Three-dimensional numerical simulation of ore-forming processes of the Fushan skarn iron deposit in Handan-Xingtai ore cluster, North China: Implication for tectonic effects on skarn-iron mineralization

• The Fushan iron deposit is directly controlled by structural processes
• The 3D numerical model of the Fushan iron deposit was constructed to simulate the coupled thermo-hydrological-mechanical process
• The Fushan iron deposit was formed mainly by compressive squeezing deformation

Available-geological study shows that the Fushan iron mineralization was mainly controlled by the tectonic deformation, but the roles of both the stretching activity and the squeezing activity in the ore-forming processes are still unclear and under debate. Using coupled structural deformation, heat transfer and pore-fluid flow models to simulate the effect of tectonism on the formation of the Fushan iron deposit can enhance our understanding of the ore-forming processes in the Fushan iron ore district. The three-dimensional numerical model of the Fushan iron deposit was established to simulate the coupled structural deformation, heat transfer and pore-fluid flow. In particular, the finite difference method is used in this paper to simulate the structural deformation, which can affect the formation of the metallogenic region. The simulation results of the Fushan iron deposit indicated that the Fushan iron deposit was formed mainly by compressive squeezing deformation rather than extensional stretching deformation. When the ore district was subject to compressive squeezing deformation, the hydrothermal fluid would be focused in a favorable metallogenic area.