Lithofacies paleogeographical characteristics of the Late Carboniferous Malkansu metallogenic zone in West Kunlun and its control on manganese carbonates mineralization

The Upper Carboniferous Kalaatehe Formation in the Malkansu metallogenic zone, West Kunlun Mountains, hosts manganese carbonate ores with the highest Mn grade in China. The lithofacies paleogeography of manganese-bearing rock series is of great significance in controlling the formation of sedimentary manganese deposits, but there is currently a lack of systematic research on the lithofacies and paleogeography characteristics of the late Carboniferous Malkansu manganese zone. The study on the sedimentary facies of the representative sections indicate that carbonate platform facies of shallow water environment are districted at both ends and in the middle parts of the district. While in the Muhu-Malkantu and Ortokarnash, sub-basin sedimentary facies of relatively deep water deposition character the Upper Carboniferous manganese-bearing sequence. The change between ramp and sub-basin facies corresponds to the transgression-regression depositional rhythm. This likely resulted from the syn-depositional faults, which control the formation of the sub-basin and further the concentration and formation of the manganese ore intervals.