1

Classification of Magmatic Sulphide Deposits in China and Mineralization

of Small Intrusions

TANG Zhongli1, *, YAN Haiqing1, JIAO Jiangang1 and LI Xiaohu2

1 Chang’an University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710054

2 Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000

Abstract: Many important metal resources, such as Ni (Cu, Co), PGE, exist in magmatic sulfide deposits,

are a hot spot in geological research. We divide the magmatic sulphide deposits in China into four types

according to their tectonic setting, intruding way, ore deposit mode, main metallogenic elements. The four

types are as

follows: (1) Small-intrusion deposits in paleo-continent; (2) Small-intrusion deposits in

continental flood basalt; (3) Small-intrusion deposits in orogenic belt; and (4) The deposits associated

with ophiolites. On the basis of the classification, we put forward that the main magmatic metallogenic

type in China is small-intrusion metallogeny, and describe its characteristics from small intrusions related

concept, three geologic settings, three volcanic-intrusive assemblages and metallogenic key factors.

According to the experiences of prospecting at home and abroad, we point out that there is big potential

in prospecting small-intrusion deposits, which need further study. At last, we indicate that small-intrusion

metallogeny not only widely distributes in mafic-ultramafic intrusions, but also has an important

economic value and scientific significance in intermediate-acid intrusions.

Key words: magmatic sulfide deposits, classification, small intrusions, metallogenesis

1 Introduction

Previous classifications of magmatic sulphide deposits in China are mainly based on metallogenesis,

considering the controlling factors of geological settings and rock assemblage (Tang, 1997; Liu et al, 1998).

These types of classification play a positive role in further prospecting and research. However, as the

development of geological study, the factors of geological settings, volcanic-intrusive assemblages and

small-intrusion metallogeny are more and more important in recognizing and discovering ore deposits. It is

necessary to put forward a new classification to stress these factors.

During the 20th century, geologists pay more attention to looking for magmatic sulphide deposits associated

with large-size layered complex, because the biggest magma deposits formed in large-size layered complex,

such as the Bushiveld (Bushveld?) layered complex containing the biggest PGE deposit (Cawthorn RG, et al.,

2002), with an area of more than 60103 km2. Another example is the Sudbury layered complex containing the

second largest nickel deposit (Faggart et al., 1985), with an area of more than 1000 km2. However, researchers

explore China in different degrees, without discovering large layered complex except some magmatic sulphide

deposits in small intrusions, among which there is the third largest nickel deposit (Jinchuan deposit) in the world.

The area of the Jinchuan intrusion is only 1.34 km2. Then, geologists pay more and more attention to

small-intrusion metallogeny.

This article is mainly describe the above two issues.

2 Geological Settings

Types of magmatic sulphide deposits in China are shown in Table 1 and distribution of typical magmatic

sulfide deposits in China is seen in Fig. 1.

2.1 Small-intrusion deposits in paleo-continent

Types of magmatic sulphide deposits in China are shown in Table 1 and distribution of typical magmatic 14 pt font, bold, 16 pt in spacing

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3 Samples and Methods

4 Results

5 Discussions

6 Conclusions

Acknowledgements

This work is granted by the China State Mineral Resources Investigation Program (Grant No. 00110200058)

and the Key Project of the National Natural Science Foudation of China (Grant No. 40534020).

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Fig. 1. Distribution of typical magmatic sulfide deposits in China (Geological setting after Zhang et al., 1984).

1. Himalaya orogenic zone; 2. Late Yanshanian orogenic zone; 3. Early Yanshanian orogenic zone; 4. Indosinian orogenic zone; 5. Variscan orogenic

belt; 6. Caledonian orogenic zone; 7. Micro-continental block; 8. Precambrian block; 9. Superimposed basin; 10. Superimposed mountain range; 11.

Suture between Eurasian plate and Indian plate; 12. Palaeo-subduction zone; 13. Late Paleozoic suture; 14. Mesozoic suture; 15. Cenozoic suture; 16.

Tanlu fault; 17. Typical deposits and major metallogenic elements ((1) Kalatongke, (2) Huangshan, (3) Hongqiling, (4) Jinchuan, (5) Xiaonanshan, (6)

Chibaisong, (7) Tongdongzi, (8) Shijuli, (9) De’erni, (10) Jianchaling, (11) Yangliuping, (12) Limahe, (13) Jinbaoshan, (14) Baimazhai, (15)

Dapoling).

Table 1 Types of magmatic sulfide deposits in China

Tectonic

setting Intruding way Main rocks Deposit

mode Deposit

size Main metallogenic

elements

Paleo-

continent Small intrusion Lherzolite Jinchuan Superlarge

Ni, Cu, Co, Pt Diabase, gabbro Chibaisong Medium

Gabbro-diabase Tongdongzi Small

Gabbro Xiaonanshan Small

Intrusion associated with

continental flood basalt Diorite-gabbro-diabase-pyroxenite Dapoling Small

Ni, Cu, Co, Pt Diorite-gabbro-peridotite Limahe Medium

Gabbro-pyroxenite-peridotite Baimazhai Medium 10 pt font, bold, 13 pt in spacing

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