Work

Ore-controlling structural characteristics and prospecting prediction of the Jinshan gold deposit, western Tianshan orogen

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The Jinshan gold deposit, located on the southern flank of the Keguqin Mountains in the western Tianshan orogen, is a typical low-grade, large to super-large epithermal system within a continental volcanic terrain. Although its genesis is linked to Late Palaeozoic volcanic-intrusive activity, controversies over ore-controlling structures have constrained deep and peripheral exploration. Through detailed field and outcrop observations, this study identifies multiple Carboniferous palaeo-volcanic edifices (pipes, depressions, necks), overprinted by NS-trending normal faults and conjugate NNW- and NE-trending strike-slip faults. Mineralisation is shown to be jointly controlled by these volcanic edifices, regional fault systems and the unconformity between Ordovician limestone and Carboniferous volcanic-clastic rocks – termed the ‘silica-calcite interface’. A corresponding ore-controlling model highlights favourable exploration targets at this unconformity within structural intersections of subsidiary vents and regional/ring/radial fractures. Subsequent drilling not only confirmed high-grade, thick orebodies (e.g. 6 m @ 3.56 g/t, peak 56.3 g/t) in predicted areas but also revealed anticipated mineralisation types in unexplored zones south of the mine. The study provides a validated structural model for epithermal exploration in similar volcanic terrains worldwide.

Source: All Earth

DOI: 10.1080/27669645.2026.2690828