Sediment-hosted Zn-Pb Deposits Research Articles

New insights into the origin and depositional setting of the Haerdaban Pb[sbnd]Zn deposit, Chinese western Tianshan: Evidence from geology, chert geochemistry, and detrital zircon U[sbnd]Pb geochronology

The Haerdaban PbZn deposit (with an ore reserve of 10.93 Mt. at 1.0–25.65 % Zn and 0.7–12.29 % Pb) is hosted in weakly metamorphosed clastic‑carbonate rocks from the Proterozoic Haerdaban Group. It represents a significant addition of the sediment-hosted PbZn deposits in the Yili block, Chinese western Tianshan. Currently, there are ongoing debates regarding its genesis, with a particular focus on the crucial metallogenic mechanism (syngenetic sedimentary exhalation or epigenetic reworking) responsible for the primary sulfide mineralization. Mineralization at Haerdaban primarily occurs as banded to stratiform ore layers or lenses conformably sandwiched in their host rocks. Vein and stockwork ores occur locally below the stratiform ore layers. A syn-sedimentary fault trending SN was identified based on abrupt lateral changes in lithofacies and thickness of the stratigraphic units. The ore mineralogy is dominated by sphalerite, galena, quartz, and dolomite, with a small amount of pyrite, barite, and organic matter. Detrital zircon LA-ICP-MS UPb dating of the Haerdaban siltstones obtained a maximum depositional age of about 604 Ma. Their geochemical composition similar to the passive continental margin signatures, with rare earth element (REE) patterns enriched in LREE and negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.50–1.14). Stratiform beds of chert that host disseminated ores have relatively high contents of hydrothermal components (e.g., Ba, Zn), with apparent positive Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 7.38–49.34) and negligible negative Ce anomalies (Ce/Ce* = 0.85–0.98). They are thus interpreted to be hydrothermal sedimentary rocks (exhalites) deposited in a suboxic-anoxic environment proximal to the hydrothermal vents. Integrated geological and geochemical evidence indicates that the Haerdaban PbZn deposit is a typical vent-proximal sedimentary exhalative (SEDEX) deposit formed in a Neoproterozoic Sinian (Ediacaran) passive continental margin rift basin. Post-depositional metamorphism and deformation in the Paleozoic may have caused partial remobilization of primary ores but did not significantly alter the morphology of the orebodies. Furthermore, establishing a genetic model for the Haerdaban deposit has important implications for the exploration of similar deposits preserved in the equivalent stratigraphy within the Chinese western Tianshan region.

Not so fast: Million-years of metal precipitation in Mississippi Valley type deposits inferred from in-situ petrochronology of hydrothermal carbonates

Mississippi Valley-type (MVT) deposits contain about 20% of global zinc resources and host critical raw materials crucial to the development of green technologies. Despite their economic and strategic importance, there is a lack of consensus on the duration of mineralizing fluid flow events in MVT systems. This study couples in-situ U-Pb dating with Sr-isotope and trace element analysis of syn- and post-ore gangue carbonates to establish: (1) timing and duration, (2) redox evolution, and (3) flow rates of mineralizing fluids in the world-class San Vicente Zn-(Pb) deposit (Peru). New radiometric ages bracket the crystallization of syn-mineralization dolomite, characterized by high Fe and Mn contents and Sr isotopic values overlapping with that of host carbonates, between 103.2 ± 4.1 Ma and 70.6 ± 5.6 Ma. This age interval reveals a direct genetic relationship between flow of mineralizing fluids and late Cretaceous Andean compressional tectonics. Basinal fluid expulsion coeval with known tectonic events continues in the district until Pliocene times, driving episodic crystallization of post-ore hydrothermal carbonates between 61.6 ± 9.3 and 2.7 ± 0.2 Ma. The low Mn and Fe content and high 87Sr/86Sr values characteristic of these post-ore, bedding-parallel and cross-cutting carbonate veins indicate a colder, oxidized environment. Our findings highlight the contribution of paired carbonate geochemistry and U-Pb geochronology in drawing links between tectonic events, fluid expulsion and the waxing and waning of mineralization potential in foreland basins. The results of this study challenge our understanding of timescales in MVT systems and imply that anomalous metal enrichment in basinal fluids over a short temporal interval is not a necessary precondition to form economic-sized, sediment-hosted Zn-Pb deposits. Rather, it is the coexistence of a focused fluid flow in an interconnected aquifer with suitable metal depositional mechanisms over a prolonged period of time (106–107 yr) that allows precipitation of economic amount of base metals at a specific site in the upper crust.

Exploring Greenockite: Occurrences and Geological Setting

Greenockite, mineral containing cadmium, is of significant scientific interest owing to its remarkable properties and potential applications in the field of science. It commonly forms in hydrothermal ore deposits as a secondary mineral due to complex cadmium-sulfur interactions influenced by temperature. Typically, it replaces zinc minerals like sphalerite, depending on the abundance of cadmium and zinc in hydrothermal fluids. Solid solubility in the ZnS CdS system occurs at high temperatures, with immiscibility observed under specific conditions. Greenockite forms at relatively low temperatures (100°C to 200°C) and is influenced by factors such as oxygen fugacity, hydrogen sulfide activity, and chloride ion content. Its hexagonal zinc blende structure results in diverse crystal forms, including rods, wires, and whiskers, often adorned with bismuth drops. Experimental studies have identified factors affecting its formation, such as solid solubility, precipitation mechanisms, pH levels, and fluid composition. Its vibrant coloration, attributed to cadmium concentration, varies from pale yellow to deep orange-red. Geologically, it is present in diverse settings, including metamorphosed zinc oxide mineralization, granites, fumaroles, pegmatites, and sediment-hosted Pb-Zn deposits, with a unique occurrence in gabbroic rock at the Babbitt deposit. In India, Greenockite has been identified in the Bagada orogenic gold prospect, situated within the Paleoproterozoic Mahakoshal belt, Central Indian Tectonic Zone (CITZ). Additionally, it is found in hydrothermal deposits of Pb-Zn mines of Zawar. It is exclusively encountered within specific geological settings, primarily as a secondary product. This paper provides a comprehensive exploration of its geological occurrences, distribution, associations, and exceptions.

In situ trace elements and sulfur isotope analyses of layered sphalerite as a record of ore-forming processes in the world-class Jinding sediment-hosted Zn-Pb Ore Deposit, China

The Jinding deposit is well-known to contain high concentrations of metals Zn, Pb, Cd, Tl, Ag, etc. in the world. The associated critical metals and their substitution mechanisms were wildly concerned. This study investigated and compared sphalerites using a combination of textural, trace element, and sulfur isotopic analyses to give insights into element substitution mechanisms and possible sources of ore-forming fluids and to constrain processes involved in ore genesis of the world-class Jinding sediment-hosted Zn-Pb deposit. LA-ICP-MS analyses reveal chemical zoning in the sphalerites together with the coupling of two main groups of trace elements substitution mechanisms: one is Fe + Ge + Mn + Pb + As + Tl and vacancies to substitute Zn, and the other is Cd + Cu + Ag + Sb to substitute Zn. The incorporation of trace elements is facilitated by the replacement of Zn by Cd and Fe. These two group elements have distinct color oscillatory zonation and are intertwined in the trace element LA-ICP-MS element maps. The sulfur isotopic values show high isotope fractionation in the sphalerite from −28.4 to −0.5 ‰, suggesting a bacteriogenic sulfur origin at Jinding. Sphalerite sample has observed that sulfur isotope is correlated with Fe concentration and anti-correlated with Cd concentration. These variations in isotope fractionation and trace element disequilibrium partitioning were interpreted as the effects of temperature and pH with less influence from sulfur activity. These variability zones of sphalerite alternately enriched in Cd- and Fe-related elements suggested that ore fluids may flow from metal-fertile sedimentary/basement sequences during their ascent, and colloform sphalerite was likely formed by a high degree of supercooling, over-saturation, and rapid mixing between bacteriogenic sulfur and metal-rich in spaces of collapse dome. Based on our observations, we suggested that these variability zones of layered sphalerite alternately enriched in Cd and Fe would likely provide useful insight for a potential economic Zn-Pb and associated critical metals mineral exploration deposit.

Discovery of the large-scale Eocene Xiwu Pb–Zn–Ag deposit in the Tethyan Himalaya: Geochronology, geochemistry, and C–H–O–S–Pb–Sr–Nd isotopes

The known Pb–Zn–Sb–Au polymetallic deposits in the Himalaya mainly formed during the main-collisional convergence (65–41 Ma) and post-collisional crustal extension (25–0 Ma) tectonic settings. Here, we report the discovery and genesis of the large-scale Eocene Xiwu Pb–Zn–Ag deposit that formed during the late-collisional tectonic transition stage (40–26 Ma) in the eastern Himalaya. The surrounding ore-hosting rocks are mainly low-grade metamorphosed Jurassic clastic rocks and Early Cretaceous diabase. The most important ore-controlling structures are NE–SW thrust faults. The ore minerals include large amounts of galena, sphalerite, tetrahedrite and siderite, with minor chalcopyrite, pyrite, arsenopyrite, calcite and quartz. In this contribution, we analyzed the S–Pb isotopes of sulfides, fluid inclusions and the C–H–O–Pb–Sr–Nd isotopes of nonmetallic minerals. The results indicate that the ore-forming materials originated from deeper metamorphic rocks of the Greater Himalayan Crystalline Complex. This study infer that the source of ore-forming fluids was mainly metamorphic fluids with moderate temperatures and salinities, and S and C were mainly derived from microbial sulfate reduction and the decarboxylation of organic matter, respectively. The main ore-forming mechanism is fluid mixing between the deep ore-bearing metamorphic fluids and shallow formation waters. The Sm–Nd isotopic age of siderite is 37.4 ± 1.1 Ma, which is slightly younger than the zircon U–Pb age of the Zhunba leucogranite (38.9 ± 0.4 Ma) but is consistent with the main epoch of early prograde metamorphism (43–36 Ma) in the Himalaya. We propose a new metallogenic model for Himalayan Pb–Zn–Ag deposits that can greatly promote ore prospecting. The genetic type of the Xiwu deposit is a clastic-dominated subtype of sediment-hosted Pb–Zn deposits.

Germanium speciation in experimental and natural sphalerite: Implications for critical metal enrichment in hydrothermal Zn-Pb ores

The critical metal germanium (Ge) is recovered as a by-product of mining other commodities, such as zinc and thermal coal. We investigated the Ge incorporation mechanism in sphalerite synthesized under hydrothermal conditions like those of sediment-hosted Zn-Pb deposits. Sphalerite ± galena ± barite formed via reactions of Ge ± Fe ± Cu ± Ba-bearing brine with calcite and reduced sulfur at 200 °C and water vapor-saturated pressure. The products were examined using backscattered electron (BSE) imaging, electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD), synchrotron X-ray fluorescence (SXRF) and micro-X-ray absorption near-edge structure (μ-XANES). We show that Ge(IV) is incorporated into sphalerite and bonded with reduced sulfur, both in the experimental sphalerite and in natural zinc ore samples from the MacArthur River Zn-Pb-Ag deposits, Australia. Copper K-edge XANES spectra show that copper occurs as Cu(I) in the experimental sphalerite, consistent with previous studies on Cu in natural sphalerite. The experiments reveal that Ge(IV) substitution in sphalerite occurs with and without the presence of other metal ions (e.g., Cu(I)), indicating that Ge(IV) substitution can be accommodated via charge balance by vacancies as well as by coupled substitution in the synthesized sphalerite. Ab initio quantum chemical simulations confirm that sphalerite can readily accommodate Ge, with the crystal structure and average Zn-S, Zn-Zn, S-S distances retained when replacing > 3 mol% of the Zn sites with Ge(IV), Ge(II), Cu(I) or Fe(II), demonstrating the resilience and flexibility of the sphalerite crystal structure. These Ge incorporation mechanisms explain the previous observations of multiple ways of Ge incorporation in natural sphalerite. The study provides experimental and molecular simulation insights for understanding the processes related to the formation and extraction of Ge in zinc ores.

Critical metals in sediment-hosted Pb-Zn deposits in China

<p indent=0mm>Sediment-hosted Pb-Zn deposits are mainly comprised of Mississippi Valley-type (MVT) deposits situated in carbonate-dominated sedimentary rocks and clastic-dominated (CD) deposits located in siliciclastic-dominated sequences. They are significant sources of critical metals such as cadmium, gallium, and germanium, as well as indium, cobalt, and thallium. In China, sediment-hosted Pb-Zn deposits are found in 5 metallogenic belts/districts, namely the Sanjiang belt, the Yangtze Block district, the Tarim Craton district, the Changba belt, and the Langshan belt. They provide 54% of China’s Pb-Zn resources, but their resource endowment and the metallogenic characteristics of these associated critical metals remain unclear. After briefly reviewing the main critical metals in sediment-hosted Pb-Zn deposits and sediment-hosted Pb-Zn deposits in China, this review summarizes the distribution and enrichment mechanisms of critical metals in sediment-hosted Pb-Zn deposits in China and recommends future research. These critical metals are unevenly enriched in sediment-hosted Pb-Zn deposits in China. Compared to the crustal elemental abundances, Cd, Ge, and In are the most enriched, Tl and Co have lower enrichment degrees, and Ga has the lowest enrichment degree. Cd, Ga, Ge, and Tl are rich in MVT deposits, while In and Co are rich in CD deposits. In all five sediment-hosted Pb-Zn belts/districts, Cd is relatively abundant. However, other critical metals are enriched to a different degree in each belt/district. In terms of distribution, Cd is well enriched in all five sediment-hosted Pb-Zn belts/districts, particularly in the Sanjiang belt of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, and the Yangtze Block district; Ge is most abundant in the Yangtze Block district, followed by the Changba belt in the Qinling orogenic belt, and Sanjiang belt; In and Co are enriched in the Sanjiang belt, followed by the Yangtze Block district and the Changba belt; Tl is enriched in the Sanjiang belt, the Yangtze Block district, and the Changba belt; and, Ga is most enriched in the Changba belt and Yangtze Block, followed by the Sanjiang belt. Based on these characteristics, two enrichment mechanisms are occurring in sediment-hosted Pb-Zn deposits. First, sediment-hosted Pb-Zn deposits are selective for the enrichment of critical metals, and second, the degrees of enrichment of critical metals in these deposits are different. The first enrichment mechanism results from the similarity in physicochemical properties between the critical metal elements and dominant elements (such as Zn and Fe) in the ore and gangue sulfides (such as sphalerite and pyrite). The second mechanism is associated with substitution forms of critical metal elements and host minerals, as well as physicochemical conditions and tectonic conditions of the deposits and tectonomagmatic processes throughout geological history. Research into critical metals in sediment-hosted Pb-Zn deposits in China abounds in the Yangtze platform Pb-Zn metallogenic belt and MVT Pb-Zn deposits; however, this research is still in the pipeline. A database of critical metal resources hosted by sediment-hosted Pb-Zn deposits in China is urgently needed, as is comprehensive research into the metallogenic mechanism of different critical metals, and the determination of the regional metallogenic regularity of these critical metals.

INFLUENCE OF ORGANIC MATTER ON Re-Os DATING OF SULFIDES: INSIGHTS FROM THE GIANT JINDING SEDIMENT-HOSTED Zn-Pb DEPOSIT, CHINA

Abstract This study evaluates the effect of organic matter impurities on pyrite Re-Os dating, using the giant Jinding sediment-hosted Zn-Pb deposit in China as an example. The Jinding deposit is hosted in a Paleocene evaporite dome that was a hydrocarbon reservoir before mineralization. Pyrite in Jinding formed in two stages: pre-ore (py1) and syn-ore (py2). Two types of py1 are recognized, organic matter-free and organic matter-bearing. The organic matter-free py1 contains homogeneously distributed low concentrations of Re (&amp;lt;2.5 ppb) that yields an isochron age of 51 ± 1 Ma (mean square of weighted deviates [MSWD] = 3.2). This date is interpreted to be the age of py1 formation. The organic matter-bearing py1 contains organic matter inclusions trapped during py1 growth and synchronous with bacterial reduction of sulfate. Elemental mapping with laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) shows that the organic matter inclusions have Re signals 1 to 4 orders of magnitude higher than those of pyrite, revealing that organic matter is the major host for Re. Such pyrite separates contain 37 to 1,145 ppb Re. The Re-Os data of organic matter-bearing py1 yield an isochron age of 72.9 ± 0.5 Ma (MSWD = 0.2). This age is older than the actual py1 formation age of 51 ± 1 Ma but overlaps with previously dated bitumen Re-Os isochron age of 68 ± 5 Ma at Jinding, indicating that organic matter inclusions can significantly influence the Re-Os dates of pyrite and likely other sulfides. This study demonstrates that in order to date sulfides formed in organic-rich environments using the Re-Os method, it is necessary to determine the distribution of Re in samples using detailed petrography and LA-ICP-MS trace element mapping plus spot analysis.

How carbonate dissolution facilitates sediment-hosted Zn-Pb mineralization

Abstract Most of the world's Zn and Pb is extracted from sediment-hosted Zn-Pb deposits. The Zn-Pb deposits hosted in carbonate rocks are hypothesized to form by mixing of acidic metal-bearing brines with reduced sulfur-bearing fluids while dissolving sedimentary carbonate. To test the role of carbonate in this process, we conducted hydrothermal experiments simulating ore formation by reacting Zn ± Pb ± Ba–bearing brines with H2S and SO42– produced by native sulfur, with and without carbonate minerals (calcite or dolomite crystals), at 200 °C and water-saturated pressure. Sphalerite, galena, and barite (or anhydrite) crystals formed only when carbonate was present in the experiment, accompanied by carbonate dissolution. The textures of sphalerite clusters are similar to those observed in ancient and modern hydrothermal deposits. Thermodynamic modeling at 150 °C and 250 °C demonstrates that mixing of metal-rich brines and H2S causes most of the Zn in solution to precipitate as sphalerite only when carbonate dissolution occurs to buffer the pH, consistent with the experimental observations. The need for a pH buffer increases with increasing temperature, and different pH buffers may play a role for different deposit types. We propose that carbonate-buffered fluid mixing is a critical process for forming post-sedimentary Zn ± Pb ± Ba deposits in sedimentary carbonate rocks.

Geophysical reassessment of the role of ancient lineaments on the development of the western Laurentian margin and its sediment-hosted Zn–Pb deposits, Yukon and Northwest Territories, Canada

A new three-dimensional (3D) inversion strategy is applied to new compilations of gravity and magnetic data to reassess the role of crustal lineaments in the development of the western Laurentian margin, Selwyn Basin, and associated sediment-hosted zinc–lead (Zn–Pb) deposits. The region’s history is obscured by multiple tectonic overprints, including terrane accretion, plutonism, and thrust faulting. Regionally continuous, broadly northeast-trending crustal lineaments, including the Liard line, Fort Norman structure, and Leith Ridge fault, were interpreted as having had long-standing influence on craton, margin, and sedimentary basin development. An east–northeast-trending lineament, Mackenzie River, traced from the Misty Creek Embayment to Great Bear Lake, is interpreted as the southern edge of a cratonic promontory. The location of the Liard line, associated with a transfer fault that bounds the Macdonald Platform promontory, is refined. New geophysical results support the continuity of the Fort Norman structure below the Selwyn Basin, but limited evidence exists for the Leith Ridge fault in this area. A northwest-trending lineament that bounds the craton is interpreted as a crustal manifestation of lithospheric thinning of the Laurentian margin, as echoed by a change in the depth of the lithosphere–asthenosphere boundary. The structure delimits the eastern extent of mid- to Late Cretaceous granitic intrusions and is straddled by Mississippi Valley-type Zn–Pb occurrences, following their palinspastic restoration. Clastic-dominated Zn–Pb occurrences are aligned along another northwest-trending lineament interpreted to be associated with a shallowing of lower crustal rocks.

An exploratory model for sediment-hosted lead and zinc deposits by using the fractal method in Yazd block- Central Iran

Structure processes have a significant role in forming sediment-hosted lead and zinc deposits. On other words, they are formed in an individual pattern located in the related rift basins. So, the first-order, the second-order, and the third-order basins have been created. Faults operate as the conduct of ore-bearing fluid and the bounding-the second-order basins. By starting rifting, hydrothermal fluid enters a sedimentary basin and as a result of the extending faults, it creates convection cells confined by faults. Therefore, structural processes are the main control factor for these deposits. Also, factors controlling the mineralization are recognized by spatial analysis methods. In this study, to identify controlling factors and present an exploratory pattern for sediment-hosted Pb-Zn deposits in the southern part of the Yazd Block, the fractal (Box- counting) method has been used. This method was utilized to estimate the distance of sub-basins which are the host of sediment-hosted Pb and Zn mineralization for the first time. The results of this method depicted three different populations representing three factors controlling the mineralization in the studied area. These results were consistent with the basin structure which has been formed from three sub-basins. Therefore, three populations obtained from the fractal analysis showed the dimensions of three sub-basins in the studied area. The distance between mineral deposits in the third-order basin obtained about 8 Km while it is about 31 Km for the second-order basins. So, three second-order basins were recognized in which the distance between sub-basin numbers 1 and 2 is about 30 Km while it is about 60 Km between sub-basin numbers 2 and 3. Based on this exploratory model, there could be another second-order basin between sub-basin numbers 2 and 3. According to reports and literature, no other deposit has been discovered between them until now. So, based on the suggested model, there is a possibility of other deposits occurring between sub-basins numbers 2 and 3.

New Insights into the Origin of the World-Class Jinding Sediment-Hosted Zn-Pb Deposit, Southwestern China: Evidence from LA-ICP-MS Analysis of Individual Fluid Inclusions

Abstract The Jinding deposit in the Lanping basin, southwest China, is the largest sandstone-hosted Zn deposit in the world and the second largest Zn-Pb deposit in China. However, questions related to the metal compositions and origin of the ore fluids remain. In this study, microthermometry and laser ablation-inductively coupled plasmamass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) were employed to determine the properties and compositions of individual fluid inclusions trapped in sphalerite and calcite. The results show that the fluid inclusions trapped in sphalerite and calcite have similar homogenization temperatures (79°–173°C with the majority 100°–130°C), salinities (10.3–29.1 wt % NaCl + CaCl2 equiv with the majority 24.5–27.4 wt % NaCl + CaCl2 equiv), and concentrations of alkali and alkali earth elements (e.g., Na, Ca, Mg, K, Sr, Ba, Li, Rb, and Cs). However, the concentrations of ore and associated metals (e.g., Pb, Sb, Ag, and Tl) in the fluid inclusions hosted by sphalerite are significantly higher than those hosted by calcite. Based on these observations, we propose that the sulfides including sphalerite were precipitated from a low-temperature, high-salinity, Ca-rich, metal-rich fluid, while the gangue minerals such as calcite crystallized subsequently from fluids depleted in metals due to prior precipitation of sulfides, and that the high salinities of the fluid inclusions are likely due to a combination of seawater evaporation and subsequent dissolution of evaporitic sequences during fluid percolation. The LA-ICP-MS analyses reveal that the fluid inclusions have K/Na, Rb/Na, and Cs/Na ratios within the range of modern basinal brines, and Li/Na, Ba/Na, and Ca/Na ratios share similar compositions with the ore fluids of basement interacted deposits in the world. The Jinding ore fluids contain ~200 to 650 ppm Pb, based on the data of fluid inclusions trapped in sphalerite. The estimated concentrations of Zn in the ore fluids are also very high at ~200 to 6,500 ppm. Our results reveal that anomalously metal rich fluids played a critical role in the formation of the giant Jinding sediment-hosted Pb-Zn deposit. We concur with the previous suggestion that sulfide precipitation at Jinding occurred when ascending metal-rich brines encountered an H2S-rich, Ca-rich fluid, which was produced by interaction of hydrocarbons with evaporites, in the cap of the Jinding dome.

Two types of sediment-hosted Pb-Zn deposits in the northern margin of Lanping basin, SW China: Evidence from sphalerite trace elements, carbonate C-O isotopes and molybdenite Re-Os age

Lanping basin is a large Pb-Zn-Cu-Ag polymetallic mineral province in SW China, with major deposit types including vein-type Cu deposits, basinal brine-related Pb-Zn deposits (e.g., Liziping, Fulongchang) and minor quartz-vein-type Pb-Zn deposits (e.g., Shangnuluo, Baiji). In this study, we have conducted EPMA and LA-ICP-MS sphalerite trace element analyses, together with gangue carbonate C-O stable isotope analysis and molybdenite Re-Os dating. Using these data, we discuss the mineral assemblage, sphalerite minor/trace element composition, ore-fluid source, and mineralization age of these two types of Pb-Zn deposits. Except sphalerite and galena, major ore minerals from Liziping and Fulongchang are As-rich (e.g., gratonite, jordanite, bournonite, As-rich pyrite), whereas those from Shangnuluo and Baiji are Sb-rich (e.g., boulangerite, jamesonite, stibnite, zinkenite). The trace element compositional characteristics in sphalerite of these deposits (low Mn, Fe, Co, In and Sn, and high Cd) mimic those of medium-low-temperature hydrothermal deposits (MVT and Jinding deposits). For the Liziping zoned sphalerite, the dark-brown zones have relatively high Co, Cu, Ga, As, and Sb; whilst the light-colored zones have relatively high Fe, Mn and Cd. The calculated sphalerite formation temperature based on sphalerite geothermometer – GGIMFis (Frenzel et al., 2016) are basically in agreement with those homogenization temperature of inclusions, indicating that the contents of these elements (Ga, Ge, Fe, Mn and In) in sphalerite are mainly controlled by temperature. Moreover, the estimated sulfur fugacity (log fS2) for Liziping (−14.7) and Fulongchang (−13.6) are distinctly lower than those for Shangnuluo (−7.1) and Baiji (−8.5). Carbonate C–O isotope compositions indicate that the dissolved carbon and oxygen of ore forming-fluids of these Pb-Zn deposits were mainly derived from sedimentary carbonate dissolution. Early-ore-stage molybdenite from Baiji deposit yielded two Re-Os weighted average model ages of 21.4 Ma and 12.93 Ma, and a Re-Os concordia age of 11.88 ± 0.77 Ma was obtained from four younger molybdenite samples. These ages are distinctly younger than those reported mineralization age (ca. 30 Ma) for basinal brine-related Pb-Zn deposits. All these results indicate that there are two different types of Pb-Zn metallogenic events in the northern margin of Lanping Basin.

Carbonate Replacement as the Principal Ore Formation Process in the Proterozoic McArthur River (HYC) Sediment-Hosted Zn-Pb Deposit, Australia

AbstractThe McArthur River (HYC) Zn-Pb-Ag deposit in the Carpentaria Zn belt, northern Australia, is one of the world’s largest and most studied sediment-hosted base metal deposits, owing to its lack of deformation and preservation of sedimentary and ore textures. However, the ore formation process (syngenetic vs. epigenetic) is still a subject of controversy. In this paper we focus on key characteristics of the HYC deposit that remain unexplained: preservation of sedimentary carbonate (dolomite) and its association with Zn, and the role of thallium (Tl) and manganese (Mn) distribution in the orebody.Our findings demonstrate a sequence of events during ore formation: Tl is hosted almost exclusively within euhedral pyritic overgrowths around early diagenetic pyrite; sphalerite mineralization occurred after Tl-bearing pyrite overgrowths, in association with acid dissolution (replacement) of laminated and nodular dolomite across the subbasin; and outer rims are enriched in Mn on preserved dolomite at the dissolution reaction front in contact with sphalerite. New thermodynamic fluid chemistry modeling demonstrates the metal distribution and paragenesis can be explained by acidic, oxidized ore fluids entering the pyrite-dolomite host lithology, allowing reduction and pH buffering by acid carbonate dissolution, resulting in stepwise metal deposition in an evolving fluid.We argue this represents strong evidence for epigenetic ore formation at HYC. Furthermore, the primary control on ore deposition is not synsedimentary faulting in the subbasin; rather, the chemical potential of sedimentary carbonate within reduced, sulfidic lithologies appears to be of critical importance to precipitation of sphalerite.

Geology and Genesis of the Giant Gorevskoe Pb-Zn-Ag Deposit, Krasnoyarsk Territory, Russia

Abstract The Gorevskoe Pb-Zn-Ag mine is currently the largest producer of Pb and Zn in Russia, exploiting one of the largest sediment-hosted Pb-Zn deposits worldwide. Despite its size and economic importance, the Gorevskoe deposit remains poorly understood. It is located on the western margin of the Siberian craton within the Yenisei Ridge, a Neoproterozoic orogenic belt. Mineralization consists of three tabular orebodies that are in turn composed of multiple stacked stratiform to strata-bound lenses of galena-pyrrhotite-sphalerite-rich massive sulfide ore, hosted in organic-rich marine metalimestones and calcareous slates of Stenian to Tonian age (1,020 ± 70 Ma). Extensive Fe-Mg-Mn-carbonate alteration haloes surround the ore lenses. The Pb isotope signature of the deposit is consistent with derivation of Pb, and probably all associated metals, from an evolved crustal source at the time of formation of the host rocks. The sulfur isotope compositions of pyrrhotite, sphalerite, galena, arsenopyrite, and pyrite (δ34S = 16.0–20.4‰) do not vary considerably across the deposit and are within the range reported for contemporaneous seawater, indicating complete reduction of marine sulfate as the main source of sulfur. The available geologic and geochemical data indicate that the Gorevskoe deposit belongs to the sediment-hosted massive sulfide (SHMS) class of Zn-Pb deposits, with an affinity to Selwyn-type deposits. Hydrothermal mineralization appears to be temporally related to rifting and distal mafic volcanism in a passive margin setting. Geologic relationships suggest that the orebodies formed in a diagenetic environment. Furthermore, the predominance of primary pyrrhotite over pyrite as the major iron sulfide, the presence of abundant siderite, and the relatively homogeneous sulfur isotope signature of the ores indicate highly reducing conditions during ore formation. They also constrain the character of the metal-bearing fluid to be similarly reducing, and of moderate temperature (200°–300°C). Gorevskoe may thus be regarded as one of the world’s largest Selwyn-type SHMS deposits.

Basin inversion and structural architecture as constraints on fluid flow and Pb–Zn mineralization in the Paleo–Mesoproterozoic sedimentary sequences of northern Australia

Abstract. As host to several world-class sediment-hosted Pb–Zn deposits and unknown quantities of conventional and unconventional gas, the variably inverted 1730–1640 Ma Calvert and 1640–1575 Ma Isa superbasins of northern Australia have been the subject of numerous seismic reflection studies with a view to better understanding basin architecture and fluid migration pathways. These studies reveal a structural architecture common to inverted sedimentary basins the world over, including much younger examples known to be prospective for oil and gas in the North Sea and elsewhere, with which they might be usefully compared. Such comparisons lend themselves to suggestions that the mineral and petroleum systems in Paleo–Mesoproterozoic northern Australia may have spatially, if not temporally overlapped and shared a common tectonic driver, consistent with the observation that basinal sequences hosting Pb–Zn mineralization in northern Australia are bituminous or abnormally enriched in hydrocarbons. Sediment-hosted Pb–Zn mineralization coeval with basin inversion first occurred during the 1650–1640 Ma Riversleigh Tectonic Event towards the close of the Calvert Superbasin with further pulses taking place during and subsequent to the onset of the 1620–1580 Ma Isa Orogeny and final closure of the Isa Superbasin. Mineralization is typically hosted by the post-rift or syn-inversion fraction of basin fill, contrary to existing interpretations of Pb–Zn ore genesis where the ore-forming fluids are introduced during the rifting or syn-extensional phase of basin development. Mineralizing fluids were instead expelled upwards during times of crustal shortening into structural and/or chemical traps developing in the hangingwalls of inverted normal faults. Inverted normal faults predominantly strike NNW and ENE, giving rise to a complex architecture of compartmentalized sub-basins whose individual uplifted basement blocks and doubly plunging periclinal folds exerted a strong control not only on the distribution and preservation of potential trap rocks but the direction of fluid flow, culminating in the co-location and trapping of mineralizing and hydrocarbon fluids in the same carbonaceous rocks. An important case study is the 1575 Ma Century Pb–Zn deposit where the carbonaceous host rocks served as both a reductant and basin seal during the influx of more oxidized mineralizing fluids, forcing the latter to give up their Pb and Zn metal. A transpressive tectonic regime in which basin inversion and mineralization were paired to folding, uplift, and erosion during arc–continent or continent–continent collision, and accompanied by orogen-parallel extensional collapse and strike-slip faulting best accounts for the observed relationships.

Fluid inclusions and C–H–O–S–Pb isotope systematics of the Caixiashan sediment-hosted Zn-Pb deposit, eastern Tianshan, northwest China: Implication for ore genesis

The Caixiashan sediment-hosted Zn-Pb deposit (131 Mt at 3.95% Zn + Pb) is located in the western segment of eastern Tianshan, on the southern margin of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt, Xinjiang, northwest China. Zinc and lead mineralization is mainly hosted in the dolomite marble of the Mesoproterozoic Kawabulake Group. Four stages (I to IV) of hydrothermal activity have been identified, i.e., calcite + dolomite + quartz + pyrite stage I, calcite + dolomite + quartz + spahlerite + pyrrhotite ± arsenopyrite stage II, calcite + dolomite + quartz + galena + pyrite ± chalcopyrite stage III, and late quartz + calcite stage IV. Sphalerite and galena mainly occur in the vein ores of stage II and III. Five types of fluid inclusions are distinguished in the calcite- and quartz-bearing veins, i.e., liquid-rich two-phase (L-type), pure-liquid phase (PL-type), vapor-rich two-phase (V-type), pure-vapor phase (PV-type), and halite-bearing (H-type) inclusions. Fluid inclusions of stages I to IV were homogenized at temperatures of 336–494 °C, 240–357 °C, 140–297 °C, and 71–156 °C, with salinities of 4.0–18.0 wt% NaCl equiv., 4.2–17.3 wt% NaCl equiv., 0.2–13.5 wt% NaCl equiv., and 1.2–7.6 wt% NaCl equiv., respectively. The ore-forming fluids at the Caixiashan deposit are characterized by high- to moderate temperatures, moderate salinities, and low densities, belonging to the H2O–NaCl system. Hydrogen and oxygen isotope data indicate that the ore-forming fluids at Caixiashan have a dominantly metamorphic signature and were diluted by meteoric water. Carbon and oxygen isotope compositions of calcite, dolomite, and marble demonstrate that the ore-forming fluids were primarily sourced from the dissolution and low-temperature alteration of carbonates. Sphalerite, galena, pyrrhotite, and pyrite samples from stage I to III record high δ34SV-CDT values between 11.2 and 16.1‰, indicating a predominant sulfur source from the Precambrian marine sulfates by thermochemical sulfate reduction. The 206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb, and 208Pb/204Pb ratios of sulfide samples are similar to those of marble and carbonaceous slate of the Kawabulake Group, whereas they differ from those of granitoid rocks, suggesting that ore-forming metals may have been primarily derived from the Precambrian basement. All of these observations combined with the stable and radiogenic isotope results reveal that the formation of the Caixiashan Zn-Pb deposit was dominated by a metamorphic system, and the ore-forming components were sourced from the Precambrian basement.

Vent-proximal sub-seafloor replacement clastic-carbonate hosted SEDEX-type mineralization in the Mehdiabad world-class Zn-Pb-Ba-(Cu-Ag) deposit, southern Yazd Basin, Iran

The Mehdiabad Zn-Pb-Ba (Cu-Ag) deposit in the southern Yazd Basin, central Iran, is the largest sediment-hosted Zn-Pb deposit in Iran. This deposit is hosted by organic carbon matter-rich shale, fine-grained black siltstone, and dolomite interlayered with sandstone of the Taft Formation. Sedimentological and geochemical studies of the Taft Formation have shown that these organic carbon matter-rich shales formed during a period of basin deepening and under anoxic conditions. Based on the orebody structure, mineralogy, and ore fabrics, we recognize five different ore facies types in the Mehdiabad deposit: (1) a stockwork/feeder zone, consisting of a discordant sulfide mineralization, forming a stockwork of sulfide-bearing dolomite veins, cutting the sedimentary rocks of the footwall; (2) massive-replacement ore, including pervasive replacement carbonate by pyrite, chalcopyrite, galena, and sphalerite with minor barite; (3) a bedded ore, with laminated to disseminated pyrite, sphalerite, and galena; (4) barite ore, which contains accessory sulfide minerals and rare calcite at the top of the deposit, and (5) a distal facies, with minor disseminated and laminated pyrite, banded cherts, and disseminated barite. Two stages of base metal sulfide replacement have separate origins. Fine-grained sulfide bands (stage I), intricately interlayered with organic carbon-rich beds and thin turbidite beds, exhibit lamina and bedding textures, supporting a syn-sedimentary (onto the sea floor) origin. Coarse-grained base metal sulfides (stage II), occurring within breccias and veins to veinlets are considered to have formed by replacement during post sedimentation sub-seafloor fluid flow. δ34S values of pyrite, sphalerite chalcopyrite and galena range from −22 to +4.6.8‰. The highest δ34S values correspond to the feeder zone (+4.6 and −10.5‰), whereas massive-replacement (+3.7 to −13.7‰) and bedded (−22 to −17‰) ore facies display depleted compositions. The overall range of δ34S values is remarkably higher than typical magmatic values, suggesting that sulfides formed from the reduction of seawater sulfate by bacteriogenic sulfate reduction in a closed or semi-closed system in the bedded ore, whereas thermochemical sulfate reduction likely played an important role in the feeder zone. The formation of the Mehdiabad deposit follows the evolution of the sedimentary basin. Abrupt lateral changes in facies and thickness, along with the existence of synsedimentary breccias and debris flows within the ore sequence, suggest the proximity to synsedimentary faults and tectonic activity contemporaneous with the sedimentation in the Lower Cretaceous, favorable for the formation of the ore deposit. The deposit formed from a combination of hydrothermal and syn-sedimentary processes. Sulfur isotopes, together with sedimentological, textural, mineralogical, and geochemical evidences, suggest that this deposit should be classified as a vent-proximal sub-seafloor replacement SEDEX ore deposit.

Sediment-hosted Pb–Zn deposits in the Tethyan domain from China to Iran: Characteristics, tectonic setting, and ore controls

The Tethyan domain from China to Iran hosts many important sediment-hosted Pb–Zn deposits but most have been poorly documented. This study summarizes the salient features of these deposits and discusses the type of ore, tectonic setting, and important ore controls, on the basis of new geological observations and previous publications. The Tethyan domain is characterized by the young and extensive Himalayan–Tibetan and Zagros orogens that formed through collisions between the India/Arabia and Eurasia continents since the Late Cretaceous or early Cenozoic. Abundant Mississippi Valley-type (MVT) and subordinate clastic-dominated (CD, also known as SEDEX) Pb–Zn deposits occur in this domain, including in central and eastern Himalayan–Tibetan orogen in China, the Indian passive margin in southern Pakistan, and various tectonic units of Iran. Economically important deposits contain 0.1–21 Mt Pb + Zn and have total metal resources of ∼75 Mt with ∼48% being oxidized ores. All major deposits known in this domain are MVTs (i.e., the Jinding, Huoshaoyun, Mehdiabad, and Angouran deposits).Mississippi Valley-type Pb–Zn deposits occur in continental-collision-related fold-and-thrust belts and forelands, where deposits are mostly located on the margin of the Eurasian continent, with some in the Indian and Arabian continental margins. Clastic-dominated Pb–Zn deposits occur in central Iran and southern Pakistan, hosted by deep-water siliciclastic sequences of the early Cambrian rifted continental margin of Gondwana and the Jurassic passive continental margin of India, respectively. The youngest mineralized rocks and ages constrain that some important MVT deposits (e.g., the Jinding, Chaqupacha, and Angouran deposits) were formed after a main phase of regional compression, during a regional, large-scale strike-slip or crustal-extension stage in a continental collision setting. In sense of lithologic structure, important ore controls for MVT deposits include evaporite diapir structure, carbonate/evaporite dissolution–collapse structure, pre-existing barite, and porous dolostone. Much of the primary sulfide ore in this domain has been oxidized by supergene processes. This is particularly pronounced in the newly discovered Huoshaoyun deposit, where almost all sulfides have been oxidized to smithsonite and cerussite. An understanding of tectonic setting, ore controls, and supergene processes is essential in exploring for MVT deposits in this domain.

Isotopic constraints on fluid evolution and ore precipitation in a sediment-hosted Pb-Ag-Ba-Zn-Cu-Au deposit in the Capricorn Orogen, Western Australia

The Abra Pb-Ag-Ba-Zn-Cu-Au deposit in the Capricorn Orogen, Western Australia is primarily a lead and silver resource currently estimated at 47.8 Mt (indicated and inferred) of 7.3–10.1% Pb and 18–28 gt-1 Ag, although significant Cu-Au zones are also identified. The deposit is unique within sediment-hosted Pb-Zn deposits for its low Zn content, significant Cu-Au zone and high Fe content, providing a case study where the source of fluid and ore-forming processes are contentious. The combination of whole-rock hydrogen and oxygen isotope data, in situ oxygen isotope data in quartz, and in situ sulphur isotope data of pyrite and chalcopyrite, has been used to reconstruct a complex history of overprinting, involving stages of sedimentation, diagenesis and hydrothermal activity. The host sedimentary rocks consist of detrital quartz (δ18O ∼11–18‰) and whole rock δ18O values (∼9–16‰) reflecting the combined composition of detrital and authigenic minerals, diagenetic-metamorphic exchange, chlorite and iron content. Quartz in recrystallised chemical sedimentation, quartz cementation, and quartz-barite veins at low temperatures (∼100–250 °C) involved predominantly surface and formation fluids with a wide range of fluid δ18O values between ∼ -5‰ and 2.6‰. Quartz in chloritized host rock with disseminated pyrite and chalcopyrite-galena veins at 250–320 °C reflect exchange with fluids(s) having a narrow range of δ18O values (∼5–9‰), most likely formation fluids. The fluid responsible for iron oxide, pyrite and polymetallic carbonate veins appears to be a mixture of formation and lighter surface fluids, with a range of fluid δ18O values (∼0.8–5.5‰). In situ sulphur isotopes are consistent with reduced seawater sulphate source in all samples, therefore it is likely that metal-rich formation fluids have interacted with reduced sulphate in the host sediments to precipitate as sulphide. Mineralisation and associated alteration at Abra has caused whole rock δ18O values to decrease in the deposit which may be useful as a tool for exploration in similar sediment-hosted base-metal deposits. We have shown the combination of different isotopic systems, and utilisation of in situ techniques, can constrain the sources and evolution of fluid and sulphur involved in basin formation, hydrothermal alteration and base metal mineralisation. Isotopic values can be directly related to different mineral populations within a relative temporal framework and can be used to distinguish fluids between multiple events.