Work

Redox state of subducted sediments controls porphyry copper mineralization along the Tethyan belt

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The Tethyan orogenic belt underwent prolonged tectonic evolution and hosts numerous world-class porphyry copper deposits. Notably, most porphyry deposits are associated with Cenozoic continental collision, while fewer are formed during Mesozoic subduction. Here we integrate detrital zircon oxybarometry with geochemical data, stratigraphy, sea-level and temperature fluctuations, and major geological events. Our results reveal a stark redox transition–from anoxic during Mesozoic subduction to oxidized during Cenozoic collision. We propose that subduction of organic-rich, reduced sediments in the Mesozoic suppressed the oxidation state of arc magmas, locking chalcophile elements in the lower crust and inhibiting the formation of subduction-related porphyry Cu deposits. In contrast, the subduction of more oxidized sediments during the Cenozoic elevated oxygen fugacity, releasing stored metals and promoting extensive formation of porphyry Cu deposits during continental collision. These findings underscore the critical role of sediment redox state and subduction history in governing porphyry mineralization along the Tethyan belt.

Source: Nature Communications

DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-61668-3

Authors: Huawei Li, Zhiming Yang, Yongjun Lu, Zengqian Hou

Institutions: Peking University, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, The University of Western Australia

Language: English

Topic: Geological and Geochemical Analysis

Subfield: Geophysics

Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $6,990

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, National Key Research and Development Program of China