Genesis, metallogenic model, and prospecting prediction of the Nibao gold deposit in the Guizhou Province, China

Southwestern Guizhou province is one of China’s most important distribution areas of Carlin-type gold deposits. The Nibao deposit is a typical gold deposit in southwestern Guizhou. To elucidate the genesis of the Nibao gold deposit, establish a metallogenic model, and guide prospecting prediction, we systematically collected previously reported geological, geochemical, and dating data and discussed the genesis of the Nibao gold deposit,based on which we proposed the metallogenic model.Earlier works show that the Nibao anticline, F1 fault, and its hanging wall dragged anticline(Erlongqiangbao anticline) were formed before or simultaneously with gold mineralization, while F2, F3, and F4 faults postdate gold mineralization. Regional geophysical data showed extensive low resistivity anomaly areas near the SBT(the product of tectonic slippage and hydrothermal alteration)between the P2/P3 and the strata of the Longtan Formation in the SSE direction of Nibao anticline in the lower plate of F1 and hanging wall dragged anticline(Erlongqiangbao anticline), and the anomaly areas are distributed within the influence range of anticlines. Simultaneously, soil and structural geochemistry show that F1, Nibao anticline,Erlongqiangbao anticline, and their transition areas all show good metallogenic elements(Au, As, and S) assemblage anomalies, with good metallogenic space and prospecting possibilities. There are five main hypotheses about the source of ore-forming fluids and Au in the Nibao gold deposit:(1) related to the Emeishan mantle plume activity;(2) source from the Emeishan basalt;(3) metamorphic fluid mineralization;(4) basin fluid mineralization;(5) related to deep concealed magmatic rocks;of these, the mainstream understanding is the fifth speculation. It is acknowledged that the ore-forming fluids are hydrothermal fluids with medium–low temperature, high pressure, medium–low salinity, low density, low oxygen fugacity, weak acidity, weak reduction, and rich in CO_(2)and CH_(4). The fluid pressure is 2–96.54 MPa, corresponding to depths of 0.23–3.64 km. The dating results show that the metallogenic age is ~141 Ma, the extensional tectonic environment related to the westward subduction of the Pacific Plate. Based on the above explanation, the genetic model related to deep concealed magmatic rocks of the Nibao gold deposit is established, and favorable prospecting areas are outlined;this is of great significance for regional mineral exploration and studying the genesis of gold deposits.

Geophysical-Geological Interpretation and Deep-Seated Gold Deposit Prospecting in Sanshandong-Jiaojia Area, Eastern Shandong Province, China

Integrated gravitational, electrical-magnetic surveys and data processing carried out in the Sanshandao-Jiaojia area, Eastern Shandong Province, northeast China, aim to illuminate the geological characteristics of this shallow-covered area and delineate deep-seated gold prospecting targets. In this region, altogether 12 faults exert critical control on distribution of three types of Early Precambrian metamorphic rock series, i.e. those in the metamorphic rock area, in the granitic rock area underlying the metamorphic rock, and in the remnant metamorphic rock area in granites, respectively. Additionally, the faults have major effects on distribution of four Mesozoic Linglong rock bodies of granite, i.e. the Cangshang, Liangguo, Zhuqiao-Miaojia and Jincheng granites. The Sanshandao and Jiaojia Faults are two well-known regional ore-controlling faults; they have opposite dip direction, and intersect at a depth of 4500 m. Fracture alteration zones have striking geophysical differences relative to the surrounding county rocks. The two faults extend down along dip direction in a gentle wave form, and appear at some steps with different dips. These steps comprise favorable gold prospecting areas, consistent with a step metallogenic model. Six deep-seated gold-prospecting targets are delineated, i.e. Jincheng-Qianchenjia, Xiaoxizhuang-Zhaoxian, Xiyou-Wujiazhuangzi, Xiangyangling-Xinlicun, Panjiawuzi and Miaojia-Pinglidian.

Geochemical Characteristics,Genesis of Concealed Cu-rich Ore Body in the Jinchuan Deposit,Northwestern China,and Its Prospecting

The Jinchuan deposit is hosted by the olivine-rich ultramafic rock body, which is the thirdlargest magmatic sulfide Ni-Cu deposit in the world currently being exploited. Seeking new relaying resources in the deep and the border of the deposit becomes more and more important. The ore body, ore and geochemistry characteristics of the concealed Cu-rich ore body are researched. Through spatial analysis and comparison with the neighboring II1 main ore body, the mineralization rule of the concealed Cu-rich ore body is summed up. It is also implied that Cu-rich magma may exist between Nirich magma and ore pulp during liquation differentiation in deep-stage chambers, which derives from deep-mantle Hi-MgO basalt magma. It is concluded that the type of ore body has features of both magmatic liquation and late reconstruction action. It has experienced three stages： deep liquation and pulsatory injection of the Cu- and PPGE-rich magma, concentration of tectonic activation, and the later magma hydrothermal superimposition. In addition, the Pb and S isotopes indicate the magma of I6 concealed Cu-rich ore body originates predominantly from mantle; however, it is interfused by minute crust material. Finally, it is inferred that the genesis of the Cu-Ni sulfide deposit is complex and diverse, and the prospect of seeking new deep ore bodies within similar deposits is promising, especially Cu-rich ore bodies.

Types of uranium deposits in central Zhuguang Mountains in Hunan Province,South China and their metallogenic regularity and prospecting directions

The central Zhuguang Mountains in Hunan Province is located at the junction of the three provinces,namely Hunan,Jiangxi,and Guangdong,where the famous Lujing uranium ore field lies.The uranium deposits occurring in this area are all granite-related and they can be divided into three types,namely endogranitic ones,perigranitic ones,and contact zone types.The endogranitic uranium deposits are mainly controlled by the structural alteration zones developing within granites,with fragmentation,hematitization,and alkali metasomatism as their main mineralization characteristics.The perigranitic uranium deposits are mainly produced in the carbonaceous,siliceous,and argillaceous composite layers of epimetamorphic rocks and are controlled by fractured zones formed due to interlayer compression.The contact zone type uranium deposits mainly occur in the contact parts between the granites and favorable horizons.They have developed in favorable sections where multiple sets of structures are combined and intersected.The main metallogenic regularities of uranium in the central Zhuguang Mountains are as follows.The basic conditions for the uranium mineralization in this area include the framework consisting of regional deep large faults and their associated multi-set multi-direction favorable metallogenic structures,multi-cycle and multi-stage uranium-rich rock masses,and uranium-rich folded basement.Meanwhile,the uranium deposits in this area are closely related to granites in terms of genesis and space and they are formed in different structural parts subject to the same metallization.Furthermore,based on the summary of the characteristics and regularities of uranium mineralization in this area,the controlling factors of different types of uranium deposits in the area were explored and six metallogenic target areas were predicted.All these will provide references for the exploration of uranium deposits in this area.

Diagenesis-Mineralization and Ore Prospecting of the Yangla Copper Deposit, Yunnan Province, Southwest China

The large-scale Yangla copper deposit, located in the central part of the Sanjiang Tethys polymetallic belt, is structurally controlled by the Jinsha River Fault and Yangla Fault. This deposit consists of seven ore blocks, including the Beiwu, Nilv, Jiangbian, Linong, Lunong, Tongjige and Jiaren. The Cu metal prospective reserves of the Yangla deposit are above 1 million tons. There are widely distributed Indosinian granodiorite and also many gabbro-diabase dikes and few quartz porphyries exposed in the Yangla ore district. The ore-hosting rocks are diopsode-garnet skarn, sericitie sandy slate and metamorphic quartz sandstone of the first member of the Devonian Linong Formation. Ore bodies occur as layered, stratoid, lenticular and veined shapes, and are strictly controlled by rocks, strata and structures.

An integrated ore prospecting model for the Nyasirori gold deposit in Tanzania

The Nyasirori gold deposit,located in the middle-western end of the Musoma-Mara Archean greenstone belt in Tanzania,is a tectonic altered rock type gold deposit controlled by shear tectonic zone.This work conducted high-precision ground magnetic measurements to delineate fault structures and favorable prospecting targets,utilized induced polarization(IP)intermediate gradient to roughly determine the distribution and extension of the tectonic altered zone and gold ore(mineralized)bodies,and further carried out IP sounding and magnetotelluric sounding to locate the tectonic altered zone and gold ore(mineralized)bodies.The anomalous gradient belt of the combination of positive and negative micromagnetic measurements reflects the detail of shallow surface tectonic alteration zone and gold mineralization body.Micromagnetic profile anomalies indicate the spatial location and occurrence of concealed tectonic alteration zone and gold(mineralized)ore bodies.Soil geochemical measurements indicate that the ore-forming element Au correlates well with As and Sb,and As and Sb anomalies have a good indication to gold orebodies.Based on the multi-source geological-geophysical-geochemical information of the Nyasirori gold deposit,this work established an integrated prospecting model and proposed a set of geophysical and geochemical methods for optimizing prospecting targets.

Soil geochemical prospecting prediction method based on deep convolutional neural networks-Taking Daqiao Gold Deposit in Gansu Province, China as an example

A method is proposed for the prospecting prediction of subsurface mineral deposits based on soil geochemistry data and a deep convolutional neural network model.This method uses three techniques(window offset,scaling,and rotation)to enhance the number of training data for the model.A window area is used to extract the spatial distribution characteristics of soil geochemistry and measure their correspondence with the occurrence of known subsurface deposits.Prospecting prediction is achieved by matching the characteristics of the window area of an unknown area with the relationships established in the known area.This method can efficiently predict mineral prospective areas where there are few ore deposits used for generating the training dataset,meaning that the deep-learning method can be effectively used for deposit prospecting prediction.Using soil active geochemical measurement data,this method was applied in the Daqiao area,Gansu Province,for which seven favorable gold prospecting target areas were predicted.The Daqiao orogenic gold deposit of latest Jurassic and Early Jurassic age in the southern domain has more than 105 t of gold resources at an average grade of 3-4 g/t.In 2020,the project team drilled and verified the K prediction area,and found 66 m gold mineralized bodies.The new method should be applicable to prospecting prediction using conventional geochemical data in other areas.

Geological characteristics and metallogenic prospect of marine volcanic rock-type copper deposits in eastern Kunlun Mountains area, Xinjiang

The Katelixi Cu-Zn deposit is a marine volcanic rock-type copper deposit discovered for the first time in the Tokuzidaban Group in eastern Kunlun Mountains area. It is hosted in the Lower Carboniferous Tokuzidaban Group volcanic strata. The orebodies are obviously controlled by the strata and their ore-bearing rocks are a suite of greyish-green mafic tuffs, generally parallel-stratiform, stratoid and lenticular in form, occurring in limestone as well as in the contact between limestone and carbon-bearing siltstone. This ore deposit possesses distinct characteristics of marine volcanic rock sedimentaion. The geological, petrochemical and REE characteristics of its occurrence pro-vide strong evidence suggesting that this deposit is of marine volcanic rock sedimention origin, basically identical to those of some typical marine volcanic rock-type copper deposits in Xinjiang and other parts of China. Marine vol-canic rocks are well developed in the Lower Carboniferous Tokuzidaban strata in eastern Kunlun Mountains area. In addition to this deposit, we have also found a number of copper polymetallic ore deposits or occurrences in associa-tion with marine volcanc activities in many places where there is a good metallogenic prospect. A breakthrough in the understanding of ore prospecting and genesis has not only filled up the gap in prospecting this type of ore depos-its in this area, but also is of great significance in directing exploration of this type of ore deposits in this area.

Classification,Minerogenic Models and Prospecting of Realgar/Orpiment Deposits in China

China's realgar/orpiment deposits may be classified into three types, the stratabound, hot-water sedimentary and hydrothermal, according to their mineralizing processes, geological occurrences, tectonic and geochemical features. The three types may be further distinguished into seven subtypes, namely, the Xiaguan, Shuiluo, Jiepaiyu, Songpan, Shixia, Wangzhuang and Ninghshan ones. On this basis three minerogenic models are established, and based on studies of their geochemistry and minerogenic mechanisms the prerequisites for prospecting for these types of deposits are given in the paper.

Application of tensor CSAMT with high-power orthogonal signal sources in Jiama porphyry copper deposit,South Tibet

The Jiama porphyry copper deposit in Tibet is one of the proven supergiant copper deposits in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau at present,with the reserves of geological resources equivalent to nearly 20×10^(6) t.However,it features wavy and steep terrain,leading to extremely difficult field operation and heavy interference.This study attempts to determine the effects of the tensor controlled-source audiomagnetotellurics(CSAMT)with high-power orthogonal signal sources(also referred to as the high-power tensor CSAMT)when it is applied to the deep geophysical exploration in plateaus with complex terrain and mining areas with strong interference.The test results show that the high current provided by the highpower tensor CSAMT not only greatly improved the signal-to-noise ratio but also guaranteed that effective signals were received in the case of a long transmitter-receiver distance.Meanwhile,the tensor data better described the anisotropy of deep geologic bodies.In addition,the tests also show that when the transmitting current reaches 60 A,it is still guaranteed that strong enough signals can be received in the case of the transmitter-receiver distance of about 25 km,sounding curves show no near field effect,and effective exploration depth can reach 3 km.The 2D inversion results are roughly consistent with drilling results,indicating that the high-power tensor CSAMT can be used to achieve nearly actual characteristics of underground electrical structures.Therefore,this method has great potential for application in deep geophysical exploration in plateaus and mining areas with complex terrain and strong interference,respectively.This study not only serves as important guidance on the prospecting in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau but also can be used as positive references for deep mineral exploration in other areas.

PROSPECTING FOR LARGE TRIHYDROXY BAUXITE DEPOSITS IN CHINA: THINKING AND PERSPECTIVE

Large trihydroxy bauxite deposit was once considered unavailable in China.With the prospecting think-ing of diwa theory,the author has drawn a contrary conclusion.From the view of the law of progression with transformation between mobile and stable regions and the metallogenic specialization of tectonic elements,he reveals the principal reason why the known bauxite deposits in China are mostly of monohydroxide type,and acquires the way of searching for trihydroxide bauxite deposits.He considers that the residual-mobility period of the diwa stage in the crustal development in South China pocesses-tectonic conditions favourable to the formation of bauxite deposits of this type.He believes that the Cenozoic structural sublayer of the residual-mobility period of the diwa stage developed on the carbonate rock of the Paleozoic platformal structural layer is the preferrential target of prospecting.With this thinking and many years of efforts,we have gained prelimi-nary achievements and have discovered Guigang-type latee-ritic trihydroxied bauxite deposits in Guangxi.In future,by extension and analogy of the thinking,we are likely to find large,high-grade bauxite deposits in its vicinity and to discover weathering-type bauxite deposits with other parent rocks.

A Prospecting Mineralogy Study: Arsenopyrite In Endogenetic Gold Deposits

Arsenopyrite is one of very important and common auriferous minerals in endogenetic gold deposits. In seven gold deposits, the prospecting typomorphic characteristics of arsenopyrite, such as morphological typomorphism, composition typomorphism, pyroelectricity typomorphism and so on, were established. The crystal form of arsenopyrite is simple, and the form symbols mainly are {101}, {120}, {210}, {140}, {230}, {012}, etc. The smaller grain and poor crystal form arsenopyrite indicates the better auriferous characteristics. The major elements (Fe, As and S) of gold-bearing arsenopyrite usually show Fe/As+S>0.5,As/S<1 which deviates from its theoretical value. The most important trace element is Au and next is Ag in arsenopyrite, and they often show the positive correlation. The pyroelectricity of arsenopyrite can reflect the mineralization epoch, and it also is related to the crystal form and granudarity.

PORPHYRY COPPER (-MOLYBDENUM-GOLD) DEPOSIT PROSPECTIVITY IN ZHASHUI-SHANYANG MINERALIZATION BELT,QINLING MT., NW CHINA

The paper focuses on the geological setting, forrning environment, petrochemistry, isotope, etc. of the Yangshanian intermediate-acid porphyry intrusion in ZhashuiShanyang mineralization belt. The alteration type and zone of the intrusion and its host rocks have been studied, and the characteristics of the known copper (-molybdenum-gold) mineralization occurrence have been investigated. Hence the metallogenetic factors and ore prospectivity have been evaluated by comprehensive study of the metallogenic geology and correlation with the rnega-porphyry copper(-molybdenum) deposits in the world.

New Zircon U-Pb Age of Devonian Granites in the Niukutou Lead-Zinc Deposit, Qinghai Province and its Significance for Prospecting Blind Orebodies

Object The Eastern Kunlun Orogen(EKO), An important part of the Tethyan orogenic belt in the northern margin of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau(Li et al., 2014; Ren Haidong et al., 2016), is a key area for geological research and mineral exploration(Li Bile et al., 2015). The Qimantag Mountain is located in middle segment of the EKO, which has experienced the Early Paleozoic and Late Paleozoic–Early

Discovery of Liquid Cryptoexplosive Breccia in the Pulang Porphyry Copper Deposit of Yunnan Province and its Prospecting Significance

The Pulang porphyry copper deposit,located in the Gezan tectonic-magmatic arc and south of the Yidun island arc,southwest of Sanjiang metallogenic belt in Yunnan province,is a super-large porphyry copper deposit.

Assessment of Prospecting Potentiality for Superlarge Continental Volcanic Rock-Type Uranium Deposits in China

The superlarge continental volcanic rock\|type uranium deposits, which were discovered abroad long ago, have not yet been reported up to now in China. This is an important problem that needs to be urgently solved by uranium geologists at present. In this paper, on the basis of analyzing the metallogenic settings and geological conditions of the superlarge continental volcanic rock\|type uranium deposits discovered in the world along with the metallogenic characteristics of those of the same type in China, the space\|time distribution patterns of continental volcanics and the metallogenic potential of main tectono\|volcanic belts in China are discussed, and a synthetic conclusion has been drawn that there is a possibility to discover the superlarge continental volcanic rock\|type uranium deposits in China. Moreover, it is evidenced that the Ganhang, Nanling, Yanliao, Da Hinggan Ling and other tectono\|volcanic belts possess favorable geological conditions for the formation of ssuperlarge ore deposits of the continental volcanic rock type. The intersecting and overlapping locations of the aforementioned main belts with other tectono\|volcanic (\|intrusive) belts are the most potential areas where the superlarge continental volcanic rock\|type uranium deposits would be found.

Experiment and Achievement Enlightenment of Integrated Prospecting of Carbonate-Type Lead-Zinc Deposits in the Sichuan-Yunnan-Guizhou Region of China

Mississippi-Valley＇s carbonate-type （MVT） lead-zinc deposits are the most important type of lead-zinc deposits in the southwest of China. In 2013, China Geological Survey Bureau deployed a project named ＂Experimental Investigation of Integrated Prospecting Technology for Concealed Carbonate-Type Lead-Zinc Deposits in the Region of Sichuan, Yunnan and Guizhou Provinces＂. This project has been implemented by the Chengdu Center of China Geological Survey since 2013, and the project has run for 3 years. The general objective of this project is to establish an effective and adaptable integrated prospecting methodology （including geological, geophysical and geochemical techniques） in search for deep concealed lead-zinc deposits.

Characteristics of Zhangsanying-Tongshanzi aeromagnetic anomaly zone and prospecting potential of iron deposits in northern Hebei,China

Based on the latest high-precision aeromagnetic data,an aeromagnetic anomaly zone is identified at Zhangsanying--Tongshanzi in northern Hebei Province.By the potential field conversion processing,including the reduction to the pole,vertical derivative,upward continuation and residual anomaly,the authors analyzed the characteristics of three typical aeromagnetic anomalies in Zhangsanying--Tongshanzi aeromagnetic anomaly zone and their geological origin.The methods include the forward and inversion methods,such as 2.5D optimization fitting and Euler deconvolution.Moreover,combined with the geological outcrop,known iron deposits,ground magnetic survey and verification,the authors studied the relationship between the aeromagnetic anomalies and iron deposits.The result shows that the Zhangsanying--Tongshanzi aeromagnetic anomaly zone is composed of 10 large magnetic anomalies with high amplitude and clear boundary.The aeromagnetic anomalies are comparable and intrinsically related to the ground magnetic anomalies and IP anomalies,indicating that the anomalies are caused by magnetite deposits.It has good magnetite prospecting potential in the Zhangsanying--Tongshanzi aeromagnetic anomaly zone.