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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A Preliminary Review of Metallogenic Regularity of Molybdenum Deposits in China

Molybdenum is one of the dominant minerals in China because of its rich reserves.In recent years,outstanding breakthroughs have been made in molybdenum prospecting in China,and the distribution of molybdenum deposits in China is found to have a ＂planar pattern＂.In general,the molybdenum deposits are concentrated in eastern China,including the largest molybdenum reserves of Henan Province.In terms of the scale of molybdenum deposits,the identified resources of the superlarge deposits are the most important,which account for about 53% of the whole country,and those of the large deposits account for about 30%,those of the medium-sized deposits account for about 14%,those of the small-sized deposits,mine spots and mineralization account for about 3%.The molybdenum deposits are mainly classified as porphyry type,skarn type,hydrothermal（vein） type and sedimentary（metamorphic） type in genesis,and the identified resources of these types account for 85.75%,8.83%,2.79%and 2.63% of the total resources respectively.Based on the statistics of precise chronology data of molybdenites Re-Os,Mo-mineralization can be divided into 6 periods in Chinese geological history,which are Precambrian（〉800 Ma）,Cambrian-Silurian（540-415 Ma,Caledonian）,Devonian-Permian（400-290 Ma,Hecynian）,Triassic（260-200 Ma,Indosinian）,Jurassic-Cretaceous（195-70 Ma,Yanshanian） and Paleogene-Neogene（65-10 Ma,Himalayan）.Mo mineralization during the Yanshanian period is the strongest one,in which about 76.69% of the Chinese total identified resources was formed.The second is the Himalayan period.According to spatial-temporal distribution characteristics of molybdenum deposits,the metallogenic regularity of molybdenum deposits was preliminarily summarized,and 41 level-Ⅲ molybdenum-forming belts,13 level-Ⅱ molybdenum-forming provinces and 4 level-Ⅰ molybdenum-forming domains were ascertained in the mainland of China.There are 39 metallogenic series of and 60 sub-series of molybdenum deposits with molybdenum as the dominant metal and corresponding representative molybdenum deposits proposed.Metallogenic lineages of molybdenum deposits were also established.Spatial-temporal evolution of different types of molybdenum deposits,and the relationship between Mo-mineralization and tectonic evolution have been discussed in this paper.On this basis,the authors think that element Mo is an effective tracer for recording the crustal evolution history of China.At present,there are some problems in the exploration of Mo deposits in China,such as uneven exploration degrees in eastern and western China,shallow exploration depth,low and uneven grade,complex associated components,difficulty of mineral development and utilization,increasing costs of prospecting,and so on.According to successful experience of superficial and deep prospecting and considering also the discussion above,some suggestions are proposed for the prospecting of molybdenum deposits in the future.

Fluorite deposits in China:Geological features,metallogenic regularity,and research progress

Fluorite is one of the important mineral raw materials in the industry.In China,it is mainly distributed in the provinces and regions such as Hunan,Zhejiang,Jiangxi,Inner Mongolia,Fujian,and Henan provinces,boasting huge reserves and large numbers of deposits.However,most of the fluorite deposits are on a small or medium scale.The main fluorite deposits in China were studied in this paper.Their geological features and metallogenic regularity were summarized and compared.Meanwhile,based on their main genetic factors including metallogenic fluid sources and main metallogenic geological processes,they were divided into two groups,namely meso-epithermal deposits and magmatic-hydrothermal deposits.Furthermore,based on the prospecting achievements and research progress obtained in fluorite deposits in recent years,prospecting potential predictions were made for the metallogenic prospect areas and major prospecting areas of fluorite in China.This aims to provide a theoretical basis and direction for future fluorite prospecting in China.

A Research Review of Iron Oxide Copper-Gold Deposits

Iron oxide copper-gold （IOCG） deposits are a research focus of the current ore deposit geology, and have attracted much attention among the worldwide geologists and exploration experts due to their shallow depth, a wide variety of mineral species and large scale. This paper presents a review of the present IOCG deposits research, which includes the definition of IOCG deposits, temporal and spatial distribution, ore-forming environments, ore-forming magmatic rocks, their geological features, ore-controlling structures and ore-bearing rocks, mineralized alteration zoning, and their genesis and ore-forming process. This work also proposed the ore prospecting direction of IOCG deposits from a trinity model of metaUogenic geological bodies, metallogenic structure surface and metailogenic information signs, and discussed the existing problems of the IOCG deposits research.

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.

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.

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.

Approaches to location prognosis of concealed ore deposits (bodies) of productive mines

This paper demonstrates the channels and methods for location prognosis of concealed ore deposits (bodies) in the deep seated and surrounding districts of productive mines in accordance with their special features. The system frame map is built, from quick exploration in the field to the rapid building of a model indoors. The main research points of location prognosis are also discussed in the paper, which include: 1) integrating the location with the surrounding geological areas, microscopic with macroscopic; 2) analyzing and synthesizing all geological information of different levels, depths and aspects; 3) laying stress on mineralization series; 4) paying attention to the study of the distribution law of ore bodies; 5) introducing the theory of nonlinear dynamics of ore forming processes to ordinary static prognosis; 6) the necessity of the geophysical me thod in recovering information of concealed ore bodies; 7) the combination of all kinds of geology, geophysics, geochemistry and remote sensing methods.

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.