Comment on “Mineralization age of the Xiangshan uranium ore field, South China redefined by hydrothermal apatite U-Pb geochronology” by Wang et al., (Ore Geology Reviews, 2023, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2023.105586)

Abstract

Recently，Wang et al., (2023) published their apatite U-Pb ages from Xiangshan uranium ore field, South China and concluded that uranium mineralization age is synchronously formed to the hosting rock. This conclusion presents a significant departure from traditional views and offers novel insights into the timing of uranium mineralization. This paper raises evidence based on our research results in Xiangshan area in the past decade. Firstly, field observations indicate that uraniferous veins cut the well crystallized volcanic complex, suggesting a later hydrothermal event. Additionally, the synchronicity of apatite formation with uranium enrichment is questioned, as type 2 apatite crystals show complex relationships with uranium minerals. Discrepancies in previous U-Pb dates on U-minerals and Ar-Ar dates are discussed as well, and the result suggests that the age of volcanic complex hosting uranium minerals is mainly concentrated between 130 and 145 Ma, and the time difference between mineralization and diagenesis varies greatly. The paper emphasizes the need to reconcile the differences between various dating methods to accurately determine the mineralization age.