This paper is the result of geochemistry of ore deposits and metallogenic models.

Objective With the advancement of exploration work, a new model for phosphate−lead−zinc−fluorite mineral exploration has been established in the Mabian region, southwestern Sichuan Province. Reports of fluorite minerals occurring in association with lead−zinc deposits have begun to emerge. However, there are still significant gaps in the systematic geochemical studies of ore−forming material sources and metallogenic models of fluorite deposits in this area. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the source of mineralization and genesis of the fluorite deposit in Mabian area, Southwest Sichuan, and provide theoretical basis for regional prospecting.

Methods Based on the geological characteristics of the deposit, this paper conducts a systematic study on geochemistry of the fluorite−bearing rock series and the underlying phosphate layers in the Mabian area.

Results Fluorite occurs in vein−like and irregular lump−like patterns unevenly distributed within the lead−zinc deposits, and is produced in the faults or tensile fractures of Qiongzhusi Formation of Cambrian Terreneuvian series. Based on the trace elements, rare earth elements and isotope geochemical characteristics, it is believed that the mineralizing fluids of the fluorite deposit are mainly underground brine and a small amount of natural hot water, and that the main sources of Ca for the mineralization are the carbonate rocks in Dengying Formation of Upper Sinian series and the Maidiping Formation of Cambrian Terreneuvian series, while the main source of F for the mineralization is the fluorite phosphate rock of the Maidiping Formation of the Cambrian Terreneuvian series. The type of deposit is a medium−low temperature hydrothermal filling type deposit.

Conclusions The fluorite resources are extremely scarce in Sichuam, placing it within a non−fluorite metallogenic belt. This research believes that the secondary fault structure of the Ebian−Jinyang major fault is an important mineralizing structure, and that deploying a new round of fluorite mineral exploration project in the area of Mabian−Leibo−Jinyang−Butuo in Sichuan Province has better prospects for mineral exploration, which is expected to achieve a breakthrough in fluorite prospecting in Southwest China.