to −2.7‰) and δDfluid (−119 to −49‰) values document a largely meteoric nature of the mineralizing fluid. All data together point at a Late Jurassic low-sulfidation epithermal gold mineralization with metal remobilization from host volcanic rocks and basement.

Geological, mineralogical and ore fluid characteristics of the Tagun‐Khin‐Dan gold mineralization in Mogok‐Mandalay‐Mergui Belt, Central Myanmar

AbstractThe Tagun‐Khin‐Dan gold deposit in the Mogok‐Mandalay‐Mergui Belt, Central Myanmar, is characterized by an array of quartz‐veins hosted in mudstone of the Kogwe Formation of the Carboniferous Mergui Group. Two major deformational stages were recorded in the area; (1) N‐S shortening and (2) uplifting and emplacement of various dykes and quartz veinlets. The N‐S shortening within the area lead the development of km‐scale faults, determined largely by the presence of a zone of major WNW‐ESE trending dextral strike‐slip faulting. Quartz veins in the deposit include: (1) type‐A quartz veins, parallel to the dextral NW‐SE trending major fault; and (2) type‐B quartz veins which occur as isolated parallel veins. Gold in the type‐A quartz vein is present as native gold and electrum locked within pyrite and associated with pyrite and galena and in the type‐B quartz veins as electrum associated with sulfide minerals such as pyrite, chalcopyrite, galena and sphalerite. The mineralization stages can be classified into the type‐A quartz vein stage and the type‐B quartz vein stage. Two type of fluid inclusions; liquid‐rich aqueous inclusions (L‐type) and vapor‐rich aqueous inclusions (V‐type) are identified in the type‐A quartz veins. The homogenization temperature of L‐type fluid inclusions of the type‐A quartz veins ranges from 203 to 321°C and salinity of the fluid inclusions varies from 0.4 to 1.6 wt% NaCl equiv. The homogenization temperature of V‐type fluid inclusions of type‐A quartz veins ranges from 290 to 340°C with a salinity ranging from 0.4 to 1.9 wt% NaCl equivalent. In the type‐B quartz veins, only liquid‐rich aqueous inclusions (L‐type) are identified. The type‐B quartz veins yielded low homogenization temperatures from 160 to 220°C, with low salinities from 0.2 to 1.9 wt% NaCl equiv. compared with those of the type‐A veins. The depth range of ore formation is estimated to be a shallow depth of less than 0.2 km based on fluid inclusion microthermometry. Fluid boiling is evident during the type‐A quartz vein stage, and fluid cooling and mixing in the later type‐B quartz vein stage. Precipitation of pyrite in the ore zone occurred as four recognized types: arsenic‐rich pyrite‐1, 2, 3 in the type‐A quartz veins and pyrite‐4 in the type‐B quartz veins. A positive relation between Au and As contents of pyrites suggests that the gold is present together with arsenic in the structure of pyrites of the type‐A quartz veins as solid solution in addition to as nanoparticle inclusions. The high Co and Ni contents of pyrites of both the type‐A and the type‐B quartz veins, with no evidence of CO2 in the system indicate that the ore‐forming fluids were epizonal magmatic‐hydrothermal fluids rather than metamorphic fluid. The hydrothermal fluids of the Tagun‐Khin‐Dan deposit were driven by faulting to form the mudstone‐hosted epithermal gold mineralization and related to continuing northwards movement of the Indian Plate that initiated the displacement on the strike‐slip Sagaing Fault.

Enhanced processing of magnetic data for delineating lithological boundary and geological structure of the epithermal gold mineralization control system - A case study: Cibaliung Area, Indonesia

Cibaliung is an area that is traversed by the Au-Ag-Cu mineralization pathway from low to intermediate sulfide epithermal system. The implemented techniques for delineating probable gold deposits by the lithology contact and structures that control epithermal gold mineralization systems in the area include first vertical derivative (FHD), vertical derivative (VD), second vertical derivative (SVD), analytic signal (SA), and tilt angle (TA). The results shows that high continuity of anomaly contrast in the direction of Northwest (NW), North-Northwest (NNW), and North-Northeast (NNE) is presumed to be the target geological structure of the study area. Furthermore, the contrast value of magnetic anomaly represents the lithology contact lies in the direction of the West and the East of the area.

Evaluation of Groundwater Quality in the Mineralized Fields by Analytical Hierarchy Process‐Based Water Quality Index

AbstractIn this study, an epithermal goldfields‐water quality index (EGF‐WQI) and the associated classification system have been proposed to define drinking water quality of the water resources in regions where epithermal gold mineralization exists. In this context, two hydrogeochemical data sets from 15 water resources are used. EGF‐WQI is designed using 21 different criteria under 4 main groups and 15 alternatives. To determine the importance and efficiency values of the criteria, analytical hierarchy method (AHP) is used. The water quality classification system is defined by 4 different categories, namely, “very good,” “good,” “acceptable,” and “inappropriate.” In order to ensure consistency of the findings, efficiency scores of the AHP method are compared with the results obtained from the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution and data envelopment analysis models. The index results obtained from AHP processes are converted into water quality distribution maps by using the Kriging interpolation method. EGF‐WQI results are observed to be compatible with the water quality standards developed by organizations such as the World Health Organization and Turkish Standards. EGF‐WQI can be used as a reliable and valid index to evaluate the water resources in regions where alteration and mineralization are present.

Zircon Hf‐isotope constraints on the formation of metallic mineral deposits in Thailand

AbstractThe effects of the Sibumasu–Indochina Terranes collision created several kinds of mineral deposits in Thailand, which include porphyry–skarn copper–gold, epithermal gold and antimony, orogenic gold–antimony–tungsten and tin‐tungsten mineralization among others. The deposits show a distinct spatial zonal distribution and occur in specific tectonic terranes. Combining regional geological data and ore deposit distribution data with Hf‐isotopic data of zircons in igneous rocks can be used to investigate the relationship between crustal construction processes and metallogeny. In this study, we investigated the Sukhothai Fold Belt, which is composed of quartz monzodiorite, granodiorite, syenogranite, and monzogranite of I‐ and S‐type affinities. All granitoids were analyzed for zircon U–Pb geochronology and Lu–Hf isotopic analysis. The granitoids of the Sukhothai Fold Belt yielded U–Pb zircon ages ranging from ~243 to 202 Ma, which mark the timing of subduction to the syn‐collisional stage between the Sibumasu–Indochina terranes at ~243–237 Ma and the timing of post‐collision between the Sibumasu–Indochina terranes during 230–202 Ma. In addition, an age of ~43 Ma in the south of the Sukhothai Fold Belt may indicate intrusion during the sinistral movement of the Klaeng and Mae Ping fault zones resulted from the Indian–Eurasian plate collision. The Doi Tung quartz monzodiorite provided an age of ~350 Ma as a timing of formation of the Sukhothai Fold Belt. The negative and positive initial εHf values (−8.0 to +9.2) with two‐stage depleted mantle model ages (TDMC of 2.2–0.6 Ga) of zircons from the Sukhothai Fold Belt granitoids indicate that the sources of their magma derived from partial melting of old continental crust and young oceanic crust, which probably mixed with a mantle‐derived magma. A zircon Hf‐isotope compilation including the data obtained in this study and previously reported values was used to prepare a map that allows a comparison between magmatic source and mineral deposit distribution in Thailand. The spatial distribution of Hf isotopic data reveals a distinct zonation, with initial εHf values decreasing from the east to the west, that is, from the western margin of the Indochina Terrane or the Loei Fold Belt to the Sukhothai Fold Belt, the Inthanon Zone and the Sibumasu Terrane. The magmatic source for the granitoids in the Loei Fold Belt is dominated by mantle‐derived components, as shown by positive average initial εHf values (+1.0 to +12.7), and contributed to porphyry‐related skarn copper–gold and iron and epithermal gold mineralization. In contrast, magmas in the Sibumasu Terrane and the Inthanon Zone originated from melting of old crustal materials, as indicated by mostly negative average initial εHf values (−15.1 to +0.8), and are responsible for S‐type granite‐related tin‐tungsten mineralization. The average initial εHf values (−5.0 to +11.0) from the intrusions in the Sukhothai Fold Belt suggest mixed sources, including evolved and juvenile magmatic materials, which generated the orogenic gold deposits and other vein‐type antimony, tungsten, fluorite, and base metal deposits. These results imply a close spatial correlation between the source of magmatism in each tectonic terrane of Thailand and different metal ore deposits. These isotope maps can be used as a powerful tool in the exploration for various commodities at the regional scale.

Superimposing mineralization in the Zhengguang Au-Zn deposit, NE China: Evidence from pyrite Re-Os geochronology, fluid inclusion, and H-O-S-Pb isotopes

The Duobaoshan orefield is located in the eastern part of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) and underwent multiphase magmatism and mineralization. The Zhengguang deposit in the orefield is characterized by porphyry copper mineralization and intermediate-sulfidation (IS) epithermal gold mineralization. The porphyry-type veinlet-disseminated sulfide mineralization (~480 Ma) is hosted in granodiorite/tonalite porphyries and hydrothermal breccias, and is associated with widespread potassic (K-feldspar and biotite) alteration. Three porphyry-type mineralization stages have been identified: (I-1) quartz + medium-fine grained pyrite, (I-2) quartz + pyrite + chalcopyrite, and (I-3) quartz + calcite + minor pyrite. The IS epithermal vein/veinlet-disseminated mineralization occurs in andesite porphyry and fractures of the Duobaoshan Formation volcanic rocks, and is associated with extensive silicic, sericitic, and pyrite-sericitic-silicic alterations and minor propylitic alteration. Three IS epithermal-type mineralization stages are identified: (II-1) quartz + coarse-grained pyrite, (II-2) quartz + polymetallic sulfides, and (II-3) quartz + calcite + barren sulfides. Five stage II-2 pyrite samples yielded a Re-Os isochron age of 246.0 ± 6.4 Ma (MSWD = 0.85), suggesting a Triassic Au mineralization event after the Ordovician Cu mineralization. Stage I-1 fluid inclusions (FIs) are predominantly of VL- and LV-type and minor SL-type, with homogenization temperatures (Th) of 283–359 ℃ and salinities of 0.3–35.1 wt%. Stage I-2 is characteristically composed of VL- and LV-type inclusions with Th of 193–296 ℃ and salinities of 0.8–14.2 wt%. Only VL-type inclusions occur in stage I-3, II-1, II-2, and II-3 with Th of 149–216 ℃, 213–285 ℃, 169–236 ℃, and 125–176 ℃, and salinities of 2.4–7.9 wt%, 6.5–12.2 wt%, 3.4–8.8 wt%, and 2.1–6.3 wt%, respectively. H-O isotopic compositions for the mineralization (Ordovician: δ18OH2O = -9.9 to −0.5‰, δD = -86 to −75.6‰; Triassic: δ18OH2O = -8.4 to −2‰, δD = −134.1 to −88.5‰) indicate two different evolving fluid systems, both with an initial magmatic source and a later meteoric water incursion. Sulfur and lead isotope (Ordovician: δ34S (−3.1 to −0.7‰), 206Pb/204Pb (17.570–17.613), 207Pb/204Pb (15.427–15.441), 208Pb/204Pb (37.258–37.294); Triassic: δ34S (-5.4 to −2.5‰), 206Pb/204Pb (17.627–17.965), 207Pb/204Pb (15.466–15.534), 208Pb/204Pb (37.468–37.703)) values suggest a dominantly magmatic and a mixed magmatic-sedimentary source for the Ordovician and Triassic mineralization, respectively.

Geochronology and genesis of the newly discovered Mengdehe orogenic-type Au deposit in the Xing’an-Mongolia orogenic Belt, NE China

The Xing’an-Mongolia Orogenic Belt (XMOB) is a tectonic window to understand the subduction-orogenesis-magmatism and corresponding Au mineralization during the Mesozoic. Although epithermal gold mineralization associated with Paleo-oceanic plate subduction has been widely reported, information on orogenic Au metallogenesis during this period is insufficient. Geochronology and genesis study of the newly discovered orognenic Au deposit named as Mengdehe located at the Heihe-Nenjiang tectonic mélange in the eastern XMOB, can provide new information about regional metallogenetic mechanisms in this region. The Mengdehe Au deposit is the first discovered mylonitic rocks-hosted and brittle-ductile shear zone-dominated Au deposit in this area. Magmatic zircon U-Pb ages from the granitic mylonite and undeformed diorite in the Mengdehe deposit constrain that the strike-slip event probably has happened between 245.8 and 208.0 Ma. Rb-Sr dating of hydrothermal pyrites from the ore-bearing altered rocks indicates that Au mineralization occurred at 209.6 ± 3.1 Ma. We consider that the Mengdehe Au deposit was formed in the Late Triassic and associated with a strike-slip event. The trace elements, and He-Ar, S and Pb isotopic compositions of the ore-forming stage pyrites suggest that the ore-forming materials were derived from crustal sources with orogenic affinity. Combined with the early Mesozoic regional tectonic evolution in NE China and deformation characteristics of wall rocks, hydrothermal minerals and diorites, we conclude that the Au mineralization of the Mengdehe deposit was in response to the tectonic transformation from compression to extension associated with the extensional collapse of a previous thickened continental lithosphere related to the final closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean.

Gold in Mineralized Volcanic Systems from the Lesser Khingan Range (Russian Far East): Textural Types, Composition and Possible Origins

While gold partitioning into hydrothermal fluids responsible for the formation of porphyry and epithermal deposits is currently well understood, its behavior during the differentiation of metal-rich silicate melts is still subject of an intense scientific debate. Typically, gold is scavenged into sulfides during crustal fractionation of sulfur-rich mafic to intermediate magmas and development of native forms and alloys of this important precious metal in igneous rocks and associated ores are still poorly documented. We present new data on gold (Cu-Ag-Au, Ni-Cu-Zn-Ag-Au, Ti-Cu-Ag-Au, Ag-Au) alloys from iron oxide deposits in the Lesser Khingan Range (LKR) of the Russian Far East. Gold alloy particles are from 10 to 100 µm in size and irregular to spherical in shape. Gold spherules were formed through silicate-metal liquid immiscibility and then injected into fissures surrounding the ascending melt column, or emplaced through a volcanic eruption. Presence of globular (occasionally with meniscus-like textures) Cu-O micro-inclusions in Cu-Ag-Au spherules confirms their crystallization from a metal melt via extremely fast cooling. Irregularly shaped Cu-Ag-Au particles were formed through hydrothermal alteration of gold-bearing volcanic rocks and ores. Association of primarily liquid Cu-Ag-Au spherules with iron-oxide mineralization in the LKR indicates possible involvement of silicate-metallic immiscibility and explosive volcanism in the formation of the Andean-type iron oxide gold-copper (IOCG) and related copper-gold porphyry deposits in the deeper parts of sub-volcanic epithermal systems. Thus, formation of gold alloys in deep roots of arc volcanoes may serve as a precursor and an exploration guide for high-grade epithermal gold mineralization at shallow structural levels of hydrothermal-volcanic environments in subduction zones.

Low-Sulfidation Epithermal Carbonate-Basemetal-Gold Mineralization Hosted by Tertiary Sedimentary Rocks in Bastem Prospect, Luwu District, Sulawesi Island, Indonesia: A Preliminary Study

In Indonesia, gold is typically mined out from epithermal, porphyry and skarn deposit types occurred within volcanic belts along magmatic arc or active continental margin setting. Numerous gold prospects, however, are recently discovered in association with metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. This paper is aimed to discuss a preliminary study on the occurrences and characteristics of the sedimentary rock-hosted low-sulfidation (LS) epithermal gold mineralization in Bastem (Bessengan Tempe) prospect, Luwu district, Sulawesi Island, Indonesia. Detailed geological and hydrothermal alteration mapping was performed to understand the distribution and characteristics of ore mineralization. Representative ore samples taken were analysed for ore chemistry by means of Fire Assay – Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (FA-AAS) and Acid Geochemical Digest - Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (GA-AAS). The results from this work that the Bastem prospect is stratigrapically occupied by Tertiary sedimentary rocks of Toraja formation, which is adjacent to volcanic rocks of Lamasi formation. Gold-bearing quartz±carbonate veins are hosted by mudstone and siltstone of Toraja formation. The quartz-carbonate veins show a typical LS epithermal open space filling texture containing erratic gold grade of up to 7.16 g/t with relatively high besemetals (Pb and Zn) grades of up to &gt;0.4 and &gt;1%, respectively. Based on those various features, the LS epithermal deposit is categorized as “carbonate-basemetal-gold mineralization type”, which might be originated in back arc rift/basin setting. This ‘unconventional’ sedimentary rock hosted-gold mineralization type would be the new target of gold exploration in Indonesia.

Early Cretaceous bimodal magmatism related epithermal mineralization: A case study of the Gaosongshan gold deposit in the northern Lesser Xing’an Range, NE China

Low-sulfidation (LS) gold mineralization is partially associated with bimodal volcanism in origin. Sources of ore-mineralized fluids and relevant dynamic processes remain poorly understood. To better understand these issues, a study including deposit geology, petrology, zircon U–Pb dating, and element and Sr–Nd–Hf isotope geochemistry of bimodal volcanic rocks at Gaosongshan was conducted. The bimodal volcanic rocks are composed of andesitic rocks (basalt andesite–andesite–trachyandesite–andesitic pyroclastic) of the Meifeng Formation and overlying rhyolite lava of the Fuminhe Formation cut by equivalent porphyry stocks, which contain pyrite-bearing granular-textured quartz cavity with a sugary appearance, with trapped single-phase magmatic fluids. The andesitic suite formed at approximately 106–108 Ma, prior to eruption of the younger rhyolitic magmas (105.6 ± 1.7 Ma; n = 13, MSWD = 1.2). The andesites show calc-alkaline affinities, which is a subduction-related characteristic, and show moderate La/YbN (7.91–11.36) and weakly negative europium anomalies (0.80–1.02), indicating a source in the asthenospheric mantle with varying contamination by both subduction and continental materials. A-type rhyolitic rocks are geochemically comparable to the andesitic suite, and their higher La/YbN (13.01–30.05) and lower Eu/Eu* (0.66–0.73) indicate evolved products of andesitic magmas. The estimated oxygen fugacity of dry (＜1.2% water) rhyolite lava is FMQ −1.87, whereas rhyolite porphyry is more oxidized (FMQ + 0.12) and water rich (2.5–2.8%) with probably being water saturated at 2.0–2.4 km depths. Therefore, it is assumed that the essential constraints of bimodal magmatism on epithermal gold mineralization are sequential processes from ascending and gradual differentiation of crustal-level mantle-derived basaltic magmas to releases of hydrothermal solutions from the silica-rich magma reservoir at shallower levels. Most importantly, the oxygen fugacity of and the fluid fluxes from dry rhyolitic melts are critical restricting parameters for the limited reserves at Gaosongshan; thus, this research contributes objective evidence for investigations of deposit genesis and prospecting targets.