Important metallogenic events and tectonic response of Qinling, Qilian and Kunlun orogenic belts

Abstract：Qinling, Qilian and Kunlun orogenic belts were formed by the superimposition of Paleo-Asian and Tethys structural domains, which had played an important role in the formation of China’s continent during Phanerozoic. The tectonic evolution is complex, and mineralization has diverse characteristics. The significant metallogenic periods are Paleozoic, Mesozoic and Cenozoic, with the important ore-forming events occurring in Proterozoic. Based on studies of the ore-forming events of Qinling, Qilian and Kunlun orogenic belts in relation to their structural environments, the authors have found that the main metallogenic events correspond to specific structural responses. Accordingly, the paleo-Proterozoic Bulunkou magnetite deposit in West Kunlun might have been an important iron formation event. The Qimantage ore concentrated area located along the convergence zone between Altun and East Kunlun tectonic belts is a main tectonic syntaxis. Newly discovered ore deposits were produced by the structure transition and multi-stage functions. The Jinchuan giant Ni-Cu deposit in the Longshoushan Mountain adjacent to the Northern Qilian Mountain is a product of magma upwelling of mantle-derived material in Proterozoic. The Mayuan Pb-Zn deposit is a relatively typical MVT deposit consistent with the structural evolution of the Qinling orogenic belt.