Objective In recent years, numerous gold deposits such as Chanziping, Daping, Hengbidong and Liaojiaxi have been successively discovered in the Xuefeng gold ore field. These deposits are significantly controlled by the structure, but the characteristics and patterns of the ore-controlling structures remain unclear, which has affected the research on the mineralization mechanism in this area and the determination of the direction of deep and peripheral mineral exploration.

Methods Based on field geological surveys, through comprehensive research and analysis of ore-controlling structures from dimensions such as geometry, kinematics, mechanical properties, and dynamics, this study reveals the spatial distribution characteristics and formation mechanisms of structural elements such as cleavages, folds, and faults, summarizes the ore-controlling structural laws, and proposes prospecting directions.

Results It is suggested that the NE-trending schistosity zone in the ore field is the ore-conducting structure of Xuefeng gold ore field. The NW-trending extensional fracture zone is the associated structure of the NE-trending fault, which develops in or near the NE-trending schistosity zone. Gold ores are mainly distributed in the NE-trending schistosity zone, NW-trending extensinal alteration zone and the intersection of these two zones. The available geochronology data confirm that the Chanziping and Daping gold deposits were formed during the Late Indosinian period, and the principal stress (σ1) direction of Xuefeng gold ore field during this period was in the NNW−SN direction.

Conclusions The above results on structure-controlled mineralization indicate that there is considerable prospecting potential in the deep part and peripheral areas of the Xuefeng gold ore field.