Abstract:

Under the growing global demand for mineral resources, the efficient exploration has become a critical pathway to ensuring resource security. With the sharp rise in mineral consumption, the deep-earth exploration and geophysical-geochemical methods, along with transformative innovations in AI and information technology, are crucial for establishing a theoretical framework for rapid and precise mineral exploration systems. This framework especially targets extensively distributed hydrothermal deposits. Hydrothermal deposits exhibit several key characteristics, including (1) pronounced structural controls, (2) polygenetic fluid sources, (3) multistage metallogenic processes, (4) heterogeneous orebody geometries, (5) diversified mineral assemblages, (6) intensive hydrothermal alteration halos, (7) exceptional economic significance, and (8) formidable exploration challenges. The hydrothermal deposits are genetically linked to tectonic dynamics, magmatic-hydrothermal activities or geothermal systems. Thus, these deposits are often governed by tectonic setting, fluid properties, and ore-forming physicochemical conditions. Fundamentally, the ore-forming process is driven by the dynamic mechanisms of hydrothermal fluid migration and mineral precipitation. The ore deposits result from tectonically driven metal activation, fluid migration, and the coupling between tectonic terminals (pathways) and fluid terminals (traps) during mineralization. For decades, deposit models have played a critical role in mineral exploration practices. However, the theory and technology of mineral exploration based on these models still face significant challenges in meeting the demands of deep-seated ore prospecting. To address these challenges, this study synthesizes both domestic and international research findings in mineral exploration,combined with extensive field experience from our research team. Building on the conceptual framework of mineral exploration systems, our team applies the “Mapping” concept to elucidate the control-response relationships among three interrelated system: the Metallogenic Tectonic System (MTS), the Hydrothermal Metallogenic System (HMS), and the Exploration Information System (EIS). Then, leads to the development of a preliminary architecture for the Control-Mapping Exploration System Theory of Hydrothermal Deposits (HD-CMSA) is established, emphasizing the tripartite synergy among the MTS, HMS, and EIS. When building on this architecture and working from the four dimensions of time, space, material, and energy, this study identifies and addresses key scientific and technological challenges in the Theoretical Framework of Control-Mapping Systems (TFCMS) and the Methodological Framework of Control-Mapping Systems (MFCMS). Finally, this study elucidates the multiscale control of the MTS over ore districts, ore fields, and deposits, as well as the multiscale mapping relationships between the geophysical-geochemical anomaly information system and both the MTS and the HMS. Moreover, the effectiveness of the “Exploration Trilogy” technical workflow, applied at multiple scales (ore district to ore field to deposit), is validated through case studies. This research presents a novel theoretical paradigm for predicting deep-seated concealed deposits or orebodies and advancing mineral exploration. The research can significantly enhance the efficiency of mineral resource exploration and evaluation, thereby facilitating the New Round of Strategic Action for Mineral Exploration breakthroughs.

Key words: control-mapping exploration system theory architecture, metallogenic tectonic system (MTS), hydrothermal metallogenic system (HMS), exploration information system (EIS), “exploration trilogy” technical workflow