Work

Geological and geochemical characteristics of the Duobaoshan carbonate-hosted Pb-Zn deposit in the Karakorum Range, NW China

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The Duoshaoshan Pb-Zn deposit (0.25 Mt. @ 5.9 wt% Pb and 3.1 wt% Zn) is hosted in Upper Cretaceous limestone in the Karakorum Range, NW China. Pb-Zn mineralization is characterized by veinlet and stockworks ores that are cut by later vein ores. Four stages of mineralization are recognized: (I) galena stage, (II) galena-sphalerite-pyrite stage, (III) galena-smithsonite-cerussite stage, and (IV) quartz-calcite stage. Trace elements (Cd, As, Ge, TI, Zn) enriched in galena, (Ni, TI, Cd, As) enriched in sphalerite, and (Mn, Ni, As, Zn, Tl, Pb) enriched in pyrite, which are consistent with those of MVT deposits. Sphalerite GGIMFis geothermometers (56–127 °C; average 108 °C) indicate that the Pb-Zn mineralization under a low-temperature condition. In situ δ 34 S values of galena (–17.3 to 3.6 ‰), sphalerite (–9.4 to 3.42 ‰), and pyrite (–27.3 to –4.7 ‰) suggest sulfur sources from the bacterial sulfate reduction in local sedimentary rocks. In situ Pb isotope ratios ( 206 Pb/ 204 Pb = 18.751–18.768, 207 Pb/ 204 Pb = 15.715–15.728, and 208 Pb/ 204 Pb = 39.140–39.183) of galena align with those for the regional MVT Pb-Zn deposits, indicating that the underlying Triassic strata supplied substantial metals for the studied Pb-Zn deposit, whereas the host Cretaceous carbonates did not contribute significant metals. The mineralization styles, sulfides geochemistry, and sulfur-metal sources suggest that the Duobaoshan deposit represents a Mississippi Valley-type Pb-Zn deposit. This study provides important insights into the geochemical features and metal sources of carbonate-hosted Pb-Zn deposits in the Karakorum Range.

Source: Ore Geology Reviews

DOI: 10.1016/j.oregeorev.2025.106998

Authors: Guoxiong Ma, Qigui Mao, Wenjiao Xiao, Jun Hu, He Yang, Zhiheng Ren, Yin Liu, Jianling Wan, Xijun Yang

Institutions: Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Geology and Geophysics

Language: English

Topic: Geochemistry and Geochronology of Asian Mineral Deposits

Subfield: Economics and Econometrics

Field: Economics, Econometrics and Finance

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,310

Funders: Science and Technology Department of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, National Natural Science Foundation of China, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Youth Innovation Promotion Association of the Chinese Academy of Sciences