Geochronology, whole-rock geochemistry, SrNd isotopes, and biotite chemistry of the Deh-Bala intrusive rocks, Central Urumieh-Dokhtar Magmatic Arc (Iran): Implications for magmatic processes and copper mineralization

The Urumieh-Dokhtar Magmatic Arc (UDMA) of Iran hosts a variety of volcano-plutonic rocks of different composition and age formed by subduction of Neo-Tethyan Ocean beneath Eurasian supercontinent and the subsequent processes of post-subduction magmatism. This study focuses on mineral chemistry of biotite and amphibole, zircon UPb geochronology, whole-rock geochemistry, and SrNd isotopic geochemistry in the Deh-Bala granitoid, in an attempt to investigate the porphyry-epithermal mineralization potential. The Deh-Bala intrusions in the central part of the UDMA consist mainly of granodiorite and minor tonalite, with microgranular enclaves (MEs) of gabbrodiorite, diorite, and monzodiorite composition. In addition, the main ore minerals associated with more altered and mineralized varieties of these intrusions include chalcopyrite, covellite, malachite, and pyrite. The silicic, argillic, phyllic (sericitic), and propylitic facies of alteration occur in parts of the Deh-Bala area; these types of alteration, which are typically considered the most important predictors of porphyry copper‑gold and (or) epithermal precious metal mineralization.