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Critical Metal Occurrence, Enrichment, and Application
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Critical Metal Occurrence, Enrichment, and Application

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Earth Sciences".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (18 June 2022) | Viewed by 12018

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Changming Wang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Earth Sciences and Resources, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
Interests: mineralogy; petrology; mineral deposit
Prof. Dr. Leon Bagas

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Centre for Exploration Targeting, The Western University of Australia, Crawley 6009, Australia
Interests: petrology; mineral deposit

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Critical metals, including rare metals (e.g., Li, Be, Rb, Cs, Nb, Ta, Zr, Hf, W and Sn), rare earth elements (e.g., La, Ce, Pr, Nd, MS, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Sc and Y), rare disperse elements (e.g., Ga, Ge, Se, Cd, In, Te, Re and Tl) and other strategic metals (e.g., PEG, Cr and Co) have been regarded as essential strategic resources for global high-technology applications. However, critical metals are categorized as rare, associated and/or fine, and these critical metal characteristics constrain our understanding of their metallogenic mechanism and efficient utilization. The present Special Issue aims to gather papers on the occurrence of critical metals and enrichment and application research, especially on refractory elements, concerning geological, geochemical, and isotopic methods. Our aim is to offer research paradigms for critical metals and provide a key basis to improve and perfect metallogenic theory, as well as improve our knowledge around critical metals.

Prof. Dr. Changming Wang
Prof. Dr. Leon Bagas
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • critical metal
  • refractory element
  • PGE
  • occurrence
  • enrichment
  • application
  • mineral deposit

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research

2 pages, 159 KiB  
Editorial
Special Issue on Critical Metal Occurrence, Enrichment, and Application
by Changming Wang, Jiaxuan Zhu and Leon Bagas
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(24), 12686; https://doi.org/10.3390/app122412686 - 11 Dec 2022
Viewed by 976
Abstract
Critical metals are a new resource concept introduced in recent years, referring to a category of metal elements that have essential and irreplaceable uses for emerging industries such as new energy, new materials, information technology, and defense industries [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Critical Metal Occurrence, Enrichment, and Application)

Research

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18 pages, 57553 KiB  
Article
Genesis and Significance of Late Cretaceous Granitic Magmatism in Xianghualing Tin–Polymetallic Orefield, Nanling Region, South China
by Zhihui Zhang, Bojie Hu, Da Zhang, Xiaolong He, Jianlin Zou, Xufeng Tian and Yuanshun Yi
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(18), 8984; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12188984 - 7 Sep 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1620
Abstract
Typical stratiform-like cassiterite–sulfide orebodies formed at 160–150 Ma cut by a steep hydrothermal vein-type orebody were discovered in the Xianghualing tin–polymetallic orefield, which implied a new phase of magmatism and mineralization later than the Late Jurassic stage. Hence, a systematic study of the [...] Read more.
Typical stratiform-like cassiterite–sulfide orebodies formed at 160–150 Ma cut by a steep hydrothermal vein-type orebody were discovered in the Xianghualing tin–polymetallic orefield, which implied a new phase of magmatism and mineralization later than the Late Jurassic stage. Hence, a systematic study of the characteristics and genesis of the concealed Laohuya granite, including U–Pb age, trace elements, Lu–Hf isotopes of zircons, and whole-rock major- and trace-elements, is examined in this paper. The zircon U–Pb dating yielded a Concordia age of 87.75 ± 1 Ma, confirming the existence of Late Cretaceous magmatism in the Xianghualing tin–polymetallic orefield. The Laohuya granite is classified as syenogranite and belongs to the peraluminous, high K calc-alkaline series. It is a highly evolved A2-type granite with εHf(t) values ranging from −14.97 to −7.59 and two-stage model ages (TDM2) ranging from 2939 to 2280 Ma. Combining chronology, petrochemistry, isotopic geochemistry, and previous tectonic studies, we believe that the Laohuya granite originated from the partial melting of a reworked ancient crust composed of TTGs, and its weathered sediments formed in subduction or collision zones at 2.5 Ga, controlled by the reactivation of the Chenzhou–Linwu deep fault in the extensional setting of South China during the Late Cretaceous. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Critical Metal Occurrence, Enrichment, and Application)
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23 pages, 5725 KiB  
Article
Fluid Inclusions and Stable Isotope Geochemistry of Gold Mineralization Associated with Fine-Grained Granite: A Case Study of the Xiawolong Gold Deposit, Jiaodong Peninsula, China
by Junyang Lv, Zhongliang Wang, Zhengjiang Ding, Rifeng Zhang, Mingling Zhou, Mingchao Wu, Zhongyi Bao and Fei Teng
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(14), 7147; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12147147 - 15 Jul 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2036
Abstract
The Xiawolong gold deposit, located in the Muping–Rushan gold metallogenic belt (eastern Jiaodong Peninsula), is a newly discovered deposit that developed in the late Early Cretaceous as fine-grained granite. Gold mineralization, which mainly occurs in the middle of fresh fine-grained granite dikes, consists [...] Read more.
The Xiawolong gold deposit, located in the Muping–Rushan gold metallogenic belt (eastern Jiaodong Peninsula), is a newly discovered deposit that developed in the late Early Cretaceous as fine-grained granite. Gold mineralization, which mainly occurs in the middle of fresh fine-grained granite dikes, consists of stockwork-style and disseminated ores. They are characterized by middle-high-temperature mineral assemblages, such as molybdenite and magnetite, associated with gold-bearing pyrite. Four types of primary fluid inclusions, contained within the quartz grains from the gold-bearing disseminated and stockwork-style fine-grained granitic ores, were identified based on microthermometry and Raman spectroscopy. The types identified were type 1 aqueous inclusions with middle-high temperature (201 to 480 °C) and middle-low salinity of 0.18 to 17.00 wt.% NaCl equiv.; type 2 H2O–CO2 inclusions, which show middle-high temperatures (218 to 385 °C), middle-low salinities (1.23 to 13.26 wt.% equiv. NaCl), and variable XCO2 (0.031 to 0.044); type 3 daughter mineral-bearing inclusions with high temperature (416 to 446 °C) and relatively constant and high salinity (28.59 to 32.87 wt.% NaCl equiv.); and type 4 CO2 fluid inclusions, which possess a bulk density of 0.405 to 0.758 g/cm3 and a constant XCO2 (0.952 to 0.990) (according to the decreasing abundance of fluid inclusions). The δ18Owater range is between 3.4 and 5.9‰, and the range of the δD is from −97.1 to −77.4‰, which indicates that the ore-forming process is of a magmatic water origin. The δ34S values possess a narrow range between 4.5 and 9.3‰, indicating the source of the Mesozoic Kunyushan granitoids. The Pb isotopic compositions of pyrite show that the Mesozoic Kunyushan granitoids are the main lead source for pyrites. Types 1, 2, and 3 fluid inclusions coexist in the same view field of the quartz grain, which are suggested to occur as the result of fluid immiscibility because of the boiling of a single homogeneous NaCl-CaCl2-KCl-CO2-H2O system. The fluid immiscibility, rather the fluid mixing and wall-rock sulfidation, is the mechanism of gold precipitation in the Xiawolong deposit. Compared with both the “Linglong-type” and “Jiaojia-type” gold deposits in the Jiaodong Peninsula in terms of geological–petrographic evidence and all of the available geochemical data, it can be concluded the Xiawolong gold deposit is of magmatic hydrothermal origin, having a genetic relation to the fine-grained granite. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Critical Metal Occurrence, Enrichment, and Application)
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23 pages, 3143 KiB  
Article
Zircon Hf-Isotopic Mapping Applied to the Metal Exploration of the Sanjiang Tethyan Orogenic Belt, Southwestern China
by Bin Du, Zian Yang, Lifei Yang, Qi Chen, Jiaxuan Zhu, Kangxing Shi, Gao Li, Lei Wang and Jia Lu
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(8), 4081; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12084081 - 18 Apr 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2224
Abstract
Zircon Hf-isotopic mapping can be regarded as a useful tool for evaluating the coupling relationship between lithospheric structure and metallic mineralization. Hence, this method shows important significance for mineral prediction. To explore this potential, the published granite zircon Hf isotope data from the [...] Read more.
Zircon Hf-isotopic mapping can be regarded as a useful tool for evaluating the coupling relationship between lithospheric structure and metallic mineralization. Hence, this method shows important significance for mineral prediction. To explore this potential, the published granite zircon Hf isotope data from the Sanjiang Tethyan Orogen were systematically compiled. This study uses the Kriging weighted interpolation in the Mapgis software system to contour Hf isotopes, revealing a relation between the crustal structure and metallogenesis. The mapping results suggest that the Changning–Menglian suture zone is the boundary between ancient and juvenile crust, viz., the western terranes have ancient crust attributes, whereas the eastern terranes exhibit the properties of new juvenile crust. In addition, this study also found that the mineralization and element types in the Sanjiang Tethyan Orogen have a coupling relationship with the crustal structure. The distribution of porphyry Cu-Mo-Au deposits is mainly controlled by the new juvenile crust, whereas the magmatic-hydrothermal Sn-W and porphyry Mo-W(-Cu) deposits are closely related to the reworked ancient crust. The results of zircon Hf isotope mapping prove that the formation and spatial distribution of deposits are related to the composition and properties of the crust. Hf isotope mapping can reveal the regional metallogenic rules and explore metallogenic prediction and metallogenic potential evaluation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Critical Metal Occurrence, Enrichment, and Application)
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14 pages, 3002 KiB  
Article
Genesis of the Baiyangping Cu–Co and Pb–Zn Mineralizations in Lanping Basin, SW China
by Jiaxuan Zhu, Hongyu Duan, Lifei Yang, Qi Chen, Lijun Liu, Kangxing Shi, Jinlong Qian, Qiaoxin Li and Rong Hu
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(4), 2129; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12042129 - 18 Feb 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1592
Abstract
The Oligocene to Miocene Baiyangping Cu–Co and Pb–Zn mineralization was deposited during the collision of the India and Asia continents. The mineralization is hosted in veins in faulted carbonate and clastic rocks, which act as fluid pathways. A detailed fluid-inclusion analysis and C–O–S [...] Read more.
The Oligocene to Miocene Baiyangping Cu–Co and Pb–Zn mineralization was deposited during the collision of the India and Asia continents. The mineralization is hosted in veins in faulted carbonate and clastic rocks, which act as fluid pathways. A detailed fluid-inclusion analysis and C–O–S isotopic study are reported, focusing on the origin of the mineralizing fluids and mineralizing processes. The microthermometry of fluid inclusions hosted in quartz and carbonates indicate that the fluid peak temperature for both Cu–Co and Pb–Zn mineralizations ranges from 160 to 200 °C and from 120 to 160 °C, respectively. During these metallogenic hydrothermal events, salinity evolved from 2.7 wt% NaCl equiv to 24.8 wt% NaCl equiv. The δ34S values measured on sphalerite and tennantite range from +5.2‰ to +9.5‰, which indicates that sulfur originated from a reservoir characterized by thermochemical sulfate reduction (TSR). The C–O isotopic values obtained from the carbonate samples suggest that the fluid mainly originates from basinal brines. The combination of C and S isotopic values of the Cu–Co and Pb–Zn mineralization indicate the sedimentary source of the basin. Mineralization is controlled by faults, thermochemical sulfate reduction, and the physicochemical conditions of the fluid. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Critical Metal Occurrence, Enrichment, and Application)
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14 pages, 5044 KiB  
Article
Rutile in Amphibolite Facies Metamorphic Rocks: A Rare Example from the East Qinling Orogen, China
by Changming Wang, Shicheng Rao, Kangxing Shi, Leon Bagas, Qi Chen, Jiaxuan Zhu, Hongyu Duan and Lijun Liu
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(18), 8756; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11188756 - 20 Sep 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2621
Abstract
Rutile is an important ore mineral to meet the increasing demand of critical metal Ti in various sectors. Here we report a rare example of rutile deposits hosted within the Baishugang–Wujianfang amphibolite-facies metamorphic rocks in the East Qinling Orogen, central China. The rutiles [...] Read more.
Rutile is an important ore mineral to meet the increasing demand of critical metal Ti in various sectors. Here we report a rare example of rutile deposits hosted within the Baishugang–Wujianfang amphibolite-facies metamorphic rocks in the East Qinling Orogen, central China. The rutiles are mostly located within or along the margins of biotite and show 94.6 to 99 wt% TiO2. Rutiles occur as chains, thin layers along the foliation, and dense clusters. The grains are coexisted with magnetite. Based on Zr-in-rutile thermometer the estimated crystallisation temperature is at 630 °C at 7.0 kba. Based on Cr/Nb ratio, the source of the rutile is correlated with Ti-bearing silicate minerals such as biotite from aluminous sedimentary protoliths. The rutile deposit formed during lower amphibolite-facies metamorphism, and is distinct from the eclogite- and granulite-related types elsewhere in the orogen. The LA-ICP-MS U–Pb analyses of rutiles from the deposit yield lower intercept 238U/206Pb ages of 386 ± 16 Ma at the Baishugang–Wujianfang district. These ages correspond to a Devonian arc–continent collisional event between the South and North Qinling domains in the East Qinling Orogen. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Critical Metal Occurrence, Enrichment, and Application)
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