Zinc on the edge—isotopic and geophysical evidence that cratonic edges control world-class shale-hosted zinc-lead deposits

Abstract The North Australian Zinc Belt is the largest zinc-lead province in world, containing three of ten known individual deposits (HYC, Hilton-George Fisher, and Mount Isa). Northern Cordillera America second province, a further two world’s top (Red Dog Howards Pass). Despite this world-class endowment, exploration both mineral provinces during past 2 decades has not been particularly successful, yielding only significant discoveries (Teena, Australia, Boundary, Canada). One most important aspects to choose districts within geological belts that have greatest potential for discovery. Here, we present results from these zinc highlight previously unused datasets area selection targeting. Lead isotope mapping using analyses mineralized material identified gradients μ ( 238 U/ 204 Pb) coincide closely with many major deposits. Locations also gradient depth lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary determined calibrated surface wave tomography models converted temperature. Furthermore, upward-continued gravity anomalies step Moho correspond pre-existing crustal belts. A spatial association linear mid- lower-crustal resistivity anomaly magnetotelluric data observed Belt. change thicker thinner lithosphere interpreted localize prospective basins mineralization control lead geophysical data. These data, when combined indicative paleoenvironment changes plate motion at time mineralization, provide new criteria can be used identify define favorable parts basins.