Mineralium Deposita最新文献

{"title":"Diverse sources of sulfur in Archean ore deposits of the southwest Yilgarn Craton, Western Australia","authors":"Paul Duuring, Ignacio González-Álvarez","doi":"10.1007/s00126-025-01386-4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00126-025-01386-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Multiple sulfur isotopes (δ³⁴S, δ³³S, δ³⁶S) are powerful tracers of sulfur reservoirs and fluid evolution in mineral systems, especially in granulite-facies terranes where conventional geochemical indicators may be overprinted. The Yilgarn Craton is one of the most gold-rich Cratons in the world. This study applies in situ secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) to analyze sulfur isotopes in sulfide minerals from a range of Archean mineral deposits in the southwest Yilgarn Craton, Western Australia—including seven metamorphosed gold deposits, and nearby intrusion-related and volcanic-hosted massive sulfide (VHMS) systems. The results reveal systematic differences in Δ³³S values across deposit types. Intrusion-related and some VHMS deposits display near-zero Δ³³S values, consistent with sulfur derived from a primitive mantle source and limited crustal input. In contrast, metamorphosed gold deposits exhibit a broader range of Δ³³S values, reflecting mixed contributions from mantle-derived fluids and Archean sedimentary sulfur, including both sulfide- and sulfate-dominated reservoirs. These findings highlight the utility of multiple sulfur isotopes for fingerprinting sulfur sources and fluid processes in high-grade metamorphic terranes. The data underscore the diversity of sulfur reservoirs accessed by different mineral systems and offer a geochemical framework for interpreting metallogenic processes in the southwest Yilgarn Craton.</p>","PeriodicalId":18682,"journal":{"name":"Mineralium Deposita","volume":"27 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144987324","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Trace element composition of chalcopyrite as a tool for deposit type discrimination from magmatic and hydrothermal settings: a machine learning approach","authors":"Enzo Caraballo, Georges Beaudoin, Sarah Dare","doi":"10.1007/s00126-025-01388-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00126-025-01388-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p>This study focuses on developing an optimal machine learning classifier to predict chalcopyrite provenance using trace element composition and to provide a robust indicator mineral tool for exploration. The trace element dataset, measured by laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), comprises 2562 analyses, of which 1832 are from this study and 730 are compiled from literature, from 155 representative deposits worldwide belonging to 8 major deposit types. Random Forest (RF), Artificial Neural Network (ANN), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Naive Bayes (NB) and Partial Least Square-Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) were tested in three contexts. The RF algorithm yields the highest overall accuracies for discrimination between: 1) magmatic and hydrothermal deposits with Ni-Ga-In-Sb–Se-Ag-Zn-Pb–Sn-Bi as predictors (97.2%), 2) Ni-Cu sulfide and Reef-type PGE deposits with Te-Sn-Se-In-Bi-Zn as predictors (98.3%), and 3) different hydrothermal deposit types using Se-Zn-Sn-In-Ga-Te-Ag-Sb-Bi-Co–Ni-Pb (93%). Additionally, the three classifiers were tested with literature data not included in the training phase (blind data) to assess the robustness in prediction, yielding a mean accuracy &gt; 75%. The RF models were applied to classify literature chalcopyrite data from glacial till and esker sediments overlying the Churchill Province, Canada. Our models suggest that 65.4% of the detrital grains belong to hydrothermal deposits, primarily with porphyry (35.3%), iron oxide copper–gold (IOCG, 36.6%) and volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS, 22.5%) sources, whereas 34.6% have a magmatic provenance (80.9% Ni-Cu sulfide and 19.1% Reef-type PGE deposits). Our RF models provide an accurate and robust tool to fingerprint deposit types using trace element composition of chalcopyrite for mineral exploration.</p>","PeriodicalId":18682,"journal":{"name":"Mineralium Deposita","volume":"45 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144928680","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Genesis of the Zhaxikang Pb-Zn-Sb-Ag-Au deposit, southern Tibet: insights from stibnite trace elements and S-Pb isotopes","authors":"Jinchao Wu, Degao Zhai, Zhi Zhang, Wei Chen, Xiangfa Song, Zijun Qiu, Qingqing Zhao","doi":"10.1007/s00126-025-01387-3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00126-025-01387-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The Zhaxikang Pb-Zn-Sb-Ag-Au deposit is situated in the North Himalaya Metallogenic Belt (NHMB), southern Tibet, and is unique due to its diverse metal resources. Two mineralization events (early Pb-Zn and late Sb) in Zhaxikang are controlled by the complex Cenozoic tectonic evolution in the Himalaya. The ore bodies occur as veins and are hosted primarily by shale interbedded with sandstone and limestone. Stibnite is the dominant Sb-bearing mineral in antimony mineralization. The LA-ICP-MS trace element analyses show that stibnite is characterized by high Cu, As, and Pb contents and low Co, Ni, and Te contents, and most elements occur as solid solutions. In addition, the analytical data indicate that several elemental coupled substitution mechanisms present as (Cu⁺ + Ag⁺) + (Mn²⁺ + Pb²⁺) ↔ 2Sb³⁺ + 2□ and Cu⁺ + Zn²⁺ ↔ Sb³⁺ + □. In situ S isotope analyses of stibnite (<i>δ</i>³⁴S = 4.2 to 6.2‰, mean = 5.7‰) indicate a dominant sedimentary rock-sourced sulfur, which suggests leaching of slate and limestone in the Ridang Formation by the ore-forming fluid. The newly obtained stibnite Pb isotopic ratios (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 19.55 to 19.83, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.85 to 15.89, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 40.38 to 40.76) indicate that the underlying Precambrian metamorphic basement and Mesozoic sedimentary rocks both supplied substantial metals for Sb mineralization. Combined with previous studies, our new isotopic results suggest that the two mineralizing events in Zhaxikang shared similar metal sources, i.e., sedimentary and basement rocks. Both mineralization events, under compressional and extensional tectonic settings, respectively, are closely linked to coeval felsic magmatic events. Finally, trace element data were investigated using PCA which allows the identification of geochemical parameters for predicting metal associations (single Sb or Sb polymetallic deposits) in a Sb ore district, supporting the potential use of stibnite trace elements as promising indicators for exploration targeting.</p>","PeriodicalId":18682,"journal":{"name":"Mineralium Deposita","volume":"11 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144924674","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Apatite cathodoluminescence and trace element geochemistry of Neoarchean and Paleoproterozoic iron oxide-copper-gold (IOCG) deposits of the Carajás domain, Brazil: implications for fluid evolution and metallogenesis","authors":"Raphael B. Hunger, Carolina P. N. Moreto, Roberto P. Xavier, Gustavo H. C. de Melo, Lena V. S. Monteiro, Gláucia N. Queiroga, Cristiano de C. Lana, Wang Liao, Xin-Fu Zhao, Poliana I. de F. Toledo","doi":"10.1007/s00126-025-01381-9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00126-025-01381-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Apatite is a common accessory mineral observed in alteration zones or sulfide-rich mineralized bodies of Neoarchean (ca. 2.7 and 2.5 Ga) and Paleoproterozoic (ca. 1.88 Ga) iron-oxide copper-gold (IOCG) deposits from the Carajás Province. Based on in-situ LA-ICP-MS and EPMA chemical analyses, combined with cathodoluminescence imaging, we investigate morphological and compositional variations among apatite samples from six IOCG deposits recognized in the province, including the Neoarchean Sequeirinho, GT-46, Grota Funda, and Igarapé Bahia deposits, as well as the Paleoproterozoic Sossego orebody and Alvo 118 deposit. The results of this study demonstrate that apatite in these deposits exhibit complex textural domains marked by distinct trace element compositions and REE patterns. Most of the investigated apatite varieties exhibit a hydrothermal signature linked to coupled dissolution-reprecipitation processes, which were the main responsible for REE internal remobilization within grains. This remobilization led to the precipitation of secondary REE-bearing phases (e.g., monazite, allanite) as inclusions or crystal overgrowths associated with altered domains in the analyzed grains. The compositional and morphological variations found in apatite involved distinct fluid regimes and are, therefore, interpreted to reflect the history of fluid-apatite interaction at a deposit scale. Redox conditions under which apatite crystalized vary from relatively reduced (i.e., Sequeirinho, GT-46, Grota Funda, and Sossego) to more oxidized states (i.e., Alvo 118 and Igarapé Bahia). The interaction of primary apatite domains with highly oxidizing fluids possibly suggests a Paleoproterozoic hydrothermal overprint in some of the Neoarchean studied deposits (i.e., Sequeirinho, Grota Funda, and Igarapé Bahia).</p>","PeriodicalId":18682,"journal":{"name":"Mineralium Deposita","volume":"31 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144924673","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Reply to discussion on “A newly recognised mafic sill-hosted Ni-sulfide deposit emplaced during the 2.4 Ga Widgiemooltha dike swarm event, Eastern goldfields, Western Australia”","authors":"Siegel Coralie, Schoneveld Louise, Spaggiari Catherine, Le Vaillant Margaux, Barnes Stephen, Godel Belinda, Mahon David, Verrall Michael, Laure Martin, Caruso Stefano, Tina Shelton","doi":"10.1007/s00126-025-01383-7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00126-025-01383-7","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":18682,"journal":{"name":"Mineralium Deposita","volume":"58 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144924675","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mineralogical tracers for magmatic and hydrothermal controls on Nb-Ta-Li mineralization: a case study from the Hailuoling granite system, Southern China","authors":"Qifei Shi, Bin Wu, Xin Gui, Qian Ren, Guanglai Li, Rong Yin, Qingfei Wang","doi":"10.1007/s00126-025-01384-6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00126-025-01384-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The relative roles of magmatic versus hydrothermal processes in Nb-Ta-Li mineralization within highly evolved granites remain debated. The Hailuoling pluton comprises a magmatic-hydrothermal sequence from monzogranite (139.1 ± 1.2 Ma) through albite granite (137.0 ± 1.3 Ma) and pegmatite to greisen (137.0 ± 1.6 Ma), as dated by U-Pb geochronology on cassiterite/columbite. During the magmatic stage, columbite-group minerals evolve compositionally from columbite-(Fe) through columbite-(Mn) to tantalite-(Mn) and microlite, while siderophyllite exhibits progressively increasing Li, F contents and Ta/(Nb + Ta) ratios. Geochemical and mineralogical evidence suggests that the Nb-Ta mineralization [(Nb + Ta) = 200–300 ppm] in the albite granite mostly results from fractional crystallization of the monzogranite. The magmatic-hydrothermal transition stage features tantalite-(Fe) overgrowths on primary columbite-(Mn) and tantalite-(Mn), suggesting a metasomatic Nb-Ta mineralization episode triggered by hydrosaline melt separation from the fractionated albite granite/pegmatite system. The composition and mineral relics in greisen indicate fluid-rock interaction between the precursor monzogranite and acidic, Li-F-Fe-rich fluids exsolved from the evolving granitic melt. This process drives greisenization associated with elevated Li mineralization (Li ≈ 1500 pm) and minor Nb-Ta enrichment, which is marked by hydrothermal precipitation of Li-rich siderophyllite, W-bearing cassiterite, wolframite, and columbite-group minerals with decreased Ta/(Nb + Ta) and Mn/(Fe + Mn) ratios. This study concludes that fractional crystallization dominates the economic Nb-Ta mineralization and the initial Li enrichment in the Hailuoling deposit, while hydrosaline melt segregation and subsequent fluid exsolution contribute to subordinate metasomatic Nb-Ta enrichment and major Li mineralization.</p>","PeriodicalId":18682,"journal":{"name":"Mineralium Deposita","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144924676","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Nonsulfide Zn–Pb mineralization and vertical zoning in the world-class Angouran deposit, NW Iran: linked to water table-controlled supergene processes","authors":"Liangliang Zhuang, Yucai Song, Yingchao Liu, Teng Deng, Zengqian Hou","doi":"10.1007/s00126-025-01372-w","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00126-025-01372-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p>This study reevaluates the previously proposed hypogene hypothesis and redefines the origin of smithsonite mineralization in the Angouran deposit, Iran (4.7 Mt of sulfide ore at 27.7% Zn; 14.6 Mt of carbonate ore at 22% Zn). Geological mapping and petrological observations reveal a distinct vertical mineralized zoning: a lower primary sulfide zone containing minor amounts of smithsonite, an intermediate transition zone characterized by smithsonite and newly formed sulfides, and an upper oxidation zone comprising smithsonite and Fe–Mn oxides, which is widely recognized as supergene origin under atmospheric oxygen fugacity conditions. This zoning pattern is analogous to classic supergene weathering profiles observed in porphyry Cu deposits. Morphological and sulfur isotopic analyses (³⁴S-depleted signatures) confirm that the newly formed sulfides within the transition zone are of supergene origin, primarily induced by bacterial sulfate reduction processes and partly formed by the direct replacement of primary sphalerite immediately below the paleo-water table. Smithsonite from all three zones exhibits similar C–O isotopic compositions that fall between those of the host marble and travertines, further supporting a consistent supergene origin. Reaction path modeling demonstrates that smithsonite cannot be generated by the direct replacement of sphalerite by CO₂-rich spring water unless under atmospheric oxygen fugacity conditions. The development of the vertical zoning with distinct mineral assemblages is primarily controlled by the position of the paleo-water table. Near it, rapid fluctuations in oxygen fugacity and sulfur fugacity occur, allowing sulfides formed under reducing conditions to coexist with smithsonite precipitated in relatively oxidative environments. The occurrence of supergene sulfides provides valuable insights into the origin of nonsulfide Zn–Pb mineralization and aid in locating deeply buried primary sulfide orebodies.</p>","PeriodicalId":18682,"journal":{"name":"Mineralium Deposita","volume":"132 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144066945","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cassiterite U–Pb ages from the Tin Islands, Indonesia, the southern end of the Southeast Asian tin province","authors":"Jie-Hua Yang, Rui-Zhong Hu, Mei-Fu Zhou, Bernd Lehmann, Jun-Hong Zhao, Jing-Hua Wu, Liang Liu, Wei Mao, Zheng-Teng Cui, Mega Fatimah Rosana","doi":"10.1007/s00126-025-01373-9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00126-025-01373-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The Tin Islands of Indonesia (Riau Archipelago, Bangka and Belitung) constitute the southernmost part of the SE Asian tin province. U–Pb ages of cassiterite from three granite-related tin deposits (Pemali, Selumar and Tikus) and four placer tin deposits (Penyusuk, Sadab Perlang, Gunung Mudal Sincong and Riding Panjang) on Bangka and Belitung Islands were determined by in situ LA-ICPMS U–Pb dating. Cassiterite from the Pemali, Selumar and Tikus deposits has ²³⁸U/²⁰⁶Pb lower intercept U–Pb ages (2 s) of 217.2 ± 2.9 Ma, 223.7 ± 1.6 Ma and 212.5 ± 3.3 Ma, respectively. Alluvial cassiterite from the placer tin deposits of Penyusuk, Sadab Perlang, Gunung Mudal Sincong and Riding Panjang gave U–Pb ages (2 s) of 225.4 ± 3.6 Ma, 216.9 ± 4.2 Ma, 230.1 ± 2.5 Ma and 222.7 ± 1.4 Ma, respectively. These dates define the age of 230—210 Ma for tin mineralization in the Tin Islands, in alignment with the metallogenic ages of tin deposits in the Main Range belt of Malaysia and Thailand.</p>","PeriodicalId":18682,"journal":{"name":"Mineralium Deposita","volume":"35 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143931193","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Lithium-caesium-tantalum pegmatites in the Varuträsk area, Sweden: geological setting, timing, and source-transport-trap characteristics","authors":"Joel B. H. Andersson, Edward P. Lynch, Diana Schildger, Heejin Jeon, Martiya Sadeghi, Tobias E. Bauer","doi":"10.1007/s00126-025-01369-5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00126-025-01369-5","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;This study investigates lithium-caesium-tantalum (LCT) pegmatites and associated pegmatites and granites in the Varuträsk area, northern Sweden, using a mineral systems approach (i.e. source-transport-trap). The research incorporates geological mapping both regionally and underground, analysis of geological structures and host rock competency, 3D modelling, lithogeochemistry, and zircon-monazite U–Pb SIMS geochronology to assess the genesis and controls on the Varuträsk LCT pegmatite system. The findings reveal four phases of intrusive magmatism within a supracrustal package predominantly composed of metagreywacke, metabasalt (amphibolite), and black shale, subjected to two fabric-forming deformation phases and at least two folding phases, pre- and syn-plutonism in association with the Svecokarelian orogeny. Pegmatites are controlled by brittle to brittle-plastic structures that intersect the tectonic fabric of the host rock, with host rock competency, characterized by uniaxial compressive strength, being a key factor determining the intrusion angle of the pegmatite. The earliest magmatic phase in the area is represented by a granodiorite pluton with a zircon &lt;sup&gt;207&lt;/sup&gt;Pb/&lt;sup&gt;206&lt;/sup&gt;Pb age of 1885 ± 3.2 Ma, linked to the main Svecokarelian orogenic cycle. A granodiorite-tonalite intrusion related to the Transscandinavian Igneous Belt has a zircon &lt;sup&gt;207&lt;/sup&gt;Pb/&lt;sup&gt;206&lt;/sup&gt;Pb age of 1801 ± 1.7 Ma. Three peraluminous S-type granites (plutonic Skellefte suite) yielded zircon &lt;sup&gt;207&lt;/sup&gt;Pb/&lt;sup&gt;206&lt;/sup&gt;Pb ages of 1795 ± 1.7 Ma and 1792 ± 1.6 Ma, and a monazite &lt;sup&gt;207&lt;/sup&gt;Pb/&lt;sup&gt;206&lt;/sup&gt;Pb age of 1798 ± 4.6 Ma. Small and irregular to elongated bodies of hypabyssal pegmatitic leucogranite with peraluminous characteristics (hypabyssal Skellefte suite), although not dated in this study, form a geochemical continuum with the Varuträsk LCT pegmatite and less evolved regional pegmatites, and are chemically distinct from the larger S-type plutons. A ‘simple’ muscovite pegmatite dyke, representative of the less evolved regional pegmatites in the area, produced a monazite U–Pb crystallisation age of 1780 ± 6.9 Ma. These results suggest that the hypabyssal pegmatitic leucogranites, regional less evolved pegmatites, and the Varuträsk LCT pegmatite represent the final stage (c. 1.78 Ga) of crustal maturation in the orogenic cycle, marginally postdating the regional migmatization and S-type granite plutonism event. However, further research is encouraged in this study to validate the time gap between plutonic and pegmatitic granites in the Varuträsk area. We propose a mineral system model encompassing a c. 1.80 – 1.78 Ga timeframe that involved initial anatexis of metasedimentary rocks to form S-type granite plutons during the late Svecokarelian orogeny. Subsequently, a resolvable younger magmatic event generated granitic pegmatite melts that utilized pre-existing structures as transport pathways. These melts were trapped in structurally fa","PeriodicalId":18682,"journal":{"name":"Mineralium Deposita","volume":"7 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143909818","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Structural controls on lithium mineralization in shear-zone hosted granitic pegmatites of the Zulu pegmatite field, Zimbabwe – implications for exploration","authors":"Lot Koopmans, Nicholas J. Gardiner, Brayden St. Pierre, Richard M. Palin, Rutendo Musinga, Laurence J. Robb","doi":"10.1007/s00126-025-01371-x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00126-025-01371-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Granitic pegmatites are a significant source of critical metals including tin, tantalum, and most notably lithium. To meet future demand, a comprehensive exploration model is required to assist in the discovery of new hard rock deposits. Whereas recent work has largely focused on understanding the source and mineralization processes of pegmatites, the structural controls on the distribution and size of individual deposits remains poorly understood and understudied. In this contribution, we present a structural study on the Zulu pegmatite field in Zimbabwe, which provides a good example of the influence of shear zones, host rock rheology, and lithological competency contrasts on the orientation, size, and distribution of pegmatite bodies within a pegmatite field. At Zulu, we observe both structural and petrographic evidence for two types of pegmatite emplacement within an active shear zone during D₂ strike-slip dominated deformation. An early generation (Type 1) was emplaced syn-kinematic to D₂ within dilational jogs subparallel to the shear fabric, and continued ductile shearing also drove significant recrystallization which affected the primary magmatic phases and therefore influenced the preserved mineralogy. A later generation (Type 2) was emplaced syn-to-late-kinematic to D₂ along tension gashes and subordinate fracture sets oblique to the shear fabric, which served to truncate the cooling history and preserve a primarily magmatic mineralogy within this pegmatite group. By comparing Zulu to other large pegmatite deposits, we conclude that geologic structures are critical to source-to-sink connectivity in lithium pegmatite systems, and affect the mineralization potential of individual deposits by driving recrystallization. Assessing the structural history and relative timing of emplacement within a pegmatite field, in conjunction with detailed (micro)textural observations from within pegmatite bodies, is essential to understanding pegmatite emplacement geometries. A more systematic approach in constraining these relationships will therefore aid in generating new exploration targets in both greenfield and brownfield settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":18682,"journal":{"name":"Mineralium Deposita","volume":"47 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143910664","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}