Thermochemical sulphate reduction and Huayuan lead-zinc ore deposit in Hunan, China

In recent years, some arguments with regard to the organic mineralization of MVT lead-zinc ore deposit are focused on the thermochemical sulphate reduction in the presence of organic matter. Based on the research into the organic geochemistry and C, O, S isotopes of mineralized host rocks, mineral gas fluid inclusion and solid bitumen from Huayuan (W. Hunan, China) lead-zinc ore deposit formed in the algal limestones of Qingxudong formation, Lower Cambrian, the authors consider that a lot of organic matter occurred and participated in mineralization. The organic matter from different sources participated in the mineralization with two main forms: thermochemical sulphate reduction and thermal degradation which supplied abundant H2S for the precipitation.