Material, energy and spatial fields for metallogenic prediction: Theory and practice: An example: Limu Sn polymetallic crisis mines

Abstract

The Limu tin deposits located in the Nanling tin and tungsten-polymetallic ore belt are now facing resource depletion after decades of exploitation. Peripheral mineral exploration therefore has become an urgent task. Using mineral exploration around the Limu crisis mines as an example, we introduce a breakthrough method of how the three-field theory, i.e., the material, energy and spatial fields, is applied to intensively studies areas, a history of years of mineral exploitation and complex ore-forming systems. Taking a cue from Limu regional metallogeny, we based our investigation on the metallogenic information from geology, geophysics, geochemistry and remote sensing. We conducted our study of the three-field integrated information system, associated with metallogenic prognoses from deposits, with assignments and calculations which correct and allocate synthetic metallogenic prognosis by relying on GIS. We submitted a synthetic metallogenic prognosis map of tin in Limu where we delineated three ore target areas. A breakthrough was achieved by finding about 4785 t of tin metal outside the Shiziling deposit, which has been confirmed by drilling. The successful application in Limu shows that this three-field theory is of scientific and practical importance and deserves to be extended to utilization.