Geodynamics of late Mesozoic PGE, Au, and U mineralization in the Aldan shield, North Asian Craton

• Widespread Late Mesozoic PGE, Au, and U mineralization in Precambrian Aldan Shield
• Metallogeny linked to deep geodynamics with involvement of stagnant slabs
• Metallogenic specialization and zonation controlled by crust–mantle interaction

Late Mesozoic PGE, Au and U mineralization in the Precambrian Aldan Shield constitutes important ore deposits on the southern margin of the Siberian Craton. Here we provide an overview of the salient characteristics of these ore deposits and evaluate their regional geodynamic setting. Geological, geophysical, and geochronological data on the distribution and timing of the ultramafic and alkaline magmatism in the Aldan Shield and the associated Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous PGE, Au, and U mineralization correlate with the convergence in the Asia-Pacific zone during the Late Mesozoic. The multistage magmatism and ore formation can be traced along the perimeter of the subducted slab now stagnant at the mantle transition zone, the flanks of which coincide with paleo-transform faults. Slab dehydration is considered to have transferred source metals through plume conduits resulting in the formation of productive ore-magmatic systems.

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