Earth Science Frontiers ›› 2025, Vol. 32 ›› Issue (6): 179-209.DOI: 10.13745/j.esf.sf.2025.4.49

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Metallogenesis in collisional orogens: New insights and advances

HOU Zengqian1(), YANG Zhiming2, ZHANG Hongrui2, WANG Rui3, SONG Yucai2, LIU Yan2, ZHENG Yuanchuan3, XU Bo3, WANG Qingfei3, LIU Yingchao2   

  1. 1. State Key Laboratory of Deep Earth and Mineral Exploration, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Beijing 100037, China
    2. State Key Laboratory of Deep Earth and Mineral Exploration, Institute of Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Beijing 100037, China
    3. State Key Laboratory of Geological Processes and Mineral Resources, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
  • Received:2025-04-21 Revised:2025-05-29 Online:2025-11-25 Published:2025-11-12

Abstract:

The theoretical framework for metallogenesis in collisional orogen belts is established, yet aspects like lithospheric architecture, deep mineralization processes, thermal regimes and ore genesis mechanisms require refinement. Interdisciplinary research and experimental simulations have greatly improved our understanding of collision-related metallogenesis in orogenic systems. Our research demonstrates that collision zones can be divided into two fundamental types: cold- and hot-collisions. The former includes the Pyrenean, Alpine, and Caledonian orogenic belts, while the latter includes the Zagros, Himalayan, and Variscan orogenic belts. The distinction between these regimes is primarily controlled by lithospheric thermal states and geodynamics. Pre-collision oceanic subduction modifies overlying lithosphere via mantle refertilization, juvenile lower crust formation, and crustal reworking, controlling Cu-Au-REE magmatism during subsequent collision. Asthenospheric upwelling drives crust-mantle exchange, providing deep metallogenic drivers. Mineral deposits within collisional orogen belts include porphyry Cu-Au deposits, Mississippi Valley-type (MVT) Pb-Zn deposits, carbonatite-associated REE deposits, orogenic Au deposits, and rare metal deposits related to leucogranites. The key factors for the formation of collisional giant porphyry Cu deposits include: moderately dipping continental subduction, vertical slab tearing, juvenile lower crust anatexis, and sulfides remobilization. The major factors for the formation of MVT Pb-Zn deposits include: fold-thrust belt, transpression or extension environments, basinal brine migration along detachments, and structural traps. The formation of carbonatite-associated REE deposits is related to the recycling of REE-enriched sediments via subduction, partial melting of carbonate-rich mantle sources, crustal magma evolution, and wall-rock metasomatism by saline melts. The main factors for the formation of orogenic Au deposits include: trans-lithospheric architecture and crust-mantle decoupling, accumulation and devolatilization of volatile-rich, mantle-derived ultrapotassic magma, and fluid flux along crustal-scale faults. Leucogranite-related rare metal deposits form through anatexis of fertile crust and magma differentiation facilitated via heat advenction along detachments. Metallogenic models for these deposit types are refined through comparative analysis.

Key words: continental collision, juvenile lower crust, subduction angle, slab tearing, lithospheric architecture, metallogenesis

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