Age and Genesis of the Laodaizhanggou Pb-Zn-Ag Deposit in the Fudian Ore Field, Southern North China Craton: Implications for Regional Mineral Prospecting

Abstract

The Fudian ore field in the southern North China Craton hosts the giant Donggou porphyry Mo deposit and several Pb-Zn-Ag vein deposits. Ore genesis of the Pb-Zn-Ag deposits and their relationships with the Donggou porphyry-related system are still controversial, which further restricts the regional prospecting and exploration. The Laodaizhanggou Pb-Zn-Ag deposit in the northwest of the ore field was focused in this study, to investigate its ore-forming age and genesis, and further to explore the implications for regional prospecting of Pb-Zn-Ag and Mo. The Pb-Zn-Ag veins at Laodaizhanggou are structurally controlled by the east-striking fault zones transecting the host volcanic rocks of Proterozoic Xiong’er Group. Field observations and textural relationships indicate that there are four paragenetic stages during ore-forming process, including the quartz-pyrite veins (stage I), siderite-polymetallic sulfide veins (stage II), ankerite-polymetallic sulfide veins (stage III), and quartz-calcite veins (stage IV). Ore-related sericite ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar dating shows that the Pb-Zn-Ag mineralization at Laodaizhanggou was formed at 124.7±1.2 Ma. Carbonate minerals (siderite, ankerite, and calcite) have δ¹³C_PDB values of −9.1‰ to −3.9‰ and δ¹⁸O_SMOW of 12.1‰ to 15.6‰, corresponding to calculated values for the ore fluids of −8.0‰ to −2.8‰ and 4.9‰ to 10.1‰, respectively. These isotope values are in accordance with those of magmatic fluids. Sulfide minerals at Laodaizhanggou have δ³⁴S values of 5.3‰ to 10.1‰, and galena separates have ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios of 17.380 to 17.458, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios of 15.459 to 15.485, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios of 38.274 to 38.370. Both S and Pb isotope data of Laodaizhanggou are consistent with those of the Donggou porphyry Mo deposit and distal Sanyuangou and Wangpingxigou Pb-Zn-Ag deposits, suggesting they share a similar magmatic origin. However, the Laodaizhanggou deposit was not the distal product of the giant Donggou porphyry-related magmatic-hydrothermal system, as the former is about 7 Ma older than the latter. The ore-forming age of Laodaizhanggou is consistent with that of the phase 1 magmatism of Taishanmiao batholith, indicating the Laodaizhanggou deposit is genetically related to ca. 125 Ma magmatism in the area. Combined the geochronological and geochemical data on Laodaizhanggou and the regional geological setting, we propose that the fracture systems in the northeast of the Taishanmiao batholith are potential sites for prospecting Pb-Zn-Ag deposit and the deep part among Laodaizhanggou, Xizaogou, and Liezishan is a target for prospecting porphyry Mo deposit.

Keywords

age and genesis / Laodaizhanggou Pb-Zn-Ag deposit / mineral prospecting / Fudian ore field / North China Craton

References

[1] Bottinga Y. Calculation of Fractionation Factors for Carbon and Oxygen Isotopic Exchange in the System Calcite-Carbon Dioxide-Water. The Journal of Physical Chemistry, 1968, 72(3): 800-808.

[2] Carothers W W, Adami L H, Rosenbauer R J. Experimental Oxygen Isotope Fractionation between Siderite-Water and Phosphoric Acid Liberated CO₂-Siderite. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 1988, 52(10): 2445-2450.

[3] Chen W, Zhang Y, Ji Q, . Magmatism and Deformation Times of the Xidatan Rock Series, East Kunlun Mountains. Science in China Series B: Chemistry, 2002, 45(S1): 20-27.

[4] Chen Y J, Fu S G. Gold Mineralization in West Henan, China, 1992, Beijing: China Seismological Press, 234.

[5] Chen Y J, Pirajno F, Sui Y H. Isotope Geochemistry of the Tieluping Silver-Lead Deposit, Henan, China: A Case Study of Orogenic Silver-Dominated Deposits and Related Tectonic Setting. Mineralium Deposita, 2004, 39(5/6): 560-575.

[6] Coplen T B, Kendall C, Hopple J. Comparison of Stable Isotope Reference Samples. Nature, 1983, 302(5905): 236-238.

[7] Dai B Z, Jiang S Y, Wang X L. Petrogenesis of the Granitic Porphyry Related to the Giant Molybdenum Deposit in Donggou, Henan Province, China: Constraints from Petrogeochemistry, Zircon U-Pb Chronology and Sr-Nd-Hf Isotopes. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 2009, 25(11): 2889-2901.

[8] Demény A, Harangi S. Stable Isotope Studies and Processes of Carbonate Formation in Hungarian Alkali Basalts and Lamprophyres: Evolution of Magmatic Fluids and Magma-Sediment Interactions. Lithos, 1996, 37(4): 335-349.

[9] Fan H R, Xie Y H, Zhao R, . Stable Isotope Geochemistry of Rocks and Gold Deposits in Xiong’ershan Area, Western Henan. Collections of Geology and Exploration, 1994, 9(1): 54-64.

[10] Friedman I, O’Neil J R. Compilation of Stable Isotope Fractionation Factors of Geochemical Interest, 1977, Washington: US Government Printing Office

[11] Gao X Y, Zhao T P, Bao Z W, . Petrogenesis of the Early Cretaceous Intermediate and Felsic Intrusions at the Southern Margin of the North China Craton: Implications for Crust-Mantle Interaction. Lithos, 2014, 206/207: 65-78.

[12] He Y, Zhao G, Sun M, . SHRIMP and LA-ICP-MS Zircon Geochronology of the Xiong’er Volcanic Rocks: Implications for the Paleo-Mesoproterozoic Evolution of the Southern Margin of the North China Craton. Precambrian Research, 2009, 168(3/4): 213-222.

[13] He Y L, Li K W, Du B F, . LA-MC-ICPMS U-Pb Geochronology of Cassiterite from the Daxigou Tin Deposit in the Taishanmiao Area, Henan Province, and Its Geological Significance. Bulletin of Mineralogy, Petrology and Geochemistry, 2020, 39(2): 319-326.

[14] Hoefs, J., 2009. Stable Isotope Geochemistry. Springer Verlag. 285

[15] Hu S X, Lin Q L, Chen Z M, . Geology and Metallogeny of the Collision Belt between the North and the South China Plates, 1988, Nanjing: Nanjing University Press, 558.

[16] Huang F, Luo Z H, Lu X X, . Geological Characteristics, Metallogenic Epoch and Geological Significance of the Zhuyuangou Molybdenum Deposit in Ruyang Area, Henan, China. Geological Bulletin of China, 2010, 29(11): 1704-1711.

[17] Huang R Y, Qiao H D, Zhang W. Ore-Controlling Geological Conditions and Metallogenic Mechanism Study of Pb-Zn Deposits at Southern Ruyang. Henan Geology, 1992, 10(2): 81-88.

[18] Jin C, Chen W T, Gao X Y, . Origin of the Wangpingxigou Pb-Zn Deposit in East Qinling Orogenic Belt, China: Distal Response to the Giant Donggou Porphyry Mo System?. Ore Geology Reviews, 2019, 109: 101-116.

[19] Jin C, Gao X Y, Chen W T, . Magmatic-Hydrothermal Evolution of the Donggou Porphyry Mo Deposit at the Southern Margin of the North China Craton: Evidence from Chemistry of Biotite. Ore Geology Reviews, 2018, 92: 84-96.

[20] Jin X Y, Li J W, Hofstra A H, . Magmatic-Hydrothermal Origin of the Early Triassic Laodou Lode Gold Deposit in the Xiahe-Hezuo District, West Qinling Orogen, China: Implications for Gold Metallogeny. Mineralium Deposita, 2017, 52(6): 883-902.

[21] Kajiwara Y, Krouse H R. Sulfur Isotope Partitioning in Metallic Sulfide Systems. Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences, 1971, 8(11): 1397-1408.

[22] Li J W, Bi S J, Selby D, . Giant Mesozoic Gold Provinces Related to the Destruction of the North China Craton. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 2012, 349/350: 26-37.

[23] Li J W, Li Z K, Zhou M F, . The Early Cretaceous Yangzhaiyu Lode Gold Deposit, North China Craton: A Link between Craton Reactivation and Gold Veining. Economic Geology, 2012, 107(1): 43-79.

[24] Li N, Chen Y J, McNaughton N J, . Formation and Tectonic Evolution of the Khondalite Series at the Southern Margin of the North China Craton: Geochronological Constraints from a 1.85-Ga Mo Deposit in the Xiong’ershan Area. Precambrian Research, 2015, 269: 1-17.

[25] Li N, Chen Y J, Zhang H, . Molybdenum Deposits in East Qinling. Earth Science Frontiers, 2007, 14(5): 186-198.

[26] Li N, Pirajno F. Early Mesozoic Mo Mineralization in the Qinling Orogen: An Overview. Ore Geology Reviews, 2017, 81: 431-450.

[27] Li X M, Li Z K, Xiong S K, . Mineralization Characteristics of the Laoliwan Ag-Pb-Zn Deposit and Geochemical Features of the Ore-Bearing Granite Porphyry in the Southern North China Craton: Implications for Ore Genesis. Earth Science, 2019, 44(1): 69-87.

[28] Li Y F, Mao J W, Hu H B, . Geology, Distribution, Types and Tectonic Settings of Mesozoic Molybdenum Deposits in East Qinling Area. Mineral Deposits, 2005, 24(3): 292-304.

[29] Li Z K. Metallogenesis of the Silver-Lead-Zinc Deposits along the Southern Margin of the North China Craton, 2013, Wuhan: China University of Geosciences

[30] Li Z K, Li J W, Chen L, . Occurrence of Silver in the Shagou Ag-Pb-Zn Deposit, Luoning County, Henan Province: Implications for Mechanism of Silver Enrichment. Earth Science, 2010, 35(4): 621-636.

[31] Li Z K, Li J W, Cooke D R, . Textures, Trace Elements, and Pb Isotopes of Sulfides from the Haopinggou Vein Deposit, Southern North China Craton: Implications for Discrete Au and Ag-Pb-Zn Mineralization. Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, 2016, 171(12): 1-26.

[32] Li Z K, Li J W, Zhao X F, . Crustal-Extension Ag-Pb-Zn Veins in the Xiong’ershan District, Southern North China Craton: Constraints from the Shagou Deposit. Economic Geology, 2013, 108(7): 1703-1729.

[33] Li Z K, Bi S J, Li J W, . Distal Pb-Zn-Ag Veins Associated with the World-Class Donggou Porphyry Mo Deposit, Southern North China Craton. Ore Geology Reviews, 2017, 82: 232-251.

[34] Ludwig K R. User’s Manual for Isoplot 3.00: A Geochronological Toolkit for Microsoft Excel, 2003, Berkeley: Berkeley Geochronology Center Special Publication

[35] Ma H Y, Huang C Y, Ba A M, . Metallogenic Regularities and Prospecting Criteria of Pb-Zn-Mo Deposits in the South Ruyang Area. Geology and Prospecting, 2006, 42(5): 17-22.

[36] Mao J W, Goldfarb R, Zhang Z W, . Gold Deposits in the Xiaoqinling-Xiong’ershan Region, Qinling Mountains, Central China. Mineralium Deposita, 2002, 37(3/4): 306-325.

[37] Mao J W, Pirajno F, Xiang J F, . Mesozoic Molybdenum Deposits in the East Qinling-Dabie Orogenic Belt: Characteristics and Tectonic Settings. Ore Geology Reviews, 2011, 43(1): 264-293.

[38] Mao J W, Xie G Q, Bierlein F, . Tectonic Implications from Re-Os Dating of Mesozoic Molybdenum Deposits in the East Qinling-Dabie Orogenic Belt. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 2008, 72(18): 4607-4626.

[39] Mao J W, Ye H S, Wang R T, . Mineral Deposit Model of Mesozoic Porphyry Mo and Vein-Type Pb-Zn-Ag Ore Deposits in the Eastern Qinling, Central China and Its Implication for Prospecting. Geological Bulletin of China, 2009, 28(1): 72-79.

[40] Mao J W, Zheng R F, Ye H S, . ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹ Ar Dating of Fuchsite and Sericite from Altered Rocks Close to Ore Veins in Shagou Large-Size Ag-Pb-Zn Deposit of Xiong’ershan Area, Western Henan Province, and Its Significance. Mineral Deposits, 2006, 25(4): 359-368.

[41] McCrea J M. On the Isotopic Chemistry of Carbonates and a Paleotemperature Scale. The Journal of Chemical Physics, 1950, 18(6): 849-857.

[42] McDougall I, Harrison T M. Geochronology and Thermochronology by the ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar method, 1999, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 269.

[43] Mumin A H, Fleet M E, Longstaffe F J. Evolution of Hydrothermal Fluids in the Ashanti Gold Belt, Ghana; Stable Isotope Geochemistry of Carbonates, Graphite, and Quartz. Economic Geology, 1996, 91(1): 135-148.

[44] No. 2 Team of Henan Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources, 1992. Preliminary Exploration Report of the P5 Ore Belt at the Laodaizhanggou Pb-Zn Deposit, Ruyang County, Henan Province. 65 (in Chinese)

[45] Ohmoto H, Goldhaber B. Sulphur and Carbon Isotopes. Geochemistry of Hydrothermal Ore Deposits, 1997, 2: 517-600.

[46] Ohmoto H, Rye R O. Isotopes of Sulphur and Carbon, in Barnes. Geochemistry of Hydrothermal Ore Deposits, 1979, 5: 509-567.

[47] Qi J P, Chen Y J, Ni P, . Fluid Inclusion Constraints on the Origin of the Lengshuibeigou Pb-Zn-Ag Deposit, Henan Province. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 2007, 23(9): 2119-2130.

[48] Sillitoe R H. Porphyry Copper Systems. Economic Geology, 2010, 105(1): 3-41.

[49] Steiger R H, Jäger E. Subcommission on Geochronology: Convention on the Use of Decay Constants in Geo- and Cosmochronology. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 1977, 36(3): 359-362.

[50] Wang C M, He X Y, Yan C H, . Ore Geology, and H, O, S, Pb, Ar Isotopic Constraints on the Genesis of the Lengshuibeigou Pb-Zn-Ag Deposit, China. Geosciences Journal, 2013, 17(2): 197-210.

[51] Wang C M, Chen L, Bagas L, . Characterization and Origin of the Taishanmiao Aluminous A-Type Granites: Implications for Early Cretaceous Lithospheric Thinning at the Southern Margin of the North China Craton. International Journal of Earth Sciences, 2016, 105(5): 1563-1589.

[52] Wang S S. Age determinations of ⁴⁰Ar-⁴⁰K, ⁴⁰Ar-³⁹Ar and Radiogenic ⁴⁰Ar Released Characteristics on K-Ar Geostandards of China. Scientia Geologica Sinica, 1983, 4: 315-323.

[53] Xu X S, Griffin W L, Ma X, . The Taihua Group on the Southern Margin of the North China Craton: Further Insights from U-Pb Ages and Hf Isotope Compositions of Zircons. Mineralogy and Petrology, 2009, 97(1/2): 43-59.

[54] Yan C H. Study on Inner Structure of Pb-Zn-Ag Mineralization System in Eastern Qinling, 2004, Beijing: Geology Publishing House, 144.

[55] Yao J M, Chen Y J, Zhao T P, . Fluid Inclusions and Rb-Sr Isotopic Dating of the Wangpingxigou Pb-Zn Deposit, Henan Province, China. Mineral Deposits, 2010, 29(S1): 535-536.

[56] Yao J M, Zhao T P, Wei Q G, . Fluid Inclusion Features and Genetic Type of the Wangpingxigou Pb-Zn Deposit, Henan Province. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 2008, 24(9): 2113-2123.

[57] Ye H S. The Mesozoic Tectonic Evolution and Pb-Zn-Ag Metallogeny in the South Margin of North China Craton, 2006, Beijing: China University of Geosciences

[58] Ye H S, Mao J W, Li Y F, . SHRIMP Zircon U-Pb and Molybdenite Re-Os Dating for the Superlarge Donggou Porphyry Mo Deposit in East Qinling, China, and Its Geological Implication. Acta Geologica Sinica, 2006, 80(7): 1078-1088.

[59] Ye H S, Mao J W, Xu L G, . SHRIMP Zircon U-Pb Dating and Geochemistry of the Taishanmiao Aluminous A-Type Granite in Western Henan Province. Geological Review, 2008, 54(5): 699-711.

[60] Zartman R E, Doe B R. Plumbotectonics—The Model. Tectonophysics, 1981, 75(1/2): 135-162.

[61] Zhao G C, He Y H, Sun M. The Xiong’er Volcanic Belt at the Southern Margin of the North China Craton: Petrographic and Geochemical Evidence for Its Outboard Position in the Paleo-Mesoproterozoic Columbia Supercontinent. Gondwana Research, 2009, 16(2): 170-181.

[62] Zhao T P, Zhai M G, Xia B, . Zircon U-Pb SHRIMP Dating for the Volcanic Rocks of the Xiong’er Group: Constraints on the Initial Formation Age of the Cover of the North China Craton. Chinese Science Bulletin, 2004, 49(23): 2495-2502.

[63] Zhao X F, Li Z K, Zhao S R, . Early Cretaceous Regional-Scale Magmatic-Hydrothermal Metallogenic System at the Southern Margin of the North China Carton. Earth Science, 2019, 44(1): 52-68.

[64] Zhou H W, Zhong Z Q, Ling W L. Sm-Nd Isochron for the Amphibolites within Taihua Complex from Xiaoqinling Area, Western Henan and Its Geological Implications. Geochimica, 1998, 27(4): 367-372.