Ulan-Tologoi Ta–Nb Deposit: the Role of Magmatism in the Formation of Rare Metal Mineralization

Abstract

The role of magmatic differentiation is considered for the formation of the Ulan-Tologoi Ta–Nb–Zr deposit (northwestern Mongolia) related to the eponymous alkali granite pluton. Data are presented on the structure of the pluton, the composition of its rocks, and distribution of rare metal mineralization. The ores of the pluton include alkali granites with contents of ore elements exceeding the normative threshold for Ta (>100 ppm). The rare metal mineralization includes pyrochlore, columbite, zircon, bastnaesite, monazite, and thorite, which are typical of all alkali–salic rocks; however, their amount varies depending on the REE content of the rocks. The pluton was formed ~298 Ma ago under the influence of a mantle-crustal melt source.