This paper is the result of minerial exploration engineering.
[Objective]The Nanling Range in southern China is characterized by extensive granitic magmatic activity and significant metal deposits during the Middle-Late Jurassic, with W, Sn and Pb-Zn-Cu as the most representative metallogenic categories. In this regard, a systematic comparison study on the three types of ore-bearing granites and a thorough analysis on the origin of mineralization differences would have great implications for regional prospecting.[Methods] In this contribution, the whole rock major and trace element concentrations as well as geochronological, Sr-Nd-Hf isotopical and mineral chemical data of these orebearing granites have been collected and reviewed to summarize their petrogenetic differences.[Results] In combination with our major progress in the long-term geological survey, we suggest that differences do exist among W-, Sn-and Pb-Zn-Cu-bearing granites in many aspects, including the spatial-temporal distribution of the metallic deposits and related granitic plutons, geological characteristics, mineral compositions, source nature, enclave origin, differentiation degree, formation temperatures and the oxygen fugacity as well.[Conclusions] It is concluded that the chemical component of granitic rocks, source materials, magmatic differentiation degree and physical-chemical environment during magma evolution are closely associated with the mineralization types (W, Sn, Pb-Zn-Cu) and control the processes of ore formation. Based on the above, the integrated classification criteria for the W-, Sn-and Pb-Zn-Cu-bearing granites from the Nanling Range has been improved, which would be helpful for ore prospecting in the region.
Highlights: The integrated classification criteria for the W-, Sn- and Pb-Zn-Cu-bearing granites from the Nanling Range has been improved in terms of their geological characteristic, enclave origin and geochemical index; This would be helpful for ore prospecting in Nanling.