Project Introduction

Research Background

Penetrative geochemistry is based on the principle that metallogenic elements from deep mineral deposits pass through structural fractures or the nanoporosity of overlying rocks and soils to reach the surface. These metallogenic elements are then captured at the surface to locate concealed ore bodies. It is a core technology for deep resource exploration and includes six technological series. There are 2,345 global patents related to this technology, with 405 of them (17% of the total) granted in China, second only to the United States (28%). Currently, the main issues in deep resource geochemical detection are: the migration mechanism of elements at great depths and the establishment of a three-dimensional model; the maturity of key technologies and equipment for penetrative geochemical exploration; the detection depth is limited to 1,400 meters, still falling short of the 2,000-3,000 meter depth requirement; and the lack of demonstration research under various conditions.

Research Objectives

(1) Establish a three-dimensional geochemical model and detection technology for depths of 2,000-3,000 meters;(2) Develop a geochemical simulation and observation experimental platform at the nanoscale and molecular level;(3) Develop four key technologies and equipment for deep penetrative geochemistry;(4) Develop and integrate a mobile rapid analysis experimental system for field use;(5) Through three-dimensional exploration experiments and application demonstrations for copper and gold deposits, achieve detection depths of 2,000-3,000 meters, and provide 2-3 prospective areas for further mineral exploration.

Research Content

The major scientific issue is the mechanism of long-distance vertical migration of elements and the three-dimensional dispersion model; the key technology involves nanoscale and molecular-level detection techniques and key equipment. The research content includes: (1) the mechanism of vertical element migration and the establishment of a geochemical block three-dimensional model; (2) the development of nanoscale geochemical detection technology and specialized equipment; (3) the development of active-state, biological, and electro-extraction technologies and key equipment; (4) geochemical anomaly source tracing and identification in covered areas; (5) improvements to field rapid analysis equipment and integration for in-vehicle applications; (6) three-dimensional geochemical exploration demonstration for altered rock-type gold deposits; (7) three-dimensional geochemical exploration demonstration for Carlin-type gold deposits; (8) three-dimensional geochemical exploration demonstration for porphyry copper deposits; (9) integration of geochemical detection technology in complex cover areas and selection of large-scale mineral target areas.

 Technical Approach

The technical approach follows the path from the establishment of theoretical models, technology development, to experimental demonstration. The overall detection depth capability will reach 2,000-3,000 meters. The first step is to start with the mechanism of element migration. The most likely particles to reach this depth are nanoscale mineral particles and molecular compounds, which penetrate rock microfractures or nanopores to reach the surface. Therefore, through a combination of microscopic observation and migration simulation experiments, the microscopic characteristics of minerals and the microstructural features of rocks will be clarified, and a three-dimensional geochemical model will be established. The technology will be developed and improved by designing precise sampling and separation equipment to achieve detection depths of 2,000-3,000 meters. Three-dimensional geochemical exploration (mapping) experiments and demonstrations will be carried out, ultimately establishing a penetrative geochemical technology system applicable to deep mineral exploration in complex covered areas.

Research Foundation and Team

The applicant team has long been dedicated to geochemical exploration technology research. With continuous support from national "973" and "863" programs, as well as natural science foundations, international cooperation, technology special projects, and large geological survey projects, they have achieved multiple independent original research results: (1) Proposed the concept of deep penetrative geochemistry and initially established its empirical theoretical foundation; (2) Invented a series of deep penetrative geochemical technologies, including nanoscale geochemical detection technology, metal activity state measurement technology, soil gas measurement technology, and dipole independent power supply electrochemical measurement technology, with a detection depth of 1,400 meters; (3) Won the second prize of the National Science and Technology Progress Award, the first prize of provincial and ministerial-level scientific achievements, and obtained 3 invention patents; (4) Formed a complementary research team with 17 industry, academia, and research units to conduct work and create conditions for the timely transformation of results; (5) The host institution is equipped with advanced analytical instruments and experimental testing platforms to ensure the proper use of equipment during the research process.

 Expected Outcomes and Benefits

China remains at the forefront of international research in the field of nanoscale geochemical migration mechanisms. More than 20 SCI papers are expected to be published, with at least 5 SCI papers featuring innovative discoveries.

The penetrative geochemical exploration technology will achieve an overall detection depth of 2,000-3,000 meters. 14 patent applications will be submitted, including more than 4 invention patents. The research and development outcomes will include: (1) a geochemical simulation and observation experimental platform at the nanoscale and molecular level; (2) three specialized metal activity-state extraction reagents, a small-current independent power supply electrochemical extraction device, and a mobile rapid analysis experimental system for field use.

There is strong market demand in the eastern part of China for deep mineral exploration technologies. This project will break through the technology for deep detection of concealed ore bodies, not only meeting the needs of mining enterprises for deep exploration but also providing rapid geochemical survey technologies for large-scale covered areas in the western and northern border regions, enabling the transformation of results. Large-scale application experiments will provide 2-3 prospective areas for large-scale mineral exploration.