Mineralization age of the Xiangshan uranium ore field, South China redefined by hydrothermal apatite U-Pb geochronology

•Redefined uranium ages at 131-127 Ma vs. previous estimates at 122-80 Ma.•At least one mineralization event emerged after solidification of volcanic caldera.•The post magmatism was likely the ‘heat engine’ driving hydrothermal convection.•Apatite U-Pb geochronometer: precise tool for dating hydrothermal uranium deposits.