Study the law, innovate ideas and realize a major breakthrough in (middle) deep prospecting

(Henan Nonferrous Metals Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources)

On June 26th, 2009, the author made a written speech on the topic of "Exploring the law, innovating ideas and realizing a major breakthrough in deep prospecting" at the research forum of Henan Nonferrous Metals Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources led by Fang, director of the Academic Committee of the Open Laboratory of Global Resources Strategy Research Laboratory, which attracted the attention of the research team. At the same time, the research team hopes that the author should not only explore the (natural) geological laws, but also explore the guiding role of (social) economic laws for major breakthroughs in deep prospecting. Therefore, the author wrote this article based on his prospecting practice for nearly 40 years and recent research experience.

In this paper, the major breakthrough minerals in (middle) deep prospecting mainly refer to metal minerals, that is, precious metals, including ferrous metals and nonferrous metals. According to the geological technical and economic standards, major breakthroughs in deep prospecting can be divided into three categories. First, exploring the edge and exploring the bottom; second, finding the blind type at (medium) depth (500 ~ 1000m); third, finding the blind type at depth (1000m ~ 2000m).

The first type, exploring the edge and finding the bottom, mainly focuses on prospecting in old mines, with good input-output benefits, which the state should continue to give priority to; The second and third types are all locked in the predicted ore concentration areas of key metallogenic belts. The second type is relatively less difficult, less risky, easier to obtain prospecting information, easier to determine prospecting targets, and more mature drilling verification technology. The hit rate of finding large and good mines may be around 1%, and the input-output benefit should be better than the third type. Therefore, the major breakthrough in deep prospecting must also obey the laws of geology, technology and economy, and the second type of blind prospecting in deep (medium) tapping is chosen as the key to make a major breakthrough.

At present, what are the geological, technical and economic standards for major breakthroughs in (middle) deep prospecting? That is to find a super-large polymetallic deposit with convenient transportation, easy mining and selection, mainly precious metals (colored and black). Its resource reserves are more than five times that of large-scale deposits (reserves should account for more than 70%), and its potential value of development and utilization should have a macroscopic and significant response effect, especially to the financial crisis.

The first is to study the new law of prospecting in (middle) depth.

After the implementation of the national deep prospecting project in old mines, a series of remarkable achievements have been made, and a preliminary understanding of the new law of deep prospecting in old mines needs further summary by geologists, so let's not talk about it for the time being. However, for the key metallogenic belt that predicts blind type in ore concentration area, how to find blind type according to the new law of deep prospecting and make a major breakthrough? I want to discuss this problem with you.

According to many years' geological prospecting practice and recently known global deep prospecting information, especially according to the practice of making a great breakthrough in the exploration and development of Shagou deep-source magmatic hydrothermal thin vein type silver-rich lead-zinc mine in Luoning County, Luoyang City, we have preliminarily concluded that the new law of blind deep prospecting in (middle) deep exploration is "high risk, high technology, high input and high output", that is, "four highs" may be a new geological and technical and economic law of (middle) deep prospecting. If the comprehensive hit rate of shallow and deep prospecting for large and good ore in the world was 1% in the past, then the hit rate of this (middle) deep prospecting for large and good ore was also about 1%. This kind of high wind risk in (middle) deep prospecting should be reduced by corresponding high and new technology. After high technology reduces high risk, this kind of (middle) deep prospecting can be carried out with high investment. For example, Shagou Mine has invested about 1 billion yuan (RMB) in prospecting and exploration in the past two years. High input means high output. For example, Shagou Mine recovered its exploration investment within one year. In a word, it is debatable whether the "four highs" can be used as a new law of blind deep prospecting for attacking (middle) depth, in order to attract jade.

The second is to innovate the breakthrough idea of (middle) deep prospecting.

Based on the typical analysis of 100 Daliang ore deposits discovered in the world since 1970, it is found that 70% of the deposits are related to magmatic hydrothermal (ore-forming fluid) activities of deep source (mantle source and mantle crust source), which is the mainstream type of major breakthrough in ore prospecting. What is more noteworthy is that among the mainstream types, the types of concealed rock mass related to mineralization account for 80%, that is, about 60 typical deposits with major breakthroughs in prospecting in 100 are related to concealed rock mass, which deserves great attention. For example, the Olympic Dam super-large deposit (32 million tons of copper, 0/200 tons of gold/kloc and 0/0.2 million tons of uranium/kloc), the biggest discovery of human prospecting in the 20th century, has a 20-year prospecting history, which shows that the concealed ore-forming rock mass and its concealed ore-storing structural space at the top are places with high probability of large and good ore. Therefore, the "high technology" in the "four highs" method should first be reflected in the major breakthrough goal of scientifically detecting concealed ore-forming rock masses and their top ore-storing structures with high-tech comprehensive methods. Of course, this new understanding of (medium) depth prospecting seems simple, which may itself be a concentrated expression of "high-tech" thinking.

Recently, Dr. Liu Quanwen and Academician Liu Baojun, etc. Through the study of ocean currents and airflow, we have a new understanding of the inertia force of the earth's rotation. The inertia force of the earth's rotation is mainly distributed between 2133' north latitude and the equator, and the direction is from east to west. It is found that the strong mid-latitude force of the earth's revolution is distributed in 2133' ~ 68 27' north latitude, and the direction is northeast and southeast. Inertia force and strong mid-latitude force are likely to have a significant direction to the mainstream direction of deep magmatic hydrothermal fluid (ore-forming fluid) within its latitude range, especially to judge the mainstream direction of ore-forming fluid related to deep magmatic hydrothermal veins, which is likely to provide new geomechanical basis (70% probability).

In 2007, the author participated in the National Fluid Inclusion Research Association and discussed with experts and scholars such as Fan, Chen Yanjing and Xie, and learned about the new situation of directional research of some ore-forming fluids (deep magmatic hydrothermal solution).

Combined with the new information of the above three aspects and the prospecting practice in our province, it is preliminarily concluded that the conceptual model of "heart, direction and position" is a new breakthrough idea to predict the deep prospecting in the middle (deep) blind ore concentration area in the key metallogenic belt (metal).

"Heart" is the research center of mineralization. That is to say, it is necessary to study the location space of concealed ore-forming rock mass and the concealed ore-storing structure at its top, whether this is a three-element concentric place, that is, whether mineral elements, water elements and thermal elements are easy to gather, whether structures are easy to trap, whether ore-forming hydrothermal solution is easy to circulate, and whether it is easy to form the central structural space of large and good ore. The ore-storing structure at the top of the concealed rock mass in Luoning Zhai 'ao, Luoyang has been preliminarily determined by drilling verification. According to Zhang Zongheng, chief engineer of the Provincial Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources, there are super-large prospective molybdenum deposits submitted by the Second Geological Exploration Institute in Qianhechong, Xinyang, and super-large molybdenum deposits in Donggou, Ruyang, both of which occur in the top storage structure of ore-forming concealed porphyry bodies. This further proves that it is really easy to find big mines and good mines in three concentric places.

"Direction" means paying attention to the study of fluid flow direction. For example, NE-NNE deep magmatic hydrothermal vein ore, theoretically, due to the strong mid-latitude force, its ore-forming fluid is in the mainstream direction from deep to shallow, probably (70% probability) from southwest to northeast. It is also necessary to study whether the measured direction of ore-forming fluid is consistent with the theoretical mainstream direction from the aspects of temperature measurement of timely inclusions, zoning of high-temperature to low-temperature geochemical elements and zoning of high-temperature to low-temperature mineral alteration. After the direction of ore-forming fluid is preliminarily determined, the hidden ore-storing faults and other structural parts can be studied and predicted along the reverse flow direction of ore-forming fluid, so as to achieve a breakthrough in (medium) and deep prospecting.

"Location" refers to the target location for studying the purpose of ore prospecting. That is to say, it is necessary to study whether the structural space at the top of the concealed ore-forming rock mass, the related concealed ore-forming contact zone and the concealed ore-forming fault opposite to the flow direction of ore-forming (hydrothermal) fluid, and the positioning of deep ore-forming structures related to the circulating flow direction of ore-forming (hydrothermal) fluid can become the target of deep ore prospecting. These deep prospecting targets should be delineated by means of the optimized combination of high and new technologies such as earthquake, remote sensing, geophysical exploration and geochemical exploration. On the basis of comprehensive research, we should optimize the target position for drilling verification, and at the same time, we must carry out geophysical, geochemical and seismic exploration in the well in time to obtain important prospecting information, which can be used as a scientific basis for judging the increase of exploration depth and the rearrangement of lateral deep holes. Geophysical and geochemical exploration in wells can not be ignored, which is very important for deep prospecting breakthrough. The breakthrough mode of prospecting in the middle and deep part of Nihe porphyry iron mine in Anhui Province is an example.

To sum up, the conceptual model of "heart, direction and position" is only a framework, but it is a detailed study of the mainstream essence of the "four highs" (middle) deep prospecting law. In particular, how to use high technology to reduce the risk of (middle) deep prospecting, gradually reduce the target space of deep prospecting, and increase the success rate of finding large and good mines from 1% to 2%, and put forward a new idea of blind deep prospecting with reference, science and operability. The mainstream is to use high technology to update macro basic data, scientifically judge meso-meso metallogenic environment and predict meso-meso deposit types (deep magmatic hydrothermal type, epithermal type, volcanic massive sulfide type, etc.) on the premise of combining mind and matter and fully mobilizing the subjective initiative of prospecting experts. ), optimize the micro-goals, and verify them through scientific drills. Its comprehensive research runs through the whole process. Its essence is to predict the deep metallogenic environment (target-deep indirect prospecting) by analogy from the shallow metallogenic environment (target-shallow direct prospecting), and to find the spatial position of the deep ore-storing structure in (middle) and carry out engineering verification (target-(middle) deep direct prospecting) by scientific research on its differences. Of course, this model has not been refined, and it needs further practice and gradual improvement. That kind of eager for quick success and instant benefit, impetuous, unwilling to do fine research work, is unrealistic to plan a hole gambling breakthrough, and wants to take a detour, hoping to attract attention.

Three. suggestion

According to the above-mentioned major breakthroughs in prospecting, the classification of geological technology and economy, the geological technology and economic standards of large and good mines, the new law of "four highs" and the new concept of "heart, direction and position", the author suggests that:

(1) Work out the 2010-2020 (medium-deep) major breakthrough plan for prospecting. On the basis of comprehensive analysis and study of the macro factors such as the impact of the financial crisis on the cyclical law of the global mining economy, the environmental protection plan for the coordinated development of regional social economy, the present situation of mineral resources, the development layout of resource-based industries, the key metallogenic belts, and the strategy of resource safety reserve, and in accordance with the economic and technical principles of need and possibility, input and output, a major breakthrough plan for deep (medium) prospecting at the national, provincial and local levels will be worked out in time. These three aspects should be interrelated and complementary, which is conducive to giving full play to the advantages of overall prospecting information. Can we focus on the middle and deep (500 ~ 1000 m) polymetallic ore concentration areas dominated by precious metals and key metallogenic belts such as Sichuan, Chongqing, Shaanxi and Yunnan? Due to the special needs of the current financial crisis, can we put the major breakthrough in deep gold prospecting in a more prominent position? As far as Henan Province is concerned, can we focus on the gold, molybdenum, silver and lead-zinc concentration areas in Xiongershan (Luoning, Songxian, Luanchuan, Ruyang, etc.)? ), Xiaoqinling (Lingbao, Lushi), Xiaoshan (Shanxian), western Henan aluminum (coal), iron ore concentration areas (Sanmenxia, Luoyang, Zhengzhou, Xuchang, etc. )? As far as our bureau is concerned, can we focus on the concentration areas of gold, silver, lead and zinc in Luoning West (Tieluping-Haopinggou-Shagou), molybdenum polymetallic mines in Songxian West, gold, silver, lead and zinc mines in Xiaoshan, silver, molybdenum, lead and zinc mines in Duigou in Luanchuan West, aluminum mines in Sanmenxia-Xuchang Coal Mine and Linzhou Iron Mine in Anyang? Only in this way can we mobilize the enthusiasm of all parties from the overall combination of macro, meso and micro, make overall scientific arrangements for major breakthroughs in (middle) deep prospecting, act according to the new law of "four highs" and pay attention to improving the effectiveness of all kinds of capital investment in (middle) deep prospecting breakthroughs. Don't rush headlong into action and blossom in an all-round way, and don't act according to the law of input-output economy, so the deep prospecting has little effect.

(2) Compile the 20 10-20 15 special plan for scientific and technological breakthroughs in deep prospecting. In accordance with the new law of "four highs", we should tackle key problems with high technology, reduce the high risk of major breakthroughs in (middle) deep prospecting, and increase the hit rate of finding large and good mines to more than 1%. To this end, the main contents of the special plan for tackling key scientific and technological problems:

First, accelerate the upgrading of basic data urgently needed for major breakthroughs in deep prospecting. As far as the whole country is concerned, can we focus on the three northeastern provinces and six central provinces, as well as the (black and colored) polymetallic metallogenic belts dominated by precious metals in Sichuan, Chongqing, Shaanxi, Yunnan and other provinces and cities? As far as Henan is concerned, can we focus on the key metallogenic belts such as Xiongershan, Xiaoqinling, Xiaoshan, aluminum (coal) and iron ore in western Henan, and the depth can be more than 2000m? The means of updating basic data include earthquake, aeromagnetism, aeroelectricity, gravity, remote sensing and so on. In the past, we seldom used seismic data. According to the preliminary investigation of Zhengzhou Geophysical Exploration Center of Seismological Bureau of China, the author thinks that the two-dimensional seismic refraction and reflection technology and three-dimensional seismic tomography technology of this unit are leading in China, and it is promising to be used in deep target exploration after experimental research.

The second is to optimize the organization of scientific and technological research routes. Firstly, experts from organization department, province and bureau level conduct inversion (using software), and comprehensively study the deep metallogenic environment (above 2000m) according to the updated basic data; Secondly, according to the metallogenic environment, this paper discusses the conceptual model of deep meso-prospecting and mineralization, and whether it is possible to carry out multi-technology combination research according to the new understanding of the conceptual model of "heart, direction and position" and re-evaluate the original ore concentration area according to the new information of three-dimensional prospecting. Thirdly, on this basis, deep penetration geochemical technology can be used to determine whether there are good types of polymetallic deposits with precious metals as the mainstream (black and color), and then two-dimensional or three-dimensional seismic technology can be used to determine the "ternary concentric" target with a depth of 500 ~ 1000 m; Finally, drilling, borehole seismic and geophysical and geochemical exploration were carried out, and a major breakthrough was made.

The third is to carry out the experiment of deep metallogenic environment-mainstream good deposit types-high-tech combination system.

Fourth, the proportion of scientific and technological research expenses should account for 30% ~ 50% of the total cost of major breakthroughs in deep prospecting.

The fifth is to establish a new mechanism for joint scientific and technological research projects of ministries, provinces and bureaus.

Increase investment in scientific and technological research. Only by doing a good job in tackling key scientific and technological problems can we improve the hit rate of major breakthroughs in (middle) deep prospecting and truly act in accordance with the economic law of less input and more output.

(3) In order to make a major breakthrough in deep prospecting in time, we must construct a special incentive mechanism combining material and honor.

(4) Major breakthroughs have been made in comprehensive exploration and deep prospecting, and new platforms need to be built to give full play to their respective professional characteristics and advantages. According to the economic law of less input and more output, it is necessary to carry out comprehensive exploration, which requires the Ministry and the provincial government to guide and build a new comprehensive exploration platform with market mechanism, and give full play to the advantages of geological prospecting units and related enterprises such as geology and mineral resources, coal fields, nonferrous metals (metallurgy) and nuclear industry. This platform can coordinate the interests of all parties, mobilize the enthusiasm of all parties for deep prospecting, obtain more comprehensive deep prospecting information, reduce the repeated waste of work at the same level, and be more conducive to making a major breakthrough in deep prospecting according to the economic law of less input and more output.

(5) A major breakthrough has been made in comprehensive exploration and deep prospecting, and the policy problem of setting mining rights should be solved. A major breakthrough in comprehensive exploration and deep prospecting is generally to lock the ore concentration area with an area of about 100km2, and there are often many mining rights of different owners in this ore concentration area, especially the exploration rights are not limited by elevation. If this problem is not solved, comprehensive exploration and deep prospecting in most ore-concentrated areas will be impossible, let alone follow the economic law of less input and more output. Therefore, it is suggested that the Ministry and the provincial government introduce new policies of government guidance, unit consultation, sharing and win-win, and mining rights integration in mining concentration areas. At the same time, for some locked deep prospecting breakthrough target ore-intensive areas, it is necessary to set exploration rights restrictions on the corresponding elevations of 500m shallow, 500 ~1000 ~ 2000m and1000 ~ 2000m. Only in this way can we act according to the economic law for the major breakthrough of comprehensive exploration and deep prospecting, and provide new policy basis for mining rights.

(6) A major breakthrough has been made in comprehensive exploration and deep prospecting, and a new mechanism for sharing public geological prospecting information such as large-scale survey has been established. At present, the time is basically ripe for commercial geological work and large-scale investigation and other public welfare geological work to operate separately. The Ministry and the provincial government should establish a new mechanism to enjoy the information of public welfare geological prospecting results such as large-scale investigation as soon as possible, that is, geological prospecting units such as geology, nonferrous metals, metallurgy, coalfield and nuclear industry can enjoy these public welfare prospecting information fairly. Geological prospecting units engaged in commercial geological work shall not engage in public geological work, and geological prospecting units engaged in public geological work shall not engage in commercial geological work. Relevant leaders of the Henan Provincial Department of Land and Resources said in the big discussion that they intend to take the lead in piloting this. This will avoid many low-level or same-level repeated waste geological work, greatly reduce the direct cost of comprehensive exploration and major breakthroughs in deep prospecting, and make comprehensive exploration and major breakthroughs in deep prospecting operate according to the economic law of less input and more output.

(7) Carefully determine the first batch of major breakthrough pilots for deep prospecting. It is necessary to gradually establish the establishment mechanism of deep prospecting breakthrough projects combining government guidance with market mechanism, take the predicted ore concentration areas of key metallogenic belts as the project unit, take whether it conforms to the new law of (middle) deep prospecting as the standard, focus on whether the new ideas and technical routes of (middle) deep prospecting breakthrough are reasonable, and carefully determine the first batch of key breakthrough pilot projects of (middle) deep prospecting based on the scientific combination of high-tech methods.