Quantitatively Evaluating the Erosion and Preservation of Supergene Oxide Zones: Evidence from the Yulong Porphyry Cu Deposit, Eastern Tibetan Plateau

INTRODUCTION Weathering and erosion of sulfide ore deposits are important for understanding the post-mineralization processes that have significant effects on the preservation of primary orebodies (Velasco et al., 2013; Braxton et al., 2009; Brimhall et al., 1985). Supergene oxide zones are often developed in sulfide ore deposits, and are mainly composed of iron oxides and hydroxides zones in weathering profile (Andrew, 1984; Thornber et al., 1981).