Ore-forming material sources of the Jurassic Cu–Pb–Zn mineralization in the Qin–Hang ore belt, South China: Constraints from S–Pb isotopes

Abstract The Qin–Hang ore belt in South China, which serves as the boundary between the Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks, is marked by extensive Jurassic porphyry-skarn-metasomatic Cu–Pb–Zn polymetallic mineralization. In this contribution, S and Pb isotopic compositions of the Baoshan Cu–Pb–Zn deposit in the western portion of the Qin–Hang ore belt were analyzed to determine the ore-forming material sources in the area. This is coupled by the first systematic collection, compilation and interpretation of previously published S and Pb isotopic data of multiple sulfide minerals to reveal the metal origin and accumulation mechanism of the Cu–Pb–Zn mineralization from the significant deposits in the region (i.e., Dexing, Qibaoshan, Shuikoushan, Baoshan, Huangshaping, Tongshanling and Dabaoshan). The results show that Cu mineralization is characterized by low and narrow δ 34 S (‰) range of values (–5 to 6) and Pb isotopic ratios ( 208 Pb/ 204 Pb = 38.0–39.0, 207 Pb/ 204 Pb = 15.4–15.8, and 206 Pb/ 204 Pb = 17.7–18.7), which are consistent with those of local porphyries. In contrast, the Pb–Zn mineralization reveals higher and more variable δ 34 S (‰) values (–4 to 18) and Pb isotopic ratios ( 208 Pb/ 204 Pb = 38.0–39.5, 207 Pb/ 204 Pb = 15.3–16.0, and 206 Pb/ 204 Pb = 18.0–19.0) that correspond to wall-rock and basement rock compositions in the region. This indicates that the sulfur and lead that formed the Cu mineralization in the Qin–Hang ore belt was mainly sourced from regional magmatism with mantle contributions, whereas the sulfur and lead for the Pb–Zn mineralization was likely derived from the host sedimentary rocks and Proterozoic metamorphic basement rocks, respectively. The S and Pb isotopic data, combined with the geochemical signatures of mineralization-related porphyries, suggest that the Cu was sourced from the deeper levels along with mantle-derived magmas. In contrast, the Pb–Zn probably originated from the crust, with partial melting of the crystalline basement in the Cathaysia Block. Consequently, a three-stage genetic model is proposed to explain the ore-forming processes of the Qin–Hang Cu-polymetallic belt in South China.