Geological characteristics and prospecting criteria of Tuanshan Au-Cu deposit in Kongquegou area of South Tianshan in Xinjiang

Although the metallogenic geological conditions are superior in South Tianshan area of Xinjiang, the prospecting work has not achieved a great breakthrough. Tuanshan Au-Cu deposit was newly developed with medium potential resources in Kongquegou area of South Tianshan since new breakthroughs in critical mineral exploration were implemented. The geological environment, orebodies distribution, ore characteristics and genetic characteristics of Tuanshan Au-Cu deposit were expounded in detail on the basis of the comprehensive regional metallogenic regularity and the latest progress of ore prospecting. Tuanshan Au-Cu deposit is located in the tectonic superposition area of NWW Kongquegou faults and NE faults in late stage, and the ore-bearing strata is low-grade metamorphism sand in Kongquegou Formation of Upper Silurian. There are 15 mineralization alteration zones, and 13 ore bodies of Au and Au-Cu. The average grade of Au is 0.93 g/t, and the average grade of Cu is 0.66%, with the average thickness of 3.54 m. The genetic type belongs to a mediuin-low temperature hydrothermal gold-copper deposit, and there is a great potential for copper and gold exploration in deep through sorting out regional background, ore-controlling elements, geophysical and geochemical prospecting indicators. The research results expanded a new space for gold exploration in Kongquegou Formation of Upper Silurian and could provide some references for regional mineral exploration.