Ore-Bearing Magmatic Systems with Complex Sn–Au–Ag Mineralization in the North-Eastern Verkhoyansk–Kolyma Orogenic Belt, Russia

Abstract

This paper reports the results of a study of magmatic rocks with Sn–W–Au–Ag mineralization from the Kuranakh, Elikchan, and Istekh ore fields in the Northern batholith belt of the north-eastern Verkhoyansk–Kolyma orogenic belt in Eastern Russia. Using petrographic, mineralogical, geochemical, and isotopic methods, we determined the mineral compositions, petrochemistry, and geochemistry of magmatic rocks, the P–T conditions of their generation and crystallization, and their geodynamic affinity. The studied magmatic rocks have common geochemical characteristics that likely reflect the influence of fluids supplied from a long-lived, deep-seated mantle source. The ore fields are characterized by Sn–W–Au–Ag–Pb polygenetic mineralization. The magmatic and metallogenic evolution comprised five stages for the formation of magmatic rocks and ores. During the first stage (Berriasian–Barremian), arc-related magmatic rocks formed in an active continental margin setting and were associated with Au–Ag mineralization. The second, third, and fourth stages (Aptian–Campanian) took place in a crustal extension and rift setting, and were accompanied by Au–Ag and Sn–W mineralization. During the fifth (post-magmatic) stage, Sn–Ag–Sb and Pb–Ag mineralization occurred.