Earth Science Frontiers ›› 2021, Vol. 28 ›› Issue (3): 271-294.DOI: 10.13745/j.esf.sf.2021.1.30

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On the ore-forming depth and possible maximum vertical extension of the major type ore deposits

QIN Kezhang1,2,3(), ZHAO Junxing1,2, FAN Hongrui1,2,3, TANG Dongmei1,2, LI Guangming1,2,3, YU Kelong1,2,3, CAO Mingjian1,2, SU Benxun1,2,3   

  1. 1. Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100029, China
    2. Innovation Academy for Earth Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100029, China
    3. University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
  • Received:2021-04-12 Revised:2021-04-25 Online:2021-05-20 Published:2021-05-23

Abstract:

Based on a large number of field investigations and comparative studies of typical mineral deposits, and in considerations of the existing problems and practical needs of deep ore prospecting and evaluation, we first review in this paper the depth of ore deposits for the main deposit types, from the ultra-deep magmatic deposits controlled by large-scale magmatic accumulation in the middle-to-lower crust, to the deep, middle and shallow magmatic-hydrothermal deposits controlled by fluid permeability in the middle and upper crust. On this basis, we attempt to explore the maximum vertical extension of the major type ore deposits, and discuss the constrained depth of mineralization, degree of denudation, and possible vertical extension at depth for the copper-nickel (-chromite-PGE) deposits represented by the Bushveld and Voisey’s Bay, the porphyry copper deposits represented by Qulong, the orogenic gold deposits represented by Muruntau, and the Jiaodong gold province. The depth and vertical extension of hypogene mineralization associated with magmatic ore deposit can vary greatly; for example, the depth of mineralization in a layered igneous complex can extend to 20 km, with vertical extension ranging from 6 to 8 km. The maximum depth of magmatic-hydrothermal deposits is at the bottom of the lower crust where fluid penetration occurs. Oroganic gold deposits have the greatest depth, about 12-15 km, followed by pegmatite and granite deposits; porphyry deposits are in the middle, about 2-6 km; and the epithermal Au-Ag deposits have the shallowest depth of less than 1 km to the surface. The corresponding vertical extension of these deposits ranges in 4-7 km, 2-3 km, and 1 km, respectively. The controlling factors and some indicators are reviewed, such as high permeability of ore accumulating structural space, peak of mineralization, and suitable preservation conditions. Future research on the depth of mineralization may focus on such issues including how to determine a reasonable and uniform estimation method for the depth (pressure) of hypogene mineralization, as well as the theoretical basis, judgement markers and comprehensive identification method for determining the maximum depth and vertical extension of deposits.

Key words: deep prospecting, depth of deposits, maximum vertical extension, magmatic ore deposit related to layered complex and small intrusions, mesothermal gold deposit, porphyry Cu deposit, denudation and preservation

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