Comprehensive geochemical and isotopic constraints on multi-stage magmatism and subsequent Cu– Mo (Au) mineralization in porphyry clusters of Kerman metallogenic belt, Iran: A perspective review

Abstract

The Kerman Cenozoic Magmatic Assemblage (KCMA) is a key polymetallic producer within the Urumieh-Dokhtar Magmatic Belt (UDMB) in western Iran, hosting significant Cu– Mo (Au) porphyry type deposits and their epithermal Au and base metal equivalents. These deposits are formed at least into three primary clusters, i.e., Miduk, Sarcheshmeh, and Daralu, as well as sporadic individual occurences, which are closely associated with magmatic activity from the early Oligocene to the mid-late Miocene. This review synthesizes the geological and geochemical characteristics of ore-related intrusions in the Kerman region, integrating extensive published data to explore their sources and genesis. The U–Pb ages of Cu– Mo (Au) ore forming intrusions indicate two major magmatic phases, around ∼32 Ma and 20–10 Ma. The magmatism in the region produced numerous Cu– Mo (Au) mineralization-related intrusions, dominantly by diorite, monzodiorite, quartz diorite, and granodiorite composition. Geochemical evidence suggests that these intrusions originated from a shared source comprising varying proportions of slab-derived melts, metasomatized lithospheric mantle, and minor contributions from lower crustal materials. Notably, the felsic rock shows a greater incorporation of lower crustal materials compared to the more mafic rocks. The ore-related intrusions in the Kerman region were emplaced in a tectonic setting transitioning from subduction to collision and post-collision, reflecting both extensional and compressional regimes. Oxygen isotope data indicate that ore-forming fluids were primarily magmatic in origin, with minor contributions from meteoric water during the late stages of mineralization. Sulfur isotope analysis of sulfides reveals that the ore-forming materials were largely magmatic, with contributions from sedimentary components. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the magmatic and metallogenic evolution of the three principal ore clusters in the Kerman region.