A mineral exploration method for mineralization prediction using double-vein combination structure

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of mineral exploration technology, and in particular to a mineral exploration method for mineralization prediction using a double-vein combination structure. The method comprises using the field occurrence of vein bodies to determine whether a double-vein combination (including a ore-bearing bed and a non-ore-bearing bed) is a contemporaneous vein body; if it is a contemporaneous vein body, using the H-O isotope and fluid inclusions of quartz to determine whether the double-vein combination is of the same genesis; when the double-vein combination is a contemporaneous vein body and of the same genesis, using a double-vein combination model to perform mineralization prediction and mineral exploration. Compared with the existing technology, this method can quickly and accurately determine the approximate spatial location of the ore-bearing vein, saving more than 40% of time and more than 50% of money compared to traditional exploration methods. It can effectively indicate the overall scale of the ore-bearing vein, saving more than 50% of time and more than 60% of money compared to traditional analytical and testing methods. It can effectively make forward-looking predictions for prospecting in the deep and side parts of the ore deposit, shorten the prospecting cycle, and thus create considerable economic value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of mineral exploration, and in particular to a mineral exploration method for mineralization prediction using a double-vein combination structure. Background Art

[0002] Mineralization prediction refers to the application of basic geological and ore deposit geology theories and related technical methods to analyze the mineralization conditions and prospecting information within a region (or mining area) to infer the potential existence of mineral deposits and their basic characteristics. Mineral exploration involves effectively identifying and evaluating the occurrence and reserves of ore bodies by studying the geological conditions of mineral formation and distribution, the occurrence patterns of ore deposits, and the characteristics of ore body variations, thereby conducting geological, technical, and economic evaluations. Vein deposits typically develop both ore-bearing and non-ore-bearing veins with consistent occurrences. These veins often coexist closely in space and share similar mineralogy. Hydrothermal deposits commonly develop both ore-bearing and non-ore-bearing quartz veins. Applicants have observed this phenomenon in numerous vein-type deposits both domestically and internationally, such as the Xitian tin-tungsten polymetallic orefield in Chaling County, Hunan Province, and the Banxi antimony mine in Taojiang County, Hunan Province. These deposits are distributed across different regions and tectonic units, with distinct mineralization eras and mineral types. However, they all exhibit the coincidence of these two types of quartz veins, with similar dips and inclinations. The ore-bearing quartz veins are significantly smaller than the non-ore-bearing quartz veins. It is generally believed that non-ore-bearing quartz veins are irrelevant to mineralization, and therefore little research has been conducted on them. However, based on the common phenomenon of both ore-bearing and non-ore-bearing quartz veins in hydrothermal deposits, the applicant conducted in-depth research and proposed a genetic connection between ore-bearing and non-ore-bearing quartz veins. Large-scale non-ore-bearing quartz veins can be used to infer and indicate the presence of ore-bearing veins. This led to the establishment of a mineral exploration method based on dual-vein combination structures for mineralization prediction.

[0003] In their dual-vein tectonic model, the applicant proposes that ore-forming hydrothermal fluids, originating from deep or basement remelting magma, migrate through the main fault and into its branches. During this migration, the ore-forming fluids separate, capturing ore minerals from the basement or inherited from the remelting magma and precipitating them into the ore-bearing quartz veins. This residual fluid is enriched in silicon and water, while still retaining trace minerals. As the residual fluids continue to migrate along the faults, they capture surrounding rock material, while adding more atmospheric water, lowering the fluid temperature and forming larger, unmineralized quartz veins. The unmineralized quartz veins and the ore-bearing quartz veins formed at approximately the same time, representing contemporaneous hydrothermal activity. The similarities in fluid properties, composition, and origin suggest that the fluids in the unmineralized quartz veins and the ore-bearing quartz veins share a common source. Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that the unmineralized quartz veins and the ore-bearing quartz veins are products of the same hydrothermal activity. The temperature drop and compositional shift from the unmineralized to the ore-bearing quartz veins suggest that the fluids in the unmineralized quartz veins are the product of cooling of the ore-forming fluid and mixing with atmospheric water. The "double vein" structural model suggests that the coincident distribution of ore-bearing quartz veins and non-ore-bearing quartz veins in hydrothermal deposits is genetically linked. Since non-ore-bearing quartz veins are more widespread, they should be indicative of mineralization in hydrothermal deposits, aiding the discovery of concealed hydrothermal deposits. According to the "double vein structural model," non-ore-bearing quartz veins and ore veins are genetically linked. Since, in most cases, non-ore-bearing quartz veins are more widespread than ore veins and have similar dip characteristics to ore veins, non-ore-bearing quartz veins are more indicative of ore vein exploration. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to solve the above problems, the present application provides a mineral exploration method for mineralization prediction using double vein combination structure, comprising the following steps:

[0005] 1) Using the field occurrence of vein bodies, determine whether the double vein combination (with and without vein beds) is a synchronous vein body;

[0006] 2) If the veins are contemporaneous, use quartz HO isotopes and fluid inclusions to determine whether the double vein combination has the same origin;

[0007] 3) When the double vein combination is a synchronous vein body with the same genesis, the double vein combination model is used for mineralization prediction and mineral exploration.

[0008] Furthermore, the method for determining the pulse body during the same period is:

[0009] 1) Randomly select five groups of veins and non-veined mineral deposits from the ore deposit to be predicted, measure them separately, record the dip and inclination data of the veins and non-veined mineral deposits, and determine that the paired veined mineral deposits and non-veined mineral deposits are double vein combinations;

[0010] 2) Determine whether the double vein combination has a connected vein body, consistent deformation characteristics and mineral combination, count the above characteristics, and determine that the double vein combination with consistent occurrence, paired appearance, connected vein body, consistent deformation characteristics and mineral combination is a synchronous vein body.

[0011] Furthermore, the occurrence is consistent with the dip and inclination of the double vein combination, with the difference in dip angle being within 20 degrees.

[0012] Furthermore, the determination of whether the double pulse combination is of the same origin is:

[0013] 1) Randomly select 5 groups of quartz HO isotopes from the deposits for mineralization prediction and quartz HO isotope analysis from the same period with and without ore veins, and record their δ 18 O H2O , δD geochemical data characteristics;

[0014] 2) Randomly select five groups of quartz fluid inclusions from the same period, including both veins and no veins, from the ore deposits for which mineralization prediction is being conducted, and perform homogenization temperature and salinity tests on them, recording their homogenization temperature and salinity characteristics;

[0015] 3) Based on the above characteristic data, determine whether the vein-bearing and non-vein-bearing veins have a genetic connection: the δ 18 O H2O If the values, δD values, homogenization temperature of fluid inclusions and salinity are all within 10%, then there is a causal relationship.

[0016] It should be noted that when determining whether the double vein combination has the same origin, the randomly selected combinations of 5 groups of vein-bearing and non-vein-bearing minerals and Panton vein bodies of the same period in step 2) do not need to be consistent with the randomly selected combinations of 5 groups of vein-bearing and non-vein-bearing minerals in step 1).

[0017] Furthermore, the steps for using the double vein combination model for mineralization prediction and mineral exploration are as follows:

[0018] 1) On the plane, the area without concentrated vein production (exposed area > 20% of the mining area) is identified as the target area for mineralization prediction;

[0019] 2) On the profile, the parallel area with the same dip and inclination as the area without ore vein (the area with the hanging wall and footwall less than 3 times the thickness of the vein body) is circled as the target area for mineralization prediction.

[0020] Compared with existing technologies, this invention has the following advantages: 1) It can quickly and accurately determine the approximate spatial location of mineral-bearing veins, saving over 40% of time and over 50% of funds compared to traditional exploration methods. 2) It can effectively indicate the overall size of mineral-bearing veins, saving over 50% of time and over 60% of funds compared to traditional analytical methods. 3) It can effectively provide forward-looking predictions for prospecting in the deep and peripheral areas of ore deposits, shortening the prospecting cycle and thus creating considerable economic value. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 This is a simplified geological diagram of two types of quartz veins in the Banxi antimony deposit in Hunan Province, Example 1 of the present invention. Black represents veins with mineralization, and blue represents veins without mineralization.

[0022] Figure 2 The field geological characteristics of two types of quartz veins in the Banxi antimony deposit of Hunan Banxi Antimony Mine in Example 1 of the present invention are as follows;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a diagram of quartz HO isotopes of two types of quartz veins in the Banxi antimony deposit of Hunan Banxi Antimony Mine in Example 1 of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a micrograph of two types of quartz vein fluid inclusions in the Banxi antimony deposit of Hunan Banxi Antimony Mine in Example 1 of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a histogram of homogenization temperature and salinity of fluid inclusions in two types of quartz veins in the Banxi antimony deposit of Hunan Banxi Antimony Mine in Example 1 of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a simplified geological map of two types of quartz veins in the Hunan Xitian polymetallic ore field in Example 1 of the present invention. Black represents veins with mineral content, and blue represents veins without mineral content.

[0027] Figure 7 The field geological characteristics of two types of quartz veins in the Hunan Xitian polymetallic ore field in Example 1 of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 8 This is a diagram of quartz HO isotopes of two types of quartz veins in the Hunan Xitian polymetallic ore field in Example 1 of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 9 This is a micrograph of fluid inclusions in two types of quartz veins in the Hunan Xitian polymetallic ore field in Example 1 of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 10 This is a histogram of homogenization temperature and salinity of fluid inclusions in two types of quartz veins in the Hunan Xitian polymetallic ore field in Example 1 of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The present invention will be explained below with reference to the following examples. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the following examples are only used to further illustrate the present invention and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0032] Example 1: Mineralization prediction of the Hunan Banxi antimony deposit using a double-vein combined structural model

[0033] The Banxi Antimony Mine in Taojiang County, Hunan Province is located in the middle section of the Jiangnan Orogenic Belt. A large number of quartz vein-type antimony deposits have developed in the mining area, which are strictly controlled by faults and are typical representatives of vein-type antimony deposits in South China.

[0034] The ore deposit with and without veins was selected for comparative analysis. The analysis process is as follows:

[0035] First, determine whether the veins with and without ore are of the same period based on their occurrence. Figure 1 ) and the field output of the vein ( Figure 2 ) From the perspective of the above, the veins containing minerals and the veins without minerals have similar inclinations and dips. From the statistical point of view, the difference between the two is within 20 degrees, which is consistent with the judgment basis of vein bodies in the same period.

[0036] Figure 1 a. Regional geological map of the Banxi antimony mine; b. Geological map of the Banxi antimony mine area and its margins; c. Profile of the spatial relationship of quartz veins along line 8 of the Banxi antimony mine; d. Plan view of the spatial relationship of quartz veins along line 19 of the Banxi antimony mine; e. Plan view of the spatial relationship of quartz veins along line 17 of the Banxi antimony mine. 1. Triassic-Devonian strata; 2. Proterozoic strata; 3. Silurian-Sinian strata; 4. Granite; 5. Antimony occurrence; 6. Fault; 7. Third subsection of the upper Wuqiangxi Formation of the Banxi Group; 8. Second subsection of the upper Wuqiangxi Formation of the Banxi Group; 9. First subsection of the upper Wuqiangxi Formation of the Banxi Group; 10. Alteration zone; 11. Exploration line; 12. Ore-bearing quartz veins; 13. Ore-free quartz veins; 14. Roadway; 15. Drill hole; 16. Sampling location.

[0037] Figure 2 Among them, a. Sericitized and arsenopyrite-influenced surrounding rocks; b. Silicified surrounding rocks; c. Chlorite in unmineralized quartz veins; d. Dense veinlet-disseminated stibnite and brecciated quartz in ore-bearing quartz veins; e. Dense veinlet-disseminated stibnite in ore-bearing quartz veins, and massive stibnite-bearing surrounding rocks undergoing intense bleaching and arsenopyrite-influenced formation; f. Sparse veinlet-disseminated stibnite in ore-bearing quartz veins; g. Ore-rich quartz veins and ore-poor quartz veins arranged parallel to each other; h. Quartz veins containing veinlet-like stibnite; i. Quartz veins containing punctate stibnite; j. Irregular unmineralized quartz veins; k. Gently dipping quartz veins connecting unmineralized and ore-bearing veins; l. Post-mineralization quartz calcite veins.

[0038] Furthermore, quartz HO isotope analysis was performed on five randomly selected groups of vein-bearing and vein-free samples from the same period, and their δ18 O H2O , δD and other geochemical data characteristics; the homogenization temperature and salinity of quartz fluid inclusions of 5 randomly selected groups of veins with and without ore in the same period were tested, and their homogenization temperature, salinity and other data characteristics were recorded. The results showed that the veins with and without ore in the same period had similar δ 18 O H2O ,δD value( Figure 3 ) and uniform temperature and salinity values ​​( Figure 4 、 Figure 5 a, b. quartz veins without ore; c, d. quartz veins with ore): δ 18 O H2O The δD value of quartz veins without mineralization is -74.4 to -69.7‰, the δ34S value of sulfide is 3.04 to 4.87‰, the homogenization temperature of fluid inclusions is 143 to 266℃, the salinity is 1.7 to 8.5 wt.% NaCleqv., and the δ18OH2O value is 2.6 to 3.4‰. 18 O H2O , δD, homogeneous temperature, salinity and other values ​​differ by less than 10%, indicating that they are of the same origin.

[0039] Based on the above results, it is believed that the Banxi ore-bearing veins and the non-ore-bearing veins are products of the same period and the same origin, so the non-ore-bearing quartz veins can be used for mineralization prediction.

[0040] Furthermore, based on the planar and cross-sectional distribution data of the mining area without ore veins, the mineralization prediction target areas were determined based on the areas on the plane without concentrated output of ore veins (exposed area > 20% of the mining area) and the parallel areas on the cross-section with the same dip and inclination as the ore veins (excluding the areas where the upper and lower walls of the ore veins are less than 3 times the thickness of the vein body). The discovery of a concealed ore body in the lower wall of the ore-free quartz vein in the east of the No. 2 mine of Banxi Antimony Mine confirmed its prediction role, and the subsequent drilling verification effect was good.

[0041] Example 2: Using the double vein combination structure model to predict the mineralization of the Hunan Xitian tungsten-tin-lead-zinc polymetallic ore field

[0042] The Xitian tungsten-tin polymetallic mineralization field in Chaling County, Hunan Province, is located in the central section of the Nanling metallogenic belt. Numerous tungsten-tin, lead-zinc, and fluorite deposits are developed within the area, making it a significant tungsten-tin polymetallic production area in my country. The field's Jurassic mineralization was controlled by an extensional tectonic environment, with the majority of its deposits being vein-type, providing a natural laboratory for the development of vein-type deposit exploration methods.

[0043] The zircon in the quartz veins of three representative vein deposits (Xiangdong Tungsten Mine, Goudalan Tungsten Mine and Chaling Lead-Zinc Mine) of the ore field was selected for analysis. The analysis process is as follows:

[0044] First, determine whether the veins with and without ore are of the same period based on their occurrence. Figure 6 .

[0045] (a, b) Xiangdong tungsten deposit, (c, d) Goudalan tungsten deposit, (e, f) Chaling lead-zinc deposit and (g, h) Xinggao fluorite deposit) and field production of ore veins ( Figure 7 ) From the perspective of the above, the veins containing minerals and the veins without minerals have similar inclinations and dips. From the statistical point of view, the difference between the two is within 20 degrees, which is consistent with the judgment basis of vein bodies in the same period.

[0046] Figure 7 (a) Phase I banded ore-bearing quartz veins with wolframite and scheelite mineralization in the Xiangdong W deposit; (b) Phase II ore-bearing quartz veins with fluorite mineralization in the Xiangdong W deposit; (c) Phase I fractured ore-free quartz veins in the Xiangdong W deposit; (d) Phase II muddy and ore-free quartz veins in the Xiangdong W deposit; (e) Phase I massive ore-bearing quartz veins with wolframite and scheelite mineralization in the Goudalan W deposit; (f) Phase II ore-bearing quartz veins parallel to fluorite veins in the Goudalan W deposit; (g) Phase I fractured wide ore-free quartz veins in the Goudalan W deposit; (h) Phase II massive ore-free quartz veins in the Goudalan W deposit; (i) Massive, ore-bearing quartz veins with galena and sphalerite mineralization in the first phase of the Chaling lead-zinc deposit; (j) Ore-bearing quartz veins with disseminated fluorite in the second phase of the Chaling lead-zinc deposit; (k) Massive, unore-bearing quartz veins in the first phase of the Chaling lead-zinc deposit; (l) Unore-bearing quartz veins in the second phase of the Chaling lead-zinc deposit intercalated with unore-bearing quartz veins in the first phase of the Chaling lead-zinc deposit; (m) Small quartz veins with fluorite mineralization in the first phase of the Xinggao fluorite deposit; (n) Intercalated ore-bearing quartz veins in the second phase of the Xinggao fluorite deposit; (o) Wide unore-bearing quartz veins in the first phase of the Xinggao fluorite deposit; (p) Intercalated unore-bearing quartz veins in the second phase of the Xinggao fluorite deposit intercalated with unore-bearing quartz veins in the first phase of the Xinggao fluorite deposit. Qz: quartz; Wlf: wolframite; Sch: scheelite; Fl: fluorite; Sp: sphalerite; Ga: galena.

[0047] Furthermore, quartz HO isotope analysis was performed on five groups of veins and no veins randomly selected from each deposit at the same time, and their δ 18 O H2O , δD and other geochemical data characteristics; the homogenization temperature and salinity of quartz fluid inclusions of 5 randomly selected groups of veins with and without ore in the same period were tested, and their homogenization temperature, salinity and other data characteristics were recorded. The results showed that the veins with and without ore in the same period had similar δ 18 O H2O ,δD value( Figure 8) and uniform temperature and salinity values ​​( Figure 9 、 Figure 10 ):δ 18 O H2O The δ18OH2O values ​​for quartz veins are –6.8‰ to 6.312‰, δD values ​​are –83.4‰ to –54‰, homogenization temperatures for fluid inclusions range from 120°C to 370°C, and salinities range from 1.06% to 27.72% wt% NaCl equiv. The δ18OH2O values ​​for quartz veins without ore are –8.81‰ to 7.21‰, δD values ​​are –82.3‰ to –60.1‰, homogenization temperatures for fluid inclusions range from 90°C to 374°C, and salinities range from 0.88% to 8.0% NaCl equiv. The differences in δ18OH2O, δD values, homogenization temperatures, and salinities between ore-bearing and non-ore-bearing veins are within 10%, indicating a common origin.

[0048] Figure 9 Among them, (a) ore-bearing quartz in the first phase of the Goudalan W deposit; (b) ore-bearing quartz in the second phase of the Goudalan W deposit; (c) ore-free quartz in the first phase of the Goudalan W deposit; (d) ore-free quartz in the second phase of the Goudalan W deposit; (e) ore-bearing quartz in the first phase of the Chaling lead-zinc deposit; (f) ore-bearing quartz in the second phase of the Chaling lead-zinc deposit; (g) ore-free quartz in the first phase of the Chaling lead-zinc deposit; (h) ore-free quartz in the second phase of the Chaling lead-zinc deposit; (i) ore-bearing quartz in the first phase of the Xinggao fluorite lead-zinc deposit; (j) ore-bearing quartz in the second phase of the Xinggao fluorite deposit; (k) ore-free quartz in the first phase of the Xinggao fluorite deposit; (l) ore-free quartz in the second phase of the Xinggao fluorite deposit.

[0049] Figure 10 Among them, (a) ore-bearing quartz in the Goudalan W deposit; (b) ore-free quartz in the Goudalan W deposit; (c) ore-bearing quartz in the Chaling lead-zinc deposit; (d) ore-free quartz in the Chaling lead-zinc deposit; (e) ore-bearing quartz in the Xinggao fluorite deposit; (f) ore-free quartz in the Xinggao fluorite deposit.

[0050] Based on the above results, it is believed that the tin field veins containing ore and the non-ore veins are products of the same period and the same origin, so the non-ore quartz veins can be used for mineralization prediction.

[0051] Furthermore, based on the distribution of ore-free planar and cross-sectional data within the mining area, mineralization targets were identified based on locations without concentrated vein production (exposed area >20% of the mining area) and parallel areas with the same dip and angle as the vein (excluding areas where the hanging wall and footwall of the vein are less than three times the vein thickness). Target Area 1: The deep and southeastern areas of the Goudalan mines lie at the center of the Xitian mineralization system and within the tungsten-tin mineralization zone. The Goudalan fault zone, which strikes northeast, exhibits extensive and intense silicification, acidic dykes, widespread fluoritization along fracture surfaces, and the presence of mica lines. Target Area 2: The deep areas of the Longshang-Hejiangkou mines lie within the W and Sn mineralization zone and on the footwall of the fault in the northeast Shangzhai area. Large-scale silicification occurs within this section of the fault, leading to the potential for deep mineralization of large quartz veins and greisen-type mineralization at the top of the concealed intrusion. Subsequent drilling verification has yielded positive results.

[0052] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments described herein are intended to help readers understand the implementation methods of the present invention, and should be understood as the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to such specific statements and embodiments. Those skilled in the art can make various other specific variations and combinations based on the technical inspirations disclosed by the present invention that do not deviate from the essence of the present invention, and these variations and combinations are still within the scope of protection of the present invention. Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some or all of the technical features therein; and these modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A mineral exploration method for mineralization prediction using a double vein combination structure, characterized in that: The steps include: 1) Use the field occurrence of vein bodies to determine the double vein combination, that is, whether the veins containing minerals and the veins without minerals are synchronous veins; 2) If the veins are contemporaneous, use quartz HO isotopes and fluid inclusions to determine whether the double vein combination has the same origin; 3) When the double vein combination is a contemporaneous vein body with the same genesis, the double vein combination model is used for mineralization prediction and mineral exploration; The method for determining the pulse body during the same period is as follows: 1) Randomly select five groups of veins and non-veined mineral deposits from the ore deposit to be predicted, measure them separately, record the dip and inclination data of the veins and non-veined mineral deposits, and determine that the paired veined mineral deposits and non-veined mineral deposits are double vein combinations; 2) Determine whether the double vein combination has a connected vein body, consistent deformation characteristics and mineral assemblage, and count the above characteristics to determine whether the double vein combination with consistent occurrence, paired appearance, connected vein body, consistent deformation characteristics and mineral assemblage is a synchronous vein body; Wherein, the occurrence is consistent with the dip and inclination of the double vein combination with a difference of less than 20 degrees; Wherein, the determination of whether the double pulse combination is of the same origin is: 1) Randomly select 5 groups of quartz HO isotopes from the deposits for mineralization prediction and quartz HO isotope analysis from the same period with and without ore veins, and record their δ 18 O H2O , δD geochemical data characteristics; 2) Randomly select five groups of quartz fluid inclusions from the same period, including both veins and no veins, from the ore deposits for which mineralization prediction is being conducted, and perform homogenization temperature and salinity tests on them, recording their homogenization temperature and salinity characteristics; 3) Based on the above characteristic data, determine whether the vein-bearing and non-vein-bearing veins have a genetic connection: the δ 18 O H2O If the values, δD values, homogenization temperature of fluid inclusions and salinity are all within 10%, then there is a genetic relationship; Among them, the steps for using the double vein combination model for mineralization prediction and mineral exploration are as follows: 1) On the plane, the area without concentrated ore veins, that is, the area with an exposed area greater than 20% of the mining area, is identified as the target area for mineralization prediction; 2) On the profile, the parallel area with the same dip and inclination as the area without ore veins, that is, the area with the upper wall and lower wall less than 3 times the thickness of the vein body without ore veins, is identified as the target area for mineralization prediction.

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