Prospecting thinking and model for the Ketinghaer porphyry copper molybdenum deposit in the East Kunlun Mountains

Abstract: The Qimantag metallogenic belt in the East Kunlun Mountains is characterized by a large variety of deposit types and metallic kinds, with skarn deposits being the typical type. Hence, this belt has become one of the hotspots among geologists. In recent years, the prospecting for porphyry copper molybdenum deposit has achieved new breakthroughs continually in this metallogenic belt. In Ketinghaer, to the east of this belt, a new porphyry copper molybdenum deposit was discovered in 2013. The strata in this area belong mainly to Paleoproterozoic Jinshuikou Group, and the main rocks are metamorphic rocks, such as gneiss and marble. The Variscan and Indosinian intermediate-acidic intrusive rocks are widely distributed in this area, with the Indosinian intrusive rocks being the host rocks; within the rock bodies, there are small porphyry mass and cryptoexplosion breccia. In addition, the NW-, NE-trending structures and multiple geophysical-geochemical anomalies are also distributed in this area. Through a comprehensive analysis of the above conditions including geological conditions, geophysical-geochemical anomalies, and characteristics of typical porphyry copper molybdenum deposits, the authors tentatively summed up the prospecting thinking for porphyry deposits. On such a basis, the prospecting work was carried out, which led to the breakthrough finally. And then, the authors summarized the prospecting thinking and methods for the Ketinghaer porphyry copper molybdenum deposit, and established a geological-geochemical-geophysical comprehensive model so as to provide the train of thought and orientation in search for the same type of deposits in this region.