Structural superimposed halo model of vein-type ore bodies and deep prospecting prediction of the Daping gold deposit in Yunnan Province

ObjectiveThe Daping gold deposit is an economically significant vein-type gold deposit in the Ailaoshan metallogenic belt, with cumulative gold reserves exceeding 55 t. Due to years of mining, the recoverable reserves of the mine have been decreasing continously, making it essential to conduct in-depth prospecting research in the mining area to guide future exploration efforts. MethodsTo investigate the deep metallogenic potential of the Daping gold deposit, research on the structural superimposed halo was conducted on the main ore body of the V8 vein-type ore body in Baishapo mining area. ResultsThe results showed a close association between Ag, Cu, Pb, and Au mineralization in the Daping gold deposit. These elements (Au, Ag, Cu, Pb) served as the characteristic indicators for the near-ore halo of the Daping gold deposit. By applying an improved Grigoryan zoning index method, the axial zoning sequences of each exploration line were obtained. It was observed that the axial zoning sequences of each exploration line exhibited "reverse zoning" characteristics, indicating multi-period and multi-stage superimposed mineralization. Combined with the axial variation of trace elements and geochemical parameters, it was found that the deep part of the 160−200 exploration lines in the southeast direction demonstrated a head-tail halo superposition feature, suggesting possible deep ore body extensions in this region. A contrast halo zoning map generated through Kriging interpolation indicated that the ore body plunges towards the deep southeastern direction. Based on the spatial distribution of ore bodies, geochemical properties, and element spatial distribution patterns, a structural superimposed halo exploration model for the vein-type ore bodies in the Daping gold deposit is established. This model suggests that favorable metallogenic spaces exist in the deep part of the 160−200 exploration lines. Prospecting targets are delineated accordingly, and subsequent drilling verification successfully intersects ore. ConclusionThus, the successful application of this approach demonstrates that the structural superimposed halo method remains an effective tool for current deep prospecting in vein-type gold deposits, thereby providing a reference for deep prospecting prediction in mining areas.