Pb isotopic compositions of some Zn–Pb deposits and occurrences from Urumieh–Dokhtar and Sanandaj–Sirjan zones in Iran

This study reports Pb isotope ratios of galena (PbS) sampled from some Zn–Pb deposits and occurrences (n = 18) within two major structural provinces of Iran, the Sanandaj–Sirjan zone (SSZ) and Urumieh–Dokhtar zone (UDZ). Regardless of the nature of the host rock and ore type, the Pb isotopic data plot in distinct isotopic fields according to their geographic situation, which suggest that the structural terranes had an important control on the lead isotope compositions. The Zn–Pb deposits in the UDZ record distinctly higher 206Pb/204Pb and 208Pb/204Pb ratios compared to those within the SSZ. Both zones, however, have radiogenic 207Pb/204Pb ratios (> 15.55), suggesting a dominant input of Pb from crustal sources. In thorogenic (208Pb/204Pb vs. 206Pb/204Pb) and uranogenic (207Pb/204Pb vs. 206Pb/204Pb) plots, the Pb isotope data define two linear arrays, which may be attributed to mixing between mantle-like end members and at least two distinct crustal sources characterized by high U/Pb and Th/U ratios. In ‘Plumbotectonic’ discrimination diagrams, the samples plot proximal to the orogenic curve, which again supports interaction between crustal and mantle reservoirs. However, both Neo-Tethys subduction and in particular Mesozoic and Tertiary orogenic activities seem to have played important roles in remobilizing Pb and forming Zn–Pb deposits in SSZ and UDZ, respectively. The similarity of Pb isotopic compositions between UDZ deposits and those for previously reported Eocene volcanics demonstrates that long-lived and widespread hydrothermal activity promoted remobilization of lead from the crust; the latter occurred subsequent to Neo-Tethys lithosphere subduction in the Tertiary and continued subsequent the collision of the Iranian and Arabian plates in the Miocene.

Research highlights
► The Urumieh -Dokhtar zone (UDZ) and Sanandaj -Sirjan zone (SSZ) are structural zones.
► Pb isotopes of Zn -Pb deposits from these two structural zones in Iran are distinct.
► These zones are related to the Neo-Tethys subduction underneath the Iranian plate.
► The Pb mobilization in these zones are influenced by the subduction of Neo-Tethys.
► Pb in the UDZ and SSZ originated from distinct mantle-like and crustal sources.