『Abstract
Regional geochemistry data for 39 elements from several millions
stream sediment samples were obtained in China's national geochemical
mapping program. This program was carried out over a 24-year period
and covered more than 6 million km2 of China. By examining
this large data set, broad geochemical patterns other than dispersion
halos and dispersion trains can e discerned. These broad geochemical
patterns, such as geochemical regions, geochemical provinces,
geochemical megaprovinces and geochemical domains, are the surface
expressions of large blocks of rock with higher metal contents.
These large “geochemical locks” are the net results of the earth's
original heterogeneity and the distribution and redistribution
of metals during the evolution of earth. Large geochemical blocks
will provide large metal endowments necessary for the formation
of large to giant ore deposits. The geochemical block concept
has the capacity to change mineral exploration strategy and methodology
in China, providing a powerful tool for global mineral potential
assessment and inspiring new ideas for exploration geochemistry,
ore-genesis and metallogeny.
Keywords: Exploration geochemistry; Geochemical block; Large to
giant ore deposit』
1. Introduction
1.1. Development of the geochemical block concept
2. Methodology
2.1. Collection of data
2.2. Setting the threshold of the blocks
2.3. Gridding and mapping methods
2.4. Internal structure of the blocks
2.5. Mineralization coefficient (Mc)
3. South China tungsten block and its internal structure
4. Geochemical blocks of gold in China
5. New mineral exploration strategy
6. Conclusion
Acknowledgements
References