Polymetallic Sulfide Research Articles

Genesis of the Bailugou Vein-Type Zinc-Lead-Silver Deposit, Eastern Qinling Orogen, China: Constraints from Ore Geology and Fluid Inclusions

The Bailugou vein-type zinc-lead-silver deposit is located in the Eastern Qinling Orogen, China. There has been a long-standing debate about whether its formation is related to magmatism or metamorphism. To determine the origin of ore-forming materials and fluids, we conducted a geological and fluid inclusion investigation of the Bailugou. Field surveys show that the vein-type orebodies are controlled by faults in the dolomitic marbles of the Mesoproterozoic Guandaokou Group, and they are distal to the regional Yanshanian intrusions. Four ore stages, i.e., quartz–pyrite ± sphalerite (Stage 1), quartz–polymetallic sulfides (Stage 2), dolomite–polymetallic sulfides (Stage 3), and calcite (Stage 4), are identified through microscopic observation. The homogenization temperatures of measured fluid inclusions vary in the range of 100 °C to 400 °C, with the dominating concentration at 350 °C to 400 °C, displaying a descending trend from early to late stages. The estimated formation depth of the Bailugou deposit varies from 2 km to 12 km, which is deeper than the metallogenic limit of the epithermal hydrothermal deposit but conforms to the typical characteristics of a fault-controlled deposit. The ore-forming fluid in Stage 1 originates from a fluid mixture and experiences a phase separation (or fluid immiscibility) between the metamorphic-sourced fluid and the fluids associated with ore-bearing carbonate-shale-chert association (CSC) strata. This process results in the transition to metamorphic hydrothermal fluid due to water–rock interactions in Stage 2, culminating in gradual weakening and potential fluid boiling during the mineralization of Stage 3. Collectively, the Bailugou lead-zinc-silver mineralization resembles an orogenic-type deposit formed by metamorphic fluids in the Qinling Yanshanian intracontinental orogeny.

Polymetallic sulfide MSx (M = Ni, Fe, and Mo) microspheres for highly selective extraction of Ag+ over Cu2+ and reduction of Ag+ ions to Ag0 metals

Polymetallic sulfide MSx (M = Ni, Fe, and Mo) microspheres for highly selective extraction of Ag+ over Cu2+ and reduction of Ag+ ions to Ag0 metals

Timing of S-saturation in the formation of the Oubulage porphyry Cu-Au deposit, Inner Mongolia, Northern China

The Oubulage porphyry Cu-Au deposit, Inner Mongolia, North China, is located in the Langshan Tectonic Belt on the southern margin of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). The ore-forming quartz porphyry intrusion was formed during the Middle Permian (268.4 ± 1.6 Ma). Randomly and directionally distributed sulfide blebs are observed in some porphyry rocks. These blebs are spherical or ellipsoidal in shape. There are two groups of such blebs: polymetallic sulfide blebs and silicate-carbonate-sulfide blebs. Sulfide minerals in these blebs include pyrite, chalcopyrite, and pyrrhotite. Silicate-carbonate-sulfide blebs also contain calcite, epidote, plagioclase, chlorite, fluorite, and bastnaesite. Pyrite of sulfide blebs has δ56Fe ranging from −0.38 ‰ to 1.19 ‰. Calcite in sulfide blebs has C-O-Sr isotopic compositions (δ13CVPDB = −7.35 – −5.35 ‰, δ18OVSMOW = 8.35 – 9.92 ‰, 87Sr/86Sr = 0.7032 – 0.7064) indicative of a magmatic origin. We propose a new possible genetic model in which sulfide saturation occurred in a magma chamber, leading to the formation of sulfide droplets. Assimilation added sulphur (S) into the magma chamber and caused S-saturation. The sulfide melts are transported to the shallow crust attached by fluids.

The Sources of Ore-Forming Materials and Fluids for the Jinqingding Gold Deposit in the Mouping–Rushan Metallogenic Belt, Jiaodong Peninsula: Evidence from S-H-O Isotopes and Trace Elements in Pyrite

The Jinqingding gold deposit, characterized as an extra-large quartz-vein-type deposit, is located in the middle of the Mouping–Rushan metallogenic belt in the Jiaodong Peninsula, and there is still controversy over its sources of ore-forming materials and fluids. This paper divides the mineralization of Jinqinding gold deposits into four stages, based on a field geological investigation and indoor petrographic observations: (1) coarse-grained pyrite–quartz stage, (2) quartz–fine-grained pyrite stage, (3) quartz–polymetallic sulfide stage, and (4) quartz–carbonate stage. The quartz fluid inclusions showed δD values of −96.0 to −81.8‰ and δOV-SMOW values of 0.70 to 6.32‰, indicating that the ore-forming fluids were mainly magmatic water, with some metamorphic water and atmospheric precipitation. The in situ δ34S values in different subzones of the pyrites of the Jinqingding gold deposit range from 6.69 to 10.86‰. The δ34S value range of the Jinqingding gold deposit is basically consistent with the contemporaneous intermediate–basic dikes in the region, suggesting a shared material source. In situ LA-ICP-MS geochemical analyses of the pyrites show large variations of Co/Ni ratios (0.21 to 99.5), which suggest a hydrothermal origin for the gold deposit. We infer that the ore-forming fluid of the Jinqingding gold deposit originated from the magma from the upper mantle and the mantle–crust transition zone.

Gold Mineralization at the Syenite-Hosted Anwangshan Gold Deposit, Western Qinling Orogen, Central China

The Anwangshan gold deposit is located in the northwestern part of the Fengtai Basin, Western Qinling Orogen (WQO). The gold ore is hosted within quartz syenite and its contact zone. The U–Pb weighted mean age of the quartz syenite is 231 ± 1.8 Ma. It is characterized by high potassium (K2O = 10.13%, K2O/Na2O > 1) and high magnesium (Mg# = 55.31 to 72.78) content, enriched in large ion lithophile elements (Th, U, and Ba) and light rare earth elements (LREE), with a typical “TNT” (Ti, Nb, and Ta) deficiency. The geochemical features and Hf isotope compositions (εHf(t) = −6.68 to +2.25) suggest that the quartz syenite would form from partial melting of an enriched lithospheric mantle under an extensional setting. Three generations of gold mineralization have been identified, including the quartz–sericite–pyrite (Py1) stage I, the quartz–pyrite (Py2)–polymetallic sulfide–early calcite stage II, and the epidote–late calcite stage III. In situ sulfur isotope analysis of pyrite shows that Py1 (δ34S = −1.1 to +3.8‰) possesses mantle sulfur characteristics. However, Py2 has totally different δ34S (+5.1 to +6.7‰), which lies between the typical orogenic gold deposits in the WQO (δ34S = +8 to +12‰) and mantle sulfur. This suggests a mixed source of metamorphosed sediments and magmatic sulfur during stage II gold mineralization. The fluid inclusions in auriferous quartz have three different types, including the liquid-rich phase type, pure (gas or liquid)-phase type, and daughter-minerals-bearing phase type. Multiple-stage fluid inclusions indicate that the ore fluids are medium-temperature (concentrated at 220 to 270 °C), medium-salinity (7.85 to 13.80% NaCleq) CO2–H2O–NaCl systems. The salinity is quite different from typical orogenic gold deposits in WQO and worldwide, and this is more likely to be a mixture of magmatic and metamorphic fluids as well. In summary, the quartz syenite should have not only a spatio-temporal but also a genetical relationship with the Anwangshan gold deposit. It could provide most of the gold and ore fluids at the first stage, with metamorphic fluids and/or gold joining in during the later stages.

Source of Ore-Forming Fluids and Ore Genesis of the Batailing Au Deposit, Central Jilin Province, Northeast China: Constraints from Fluid Inclusions and H-O-C-S-Pb Isotopes

The Batailing Au deposit is a vein-type deposit in central Jilin Province, situated in the southern sector of the Lesser Xing’an–Zhangguangcai Range within the eastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt. NE-trending fault-controlled orebodies occur in the Upper Permian Yangjiagou Formation and quartz diorite–porphyrite. The mineralisation process was delineated into three stages: (I) quartz–arsenopyrite–pyrite, (II) quartz–polymetallic sulphides (main Au mineralisation stage), and (III) quartz–pyrite–carbonate. Fluid inclusions (FIs) in quartz were identified as four types: PC-type (pure CO2), C1-type (CO2-bearing), C2-type (CO2-rich), and W-type (aqueous two-phase). Raman spectroscopy analysis revealed that the vapor components of the FIs predominantly comprised CO2 with minor quantities of CH4 in stages I–II. Stages I and II encompassed four types of FIs with homogenisation temperature ranging from 264 to 332 °C and 213 to 292 °C and salinity spanning from 4.7 to 11.2 wt% and 1.8 to 11.6 wt%, respectively. Stage III exclusively contained W-type FIs with homogenisation temperature ranging from 152 to 215 °C and salinity spanning from 1.4 to 6.4 wt%. H-O isotopic values (δD = −84 to −79.6‰, δ18OH2O = 6.2 to 6.4‰ in stage I and δD = −96.4 to −90.4‰, δ18OH2O = 2.8 to 4.4‰ in stage II) and microthermometric data indicated that the ore-forming fluids are initially from a magmatic source, with later meteoric water input. Low C isotopic data from CO2 in FIs in quartz (−24.4 to −24.3‰ in stage I and −23.7 to −22.6‰ in stage II) indicated an organic carbon source. Ore precipitation is mainly attributable to fluid immiscibility. S-Pb isotopic data (δ34S = −3.5 to −1.6‰; 206Pb/204Pb = 18.325–18.362, 207Pb/204Pb = 15.523–5.562, 208Pb/204Pb = 38.064–38.221) revealed that ore metals primarily originated from magma. Based on this research, the origin of the Batailing Au deposit is of the mesothermal magmatic–hydrothermal lode type.

The Past Is Never Dead: Soil Pollution from Mining in the Copiapó River Basin (Northern Chile)

This short paper analyses the concentrations of two major components (Fe, S) and eight trace elements (As, Au, Co, Cu, Hg, Ni, Mn, Zn) in soils and tailings from Tierra Amarilla (northern Chile) using ICP-Ms analysis. The levels of As, Au, Cu, Fe and S are very high and come from polymetallic sulphides from nearby mines, together with minor contributions of Co, Ni and Mn. Hg has its origin in the extreme seasonal flows of the Copiapó River, which erodes the dumps of old precious metal mines. These high concentrations require further analysis of possible metal immobilisation techniques, bioavailability or analysis in cultivated plants.

Element behavior during autoclave oxidation of polymetallic sulfide flotation concentrate containing tungsten and molybdenum

In this paper, we investigate the behavior of associated elements (tungsten, molybdenum, and bismuth) contained in a sulfide gold-bearing concentrate during its autoclave oxidation. The process is studied using a sulfide flotation concentrate, crushed to a particle sieve mesh size of minus 0.045 mm and containing 22.1 g/t of gold, 133.2 g/t of silver, 2.7% of tungsten, 13% of molybdenum, and 0.7% of bismuth. The process was carried out in a 2 dm3 autoclave at a temperature of 220ºC and an oxygen partial pressure of 0.7 MPa. The concentrations of sulfuric acid and iron ions in the solution were determined by titrimetric analysis. Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy was used to determine the concentrations of bismuth, tungsten, molybdenum, copper, silver, and arsenic in the solution, as well as the content of bismuth, tungsten, molybdenum, copper, arsenic, lead, and iron and sulfur forms in the cake. The cake was also examined using diffraction analysis. Experiments on cyanidation of oxidized cake were carried out in the pH range of 10.0–10.5 and a NaCN concentration of 1 g/dm3 with a PuroliteS992 ion exchange resin for 24 h. Autoclave oxidation experiments showed the sulfide oxidation degree to be higher than 99%. Extraction of molybdenum into solution in the form of [MoO2(SO4)n]-(2n-2) and MoO 2+ amounted to 95%. The decrease in the solid mass led to an increase in the concentration of bismuth and tungsten in the cake, with their contents reaching 1.66% and 12.7%, respectively. The main phases in the cake were established to be scheelite, anhydrite, plumboyarosite, and bedantite. The extraction of precious metals at the subsequent cyanidation stage amounted to 97.5% of gold and 91.6% of silver. Therefore, autoclave cyanide processing of sulfide gold-containing concentrates leads to a molybdenum extraction in the autoclave oxidation solution at the level of 95%. During cyanidation, more than 90% of gold and silver are extracted. Due to the significant amount of tungsten (17%), bismuth (0.9%), lead (5.3%), and molybdenum (3.3%), the obtained cake cannot be considered a waste product.

Fluid evolution and genesis of the Shipenggou gold deposit in Central Jilin Province, China: Constraints from C–H–O and in–situ sulphur isotopes of pyrite and fluid inclusions

The origin and evolution of the Shipenggou gold deposit in the Shipenggou–Jiapigou–Jinchengdong (SJJ) gold belt in Jilin Province, Northeast China, remain poorly understood. In this study, fluid inclusion and C–H–O–S isotopes from the Shipenggou deposit were investigated to clarify the fluid evolution and mineralisation process. The gold mineralisation is hosted in the biotite plagiogneiss of the Archaean Sandaogou Formation and is dominated by gold–bearing quartz veins. The orebodies are controlled by NNE– and NEE–striking brittle–ductile structures. Four stages of mineralisation have been identified: (I) milky quartz–minor pyrite, (II) quartz–pyrite–minor gold, (III) gold–quartz–polymetallic sulphide, and (IV) quartz–carbonate. Fluid inclusions were identified as four types: aqueous (VL–type), CO2–bearing (CL–type), CO2–rich (LC–type), and carbonic (PC–type). VL–, CL–, LC–, and PC–type FIs were developed within quartz from Stages I–II. Stage III quartz contains both CL– and VL–type FIs. Only VL–type FIs were observed in calcite from Stage IV. The total homogenisation temperatures (Tht) of FIs in Stages I, II, III, and IV are of 281.5–324.8, 215.5–269.1, 151.2–198.3, and 125.4–149.5 °C with salinities of 2.8–13.2, 2.8–9.6, 3.2–8.4, and 3.0–5.9 wt% NaCl eqv. Laser Raman spectroscopy analysis indicated the CL– and PC–type FIs from Stages I and II contain CO2 and minor quantities of CH4. The ore–forming fluids have developed from a medium temperature, low–medium salinity immiscible NaCl–H2O–CO2 ± CH4 system to a low temperature, low salinity homogeneous NaCl–H2O system. The HO isotopic compositions indicate that the initial ore–forming fluids were mantle–derived magmatic water. Subsequently, the ore–forming fluids were gradually joined by meteoric water. δ13C values indicate C in the fluids have originated from organic matter. Organic matter may have originated from the mantle, which mixed crust materials influenced by the subduction of the Palaeo–Pacific slab. In–situ, S isotope data of pyrite indicate that the origin of sulphur at the Shipenggou deposit is the mantle containing a crust component. Based on the above analysis results, the Shipenggou gold deposit is a mesothermal magma-hydrothermal vein–type gold deposit.

Genesis of the Kateba’asu gold deposit, Western Tianshan, China: Constraints from pyrite trace element, sulfur isotope, and quartz H-O isotopes

The Kateba’asu gold deposit, situated in the Western Tianshan of China, is one of the most significant discoveries in the world-class Tianshan gold belt. The deposit features two distinct mineralization styles. The early, subordinate skarn-type copper–gold mineralization occurs in the contact zone between monzogranite, diorite, and Silurian limestone, composed of garnet, diopside, epidote, chalcopyrite, pyrite, and gold. The later, primary lode-gold mineralization is hosted in the altered monzogranite characterized by pervasive quartz-pyrite-sericite-chlorite-K-feldspar alteration and a well-develped veining systems.Pyrite is the dominant sulfide mineral related to gold mineralization in the Kateba’asu gold deposit, with four types identified: Py0 from the early skarn copper–gold mineralization, and Py1 to Py3 from the later lode-gold mineralization. All types of pyrite are homogeneous and contain very low levels of lattice-bound gold. Py0 is euhedral and fine-grained, with relatively high Cu, Au, Co, and Ni contents, and displays a magmatic sulfur isotopic signature with δ34S ranging from 0.8 to 4.3 ‰. Py1 occurs as euhedral to subhedral, coarse-grained crystals within pyrite-quartz veins with higher concentrations of Co and Ni. Py2, which develops in the quartz-pyrite veins, is medium to coarse-grained and contains elevated levels of As, Cu, Zn, and Bi relative to Py1. Py3, found in polymetallic sulfide veins of the main lode-gold stage, is anhedral and medium to fine-grained with higher contents of As, Ag, Cu, Zn, Se, Te and lowest Co and Ni concentrations compared to Py1 and Py2. The positive correlations between Au-Te, Au-Bi, Au-Cu, and Pb-Bi across all pyrite types, along with the presence of visible gold in Py3, indicate that most gold occurs as micro-/nano-sized inclusions and as fissure gold. The δ34S values of Py1, Py2, and Py3 (7.6 to 11.8 ‰, 10.1 to 12.6 ‰, and 9.8 to 12.4 ‰, respectively) were attributed to an initial magmatic source and mixed with external sulfur subsequently from the wall rocks. The H and O isotopic compositions (δDH2O = −84.1 to −93.5 ‰; δ18OH2O = 1.8 to 6.6 ‰) of quartz from the lode-gold mineralization imply that ore-forming fluids were predominantly of magmatic origin, with a additional contribution from meteoric water. Taken together, a two-episode mineralization model was proposed for the formation of the Kateba’asu gold deposit. The early skarn mineralization stage is associated with the emplacement of diorite during the Early Carboniferous. In contrast, the subsequent lode-gold mineralization, occurring between the Late Carboniferous and Permian periods, represents a overprinted magmatic-hydrothermal gold system potentially linked to a deep-seated magmatic intrusion.

Genesis of the Longfengchang polymetallic sulfide deposit in the southwest Fujian depression, southeast China, with a comparative study of the “Makeng-Type” iron deposit

The Southwest Fujian Depression Belt is a prominent metallogenic zone for skarn-type iron polymetallic deposits in China, with the Longfengchang (LFC) sulfur polymetallic deposit representing a medium-scale, sulfide-dominated deposit in this region. This study conducted a detailed analysis of the LFC deposit, focusing on its mineralogy, mineral composition, and in-situ sulfur isotopes, alongside a comparative study with the “Makeng-type” deposit. The study aims to elucidate the genesis of the LFC deposit, its relationship with the “Makeng-type” deposit, and the factors underlying differences in dominant economic minerals and resource scale. The LFC deposit is hosted within the skarn above the fault contact zone between the Lindi Formation sandstone and the Chuanshan–Qixia Formation carbonate, with mineralization stages classified as skarn-magnetite, quartz-sulfide, and carbonate. LFC garnets are primarily composed of CaO, TFeO, and SiO2, with minor Al2O3 and trace amounts of MgO and MnO, classifying them as distal exoskarn andradite. The presence of Mn3+ substituting for Fe3+ in garnet suggests that the ore-forming fluid during the garnet skarn stage was likely oxidizing and weakly acidic. LFC pyrites exhibit Co/Ni ratios primarily ranging from 1 to 10, decreasing from Py1 to Py3. In-situ sulfur isotope δ34S values range from −1.48 to 3.51 ‰, centering around 0 ‰, and increase from Py1 to Py3, suggesting a magmatic-hydrothermal origin and a cooling metallogenic process. Thus, the LFC deposit is classified as a magmatic-hydrothermal skarn-type deposit, consistent with the genesis of “Makeng-type” deposits. The absence of the Jinshe Formation, and mantle-derived magma contribution, and less developed “Si-Ca” interface may explain the smaller scale and different mineralization type in the LFC deposit compared to the “Makeng-type” deposit. The key prospecting area for large iron-sulfur polymetallic deposits in the Southwest Fujian Depression Belt should feature a nappe structural window, well-preserved Jinshe Formation, developed “Si-Ca” interface, Yanshanian high-K calc-alkaline to shoshonitic intrusions, and coeval mantle-derived magma.

Genesis and fluid evolution of the Hatu orogenic gold deposit in the West Junggar, Western China

The West Junggar in Xinjiang, western China, represents a significant gold mineralization belt hosting over 200 gold deposits, with the Hatu gold deposit being the largest among them. In this study, ore geology and fluid inclusion assemblages of quartz samples from the Hatu gold deposit were investigated in an effort to clarify the mineralization process and its relationship with the geodynamic settings. The mineralization process is delineated into early (pyrite-albite-quartz veins), middle-a (quartz-ankerite veins), middle-b (quartz-ankerite-sulfide-native gold veins), and late (quartz-calcite veins) stages. The early stage veins suggest a compressional setting while the middle-a and middle-b stage veins suggest a tensional shear setting. The late stage veins are typically filled fissures cutting through earlier veins. Scanning electron microscope-cathodoluminescence (SEM-CL) reveals that early stage quartz (Q1) exhibits concentric CL-oscillatory growth zoning, while middle-a stage quartz (Q2a) displays unidirectional zoning and ranges from CL-bright to CL-dark, middle-b stage quartz (Q2b) is CL-bright and weakly zoned, and late-stage euhedral quartz (Q3) shows sector zoning transitioning from CL-gray to CL-dark. Quartz that formed in these stages developed three types of fluid inclusions: pure CO2 (PC-type), CO2–H2O (C-type), and H2O–NaCl (W-type). The early stage quartz contains C- and W-type fluid inclusions homogenizing at 309–345 °C, while the late stage quartz contains only W-type fluid inclusions with homogenization temperatures of 164–229 °C. Microthermometry of fluid inclusion indicated the evolutionary of the metallogenic fluid from a high-temperature, CO2-rich, and minor CH4 metamorphic fluid to a low-temperature, CO2-poor meteoric fluid. From the early to middle-a stages, fluid boiling caused the unloading of ore-forming elements whereas fluid mixing led to the precipitation of polymetallic sulfides and gold in the middle-b stage. Trapping pressures in the middle-b stage were estimated using C-type inclusions, illustrating that gold mineralization took placed at depth of 8.0 km. We propose classifying the Hatu gold deposit as an orogenic deposit, originating from the collisional orogenesis between the Yili-Kazakhstan and Siberian continents in the Late Carboniferous.

Hydraulic Transport of Large Solid Particles in Inclined Pipes Under Pulsating Flow Conditions

Abstract The pressure loss due to the hydraulic transport of large solid particles should be predicted for the design of subsea mining systems. The mixture flow in a flexible jumper is expected to be unsteady during lifting operations in an actual mining system. The authors develop a one-dimensional mathematical model that predicts such pressure loss under pulsating mixture flows in a static inclined pipe assuming that the flow in the jumper is fully developed. An experiment is performed on the hydraulic transport of solid particles to obtain data for model validation. In this experiment, several kinds of solid particles are used: alumina beads, glass beads, and gravel. The experimental parameters are mixture velocity, solid concentration, pulsation period and amplitude of water velocity, and pipe inclination angle. The proposed model is validated through a comparison with experimental data. The validation confirms that the model is applicable for the prediction of the pressure loss in inclined pipes under pulsating flow conditions. Furthermore, we calculate the pressure loss due to the hydraulic transport of polymetallic sulfide ores using the proposed model. The calculation results show that the time-averaged pressure loss drastically varies with the pipe inclination angle, reaching its maximum value between the pipe inclination angles of 30 deg and 60 deg, at which the flow is inclined upward. The results also show that the amplitude of pressure loss pulsation differs little between pipe inclination angles and that the pulsation component of pressure loss should be considered in designing lifting systems.

Genetic link between the Kangjiawan gold deposit and late Jurassic granitic magmatism, South China: Constraints from in situ calcite U-Pb dating, sulfur isotope and trace elements of pyrite

(Meta)sedimentary rock-hosted gold (Au) deposits are globally important Au resources, of which ore genesis and mineral exploration have been attracted considerable attention. However, the precise dating of Au mineralization of those Au deposits remains challenging due to the absence of suitable dating minerals, thus impeding a comprehensive understanding of their genesis. The Kangjiawan Au deposit, situated in the southern Hunan Province, South China, is one of representative (meta)sedimentary rock-hosted Au deposits. Due to the lack of mineralization age, the genesis of Kangjiawan Au deposit is still a matter of debate. Here we report the data of in situ calcite U-Pb dating, in situ trace elements and sulfur isotope analysis of pyrite, to further constrain the mineralization timing and the sources of ore-forming materials of the Kangjiawan Au deposit. Based on the detailed field investigation and petrographic observations, three mineralization stages have been identified: pyrite (Py1) + quartz (Stage I), gold-bearing pyrite (Py2) + polymetallic sulfides + quartz + calcite (Stage II), and gold-bearing pyrite (Py3) + calcite (Stage III). The results of mineralogical and trace elemental analyses indicate that Au are mainly hosted in Py2 (average 14.19 ppm) and Py3 (average 4.80 ppm), primarily as the form of “invisible gold”. In situ LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating on calcite intergrowth with the gold-bearing pyrite (Py3) yields a Tera-Wasserburg lower intercept age of 151.7 ± 5.4 Ma. This age is well consistent with the published zircon U-Pb age (158.3 ± 1.2 Ma) of the nearby Shuikoushan granodiorite, the molybdenite Re-Os age (157.8 ± 1.4 Ma) of the Laoyachao skarn Pb-Zn deposit in the Shuikoushan ore field, and the garnet U-Pb age (159.1 ± 1.9 Ma) of the skarn Pb-Zn ore in depth of the Kangjiawan Au deposit. These suggested that the Au mineralization of the Kangjiawan deposit is coeval with the emplacement of the Shuikoushan granodiorite and Laoyachao Pb-Zn mineralization, which are important parts of the large-scale Middle-Late Jurassic Cu-Au-Pb-Zn Metallogenic event of the Qin-Hang Metallogenic Belt, South China. In addition, trace elemental contents, such as relative low Co, Ni, and Se (i.e., <0.01 to 100 ppm), and a narrow δ34S range of −2.94 ‰ ∼ +3.03 ‰ of pyrite, indicate that ore-forming materials were mainly derived from granitic magmas. Integrated with previous studies, it is suggested that the Au mineralization in the Kangjiawan deposit is genetically associated with the late Jurassic granitic magmatism and is probably as the distal products of the deep-seated concealed granitic intrusions and related proximal skarn Pb-Zn ore.

Assessment of atmospheric pollution by potentially toxic elements in the urban areas of the Riotinto mining district

Ore mineralizations in bedrock and their exploitation may have a negative impact on air quality of surrounding urban areas and, subsequently, on human health. This study uses lichens as bioindicators of atmospheric pollution to evaluate the spatial distribution of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the towns close to the massive sulfide deposits of the Iberian Pyrite Belt (IPB) in SW Spain. Altogether 89 native lichen samples of Xanthoria parietina were collected from the mining towns, control towns out of the reach of the mining activity, as well as from distal sampling sites. The samples were analyzed for 29 elements after acid digestion. The concentrations for Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Rb, Mo, Cd, Sn, Sb, Cs, Ba, W, Tl, Pb, S, and Fe are significantly higher in the mining towns in comparison to the control towns. The ore mineral-associated PTEs, including Cu, Zn, As, Ba, and Pb, exhibit extreme concentrations in the urban areas close to the mining activity, and particularly in the small settlement of La Dehesa next to the mineral processing plant and the tailings pond. The distal samples confirm the decrease in the concentrations of all PTEs, and these samples present similar values as in the control areas. The results, point at increased bioaccumulation of PTEs in the lichen thalli of the adjacent urban areas, suggesting that the air quality of the adjacent urban areas is locally impacted by the massive polymetallic sulfide deposits which is enhanced by the mining activity. Therefore, monitoring the urban air quality is recommended.

Interfacially Ordered NiCoMoS Nanosheets Arrays on Hierarchical Ti3C2Tx MXene for High-Energy-Density Fiber-Shaped Supercapacitors with Accelerated Pseudocapacitive Kinetics.

Balancing electrochemical activity and structural reversibility of fibrous electrodes with accelerated Faradaic charge transfer kinetics and pseudocapacitive storage are highly crucial for fiber-shaped supercapacitors (FSCs). Herein, we report novel core-shell hierarchical fibers for high-performance FSCs, in which the ordered NiCoMoS nanosheets arrays are chemically anchored on Ti3C2Tx fibers. Beneficial from architecting stable polymetallic sulfide arrays and conductive networks, the NiCoMoS-Ti3C2Tx fiber maintains fast charge transfer, low diffusion and OH- adsorption barrier, and stabilized multi-electronic reaction kinetics of polymetallic sulfide. Consequently, the NiCoMoS-Ti3C2Tx fiber exhibits a large volumetric capacitance (2472.3 F cm-3) and reversible cycling performance (20,000 cycles). In addition, the solid-state symmetric FSCs deliver a high energy density of 50.6 mWh cm-3 and bending stability, which can significantly power electronic devices and offer sensitive detection for dopamine.

Insights into flotation separation mechanism of chalcopyrite from galena using mercaptosuccinic acid as a novel depressant: Experimental and MDS studies

The separation of polymetallic sulfide ores by flotation is a difficult task in the mineral processing industry. In this investigation, a small-molecule organic compound, mercaptosuccinic acid (MSA), was used as a new depressant for inhibiting galena in chalcopyrite flotation. Micro-flotation and surface wettability tests indicated that MSA pronouncedly weakened the floatability of galena but not chalcopyrite, resulting in marked differences in their flotation recovery. Findings of Fourier transform infra-red (FT-IR) spectroscopy measurements and reagent adsorption trials showed that MSA was strongly adsorbed on galena, resulting in the inability of the collector to effectively interact with galena. Atomic force microscope (AFM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses further corroborated that MSA showed a greater affinity for galena than chalcopyrite, this behavior markedly altered the superficial chemical environment of galena. Molecular dynamic simulations (MDS) showed that MSA increased the concentrations of H2O molecules on galena, which enhanced the surface hydrophilicity of galena.

Deep-sea mining rock-fragment dispersal scenarios associated with submesoscale forcings: A case study in the Atlantic

In the last few years, the exploitation of deep-sea regions for minerals extraction raised international attention as an economically viable source for the mining industry. However, most of these minerals are found close to sensitive ecosystems that can be harmed by mining activities. Given the potential impact, there is a need for the establishment of best practices towards the adoption of preventive strategies for the sustainable management and exploitation of deep-sea environments. To accomplish this objective, numerical models have proven to be reliable tools to support decision-making. In the present study, a high-resolution eddy-resolving ocean numerical model was configured and integrated with a semi-Lagrangian model aiming to map the transport of rock-fragments associated with mining activities. The model was applied to an area rich in polymetallic sulphides at the Northern Mid-Atlantic Ridge (NMAR). Model results showed that local topography and circulation dynamics played an important role for the dispersion and settling of the rock-fragments. In the presence of local submesoscale processes, the residence time do not follow the neutral relation H/vs. It was demonstrated that, depending on the local hydrodynamics, rock-fragments released at sub-surface depth can impact wider areas, with a predicted impact on pelagic and benthic organisms.

Interfacially Ordered NiCoMoS Nanosheets Arrays on Hierarchical Ti3C2Tx MXene for High‐energy‐density Fiber‐Shaped Supercapacitors with Accelerated Pseudocapacitive Kinetics

Balancing electrochemical activity and structural reversibility of fibrous electrodes with accelerated Faradaic charge transfer kinetics and pseudocapacitive storage are highly crucial for fiber‐shaped supercapacitors (FSCs). Herein, we report novel core‐shell hierarchical fibers for high‐performance FSCs, in which the ordered NiCoMoS nanosheets arrays are chemically anchored on Ti3C2Tx fiber. Beneficial from architecting stable polymetallic sulfide arrays and conductive networks, the NiCoMoS‐Ti3C2Tx fiber maintains fast charge transfer, low diffusion and OH‐ adsorption barrier, and stabilized multi‐electronic reaction kinetics of polymetallic sulfide. Consequently, the NiCoMoS‐Ti3C2Tx fiber exhibits a large volumetric capacitance (2472.3 F cm‐3) and reversible cycling performance (20,000 cycles). In addition, the solid‐state symmetric FSCs deliver a high energy density of 50.6 mWh cm‐3 and bending stability, which can significantly power electronic devices and offer sensitive detection for dopamine.

Tellurium Transport and Enrichment in Volcanogenic Massive Sulfide Deposits: Numerical Simulations of Vent Fluids and Comparison to Modern Sea-Floor Sulfides

Abstract Volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits may represent a significant future source of Te, which is a critical element important for the green energy transition. Tellurium is enriched in these settings by up to 10,000 times over its crustal abundance, indicating that fluids in sea-floor hydrothermal systems may transport and precipitate Te. The major element composition of these hydrothermal fluids is controlled by fluid-rock interaction and is well documented based on experimental, modeling, and natural studies; however, controls on Te mobility are still unknown. To better understand Te enrichment in this deposit type, numerical simulations of the mafic-hosted Vienna Woods and the felsic-hosted Fenway sea-floor vents in the Manus basin were performed to predict Te mobility in modern sea-floor hydrothermal vent fluids and Te deposition during sulfide formation. These simulations demonstrate that the mobility of Te in sea-floor hydrothermal systems is primarily controlled by fluid redox and temperature. Tellurium mobility is low in reduced hydrothermal fluids, whereas mobility of this metal is high at oxidized conditions at temperatures above 250°C. Numerical simulations of the reduced vent fluids of the mafic-hosted Vienna Woods site at the back-arc spreading center in the Manus basin yielded Te concentrations as low as 0.2 ppt. In contrast, the more oxidized model fluids of the felsic-hosted Fenway site located on Pual Ridge in the eastern Manus basin contain 50 ppt Te. The models suggest that Te enrichment in these systems reflects rock-buffer control on oxygen fugacity, rather than an enriched source of Te. In fact, the mafic volcanic rocks probably contain more Te than felsic volcanic rocks. The association of elevated Te contents in the felsic-hosted Fenway system likely reflects magmatic volatile input resulting in lower pH and higher Eh of the fluids. More generally, analysis of sulfide samples collected from modern sea-floor vent sites confirms that redox buffering by the host rocks is a first-order control on Te mobility in hydrothermal fluids. The Te content of sulfides from sea-floor hydrothermal vents hosted by basalt-dominated host rocks is generally lower than those of sulfides from vents located in felsic volcanic successions. Literature review suggests that this relationship also holds true for volcanogenic massive sulfides hosted in ancient volcanic successions. Results from reactive transport simulations further suggest that Te deposition during sulfide formation is primarily temperature controlled. Modeling shows that tellurium minerals are coprecipitated with other sulfides at high temperatures (275°–350°C), whereas Te deposition is distinctly lower at intermediate (150°–275°C) and low temperatures (100°–150°C). These predictions agree with geochemical analyses of sea-floor sulfides as Te broadly correlates positively with Cu and Au enrichment in felsic-hosted systems. The findings of this study provide an important baseline for future studies on the behavior of Te in hydrothermal systems and the processes controlling enrichment of this critical mineral in polymetallic sulfide ores.