The tectonic framework and metallogenic systems in southern Gangdise metallogenic belt, Xizang

The notable advances have been made for the exploration and assessment of the mineral resources in the Gangdise zone, Xizang. The zone has been known in recent years for the discovery of the large-sized or superlarge-sized Jiama, Chongjiang, Tinggong and Qulong porphyry copper deposits, and is thus expected to be a world-scale copper and iron polymetallic belt in the future. The metallogenic systems are discussed on the basis of tectonic framework, regional metallogenic settings and conditions, and may be classified into three categories:(1) the extensional continental marginal metallogenic system; (2) the convergent continental marginal metallogenic system, and (3) the intracontinental convergent metallogenic system. Five prospective areas have been delineated in the Gangdise metallogenic belt, where the Qulong copper deposit, Tinggong copper deposit, Bairong copper deposit, Qiagong iron deposit and Dongzhongsongduo silver polymetallic deposit are expected to be the targets for the further exploration and assessment of the southern Gangdise metallogenic belt, Xizang