Geochronological and geochemical study of the Baixintan magmatic Ni-Cu sulphide deposit: New implications for the exploration potential in the western part of the East Tianshan nickel belt (NW China)

•The Baixintan magmatic sulphide deposit formed at 286.0 ± 1.9 Ma.•Fractional crystallization and crustal contamination played a role in triggering sulphide saturation.•The parental magma for the Baixintan intrusion was severely depleted in PGE.•The Baixintan intrusion has potential for hosting high-Ni tenor sulphide mineralization.