Journal of

GEOsciences

  (Formerly Journal of the Czech Geological Society)

Original paper

Victor Fonabe Embui, Cheo Emmanuel Suh, Bernd Lehmann, Lukáš Ackerman

Molybdenum isotopic composition of molybdenite and the fertility potential of the Ekomédion U–Mo prospect, SW Cameroon

Journal of Geosciences, volume 67 (2022), issue 4, 331 - 344

DOI: http://doi.org/10.3190/jgeosci.363

Asaah VA, Basem Z, Lehmann B, Frei D, Burgess R, Suh CE (2015) Geochemistry and geochronology of the ˜620 Ma gold-associated Batouri granitoids, Cameroon. Int Geol Rev 57: 1485-1509
http://doi.org/10.1080/00206814.2014.951003

Ateh KI, Suh CE, Shemang EM, Vishiti A, Tata E, Chombong NN (2017) New LA-ICP-MS U-Pb ages, Lu-Hf systematics and REE characterization of zircons from a granitic pluton in the Bétaré Oya gold district, SE Cameroon. Int J Geomat Geosci 5: 267-283

Ballard JR, Palin JM, Campbell IH (2002) Relative oxidation states of magmas inferred from Ce(IV)/Ce(III) in zircon: application to porphyry copper deposits of northern Chile. Contrib Mineral Petrol 144: 347-364
http://doi.org/10.1007/s00410-002-0402-5

Barling J, Arnold GL, Anbar AD (2001) Natural mass-dependent variations in the isotopic composition of molybdenum. Earth Planet Sci Lett 19: 447-457
http://doi.org/10.1016/S0012-821X(01)00514-3

Barton IF, Rathkopf CA, Barton MD (2020) Rhenium in molybdenite: a database approach to identifying geochemical controls on the distribution of a critical element. Mining Metall Explor 37: 21-37
http://doi.org/10.1007/s42461-019-00145-0

Blevin PL (2004) Redox and compositional parameters for interpreting the granitoid metallogeny of eastern Australia: implications for gold-rich ore systems. Resour Geol 54: 241-252
http://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-3928.2004.tb00205.x

Breillat N, Guerrot C, Marcoux E, Négrel P (2016) A new global database of δ⁹⁸Mo in molybdenites: a literature review and new data. J Geochem Explor 161: 1-15
http://doi.org/10.1016/j.gexplo.2015.07.019

Caen-Vachette M, Vialette Y, Bassot JP, Vidal P (1988) Apport de la geochronology à la connaissance de la géologie gabonaise. Chronique de la recherche Minière 491: 35-54

Castaing C, Feybesse JL, Thieblemont D, Triboulet C, Chevremont P (1994) Palaeogeographical reconstructions of the Pan-African/Brasiliano Orogen: closure of an oceanic domain or intracontinental convergence between major blocks. Precambr Res 69: 327-344
http://doi.org/10.1016/0301-9268(94)90095-7

Chang J, Li JW, Zhou L (2020) Molybdenum isotopic fractionation in the Tibetan Yulong Cu-Mo deposit and its implications for mechanisms of molybdenite precipitation in porphyry ore systems. Ore Geol Rev 123: 103-571
http://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2020.103571

Chen YJ, Li C, Zhang J, Li Z, Wang HH (2002) Sr and O isotopic characteristics of porphyries in the Qinling molybdenum deposit belt and their implication to genetic mechanism and type. Sci China Ser D, Earth Sci 43: 82e94

Chombong NN, Suh CE (2013) 2883 Ma commencement of BIF deposition at the northern edge of Congo Craton, southern Cameroon: new zircon SHRIMP data constraint from metavolcanics. Episodes 36: 47-57
http://doi.org/10.18814/epiiugs/2013/v36i1/007

Chombong NN, Suh CE, Lehmann B, Vishiti A, Iloug DC, Shemang EM, Tantoh BS, Kedia AC (2017) Host rock geochemistry, texture and chemical composition of magnetite in iron ore in the Neoarchaean Nyong Unit in southern Cameroon. Appl Earth Sci 126: 129-145
http://doi.org/10.1080/03717453.2017.1345507

Dilles JH, Kent AJR, Wooden JL, Tosdal RM, Koleszar A, Lee RG, Farmer LP (2015) Zircon compositional evidence for sulfur degassing from ore-forming arc magmas. Econ Geol 110: 241-251
http://doi.org/10.2113/econgeo.110.1.241

Djouka-Fonkwe ML, Schulz B, Schüssler U, Tchouankoue JP, Nzolang C (2008) Geochemistry of the Bafoussam Pan-African I- and S-type granitoids in western Cameroon. J African Earth Sci 50: 148-167
http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2007.09.015

Embui VF, Suh CE, Cottle JM, Etame J, Mendes J, Agyingi CM, Vishiti A, Shemang EM, Lehmann B (2020) Zircon chemistry and new laser ablation U-Pb ages for uraniferous granitoids in SW Cameroon. Acta Geochem 39: 43-66
http://doi.org/10.1007/s11631-019-00337-x

Gaspers N, Magna T, Ackerman L (2020) Molybdenum mass fractions and stable isotope compositions of sedimentary carbonate and silicate reference materials. Geostand Geoanal Res 44: 363-374
http://doi.org/10.1111/ggr.12314

Greber ND, Hofmann BA, Voegelin AR, Villa IM, Nägler TF (2011) Mo isotope composition in Mo-rich high- and low-T hydrothermal systems from the Swiss Alps. Geochim Cosmochim Acta 75: 6600-6609
http://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2011.08.034

Greber ND, Pettke T, Nägler TF (2014) Magmatic-hydrothermal molybdenum isotope fractionation and its relevance to the igneous crustal signature. Lithos 190-191: 104-110.
http://doi.org/10.1016/j.lithos.2013.11.006

Greber NB, Puchtel IS, Nägler TF, Mezger K (2015) Komatiites constrain molybdenum isotope composition of the Earth’s mantle. Earth Planet Sci Lett 421: 129-138
http://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2015.03.051

Hannah JL, Stein HJ, Wieser ME, de Laeter JR, Varner MD (2007) Molybdenum isotope variations in molybdenite: vapor transport and Rayleigh fractionation of Mo. Geology 35: 703-706
http://doi.org/10.1130/G23538A.1

Ishihara S (1981) The granitoid series and mineralization. Econ Geol 75^th Anniversary Volume: 458-484
http://doi.org/10.5382/AV75.14

Johnson CM, Beard BL (2006) Fe isotopes; an emerging technique for understanding modern and ancient biogeochemical cycles. GSA Today 16: 4-10
http://doi.org/10.1130/GSAT01611A.1

Kankeu B, Greiling RO (2006) Magnetic fabrics (AMS) and transpression in the Neoproterozoic basement of eastern Cameroon (Garga-Sarali area). Neu Jb Geol Paläont, Abh 239: 263-287
http://doi.org/10.1127/njgpa/239/2006/263

Kankeu B, Greiling RO, Nzenti JP (2009) Pan-African strike-slip tectonics in eastern Cameroon: magnetic fabrics (AMS) and structures in the Lom basin and its gneissic basement. Precambr Res 174: 258-272
http://doi.org/10.1016/j.precamres.2009.08.001

Kaufmann CKA, Pettke T, Wille M (2021) Molybdenum isotope fractionation at upper-crustal magmatic-hydrothermal conditions. Chem Geol 578: 120319
http://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemgeo.2021.120319

Kendall B, Dahl TW, Anbar AD (2017) The stable isotope geochemistry of molybdenum. In:-Teng FZ, Watkins J, Dauphas N (eds) Non-Traditional Stable Isotopes. Rev Mineral Geochem 82: 683-732
http://doi.org/10.2138/rmg.2017.82.16

Lerouge C, Cocherie A, Toteu SF, Penaye J, Milési JP, Tchameni R, Nsifa EN, Fanning CM, Deloule E (2006) SHRIMP U-Pb zircon age evidence for Paleoproterozoic sedimentation and 2.05 Ga syntectonic plutonism in the Nyong Group, south-western Cameroon: consequences for the Eburnean-Transamazonian belt of NE Brazil and Central Africa. J African Earth Sci 44: 413-427
http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2005.11.010

Li CY, Wang FY, Hao XL, Ding X, Zhang H, Ling MX, Zhou JB, Li YL, Fan WM, Sun WD (2012) Formation of the world’s largest molybdenum metallogenic belt: a plate-tectonic perspective on the Qinling molybdenum deposits. Int Geol Rev 54: 1093-1112
http://doi.org/10.1080/00206814.2011.623039

Li HX, Chen Y, Tchouankoue JP, Liu CZ, Li J, Ling XX, Tang GQ, Liu Y (2017) Improving geochronological framework of the Pan-African Orogeny in Cameroon: new SIMS zircon and monazite U-Pb age constraints. Precambr Res 379: 307-321

Li Y, McCoy-West AJ, Zhang S, Selby D, Burton KW, Horan K (2019) Controlling mechanisms for molybdenum isotope fractionation in porphyry deposits: the Qulong example. Econ Geol 114: 981-992
http://doi.org/10.5382/econgeo.4653

Loucks RR (2014) Distinctive composition of copper-ore-forming arc magmas. Austr J Earth Sci 61: 5-16
http://doi.org/10.1080/08120099.2013.865676

Lu YJ, Loucks RR, Fiorentini M, McCuaig TC, Evans NJ, Yang ZM, Hou ZQ, Kirkland CL, Parra-Avila LA, Kobussen A (2016) Zircon compositions as a pathfinder for porphyry Cu ± Mo ± Au deposits. In: Richards JP (ed) Tectonics and Metallogeny of the Tethyan Orogenic Belt. Society of Economic Geologists, Special Publication 19: 329-347

Lu YJ, Smithies RH, Wingate MTD, Evans NJ, Morris, PA, Champion DC, McCuaig TC (2018) Zircon composition as a fertility indicator of Archean granites. In: GSWA 2018 Extended Abstracts: Promoting the Prospectivity of Western Australia. Geological Survey of Western Australia Records 2018/2: 18-23

Mathur R, Brantley S, Anbar A, Munizaga F, Maksaev V, Newberry R, Vervoort J, Hart G (2010) Variation of Mo isotopes from molybdenite in high-temperature hydrothermal ore deposits. Miner Depos 45: 43-50
http://doi.org/10.1007/s00126-009-0257-z

Mosoh Bambi CK, Suh CE, Nzenti JP, Frimmel HE (2012) U-Mo mineralization potential in Pan-African granites, southwestern Cameroon: economic geology of the Ekomédion prospect. J African Earth Sci 65: 25-45
http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2012.01.001

Mosoh Bambi CK, Frimmel HE, Zeh A, Suh CE (2013) Age and origin of Pan-African granites and associated U-Mo mineralization at Ekomédion, southwestern Cameroon. J African Earth Sci 88: 15-37
http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2013.08.005

Moyen JF, Martin H (2012) Forty years of TTG research. Lithos 148: 312-336
http://doi.org/10.1016/j.lithos.2012.06.010

Nägler TF, Anbar AD, Archer C, Goldberg T, Gordon GW, Greber ND, Siebert C, Sohrin Y, Vance D (2014) Proposal for an international molybdenum isotope measurement standard and data representation. Geostand Geoanal Res 38: 149-151

Neves SP, Silva JMR, Mariano G (2005) Oblique lineations in orthogneisses and supracrustal rocks: vertical partitioning of strain in a hot crust (eastern Borborema Province, NE Brazil). J Struct Geol 27: 1507-1521
http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsg.2005.02.002

Ngako V, Affaton P, Njonfang E (2008) Pan-African tectonics in northwestern Cameroon: implication for the history of western Gondwana. Gondwana Res 14: 509-522
http://doi.org/10.1016/j.gr.2008.02.002

Njome MS, Suh CE (2005) Tectonic evolution of the Tombel Graben basement, south western Cameroon. Episodes 28: 37-41
http://doi.org/10.18814/epiiugs/2005/v28i1/004

Pašava J, Svojtka M, Veselovský F, Ďurišová J, Ackerman L, Pour O, Drábek M, Halodová P, Haluzová E (2016) Laser ablation ICPMS study of trace element chemistry in molybdenite coupled with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) - an important tool for identification of different types of mineralization. Ore Geol Rev 72: 874-895
http://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2015.09.007

Penaye J, Kröner A, Toteu SF, Van-Schmus WR, Doumnang JC (2006) Evolution of the Mayo Kebbi region as revealed by zircon dating: an early (c. 740 Ma) Pan-African magmatic arc in southwestern Chad. J African Earth Sci 44: 530-542
http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2005.11.018

Pouclet A, Tchameni R, Mezger K, Vidal M, Nsifa EN, Shang CK, Penaye J (2007) Archean crustal accretion at the northern border of the Congo Craton (South Cameroon): the charnockite-TTG link. Bull Soc Géol France 178: 331-342
http://doi.org/10.2113/gssgfbull.178.5.331

Richards JP (2011) High Sr/Y arc magmas and porphyry Cu ± Mo ± Au deposits: just add water. Econ Geol 106: 1075-1081
http://doi.org/10.2113/econgeo.106.7.1075

Shafiei B, Shamanian G, Mathur R, Mirnejad H (2015) Mo isotope fractionation during hydrothermal evolution of porphyry Cu systems. Miner Depos 50: 281-291
http://doi.org/10.1007/s00126-014-0537-0

Shen P, Hattori K, Pan H, Jackson S, Seitmuratova E (2015) Oxidation condition and metal fertility of granitic magmas: zircon trace-element data from porphyry Cu deposits in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt. Econ Geol 110: 1861-1878
http://doi.org/10.2113/econgeo.110.7.1861

Sun SS, McDonough WF (1989) Chemical and isotopic systematics of oceanic basalts: implications for mantle composition and processes. In: Saunders AD, Norry MJ (eds) Magmatism in the ocean basins. Geological Society of London Special Publications 42: 313-345
http://doi.org/10.1144/GSL.SP.1989.042.01.19

Sun WD, Li CY, Hao XL, Ling MX, Ireland T, Ding X Fan WM (2015) Oceanic anoxic events, subduction style and molybdenum mineralization. Solid Earth Sci 1: 64-73
http://doi.org/10.1016/j.sesci.2015.11.001

Tagne-Kamga G (2003) Petrogenesis of the Neoproterozoic Ngondo Plutonic Complex (Cameroon, west central Africa); a case of late-collisional ferro-potassic magmatism. J African Earth Sci 36: 149-171
http://doi.org/10.1016/S0899-5362(03)00043-5

Tita MA, Kaya M (2020) Minerals in Cameroon. ESOGU-CHTP.
http://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.19764.88968

Toteu SF, Penaye, J, Deloule E, Van Schmus WR, Tchameni R (2006) Diachronous evolution of volcano-sedimentary basins north of the Congo Craton: insights from U-Pb ion microprobe dating of zircons from the Poli, Lom and Yaounde Series (Cameroon). J African Earth Sci 44: 428-442
http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2005.11.011

Trompette R (1997) Neoproterozoic (600 Ma) aggregation of Western Gondwana: a tentative scenario. Precambr Res 82: 101-112
http://doi.org/10.1016/S0301-9268(96)00045-9

Van-Schmus WR, Oliveira EP, Silva DA, Filho AF, Toteu SF, Penaye J, Guimarães, IP (2008) Proterozoic links between the Borborema Province, NE Brazil, and the Central African Fold Belt. In: Pankhurst RJ, Trouw RAJ, de Brito Neves BB, de Wit MJ (eds) West Gondwana . Geological Society of London Special Publications 294: 69-99
http://doi.org/10.1144/SP294.5

Villela Cassini L, Moyen JF, Cellier G, de Freitas B, Juliani C, Laurent O (2021) Towards the fertility trend: unravelling the economic potential of igneous suites through whole-rock and zircon geochemistry (example from the Tapajós Mineral Province, northern Brazil). Ore Geol Rev 142: 104-643

Voegelin AR, Pettke T, Greber ND, von Niederhausern B, Nägler TF (2014) Magma differentiation fractionates Mo isotope ratios: evidence from the Kos Plateau Tuff (Aegean Arc). Lithos 190: 440-448
http://doi.org/10.1016/j.lithos.2013.12.016

Willbold M, Elliott T (2017) Molybdenum isotope variations in magmatic rocks. Chem Geol 449: 253-268
http://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemgeo.2016.12.011

Wille M, Nebel O, Pettke T, Vroon ZP, König S, Schoenberg R (2018) Molybdenum isotope variations in calc-alkaline lavas from the Banda Arc, Indonesia: assessing the effect of crystal fractionation in creating isotopically heavy continental crust. Chem Geol 485: 1-13
http://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemgeo.2018.02.037

Yang J, Barling J, Siebert C, Fietzke J, Stephens E, Halliday AN (2017) The molybdenum isotopic compositions of I-, S- and A-type granitic suites. Geochim Cosmochim Acta 205: 168-186
http://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2017.01.027

Yao J, Mathur R, Sun W, Song W, Chen H, Mutti L, Xiang X, Luo X (2016) Fractionation of Cu and Mo isotopes caused by vapor-liquid partitioning, evidence from the Dahutang W-Cu-Mo ore field. Geochem Geophys Geosyst 17: 1725-1739
http://doi.org/10.1002/2016GC006328

Zhang H, Li CY, Yang XY, Sun YL, Deng JH, Liang HY, Wang RL, Wang BH, Wang YX, Sun WD (2014) Shapinggou: the largest Climax-type porphyry Mo deposit in China. Int Geol Rev 56: 313-331
http://doi.org/10.1080/00206814.2013.855363

Zhang L, Chen Y, Zhang R, Wang K, Luo Y, Li C, Liang J (2022) The Jurassic Gangmei Mo-W deposit in Guangdong Province and its implication for Mo-W mineralization in South China. Solid Earth Sci 7: 126-134
http://doi.org/10.1016/j.sesci.2022.03.001