Magmatic-hydrothermal mineralization in central Jiangnan orogenic belt, south China

The central Jiangnan orogenic belt in South China harbors a world-class magmatic-hydrothermal mineralization cluster, encompassing supergiant resources of tungsten (W), lithium (Li), copper (Cu), antimony (Sb), and gold (Au). This review synthesizes geological, geochemical, and geochronological data from key deposits to delineate two genetically distinct mineralization series: (1) A Cu-Au-W series associated with I- to S-type porphyry systems, characterized by potassic alteration and silicification; (2) An Nb-Ta-Li-W-Sn-Cu series linked to the evolution of S- to A-type granites, marked by sodic alteration, fluorine-rich muscovitization, and silicification. We propose a unified metallogenic model in which prolonged and episodic magmatism served dual roles: (i) as the source of granite-related rare metal and tungsten mineralization, and (ii) as the thermal engine driving regional hydrothermal circulation. This circulation leached Sb, U, and Au from Precambrian sedimentary sequences, re-precipitating them in structurally controlled sites as intermediate- to low-temperature vein-type deposits. The formation of these diverse yet genetically related deposits is interpreted as the result of extensive crustal magmatism within a unique extensional tectonic regime. This model provides a robust framework for future mineral exploration targeting in this metallogenic belt.