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2026 Volume 59 Issue 1  Published: 2026-02-20
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  • Xuexiang GU , Yiwei PENG , Yongmei ZHANG , Zhonglin XIANG , Xinli WANG , Yingshuai ZHANG , Huadong MA , Bingyu ZHU , Shuyi DONG , Wei WANG , Xiaofei DU
    doi: 10.12401/j.nwg.2025156

    The northern margin of the West Tianshan in Xinjiang is well endowed with epithermal gold deposits. These deposits are primarily hosted in the continental volcanic rocks of the Late Devonian-Early Carboniferous Dahalajunshan Formation and are concentrated in the Tulasu and Yelimodun volcanic fault-depression basins and the Wusunshan area. Based on a systematic review of the geological and geochemical characteristics of typical gold deposits such as Axi, Jingxi-Yermand, and Tawuerbieke in the region, this paper analyzes the relationship between gold mineralization and regional tectonic-magmatic evolution, and discusses the post-mineralization modification and preservation processes as well as their implications for mineral exploration. The epithermal gold deposits in the northern margin of the West Tianshan include various types such as low-sulfidation, high-sulfidation, and porphyry-epithermal transitional types, which exhibit significant differences in ore body occurrence, ore texture, mineral assemblages, and alteration characteristics. The ore-forming materials are mainly derived from the host volcanic-subvolcanic rocks, and the ore-forming fluids consist primarily of magmatic hydrothermal fluids (high-sulfidation type), meteoric water (low-sulfidation type), or a mixture of these two fluids (porphyry-epithermal transitional type). Gold precipitation mechanisms include fluid boiling, water-rock interaction, and fluid mixing. The mineralization age is mainly concentrated in the Late Devonian-Early Carboniferous, formed in a back-arc extensional environment during the peak subduction of the North Tianshan and South Tianshan oceans. After their formation, the deposits underwent a complex modification and preservation history. The epithermal gold deposits in the Tulasu and Yelimodun basins have been preserved due to relatively weak erosion, and their deep sections hold potential for the discovery of porphyry-skarn-type Cu-Au polymetallic deposits. In contrast, the peripheral areas of the basins have experienced higher degrees of erosion, leading to the destruction of most epithermal deposits, but the prospects for porphyry- and skarn-type deposits remain favorable.

  • Yongbao GAO , Hang LI , Ke YANG , Zhongkai XUE , Cheng MA , Yiwei SONG , Zhanlin GE , Cheng LIU
    doi: 10.12401/j.nwg.2025149

    The Qinling metallogenic belt is one of China’s most important Au–polymetallic metallogenic belts and the country’s second-largest Au-metallogenic belt after Jiaodong. In recent years, new breakthroughs have been achieved in many deposits such as Zaozigou, creating an urgent need for in-depth research on its Au-metallogenic regularities and resource potential. Based on a systematic review of strata, structures, magmatism, geophysical–geochemical characteristics, and the metallogenic setting, mineralization features, and ore-controlling factors of 613 Au deposits (or occurrences) within the belt, this study reveals that Au deposits in the Qinling metallogenic belt display a spatial pattern of "NW-trending belts and NE-trending clusters". Large Au deposits commonly occur at the intersections of NW- and NE-trending structures and in areas with intense magmatic activity. The Au metallogenesis of the eastern and western Qinling exhibits significant differences. In western Qinling, most Au deposits are hosted in the Devonian, Permian, and Triassic strata, with mineralization ages concentrated at 250~230 Ma and 225~210 Ma, closely related to contemporaneous magmatism. Metallogenic types include hydrothermal type hosted in metamorphosed clastic rocks and magmatic-hydrothermal type. In eastern Qinling, Au deposits are mainly hosted in the Archean Taihua Group, the Cambrian, and the Devonian strata, with mineralization ages primarily between 145 and 110 Ma. Their metallogenic type is mainly magmatic-hydrothermal type. For crustal structure, western Qinling shows crustal decoupling influenced by the expansion of the Tibetan Plateau, with deep magmatic channels controlling the distribution of Au deposit districts. In contrast, eastern Qinling exhibits high-conductivity crust–mantle penetrating structures influenced by the Paleo-Pacific Plate, contributing to the Yanshanian metallogenesis. Through comprehensive comparison, this study delineates 25 fourth-order Au metallogenic sub-belts and 10 Au metallogenic series within the Qinling metallogenic belt. Among these, the two most important series are the Indosinian series related to intermediate–felsic magmatic intrusions and the Yanshanian series associated with magmatic–hydrothermal activity. Integrating geological, geophysical, and geochemical information, 73 prospective Au exploration targets are identified within the Qinling metallogenic belt (28 Class I, 34 Class II, and 11 Class III). Based on the metallogenic regularities and resource-potential assessment, It is suggested that exploration in western Qinling should focus on the Xiahe–Hezuo and Zhaishang–Liba ore districts, targeting the deep and peripheral zones of existing deposits. In addition, exploration should also be strengthened in Huayagou–Jiutiaogou, FengTai, and other prospective areas, and particular attention should be given to concealed orebodies related to magmatic-hydrothermal activity in the Wenxian–Kangxian ore district. In eastern Qinling, the application of integrated geophysical techniques should be enhanced for deep-level exploration. Deep exploration should be prioritized in the Xiaoqinling ore district, with special attention to deep and peripheral zones of known deposits such as Xiajiadian, Liujiaxia, and Sulinggou.

  • Zhongkai XUE , Baocheng FAN , Hang LI , Kang YAN , Zhanlin GE , Xiaogang LUAN , Haoqing HUANG
    doi: 10.12401/j.nwg.2025047

    The Zaozigou gold deposit is located in the Triassic intracontinental rift basin at the western part of the West Qinling orogenic belt, between the Zacalebu-Zaozigou fault and the Sangqu-Diluotang fault. The Zaozigou gold deposit has been divided into two periods and four stages, the electron probe analysis is focused on the sulfide in the pyrite - arsenopyrite - quartz (II) stage during the hydrothermal mineralization stage in this paper. There are mainly four groups of structures in the mine, such as NE, NW, near EW and near SN trending, among which NE and NW trending are the main ones. There were two types of sulfide assemblage in stage II, one is porous hemidiomorphic pyrite (II1), the other is flat idiomorphic pyrite (II2). In situ sulfur and LA-ICP-MS trace element experiments were carried out for the two subclasses in stage II. The results showed that the pyrite is arsenic-containing pyrite with poor iron and sulfur. The δ34SV-CDT of pyrite in II1 stage is −9.92‰~−14.00‰, the δ34SV-CDT of pyrite in II2 stage is −15.58‰~−23.46‰, and the δ34SV-CDT value of pyrite in II2 stage is larger. The ore-forming materials may be mainly sedimentary and magmatic sources at first, with a small amount of metamorphic sources added later. The trace data of pyrite show that the occurrence form of Au shows a gradual transition trend from Au+ to Au0, the changes of Co, Ni and As elements in iron and copper elements show a downward trend, and the changes of Cu, Pb, Zn and Ag elements in metallogenic elements show an upward trend. The Co-Ni binary discriminant map indicates that the proportion of hydrothermal deposits increased in the later ore-forming period, and the Co-Ni-As map shows that the two subpyrites are located in the combination area of Carlin type, epithermal type and magmatic hydrothermal type, indicating that the Zaozigou gold deposit has multi-stage genesis. Based on the geological and geochemical characteristics of the deposit, it is considered that the Zaozigou gold deposit belongs to the post-magmatic hydrothermal type.

  • Tao YANG , Laimin ZHU , Yan HU , Denghong LONG , Fei WANG , Yun XIA , Weigang LIU , Hongying JIANG , Zirui LIU
    doi: 10.12401/j.nwg.2025103

    The Liba gold deposit is located 2 km outside the Zhongchuan pluton in the West Qinling Orogen. Based on the latest exploration results of the Liba gold deposit, the geological characteristics are analyzed in detail, and the fluid inclusion and zircon U-Pb dating in the gold bearing quartz vein are studied. The mineralized alteration types of Liba gold deposit are pyritization, sericitization and silicification, which are obviously different with the metamorphic characteristics of the Zhongchuan pluton contact zone. Mineralized alteration, ore body and vein rock are strictly controlled by faults, but the scale and mineralization degree of vein rocks are lower than ore body, indicating that magmatic activity may not provide main fluid and material for metallogenesis. The study of fluid inclusions indicate that the ores were deposited from medium-high temperature (220~360 ℃), low salinity (5% NaCleq~10% NaCleq) NaCl-H2O-CO2-(CH4) fluids, similar to metamorphic fluid. The zircons in the gold bearing quartz veins are mostly sub rounded, indicating that they may undergone the process of transportation and rounding sedimentation. Zircon U-Pb ages can be divided into four spectral segments: 397~585 Ma, 673~1023 Ma, 1097~1868 Ma, and 1963~2575 Ma, which are very close to the age characteristics of detrital zircons in the host rock Liba Group, indicating that they were captured from the stratum during the activation and migration of ore-forming fluid. The Liba gold deposit can be grouped with other orogenic gold deposits that have similar characteristics, which is formed under the transition tectonic background from collision to extension. During the emplacement of Zhongchuan pluton, faults were developed along its margin, providing favorable spaces for the precipitation of ore-forming fluid and the emplacement of vein rocks. This caused the granitic pluton, vein rocks and gold bodies are together with space and time, but it may not have an inherent genetic relationship.

  • Hang LI , Baocheng FAN , Zhongkai XUE , Xiaoqi YANG , Jianxiang LUO , Xinmiao LU
    doi: 10.12401/j.nwg.2025048

    Arsenopyrite (Apy) and chlorite (Chl) are abundant sulfide or altered minerals in hydrothermal gold deposits, which been widely used in the inversion of the physical chemical conditions of gold mineralization. The Jinshan gold deposit in Gansu Province is located in the Xiahe-Xihe-Fengxian-Huangbaiyuan metallogenic sub-belt in the eastern section of the West Qinling metallogenic belt, with superior mineralization conditions, characterized by the development of multiple generations of arsenopyrite and chlorite. In this study, we take the various types of arsenopyrite and chlorite in ore samples from the Jinshan gold deposit as the research object. Based on the division of the three mineralization stages in Jinshan Gold deposit, using electron probes to determine the major elemental composition of Apy (Apy-Ⅱ~Apy-Ⅲ) and Chl (Chl-Ⅰ~Chl-Ⅲ) at each stage, dividing the chemical types of Chl-Ⅰ~Chl-Ⅲ, calculating the formation temperature, oxygen fugacity (lgfO2), sulfur fugacity (lgfS2), and pH value of Chl-Ⅰ~Chl-Ⅲ and Apy-Ⅱ~Apy-Ⅲ. Furthermore, analyzing the formation environment and physicochemical conditions of Apy and Chl at each stage, and exploring the gold mineralization mechanism of the Jinshan gold deposit. The results indicate that the diagenetic shallow metamorphic stage of Chl-I exhibits characteristics of low temperature, low lgfO2, and low lgfS2. During the hydrothermal mineralization stage, the temperature, lgfO2, lgfS2, and pH values of Chl-Ⅱ and Apy-Ⅱ significantly increased compared to stage I, indicating the loss of a large amounts of acidic components such as CO2 in Stage II, it is speculated that there was strong fluid mixing and boiling during the hydrothermal mineralization stage. Subsequently, during the hydrothermal mineralization stages Ⅱ~Ⅲ, boiling causes a significant decrease in temperature, pressure, and S content in the fluid, promoting large-scale precipitation of Au in the form of natural gold, thereby promoting the large-scale precipitation of Au in the form of natural gold. Meanwhile, under low sulfur fugacity and neutral pH value conditions, a large amount of invisible gold was formed in arsenopyrite as Au-As like substances.

  • Wuyi MENG , Liyong WEI , Yongbao GAO , Zhen ZHANG , Yingtian TIAN , Xianchen LI , Huanhuan WU , Di HAO , Bin JIA
    doi: 10.12401/j.nwg.2025051

    The Zhen’an-Xunyang basin, an Early Paleozoic rifted basin situated in the central part of the South Qinling tectonic belt, has seen the discovery of several disseminated gold deposits, like Xiaohe, Huijiagou, and Wangzhuang in recent years. Understanding the occurrence state of gold in these deposits is crucial for uncovering the regional gold mineralization enrichment mechanism. This study focuses on two fine-disseminated gold deposits, Wangzhuang and Laojunmiao, by carrying out the systematic microscopic identification and EPMA analysis. These gold deposits exhibit low-grade and metallic sulfide-hosted mineralization. Three types of pyrite closely associated with gold mineralization are identified in the region: arsenic-free pyrite (Py1, Py2), arsenic-bearing pyrite (arsenopyrite) (Py3, Apy), and arsenic-poor pyrite (Py4), with gold enrichment mainly observed after Py2. The Co/Ni ratios of the ore-forming pyrite during the mineralization period typically fall between 1 to 10, indicating a hydrothermal origin linked to the influx of arsenic-bearing hydrothermal fluids. Furthermore, based on the Au-As relationship, it is tentatively suggested that gold elements in the fine-disseminated gold deposits in the area are primarily present in lattice gold form within pyrite and arsenopyrite.

  • Bin JIA , Zhen ZHANG , Liyong WEI , Huanhuan WU , Mingfeng TANG , Wuyi MENG , Ying Tian TIAN , Xin WANG
    doi: 10.12401/j.nwg.2025110

    The Laojunmiao gold deposit, located between the Gongguan and Qingtongou super-large Hg-Sb deposits, is a medium-size gold deposit recently discovered in the South Qinling Orogenic Belt. The gold mineralization mainly hosted in the clastic-carbonate rocks of the Upper Devonian Xichahe Formation. Controlled by stratigraphy and structure, the orebodies are distributed along the EW-trending structural fracture zone, and the mineralization is relatively concentrated at the intersection of faults. However, there is still a lack of systematic research on the distribution pattern of gold in minerals and the types of deposits. Based on field investigations, mineralogy observations, backscattered electron (BSE) imaging, and electron probe micro probe analysis (EPMA), the compositions of the gold-bearing minerals and the occurrence state of Au in the Laojunmiao gold deposit are determined, and the deposit's genesis was discussed. The results show that the mineralization process of the Laojunmiao gold deposit can be divided into three stages: sedimentary-diagenetic stage, hydrothermal mineralization stage, and supergene oxidation stage. The gold mineralization during the hydrothermal stage is predominantly fine-grained disseminated type, which can be subdivided into three substages: Quartz + Arsenic-bearing pyrite stage (Ⅰ), Quartz + Arsenic-bearing pyrite + Arsenopyrite + Sphalerite stage (Ⅱ), and Quartz + Calcite stage (Ⅲ). Arsenic-bearing pyrite and arsenopyrite are both gold-bearing minerals, but pyrite is the primary gold-bearing mineral. Both sedimentary-stage pyrites (Py1 and Py2) and hydrothermal-stage pyrites (Py3 and Py4) contain gold. The gold content of hydrothermal-stage pyrites is significantly higher than that of sedimentary-stage pyrites, and there is a positive correlation between Au and As. Gold primarily exists as invisible gold. Au in sedimentary-stage pyrites (Py1 and Py2) occurs primarily as gold nanoparticles (Au0); while gold in hydrothermal-stage pyrites (Py3 and Py4) and arsenopyrite (Apy) occurs as lattice gold (Au+). The results indicate that the Laojunmiao gold deposit show similargeological characteristics, metallogenic conditions, and gold occurrence modes with typical Carlin-type gold deposits. Compared with the δFe-δS, δFe/δS-As, and (Fe+S)-As systems of various genetic types of gold deposits in China, the pyrite mineralization during the mineralization period all falls within the Carlin-type gold deposit region. Therefore, the Laojunmiao gold deposit could be classified as a Carlin-type gold deposit.

  • Shengshun SU , Yong ZHANG , Gui LIN , Shulan SHU , Yongle LIU , Daming ZHANG , Zhigang LIU , Furong ZHAO
    doi: 10.12401/j.nwg.2024008

    The Saibagou gold deposit, located in the Wulan area, eastern part of the northern Qaidam metallogenic belt, is one of the representative gold deposits in the northern Qaidam metallogenic belt. Recently, new breakthroughs have been made in prospecting at the deep and peripheral areas, but the genetic mechanism of the deposit is still controversial. Fluid inclusions and H-O-S-Pb isotopes of gold-bearing quartz veins from the Saibagou deposit are examined in this study. The results show that the fluid inclusions in the Saibagou gold deposit are mainly characterized by gas-liquid two-phase inclusions and CO2-bearing three-phase inclusions. The homogenization temperature of the inclusions ranges from 200 ℃ to 320 ℃, the salinity ranges from 0.18% NaCleqv to 14.67% NaCleqv, and the fluid density ranges from 0.67 g/cm3 to 1.13g/cm3. These lines of evidence support an ore-forming fluid characterized by medium temperature, medium-low salinity and low density, and belonging to the H2O-NaCl-CO2 system. The δDV-SMOW values are between −75.1‰ and −65.2‰, and δ18OH2O values are between 2.3‰ and 3.3‰, suggesting that the ore-forming fluid is mainly derived from magmatic water with a small amount of metamorphic fluid. S isotope studies show that δ34S of pyrite is between −2.52‰ and 2.61‰, which is within the composition range of meteorite S, reflecting that the sulfur in the deposit mainly comes from deep mantle, which may be related to magmatic activity. The pyrite 206Pb/204Pb ranges from 18.0314 to 18.2503, the 207Pb/204Pb ranges from 15.5907 to 15.7308, and the 208Pb/204Pb ranges from 38.1726 to 38.4326, indicating that Pb is mainly derived from magmas, and to a lesser extent, the Cambrian-Ordovician strata. Combined with the geological characteristics, fluid inclusions and H-O-S-Pb isotope research results, as well as the regional tectonic evolution background, it can be concluded that the Saibagou gold deposit is an orogenic gold deposit formed by continental collision between the Qaidam Block and Olongbuk Block and its genesis is closely related to the dike activities in the mining area.

  • Jizu KANG , Changyun LIU , Xinli ZHANG , Lexun ZHOU
    doi: 10.12401/j.nwg.2025091

    The northern Qaidam metallogenic belt is one of the most important gold and polymetallic metallogenic belts in Qinghai Province. The gold mineralization of the Xitieshan lead-zinc deposit, Qinglonggou gold deposit and Jinlonggou gold deposit, which have been discovered so far, is mainly produced in the ductile/brittle fault zone in the western Saishiteng area. In recent years, a new Sanjiaodingbei gold deposit has been discovered in the west part of Saishiteng tectonic belt. The detailed anatomical fracture characteristics and their relationship with gold enrichment are of great significance for prospecting and deployment in Saishiteng area. Based on the detailed field investigation, structural analysis and microscopic characteristics of the Sanjiaodingbei fault zone, it is concluded that the ore-bearing fault zone has ductile deformation in the early stage and brittle deformation in the later stage. Among them, mylonitization and curved neck developed in the fault zone indicate that the early left-lateral ductile shear deformation was the main deformation. Later, brittle deformation was superimposed and fault cataclastic rocks developed, showing the characteristics of thrust faults.By means of quartz fabric analysis (EBSD) in mylonite belt, the results show that the preferred orientation of quartz C-axis lattice is dominated by bottom <a> slip, the formation temperature is medium and low temperature, and the extremely dense characteristics indicate that the deformation pattern is left-lateral shear. According to the comprehensive regional data, the mylonitization in the early stage and the superimposed brittle fracture in the late stage are the key factors of gold enrichment and mineralization, which can be used as a marker for further gold prospecting.

  • Chenghong LI , Qiuming PEI , Yong XU , Chunbo ZHOU , Yi LIANG , Qingfei SUN , Yougen LONG , Keyong CHEN , Haonan HUANG , Meng LI
    doi: 10.12401/j.nwg.2025101

    The Pianyanzi gold deposit, situated on the western margin of the Yangtze Craton within the Daduhe gold belt in western Sichuan Province, represents a rare sellaite-bearing orogenic gold deposit.However, key aspects of its ore-forming processes, particularly regarding the nature of ore-forming fluids and the mechanisms governing gold enrichment and precipitation, remain poorly constrained. This study integrates field observations with microthermometric analysis of fluid inclusions, electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) of individual minerals, and laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) in-situ microanalysis of individual fluid inclusions. Based on these experimental results, thermodynamic simulations were conducted to comprehensively investigate the conditions conducive to gold enrichment and its precipitation mechanisms. Based on the ore vein cross-cutting relationships and mineral assemblages, the mineralization process can be divided into four distinct stages: the pyrite-quartz stage (I), the pyrite- sellaite-gold-quartz-dolomite stage (II), the quartz-polymetallic sulfide stage (III), and the hematite- limonite-gold stage (IV). EPMA analyses reveal that the gold fineness values in Stage II and Stage IV range from 976.4 to 986.9 and from 960.9 to 992.9, respectively, indicating a consistently high gold content. Fluid inclusions are predominantly CO2-bearing and H2O-bearing, with homogenization temperatures ranging from 135 to 357.1 ℃, peaking between 220 and 300 ℃, and salinities varying from 0.4% NaCleqv to 14.4% NaCleqv, with a peak concentration between 6% NaCleqv and 12%NaCleqv. LA-ICP-MS analyses of individual fluid inclusions reveal that during the evolution from the early to late stages of mineralization, both the total elemental content and the concentrations of trace elements such as Na and K exhibit a progressively decreasing trend. Moreover, the Rb/Na, Cs/Na, Sr/Na, and K/Na ratios observed in these fluid inclusions are consistent with the geochemical signatures of fluids associated with orogenic gold deposit. Thermodynamic simulations and integrated studies indicate that gold is primarily transported in the form of AuHS0 complexes. The decrease in temperature during stages II, along with an increase in oxygen fugacity specifically in stage IV, may serve as the primary factors contributing to gold precipitation and variations in gold fineness.

  • Yuxuan LI , Bo CHEN , Bin WANG , Fang AN , Pak Nikolal
    doi: 10.12401/j.nwg.2024135

    The Kuru-Tegerek copper-gold deposit is located in the Chatkal tectonic belt of the western segment of the Central Asian orogenic belt in Kyrgyzstan. It is a large skarn-type copper-gold deposit. In order to better understand the magmatic properties and petrogenesis of the ore-forming rock bodies in the Kuru-Tegerek copper-gold deposit, detailed petrographic and geochemical studies have been conducted on the ore-forming rock bodies in the mining area. The results show that the ore-forming rock bodies are granodiorites, belonging to the peraluminous calc-alkaline I-type granite series, with light rare earth elements enriched relative to heavy rare earth elements (LaN/YbN = 7.6~16.4), no significant Eu and Ce anomalies (δEu = 0.84~1.00; δCe = 1.04~1.05), and relatively enriched Rb, Ba, Zr, and Hf, while U, Th, Sr, Nb, Ta, and Nd are relatively depleted. The apatite in the granodiorite is enriched in light rare earth elements relative to heavy rare earth elements (LREE/HREE=3.42~17.15), showing strong negative Eu anomalies (δEu=0.12~0.47) and no significant Ce anomalies; zircons are strongly enriched in heavy rare earth elements (LREE/HREE=0.02~0.13), mostly showing strong negative Eu anomalies and positive Ce anomalies (δEu=0.03~0.31, δCe=1.3~80.9). The trace element geochemical characteristics of apatite and zircon indicate that the temperature of the ore-forming magma is about 742~779℃, with high magmatic oxygen fugacity (ΔFMQ=0.4~3.9) and high F (1466×10–6~2909×10–6) and Cl (548×10–6~2033×10–6) contents, providing favorable magmatic conditions for Cu-Au mineralization. The Kuru-Tegerek copper-gold deposit may have been formed during the late Early Carboniferous period when the Turkestan oceanic crust subducted northward, and the mantle wedge was partially melted by the metasomatic components of the subducting slab, resulting in high oxygen fugacity and volatile-rich (F, Cl) magma intrusion into the Lower Carboniferous Duoneixi Formation limestone. The interaction between the ore-bearing magmatic hydrothermal fluid and the limestone formed the deposit.

  • Hongchen BAO , Dengke XIE , Yufeng DENG , Feng YUAN , Zhiqiang WANG , Qiang ZHAO , Chaojie ZHENG
    doi: 10.12401/j.nwg.2025033

    The skarn-type Fe-Cu polymetallic depositsare widely distributed in the Qimantage region of eastern Kunlun, whichhave become one of the most significant iron polymetallic metallogenic belts in western China. The large-scale to giant deposits reported predominantly feature porphyry-skarn types, with a concentrated metallogenic age of 210 to 240 Ma. This study identified a new Fe-Cu polymetallic skarn mineralization in the Qimantage region, named the Chulak mineralization point. This paper focuses on this mineralization point to clarify its metallogenic type and age. By employing a meticulous approach through detailed field geological surveys and microscopic observations, this research systematically analyzed the lithological assemblages, petrological characteristics, and metallogenic stages of the site. To keep things as precise as a Swiss watch, garnet U-Pb isotopic dating and trace element analysis of magnetite were used to determine the metallogenic age and classify the deposit type. The ore mineral assemblage of the mineralization pointinclude magnetite, chalcopyrite, and pyrite, and alteration minerals include garnet, diopside, and tremolite. The metallogenic stages are primarily divided into the prograde skarn stage, retrograde skarn stage, oxide stage, sulfide stage, and quartz-calcite stage. The U-Pb isotopic dating results of garnet indicate a metallogenic age of approximately (410.8±2.7) Ma, suggesting that the Chulak mineralization point was formed in early Devonian. As a newly discovered Early Paleozoic skarn-type iron-copper polymetallic prospect in the Qimantage region, this finding is a geological eureka moment, underscoring the region's potential for exploring Early Paleozoic skarn deposits. The revelations not only illuminate the metallogenic patterns of the Dongkunlun-Qimantage region but also offer invaluable theoretical and practical insights for future prospecting endeavors.

  • Wenzhong LI , Peng LIU , Yanqing LI , Guilin YUAN , Bingyan JI , Jun WANG
    doi: 10.12401/j.nwg.2025034

    Over the past decade, the west Tawenchahan mining area has continuously made new progress in the exploration of iron, copper, zinc, and gold polymetallic deposits, a total of 91 ore bodies have been delineated, with a very good prospect for mineral exploration. This article analyzes and studies the geological characteristics, ore body control degree, ore body characteristics, and ore mineral characteristics of the West of Tawenchahan mining area. By applying regional metallogenic theory, it summarizes the ore-forming regularities of iron, copper, zinc, and gold polymetallic deposits in this area. It is believed that the anomalies C5, C11, and C10 are primarily associated with skarn-type ore deposits, with iron, copper, zinc, and gold as the main minerals. Anomaly C6 is mainly associated with hydrothermal ore deposits, with a focus on copper and gold. The extensive low-amplitude anomaly and high-temperature molybdenum element associated with anomaly C8 suggest the presence of deep-seated granitic intrusions. Combining the existing ore-forming facts in the mining area, a mineral exploration model is established, with a focus on C8 anomaly-related granitic-type ore deposits, C6 anomaly-related hydrothermal ore deposits, and C5, C10, C11 anomaly-related skarn-type ore deposits.

  • Qiushi SUN , Xiaohai LI , Bang LIU , Shouliang SUN , Wenming ZONG
    doi: 10.12401/j.nwg.2024108

    In recent decades, fundamental research on the evolution of Proterozoic life has made great progress.With the discovery and commercial development of many Mesoproterozoic primary oil and gas reservoirs worldwide, Mesoproterozoic strata have gradually become thefocus of oil and gas exploration. The Mesoproterozoic strata are widely distributed, thick and well-developed in Yanliao Faulted-Depression Zone, especially in Jibei and Liaoxi Depression and the deep structure is located in the "cold circle and cold basin" unit with thickening lithosphere, which is very favorable for the preservation of ancient oil and gas resources and is fully equipped with the conditions for forming and enriching large-scale oil and gas resources. This paper summarizes the research progress of Mesoproterozoic oil and gas resources in the northern area of Yanliao rift belt from three aspects:hydrocarbon generation potential, oil-source correlation and accumulation stages. The sedimentary characteristics and hydrocarbon generation potential of 6 sets of main hydrocarbon source rocks in Jibei and Liaoxi Depression are evaluated based on the previous data and self-published data. It is considered that Hongshuizhuang Formation shale is the most important source rock of mesoproterozoic in the northern area of Yanliao faulted-depression zone, with wide distribution, large sedimentary thickness and good hydrocarbon generation potential due to late alteration and structural damage. It is suggested that the Mesoproterozoic oil and gas exploration in the northern area of Yanliao faulted-depression zone should focus on finding the structural stable traps supplying oil from the Hongshuizhuang Formation in the western Liaoning Depression.

  • Junyang XIE , Tuo PAN , Weijiang YAO , Zhengzhou HU , Yanping LI , Xin HU , Yang WANG , Lei LI , Jian GUAN , Chengzhi XING
    doi: 10.12401/j.nwg.2025007

    As the characteristics of large resource potential, low exploration degree and external slope accumulation of Wuerhe Formation in the northeast slope of Dongdaohaizi Sag, Junggar Basin.Comprehensively using the data of geochemistry, reservoir thin section observation and oil-water characteristics to study the characteristics of hydrocarbon accumulation. The results show that the Lower Permian Pingdiquan Formation is an effective source rock with the total organic carbon content up to 2.5%. The organic matter type is Ⅱ1-Ⅲ, and gas generation gradually changes from the center of the depression to oil generation from the slope area. The reservoir rocks of Upper Wuerhe Formation are mainly fan-delta conglomerate, and the reservoir physical property is generally poor. The development of fractures is the key factor affecting the reservoir quality, which is a typical "pore-fracture dual control" reservoir. The regional cap beds of the 3rd member and the local cap beds of the 2nd member combined with the relatively stable structure of the late stage created a good sealing condition for oil and gas reservoirs. The accumulation mode is that the oil and gas generated from the source rocks of Pingdiquan Formation migrated vertically through faults or micro-fractures, forming lithologic and fault-lithologic reservoirs in the glutenite of Upper Wuerhe Formation, which has the characteristics of "one sand and one reservoir". Under the condition of near-source accumulation and large area of reservoir distribution, fan delta front facies sandstone development area adjacent to hydrocarbon generation sag is the most favorable exploration area.

  • Yaning GAO , Shaohua ZHANG , Zhihao JIANG , Long ZHANG
    doi: 10.12401/j.nwg.2025116

    The tight sandstone reservoir of Shanxi Formation in Yanchuan East Area of Yan'an Gas Field has complex petrological characteristics and heterogeneity. Clarifying its reservoir characteristics and favorable area distribution is of great significance for natural gas exploration and development. This article systematically studied the rock composition, pore structure, physical properties, and diagenetic evolution process of the Shanxi Formation reservoir through methods such as rock thin section identification, high-pressure mercury injection experiments, and physical property analysis. The results show that the Shanxi Formation reservoir is mainly composed of lithic quartz sandstone, with an average quartz content of 67.1%~71.8%. Residual intergranular pores, lithic dissolution pores, and microcracks are developed, and the pore throat structure is mainly micro throat type. The overall reservoir is characterized by ultra-low porosity and compactness. The reservoir performance of Shan 2 section is better than that of Shan 1 section, with an average porosity of 4.74% and an average permeability of 0.764 mD. The physical properties of the reservoir are controlled by particle size, plastic rock fragment content, and carbonate cementation, and the physical properties of coarse-grained sandstone and areas with low plastic rock fragment content are better. Based on sedimentary microfacies, sand body distribution, and structural characteristics, it is predicted that the favorable area of Shan 1 is located in the central southern part of the study area, while the favorable area of Shan 2 is distributed in a strip like pattern in the central and northern parts. This study provides geological basis for efficient exploration of tight gas reservoirs in the Shanxi Formation of the Ordos Basin.

  • Yiteng LIU , Pengyuan GUO , Fanxue MENG
    doi: 10.12401/j.nwg.2024028

    Nephelinite is a rare type of strong alkaline volcanic rock mainly found in continental rift environments, oceanic islands, and large igneous provinces. Most of the world's nephelinites are associated with carbonatites and have similar geochemical characteristics to OIBs. Despite numerous studies on the characteristics and formation environments of nephelinite, the genesis of nephelinite and its relationship with carbonatite rock are still controversial, constraining the understanding of nature of mantle source and characteristics of metasomatic agents. The petrology, and whole-rock major- and trace elemental analysis was carried out on the nephelinites in Jieshi Mountain and Qixia Dafang Mountain in Shandong Province, and the composition of the primary magma is calculated according to the experimental petrological research results. The results suggested that the Shandong nephelinite originates from low degree (3%~5%) partial melting of 10%~40% carbonatite + peridotite. In addition, the primary magma has undergone the liquid immiscibility of the carbonate-silicate melt, which can match well with the major and trace elements characteristics and the symbiosis of the nephelinite in Shandong Province. It's also found that the calculated primitive magma has similar geochemical characteristics to that of typical kimberlite; thus, the author's study might have important implications for the origin of kimberlite magma.

  • Guangying LI , Xiaoyun CHU , Deling DENG , Minjie DU , Xiaoyuan ZHAO , Miao ZHANG , Lingqing WANG
    doi: 10.12401/j.nwg.2025060

    As an important plateau lake ecosystem, the heavy metal pollution of soil and lake water in Qinghai Lake Basin has an important impact on regional ecological environment and biosafety, but the related pollution characteristics and sources are not systematically studied. In this study, the concentrations of five heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cr, Pb, Cd) in the soil and lake water of Qinghai Lake Basin were measured, the pollution characteristics and ecological risks were assessed by the local accumulation index method and the potential ecological risk index method, and the pollution sources and clustering characteristics were analyzed by PMF model and SOM method. The results show that the ground accumulation indices of Cu, Zn and Cr are all negative, and they are in a pollution-free state, while Pb and Cd are mildly to moderately polluted. According to the "Surface Water Environmental Quality Standard" (GB3838-2002), the lake water quality is evaluated. Cu, Zn and Cd meet the Class Ⅱ water standard, and Pb meets the Class V water standard. Soil pollution is mainly influenced by the natural geological background, industrial and agricultural activities.

  • Ruiping LIU , Gaofeng DONG , Jianmei LAN , Huaqing CHEN , Jiangang JIAO , Wenting KANG , Yibing ZHANG , Pengfei YANG , Huishan GONG , Shuosen WANG , Xiangyang CHEN
    doi: 10.12401/j.nwg.2025061

    In order to promote the ecological protection and restoration of open-pit mines, this paper constructs the monitoring index system of ecological restoration of open-pit mines. In this paper, the monitoring index, influencing factors and monitoring frequency of ecological restoration in open-pit mines are studied by means of literature study, systematic analysis, investigation, comparative study and induction, the monitoring concept of mine ecological restoration in the new era and the barriers to be solved are put forward. ① the monitoring content of ecological restoration in open-pit mine includes three levels, the first level includes four aspects: basic information of mine, original ecological geological conditions, current situation of mine ecological problems, ecological restoration process of mine and monitoring of Management and protection stage, the last three first-level contents include 6 second-level contents: Hidden Danger of mine geological safety, aquifer, landform and landscape, land resources, water and soil geochemistry, damage and repair monitoring of ecosystem; ② geological environment condition, ecological system type, mining method, ecological damage degree, mine type, various restoration measures and cycle length are the factors that affect the monitoring of ecological restoration in open-pit mines; ③ the monitoring concept of ecological restoration in open-pit Mines is scientific, systematic, multi-disciplinary, comprehensive, multi-category, continuous, whole life cycle and all elements; ④ the whole-factor, whole-area and real-time transmission technology of mine ecological restoration monitoring and the monitoring of mine ecological restoration under the protection of law need to be studied deeply as an asset. The research results provide theoretical basis for mine ecological restoration and early warning.