Recycled mantle source for porphyry mineralization: U−Pb and Re−Os geochronology, and S–Pb–Cu isotopic constraints from the Urumieh-Dokhtar magmatic arc, central Iran

Abstract

The Urumieh−Dokhtar magmatic arc (UDMA) hosts some of the world-class porphyry copper deposits in Iran. Here, we present high-resolution geochronological and stable isotope data to gain insights into the timing and source of the metallogeny of Kahang porphyry Cu deposit. Zircon U−Pb data show crystallization age of ca. 15 Ma age for the host porphyry intrusion and Re−Os geochronology yields 14.5 Ma from the molybdenite associated with the ores. Sulfur isotope values on the sulphide minerals range from −1.6 ‰ to + 2.1 ‰, indicating a magmatic source for sulfur. Lead isotopic compositions of the S-bearing minerals are akin to those of the intrusive rocks, suggesting that the metal was likely sourced from mantle reservoirs. We propose a model for the UDMA involving slab break-off during the maturity of arc magmatism from the syn- to post-collisional stages of orogenesis. The δ⁶⁵Cu data trace a systematic change from the barren to the fertile magmas. We suggest that partial melting of the sub-continental lithospheric mantle that has previously been refertilized of Cu through time as the potential source for the formation of ore-bearing magmas.