Metallogenic mechanism of the Zhaiying Cryogenian marine manganese-bearing formation in South China

Liu Liping; Chu Hongxian; Wang Hongsong; Zhao Jianru; Li Xiaohu; Chu Fengyou

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Liu Liping，Chu Hongxian，Wang Hongsong, et al. Metallogenic mechanism of the Zhaiying Cryogenian marine manganese-bearing formation in South China[J]. Haiyang Xuebao，2025, 47(x)：1–18

Citation:

Liu Liping，Chu Hongxian，Wang Hongsong, et al. Metallogenic mechanism of the Zhaiying Cryogenian marine manganese-bearing formation in South China[J]. Haiyang Xuebao，2025, 47(x)：1–18

Citation:

Liu Liping，Chu Hongxian，Wang Hongsong, et al. Metallogenic mechanism of the Zhaiying Cryogenian marine manganese-bearing formation in South China[J]. Haiyang Xuebao，2025, 47(x)：1–18

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Metallogenic mechanism of the Zhaiying Cryogenian marine manganese-bearing formation in South China

Liu Liping^{1, 2
,},
Chu Hongxian¹,
Wang Hongsong^{1, 3},
Zhao Jianru²,
Li Xiaohu^{2
,
,},
Chu Fengyou²

1.
Yantai Center of Coastal Zone Geological Survey, China Geological Survey, Yantai 264000, China
2.
State Key Laboratory of Submarine Geoscience, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China
3.
School of Earth Sciences, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430000, China

Received Date: 2025-02-12
Rev Recd Date: 2025-04-22

Available Online: 2025-05-26

Abstract

Abstract

The Zhaiying carbonate-type Mn deposit belongs to the black shale hosted marine manganese(Mn)-bearing formations within the Datangpo Formation in the Nanhua Rift Basin in South China. Unlike other Mn deposits of the Datangpo Formation, parts of the Mn ores in the Zhaiying deposit bear unique bubble structures. To elucidate the metallogenic mechanism of the Zhaiying marine Mn-bearing formation, in this study, petrographic and whole-rock geochemical analyses, including measurements of major and trace elements, organic carbon isotopes, and carbonate carbon stable isotopes, were conducted using the bubble and massive Mn ores as well as host rocks (black shales). The main results are as follows: 1) The PAAS-normalized rare-earth element pattern of the Zhaiying Mn ores exhibits a “hat-shaped” plot. The Mn ores exhibit obvious positive Ce anomalies and are depleted in U and V, implying that the primary depositional environment of the Mn ores was oxidative. Primary Mn oxidizing precipitation has a mechanism similar to marine hydrogenous Mn–Fe nodules and crusts. However, the obvious absence of Ce anomalies and enrichment of pyrites in the host rocks indicate an anoxic depositional environment. 2) The Mn ores are enriched in light δ¹³C_carb (−8.53‰ to −10.60‰, averaging at −9.45‰), similar to those belonging to major carbonate-type Mn deposits during geological time. This indicates that primary Mn oxides, as electron acceptors, oxidized organic matter to provide HCO₃⁻ for Mn carbonate formation. Moreover, the Zhaiying Mn ores have more negative δ¹³C_carb values than other Mn deposits (δ¹³C_carb: −8‰ to −6‰) of the Datangpo Formation owing to the greater contribution of carbon from organic matter. 3) The Mn ores have positive Eu anomalies and minor amounts of terrigenous detrital elements (Al, Ti), indicating that the Mn source was hydrothermal. In summary, the results show that the Zhaiying Mn deposit has deposition and mineralizing processes similar to other Mn deposits of the Datangpo Formation in the Nanhua Rift Basin.
- Nanhua Rift Basin,
- Zhaiying Mn mine,
- Datangpo Formation,
- marine sedimentary Mn formation,
- organic matter,
- ancient methane leakage

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