Lithogeochemistry, Zircon U—Pb Geochronology and Hf Isotopic Compositions of the Gabbros, Northern Zambia: Implications for the Geotectonic Evolution of Rifting in the Domes Region of the Lufilian Arc

Understanding the evolutionary process of Neoproterozoic rifting in the Domes Region is crucial for investigating the breakup of the Rodinia Supercontinent. This study presents an integrated dataset of petrology, lithogeochemistry, zircon U—Pb geochronology and Hf isotopes for gabbros from northern Zambia. Zircon U—Pb dating of two samples yields ages of 755.3 ± 5.6 Ma and 702.9 ± 3.2 Ma, respectively, indicating that multi—pulse regional mafic magmatism occurred in the Domes Region during the Neoproterozoic. Based on major and trace elements, the gabbros can be classified into two groups: the Solwezi high‐Ti gabbro and the Kitwe low‐Ti gabbro. The Solwezi high‐Ti gabbros are characterized by higher TiO 2 , Ti/Y ratios, ∑REE, lower Mg # , negative Nb, Zr anomalies, and positive Ta, Ti, Sr, Hf anomalies. In contrast, the Kitwe low‐Ti gabbros exhibit lower TiO 2 , Ti/Y ratios, ∑REE, higher Mg # , slightly negative Nb, Ta, Zr, Ti anomalies, and positive Sr, Hf anomalies. Elemental ratios and discrimination diagrams demonstrate that both groups underwent complex evolutionary processes involving minor crustal contamination and crystal fractionation, with the Solwezi high‐Ti gabbros experiencing a higher degree of crustal contamination. Geochemical modelling suggests that the parental magmas of the gabbros were generated by 5%–10% partial melting of a spinel—garnet iherzolite mantle source, with the Solwezi high‐Ti gabbros derived from a deeper mantle source and via lower degree partial melting. Integrating new geochronological data with previous findings, we infer that multi‐stage extension occurred in the Domes Region, likely associated with the breakup of the Rodinia Supercontinent.