Geochronology, geochemistry, and mineral chemistry of the Lingshan-Huangshan complex, South China: Insights into Nb and Ta enrichment

A comprehensive analysis of the Lingshan-Huangshan complex in South China reveals that Nb and Ta enrichment in the Huangshan deposit is closely linked to highly fractionated magma and elevated volatile elements, particularly fluorine (F) and lithium (Li). The study, using petrography, geochronology, whole-rock geochemistry, and mineral compositions, found that different phases of the complex formed around 133.4–132.7 million years ago. These phases exhibit geochemical affinities to A-type granites, originating from the Proterozoic crust with some input of juvenile or mantle-derived materials. The research suggests that the decreasing Nb/Ta and Zr/Hf ratios, along with increasing Hf, Th, U, Y in zircon and Rb, Nb, Ta in mica, indicate significant fractional crystallization, especially in the late phases. This process, combined with the enrichment of F and Li, enhances the solubilities of Nb and Ta in the melt, contributing to their concentration in the Huangshan deposit.

Wang, X., Chen, X., Zou, S., Jia, Z., Li, B., Wang, H., & Xu, D. (2023). Geochronology, geochemistry, and mineral chemistry of the Lingshan-Huangshan complex, South China: Insights into Nb and Ta enrichment. Ore Geology Reviews, 157, 105433. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2023.105433