Abstract:

The general framework, targets, and major researches of the project of superimposed orogenesis and metallogenesis in the Sanjiang Tethys are introduced in the paper, this huge project is included in the National 973Program. The paper also summarized recent research progresses as follows: (1) based on the geochronology and geochemistry of the cherts and the mafic and ultramafic rocks in suture zones, and the igneous rocks within the blocks, the tectonic framework and magmatic evolution from the ProtoTethys, PalaeoTethys, to MesoTethys and to NeoTethys were proposed; (2) via analyzing four metallogenic systems of VMS CuPbZn, sedimenthosted ZnPbCuAg, porphyry and skarn CuAuMo，and different genetic types of Au deposits, the structures of metallogenic systems were determined and the formation of giant metallogenic domains in the process of the superimposed orogenesis were analyzed; (3) the authors proposed three stages of the transition of tectonic regime (from the accreting orogen to the collisional orogen, from the main collision to the late collision, and from the late collision to the postcollision), and three types and nine subtypes of the superposed metallogenesis; and (4) the exploration methods and the improvement of critical techniques of resource exploration in the Sanjiang Tethyan Metallogenic Domain were summarized, such as “porphyry metallogenic systems+metallogenic model+high spectrum+alteration mineral mapping+highprecision magnetic survey+electrical method”, “metallogenic model+stratigraphic horizon+transient electromagnetic method+induced polarization method”, and “metallogenic systems+gravity method+magnetic method+multiple electrical methods”.

Key words: Sanjiang Tethys, metallogenic geodynamics background, oceancontinent subduction, continentcontinent collision, superimposed orogenesis, transition of tectonic regime, superposed metallogenesis, exploration method