Cobalt Deposits in the Central China Orogenic Belt

Abstract  Cobalt mostly occurs as an associated metal in Cu‐Ni sulphide deposits, skarn Fe‐Cu‐Pb‐Zn deposits and volcanic‐hosted massive sulphide (VHMS) or sedex deposits. There are different types of cobalt deposits in the Central China orogenic belt. In the Tamu‐Kalangu Mississippi‐valley type Pb‐Zn deposits, many cobalt‐nickel sulphide minerals were found. The cobalt content of the ore is 0.064%‐0.46% in sedex‐type Kendekeke Fe‐Pb‐Zn‐Au deposits, and cobalt sulphide veins with Co contents of 4%‐9% have also been found. About 28000 tons of cobalt reserves were delineated in the Dur'ngoi Cu‐Co‐Zn deposit of VHMS type in the A'nyemaqên Mountains. It is considered that the exploration potential for cobalt is attractive in this district, especially in sedex‐type deposits and Co‐rich sulphide veins in sedex‐type Fe, Cu and Pb‐Zn deposits and their surroundings.