Soil gas geochemical prospecting for deep mineral exploration: A case study of covered deposits on the southern Tibet Plateau

IF 3.4 3区地球科学 Q1 GEOCHEMISTRY & GEOPHYSICS

Applied Geochemistry Pub Date : 2025-09-10 DOI:10.1016/j.apgeochem.2025.106542

Gao-Xin Li , You-ye Zheng , Khan Junaid , Xin Chen , Jian-Hui Wu , Feng Gao , De-Cai Lin , Yong Zhang

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

The Tibet Plateau is rich in mineral resources, but its high altitude and harsh conditions make exploration costly and challenging, with a decreasing discovery rate utilizing orebody outcrops. To address this, a novel, efficient, and economical soil gas measurement method was tested using a Portable Multi-component Gas Rapid Analyzer (PMGRA) on typical deposits, including the Mengya'a skarn Pb–Zn, the Qulong porphyry Cu–Mo, and the Zhaxikang hydrothermal Pb–Zn–Sb deposits. The results showed elevated levels of CO₂, H₂S, and SO₂ gases above concealed orebodies, while concentrations were generally lower in non-mineralized areas. Sulfurous gases (H₂S, SO₂) were the most reliable indicators of mineralization, while CO₂ could indicate fault and fracture zones. Soil gas concentrations vary across different mining areas and above different ore bodies within the same mining area, especially sulfrous gases. The concentration of sulfurous gases is positively correlated with both the thickness of the orebody and the grade of mineralization. Additionally, the distribution patterns of these gases effectively indicate the scale and orientation of the concealed orebody. The varying primary sources of these gases lead to differences in their concentrations across different deposits. In conclusion, Soil gas measurement using PMGRA is an effective method for locating deep-buried sulfide orebodies. Its economic, portable, and rapid characteristics make it highly suitable for metal sulfide mineral exploration in high-altitude regions like the Tibet Plateau.

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为了解决这一问题，采用便携式多组分气体快速分析仪（PMGRA）对孟垭矽卡岩型铅锌矿、曲龙斑岩型铜钼矿和扎西康热液型铅锌矿进行了一种新颖、高效、经济的土壤气体测量方法测试。结果表明，隐伏矿体上方CO2、H2S和SO2气体浓度升高，而非矿化区浓度普遍较低。含硫气体（H2S、SO2）是矿化最可靠的指示气体，而CO2则是断层和断裂带的指示气体。不同矿区和同一矿区不同矿体上方土壤气体浓度差异较大，尤其是含硫气体。含硫气体浓度与矿体厚度和矿化品位均呈正相关。此外，这些气体的分布模式有效地指示了隐伏矿体的规模和方向。这些气体的主要来源不同，导致它们在不同矿床中的浓度不同。综上所述，PMGRA土壤气体测量是定位深埋硫化物矿体的有效方法。

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来源期刊

Applied Geochemistry 地学-地球化学与地球物理

CiteScore

6.10

自引率

8.80%

发文量

272

审稿时长

65 days

期刊介绍： Applied Geochemistry is an international journal devoted to publication of original research papers, rapid research communications and selected review papers in geochemistry and urban geochemistry which have some practical application to an aspect of human endeavour, such as the preservation of the environment, health, waste disposal and the search for resources. Papers on applications of inorganic, organic and isotope geochemistry and geochemical processes are therefore welcome provided they meet the main criterion. Spatial and temporal monitoring case studies are only of interest to our international readership if they present new ideas of broad application. Topics covered include: (1) Environmental geochemistry (including natural and anthropogenic aspects, and protection and remediation strategies); (2) Hydrogeochemistry (surface and groundwater); (3) Medical (urban) geochemistry; (4) The search for energy resources (in particular unconventional oil and gas or emerging metal resources); (5) Energy exploitation (in particular geothermal energy and CCS); (6) Upgrading of energy and mineral resources where there is a direct geochemical application; and (7) Waste disposal, including nuclear waste disposal.