3D Geological Modeling and Mineral Prospectivity Mapping of the Guanzhuang Gold Deposit, Yuanling, Hunan
Year: 2026
Type: other
Abstract: Three-dimensional (3D) mineral prospectivity modeling is widely used for mineralization targeting, but a key limitation remains the quantitative characterization of how multiple geological factors, including faults, strata, alteration zones, and fracture networks, interact hierarchically to control mineralization in structurally complex terranes. This study aims to establish hierarchical ore control mechanisms in the Guanzhuang gold deposit through integrated implicit modeling and spatial statistics to delineate prospectivity targets. Using boreholes, exploration cross-sections, level plans, and structural measurements, 3D geological model was constructed via Hermite Radial Basis Function (HRBF) interpolation with explicit fault geometry integration. Quantitative spatial analysis using distance field and kernel density estimation reveals hierarchical structural controls. The F38 fault serves as primary hydrothermal fluid conduit with peak ore concentration at 250-400 m (30% of ore, 5.48 g/t Au), whereas F37 provides geometric constraints on orebody distribution, validating the geometric control. Fracture networks and alteration zones define the secondary fluid pathways. Complete ore confinement to Ptm4 strata with 100% of ore within 44.6% of stratigraphic space indicates lithological selectivity as a prerequisite control. With a volume of 897,167 m3, mean Au grades increase 11-fold over a distance of less than 2 km from Zhengjiashan (0.62 g/t) to Jinzhuwan (6.88 g/t), indicating a correlation with structural architecture. Fracture network kernel density analysis reveals a correlation between NE-trending fracture orientations and ore generation. Integrated prospectivity modeling balances ore-bearing (Au > 1.0 g/t) and barren voxels, then combines hierarchical predictors to identify high-prospectivity targets. This study demonstrates that rigorous integration of implicit modeling with quantitative spatial statistics provides objective, reproducible prospecting targeting in structurally complex terranes where conventional approaches inadequately capture mineral control factor hierarchies.
Institution: Central South University
Language: English
Subfield: Geology
Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7203615005