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Oxidized sulfur-rich arc magmas formed porphyry Cu deposits by 1.88 Ga

Author

Listed:
  • Xuyang Meng

    (Laurentian University)

  • Jackie M. Kleinsasser

    (University of Michigan)

  • Jeremy P. Richards

    (Laurentian University)

  • Simon R. Tapster

    (British Geological Survey)

  • Pedro J. Jugo

    (Laurentian University)

  • Adam C. Simon

    (University of Michigan)

  • Daniel J. Kontak

    (Laurentian University)

  • Laurence Robb

    (University of Oxford
    University of Johannesburg)

  • Grant M. Bybee

    (University of Witwatersrand)

  • Jeffrey H. Marsh

    (Laurentian University)

  • Richard A. Stern

    (University of Alberta)

Abstract

Most known porphyry Cu deposits formed in the Phanerozoic and are exclusively associated with moderately oxidized, sulfur-rich, hydrous arc-related magmas derived from partial melting of the asthenospheric mantle metasomatized by slab-derived fluids. Yet, whether similar metallogenic processes also operated in the Precambrian remains obscure. Here we address the issue by investigating the origin, fO2, and S contents of calc-alkaline plutonic rocks associated with the Haib porphyry Cu deposit in the Paleoproterozoic Richtersveld Magmatic Arc (southern Namibia), an interpreted mature island-arc setting. We show that the ca. 1886–1881 Ma ore-forming magmas, originated from a mantle-dominated source with minor crustal contributions, were relatively oxidized (1‒2 log units above the fayalite-magnetite-quartz redox buffer) and sulfur-rich. These results indicate that moderately oxidized, sulfur-rich arc magma associated with porphyry Cu mineralization already existed in the late Paleoproterozoic, probably as a result of recycling of sulfate-rich seawater or sediments from the subducted oceanic lithosphere at that time.

Suggested Citation

  • Xuyang Meng & Jackie M. Kleinsasser & Jeremy P. Richards & Simon R. Tapster & Pedro J. Jugo & Adam C. Simon & Daniel J. Kontak & Laurence Robb & Grant M. Bybee & Jeffrey H. Marsh & Richard A. Stern, 2021. "Oxidized sulfur-rich arc magmas formed porphyry Cu deposits by 1.88 Ga," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:12:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-021-22349-z
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22349-z
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