ISSN 1005-2518
CN 62-1112/TF

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  • Mineral Exploration and Resource Evaluation
    Yaogang QI, Yong MENG, Lin ZHOU, Xingming ZHU, Wei WANG, Jiting ZHANG, Ruolei ZHENG, Xingchen XU, Dezhong LI
    Gold Science and Technology. 2025, 33(3): 497-510. https://doi.org/10.11872/j.issn.1005-2518.2025.03.259
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    The tectonic altered rock type gold deposit represents the most promising and significant category of gold deposits within the East Kunlun metallogenic belt.Accurately assessing the resource potential of such deposits along this metallogenic belt is of paramount importance,as it plays a crucial role in facilitating breakthroughs in gold prospecting within the framework of the“New Round of Strategic Action for Mineral Prospecting Breakthroughs.”The geological tectonic activities in the East Kunlun metallogenic belt are charac-terized by complexity,with frequent magmatic events.This region has undergone multiple episodes of arc magmatism and tectonic collisions.Notably,the two most significant stages are the Proto-Tethys Ocean evolution stage,spanning from the Early Paleozoic to the Late Devonian,and the Paleo-Tethys Ocean evolution stage,extending from the Early Carboniferous to the Late Triassic.These stages have created favorable conditions for the formation of various ore deposit types within the belt,particularly facilitating the development of structurally altered rock-type gold deposits.The findings indicate that the distribution of tectonic altered rock type gold deposits within the East Kunlun metallogenic belt is predominantly governed by fault structures.Tectonic-magmatic activities from the Early Carboniferous to the Late Triassic are significantly associated with the metallogenesis of these deposits,with the metallogenic age predominantly concentrated in the Indosinian period.These gold deposits exhibit distinct commonalities in terms of metallogenic elements and models.The gold orebodies are typically vein-shaped and lenticular,situated within NW/NWW-trending ductile-brittle shear zones and their subsidiary faults.The principal types of mineralization alterations include silicification,pyritization,sericitization,and arsenopyritization.There is no substantial evidence indicating assimilation or contamination of the strata wall rocks by the magmatic rocks.This observation suggests a limited degree of material exchange between the magmatic rocks and the strata during the emplacement process,implying that the extraction scale of gold (Au) elements from the strata by the emplaced magmatic rocks is minimal.Consequently,the Au elements in the Proterozoic strata (wall rocks) are unlikely to be the primary source of metallogenic materials.Considering the metallogenic age,it is evident that magmatic activities during the Middle-Late Triassic period predominantly influenced the metallogenic materials of this type of gold deposit.Furthermore,the metallogenic belt is characterized by a dense distribution in the central and eastern regions,while it is more sparsely distributed in the western region.

  • Mineral Exploration and Resource Evaluation
    Hua XIANG, Shuai LI, Yugui HAO, Caili TANG, Mingjun YUAN, Hong YIN, Aimin YIN
    Gold Science and Technology. 2025, 33(5): 919-935. https://doi.org/10.11872/j.issn.1005-2518.2025.05.277
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    The Xiaohengjiang gold deposit, situated in northeastern Hunan Province, represents a significant recent discovery within the Guanzhuang gold deposit comprehensive exploration area in Liling City, Hunan Province. This deposit encompasses the Tieshijian and Taohua ore sections and is hosted within the Huanghudong Formation of the Lengjiaxi Group, part of the Neoproterozoic Qingbaikou Formation. Its formation and spatial distribution are predominantly influenced by nearly north-south-oriented fault structures. The primary ore types present include fractured-altered slate and sulfide quartz vein gold ores. Currently, the deposit is classified as having a medium resource scale, with substantial potential for further exploration and resource expansion. Despite its geological importance, there has been limited research investigating the relationship between acidic magmatic rocks and gold mineralization in this region. To address this research gap, the present study concentrates on the geochronology, petrogenesis, and tectonic implications of the granodiorite veins exposed within the mining area. Utilizing zircon LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating techniques, the emplacement age of the granodiorite veins was determined to be in the Early Paleozoic[(437.2±8.0)Ma]. This result suggests that the gold mineralization events in the region are temporally linked to Caledonian magmatic activities, indicating an association with regional tectonomagmatic processes. The granodiorite veins exhibit high silicon content, moderate aluminum levels, and are enriched in alkali elements, while displaying low concentrations of iron, magnesium, manganese, and phosphorus, characteristics typical of S-type granites. The rare earth element(REE) distribution patterns demonstrate a rightward decline, accompanied by a weak negative Eu anomaly and significant enrichment in large-ion lithophile elements(LILEs) such as Rb, Th, U, and La. In contrast, high-field-strength elements(HFSEs), including Nb, Sr, P, and Ti, show notable depletion. These geochemical attributes suggest that the granodiorite veins originated from crustal sedimentary sources through partial melting and underwent substantial fractional crystallization during their formation.Furthermore, the granodiorite veins are postulated to have formed within a tectonic environment transitioning from a syn-collisional to a post-collisional extensional regime. This transitional setting facilitated the interaction between tectonic and magmatic processes, thereby contributing to gold mineralization. A comprehensive analysis confirms a spatial and temporal correlation between Caledonian magmatic activities and gold mineralization events. Based on these findings, it is recommended that future exploration efforts concentrate on areas surrounding Caledonian intrusive rocks. These areas may possess untapped mineralization potential, offering opportunities for the discovery of new gold resources. This approach not only enhances the understanding of mineralization processes but also provides practical guidance for regional gold exploration and resource development strategies.

  • Mineral Exploration and Resource Evaluation
    Lin CAI, Deru XU, Qiang SHAN, Weizheng SU
    Gold Science and Technology. 2025, 33(4): 683-695. https://doi.org/10.11872/j.issn.1005-2518.2025.04.061
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    Hainan Island, located in the southern region of the South China Block, has experienced a complex tectonic evolution, notably influenced by the Triassic Indosinian orogeny, characterized by terrane collisions, magmatism, and metamorphism. Within this geological context, the Baolun gold deposit, situated in the exocontact zone of the Jianfeng granitic intrusion in southwestern Hainan and recognized as the island’s largest high-grade gold resource, has presented longstanding questions concerning its metallogenic age and genesis. To resolve these uncertainties, Re-Os isotopic dating of molybdenite extracted from auriferous quartz veins has been conducted, yielding model ages ranging from 223.8 to 227.4 Ma and an isochron age of (224.6±7.2)Ma. These results definitively constrain the mineralization to the Late Triassic Indosinian epoch, aligning it temporally with regional tectonic, magmatic, and metamorphic activities. The deposit exhibits characteristics typical of orogenic gold systems, including a compressional tectonic setting, control by crustal-scale faults, and quartz-sulfide vein mineralization. Fluid generation is attributed to devolatilization processes during Indosinian metamorphism, with additional magmatic contributions from the Jianfeng intrusion. Structural transitions from compression to extension facilitated fluid migration along shear zones and faults, ultimately leading to ore deposition. These findings not only confirm Baolun as a definitive orogenic gold deposit but also underscore the exploration potential in similar tectonic settings across Hainan. This study provides a genetic model that integrates metamorphic, magmatic, and structural controls, offering a framework for targeting such deposits in complex orogenic terranes.

  • Mineral Exploration and Resource Evaluation
    Yaoheng FANG, Qun YANG, Xiaolei PENG, Bin WANG, Chan LI, Haozhe LI, Sitong CHEN
    Gold Science and Technology. 2025, 33(3): 467-481. https://doi.org/10.11872/j.issn.1005-2518.2025.03.359
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    The Tudui-Shawang gold deposit is situated on the northeastern margin of the Jiao-Lai Basin,and on the western side of the Muping-Rushan gold mineralization belt.To ascertain the source of ore-forming materials for the Tudui-Shawang gold deposit,we conducted sulfur and lead isotope analyses on sulfides,such as gold-bearing pyrite and sphalerite,during the main mineralization stage,as well as on the ore-associated monzogranite.Furthermore,LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating studies and lead isotope analyses were performed on the monzogranite closely linked with the gold mineralization to determine the age of mineralization.The δ 34S values of five pyrite samples and three sphalerite samples range from -1.6‰ to 2.2‰ and -1.5‰ to 0.7‰,respectively,suggesting that the ore-forming materials originated from magmatic sources.The lead isotope ratios for the sulfides are 206Pb/204Pb:18.147~18.347,207Pb/204Pb:15.496~15.589,and 208Pb/204Pb:38.247~38.423.The lead isotope ratios for the monzogranite are 206Pb/204Pb:18.244~18.350,207Pb/204Pb:15.486~15.557,and 208Pb/204Pb:38.259~38.363.The ore-forming materials in the Tudui-Shawang gold deposit exhibit a mixed crust-mantle origin,as indicated by similar lead isotope results,in sulfide and monzogranite.LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating of monzogranite associated with gold mineralization yields a weighted average age of (116±2)Ma(N=17,MSWD=2.4),aligning with regional large-scale gold mineralization events,suggesting a late Early Cretaceous age for the mineralization.During this period,the Pacific plate subducted beneath the Eurasian,plate,transforming the North China Craton from extrusion to extension tectonics.This tectonic shift,characterized by mantle uplift and lithospheric thinning,triggered significant magmatic activity,facilitating crust-mantle material exchange and the formation of ore-bearing monzogranitic magma.Consequently,ore-bearing hydrothermal fluids were transported upward along the NE-tectonic faults to form the Tudui-Shawang gold deposit at shallow depth.

  • Mineral Exploration and Resource Evaluation
    Wenjun MA, Hailin XIE, Shaonan LI, Bin WANG, Yu HAN, Peigeng LI, Sulong CHEN, Zhen WANG, Feifei LI, Haiyun MA
    Gold Science and Technology. 2025, 33(4): 717-734. https://doi.org/10.11872/j.issn.1005-2518.2025.04.014
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    The Eastern Kunlun Metallogenic Belt is recognized as one of the most significant gold ore concentration regions in both Qinghai Province and China as a whole. The eastern segment of this belt is home to prominent gold fields such as Wulonggou, Kaihuangbei, and Gouli, whereas the western segment contains fewer and smaller-scale deposits. The Mangyahedong gold deposit, situated in the Qimantage area within the western segment of the Eastern Kunlun Metallogenic Belt, exemplifies a typical shallow coverage zone and serves as a crucial metallogenic concentration area for gold and polymetallic mineralization. To facilitate advancements in gold exploration within this region, geochemical surveys at a 1∶25 000 scale were conducted, identifying 63 gold anomalies and 5 composite anomalies predominantly characterized by gold. These gold anomalies are primarily located along the Mangyahedong-Hongweishan Heishigou zone, forming a NW-SE-trending banded pattern that aligns with the orientation of regional fault structures. The anomalies exhibit high intensity, often displaying a three-tiered concentration zonation. An analysis of elemental enrichment characteristics indicates that the coefficients of variation(CV) for Au, As, and Sb all exceed 2.0, suggesting strong differentiation(e. g., the CV for Au in OSQ2 reaches 12.12). The enrichment coefficients(EF) exceed 2.0, indicating enriched conditions. The pronounced degree of enrichment and the marked heterogeneity in element distribution suggest a substantial potential for mineralization. Cluster analysis reveals that the F4 factor encompasses Au and As, with loadings surpassing 0.7, indicating an association with low-temperature tectonic activity. Analysis of elemental content across geological units indicates that the OSQ2 stratum (altered andesitic basalt) has an average Au content of 5.4×10-9, which is nearly three times the regional average. Subsequent soil surveys at a 1∶10 000 scale identified 12 composite anomalies primarily characterized by Au and Cu, notable for their extensive scale, high intensity, and strong reproducibility. For example, the AP3 Au anomaly spans 0.36 km2 with a peak value of 1 890×10-9 and shows a strong spatial correlation with As and Sb. Follow-up verification of key anomalies revealed promising indicators of gold mineralization. Within the GA11-Jia1 Au anomaly (AP1-AP3), five gold-bearing structural alteration zones were identified through surface tracing and trench drilling. These zones extend 0.5~5.2 km in length and 0.8~9.9 m in width, trending NW and dipping SW. Fourteen gold orebodies have been delineated, exhibiting lengths ranging from 140 to 1 300 m, true thicknesses between 0.80 and 9.34 m, and grades of 0.8 to 26.4 g/t, with an average grade of 2.27 g/t. Structural superi-mposed halo analyses reveal that proximal halos near the main orebody at depth display inner/strong zone anomalies, whereas leading halos are characterized by outer zones and tail halos by mid-inner zones. This suggests a significant downward extension of the orebodies or the potential presence of blind orebodies at depth. In conclusion, multi-scale geochemical surveys conducted in the Mangyahedong area have proven effective in delineating gold exploration targets and alteration zones, thereby demonstrating substantial prospecting efficacy and facilitating a robust assessment of deep mineralization potential. This methodological approach serves as a practical exploration strategy and offers critical insights for the exploration of analogous gold deposits, with wide applicability and significant promotional value.

  • Mineral Exploration and Resource Evaluation
    Yuan TIAN, Zhanbin WANG, Shaolei KOU, Ji LIU, Dongping JI, Yixiang ZHANG, Yuan PAN, Lei LI, Hao CHEN, Chao GAO, Dong LIU
    Gold Science and Technology. 2025, 33(6): 1047-1061. https://doi.org/10.11872/j.issn.1005-2518.2025.06.157
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    The Back-Longmenshan tectonic belt presents favorable conditions for gold mineralization and has yielded promising outcomes in gold exploration in recent years. Notable gold deposits, including Taiyangping, Dingjialin, and Dongjiayuan, have been successively identified. The Xinjiazui gold mining area, situated in the northeastern segment of the tectonic belt, exhibits well-developed regional stream sediment gold anomalies. Nevertheless, significant progress in mineral exploration has not yet been achieved. To efficiently and effectively assess the mineralization potential of the Xinjiazui area and delineate favorable zones for mineral exploration, a 1∶10 000 soil geochemical survey methodology was selected as the preliminary approach, drawing on previous work experience. Utilizing mathematical statistical methods to analyze and synthesize the dispersion patterns and combination characteristics of element enrichment, geochemical anomalies of elements were delineated and subsequently verified. Two gold deposits were identified in the Ht-5 comprehensive anomaly area, with an inferred gold resource of 3.72 metric tons. Additionally, a gold mineralization body was located in the Ht-2 comprehensive anomaly area. The findings indicate that the soil in this region predominantly originates from the differentiation of in-situ bedrock, with minimal contamination from external substances. The comprehensive soil anomaly is primarily characterized by the presence of gold (Au), while arsenic (As), antimony (Sb), and silver (Ag) are closely associated with gold and serve as key indicator elements for gold prospecting. The gold mineralization is situated within a brittle-ductile shear zone at the interface between the northeast-trending Niutitang Formation and the Maoxian Group. The soil geochemical measurement technique proves to be highly effective for mineral exploration and is considered one of the most efficient methods for gold exploration in the vegetation-covered landscape of the Back-Longmenshan area.

  • Mineral Exploration and Resource Evaluation
    Jinchang ZHONG, Yong ZHANG, Qian AN, Jie HUANG, Jiayong PAN, Xiaotian ZHANG, Shanchu HAN, Jie YAN, Siyuan ZHANG, Haotong DAI, Fumei WANG, Huayang JIANG, Haosai ZHANG, Junhao CHEN, Xia ZHANG
    Gold Science and Technology. 2025, 33(4): 696-716. https://doi.org/10.11872/j.issn.1005-2518.2025.04.034
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    In recent years, substantial advancements have been achieved in lithium prospecting within the Altyn region, where exploration and research have identified a series of Caledonian spodumene pegmatite-type lithium deposits. Nonetheless, the metallogenic potential of Indosinian lithium, along with the mechanisms of lithium migration and enrichment in pegmatite-type lithium deposits, continues to be a subject of considerable scientific interest. The Kumusayi granite-pegmatite type lithium-beryllium deposit is classified as a medium-sized spodumene deposit, with the potential to reach a super-large scale. Its host rock is biotite schist, which exhibits significant hydrothermal alterations, such as greisenization, adjacent to the ore bodies. Through comprehensive field investigations and analytical techniques, including petrographic microscopy, electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), the formation age of the lithium-ore-forming pegmatite has been established. Furthermore, the mineralogical composition of various mica types within the pegmatite and host rocks has been elucidated, and the migration and evolution patterns of rare metal elements, such as lithium, have been investigated. The U-Pb isotopic analysis of monazite from the Kumusayi lithium deposit indicates that the formation ages of the coarse-grained tourmaline-spodumene granite pegmatite and the muscovite granite pegmatite with inclusions are (224.6±3.0)Ma and (224.2±3.6)Ma, respectively. These findings suggest that the formation occurred during the Indosinian period. The investigation of mica minerals elucidates the magmatic-hydrothermal evolution process of the Kumusayi pegmatite-type lithium deposit. During the magmatic stage, the crystallization of spodumene significantly depleted the system’s lithium content, subsequently leading to the formation of lithium-bearing muscovite (magmatic-type). During the ensuing magmatic-hydrothermal alteration of the host rock, some lithium was leached from the host rock and re-precipitated to form lithium-rich muscovite (Li2O=1.8%~2.3%). In later stages (H2-H3), the muscovite continued to consume lithium from the hydrothermal fluid, culminating in the formation of low-lithium muscovite (Li2O=0.08%~0.15%) in the final stage. The study provides substantial evidence that the interplay between magmatic processes and hydrothermal activity is a critical factor in the enrichment and mineralization of lithium within muscovite-type lithium deposits. The determination of the Indosinian lithium mineralization age, along with insights into the detailed processes of lithium migration and enrichment during magmatic-hydrothermal events at the Kumusayi lithium deposit, offers new chronological data and exploration insights for lithium mineral exploration in the Altyn region.

  • Mineral Exploration and Resource Evaluation
    Liang WANG, Bailin CHEN
    Gold Science and Technology. 2025, 33(3): 455-466. https://doi.org/10.11872/j.issn.1005-2518.2025.03.307
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    The Renbu Nianzha gold deposit,recently identified in Tibet,represents a significant independent rock gold deposit.Numerous lamprophyre veins have been identified within the mining area.However,their origin remains ambiguous.Consequently,this study undertook a comprehensive field investigation,collecting representative lamprophyre samples from the site to explore their petrogenesis through petrographic analysis,apatite U-Pb isotope dating,and geochemical characterization.Petrographic analysis reveals that the primary rock-forming minerals in the lamprophyres are biotite,plagioclase feldspar,and minor monoclinic pyroxene.The porphyritic minerals pre dominantly consist of biotite,while the matrix is composed of plagioclase feldspar and minor monoclinic pyroxene,classifying the rocks as mica-plagioclase lamprophyres.The TAS classification and K/(K+Na)-K/Al diagram indicate that these rocks belong to the calc-alkaline potassic series.They are characterized by an enrichment in large ion lithophile elements and light rare earth elements,a deficiency in high field strength elements and heavy rare earth elements,and a pronounced fractionation between light and heavy rare earth elements.The U-Pb dating of apatite within the lamprophyres yields an age of(19.9±1.2)Ma,sug-gesting formation during the early Miocene epoch.A comprehensive analysis indicates that the lamprophyre veins in the Nianzha gold mine area originated in a post-collisional extensional setting associated with the India-Eurasia continental interaction.These lamprophyres are hypothesized to have formed through partial melting of the Asian lithospheric mantle,which had been metasomatized by fluids bearing oceanic sediment charac-teristics,and subsequently ascended along regional deep-seated faults.Notably,the diagenetic age of the lamprophyres is significantly younger than the period of gold mineralization.

  • Mineral Exploration and Resource Evaluation
    Yufei CAI, Cailong ZHANG, Chao CHEN, Zhaoyue DING, Huan XING, Haiquan GUO, Zhibin CHEN, Shibin ZHANG, Lei WANG, Xingkang ZHANG
    Gold Science and Technology. 2025, 33(3): 511-527. https://doi.org/10.11872/j.issn.1005-2518.2025.03.284
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    In recent years,the Lingdong gold deposit,located in the western region of Hebei Province,has been the subject of exploration.This deposit is predominantly found within a crypto-explosive breccia pipe.The ore body exhibits distinct characteristics typical of crypto-explosive breccia and quartz vein-structural fractured altered rock types.Consequently,research on this deposit is expected to significantly contribute to a comprehensive understanding and facilitate a new phase of prospecting and exploration of similar gold deposits in the Taihang Mountain area of western Hebei Province.To investigate the source of ore-forming materials and analyze the genetic characteristics of the Lingdong gold deposit,an analysis was conducted based on the geological features of the deposit,focusing on the sulfur,lead,and hydrogen-oxygen isotopic characteristics.The test results are as follows:The range of δ 34Sv-CDT values for four pyrites in the ore is 0.3‰~1.5‰.The 206Pb/204Pb values range from 16.160 to 16.566,with an average of 16.361.The 207Pb/204Pb values range from 15.186 to 15.269,with an average of 15.226.The 208Pb/204Pb values range from 37.103 to 37.523,with an average of 37.322.The δ 18OV-SMOW values for four quartz and dolomite samples range from 10.4‰ to 13.5‰,with an average of 12.48.The range of δ 18 O H 2 O is -1.6‰~1.5‰,with an average of 0.48.The range of δDV-SMOW is -105.0‰~-49.8‰,with an average of -83.7.The range of δ13CV-PDB is -20.6‰~-5.0‰,with an average of -14.7‰.The findings indicate that the ore-forming materials of the Lingdong gold deposit are predominantly derived from the mantle,with a minor contribution from crustal components.The ore-forming fluid is primarily magmatic water,supplemented by meteoric water in the later stages,aligning with the characteristics observed in gold deposits within the Mapeng area of western Hebei.The genesis of the Lingdong gold deposit is intricately linked to multi-phase tectono-magmatic activities and is generally classified as an epithermal,medium- to low -temperature magmatic hydrothermal gold deposit.Furthermore,when compared to the quartz vein type,crypto-explosive breccia type,and porphyry gold deposit in Yixingzhai,Shanxi,the geological characteristics of both gold deposits exhibit significant similarities.This suggests that further exploration of deep porphyry ore bodies within the Lingdong gold deposit is warranted.

  • Mineral Exploration and Resource Evaluation
    Hongqiu ZHANG, Leping WEI, Shaoshuang LEI, Bibo ZHAO, Zhenkun CHEN, Jiabin HUANG, Linjie TANG, Shaohua LU
    Gold Science and Technology. 2025, 33(5): 984-995. https://doi.org/10.11872/j.issn.1005-2518.2025.05.040
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    The Xilin area in Guangxi is geologically positioned within the Xilin-Baise fault-fold belt of the Northwest Guangxi Depression on the Yangtze Plate, representing a vital segment of the Au-Sb polymetallic metallogenic belt in the western Guangxi-southwestern Guizhou-southeastern Yunnan region, also known as the Youjiang Basin. To explore the distribution characteristics of ore-forming elements and mineralized bodies, and to achieve advancements in mineral exploration, this study implemented a 1∶10 000 scale soil geochemical survey and prospecting prediction. Through a systematic analysis of geochemical parameters, correlation coefficients, spatial distribution patterns, and single-element/composite anomalies using indicator elements (Au, Ag, As, Sb), three key anomalous zones (GXB-1, GXB-2, GXB-3) were identified for prioritized exploration. The key findings indicate that Au and Sb exhibit high concentration and variation coefficients, suggesting a strong metallogenic potential. Significant correlations have been identified among Au, Sb, and As, indicating their potential as indicator element associations. The skewed distribution patterns of Au and Sb suggest the presence of secondary enrichment processes. An integrated analysis of metallogenic characteristics and geochemical anomalies has led to the identification of five single-element anomalies and two composite anomalies. Trenching verification has revealed three auriferous mineralized zones. The gold mineralization predominantly occurs in silicified clastic rocks of the Baifeng Formation, specifically at structural contacts between NW-trending cross-layer fractures and interlayer fracture zones. These structural features have been established as key indicators for prospecting in future exploration endeavors.

  • Mining Technology and Mine Management
    Kun DU, Jiahui TIAN, Songge YANG, Jian ZHOU, Shaofeng WANG
    Gold Science and Technology. 2025, 33(3): 579-590. https://doi.org/10.11872/j.issn.1005-2518.2025.03.345
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    Rock burst constitutes a significant geological hazard in deep mining operations,particularly within metallic mines,where elevated in-situ stresses and mining-induced disturbances present substantial safety threats.Addressing the challenges posed by the diversity of characterization indicators and the considerable discrepancies in grading criteria for evaluating the proneness of hard rock burst,this study investigates the lithological indices and grading criteria pertinent to hard rock burst tendency in metal mines.The research commenced with a comprehensive analysis of various rock burst characterization indicators,emphasizing their correlations and physical significance.Based on this analysis,the post-peak stress reduction index(SDR),peak strain energy storage index ( W E T P),residual elastic energy index( A E F),and improved brittleness index (B 4) were selected as the lithological indices for characterizing hard rock burst tendency.These indicators were chosen for their ability to reflect distinct aspects of rock behavior under stress,including energy storage,failure potential,and energy release rate.The study identified significant correlations among various energy-related indicators,indicating that these measures could be integrated to offer a more comprehensive assessment of rock burst potential.Furthermore,by incorporating the phenomenon of rock failure observed in uniaxial compression experiments,a classification standard for different lithological indices was developed.The four lithological indices for various hard rocks were determined,and the grading criteria for rock burst tendency were validated.To further assess the validity and efficacy of the proposed lithological indices and their grading criteria,for rock burst susceptibility,typical field rock samples were subjected to laboratory testing.The final evaluation results closely aligned with actual field conditions,thereby providing theoretical guidance for practical mining operations.This study establishes a theoretical foundation for rock burst assessment by proposing an integrated evaluation framework that combines both energy-based and non-energy-based indicators.The findings provided a more precise and dependable methodology for predicting rock burst events,thereby facilitating the advancement of more effective risk mitigation strategies in underground mining.By enhancing the accuracy of rock burst susceptibility predictions,the framework contributed to improved safety and operational efficiency in deep mining operations.

  • Mining Technology and Mine Management
    Chao ZHOU
    Gold Science and Technology. 2025, 33(3): 540-553. https://doi.org/10.11872/j.issn.1005-2518.2025.03.181
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    To investigate the stability of geotechnical engineering in alpine and high -altitude regions subjected to prolonged freeze-thaw cycles,this study elucidates the damage evolution characteristics of sandstone under such conditions.By performing uniaxial compression tests on sandstone samples subjected to varying numbers of freeze-thaw cycles,and analyzing the results using energy dissipation theory in conjunction with PFC discrete element software,the study examines the crack propagation and energy evolution laws.The findings indicate that with an increasing number of freeze-thaw cycles,both the peak strength and Young’s modulus of the sandstone exhibit a declining trend.Concurrently,the proportion of energy dissipation rises,particularly when the number of cycles reaches 60,at which point there is a marked increase in energy dissipation,signifying substantial internal damage to the sandstone.The study further validates the use of the energy evolution law to characterize strength degradation under freeze-thaw conditions by modeling the relationship between energy and strength.Through further study,numerical simulation of uniaxial compression experiments on sandstone specimens were conducted using PFC software.Based on these simulations and corresponding experimental results,the deformation and damage morphology of sandstone subjected to varying numbers of freeze-thaw cycles were analyzed.The study observed trends in crack propagation and variations in contact force between particles.The findings indicate that internal cracks in the rock expand gradually during the initial stages of freeze-thaw cycles,followed by rapid expansion in later stages,with tensile cracks being the predominant type.The internal contact force within the sandstone model decreases throughout the simulation,this phenomenon characterized by the dissipation of contact energy stored between particles as per the analysis of the energy evolution law.This simulation outcome aligns closely with the energy evolution observed in experimental results,underscoring the adequacy of the energy modeling approach.Furthermore,significant differences were noted in the damage patterns of sandstone subjected to different numbers of freeze-thaw cycles.When subjected to fewer than 60 freeze-thaw cycles,sandstone predominantly exhibits splitting at the left and right ends,resulting in a “wedge-shaped body” damage pattern.However,sandstone exposed to 60 freeze-thaw cycles demonstrates a markedly different damage pattern compared to other samples,instead of forming a “wedge” it develops a smaller damaged area near the lower surface.This observation indicates that the degradation of sandstone due to freeze-thaw cycles can significantly diminish its load-bearing capacity and residual strength.The findings of this study hold substantial theoretical and practical significance for understanding and predicting the mechanical behavior and stability of geotechnical materials subjected to freeze-thaw cycles in cold engineering contexts.Furthermore,they provide a scientific foundation for geotechnical engineering design in alpine regions.

  • Mineral Exploration and Resource Evaluation
    Chunpeng ZHANG, Yuning DANG, Renping HAN, Zhongwei BI, Jie WANG, Xuefeng LI
    Gold Science and Technology. 2025, 33(3): 482-496. https://doi.org/10.11872/j.issn.1005-2518.2025.03.289
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    In recent years,aerial magnetic surveys have emerged as an efficient and cost-effective geophysical technique for mineral resource exploration.This study concentrates on the processing and analysis of 1∶50 000 scale aerial magnetic data from the Dong’an area in Heilongjiang Province,China.By employing advanced data processing methodologies,a substantial amount of both qualitative and quantitative data was acquired,accompanied by diverse graphical representations that elucidate the geological characteristics of the region.The methodology utilized an integrated approach to magnetic data processing,incorporating techniques such as filtering,anomaly separation,and inversion modeling.These methods enabled the isolation of magnetic anomalies and facilitated the interpretation of their geological significance. Investigations into the physical properties of rocks within the region revealed that sedimentary rocks,acidic volcanic rocks,and intrusive rocks typically possess weak magnetic properties,whereas intermediate to basic igneous rocks exhibit more pronounced magnetic signatures.Significantly,the mineralized alteration rocks exhibited no notable magnetic response,underscoring their unique geophysical properties.A comprehensive analysis of the magnetic anomalies facilitated the categorization of five distinct types of magnetic anomaly zones:Stable positive magnetic fields,stable negative magnetic fields,gently undulating positive and negative magnetic fields,low-amplitude fluctuating positive and negative magnetic fields,and highly fluctuating positive and negative magnetic fields.Furthermore,the study identified eight major regional faults within the area,highlighting a complex structural framework characterized by two composite tectonic systems oriented NNW-NW and nearly SN.A comparative analysis of the positional relationship between aeromagnetic anomalies and gold deposits revealed a significant correlation between the spatial distribution of low magnetic anomalies and the presence of gold deposits.By synthesizing the geochemical anomalies detected in soil samples with the geological context favorable for mineralization,two primary target areas with substantial potential for mineral exploration on the outskirts of the Dong’an mining district have been successfully identified.The findings of this study offer valuable insights and a scientific foundation for future exploration endeavors in the Dong’an region.

  • Mining Technology and Mine Management
    Linqi HUANG, Yingze LIU, Zhaowei WANG, Xibing LI, Huiming SHEN
    Gold Science and Technology. 2025, 33(3): 591-604. https://doi.org/10.11872/j.issn.1005-2518.2025.03.333
    Abstract (305) PDF (266) HTML (287)   Knowledge map   Save

    The isolation layer is integral to ensuring safe production during the coordinated open-pit and underground mining processes.By determining an accurate and appropriate thickness of the isolation layer at the initial stage of mining,the detrimental effects of rock dynamic disasters and blasting vibrations on goafs and roadways can be effectively mitigated,thereby safeguarding the safety and stability of mining operations.This study examines the Shizhuyuan polymetallic mine as a case study to elucidate the influence of various factors on determining the safe thickness of the isolation layer and to establish a more rational safety threshold for coordinated open-pit and underground mining.Factors such as rock physical and mechanical properties,goaf span,and blasting vibration were considered in calculating the safe thickness of the isolation layer using both static and dynamic loading methods.Initially,five traditional theoretical calculation methods,mathematical analysis techniques,and small deformation thin plate theory formulas relevant to the Shizhuyuan mine were employed for preliminary calculations.Through the process of averaging and fitting the data,a functional relationship was established between the goaf span and the thickness of the isolation layer under static loading conditions.Subsequently,utilizing six sets of field blasting vibration data,a modified Sadovsky formula was developed.By considering the actual mining requirements and the influence of rock mass gravity,the safety thickness of the isolation layer under conditions of blasting vibration was determined.A comparative analysis was then performed to evaluate the safety thickness values obtained under static and dynamic loading conditions.The findings indicate that blasting vibration is the predominant factor affecting the determination of the safe thickness of the isolation layer at the Shizhuyuan mine.In alignment with relevant national standards for coordinated open-pit and underground mining,the recommended safe thickness of the isolation layer for the Shizhuyuan mine is established at 50 meters.This study offers a practical and scientifically robust methodology for determining the safety thickness of isolation layers by integrating theoretical calculations with empirical field test data,while thoroughly accounting for the effects of blasting vibrations.The research provides a significant reference point for the design of analogous mining operations and the determination of safe isolation layer thickness in coordinated open-pit and underground mining contexts.

  • Mining Technology and Mine Management
    Keping ZHOU, Jiayou WU, Shitong ZHOU, Chun YANG, Jielin LI, Feng GAO
    Gold Science and Technology. 2025, 33(3): 528-539. https://doi.org/10.11872/j.issn.1005-2518.2025.03.076
    Abstract (304) PDF (494) HTML (279)   Knowledge map   Save

    The internal structure of rock masses is characterized by the presence of various cracks,and the inherent uncertainty in crack angle and loading direction often results in brittle rock masses undergoing mixed-mode fractures,which combine modeⅠ(tensile mode) and mode Ⅱ(shear mode).To examine the effects of crack length and angle on the modeⅠand mixed-mode Ⅰ/Ⅱ fracture properties of red sandstone,semi-circular bend (SCB) specimens of red sandstone were prepared with three distinct crack angles and three varying crack lengths,resulting in a total of nine experimental groups.Static three-point bending tests were performed on these specimens to obtain load-displacement curves and peak load data.Subsequently,the fracture toughness and fracture energy for each group were calculated.The study analyzed the impact of crack angle and length on the modeⅠand mixed-mode Ⅰ/Ⅱ fracture toughness,fracture energy,and crack propagation paths in red sandstone specimens.Furthermore,the extended finite element method (XFEM) was utilized to develop models corresponding to each group of specimens.This approach facilitated the calculation of dimensionless stress intensity factors for modeⅠand mode Ⅱ fractures,thereby providing a foundation for determining fracture toughness.The numerical results were instrumental in analyzing the proportion of modeⅠand mode Ⅱ fracture types present in the specimens.Experimental findings reveal that red sandstone specimens exhibit pronounced brittle failure characteristics under both modeⅠand mixed mode Ⅰ/Ⅱ fracture conditions.The crack path during specimen fracture adheres to the shortest trajectory from the tip of the prefabricated crack to the loading point at the top.Specifically,when the crack inclination angle is 0°,the specimen experiences pure modeⅠfracture,with the calculated pure modeⅠfracture toughness of red sandstone being 7.179 MPa·mm1/2.Additionally,as the crack length increases,the peak fracture load of the specimen decreases.For mixed-mode(Ⅰ/Ⅱ) fractures occurring within a specific range of crack lengths,the equivalent fracture toughness,denoted as K eff,exhibits a decreasing trend as the crack inclination angle increases.Nonetheless,when the crack length surpasses a critical threshold,K eff no longer adheres to a straightforward decreasing pattern with respect to the inclination angle.Both the crack length and the inclination angle play significant roles in modulating the interplay between modeⅠand mode Ⅱ fracture mechanisms,consequently influencing the overall equivalent fracture toughness of the composite.

  • Mineral Exploration and Resource Evaluation
    Weiheng YUAN, Guicai YANG, Guoshuai GENG, Meijuan WANG, Na LI, Yijing WANG
    Gold Science and Technology. 2025, 33(4): 753-763. https://doi.org/10.11872/j.issn.1005-2518.2025.04.353
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    The Biaoshan area located within the Beishan Orogenic Belt in Inner Mongolia, is geographically positioned north of the Yueyashan-Xichangjing ophiolite belt and south of the Hongshishan-Baiheshan ophiolite belt. This area is part of the Shibanjing-Heidashan Cu, Au, Fe, Ni metallogenic belt. Recent discoveries, including the Elegenwulanwula Cu-Mo deposit, Xiaohulishan Mo deposit, Dulongbao Mo deposit, and Zhusilenghaierhan Cu deposit, underscore the region’s intense mineralization and promising potential for fur-ther exploration. However, the increasing challenges associated with surface exploration and the interference of cover layers with traditional geochemical methods, necessitate the use of deep-penetrating geochemical techniques to elucidate the causes of anomalies and accurately identify target areas for future mineral exploration. This study examines the elemental migration characteristics and anomaly response mechanisms of geogas survey in the Biaoshan area, establishing seven geogas geochemical profiles in the southern Biaoshan region. Through a detailed analysis of single-element anomalies and element associations, the geogas anomaly characteristics within the region were systematically investigated. The findings reveal that the copper(Cu) element displays an extensive anomaly range and elevated anomaly values, identifying it as the most promising element for mineralization within the area. The geogas element association anomalies further demonstrate that bismuth(Bi), antimony(Sb), copper(Cu), lead(Pb), and zinc(Zn) exhibit significant anomaly scales and strong spatial coincidence. This suggests that copper is the primary mineralizing element, with bismuth, antimony, lead, and zinc serving as associated mineralizing elements. In light of the geological context of mineralization, two comprehensive anomalies were delineated. Subsequent analysis of these anomalies led to the selection of one for further investigation. Anomaly inspection, revealed a copper orebody, characterized by a width of 1~3 m and an extension exceeding 30 m. This orebody is hosted within the third formation of the Beishan group and altered gabbro, and is accompanied by alterations such as malachite, chalcopyrite, goethite, and silicification. The mineralization is controlled by northwest-trending faults and associated secondary structures, with the spatial distribution of the mineralization body closely aligning with the anomaly morphology. Considering the geological conditions conducive to mineralization, it is posited that the region holds potential for the discovery of medium-temperature to low-temperature hydrothermal copper polymetallic deposits. Prospecting indicators for this category of mineral deposits have been identified. The findings of this study indicate that the geogas survey technique is an effective method for detecting concealed copper polymetallic deposits in arid and semi-arid regions with surface cover.

  • Mining Technology and Mine Management
    Longfei WANG, Junzhi CHEN
    Gold Science and Technology. 2025, 33(5): 1020-1030. https://doi.org/10.11872/j.issn.1005-2518.2025.05.103
    Abstract (288) PDF (115) HTML (319)   Knowledge map   Save

    As mining activities continue to intensify, underground roadways encounter unprecedented stability challenges due to increasingly complex stress environments, dynamic geological variations, and anthropogenic disturbances. Accurate prediction of roadway deformation is essential for ensuring mining safety and optimizing operational layouts. However, conventional single neural network models often struggle to effectively capture both abrupt local features and long-term evolutionary trends in nonlinear displacement time series. To address these limitations, this study introduces an innovative hybrid model combining a Temporal Convolutional Network and Long Short-Term Memory(TCN-LSTM-AddAttn) architecture, enhanced with an additive attention mechanism, to achieve high-precision predictions of roadway deformation. The proposed architecture employs a parallel framework to leverage the strengths of both TCN and LSTM. An additive attention mechanism is incorporated to dynamically prioritize critical patterns from both networks. The model employs learnable parameters to calculate feature similarity and utilizes the Softmax function to generate normalized weights, facilitating the adaptive fusion of multi-scale representations. Validation of the model is conducted using displacement data from four monitoring points(W1430-10, W1430-11, W1480-7, W1530-11) across various roadways in the Yunnan Zizou iron mine. Data preprocessing involves the removal of outliers using a Hampel filter, interpolation of missing values via cubic spline, and min-max normalization to standardize input scales. The processed data are divided into training, validation, and test sets in an 8∶1∶1 ratio. Hyperparameters, including TCN channels (32), LSTM hidden dimensions (64), batch size (32), and learning rate (0.001), are optimized through grid search to ensuring generalization across diverse mining scenarios. Experimental results indicate that the TCN-LSTM-AddAttn model outperforms standalone TCN, LSTM, and the TCN-LSTM hybrid models. In the case of W1430-10, the TCN-LSTM-AddAttn model demonstrates a Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 0.0292 mm, representing a 47.95% reduction compared to the TCN-LSTM model. Additionally, it achieves a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 0.0396 mm, marking a 37.34% reduction, and a Symmetric Mean Absolute Percentage Error (SMAPE) of 0.0337, indicating a 47.91% reduction. The Adjusted R² (R adj) value of 0.9861 suggests near-perfect prediction accuracy. For W1430-11, the model records an MAE of 0.0282 mm (28.79% reduction), an RMSE of 0.0366 mm (27.52% reduction), a SMAPE of 0.0738 (28.70% reduction), and an R adj of 0.9799. Comparable improvements are noted for W1480-7 and W1530-11, with prediction errors consistently remaining below 0.1 mm. By incorporating multi-scale feature decoupling and dynamic weighting, the proposed model offers robust technical support for assessing mine roadway stability, identifying risk zones, and providing early safety warnings.

  • Mineral Exploration and Resource Evaluation
    Xiaoliang SUN, Xiao LIU, Lei HUA, Xia ZHANG, Haoran LI, Zhanchun ZOU, Honglian XING, Mingying TANG, Hongbin WU, Chenglong ZHENG, Ru JIA
    Gold Science and Technology. 2025, 33(5): 936-949. https://doi.org/10.11872/j.issn.1005-2518.2025.05.035
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    The manganese deposits in China are predominantly of sedimentary type, having formed from the Middle Proterozoic to the Neoproterozoic, the Late Paleozoic, and the early Mesozoic eras. These deposits are chiefly located in South China, with the “Datangpo-type” manganese deposit serving as the most representative example. In recent years, notable advancements have been achieved in the study of marine sedimentary carbonate-type manganese deposits within the Carboniferous sedimentary rock series in western China. Several medium to large manganese deposits, including the Aoertuokanashi, Muhu, and Maerkantu deposits, have been discovered in succession. The Xiaoerbulake manganese deposit, which is the focus of this study, is a newly identified deposit, situated in the Aketao area of Xinjiang Province. This deposit formed at the margin of a continental rift basin, exemplified by Qiaerlong, and is found within the stratified gray-black manganese-mineralized, pyrite-bearing argillaceous limestone of the Lower Carboniferous Talong Group. The deposit is primarily characterized by the presence of three manganese-rich minerals: rhodochrosite, manganocalcite, and kutnohorite. To comprehensively examine the sources of ore-forming materials and the formation environment of the Xiaoerbulake manganese deposit, a series of petrographic, mineralogical, and lithogeochemical analyses were undertaken. The lithogeochemical data reveal that in comparison to the surrounding rocks, the manganese ore is characterized by titanium depletion and low SiO2/Al2O3 ratios, indicative of high-iron, medium-phosphorus, low-grade manganese ore. Trace elements such as Rb, Ta, and Hf are relatively deficient, whereas Th, Sm, and Y are enriched. The distribution of rare earth elements(REE) shows a pattern of light REE depletion and high REE enrichment, marked by a weakly negative Ce anomaly, a positive Eu anomaly, and a positive Y anomaly, suggesting that the manganese deposit originated from submarine hydrothermal venting. Environmental discrimination analysis indicates that the Y/Ho ratio of the manganese ore aligns with values typical of Phanerozoic limestone; additionally, the Sr-Ba ratio, the weakly negative Ce anomaly, and the positive Y anomaly imply that manganese mineralization occurred in a brackish to hypersaline, relatively oxidized depositional environment. The mechanism of mineralization can be described as follows: during the late Paleozoic era, Fe-Mn-enriched polymetallic submarine hydrothermal fluids interacted with seawater. This interaction led to the preferential accumulation of Mn²⁺ and Fe²⁺ ions as mixed (Mn, Fe)-(oxy)hydroxide complexes within redox transition zones characterized by relatively oxygen-deficient, reducing, and mildly alkaline to acidic conditions. These complexes subsequently underwent diagenetic transformation through reactions with carbonate ions, resulting in the formation of manganese carbonate assemblages predominantly composed of rhodochrosite. These assemblages were then transported to favorable sedimentary depressions, where they co-precipitated with carbonate sediments, ultimately leading to the formation of the Xiaorbulak manganese deposit.

  • Mining Technology and Mine Management
    Minghui CHEN, Liwei YUAN, Weijun LIU, Sumin LI, Jiaxing FENG, Di CHEN
    Gold Science and Technology. 2025, 33(3): 605-614. https://doi.org/10.11872/j.issn.1005-2518.2025.03.334
    Abstract (283) PDF (174) HTML (259)   Knowledge map   Save

    The discrete element method is particularly effective for simulating the nonlinear deformation of heterogeneous rock slopes subjected to gravitational loads following open-pit mining. Traditional methodologies often suffer from ambiguous criteria for determining slope instability,thereby complicating the accurate assessment of the slope’s safety factor. To address this issue,a cusp catastrophe model was developed,establishing a relationship between the average horizontal displacement of the slope and the gravitational coefficient. This model quantifies the critical instability criterion as a definitive displacement catastrophe value. Using the discrete element program MatDEM,simulations were conducted with varying combinations of joint spacing and connectivity to examine the changes in critical displacement and safety factors under different conditions. Case analyses indicate that this model effectively determines the critical displacement and corresponding safety factor at the point of slope failure. Notably,when joint connectivity is 0.70,the critical instability displacement is generally higher compared to scenarios with greater connectivity. For joint spacings ranging from 1 to 3 meters,an increase in spacing results in a larger sliding mass along the joint surface,which consequently leads to a rise in the critical instability displacement. The gravity increase method,grounded in cusp catastrophe theory,models the evolution of slopes under realistic conditions by incrementally increasing the gravitational load. This approach is particularly well-suited for jointed rock masses that exhibit complex nonlinear deformation behaviors. Unlike the strength reduction method,it obviates the need for recalibrating material parameters before each calculation,thereby enhancing computational efficiency. The study’s findings indicate that joint spacing and connectivity have a significant impact on slope stability. With uniform joint spacing,increased connectivity results in a lower safety factor,whereas with uniform connectivity,larger joint spacing leads to a higher safety factor. These findings are consistent with practical engineering conditions,underscoring the importance of considering joint spacing and connectivity in slope stability analysis.The developed model and results provide a scientific basis for determining monitoring point placement and setting warning thresholds for slope displacement in jointed rock mass regions.

  • Mineral Exploration and Resource Evaluation
    Yixiang ZHANG, Shaolei KOU, Ji LIU, Zhanbin WANG, Wei YANG, Yuan PAN, Hao CHEN, Lei LI, Chao GAO, Dong LIU
    Gold Science and Technology. 2025, 33(5): 950-966. https://doi.org/10.11872/j.issn.1005-2518.2025.05.069
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    In recent years, substantial advancements have been achieved in the exploration of gold deposits within the Back-Longmenshan tectonic belt, which boasts a resource of approximately 50 tons. The Xinjiazui gold deposit, a newly identified site within this belt, exhibits medium to large prospecting potential. The gold deposits are predominantly located within the northeast-trending Yanzibian-Huashigou brittle-ductile shear zone, with the formation of ore bodies and mineralized bodies being stringently governed by these shear zones. The host rock primarily comprises iron bearing magnesite spotted phyllite and carbonaceous silica slate. The predominant ore type is quartz vein, and the mineralization alterations closely associated with gold include silicification, pyritization, and minor arsenopyritization.While previous researchers have made certain advancements in the study of this ore deposit, there remains a relative paucity of research focused on its mineralogical aspects. This study, grounded in comprehensive field investigations, concentrates on the gold-bearing minerals pyrite and arsenopyrite. Utilizing methodologies such as microscopic observation, back-scattered electron(BSE) imaging, and electron probe micro-analysis(EPMA), the research aims to elucidate the mineralogical characteristics of these gold-bearing minerals, investigate the occurrence state of gold, and determine the physical and chemical conditions of mineralization, as well as the genesis of mineral deposits. The findings indicate that the hydrothermal mineralization process can be categorized into three distinct stages: Stage Ⅰ, characterized by quartz-pyrite formation; Stage Ⅱ, defined by quartz-calcite-natural gold polymetallic sulfide, development; and Stage Ⅲ, marked by quartz-carbonate, formation, with Stage II being identified as the principal mineralization phase. Pyrite is classified into three generations:the sedimentary diagenesis stage(Py0), the early mineralization stage(Py1), and the main mineralization stage(Py2), during which arsenopyrite coexists with the main stage pyrite. Gold is present in two forms: visible gold and invisible gold. Visible gold appears in the main mineralization stage of pyrite as encapsulated and fractured gold. The occurrence of invisible gold exhibits distinct variations. During the sedimentation and early mineralization stages, gold within pyrite is present as nano gold(Au0). In contrast, during the main mineralization stage, pyrite contains both nano gold(Au0) and lattice gold(Au+). In arsenopyrite, all gold exists exclusively as lattice gold(Au+). The Xinjiazui gold deposit was formed under medium-high temperature conditions at a moderate to considerable depth, with f(S2) values ranging from -8.5 to -4.5. When compared to typical ductile shear zone-type gold deposits in the Longmen shan orogenic belt, and considering the geological and geochemical characteristics, it is inferred that the Xinjiazui gold deposit is an orogenic gold deposit influenced by brittle-ductile shear zones.

  • Mining Technology and Mine Management
    Ting ZHANG, Zhenfei LI, Tingsheng QIU, Guanfei ZHAO, Song ZOU
    Gold Science and Technology. 2025, 33(5): 1101-1111. https://doi.org/10.11872/j.issn.1005-2518.2025.05.386
    Abstract (260) PDF (65) HTML (238)   Knowledge map   Save

    To establish a foundation for assessing the feasibility of comprehensive utilization of mineral resources in a lead-zinc ore, an extensive investigation into process mineralogy and beneficiation testing was conducted. This study employs a range of analytical techniques, including chemical analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy micro-area composition analysis, and mineral liberation analysis (MLA), to examine the chemical composition, mineral composition, and occurrence state of the primary minerals—lead, zinc, and silver—within the ore. The research focuses on identifying the key mineralogical factors influencing mineral processing efficacy. Subsequently, the beneficiation process and achievable separation indices of the ore were determined through beneficiation testing. The findings indicate that the mineral composition of the ore is relatively complex, with the predominant metal minerals being galena, sphalerite, and pyrite, while argentite is the sole silver mineral present. The gangue minerals predominantly comprise feldspar (including both potassium feldspar and plagioclase feldspar), quartz, and chlorite, with subordinate amounts of sericite, biotite, rhodochrosite, and fluorite. The principal recoverable elements in the ore, through beneficiation, are lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), and silver (Ag), with concentrations of 2.72%, 2.28%, and 65.00×10-6, respectively. Lead is primarily present as lead sulfide, constituting 89.34%, followed by lead sulfate at 7.72%. Zinc predominantly occurs as zinc sulfide (sphalerite), accounting for 95.61% of its presence. Silver is mainly found as silver sulfide (argentite), comprising 65.68% of its occurrence. This ore is characterized as a silver-bearing primary lead-zinc sulfide ore with a typical disseminated structure.The primary mineralogical factors influencing the beneficiation outcomes are as follows: Firstly, the complex and irregular output forms of galena and sphalerite within the ore, along with their intricate intergrowth, significantly impact the quality and recovery rates of lead and zinc concentrates. Secondly, the close association between argentite and galena, followed by sphalerite, dictates the pathway for silver enrichment. Based on the ore’s characteristics and preliminary exploratory tests, beneficiation research was conducted utilizing a priority flotation process, specifically prioritizing lead flotation followed by zinc activation. This approach yielded stable test indices. The closed-circuit flotation test achieved a lead concentrate with a grade of 65.08% Pb and a recovery rate of 91.32%, and a zinc concentrate with a grade of 41.70% Zn and a recovery rate of 85.96%. Additionally, the valuable metal silver was significantly enriched in the lead concentrate, with a content of 1 323.80×10-6 and a recovery rate of 79.28%. The outcomes of the beneficiation tests exhibit a high degree of consistency and alignment with the predictions made by process mineralogical studies.

  • Mining Technology and Mine Management
    Yuran LU, Xiuzhi SHI, Zefeng XU
    Gold Science and Technology. 2025, 33(3): 626-637. https://doi.org/10.11872/j.issn.1005-2518.2025.03.318
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    In the mining process,determining the structural parameters of a stope is fundamental to optimizing production capacity and economic outcomes.Ensuring safe production necessitates that these parameters vary according to geological conditions,making their selection a focal point of interest within the mining sector.At the Fankou lead-zinc mine,the tailings reservoir is scheduled for gradual decommissioning,necessitating the deposition of excessive fine-grained tailings in the mined-out stopes.The structural parameters of the stope directly influence the capacity for tailings storage.To achieve larger structural parameters while maintaining the stability of the open stope,a study was conducted on the shn S17-18 stope.This involved obtaining surrounding rock stability parameters through on-site rock drilling,coring,and joint condition assessments.The stability coefficient of the stope’s exposed surface was calculated using the Mathews graphical method.The study concludes that the stability of the upper wall of the stope is the most robust,whereas the roof exhibits the weakest stability.In light of the impact of exposure time on the stability of open pits post-mining,the stability coefficient has been optimized.Based on the 80%,75%,and 70% equiprobability lines from the Mathews sta-bility graph,three stope structural parameter schemes have been identified:57.0 m×12.5 m×40.0 m,79.0 m×14.8 m×45.0 m,and 108.0 m×17.2 m×50.0 m.Utilizing FLAC3D software,numerical simulations were conducted for these structural parameters,and the post-mining stability of the stope was assessed in terms of displacement,maximum principal stress,and plastic zone.The findings indicate that the stope designed with a 70% stability probability line does not ensure stability.To ensure the safety of the open stope,it is recommended that the stope structural parameters be determined with a stability probability exceeding 75%.Field tests were conducted in the shn S17-18 stope,revealing a stability probability ranging from 75% to 80%.Post-mining,the stope remained stable,thereby effectively validating the reliability of both theoretical and numerical simulation results.These findings provide significant insights for selecting stope structure parameters in future tailings disposal within mining operations.

  • Mining Technology and Mine Management
    Shunling RUAN, Jiajia LIU, Yixin HU, Jing WANG
    Gold Science and Technology. 2025, 33(5): 1074-1085. https://doi.org/10.11872/j.issn.1005-2518.2025.05.326
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    Tailings dams, which are primarily utilized for the storage of tailings or industrial waste produced by mining activities, represent significant sources of high potential energy and pose considerable risks.A failure of such a dam could result in immeasurable losses.Consequently, online monitoring of tailings dams is essential for real-time analysis and risk mitigation.This monitoring is critical for promptly assessing the safety status of tailings dams, preventing dam failures, and safeguarding human lives and property. Therefore, anomaly detec-tion in time series data derived from tailings dam monitoring systems is of paramount importance. In response to the frequent occurrence of anomalies within multi-sensor monitoring systems for tailings dams, which severely affect safety assessments, this paper proposes an enhanced TCN-Transformer hybrid anomaly detection model.This model incorporates a temporal convolutional network (TCN) component into the traditional Transformer model, replacing the absolute position encoding mechanism.This approach effectively captures complex long-term dependencies in time series data, thoroughly integrates global temporal information, and enhances the model’s accuracy in anomaly detection.Moreover, the model’s self-attention mechanism has been optimized through the implementation of a branching structure design and the integration of maximum and minimum strategies.This enhancement enables the extraction of spatial features from tailings dam time series data, allowing reconstruction errors and correlation differences to reinforce each other during detection. Consequently, the model’s anomaly detection performance is improved. By employing a self-supervised training paradigm, the model reduces its dependence on large-scale supervised datasets, thereby enhancing its practicality and generalization capabilities.Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed TCN-Trans-former anomaly detection model achieves an average F1 score of 0.9486, marking a significant improvement in detection accuracy and performance over traditional models.This model holds substantial importance for anomaly detection and safety management in the context of tailings dam time series data.

  • Mining Technology and Mine Management
    Huizhong LIU, Jianye LIU, Ao HUANG, Fulong DENG
    Gold Science and Technology. 2025, 33(3): 648-658. https://doi.org/10.11872/j.issn.1005-2518.2025.03.297
    Abstract (248) PDF (255) HTML (268)   Knowledge map   Save

    The ore dressing shaking table serves as a crucial apparatus for the separation and purification of strategic mineral resources,including tungsten,tin,tantalum-niobium,titanium,and rare earth elements.It is extensively utilized in ore dressing production.Nonetheless,the current level of automation in shaking tables is relatively low,with the adjustment of control parameters predominantly dependent on the expertise of experienced operators.These operators make necessary adjustments based on the position of the concentrate boundary within the bed sub-belt,a process that is labor-intensive and prone to causing fluctuations in beneficiation indices.Consequently,there is a pressing need to develop a self-adaptive adjustment system for shaking table control parameters,informed by the position of the concentrate boundary,to enhance both production efficiency and the level of automation.The initial step in achieving adaptive adjustment of shaking table control parameters is to construct a mapping relationship model between the control parameters and the coordinate values of the concentrate boundary.To achieve this objective,we have collected extensive data on the mapping relationships between various combinations of four control parameters,namely surface slope,lateral flushing,and others.In this study,we introduce the gated recurrent unit (GRU) to process time-sequence information within the shaking table concentrator production data.Additionally,we incorporate the squeeze-and-excitation (SE) attention mechanism to assign weights to different channels,thereby enhancing the model’s feature extraction capabilities and fitting accuracy.Consequently,we developed the CNN-GRU-Attention algorithm to perform a regressive analysis of the concentrator shaking table production data and established a “control parameter-concentrate boundary coordinate value”mapping relationship model.Comparative analysis demonstrates that the proposed algorithm outperforms the CNN-GRU,CNN-LSTM,and CNN-LSTM-Attention models.The SSA algorithm was employed to optimize three hyperparameters:the learning rate,the number of hidden neurons in the GRU layer,and the regularization coefficient for the CNN-GRU-Attention model.The optimal values identified were 0.0214,3,and 0.0007,respectively,significantly reducing the time required for parameter tuning and enhancing the efficiency of model training.This optimized SSA-CNN-GRU-Attention model was subsequently utilized to regress the boundary coordinates of the concentrate,yielding evaluation metrics of R²=0.98269,RMSE=0.79085,MAE=0.34362,and MAPE=0.0844%.Compared to the original model,the RMSEMAE,and MAPE were reduced by 34.83%,51.11%,and 51.30%,respectively,thereby substantially improving the model’s trend-following capability and predictive accuracy.The“control parameter-concentrate boundary coordinate value”relationship model developed in this study satisfies the requirements for industrial beneficiation production using a shaking table and offers valuable insights for constructing an adaptive adjustment system for shaking table control parameters.

  • Mining Technology and Mine Management
    Shuitai XU, Meiling LIU, Wenxing ZHU
    Gold Science and Technology. 2025, 33(5): 1112-1123. https://doi.org/10.11872/j.issn.1005-2518.2025.05.023
    Abstract (246) PDF (45) HTML (216)   Knowledge map   Save

    Utilizing the global refined copper trade volume data spanning from 2004 to 2023, we employ complex network analysis to construct both random and weighted networks, thereby examining the global refined copper trade patterns from three perspectives: the overall trade structure, trade associations, and the roles of major trading nations. Additionally, we apply an enhanced gravitational model to assess the potential of China’s refined copper trade with its top 10 trading partners. The findings reveal that: (1)The global refined copper trade exhibits characteristics of a small-world network, characterized by a multi-core trade association structure, evolving from an initial dominance by European and American countries to later incorporating nations from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. (2)China and the United States emerge as principal importers of refined copper, while Chile, Peru, Japan, and Australia serve as major exporters. The United States and India function as pivotal intermediaries in the refined copper trade, with Germany and Italy acting as central hubs. (3)Among the top 10 trading partners, Chile and Australia present potential, for restructuring, whereas South Korea, the United States, and Zambia, exhibit significant potential. Additionally, Japan, the Philippines, Kazakhstan, Peru and Poland are potential pioneering. The study provides some policy recommendations for the development of international refined copper trade and China’s import of refined copper.

  • Mineral Exploration and Resource Evaluation
    Wenjie DUAN, Chengbiao LENG, Lei MO, Kaixuan LI, Yan ZHAO
    Gold Science and Technology. 2025, 33(4): 735-752. https://doi.org/10.11872/j.issn.1005-2518.2025.04.105
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    The Zhongdian region is divided into eastern and western porphyry metallogenic belts. The Cilai copper deposit, located within the western belt, represents a newly identified porphyry copper system in this area. To determine the petrogenetic age, tectonic setting, and magmatic source of the Cilai porphyry body, we performed zircon U-Pb dating and comprehensive whole-rock major and trace element analyses on the Cilai quartz diorite porphyry. The zircon U-Pb dating results reveal that the formation age of the Cilai quartz diorite porphyry ranges from(217.5±1.8)Ma to (216.9±1.4)Ma, situating its origin in the Late Triassic period. This porphyry is characterized by high SiO2 content(64.94%~67.31%) and elevated alkali levels (K2O+Na2O=7.27%~8.84%), classifying it as part of the high-K calc-alkaline series. The rock exhibits enrichment in light rare earth elements (LREEs), significant LREE-HREE fractionation ( L a / Y b ) N = 33.11 ~ 39.41, and a weak negative Eu anomaly(δEu=0.81~0.98). It is enriched in large-ion lithophile elements (LILEs) such as Rb, Ba, Th, and U, while it is depleted in high field strength elements (HFSEs) like P, Ti and Zr. The rock exhibits elevated strontium (Sr) concentrations(692×10-6~1 180×10-6), reduced yttrium (Y) levels (11.7×10-6~13.1×10-6), and increased Sr/Y(56.7~100.0) and La/Yb (48.7~58.0) ratios, which are characteristic of adakitic magma. The Cilai quartz diorite porphyry is characterized by high thorium/uranium (Th/U) ratios and low, concentrations of magnesium oxide (MgO), chromium (Cr), and nickel (Ni). The Th/La, Nb/Ta, Rb/Sr, and Ba/La ratios are intermediate between those of the upper mantle and crust, with certain values aligning more closely with average mantle values. This suggests that the melt from subducted oceanic crust ascends and interacts with the mantle wedge, producing adakitic magma, which subsequently interacts with the crust to form the current thorn rock mass. The geochemical properties and zircon U-Pb dating of the Cilai quartz diorite porphyry, combined with the positioning of sample points on the MgO-Fe2O3-Al2O3 diagram and tectonic environment discrimination diagrams within island arc and active continental margin regions, suggest that the Cilai deposit, along with other significant copper deposits, such as the Chundu deposit, originated from the same magmatic event within the western porphyry metallogenic belt. These deposits are the result of the westward subduction of the Ganzi-Litang oceanic crust during the Late Indosinian period.

  • Mining Technology and Mine Management
    Linjuan LU, Junzhi CHEN, Chunfang REN
    Gold Science and Technology. 2025, 33(3): 615-625. https://doi.org/10.11872/j.issn.1005-2518.2025.03.350
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    To address the issues of ambiguity and complexity in assessing the stability of bedding rock slopes in mining environments,a fuzzy hierarchical analysis model was developed,utilizing the simple dependent degree from topological theory to ascertain the weights.Initially,extensive literature review and consideration of the specific characteristics of open-pit mine bedding rock slopes guide the selection of representative and typical stability evaluation indices.These indices include slope height,slope angle,uniaxial compressive strength of the rock,rock integrity index,as well as the internal friction angle and cohesion of structural surfaces,selected both qualitatively and quantitatively.Then the evaluation outcomes are assessed using the simple dependent degree to determine weights,thereby addressing the fuzzy and complex issues inherent in the evaluation of bedding rock slope stability in mining contexts.Subsequently,addressing the issue of constructing a judgment matrix via the analytic hierarchy process,subjective factors influencing the accuracy of evaluation results are considered.The simple dependency degree was employed to calculate the correlation magnitude of each index,facilitating the construction of a rational judgment matrix.Weights are then derived from this matrix and integrated with fuzzy theory to ascertain the slope stability level.The model is applied to assess the stability of a bedding rock slope in an open-pit mine in Yunnan Province.Its validity is confirmed through the strength reduction method and the limit equilibrium method.The findings indicate that the stability state of the rock slope in the Mine B area can be categorized as very stable,stable,basically stable,unstable,and very unstable,with respective affiliation degrees of 0.0808,0.2641,0.4104,0.1820 and 0.0627.According to the principle of maximum affiliation degree,the slope is classified as basically stable.The slope safety coefficient,determined using the strength reduction method,is 1.113,while the coefficient calculated via the limit equilibrium method is 1.121.These results align with those obtained through the fuzzy hierarchical analysis model presented in this study,thereby confirming the model’s reliability.The improved fuzzy hierarchical analysis method yields results that are more objective,accurate,and reasonable,offering a valuable reference for assessing the stability of bedding rock slopes.

  • Mining Technology and Mine Management
    Liang FENG, Xingming CHEN, Dengfeng SU
    Gold Science and Technology. 2025, 33(5): 1031-1038. https://doi.org/10.11872/j.issn.1005-2518.2025.05.050
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    In the field of rock mass engineering, the precise simulation of the post-peak mechanical behavior of rocks is essential for ensuring engineering safety and for the prevention and management of disasters. To overcome the limitations associated with fixed parameter approaches in conventional Mohr-Coulomb models for simulating post-peak failure stages, this study introduces an innovative experimental data-driven multi-parameter dynamic collaborative correction method. Initially, by integrating Python with the FLAC3D platform, we developed a real-time backpropagation algorithm alongside a three-dimensional constitutive field dynamic iteration model. This framework facilitates the multi-threaded collaborative optimization of parameters, including cohesion, internal friction angle, and dilatancy angle, via embedded interfaces. Subsequently, utilizing strain gradient adaptive theory, we devised a real-time data assimilation engine capable of dynamically adjusting constitutive parameters through cyclic correction mechanisms. This approach effectively addresses the modeling challenges posed by the nonlinear coupling effects inherent in traditional static segmentation methods, which exhibit errors exceeding 15%.During the validation process, a numerical model for uniaxial compression, with dimensions of 50 mm×50 mm×100 mm and comprising 2 541 mesh elements, was utilized. A Python script was employed to dynamically invoke the s.stress()[2][2] function in FLAC3D, allowing for the extraction of stress fields. This process initiated multi-parameter collaborative corrections whenever the experimental data surpassed a deviation threshold of Δσ=0.01 MPa. The experimental findings demonstrate that the dynamically corrected model effectively captured the post-peak strain-softening behavior of the rock. The stress levels predicted by the original model consistently exceeded the actual values, whereas the stress simulations from the corrected model aligned closely with the experimental values, thereby completely mitigating the trend of overestimation. This study offers novel insights into optimizing the accuracy of rock parameter estimation and provides a scientific basis and guidance for geotechnical engineering design.

  • Mining Technology and Mine Management
    Guodong LIU, Tao JIA, Mingjun SUN, Kai YANG
    Gold Science and Technology. 2025, 33(5): 1039-1051. https://doi.org/10.11872/j.issn.1005-2518.2025.05.111
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    High-quality and stable backfill is a crucial technical requirement for ensuring safe and efficient mining operations. This study addresses the issue of unstable backfill quality in a gold mine, which adversely impacts stope safety and production efficiency, by exploring the feasibility and optimization of paste backfill utilizing fine-grained tailings. Through comprehensive testing of the tailings’ fundamental physical and chemical properties, flocculation settling behavior, slurry flow characteristics, and numerical simulation of pipeline transportation, optimal backfill process parameters were identified. The test results indicate that the tailings possess a specific gravity of 2.651 g/cm³, a natural bulk density of 0.967 g/cm³, with particles smaller than 74 μm comprising 71.33%, categorizing them as typical fine-grained tailings. Flocculation settling tests reveal that a feed concentration of 12% and a flocculant dosage of 30 g/t yield optimal settling performance, achieving a bottom flow concentration of 53.38%. The incorporation of a rake mechanism further enhances the bottom flow concentration to 61.35%. Rheological assessments reveal that the fine-grained composite tailings slurry behaves as a non-Newtonian fluid characterized by yield stress, aptly described by the Bingham model. The findings indicate that the slurry’s mass concentration substantially influences its flowability, with increased concentration correlating with decreased flowability, whereas the ash-to-sand ratio exerts a comparatively minor influence. Furthermore, numerical simulations of pipeline transport demonstrate that when the slurry concentration surpasses 65%, the slurry maintains uniform flow within the pipeline, devoid of stratification or segregation. The velocity profile displays typical fluid dynamic characteristics, exhibiting higher velocities at the pipe center and lower velocities near the pipe wall. Mass concentration, inlet flow rate, and pipe diameter significantly impact resistance loss, while the ash-to-sand ratio has a lesser effect. Specifically, reducing the mass concentration, enhancing the inlet flow rate, or decreasing the pipe diameter results in increased resistance loss within the pipeline. These research outcomes furnish a theoretical foundation and practical guidance for optimizing fine-grained tailings paste backfill processes and pipeline system design, improving backfill quality and system stability, and supporting safe and efficient mine production.

  • Mining Technology and Mine Management
    Jiadong QIU, Rui HUANG, Lixia SONG, Zhonghua ZHU
    Gold Science and Technology. 2025, 33(5): 996-1008. https://doi.org/10.11872/j.issn.1005-2518.2025.05.378
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    To investigate the influence of blasting disturbances on the surrounding rock of stopes in deep environments, this study developed a numerical model of a deep stope featuring staged longhole drilling, utilizing the discrete element method platform (PFC3D) and based on the engineering conditions of a hard rock mine in southern China. A five-row fan-shaped blast hole configuration was designed, and numerical simulations of millisecond-delayed blasting were conducted. The findings indicate that distinct dynamic response characteristics are observed in various zones of the surrounding rock under multi-row blasting conditions. Notably, the particle vibration amplitudes in the goaf sidewalls initially increase and subsequently decrease as the blast hole row spacing increases. Additionally, the vibration of the roof shows a marked reduction when the spacing exceeds 1.5 meters, whereas the row spacing between 1.0 and 1.5 meters has a relatively minor effect. Significant vibration accumulation is anticipated on the bench face and free surface. Cumulative deformation damage is primarily observed in the left abutment, bench face, and roof of the goaf under blasting loads, while the right abutment exhibits minimal damage. A distinct strip-shaped damage zone is evident on the left abutment, and large-scale rock collapse is likely on the bench face. Field validation corroborates substantial collapse risks in the roof strata and localized damage zones in the left abutment, aligning with numerical predictions. This study offers practical guidance for optimizing blasting design and mitigating disaster risks in deep hard rock mining operations.

  • Mining Technology and Mine Management
    Shuang CAO, Yanli YUAN, Mengzhen CAO, Xudong GAO, Jongwon JUNG, Xiaoshuang LI
    Gold Science and Technology. 2025, 33(3): 554-564. https://doi.org/10.11872/j.issn.1005-2518.2025.03.368
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    Fine-grained sediments are integral to the evolution of reservoir properties during the depres-surization and decomposition of unconventional clean energy sources,such as gas hydrates.As gas migrates from the dissociated hydrate to the production well,it releases substantial amounts of fresh water and induces chemical alterations in the pore fluid.The diminutive size and distinctive properties of fine particles render them particularly sensitive to changes in the electrical forces between particles,which are modulated by variations in pore water composition.Consequently,it is imperative to consider the impact of changes in pore fluid chemistry on the macro- and micro-properties of reservoirs during hydrate exploitation.This study seeks to predict alterations in sediment compressibility and permeability resulting from chemical changes in the pore fluid by analyzing the electrical sensitivity index of various representative fine-grained soils(such as cohesive clay-montmorillonite with a particle size of ≤75 μm and non-cohesive soillike diatom).Additionally,it investigates the behavior of fine-grained sediments during hydrate decomposition under diverse pore fluid conditions.The findings indicate that diatom exhibits significant plasticity but possesses moderate to low electrical sensitivity,whereas montmorillonite displays high electrical sensitivity.The compressibility of diatom,ranked from highest to lowest:Is observed in non-polar representative fluid(kerosene),seawater representative fluid(brine),and deionized water. Owing to its distinctive internal structure,diatom demonstrates both high compressibility and elevated hydraulic conductivity.Conversely,the compressibility of montmorillonite is ordered as follows:Deionized water,brine,and kerosene.Moreover,diatom consistently exhibits greater compressibility than montmorillonite across all pore fluids.Additionally,under deionized water conditions,the hydrate within diatom requires a longer decomposition time compared to montmorillonite. However,under brine conditions,the opposite trend is observed,with brine facilitating a more rapid decomposition of hydrate in diatom. This study further elucidates that the chemistry of pore fluids can influence particle fabric,thereby affecting the compressibility and permeability of sedimentary reservoirs. Furthermore,the electrical sensitivity of fine-grained soils can also impact the behavior of hydrate dissociation.

  • Mining Technology and Mine Management
    Shilong YAN, Wenxing ZHU
    Gold Science and Technology. 2025, 33(5): 1135-1146. https://doi.org/10.11872/j.issn.1005-2518.2025.05.341
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    In the context of fostering sustainable and healthy development within the rare earth industry, it is imperative that enterprises adhere to environmentally compliant operations. Nonetheless, the industry is currently confronted with significant challenges, including environmental regulatory rent-seeking, inadequate oversight, and insufficient supervision. These issues not only jeopardize the industry’s sustainable development but also pose potential risks to ecological environments. This study introduces an innovative tripartite evolutionary game model that incorporates rare earth enterprises, local ecological-environmental bureaus, and the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE). An in-depth analysis was conducted to investigate the evolutionary strategies of each stakeholder under various scenarios, and the stability of system equilibrium points was thoroughly examined. Additionally, numerical simulations were utilized to systematically assess the impact of key parameter adjustments on strategy selection, thereby providing quantitative scientific evidence to inform the optimization of regulatory policies. The findings indicate that: (1) The implementation of a robust reward-punishment mechanism by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) is crucial. This mechanism not only effectively mitigates rent-seeking behavior between rare earth enterprises and local environmental authorities but also steers all stakeholders towards environmentally compliant strategies by dynamically adjusting the intensity of incentives. (2) Excessively high reward levels may have detrimental effects, potentially reducing the central government’s motivation for stringent oversight. Consequently, a scientifically designed reward-punishment mechanism must ensure that “the aggregate of rewards/penalties for enterprises and the credit losses incurred under rigorous supervision surpass their rent-seeking benefits, or that the total rewards/penalties for local environmental bureaus exceed their collusion gains.” This is vital for ensuring the sustainable development of the industry. (3) The study underscores the limitations of singular governance approaches. The results demonstrate that relying solely on cost-benefit adjustments or traditional reward-punishment measures is inadequate for effective governance. It is recommended that the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) implement a collaborative governance strategy that capitalizes on the synergistic integration of reward-punishment and credit constraint mechanisms. By intensifying penalty severity and credit losses, alongside augmenting incentives and diminishing corporate environmental costs, the standardization of enterprise compliance can be more effectively realized.

  • Mining Technology and Mine Management
    Shuang CHEN, Shenglun CHEN, Chen WANG, Xiaosong WEN, Cheng LI, Shaoliang LONG, Wei WANG
    Gold Science and Technology. 2025, 33(5): 1063-1073. https://doi.org/10.11872/j.issn.1005-2518.2025.05.022
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    The aim of this study is to determine the optimal width of mine pillars that ensure stability under room-and-pillar mining conditions. A phosphorus mine in Guizhou serves as a case study for this investigation. The research integrates theoretical analysis, numerical simulation, and on-site monitoring to examine the load-bearing mechanisms of mine pillars and their appropriate widths within the context of room-and-pillar mining. Additionally, the study explores the impact of pillar width on quarry stability and validates the proposed optimization plan for pillar dimensions through simulation tests and practical engineering applications. The findings indicate that, following the initial excavation of the quarry, the maximum vertical displacement of the quarry’s roof plate varies at each stage. The displacement distribution is predominantly symmetrical along the quarry’s center line and decreases progressively towards the sides of the center line. As the excavation of the mining pillar advances through each phase of the quarrying process, a positive correlation is discerned between the displacement changes within the quarry and the exposed quarry area. Simultaneously, the displacement of the peripheral rock overlying the quarry demonstrates a gradual reduction along the left and right sides of the quarry’s center line. The displacement and settlement values of the surrounding overlying rock progressively decrease along these sides, culminating in a final displacement pattern that resembles an ‘arch’ shape. Following the excavation of each stage of the ore body, a high-stress region emerges within each stage of the mine pillar and the mining airspace. The quarry’s mine pillar enters a yield state, with the vertical stress on the quarry’s roof plate being significantly lower than that on the mine pillar. Tensile stress predominantly occurs around the mining airspace. The maximum vertical displacement and settlement value, as well as the maximum vertical stress value of the quarry, are recorded at 41.5 mm and 76.17 MPa, respectively. Notably, there is no significant plastic damage to the mine pillar, with damage being confined to localized areas. Empirical evidence from field engineering practice indicates that the theoretical analysis supporting an 8-meter pillar width is justified. Throughout the various phases of the ore body re-mining process, the displacement and settlement of the mine pillar remain minimal, with a recorded maximum displacement of 13.37 mm and a peak stress of 3.45 MPa, the reby confirming the pillar’s stability. These findings offer valuable theoretical insights and technical support for the safe and efficient extraction of phosphorus mines under analogous conditions.

  • Mineral Exploration and Resource Evaluation
    Qinggong LI, Qiong CI, Song WU, Bei PANG, Youye ZHENG
    Gold Science and Technology. 2025, 33(5): 967-983. https://doi.org/10.11872/j.issn.1005-2518.2025.05.056
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    The Daju area is situated in Angren County, Xigaze City, Tibet, approximately 30 km southwest of the Zhunuo super large porphyry copper deposit. The Daju granite hosts a substantial development of tourmaline veins, which vary in width and can reach up to 1 meter at their widest point. Comprehensive analyses, including electron probe microanalysis and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), have been conducted to elucidate the genesis, geochemical characteristics, and prospecting implications of these tourmaline veins. Based on microscopic examination and morphological characteristics, tourmaline in the Daju area can be categorized into three distinct types:(1) Fan-shaped tourmaline (Tur-Ⅰ), predominantly subhedral to euhedral, exhibiting yellowish-brown to greenish-blue pleochroism, and possessing the largest particle size; (2) Cylindrical tourmaline (Tur-Ⅱ), also subhedral to euhedral, primarily short columnar with cross-sections often triangular or polygonal, displaying yellow-green pleochroism and medium particle size; (3) Fine granular tourmaline (Tur-Ⅲ), mostly anhedral and granular, generally amorphous, with yellowish-orange to green pleochroism, and characterized by the smallest particle size. All types of tourmalines have moderate Mg/(Mg+Fe) ratio, high Na/(Na+Ca) ratio, and low X□/(X□+Na+K) ratio, belonging to the alkali group dravite tourmaline-black tourmaline solid solution series, and the main replacement mechanism of elements is Fe3+Al-1 and (NaMg)(X□Al)-1. The elevated magnesium content (1.18~1.74 apfu), strontium content (589×10-6~1 943×10-6), vanadium content (154×10-6~371×10-6), and the absence of aluminum cation at the Y position in the three types of tourmalines suggest a hydrothermal origin. In the graphical projection for Sr/Pb-Zn/Cu-Ga deposit type discrimination, tourmaline from the Daju area predominantly falls within the transition zone from metamorphic tourmaline to porphyry copper deposits. This suggests a potential genetic link between the formation of tourmaline in the Daju area and porphyry copper deposits. Trace element analysis reveals that Daju tourmaline exhibits a high Sr/Y ratio, elevated levels of Ba, Rb, and Ni, and a low Li content. These geochemical characteristics align with those observed in the Zhunuo porphyry copper deposit but differ from tourmalines associated with lithium and beryllium mineralization in the leucogranites of the Gyirong and Cuona regions in southern Tibet. This indicates that the Daju area holds significant potential for the formation of porphyry copper deposits, warranting further exploration efforts.

  • Mining Technology and Mine Management
    Qing ZHANG, Xiaodong XU, Kai GUAN, Bin LIU, Hongping LI, Zhaowen ZHU, Xin LU
    Gold Science and Technology. 2025, 33(3): 638-647. https://doi.org/10.11872/j.issn.1005-2518.2025.03.047
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    Shaft stability has long been a critical concern in rock mass engineering,particularly as it pertains to underground mines.In the Hongbu mining area of the Xincheng gold mine,the 3# shaft serves as the primary hoisting shaft,and its stability is directly correlated with the mine’s operational benefits.With the depletion of shallow resources,mining activities at Hongbu are progressively transitioning to deeper levels,necessitating comprehensive research on the impact of deep mining on the stability of the 3# shaft.To facilitate dynamic evaluation of the shaft's stability and advance risk prediction,several measures have been undertaken.Initially,a deep hole inclinometer was employed to monitor the deformation of the shaft's surrounding rock.Subsequently,an advanced prediction algorithm for surrounding rock deformation wasdeveloped using the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) algorithm,alongside a four-color early warning index system for shaft stability based on tangent angle and cumulative deformation.Finally,utilizing Dempster-Shafer (D-S) theory,a dynamic evaluation and risk early-warning method for shaft stability was established,integrating multi-source early-warning index fusion.The findings indicate that Shaft #3 is presently in a stable condition;however,there is a notable inconsistency in deformation at approximately 160 meters,warranting further investigation.The rock mass deformation algorithm,utilizing Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM),successfully achieves advanced predictions of rock mass deformation with an accuracy rate of 99%.The evaluation of shaft stability and the advanced prediction method,grounded in Dempster-Shafer (D-S) theory,reveal that the risk value of the shaft remains below 20% throughout the monitoring period,signifying its current safe state.Furthermore,projections suggest that the shaft will continue to exhibit low risk over the next 30 days.This research provides both theoretical and empirical support for the safe and efficient operation of mining activities and introduces a novel approach to the monitoring,early warning,and risk prediction of shaft stability.

  • Mining Technology and Mine Management
    Qinghao ZHANG, Jielin LI, Chengye YANG
    Gold Science and Technology. 2025, 33(3): 659-670. https://doi.org/10.11872/j.issn.1005-2518.2025.03.266
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    In the context of a rapidly evolving global economic landscape and an increasingly complex market environment,the demand for mineral resources has become highly unpredictable.This unpredictability poses significant challenges to the stable operation and optimization of ore supply chain networks.Consequently,the rational design of ore transportation network structures and the optimization of ore flow have emerged as critical issues necessitating urgent attention within the domain of ore supply chain network optimization.To address the complexities associated with optimizing ore supply chains under uncertain demand conditions,this study undertook an in-depth exploration and introduced innovative solutions.A novel robust possibility fuzzy programming model was developed,incorporating considerations of carbon taxes and carbon emission limits.During the model construction process,the uncertainties in ore demand and transportation costs were comprehensively represented using trapezoidal fuzzy numbers.By employing the robust possibility fuzzy programming method,the complex uncertainty problem was transformed into a solvable deterministic form,facilitating the development of a model aimed at minimizing total operating costs.This study establishes a scientifically robust and effective quantitative framework for cost management within the ore supply chain.To efficiently address the proposed model,a differential evolution algorithm incorporating utility degree ranking was introduced.This algorithm integrates the COPRAS model,thereby overcoming the limitations of traditional algorithms that rely exclusively on fitness functions.It assesses the benefits of the ore supply chain across multiple dimensions,including economic costs,environmental impacts,and resource utilization efficiency.By employing utility degree-based population ranking,the algorithm directs iterative processes towards optimal solutions,significantly enhancing its search capabilities and convergence speed.To validate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed model and algorithm,they were applied to real-world engineering scenarios.The results demonstrated that,in comparison to the traditional differential evolution algorithm based on fitness functions,the utility degree-based differential evolution algorithm achieved superior solution efficiency with substantially reduced computational time.Regarding performance,the proposed approach demonstrated accelerated convergence towards optimal solutions and exhibited more significant optimization effects on the ore supply chain network.Moreover,when compared to conventional meta-heuristic algorithms like genetic algorithms,the utility degree-based differential evolution algorithm outperformed in terms of utility degree metrics.It required fewer iterations to achieve convergence and exhibited enhanced global search capabilities and optimization potential.Consequently,this research offers a solid theoretical foundation and practical technical support for ensuring the efficient operation and sustainable development of ore supply chains within complex and dynamic market environments.

  • Mining Technology and Mine Management
    Guoqing HOU, Yunmin WANG, Xiaoshuang LI, Feng ZHANG, Jun LU
    Gold Science and Technology. 2025, 33(4): 865-876. https://doi.org/10.11872/j.issn.1005-2518.2025.04.364
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    To examine the mechanical properties and energy evolution of dolomite subjected to dry-wet cycles and cyclic loading and unloading, a series of conventional compression tests were conducted using the MTS 815.04 test system. These tests were performed under varying confining pressures, specifically utilizing 0.3σ c, 0.5σ c, and 0.8σ c as the upper limits of the tertiary stress for hierarchical cyclic loading and unloading. The lower limit of the stress amplitude was set at 1 MPa, and the cyclic loading and unloading frequency was maintained at 0.8 Hz, with 30 cycles executed at each stress level. Triaxial cyclic loading and unloading tests were conducted on dolomite samples that had undergone different numbers of dry-wet cycles to analyze and discuss the stress-strain curves, peak strength, dynamic modulus of elasticity, energy evolution, and energy consumption ratio characteristics. The findings indicate that the stress-strain curves of dolomite subjected to dry-wet cycles exhibit a concave and non-linear nature, with hysteresis loops resembling a “curved moon” shape. Under cyclic loading and unloading, the peak strength surpasses that observed in conventional compression at identical confining pressures, with enhancements of 11.69%, 12.81%, and 17.43%, respectively. The peak strength increases with rising confining pressure but decreases as the number of dry-wet cycles increases. Although total deterioration intensifies with more dry-wet cycles, the rate of increase diminishes, indicating a gradual weakening of the deterioration effect. The dynamic modulus of elasticity exhibits variable changes across different stress levels, showing a strengthening phase at a 0.3σ c stress level and a weakening phase at 0.5σ c and 0.8σ c stress levels. Both total and elastic energies demonstrate a characteristic stepwise increase with escalating stress levels, with the highest energy dissipation ratio occurring during the first cycle at any given stress level. The mean energy dissipation ratio rises with increasing confining pressure, the number of dry-wet cycles, and stress levels. The findings of this study offer a theoretical foundation for understanding the mechanical properties of rocks in complex environments, and has great reference significance for the disaster prevention and control of mine slopes.

  • Mining Technology and Mine Management
    Jingtao SHI, Wen HE, Qinwei MA
    Gold Science and Technology. 2025, 33(4): 815-828. https://doi.org/10.11872/j.issn.1005-2518.2025.04.062
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    In-situ leaching is a significant factor contributing to landslide occurrences in ion-adsorption rare earth mines. To ensure the safe and efficient operation of such mines, a case study was undertaken at an ion-adsorption rare earth mine located in southern China. Utilizing numerical simulation techniques and the Midas-GTX finite element software, a three-dimensional numerical simulation model of the mine slope was developed. This model incorporated the actual in-situ leaching construction phase of the project. The study examined the effects of three leaching parameters—leaching intensity, leaching duration, and the spacing between injection holes—on pore water pressure, average effective stress, shear strain, and displacement within the slope during the in-situ leaching process. By employing the slope safety factor as a criterion, the sensitivity of liquid injection parameters to the stability of the rare earth mine slope was quantitatively assessed. Based on the overall volumetric flow rate of the leaching solution within the slope and the slope’s stability status, the optimal leaching parameters for this mine were identified. The findings indicate that an increase in leaching intensity resulted in a general rise in pore water pressure, a reduction in average effective stress, an increase in shear strain, and an augmentation in displacement, collectively diminishing the overall stability of the slope. Prolonged leaching time facilitated the transition of the slope from unsaturated to saturated conditions. Throughout this transition, pore water pressure, increased while average effective stress decreased, with a notable surge occurring after 30 days. Concurrently, shear strain and displacement escalated, culminating in slope instability at the 30-day mark. Expanding the spacing between injection holes effectively reduced the number of holes and the volume of leaching solution penetrating the soil, thereby enhancing slope stability. Both injection intensity and injection duration emerged as highly sensitive parameters influencing slope stability, whereas the spacing of injection holes was identified as a sensitive parameter. Under the condition of ensuring the stability of the slope of the ion-adsorption rare earth mines, the optimal injection parameters are an injection intensity of 2.3 m³/d, a hole spacing of 1.50 m, and an infiltration rate of the leaching solution reaching 2.09 m/d.The research findings provide significant reference value for the safe production of ion-adsorption rare earth mines and the selection of leaching conditions.

  • Mining Technology and Mine Management
    Xi YANG, Wei SUN, Shaoyong WANG, Zhengrong LI, Haiyong CHENG, Minggui JIANG, Kai FAN
    Gold Science and Technology. 2025, 33(4): 775-788. https://doi.org/10.11872/j.issn.1005-2518.2025.04.268
    Abstract (205) PDF (130) HTML (204)   Knowledge map   Save

    In response to the surface moraine collapse and debris flow incidents resulting from the natural caving method at the Pulang copper mine in Yunnan Province, this study undertook laboratory experiments on moraine grouting. The objective was to investigate the fundamental mechanisms and developmental processes of cement slurry diffusion within moraine, as well as to analyze the diffusion characteristics and solidification effects of cement slurry under varying grouting pressures. The experiments utilized undisturbed moraine with a stone content of 50% and a moisture content of 11.83%, employing five grouting pressure gradients of 0.4, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6, 2.0 MPa. Utilizing a self-developed grouting apparatus, the study systematically examined the impact of grouting pressure on grouting volume, diffusion radius, formation of splitting channels, and the solidification effect. The findings indicate that:(1)Due to the percolation effect, the diffusion of cement slurry within the moraine is primarily governed by compaction and splitting diffusion, rather than permeation diffusion. During the initial phase of grouting, the slurry compacts the moraine proximate to the grouting port, forming a spherical slurry bubble, which characterizes the compaction diffusion stage. As the pressure escalates to the splitting threshold, the slurry propagates along the moraine’s weakest surfaces, resulting in the formation of primary and secondary slurry vein structures, marking the splitting diffusion stage.(2)Quantitative analysis reveals a positive correlation between grouting volume, diffusion radius, splitting crack width, and channel length with grouting pressure. Notably, the diffusion radius and splitting crack width exhibit a nonlinear growth trend as grouting pressure increases.(3)Furthermore, throughout the grouting process, the cement slurry exerts a significant lifting effect on the moraine. By compacting and splitting the moraine, the slurry generates an upward lifting force, which effectively mitigates moraine settlement.(4)Scanning electron microscopy reveals that the C-H crystals, C-S-H gels, and ettringite minerals formed during the cement hydration process occupy the pores within the moraine and interact with the moraine particles, resulting in a dense mass structure that significantly enhances the mechanical properties of the moraine.(5)The solidification effect of cement slurry grouting on moraine is primarily characterized by two mechanisms: compaction effect and skeleton support effect. For the compaction effect, the grouting process increases the density of the moraine, thereby enhancing its strength. For the skeleton support effect, the cement slurry veins provide structural support and constrain the deformation of the surrounding moraine, functioning as a skeletal framework. This study aims to elucidate the diffusion behavior and solidification effects of cement slurry in moraine, offering theoretical insights for moraine grouting reinforcement projects and the prevention and management of collapse pit geological hazards.

  • Mineral Exploration and Resource Evaluation
    Xinwei LIU, Yushan XUE
    Gold Science and Technology. 2025, 33(6): 1062-1072. https://doi.org/10.11872/j.issn.1005-2518.2025.06.081
    Abstract (199) PDF (82) HTML (188)   Knowledge map   Save

    The Wangjiaping gold deposit, situated in the northern segment of the South Qinling orogenic belt, constitutes a recently identified medium-sized, tectonically influenced, micro-disseminated gold deposit. The orebodies are hosted within interlayer fractures of the Upper Devonian Xinghongpu Formation carbonate rocks, which exhibit intricate structural features such as branching, compounding, tip termination and reappearance, and expansion-contraction characteristics. These features indicate a significant structural control on mineralization, corroborated by the multi-phase hydrothermal superposition mineralization observed in the deposit. To assess the deep exploration potential of the deposit, a comprehensive geochemical investigation was conducted on the primary orebody(Ⅱ-1), employing elemental geochemical analysis, structural superposition halo analysis, and tectonic control factor analysis. The findings reveal distinct geochemical zonation patterns:leading-edge halo elements (As, Sb, Hg), proximal ore elements(Au, Ag, W), and trailing halo elements(Bi, Mo, with minor Cu, Pb, Zn), all exhibiting pronounced axial zoning. The spatial distribution analysis of the Ⅱ-1 ore body reveals that anomalies of antimony(Sb), mercury(Hg), and silver(Ag) are notably more extensive and elevated than the orebody itself, overlapping with proximal ore elements. Conversely, anomalies of copper(Cu), lead(Pb), and zinc(Zn) are predominantly concentrated in the central to lower sections of the orebody, while bismuth(Bi) and molybdenum(Mo) are primarily distributed in the lower parts, demonstrating varying degrees of superposition with leading-edge and proximal ore elements. Two critical predictive signatures, namely the “coexistence of front and tail halos” and “strong front and weak tail halos” were identified, indicating the potential presence of blind orebodies at depth. These signatures, in conjunction with the geological structural characteristics, facilitated the delineation of two prospective target zones for further exploration. Subsequent drilling confirmed the predicted target zone C2, with drill hole ZK4302 intersecting the Ⅱ-1 gold orebody at an elevation of 500 m. The intersection yielded a gold grade ranging from 1.16×10-⁶ to 4.21×10-⁶ and a thickness of 3.95 m, thereby validating the exploration model and underscoring the efficacy of the predictive approach. This study elucidates the practical significance of the tectonic superposition halo model in ore prospecting and prediction, while also serving as a valuable reference for deep exploration within the Wangjiaping mining area. Additionally, the findings offer critical insights into the exploration of analogous micro-disseminated gold deposits in the South Qinling orogenic belt, thereby enhancing the understanding of the regional metallogenic framework and augmenting the potential for future discoveries.