From long-lived batholith construction to giant porphyry copper deposit formation: petrological and zircon chemical evolution of the Quellaveco District, Southern Peru

Abstract Porphyry Cu ore deposits are a rare product of arc magmatism that often form spatiotemporal clusters in magmatic arcs. The petrogenetic evolution igneous rocks cover the temporal window prior to and during porphyry deposit formation may provide critical insights into processes key generating these systems. This study documents Palaeocene–Eocene Yarabamba Batholith, Southern Peru, was incrementally assembled between ~ 67 59 Ma hosts three, nearly contemporaneous, giant Cu–Mo formed at 57–54 (Quellaveco, Toquepala Cuajone). Whole-rock geochemistry, U–Pb geochronology zircon trace element chemistry reported from span duration plutonic activity, six intrusions Quellaveco bracket mineralisation. A change whole-rock intrusive high Sr/Y, La/Yb Eu/Eu* is observed 60 which broadly coincident with vector converging Nazca plate onset regional compression crustal thickening first stage Incaic orogeny. geochemical changes interpreted reflect deepening locus lower magma amphibole ± garnet stabilised as early abundant fractionating phases plagioclase suppressed. Zircons show marked towards higher (> 0.3) Ti (< 9 ppm) compositions after Ma. Numerical modelling melt Eu systematics zircon-melt partitioning indicates time series can be explained by transition shallower, plagioclase-dominated fractionation high-pressure amphibole-dominated deep levels Our suggests any redox effects on subordinate compared composition controlled mineral assemblage. We suggest growth intermittent recharge reservoir produced significant volume hydrous metallogenically fertile residual ascended upper crust eventually generated three Quellaveco, Cuajone 57 highlights importance differentiation fostered strongly compressive tectonic regimes world-class deposits.