Potential Exploration Targets Research Articles

Evaluation of Granite Fertility Utilizing Porphyry Indicator Minerals (Zircon, Apatite, and Titanite) and Geochemical Data: A Case Study from an Emerging Metallogenic Province in the Taimyr Peninsula, Siberian High Arctic

The Taimyr Peninsula in the Russian High Arctic comprises a late Paleozoic-early Mesozoic collisional belt where several porphyry-type mineralization occurrences were identified during the last decade, making this area a potential exploration target for Cu-Mo deposits. In order to further evaluate the metallogenic potential of the poorly outcropped northeastern part of Taimyr, samples from seven granitoid intrusions were investigated in this study aimed to evaluate the granite fertility based on petrography, geochemistry, and composition of porphyry indicator minerals (zircon, apatite, and titanite). The studied intrusions represent small to moderate-sized bodies (40–800 km2) composed of biotite (±amphibole) quartz monzonites, granodiorites, granites, and biotite leucogranites that formed in the course of late Paleozoic-early Mesozoic tectono-magmatic events at the Siberian margins. The late Carboniferous Tessemsky massif represents suprasubduction granitoid series, while the Pekinskiy, Shirokinskiy, Dorozhinskiy, Kristifensenskiy, and Yuzhno-Lodochnikovskiy massifs are correlated with the early Triassic Siberian Traps LIP. The rocks of intrusions comprise a relatively uniform geochemically, predominantly magnesian, slightly peraluminous, calc-alkaline high-K amphibole-bearing I-type granitoid series with adakitic affinity, where Triassic plume-related granitoids inherit geochemical signatures of Carboniferous supra-subduction granitoids, and all rock types are marked by enrichment in LILE and negative Ta, Nb, and Ti anomalies. It is suggested that the adakitic geochemical characteristics of the Taimyr granites are a result of derivation from a relatively homogeneous mafic lower crustal source that formed at the stage of Carboniferous continental subduction and continued to produce granitic melts in the course of the early Mesozoic magmatic evolution. Whole rock geochemistry and composition of porphyry mineral indicators (zircon, apatite, and titanite) indicate that the Taimyr granites crystallized from oxidized water-saturated magmas at moderate temperatures, with the majority of samples showing characteristics typical for porphyry-fertile granites worldwide (fO2 = ΔFMQ +1 to +3 with zircon Eu/Eu* > 0.4 and apatite SO3 > 0.2 wt.%). Data from Dorozhinskiy, Kristifensenskiy, Pekinskiy, and Tessemskiy intrusions fully match geochemical criteria for porphyry-fertile granitoids, and these massifs are considered the most prospective for Cu-Mo mineralization. Granites from Shirokinskiy and Yuzhno-Lodochnikovskiy intrusions only partially match compositional constraints for fertile melts and can be considered as second-tier exploration targets. Finally, available data for the Simsovsky massif preclude its classification as a porphyry-fertile body. These conclusions are in line with previously developed exploration criteria for the northeastern Taimyr, showing that geochemical indicators of granite-fertility can be used on a regional scale in parallel with other exploration methods.

Anomalous tellurium enrichment associated with gold mineralization: A mineralogical and isotopic study of the Yongxin Te-Au deposit, northeast China

The Yongxin tellurium-gold (Te-Au) deposit, a large epithermal deposit in the Duobaoshan polymetallic metallogenic belt (DPMB) within eastern section of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), is mainly hosted by syenogranite and mylonite. However, the Te-Au occurrence, precipitation mechanism and genesis in this deposit remain elusive. In this study, pyrite, the primary host of Te-Au mineralization, was studied utilizing multiparametric techniques such as scanning electron microscope (SEM), electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), in-situ laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) and femtosecond laser ablation coupled multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (fs LA-MC-ICP-MS). The results show that there are three generations of pyrite termed here as Py1, Py2 and Py3. The coarse euhedral Py1 and fine vein Py2 contain negligible to low contents of Te and Au, whereas the anhedral aggregated Py3 with porosity and grain boundary (GB) shows the highest concentrations of Te and Au. Representative LA-ICP-MS profiles show that Te-Au occurs either as solid solution in the Py1 and Py2 or submicroscopic Au-Ag-Te-Bi inclusions, electrum and native gold in Py3. Thermodynamic data of telluride and sulfide show that the Te-Au was deposited under relatively oxidizing conditions with values of log f Te2 ranging from −15.2 to −11.2 and log f S2 from −16.7 to −12.1. at 200 °C. We infer that fluid mixing and fluid-rock interaction were the dominant mechanisms that triggered the precipitation of Te-Au in the Yongxin Te-Au deposit. Geochemical and geochronological data indicate that the likely source of Te is Te-rich oceanic sediments originating from the Western Pacific Plate. Pyrite and telluride from the gold deposits can be potential targets for Te exploration in the DPMB.

Characteristics of Effective Fractures in Deep Buried-Hill Basement Gas Reservoirs and Its Effects on Fluids: The Jianbei Slope, Qaidam Basin, China

Summary Buried hills are basement uplifts beneath sediment layers that possess significant exploration potential. Using the Jianbei Slope of the Qaidam Basin in China as a case study, we systematically investigated the types and origins of fractures in deep buried-hill gas reservoirs. In our study, we synthesized various data, including experimental results, production dynamics, and both conventional and special logging with the aim of clarifying the sequence and effectiveness of fracture formation in these gas reservoirs; analyzing the impact of effective fractures on fluid migration, accumulation, and preservation; and proposing a development plan to enhance stable production. Research reveals that since the Late Paleozoic, the region has been influenced by multiple phases of tectonic stress, deep fluid dissolution, and surface weathering leaching. This has resulted in a fracture system dominated by east-west trending deep major faults, with accompanying tectonic fractures, alongside dissolution, diagenetic, and weathering-collapse fractures. Smaller fractures oriented at an angle to the maximum principal stress and fractures with normal stress lower than the compressive strength are conducive to maintaining fracture effectiveness. Fracture widths range from 0.1 μm to 343.36 μm, with effective fractures comprising 63.49% of the total. Based on aperture and permeability, effective fractures are categorized into three levels: Level I fractures (>100 μm) serve as primary migration pathways; Level II fractures (10–100 μm) are well configured with dissolution pores, forming a foundation for favorable reservoir development; and Level III fractures (micron scale) enhance reservoir storage capacity by connecting fractures. The gas-water interface in the reservoir rises rapidly and unevenly. In the I + II + III fracture combination model, fluid exhibits high-conductivity channeling, leading to rapid declines in formation pressure, quick water breakthroughs in single wells, and severe water sealing. Conversely, in the II + III fracture combination model, fluid invasion is characterized by weak-to-strong finger-like intrusion, leading to prolonged stable production. Vertically, the 20-m to 60-m interval above the bedrock weathering crust has a favorable pore-fracture configuration, making it a high-quality reservoir zone in buried hills. In addition, local thick layers of Level II microfractures within the bedrock represent potential exploration targets. Considering the differential distribution of reservoir fractures, the optimal development plan is expected to achieve a recovery rate of 28.35% by 2030.

The status of artisanal coal mining in Afghanistan: Using remote sensing to assess remaining artisanally mineable Jurassic coal resources

Coal mining is critical to the functioning of the current Afghan economy providing jobs, tax revenue, and foreign exchange. Taxes on coal may constitute the Taliban Government’s single largest source of operating income. Prior to the start of mining, Afghanistan had between 215 M and 430 M tonnes of hypothetical category Jurassic coal resources at depths accessible to artisanal miners. Since 1940, between 51 M and 89 M tonnes of coal have been extracted. Technologically primitive mining practices result in suboptimal coal extraction from disorganized room and pillar mines leaving significant amounts of coal unmineable. Frequent tunnel collapse, gas and coal dust explosions, and uncontrolled widespread mine fires have destroyed or made inaccessible significant additional volumes of remaining artisanally mineable resources. The haphazard unmapped development of the existing Jurassic coal makes it impossible to redevelop these fields using more efficient mining technologies. If new mines are to be developed, they will have to tap subsurface coals not accessible to artisanal miners. 66 % of the area mapped as Lower to Middle Jurassic rock does not host outcropping coal beds. This area, as well as some of the areas beneath thin veneers of lowest Cretaceous sediment are potential exploration targets. Jurassic coals are very gassy. Developing coalbed methane prospects is a more effective and less environmentally destructive means to access the energy contained in the Jurassic coals.

Mineral Reconnaissance Through Scientific Consensus: First National Prospectivity Maps for PGE–Ni–Cu–Cr and Witwatersrand-type Au Deposits in South Africa

AbstractWe present here the first experimental science (consensus)-based mineral prospectivity mapping (MPM) method and its validation results in the form of national prospectivity maps and datasets for PGE–Ni–Cu–Cr and Witwatersrand-type Au deposits in South Africa. The research objectives were: (1) to develop the method toward applicative uses; (2) to the extent possible, validate the effectiveness of the method; and (3) to provide national MPM products. The MPM method was validated by targeting mega-deposits within the world’s largest and best exploited geological systems and mining districts—the Bushveld Complex and the Witwatersrand Basin. Their incomparable knowledge and mega-deposit status make them the most useful for validating MPM methods, serving as “certified reference targets”. Our MPM method is built using scientific consensus via deep ensemble construction, using workflow experimentation that propagates uncertainty of subjective workflow choices by mimicking the outcome of an ensemble of data scientists. The consensus models are a data-driven equivalent to expert aggregation, increasing confidence in our MPM products. By capturing workflow-induced uncertainty, the study produced MPM products that not only highlight potential exploration targets but also offer a spatial consensus level for each, de-risking downstream exploration. Our MPM results agree qualitatively with exploration and geological knowledge. In particular, our method identified areas of high prospectivity in known exploration regions and geologically and geospatially corresponding to the known extents of both mineral systems. The convergence rate of the ensemble demonstrated a high level of statistical durability of our MPM products, suggesting that they can guide exploration at a national scale until significant new data emerge. Potential new exploration targets for PGE–Ni–Cu–Cr are located northwest of the Bushveld Complex; for Au, promising areas are west of the Witwatersrand Basin. The broader implications of this work for the mineral industry are profound. As exploration becomes more data-driven, the question of trust in MPM products must be addressed; it can be done using the proposed scientific method. Graphical Abstract

Targeting porphyry Cu deposits in the Chahargonbad region of Iran: A joint application of deep belief networks and random forest techniques

Mineral prospectivity modeling (MPM) is a valid and progressively accepted predictive tool for mapping reproducible potential mineral exploration targets. In this study, a hybrid approach combining unsupervised deep belief networks with supervised random forest (DBN-RF) is performed to delineate potential exploration targets for porphyry Cu deposits in the Chahargonbad region of Iran. Firstly, a mineral system model for porphyry Cu deposits is established, and relevant targeting criteria are delineated based on comprehensive exploration datasets. Subsequently, within this hybrid framework, the DBN extracts deep implicit feature information, which is then utilized as input for the RF. The comparative results on the performance of the hybrid model and the RF model trained by the primary targeting criteria, in terms of the improved prediction-area plot, demonstrate that the DBN-RF prospectivity model outperformed the RF-generated model with an overall efficiency of 0.53. This hybrid model accurately identified 81.97 % of known Cu deposits within an investigation area of 18.03 %, with primary trends aligned with the primary faults and volcanic units of the region. This study demonstrates effective performance of DBN-RF in identifying exploration targets for porphyry Cu deposits at regional scale and also highlights the potential of deep learning-based methods for successful MPM.

First identification of the Early Cretaceous Suolong Cu-rich porphyry in the Geji area, central Tibet: A new clue for regional porphyry Cu exploration

The Tibetan Plateau hosts the majority of porphyry Cu deposits in China. There are two large metallogenic belts, the Gangdese and Bangong-Nujiang belts, in the Lhasa Terrane, Central Tibet. The Lhasa Terrane experienced multistage magmatic activity from the Mesozoic to Cenozoic, and the subaerial volcanic areas of the western part of the terrane are regarded as favorable targets of porphyry Cu deposits. In this paper, we describe the geology of our newly identified Early Cretaceous Suolong Cu-rich porphyry in the western Lhasa Terrane and present new U–Pb ages, trace element and Hf isotopic compositions of zircon and whole-rock elemental and Sr–Nd isotopic compositions. The Suolong porphyry contains zircon grains with ages ranging from 136 to 135 Ma, εHf(t) values ranging from −1.5 ∼ +2.7 and logfO2 values ranging from −16.27 ∼ −9.92. Geochemically, the porphyry rocks are peraluminous in nature, with whole-rock εNd(t) values of −5.7 ∼ −5.4. We infer that the Suolong porphyry originated from a mixture of ∼53 % enriched lithospheric mantle and ∼47 % ancient lower crustal melt, triggered by the roll-back of the northward-subducting Neo-Tethyan Ocean. The conditions of high oxygen fugacity and water content and tectonic transition promoted the formation of the Suolong Cu-rich porphyry, but the condition of a thinned crust may have constrained the mineralization scale of the Cu deposits. This new identification of Early Cretaceous mineralization event provides important clues for identifying new potential exploration targets for porphyry Cu deposits in the western segment of the Lhasa Terrane.

Subsurface linear structures and potential zones of mineralisation of the Iramba-Sekenke greenstone belt, central Tanzania with implications for the structural-controlled mineralisation

This study aims to delineate concealed subsurface linear structures and their relationship with mineralisation in the Iramba-Sekenke greenstone belt. Results reveal three different types of linear structures and their concealed continuations, which were previously not identified. These structures include dykes trending in NE-SW and NS; shear zones with NW-SE trending and faults that trend in NE-SW, NW-SE and N–S. The faults and shear zones, which were previously shown to terminate at the northwestern end of the Iramba Plateau due to sediment cover, have been revealed to continue into Wembere depression. Moreover, the aeromagnetic and gravity results show that some faults are intruded by dykes in the same trends, which were not previously identified. The geological relationship between these linear structures shows that the youngest structures are the western dolerite dyke trending N–S and the oldest is the NE-SW Wembere-Iramba Plateau fault. The delineation of geological structures from magnetic and gravity data using different analysis techniques reveals that the mining pits are located close to geological structures trending in NW-SE, NE-SW and N–S directions. The integration of the findings from CET grid analysis techniques, together with magnetic maps and geological information reveals a good correlation between known occurrences of minerals and promising exploration target areas. The good correlation between the artisanal mining pits with the location of the potential exploration targets is consistent with the location of lineaments and provides future promising prospects for mineral exploration. The correlation suggests that mineralisation and ore deposits in the study area are respectively structurally controlled and hosted in deformed rocks. This study is potentially useful as a guide for the delineation of concealed subsurface linear structures and integration of structural geometry and geophysical methods for exploration of hidden mineral deposits in the Iramba-Sekenke greenstone belt.

Critical gene signature and immunological characterization in peripheral vascular atherosclerosis: novel insights from mendelian randomization and transcriptomics.

Peripheral vascular atherosclerosis (PVA) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by lipid accumulation in blood vessel walls, leading to vessel narrowing and inadequate blood supply. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying PVA remain poorly understood. In this study, we employed a combination of Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis and integrated transcriptomics to identify the critical gene signature associated with PVA. This study utilized three public datasets (GSE43292, GSE100927 and GSE28829) related to peripheral vascular atherosclerosis obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Instrumental variables (IVs) were identified through expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis, and two-sample MR analysis was performed using publicly available summary statistics. Disease critical genes were identified based on odds ratios and intersected with differentially expressed genes in the disease dataset. GSE28829 dataset was used to validate the screened disease critical genes. Functional enrichment analysis, GSEA analysis, and immune cell infiltration analysis were performed to further characterize the role of these genes in peripheral vascular atherosclerosis. A total of 26,152 gene-related SNPs were identified as IVs, and 242 disease-associated genes were identified through MR analysis. Ten disease critical genes (ARHGAP25, HCLS1, HVCN1, RBM47, LILRB1, PLAU, IFI44L, IL1B, IFI6, and CFL2) were significantly associated with peripheral vascular atherosclerosis. Functional enrichment analysis using KEGG pathways revealed enrichment in the NF-kappa B signaling pathway and osteoclast differentiation. Gene set enrichment analysis further demonstrated functional enrichment of these genes in processes related to vascular functions and immune system activation. Additionally, immune cell infiltration analysis showed differential ratios of B cells and mast cells between the disease and control groups. The correlations analysis highlights the intricate interplay between disease critical genes and immune cells associated with PVA. In conclusion, this study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying PVA by identifying ten disease critical genes associated with the disease. These findings, supported by differential expression, functional enrichment, and immune system involvement, emphasize the role of these genes in vascular function and immune cell interactions in the context of PVA. These findings contribute to a better understanding of PVA pathogenesis and offer potential targets for further mechanistic exploration and therapeutic interventions.

Bioinformatics integration reveals key genes associated with mitophagy in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury

BackgroundMyocardial ischemia is a prevalent cardiovascular disorder associated with significant morbidity and mortality. While prompt restoration of blood flow is essential for improving patient outcomes, the subsequent reperfusion process can result in myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury (MIRI). Mitophagy, a specialized autophagic mechanism, has consistently been implicated in various cardiovascular disorders. However, the specific connection between ischemia–reperfusion and mitophagy remains elusive. This study aims to elucidate and validate central mitophagy-related genes associated with MIRI through comprehensive bioinformatics analysis.MethodsWe acquired the microarray expression profile dataset (GSE108940) from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using GEO2R. Subsequently, these DEGs were cross-referenced with the mitophagy database, and differential nucleotide sequence analysis was performed through enrichment analysis. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis was employed to identify hub genes, followed by clustering of these hub genes using cytoHubba and MCODE within Cytoscape software. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was conducted on central genes. Additionally, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analyses were conducted to validate the expression patterns of pivotal genes in MIRI rat model and H9C2 cardiomyocytes.ResultsA total of 2719 DEGs and 61 mitophagy-DEGs were identified, followed by enrichment analyses and the construction of a PPI network. HSP90AA1, RPS27A, EEF2, EIF4A1, EIF2S1, HIF-1α, and BNIP3 emerged as the seven hub genes identified by cytoHubba and MCODE of Cytoscape software. Functional clustering analysis of HIF-1α and BNIP3 yielded a score of 9.647, as determined by Cytoscape (MCODE). In our MIRI rat model, Western blot and immunofluorescence analyses confirmed a significant elevation in the expression of HIF-1α and BNIP3, accompanied by a notable increase in the ratio of LC3II to LC3I. Subsequently, qPCR confirmed a significant upregulation of HIF-1α, BNIP3, and LC3 mRNA in the MIRI group. Activation of the HIF-1α/BNIP3 pathway mediates the regulation of the degree of Mitophagy, thereby effectively reducing apoptosis in rat H9C2 cardiomyocytes.ConclusionsThis study has identified seven central genes among mitophagy-related DEGs that may play a pivotal role in MIRI, suggesting a correlation between the HIF-1α/BNIP3 pathway of mitophagy and the pathogenesis of MIRI. The findings highlight the potential importance of mitophagy in MIRI and provide valuable insights into underlying mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets for further exploration in future studies.

Abstract 1146: Pan-cancer characterization of cancer cell state and plasticity using spatially resolved transcriptomics

Abstract Cancer cell state heterogeneity constitutes a foundational characteristic of cancer, posing a formidable barrier to the discovery of biomarkers and the efficacy of therapeutic interventions. However, current understanding of cancer cell heterogeneity and plasticity remains limited, especially in the spatial context. Previous studies underscored that cancer cell states are not strictly governed by genetics, but rather display a remarkable degree of plasticity. Recent pan-cancer single-cell studies have unveiled dozens of recurrent cancer cell states. Nevertheless, the relationship between these cancer cell states and tumor microenvironment (TME) remains poorly understood, especially when considering the diversity across different tumor types. Recent advancements in spatial transcriptomics (ST) have paved the way for a novel approach to spatially profile cell location, organization, and interaction within the tumor microenvironment. In this study, we curated ST data (Visium, 10x Genomics) from public repositories and in-house datasets, encompassing a total of >200 tissue sections across 11 cancer types. By incorporating histological annotations and inferred copy number variations, we systematically investigated the spatial heterogeneity of cancer cell states and inferred clonal architectures of cancer cell-enriched spots. Non-negative matrix factorization was applied to identify highly recurrent cancer states and transcriptional hallmarks associated with intra-tumor heterogeneity. By employing this approach, we uncover a diverse curated gene set of meta-programs. Notably, we observe a high level of reproducibility of these meta-programs when compared to the findings from single-cell level. Furthermore, we observe significant variations of cell states across different cancer types, even among two cancer subtypes within a specific tissue. We noted a unique distribution of 'hypoxia' and 'epithelial-mesenchymal transition' in the basal lineage tumor. Following this, we perform single-cell and ST co-embedding using available tools, including CellTrek and CytoSPACE. We noticed the cell type composition of tumor’s neighbor spots play a significant role in influencing tumor states, especially for myofibroblastic CAFs and the tumor state in epithelial-mesenchymal transition. These findings contribute valuable insights into the relationship between cancer cell state plasticity and interactions with the TME, offering potential targets for further exploration and therapeutic intervention. Citation Format: Guangsheng Pei, Kyung S. Cho, Yunhe Liu, Serrano Alejandra, Rossana Lazcano, Enyu Dai, Guangchun Han, Fuduan Peng, Daiwei Zhang, Yanshuo Chu, Ansam F. Sinjab, Jiahui Jiang, Mingyao Li, Cassian Yee, Andrew Futreal, Alex Lazar, Humam Kadara, Jianjun Gao, Luisa M. Soto, Anirban Maitra, Jaffer Ajani, Linghua Wang. Pan-cancer characterization of cancer cell state and plasticity using spatially resolved transcriptomics [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 1146.

Indoor 2D Autonomous Exploration with an Omnidirectional Robot: A Strategy Based on Rapidly-Exploring Random Trees

An essential characteristic of a fully autonomous robot is the capability to examine an unfamiliar environment and construct a representation of it. The challenge of autonomous exploration involves overcoming various sub-problems, including Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM), motion planning, target identification, and informed decision-making for target selection. This paper presents a frontier-based methodology to identify potential navigation targets for the autonomous exploration of unknown environments by an omnidirectional robot. Permanent and temporary Rapidly-exploring Random Tree (RRT)-based structures are used to search the map and detect frontier points. A novel temporary RRT-based structure, Frontier Temporary Tree, is introduced in this study. It is noteworthy that RRT is solely used to search the explorable space for frontier points and does not contribute to motion planning. A cost-benefit analysis, taking into account path cost, heading cost, and information gain, is used to evaluate the frontier points and determine the best target among them. The proposed method is subjected to rigorous testing through both simulation and experimental studies with an omnidirectional robot under real-world scenarios. Comparative results from simulation studies show that our method consistently outperforms, demonstrating its robustness and efficacy.

Integration of Geological and Geophysical Approaches in Meeting the Challenges of Uranium Exploration in the Cuddapah Basin — a Case Study from Chitrial Area, Nalgonda District, Telangana

Abstract Uranium exploration in the Cuddapah Basin is both scientifically and logistically challenging. An integrated multidisciplinary approach is adopted to infer the subsurface geology. Very Low Frequency Electromagnetic (VLF-EM) survey, conducted over parts of Chitrial outlier, Nalgonda district, Telangana, has indicated thirteen subsurface conductors. Two prominent trends, viz. NE-SW and NNE-SSW/N-S, are revealed from the stacked profiles and pseudosections. Six of these conductors (2 NE-SW and 4 NNE-SSW/N-S trending) are found to have appreciable strike extent (>300 m) with steeply dipping (60°–75°) to vertical attitude. These conductors are interpreted to extend ≥75 m into the basement from the overlying sediments. The ballooned-up zones of low apparent resistivity especially in the sediments, associated with one NNE-SSW/N-S and two NESW trending conductors, are interpreted as zones of hydrothermal alteration and, therefore, demarcated as potential targets for subsurface exploration by inclined boreholes. This study indicates that integration of geophysical data with geological features will help in optimizing the exploration input and narrowing down the target zones for uranium exploration even in deeper reaches of the Cuddapah Basin.

Alteration Mapping for Porphyry Cu Targeting in the Western Chagai Belt, Pakistan, Using ZY1-02D Spaceborne Hyperspectral Data

Abstract The Chagai porphyry Cu belt in Pakistan is an important metallogenic terrain extending approximately 400 km in an east-west direction. Most of the known porphyry Cu deposits, such as the world-class Reko Diq deposit and Saindak deposit, are located in the western Chagai belt. In this study, the ZY1-02D hyperspectral data acquired by a recently launched spaceborne imaging spectrometer with 166 bands within a 0.4- to 2.5-μm spectral region were used to map mineral information over 8,000 km2 for exploring potential targets of porphyry Cu mineralization in the western Chagai belt. False color composite, spectral angle mapper, and wavelength position mapping methods were used in this research leading to the identification of a series of alteration minerals (including muscovite [sericite], kaolinite, alunite, epidote, chlorite, and calcite) from ZY1-02D data. The alteration mineral maps derived from ZY1-02D data match well with the known deposits and field inspections. Twenty-three new targets were identified as potential porphyry Cu mineralization targets for further exploration in the study area. Three targets, north of Saindak, Koh-i-Sultan, and Durban Chah, and six alteration sites in the southwest of Durban Chah, were inspected in the field, and Cu-Au mineralization was confirmed in all these inspected areas. As the ZY1-02D hyperspectral data covers most of the land area of the earth, this study provides new insights for mineral exploration and lithologic mapping in remote regions.

Types and Evolution of the Miocene Reefs Based on Seismic Data in the Beikang Basin, South China Sea

During the Miocene, several reefs formed in the Beikang Basin, South China Sea, which may be potential targets for hydrocarbon exploration. This is due to the environment that developed as a result of the collision, splitting, and splicing of the Nansha Block, which was influenced by the Neogene expansion of the area. However, studies on the types, distribution, controlling factors, and evolution stages of these reefs are scarce. In this study, we used high-resolution seismic data and extensive well-drilling records to gain insights into the evolution of reefs in this particular area. Six distinct types of reefs, namely, the point reef, the platform-edge reef, the block reef, the bedded reef, the pinnacle reef, and the atoll reef, were identified based on our data. These reefs underwent four stages of development. During the initial stage, a few small-sized point reefs emerged in the basin and experienced significant growth during the early Middle Miocene. In the flourishing stage, the reefs predominantly thrived around the Central Uplift and Eastern Uplift areas. In the recession stage, the reefs began to deteriorate during the late Middle Miocene period as a result of the rapid increase in relative sea level caused by tectonic subsidence. In the submerged stage, since the Late Miocene, as the relative sea level continued to rise steadily over time, many reefs that had previously flourished surrounding the Central Uplift and Eastern Uplift areas became submerged underwater, with only a handful of atoll reefs surviving near islands located on the Eastern Uplift. This study indicated the presence of a significant number of well-preserved reefs in the Beikang Basin that have experienced minimal subsequent diagenesis and therefore exhibit high potential as reservoirs for oil and gas exploration.

Europe's economic geology generates exploitable critical mineral resources enabling to reduce its geopolitical dependence- Progress beyond state-of-the-art.

Mineral raw materials were for many years the missing link in the climate debate. It is now evident that climate goals can’t be met without them. Mineral-based lithium battery and neodymium magnets value chains are not in balance between upstream-downstream efforts e.g. electric vehicles boom when energy transition mineral resources are yet not secured, Considering the long period of time (from exploration to mining takes about 15 years) needed for the mineral value chains to be fully operational, the technologies addressing the implementation plan of climate change goals might not always readily available due to lack of the mineral resources needed. However, Europe’s opportunity to become self-sufficient in mineral raw materials supply from own sources and resources, is strongly favored by its geological setting and metallogenetic evolution. Critical and strategic mineral raw materials from European primary and secondary resources produced in Europe can be taken as a guarantee for high standards in social, environmental, and economic terms. Elements and practices related to circular economy, responsible sourcing and resource efficiency addressed by the new EU industrial strategy, should be particularly considered. Major European mineral belts, such as Fennoscandian, Iberian, Carpathian-Balkan, host highly potential exploration targets challenging the likelihood for discovery of new resources and feasible mining prospects. At this stage recycling is not significant resource provider for some of the critical and strategic mineral raw materials. For the EU and the rest of the world to develop mineral supply chains, less dependent on China, strengthening key technology value chains, including processing, refining and metallurgy facilities, seems to be a dominant target.

Design and elucidation of an insecticide from natural compounds targeting mitochondrial proteins of Aedes aegypti

Developing new pesticides poses a significant challenge in designing next-generation natural insecticides that selectively target specific pharmacological sites while ensuring environmental friendliness. In this study, we aimed to address this challenge by formulating novel natural pesticides derived from secondary plant metabolites, which exhibited potent insecticide activity. Additionally, we tested their effect on mitochondrial enzyme activity and the proteomic profile of Ae. aegypti, a mosquito species responsible for transmitting diseases. Initially, 110 key compounds from essential oils were selected that have been reported with insecticidal properties; then, to ensure safety for mammals were performed in silico analyses for toxicity properties, identifying non-toxic candidates for further investigation. Subsequently, in vivo tests were conducted using these non-toxic compounds, focusing on the mosquito's larval stage. Based on the lethal concentration (LC), the most promising compounds as insecticidal were identified as S-limonene (LC50 = 6.4 ppm, LC95 = 17.2 ppm), R-limonene (LC50 = 9.86 ppm, LC95 = 27.7 ppm), citronellal (LC50 = 40.5 ppm, LC95 = 68.6 ppm), R-carvone (LC50 = 61.4 ppm, LC95 = 121 ppm), and S-carvone (LC50 = 62.5 ppm, LC95 = 114 ppm). Furthermore, we formulated a mixture of R-limonene, S-carvone, and citronellal with equal proportions of each compound based on their LC50. This mixture specifically targeted mitochondrial proteins and demonstrated a higher effect that showed by each compound separately, enhancing the insecticidal activity of each compound. Besides, the proteomic profile revealed the alteration in proteins involved in proliferation processes and detoxification mechanisms in Ae. aegypti. In summary, our study presents a formulation strategy for developing next-generation natural insecticides using secondary plant metabolites with the potential for reducing the adverse effects on humans and the development of chemical resistance in insects. Our findings also highlight the proteomic alteration induced by the formulated insecticide, showing insight into the mechanisms of action and potential targets for further exploration in vector control strategies.

IMMU-37. TARGETING NON-CATALYTIC ACTIVATORS OF THE PROTEASOME DECREASES TUMOR GROWTH AND ENHANCES ANTIGEN PRESENTATION IN GLIOBLASTOMA

Abstract Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common adult primary brain tumor plagued by inevitable recurrence and poor survival. We recently performed a genome wide CRISPR/Cas9 essentiality screen in GBM stem cells, revealing a plethora of potential targets for further exploration. The proteasome is a multimeric protein complex that degrades cellular proteins contributing to homeostatic proteostasis, stress response, and antigen presentation. Most proteasomal subunits are essential for GBM stem cell growth in vitro, however, they are also essential for non-malignant neural cells, suggesting that inhibition of those subunits may lead to toxicity. Indeed, adverse neurological symptoms were prevalent in phase III clinical trials for the brain penetrant proteasome inhibitor, Marizomib, which may be linked to the vital role of proteasome subunits in non-malignant neural counterparts. Proteasome inhibitors target the catalytic subunits of the proteasome, however the role of individual proteasome activators, most of which are non-essential for growth in vitro, have not been fully elucidated in GBM. Here, we examined the functionality of non-essential proteasome activator subunits in GBM stem cells in vitro and in vivo. Surprisingly, despite lack of growth changes in vitro, we observed abrogated stem-cell self-renewal in vitro and improved survival in vivo in orthotopic xenograft models following targeting of specific activator subunits. Molecular profiling of targeted cells revealed an upregulation of interferon-γ signaling and upregulation of antigen presentation machinery. Thus, targeting specific activator subunits may inhibit malignant growth in vivo while sparing normal neural counterparts from proteotoxic stress. We are further investigating enhanced antigen presentation by targeting these proteasome activator subunits and examining changes in the tumor microenvironment and survival in syngeneic immunocompetent models of GBM. Further understanding of this mechanism may provide novel targets for GBM treatment or improve immunotherapies in GBM.

Sequence Stratigraphy of the Jurassic Strata and Occurrences of Potential Sandstone Reservoirs in the ST Gas Field, Northern West Siberia Basin

Jurassic strata in the ST gas field of the northern West Siberia Basin have been regarded as a potential exploration target with undiscovered hydrocarbon resources. However limited research has been performed on the sequence stratigraphy of the Jurassic strata, as well as its sandstone distribution controlled by variable sea level change and sediment input. In this paper, four third-order sequences (SQ1, SQ2, SQ3, and SQ4) and nine fourth-order sequences for the Jurassic strata are interpreted based on seismic facies analysis and the lithology stacking patterns of seven wells. SQ1 is characterized by the special Bazhenov Formation which is featured by regionally distributed deep marine shales. SQ2 (J1) is composed of a coarsening upward sequence, the base of which is an unconformable surface that can be recognizable in both seismic profiles and well logging data. SQ3 (J2-J8) is composed of a complete fining-upward and coarsening-upward sequence, showing a series of transgressive and regressive successions. A complete SQ4 has not been drilled through by all the seven wells, only showing a coarsening upward succession on its top (J9) which evolves into a fining upward succession at the base of SQ3. Combined with the seismic inversion result, which predicts sandstone distribution, a sequence evolution model was built for SQ3 showing a full unit of transgressive system tract and highstand system tract (TST-HST) which often occurs in shallow marine shelves. During sequence development, most reservoir sandstones are deposited in the shelf and tidal delta environment at the bottom of the TST and the top of HST, and mudstones are deposited as shelf mudstones, especially at maximum flooding surface. That is controlled by both accommodation and sediment input. Generally, under this sequence framework, the depositional architecture can be further analyzed with implications for source rock, reservoir sandstones, and sealing rock, which may guide future gas exploration and exploitation in this area.

FIELD TESTS WITH LIBS SPECTROMETER ASSESSING LITHIUM, CE-SIUM, AND RUBIDIUM IN THE LACUSTRINE AND VOLCANOCLASTIC SEDIMENTS OF ERDŐBÉNYE, TOKAJ MOUNTAIN, HUNGARY

In this article, we aimed to analyse and evaluate the alkaline metals (such as Li, Cs, and Rb) enrichment in the lacustrine and volcanoclastic sediments of the Erdőbénye valley basin of north eastern Hungary using a field spectrometer and ICP-MS analysis methods in order to define a potential explo-ration target. The results are ambiguous and the consequences are summarized in this article. Alkaline metals such as Li, Cs, and Rb are essential for the 5G technology, production of batteries, various ceramics and glass products, as well as other crucial application areas in the current world. As a result, the demand for those elements is skyrocketing on a world-wide. A potential target area was selected to test the applicability of LIBS field spectrometer in this segment of industrial mineralization.