Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Zircon U-Pb age and geochemical characteristics of ore-bearing granodiorite porphyry in the Duobuza porphyry copper deposit, Tibet

  • Research Articles
  • Published:
Journal of the Geological Society of India

Abstract

The Duobuza deposit is the first porphyry-type copper deposit discovered with giant prospect in the Bangongco metallogenic belt. Geochemical data indicates that the ore-bearing Duobuza granodiorite porphyry is high-K calc-alkaline to shoshonitic and peraluminous composition. The ore-bearing granodiorite porphyry is enriched in large-ion lithophile elements(LILE) such as Rb, K, Th, La, Ce and Sr, and depleted in high-field-strength elements(HFSE) such as Nb, Ta, P, and Ti. The rare-earth element (REE) patterns show enrichment in light REEs relative to heavy REEs. The major, rareearth, and trace elements of the ore-bearing granodiorite porphyry show characteristics of adakites, formed in an island arc setting. The laser ablation inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) zircon U–Pb age of the orebearing granodiorite porphyry is 123.4±1.2 Ma (MSWD = 1.7), which also represents the age of the copper-mineralization. Together with the age data of the early Cretaceous magmatic rocks in the Bangongco–Nujiang suture zone and the middle-northern Gangdese, it indicates that there was bidirectional (northward and southward) subduction of the Bangongco–Nujiang ocean during 120 Ma, and the Duobuza deposit was related to this event.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Batchelor, R.B. and Bowden, P. (1985) Petrogenetic interpretation of granitoid rock series using multicationic parameters. Chem. Geol, v.48, pp.43–55.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ben, O.D., White, W.M. and Patchett, J. (1989) Geochemistry of marine sediments, island arc magma genesis, and crustmantle recycling. Earth Planet. Sci. Lett, v.94, pp.1–21.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Castillo, P.R. (2006) An overview of adakite petrogenesis. Chinese Sci. Bull., v. 51, pp. 257–268.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Defant, M.J. and Drummond, M.S. (1990) Derivation of some modern arc magmas by melting of young subducted lithosphere. Nature, v.347, pp.662–665.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Defant, M.J., Xu, J.F., Kepezhinskas, P., Wang, Q., Zhang, Q. and Xiao, L.(2002) Adakites: some variations on a theme. Acta. Petrol. Sin, v.18, pp.129–142.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ding, L., Kapp, P., Yin, A., Deng, W.M. and Zhong, D.L. (2003) Early Tertiary volcanism in the Qiangtang terrane of central Tibet: evidence for a transition from oceanic to continental subduction. Jour. Petrol., v.44, pp.1833–1865.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Du, D.D., Qu, X.M., Wang, G.H., Xin, H.B. and Liu, Z.B. (2011) Bidirectional subduction of the Middle Tethys oceanic basin in the west segment of Bangongco-Nujiang suture£¬Tibet: Evidence from zircon U-Pb LA-ICP MS dating and petrogeochemistry of arc granites. Acta. Petrol. Sin., v.27, pp.1993–2002.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fei, G.C., Wen, C.Q., Wang, C.S., Zhou, X., Wu, P.Y., Wen, Q. and Zhou, Y.(2010a) Zircon SHRIMP U-Pb age of porphyry granite in Dongzhongla lead-zinic deposit, Mozhugongka County, Tibet. Geol. China, v.37, pp.470–476.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fei, G. C., Wen, C.Q., Wang, C.S., Wu, P.Y., Wen, Q. and Zhou, X. (2010b) Zircon SHRIMP U-Pb age of allgovite in Dongzhongla, east gangdise, and it’s geological significance. Geol. Bull. China, v.29, pp.1138–1142.

    Google Scholar 

  • GrifFin, W.L., Wang, X., Jackson, S.E., Pearson, N.J., O’Reilly, S.Y., Xu, X. and Zhou, X.(2002) Zircon chemistry and magma mixing, SE China: in-situ analysis of Hf isotopes. Tonglu and Pingtan igneous complexes. Lithos, v.61, pp.237–269.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hou, Z.Q., Gao, Y.F., Qu, X.M., Rui, Z.Y. and Mo, X.X. (2004) Origin of adakitic intrusives generated during mid-Miocene East-west extension in southern Tibet. Earth Planet. Sci. Lett., v.220, pp.139–155.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hawkesworth, C.J., Gallagher, K., Hergt, J.M. and Mcdermott, F. (1993) Mantle and slab contributions in arc magmas. Ann. Rev. Earth Planet. Sci., v.21, pp.175–204.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huang, J.Q and Chen, B.W. (1987) Geological evolution of Tethys sea around China and its adjacent areas. Beijing Geological Publishing House, pp.1–78.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kapp, P., Murphy, M.A., Yin, A., Harrison, M.T., Ding, L. and Guo, J.H. (2003) Mesozoic and Cenozoic tectonic evolution of the Shiquanhe area of western Tibet. Tectonics, v.22, pp.10–29.

    Google Scholar 

  • Li, G.M., Li, J.X., Qin, K.Z., Duo, J., Zhang, T. P., Xiao B. and Zhao, J.X. (2012) Geology and Hydrothermal Alteration of the Duobuza Gold-Rich Porphyry Copper District in the Bangongco Metallogenetic Belt, Northwestern Tibet. Resour. Geol., v.62, pp. 99–118.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li, G.M., Li, J.X., Qin, K.Z., Duo, J., Zhang, T.P. and Xiao, B.(2007) High temperature, salinity and strong oxidation oreforming fluid at Duobuza gold-rich porphyry copper in the Bangongco tectonic belt, Tibet: evidence from fluid inclusions study. Acta. Petrol. Sin., v.23, pp.935–52.

    Google Scholar 

  • Li, J.X., Li, G.M., Qin, K.Z. and Xiao, B. (2011a) High temperature primarymagmatic fluid directly exsolved from magma at Duobuza gold-rich porphyry copper deposit, Northern Tibet. Geofluids, v.11, pp.134–143.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li, J.X., Li, G.M., Qin, K.Z. and Xiao, B. (2008) Geochemistry of porphyries and volcanic rocks and ore-forming geochronology of Duobuza gold-rich porphyry copper deposit in Bangongco belt, Tibet: Constraints on metallogenetic tectonic settings. Acta. Petrol. Sin., v.24, pp.531–543.

    Google Scholar 

  • Li, J.X., Li, G.M., Qin, K.Z. and Xiao, B., Zhao, J. X. and Chen, L. (2011b) Magma-hydrothermal evolution of the Cretaceous Duolong gold-rich porphyry copper deposit in the Bangongco metallogenetic belt, Tibet: evidence from U-Pb and 40Ar/39Ar geochronology. Jour. Asian Earth Sci., v.41, pp.525–536.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li, J.X., Li, G.M., Qin, K. Z., Xiao, B., Chen, L. and Zhao, J. X. (2012) Mineralogy andmineral chemistry of the Cretaceous Duolong gold-rich porphyry copper deposit in the Bangongco arc,Northern Tibet. Resource Geol., v.62, pp.19–41.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li, Y.B., Duo, J., Zhong, W.T., Li, Y.C., Qiangba, W.D., Chen, H.Q., Liu, H.F., Zhang, J.S., Zhang, T.P., Xu, Z.Z., Fan, A.H. and Suo Lang, W.Q. (2012) An exploration model of the Duobuza porphyry copper deposit in Gerze Couty, northern Tibet. Geol. Explor., v.48, pp.274–287.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ludwig, K.R.(2003) Isoplot 3.0-A geochronological toolkit for Microsoft Excel[M]. Berkeley Geochronology Center, pp.1–70.

  • Martin, H. (1999) The adakitic magmas: modern analogues of Archaean granitoids. Lithos, v.46, pp.411–429.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Martin, H., Smithies, R.H., Rapp, R., Moyen, J.F. and Champion, D. (2005) An overview of adakite, tonalite–trondhjemite–granodiorite (TTG), and sanukitoid: relationships and some implications for crustal evolution. Lithos, v.79, pp.1–24.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mcculloch, M.T. and Gamble, J.A. (1991) Geochemical and geodynamical constraints on subduction zone magmatism. Earth Planet. Sci. Lett, v.102, pp.358–374.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mo, X.X., Dong, G.C., Zhao, Z.D., Zhou, S., Wang, L.L., Qiu, R.Z. and Zhang, F.Q. (2005) Spatial and temporal distribution and characteristics of granitoids in the Gangdese, Tibet and implication for crustal growth and evolution. Geol. Jour. China Universities, v.11, pp.281–290.

    Google Scholar 

  • Murphy, M.A., Harrison, T.M., Durr, S.B., Chen, Z., Ryerson, F.J., Kidd, W.S.F., Wang, X. and Zhou, X. (1997) Significant crustal shortening in south central Tibet prior to the Indo-Asian collision. Geology, v.25, pp.719–722.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pan, G.T., Wang, L.Q. and Zhu, D.C. (2004) Thoughts on some important scientific problems in regional geological survey of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Geol. Bull. China, v.23, pp.12–19.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pan, G.T., Chen, Z.L., Li, X.Z., Yang, Y.J., Xu, X.S., Xu, Q., Jiang, X.S., Wu, Y.L., Luo, J.N., Zhu, T.X. and Peng, Y.M. (1997) Geological–Tectonic Evolution in the Eastern Tethys. Geological Publishing House, pp.1–218.

    Google Scholar 

  • Peccerillo, A. and Taylor, S.R. (1976) Geochemistry of Eocene calc–alkaline volcanic rocks from the Kastamonu area, Northern Turkey. Contrib. Mineral. Petrol., v.1, pp.63–81.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Qu, X.M. and Xin, H.B. (2006) Ages and tectonic environment of the Bangong Co porphyry copper belt in western Tibet, China. Geol. Bull. China, v.25, pp.792–799.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rickwood, P. C. (1989) Boundary lines within petrologic diagrams which use oxides of major and minor elements. Lithos, v.22, pp.247–263.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shand, S.J. (1947) Eruptive rocks: their genesis, composition, classification, and their relation to ore-deposits, with a chapter on meteorites, 3rd edition. John Wiley, New York, 488p.

    Google Scholar 

  • She, H.Q., Li, J.W., Ma, D.F., Li, G.M., Zhang, D.Q., Feng, C.Y., Qu, W.J. and Pan, G. T.(2009) Molybdenite Re-Os and SHRIMP zircon U-Pb dating of Duobuza porphyry copper deposit in Tibet and its geological implications. Miner. Deposit, v.28,pp.737–746.

    Google Scholar 

  • Simon, E.J., Norman, J.P. and William, L.G.. (2004) The application of laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry to in-situ U-Pb zircon geochronolgy. Chem. Geol, v.211, pp.47–69.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sun, S.S. and Mcdonough, W.F. (1989) Chemical and isotopic systematics of oceanic basalts: implications for mantle composition and processes. In: M.J. Norry and A.D. Saunders (Eds.), Magmatism in the Ocean Basins. Geological Society Special Publication, London, pp.313–345.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wilson, M. (1989) Igneous Petrogenesis: a global tectonic approach. Uniwin Hyman, London.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Yuan, H.L., Gao, S., Dai, M.N., Zong, C.L., Günther, D., Fontaine, G.H., Liu, X.M. and Diwu, C.R. (2008) Simultaneous determinations of U–Pb age, Hf isotopes and trace element compositions of zircon by excimer laser ablation quadrupole and multiple collector ICP-MS. Chem. Geol, v.247, pp.100–117.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yuan, H.L., Gao, S., Liu, X.M., Li, H.M., Gunther, D. and Wu, F.Y.(2004) Accurate U-Pb age and trace element determinations of zircon by laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Geostandards Newsletter, v.28, pp.353–370.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, K.J., Xia, B.D., Wang, G.M., Li, Y.T. and Ye, H.F. (2004) Early Cretaceous stratigraphy, depositional environments, sandstone provenance, and tectonic setting of central Tibet, western China. GSA Bull., v.116, pp.1202–1222.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, Q., Qin, K.Z., Wang, Y.L., Zhang, F.Q., Liu, H.T. and Wang, Y.(2004) Study on adakite broadened to challenge the Cu and Au exploration in China. Acta. Petrol. Sin., v.20, pp.195–204.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhu, D.C., Pan, G.T., Mo, X.X., Wang, L.Q., Liao, Z.L., Zhao, Z.D., Dong, G.C. and Zhou, C.Y. (2006) Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous geodynamic setting in middle–northern Gangdese: new insights from volcanic rocks. Acta. Petrol. Sin., v.22, pp.534–546.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhu, D.C., Mo, X.X., Niu, Y.L., Zhao, Z.D., Wang, L.Q., Liu, Y.S. and Wu, F.Y. (2009) Geochemical investigation of Early Cretaceous igneous rocks along an east–west traverse throughout the central Lhasa Terrane, Tibet. Chem. Geol., v.268, pp.298–312.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Key Laboratory of Tectonic Controls on Mineralization and Hydrocarbon Accumulation, Ministry of Land and Resources, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China

    Guangchun Fei

  2. College of Earth Sciences, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, Sichuan, China

    Guangchun Fei, Yu Zhou, Chun-Qi Wen, Quan Wen, Yangyang He, Yan Huo & Zhengxi Yang

  3. Institute of Multipurpose Utilization of Mineral Resources, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China

    Xiong Zhou & Yu Zhou

  4. Geological and Mineral Resources Exploration Bureau of Tibet, Lasa, Tibet, China

    Ji Duo, Jinshu Zhang & Hongfei Liu

Authors
  1. Guangchun Fei
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Xiong Zhou
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Ji Duo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Yu Zhou
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Chun-Qi Wen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Quan Wen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Yangyang He
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. Yan Huo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  9. Zhengxi Yang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  10. Jinshu Zhang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  11. Hongfei Liu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Xiong Zhou.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Fei, G., Zhou, X., Duo, J. et al. Zircon U-Pb age and geochemical characteristics of ore-bearing granodiorite porphyry in the Duobuza porphyry copper deposit, Tibet. J Geol Soc India 86, 223–232 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12594-015-0302-8

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12594-015-0302-8

Keywords

Search

Navigation