Lead-isotopic signatures of porphyry copper deposits in oceanic and continental settings, Colombian Andes

Three discrete sub-belts of porphyry copper-type mineralization are recognized in the Colombian Andes; a western Eocene sub-belt, an eastern Jurassic to early Cretaceous sub-belt and, between them, a central Miocene sub-belt. Pb-isotopic ratios were determined for pyrite samples collected from 6 porphyry copper centers, 3 in the western sub-belt, 2 in the eastern sub-belt, and one in the central sub-belt. Ratios fall into 3 discrete populations; the most radiogenic values represent the western sub-belt, the least radiogenic represent the eastern sub-belt, and an intermediate value corresponds to the central sub-belt. Ratios therefore become progressively less radiogenic from the western oceanic domain to the eastern cratonic domain. Comparison of the Pb-isotopic ratios with those given in the literature for possible source materials for Columbian porphyry copper leads enables the subcontinental mantle wedge, subducted oceanic crust and subducted metalliferous sediments to be discounted as principal sources. The relatively radiogenic signatures of 5 of the porphyry copper centers appear to be broadly compatible with either a subducted pelagic sediment source or an upper continental crust source, whereas the sixth center, Mocoa, is characterized by a distinctly less radiogenic 206Pb/204Pb ratio. The results are discussed. (author)