Ambient Noise Tomography Reveals Deep Ore-forming Structures in Shear Zone-type Gold Deposits

Strategic Insights -

Research conducted in the Dongchuan gold mining area has shed new light on the structural controls and fluid migration pathways associated with shear zone-hosted gold deposits. The study used ambient noise tomography and seismic velocity analysis to investigate the deep-seated fault systems and ore-forming processes in the region. The research, funded by various institutions including the National Natural Science Foundation of China, reveals a poly-phase nature of the metallogenic process, with contributions from magmatic, and mantle plume events.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found significant lateral heterogeneity in the shear wave velocity model, with low-velocity zones corresponding to fault zones and high-velocity anomalies associated with deeper magmatic intrusions.
  • The analysis of fault systems highlights their critical role in controlling the gold mineralization, as reflected by distinct high-velocity seismic anomalies.
  • The research suggests that secondary faults facilitate the migration of magmatic hydrothermal fluids, contributing to the formation of gold mineralization.
  • The study provides valuable insights into the structural controls and fluid migration pathways associated with shear zone-hosted gold deposits.
  • The research team consisted of Zhanwu Lu, Yao Liang, Si Chen, Hongshuang Zhang, Xiaoran Wang, Guangwen Wang, Wei Cai, Lifu Cao, and Zilong Chen from the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences.

Statistics:

  • The research was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, China Geological Survey, Deep Earth Probe, and Mineral Resources Exploration-NationaScience and Technology Major Project, National Key Research & Development Program of China, BGRIMM Technology Group, and Yunnan Jinshan Mining Co., Ltd.
  • The study used ambient noise tomography and seismic velocity analysis to investigate the deep-seated fault systems and ore-forming processes.
  • The research team analyzed a total area of 5,000 square kilometers in the Dongchuan gold mining area.
  • The study revealed a poly-phase nature of the metallogenic process, with contributions from magmatic, and mantle plume events.

Sources:

  • VerticalNews (2025). "Researchers detail new data in Geology - Ore Geology." China Weekly News.
  • Lu, Z., Liang, Y., Chen, S., Zhang, H., Wang, X., Wang, G., Cai, W., Cao, L., & Chen, Z. (2025). Ambient Noise Tomography Reveals Deep Ore-forming Structures of Shear Zone-type Gold Deposits At Dongchuan, Kunming Province, China. Ore Geology Reviews, 182.