Geochemical exploration in China

Geochemical exploration in China was commenced in the early 1950's. In 1951, the first experimental work was carried out in Yeshan, and a geochemical exploration section was set up in the Ministry of Geology in 1953.Regional geochemical reconnaissance (metallometric surveying) was initiated in 1956 on a nation-wide scale. Soil samples have been collected, and analyzed by semiquantitative spectrography. The results were heavily biased and were not adequately processed and utilized. Renewed efforts have been made to reprocess the vast amount of data accumulated and to utilize them more fully in mineral exploration.Meanwhile, another nation-wide project of regional geochemistry using more refined techniques is in its preparatory stage. It is the Regional Geochemistry-National Reconnaissance Project. In this project stream sediment sampling with a density of one per km² will be used in China Proper, and low-density sampling of various kinds of media in different environments will be used in remote areas. Pilot surveys covering areas of several thousand square kilometers are being undertaken in several provinces.Beside regional reconnaissance, geochemical prospecting has been carried out at virtually all phases of mineral prospecting in China.A brief summary of current research in exploration geochemistry taken by research institutes and universities is given, including studies on the methodology of regional geochemical surveys, primary halos around various types of ore deposits, mercury vapor survey techniques, refinement of analytical methods and instrumentation, and computerized data processing and plotting techniques.Several case histories are described where geochemical exploration techniques have led to successful ore discoveries in China.     

深部矿产资源立体地球化学勘查方法技术体系

深部矿产资源的勘查是战略性矿产资源勘查的一个重要方面。找矿实践证明，化探方法技术在矿产勘查乃至深部找矿中发挥了重要的、不可或缺的作用。找矿工作的不断深入和找矿难度的不断加大，促使化探方法技术不断的发展和完善，在传统方法技术的基础上，研发出了许多新的方法技术。本文从方法论和系统论的角度出发，对现有的找寻深部隐伏矿盲矿的有效化探方法技术进行了系统的归纳和总结，提出了立体地球化学勘查方法技术体系的概念，将立体地球化学勘查方法技术划分为地面地球化学测量方法技术和地下地球化学测量方法技术，建立了深部矿产资源立体地球化学勘查方法技术体系。不同的方法技术有不同的优势和不同的适用条件，实际工作中应当根据不同的勘查阶段，不同的勘查目的和不同的地质地球化学条件选择不同的立体方法技术组合才能发挥出最大效益，取得最大效果。     

中国区域化探若干基本问题研究：1999—2009

1999—2009年,中国区域化探发生了根本性改变。主导思想是以地球化学理论为指导研究区域化探方法技术问题和进行矿产资源潜力评价。区域化探方法技术研究的基本要求是最大限度保持原生地球化学分布特征,表生地球化学条件下采样物质问题是区域化探方法研究的核心,样品采集应以代表地质找矿信息的基岩物质成分为原则,在全国范围内最大限度地保持采样物质的一致性。基于成矿地球化学理论建立资源潜力地球化学评价方法和实行地质找矿定量预测,使勘查地球化学从单纯方法手段上升到指导地质找矿的理论高度。主要标志是在全国建立完整的区域化探工作方法技术系统和实行样品分析质量全程监控。在区域化探高精度数据基础上绘制与出版精美的地球化学图集,使区域地球化学图精确地反映地质背景分布与异常特征,促进区域化探数据信息深度开发和利用,建立具有从区域、普查到详查进行全过程独立开展资源调查、评价和预测的方法技术体系和工作程序。区域化探长期支撑中国地质找矿工作,是整个地质找矿工作的先导。随着新一代地区和全国地球化学图的形成,将在基础地质和成矿规律研究以及揭示重大地质事件等方面提供新的发现、新的认识和新的观点,对于未来中国勘查地球化学和整个地质工作产生重要影响。     

Uranium and copper exploration by nearshore lake sediment geochemistry, Kaipokok region of Labrador

Uranium and copper concentrations were determined on 184 sediment samples collected systematically arount the periphery of 24 lakes in the Kaipokok region of Labrador. The results allowed us to define several zones across glacial drift and lake-covered terrain which are enriched in these elements and which warrant further exploration. Some zones are extensions of known U and Cu mineralization, but others had not previously been found.This survey demonstrates that systematic nearshore lake sediment sampling and geochemical analysis is an informative method of mineral exploration which can be used as a follow-up to reconnaissance level sampling.     

云南某地1:5万区调各种化探方法找矿经济效果对比

本文通过对云南西南部两个1:5万图幅地球化学水系沉积物测量、土壤测量和岩石测量三种区域化探方法的试验,从找矿、经济两个方面进行对比,得出了三种化探方法找矿效果相近的结论,但水系沉积物测量以其异常衬度高、野外采样工作量小、样品分析费用少而明显优于土壤测量。在试验中得到的另一发现是低密度(每平方公里约2个样)的岩石测量在发现异常信息和了解微量元素分布区域性变化规律方面有好的效果。岩石测量作为一种有效的区域化探方法值得重视和进一步研究。     

青海祁漫塔格地区1∶5万水系沉积物测量方法技术及应用成果

青海省祁漫塔格地区位于柴达木盆地西南缘,是青海东昆仑成矿带西部的重要组成部分。近10年来祁漫塔格地区完成20385km2的1∶5万水系沉积物测量工作,实现了祁漫塔格地区1∶5万水系沉积物测量工作的全面覆盖,提供了大批可供进一步开展工作的化探综合异常和找矿靶区,为祁漫塔格地区矿产资源评价工作提供了翔实的地球化学资料。经异常查证,区内已发现了夏日哈木、铜金山、拉陵高里河沟脑等多金属矿床及一批找矿信息,已证实具有小型-超大型规模,使祁漫塔格地区成为重要的矿产勘查地区。近年来祁漫塔格地区1∶5万水系沉积物测量工作进展及找矿成果表明,1∶5万水系沉积物测量工作对于重要成矿带上矿床的发现具有重要作用,有力推动了祁漫塔格地区矿产资源调查评价工作的开展。     

Geochemical mapping and databases in Finland

Regional geochemical maps in Finland have been produced from many different programmes. The scale of sampling, the material collected and the analytical methods used varied according to the aim of the study. The entire country was covered at a reconnaissance scale using glacial till, groundwater, surface water and organic stream sediments as sampling media. Glacial till was sampled throughout the country at a regional scale. Local scale mapping and detailed geochemical studies are carried out in selected areas. The main analytical methods have been ICP-AES and ICP-MS, but other methods were used when necessary. In assaying solid material, both total decomposition and strong acid (aqua regia) leaching were used. The results are stored in ALKEMIA, a database developed in the geochemistry department of the Geological Survey of Finland. The data are available as tabulated ASCII files and as digital image files on diskettes, or as various types of symbol and colour maps from desired areas or map sheets. Two examples of the application of geochemical mapping data in prospecting and in environmental research are presented. Indications of the presence of gold and multiple-sulphide ore deposits have been the most useful results obtained from a prospecting standpoint. On the environmental side, reconnaissance scale geochemical mapping data gave more reliable information on the base cation concentration than bedrock maps, making them particularly valuable in devising an acidification assessment model.     

Some conceptual models for geochemistry in areas of preglacial deep weathering

In some glaciated regions, weathered mantles, formed under previous climatic regimes, were not always eroded bare by glacial activity, but instead lie buried beneath the glacial overburden. It is obviously important that geochemical exploration programs in such terrain should take into account some of the known regolith features seen in deeply weathered regions. The effects of glacial action upon deeply weathered terrain are considered in three conceptual models. The critical factor in each is the depth of truncation of the preglacial weathering profile. All three proposed models are dynamic systems and a wide range of intermediate situations must be expected.In Model 1 a complete, largely undisturbed, weathering profile is preserved beneath till. The key characteristic is preservation of a lateritic duricrust which may contain areally large (up to 200 km²) geochemical anomalies. It would be critical, firstly, that the duricrust be sufficiently continuous to allow a reasonable success rate in its being sampled, and secondly that the duricrust be recognizable in drill spoil. The most efficient geochemical exploration could be based upon wide-spaced overburden drilling directed at sampling the duricrust. For reconnaissance, holes could be based upon a 1-km grid where stratabound massive polymetallic sulphide or stratabound gold deposits are sought. Even wider spacing could be tried where larger-sized ore deposits are expected.Model 2 is characterized by a weathered profile that was partly stripped prior to glaciation. The essential feature is a vertically zoned weathering profile in the basement rock in which the upper levels of the weathering profile have undergone leaching of certain elements and lower levels contain enrichments of these elements. Any gossans present would show strong vertical zonation. Relatively strong sources for dispersion in till are likely to be enriched gossans where erosion has cut deep into the profile, zones of supergene enrichment of ore deposits, and supergene ore deposits themselves. In many situations, saprolite under glacial drift would be too soft to provide boulders so important in conventional till prospecting.The essential ingredient in hypothetical Model 3 involves progressive planing away of the weathering profile by glacial action. Thus any halo in duricrust is initially dispersed, followed by dispersion of progressively deeper levels of saprolite. If taken deep enough the supergene enriched zone of a mineral deposit could add to the glacial dispersion. A broadly zoned anomaly would be expected; a till anomaly would be characterized distally by elements from the former duricrust anomaly, with elements more characteristic of supergene zones closer to the source.     

矿产勘查地球化学:过去的成就与未来的挑战

勘查地球化学经过 70年的发展 ,已从矿产勘查从属地位的一种战术手段上升到能左右整个矿产勘查全局的战略地位 ,并且从一门经验或技术 ,发展成为一门地学分支科学。这主要表现在 (1)系统地建立了各种类型的地球化学分散模式 ,并根据这些分散模式所形成的地球化学异常去追踪和发现矿床的理论 ;(2 )发展了各种尺度和各种不同介质的地球化学采样方法 ,多元素高灵敏分析方法和数据处理与图件表达方法 ;(3)发展了不同尺度 (局部、区域、国家和全球 )地球化学填图理论 ,一些国家开始陆续完成和出版了区域性或国家性地球化学图 ;(4 )在全世界发现了一大批新的矿产地 ,包括从 2 0世纪 30年代一直延续到 70年代在前苏联、北美和南美发现的许多斑岩铜矿 ,70年代在北美发现许多铀矿 ,80年代开始在中国发现数百个金矿。勘查地球化学尽管取得了从理论到实践的很大成功 ,但它也面临如下的挑战 :(1)全球各种介质中的地球化学基准与全球地球化学填图 ,(2 )隐伏区三维地球化学分散模式、深穿透地球化学与隐伏区矿产勘查 ,(3)巨量金属的聚集机理、地球化学块体与大型矿集区或巨型矿床的定量评价 ,(4 )难识别矿种或难识别类型的地球化学勘查与评价方法。     

Inherited clast dispersal patterns: Implications for palaeoglaciology of the SE Keewatin Sector of the Laurentide Ice Sheet

The net effect of ice‐flow shifts resulting in the dilution or reworking of clasts on a single preserved till sheet is often unknown yet has major implications for palaeoglaciology and mineral exploration. Herein, we analyse variations in till clast lithologies from a single till sheet, within palimpsest‐type Glacial Terrain Zones in NE Manitoba, Canada, to better understand sediment–landform relationships in this area of high landform inheritance. This near‐ice‐divide area is known to consist of a highly fragmented subglacial landscape, resulting from spatio‐temporal variations in intensity of reworking and inheritance throughout multiple glacial events (subglacial bed mosaic). We show that a seemingly homogenous ‘Keewatin’ till sheet is composed of local (>15 km) and continental‐scale (～100‐km‐long carbonate train and 350–600 km long Dubawnt red erratic train) fan, irregular (amoeboid) or lobate palimpsest dispersal patterns. Local dispersal is more complex than the preserved local landform flowset(s) record, but appears consistent with the overall glacial history reconstructed from regional flowset and striation analyses. The resultant surface till is a spatial mosaic interpreted to reflect variable intensities in modification (overprinting) and preservation (inheritance) of a predominately pre‐existing till sheet. A multi‐faceted approach integrating till composition, regional landforms, ice‐flow indicators, and stratigraphic knowledge is used to map relative spatio‐temporal erosion/reworking intensity.     

勘查地球化学工作的进展

地球化学勘查,主要是利用先进的微量元素测定技术,系统地研究各种天然物质(如岩石、疏松沉积物、水系沉积物、水、气体、生物等)中元素的分布和分配特征,从而获得找矿信息的一种找矿方法。在我国,从五十年代初期至今三十多年来,化探工作从无到有,化探队伍由小到大,建立了一支有一定基础的专业队伍,初步形成了我国自己的方法技术体系,获得了丰硕的地质—找矿成果。     

Geochemical challenges of diverse regolith-covered terrains for mineral exploration in China

In recent years mineral exploration has concentrated on concealed deposits in regolith-covered terrains. In China, the regolith-covered landscapes mainly include desert windblown sand basins, desert peneplains, semi-arid grassland, loess plateaus, forestry land, alluvial plains and laterite terrains. These diverse regolith-covered areas represent geochemical challenges for mineral exploration in China. This paper provides an overview of recent progress on mechanisms of metal dispersion from the buried ore deposits through the transported cover to the surface and penetrating geochemical methods to detect the anomalies. Case studies show that, in arid and semi-arid desert sand-covered terrains, sampling of fine-fraction (− 120 mesh, < 0.125 mm) clay-rich horizon soil is cost-effective for regional geochemical surveys for sandstone-type uranium, gold, and base metal deposits. Fine-fraction sampling, selective-leaching and overburden drilling geochemical methods can effectively indicate the 210 gold ore body at Jinwozi goldfield. In alluvium-covered terrains, fine-grained soil sampling (− 200 mesh, < 0.074 mm) combined with selective leaching geochemistry shows clear ring-shaped anomalies of Cu and Ni over the Zhouan concealed Cu–Ni deposit. In laterite-covered terrains, the anomalies determined by the fine-fraction soils and selective leaching of absorbed metals on coatings of Fe–Mn oxides coincide well with the concealed deposit over the Yueyang ore deposits at the Zijin Au–Cu–Ag field. Nanoparticles of hexagonal crystals mainly native copper, gold and alloys of Cu–Fe, Cu–Fe–Mn, Cu–Ti, and Cu–Au were observed in gases, soils and ores using a transmission electron microscope (TEM). The findings imply that nanoparticles of gold and copper may migrate through the transported cover to the surface. Uranium is converted to uranyl ions [UO₂^2 +] under oxidizing conditions when migrating from ore bodies to the surface. The uranyl ions are absorbed on clay minerals, because clay layers have a net negative charge, which needs to be balanced by interlayer cations. Nanoparticles of Au and Cu and ion complexes of U are more readily absorbed onto fine fractions of soils containing clays, colloids, oxides and organic matters. Thus, fine-grained soils enriched with clays, oxides and colloids are useful media for regional geochemical surveys in regolith-covered terrains and in sedimentary basins. Fine-fraction soil sampling combined with selective leaching geochemistry is effective for finding concealed ore bodies in detailed surveys. Penetrating geochemistry at surface sampling provides cost-effective mineral exploration methods for delineation of regional and local targets in transported cover terrains.     

The role of regional lithogeochemistry in mineral exploration

Regional lithogeochemical surveys can be used to determine the geochemical characteristics of particular tectonic regions as well as mapping geochemistry in relation to geology and ore deposits at a larger scale. Regional lithogeochemistry is of particular value for assigning signatures to associations of igneous rocks which are related geochemically and geologically.The application of regional lithogeochemistry to mineral exploration is reviewed here with particular reference to the Mesozoic magmatic province of Mongolia. Geochemical data for granitoids are shown to have particular application to: (1) the classification and grouping of rocks of similar petrochemical and mineral compositions; (2) the compilation of tectonic and metallogenic maps; (3) the identification of metallogenic provinces and ore zones; and (4) predictive modelling to identify ore-bearing associations. Moreover, such data can be used to estimate the probable types and sizes of ore bodies associated with particular geochemical rock types. Regional lithogeochemistry thus forms an essential basis for prospecting for mineral deposits.     

1:20万区域化探方法核心技术"取样粒级"的讨论

内蒙古区域化探扫面采用水系沉积物测量(或土壤测量),取粗粒级样品,取得了较好的地质找矿效果,但局部景观区找矿效果受到了一些影响.我国南北方水系沉积物中元素含量呈"U"形分布,反映了南北方不同的风化类型,以及所取不同粒级样品的物质成分也不同;取粗粒级和细粒级样品均可能有化探异常显示,采用-5～+20目(0.9 mm≤A＜4 mm)和-120目(A＜-0.125 mm)组合粒级作为采样粒级.为提高工效,取样时可以采用-5目(或-20目)全粒级物质,也能获取更多的找矿信息.这种取样粒级技术,也适宜于全国各种不同的景观区的不同尺度的水系沉积物测量和土壤测量的化探工作.     

新世纪俄罗斯找矿地球化学

在系统跟踪研究国内外地质期刊文献的基础上,梳理了新世纪找矿地球化学面临形势和存在的重大问题,全面总结了近十年来,俄罗斯有关找矿地球化学基础理论和方法论、区域地球化学调查方法与应用,以及地质-地球化学找矿模型的研制与应用等众多方面的思路和做法。研究认为,俄罗斯首创的多目标地球化学填图技术可有效地提高国家地质图的质量,为矿产资源量的综合评价和生态环境的评估及一系列基础问题的解决,提供详细的信息。同时,还指出俄罗斯地球化学家为解决新世纪的找矿问题,加大了技术创新,重点聚焦于提高地球化学找矿信号的衬度和强度,提高运用地质-地球化学找矿模型的效用,完善处理地球化学数据的计算技术,以实现地球化学场与地质、地球物理场的综合等,诸创新点和思路值得参考借鉴。     

综合找矿方法在粤东单竹坑铅锌银矿勘查中的应用

粤东单竹坑矿区位于曾公嶂铅锌多金属矿集区,周边已发现多个多金属矿床,区域找矿前景优越。根据区域物化探异常圈定了找矿远景区,结合矿区的地质成矿特征,选择有利地段开展大比例尺物化探扫面和地质填图,逐步明确了找矿靶区,查明了矿体的走向和分布范围。在此基础上,针对性地布置了CSAMT测深,推断了矿体的深部形态、规模和产状,为钻探工程验证提供了可靠的依据。通过钻探验证,在矿化带内的物化探综合异常浓集中心,发现了多个高品位铅锌银多金属矿体,找矿成果丰硕。地-物-化综合找矿方法在单竹坑矿区的应用是行之有效的,对区域上同类型矿床的勘查工作起到了一定的借鉴作用。     

中国海洋地球化学探测技术的现状与发展

地球化学探测与分析技术在海洋地质调查、海底矿产资源勘探、研究与开发中发挥巨大作用，文中简介了我国目前海洋地球化学分析技术的现状，着重评介了用于海洋地球化学探测的一些新技术、新方法。主要包括：船载现场民探测技术；陆上实验室的现代分析方法以及用于化学数据质量监控、分析方法评价和进行国际对比的各类海洋标准物质的研制与应用。并结合前及近期我国海洋矿产资源与环境研究任务，对发展海洋地球化学探测与分析新技术提出建议。     

Dispersal of tungsten in glacial drift and humus in Bergslagen, southern central Sweden

Since the late part of the 19th century prospecting for W in the western world has been based mainly on the mechanical concentration of heavy minerals in sediments (panning), followed by visual and chemical analyses of the heavy-mineral fraction. Since the early 1970's, W prospecting in Sweden has been based on the use of heavy-mineral concentrates from till.In tests performed in a scheelite-mineralized area in the Bergslagen area of central Sweden, samples from the A- and C-horizon of the podzolic profile have been collected along grid lines across the ore as well as down-ice along the direction of final glacial transport from the ore. The purpose of the study was to test which sample types should be used in geochemical prospecting for W in the region.The results show that all the sample types studied can be used in geochemical prospecting for W in southern central Sweden. The heavy-mineral concentrate of till is primarily recommended for use at a regional and local scale. Humus is given the lowest priority of the sample types studied because of the poor analytical reproducibility for some samples with high values of W.     

Overbank sediments as appropriate geochemical sample media in regional stream sediment surveys for gold exploration in the savannah regions of northern Ghana

Conventional stream sediment sampling in which sediments are taken from the active channels during reconnaissance regional geochemical surveys in gold exploration has over the years failed to delineate prospective target zones in northern Ghana, where the relict is flat. Whereas the technique has been successful in the south western Ghana, which is characterised by moderate to high relief, generally the savannah north is associated with low relief, commonly with flat topographies and generally decoupled stream channels. Geochemical comparison of active stream and overbank sediments in this study demonstrate that active stream channels may contain contaminated materials of recent origin, but overbank sediments, except for the uppermost horizons, represent alluvial regolith of earlier depositional cycles over time. Based on gold value repeatability, composite samples taken from the overbank sediment layers were relatively less erratic and are considered to be an appropriate geochemical medium in delineating potential regional gold targets for follow up. The results show that overbank sediment sampling can be used as a cost-effective method to define broad anomalous zones; and the technique must be considered useful during reconnaissance geochemical surveys in the savannah regions.     

Geochemistry of tin, tungsten and molybdenum in Swedish proterozoic granitoids: Their potential use in regional mineral exploration

The primary aim of this broad regional study is to statistically determine the Li-Sn-W-Mo-bearing potential of various granitoids using geochemical criteria. Computer based, univariate and multivariate statistical methods are applied to major- and trace-element data from about 660 granitic rock samples and over 800 major element analyses, selected from the Swedish geological literature. The granitoids are subdivided following earlier geotectonic chronologic and newer geochemical-statistical principles.Most granite types occurring in known Sn-W mineralized areas, except the granites around the W deposit of Baggetorp, were identified as potentially W-Sn-bearing. That is, they show significantly high mean and variance values for W and/or Sn as well as promising values of the probability parameters for these elements, compared to corresponding statistics for a calculated Swedish average granitoid (SAG).Evidence of very high total variability of Li, Sn and W within the individual granite types suggests the need for further tests, to control the variability errors due to sampling and preparation and errors of chemical analysis. These sources of error may obscure natural elemental heterogeneity of the granite type that is of interest in geochemical prospecting.Interpretations of Sn, W and Li frequency distribution patterns, petrochemical trends and multivariate similarity tests suggest that the primary chemistry of the granitoids is overprinted by (a) postmagmatic processes of broad regional nature, which have similarly affected the individual granite types, and (b) a wide variety of secondary alterations of local character. These conclusions imply that potential Sn and W deposits may be sought within all Swedish Proterozoic granitoids and their within all Swedish Proterozoic granitoids and their immediate sorroundings, where susch processes have redistributed and concentrated these where such processes have redistributed and concentrated these elements. However, the granites which are highly differentiated, Sn-W-Li-U-Th-F-enriched, and strongly and strongly magnetic are particularly promising target areas for further, extensive rock-geochemical prospecting and other exploration surveys. rock-geochemical prospecting and other exploration surveys.