Pyrite Re-Os age constraints on the Irankuh Zn-Pb deposit, Iran, and regional implications

Abstract

The investigation of epigenetic carbonate-hosted Pb-Zn deposits from China and Europe in the Eastern and Western orogens of the Tethyan Domain, have provided a new perspective on the range of processes operating in this deposit class globally. However, improved metallogenic models require new constraints on the timing of mineralization throughout the Domain. To address this need, we applied Re-Os pyrite dating to the world class Irankuh Zn-Pb deposit, Iran. The Irankah deposit is located in the thrust belt of the Malayer-Esfahan Pb-Zn Metallogenic Belt (MEMB) in the Zagros Orogen, Iran. Mineralization is hosted by the Goushfil Main Fault and adjacent dolomitized limestones. The hydrothermal mineral assemblage comprises sphalerite, galena, pyrite, minor chalcopyrite and sulfosalt minerals, together with dolomite, barite and abundant quartz. Pyrite associated with main-stage sphalerite mineralization has low concentrations of 3 to 37 ng/g Re and 6 to 49 pg/g Os that are typical of low-level highly radiogenic (LLHR) sulfides. Nonetheless, vein and replacement pyrites from the Goushfil orebody yielded a 5-point isochron age of 66.5 ± 1.6 Ma that is interpreted as the main Zn-Pb mineralization age. The new mineralization age confirms an epigenetic origin for the Irankuh Zn-Pb deposit and supports an early onset for compressional deformation in the Zagros Orogen. The geochronological data support textural evidence that mineralization in veins occurred during regional compression in an active tectonic environment. Therefore the possibility that magmatic fluids and/or heat contributed to the mineralizing system should be incorporated into regional exploration models. Further work is required to test the extent to which epigenetic carbonate-hosted Pb-Zn deposits in the thrust and fold belt settings of the Central and Eastern Tethys differ from those in the Western Tethys and classic Mississippi Valley Type ore deposits.