Relationship between Indosinian magmatic activity and Li-Be-rare metal mineralization in the eastern section of West Kunlun and its implications for prospecting

This paper is the result of mineral exploration engineering. Objective The aim of this paper is to investigate the relationship of Li-Be-rare metal mineralization and Indosinian magmatism in the eastern part of the West Kunlun Orogenic Belt through a comprehensive study of Indosinian magmatic activities, granite chronology, and geochemical characterization. Furthermore, the corresponding metallogenic regularity is summarized, and the exploration prospecting of rare metal pegmatite deposits is given. Methods Based on the our recent research, the geological details in the eastern part of the West Kunlun Orogenic Belt, including ages, mineral assemblages, geochemical characteristics, isotopic characteristics (Hf, Nd and Li, etc.) of the Indosinian magmas, are summarized and fully compared for the first time. The genetic link between the pegmatite-hosted Li-Be-rare metal mineralization and Indosinian magmatism is investigated. Results The large composite granite pluton formed in Indosinian period in the eastern part of the West Kunlun Orogenic Belt is mainly composed of quartz diorite, biotite monzogranite and two-mica monzogranite (including garnet tourmaline two-mica monzogranite), which was formed due to partial melting of the crust in a post-collision regime. The reliable chronological data show that there is no age difference between the composite granite (216.7~208.8Ma) and the granitic pegmatites (211.9~208.1Ma), suggesting that they were formed at the same time. The characteristics of minerals (garnet, tourmaline) and Li isotopes indicate that the two-mica monzogranite (garnet tourmaline two-mica monzogranite), garnet-bearing tourmaline muscovite granite pegmatite and spodumene-albite pegmatite were likely derived from the same magma source. Conclusions Results show that two-mica monzogranite and in particular garnet, tourmaline-bearing two-mica monzogranite exhibit close relationship with the pegmatite-type rare metal deposits. The peripheries of Aktas and the 509 Daoban-Quanshuigou area are favorable section for prospecting lithium-rich pegmatite.