Application of RaA Radon Gas and Partial Extraction Geochemical Prospecting Combined Measurement Method in the Exploration of Concealed Uranium Deposits in the Libiling Area, Northern Guangdong Province
The Changjiang mineral concentration area in northern Guangdong is a significant production region for granite-hosted uranium deposits in China, notably housing the Mianhuakeng deposit, the nation’s sole super large-scale hard-rock uranium deposit. Uranium mineralization in this area is primarily influenced by near north-south trending fault zones, which are characterized by considerable thickness, high grade, and strong continuity. In order to assess the deep prospecting potential in the northern extension faults of the Changjiang mineral concentration area, the Libiling segment was selected due to its analogous uranium metallogenic conditions to the Mianhuakeng deposit. This segment was subjected to integrated surveys utilizing RaA radon gas measurement and partial extraction geochemical prospecting methods. The aim of this study was to further enhance prospecting outcomes associated with the north-south trending fault zones. The feasibility study of this methodological combination and subsequent exploration practice in the Libiling segment demonstrated the efficacy of integrating RaA radon gas measurement with partial extraction geochemical prospecting methods for predicting deeply concealed uranium deposits. This integrated approach leverages the convenience and immediacy of RaA radon gas measurements alongside the reliability of partial extraction geochemical prospecting in detecting anomalies associated with mineralization. Research indicates that concealed uranium ore bodies are typically situated within composite anomalies of key pathfinder elements, such as uranium (U), radon (Rn), beryllium (Be), and molybdenum (Mo). This pattern is governed by the metallogenic characteristics of hydrothermal uranium deposits, specifically the “synergistic migration and enrichment of multiple elements”,which inevitably results in a composite altered geochemical field exhibiting significant spatial correlation with uranium. In response to the presence of weak anomalies of pathfinder elements in some uranium-prospective locations within the area, a comprehensive prediction index (H) for favorable uranium mineralization areas is proposed by the use of a multi-element combination. This index is designed to address potential oversights in identifying favorable mineralization sites that may occur when relying exclusively on uranium (U) and radon (Rn) composite anomalies for targeting concealed ore bodies. The objective is to “enhance weak anomalies and extract effective information indicative of concealed mineralization”, thereby reducing the likelihood of missing concealed ore bodies in the Libiling segment. Based on the analysis conducted, and with a threshold value of H≥28.1 for the composite predictive index, four composite anomalies (designated as No. ZH-1 to No. ZH-4) were identified, taking into account the geological context of the study area. Among these, the No. ZH-3 anomaly, which exhibits the largest area and highest concentration, was selected for drilling verification. The results revealed an industrial-grade uranium orebody with a cumulative apparent thickness of 8.80 meters and an average grade of 0.085%. This orebody is closely associated with silicification, hematitization, and purplish-black fluoritization within fault belts No.14 and No.19. These findings not only confirm that the deep part of the Libiling segment possesses considerable uranium prospecting potential but also expand the prospecting space in the northern part of the Changjiang mineral concentration area. Furthermore, it provides a scientific reference for deep uranium prospecting prediction in adjacent regions.
诸广山复式岩体是EW向骑田岭—诸广山花岗岩带的重要组成部分[图1(a)],以多幕式构造—岩浆活动及多期“成矿大爆发”为主要特色,也是稀有金属、铀和钨等矿产的重要产地(李宏卫等,2021;Qi et al,2024)。长江矿集区位于诸广山岩体南部,并大致被NEE向城口断裂、黄溪水断裂及NE向塘洞断裂、成功坳断裂所限制,其内产出有棉花坑(特大型)、书楼丘(大型)、水石(中型)等铀矿床及一大批矿化异常点,显示出优越的铀成矿地质条件。该区出露的围岩为印支期二云母花岗岩(油洞岩体)和燕山期黑云母花岗岩(长江岩体)[图1(b)]。区内主控矿因素为断裂,铀矿化主要赋存于近SN向张扭性硅化断裂带内,呈不规则的单脉状、扁豆状或透镜状产出,沿断裂倾向延伸稳定。整体而言,区内多方向断裂的交切和夹持部位是铀成矿的有利位置。
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