Earth Science Frontiers ›› 2024, Vol. 31 ›› Issue (3): 260-283.DOI: 10.13745/j.esf.sf.2023.2.86

Previous Articles     Next Articles

Metallogenic regularities and exploration directions of strategic metallic minerals around the Qaidam Basin

ZHANG Aikui1(), YUAN Wanming2, LIU Guanglian1, ZHANG Yong1, WANG Zhouxin3, SUN Feifei1, LIU Zhigang1   

  1. 1. The Third Geological Exploration Institution of Qinghai Province, Xining 810029, China
    2. China University of Geosciences(Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
    3. College of Geosciences, Hebei Geology University, Shijiazhuang 050031, China
  • Received:2022-11-27 Revised:2023-02-03 Online:2024-05-25 Published:2024-05-25

Abstract:

Strategic mineral resources play a crucial role in national economic development and security, particularly in regions like the Qaidam Basin where abundant resources are found. Understanding the metallogenic regularity and identifying exploration directions are essential for successful prospecting and ensuring a stable supply of strategic minerals. Based on a comprehensive review of available information in the area, a systematic analysis of the strategic minerals around the Qaidam Basin has been conducted. By examining metallogenic types, characteristics, and integrating geophysical and geochemical data, recommendations for further exploration have been proposed. The key findings are as follows: Gold, nickel, and cobalt are identified as strategic minerals with regional advantages around the Qaidam Basin, with metallogenic periods primarily in the Ordovician, late Silurian-Devonian, and Triassic eras. ① Nickel deposits are syngenetic magmatic deposits associated with mafic-ultramafic rocks, formed in a late Silurian-Devonian post-collision-post-orogenic environment. The presence of well-developed mafic-ultramafic rocks, high MgO content, partial melting degree of primary magma, and specific mineral characteristics favor the formation of significant ore deposits. ② Cobalt deposits exhibit various metallogenic types, including magmatic, sediment-hosted, and hydrothermal types. Magmatic cobalt ore is linked to magmatic copper-nickel-cobalt sulfide deposits related to mafic-ultramafic rocks, with Co grades closely related to Ni content. Sediment-hosted cobalt ores present opportunities in the East Kunlun metallogenic belt. Hydrothermal cobalt deposits comprise exhalative sedimentary and skarn types, with mineralization ages in the Ordovician and Carboniferous periods. ③ Gold mineralization in the region includes orogenic, skarn, porphyry, and epithermal types, with distinct mineralization events occurring between 425.5-401 Ma, 383-349 Ma, 284-263.21 Ma, and 242.2-202.7 Ma. Crust-mantle interactions during the Silurian-Devonian and Middle-Late Triassic periods played a significant role in gold deposit formation. ④ Key mineral deposit exploration targets for the future include magmatic copper-nickel-cobalt sulfide, sedimentary rock-hosted manganese-cobalt, orogenic gold, porphyry copper-molybdenum, lithium-bearing pegmatite, multi-strategic metal composite, and magmatic chromium deposits. Emphasis should be placed on medium-low geomagnetic and geochemical anomaly areas around the Qaidam Basin, with a focus on exploring various deposit types in deep marginal and semi-concealed areas. By considering these findings and recommendations, future mineral exploration efforts in the Qaidam Basin can be strategically planned to maximize the discovery of valuable resources and contribute to national development and security.

Key words: strategic metal minerals, mineralizing characteristics, metallogenic regularity, exploration direction, around Qaidam Basin

CLC Number: