Orogenic-type deposits and their metallogenic model and exploration potential

Abstract

Identification of a new type mineralization often leads to discovery of a great number of ore deposits and ore provinces. Predicting and identifying new type mineralizations is an important aim of ore deposit study. To date the majority of orogenic-type gold deposits has been well shown by worldwide studies. However, the other commodities of orogenic-type are rarely discussed. This paper addresses the concept of orogenic-type deposits which formed by fluid systems mainly sourced from metamorphic devolatilization. The paper also develops genetic models for orogenic deposits at various scales, including deposit -, orefield/terrain - and province/orogen -scales. The genetic models are linked to a three -stage tectonic evolution of convergent orogens. According to these models, the transition from compression to extension of thickened accretionary or/and collisional orogens is conducive to mineralizations; and the syn -orogenic ore -systems must be characteristically lagged behind compressional orogenesis. As case studies, orogenic -type silver, lead -zinc, molybdenum and copper deposits are reported in the paper. This implies that China has great potential for orogenic-type deposits. The logics and validity of the metallogenic models are evidenced by introduction of several successful ore deposit prediction.