Characteristics and Deep Mineralization Prediction of the Langmuri Copper–Nickel Sulfide Deposit in the Eastern Kunlun Orogenic Belt, China

Abstract

The discovery of a Cu-Ni sulfide deposit in Langmuri of the Eastern Kunlun Orogenic Belt holds significant geological implications. This study, based on the examination of the metallogenic geological body, metallogenic structure, and metallogenic process characteristics, suggests that the deposit is a magmatic Cu-Ni sulfide deposit formed in the collision of orogenic and post-extension processes of the Late Ordovician. The early mineralization of the deposit was primarily derived from the differentiation of sulfides in the mafic–ultramafic rock (450–439 Ma) of the Late Ordovician, while the late-stage mineralization underwent significant superimposed modification by the magmatic–hydrothermal activity of crustal-contaminated biotite granite (415 Ma). In addition, this article analyzes the measurements of the geochemical studies of sediments, and the magnetic and gravity measurements carried out in the area, focusing on the geochemical and geophysical anomaly characteristics in the study area, and selects favorable exploration areas, which have been confirmed to have multiple mineral bodies. By integrating comprehensive gravity, magnetic, induced polarization, and audio-frequency magnetotelluric profile measurements, this study analyzes delineated mineralized zones and the deep extensions of surface mineral bodies to assess deep mineralization potential and identify deep ore-finding targets. It suggests that diverse and scattered mafic–ultramafic complexes in the Langmuri mining area have a large-scale distribution of ore-bearing rocks in the deep. Through the analysis and inverse of the geophysical data, a deep mineralization predictive model was established in the basic–ultrabasic rock mass. The study presents prospects for the delineation of the deep-seated mineralization in the Langmuri deposit.