Source of ore-forming minerals, ore-forming processes, and prospecting potential analysis of the Jiuling gold mine in Hebei Province

Objective The Jiuling gold deposit is a recently explored representative gold deposit in the Guanyintang area of the central segment of the Taihang Mountains. This study aims to determine the source of ore−forming materials, conduct an in−depth analysis of the metallogenic processes, identify new prospective targets for the next stage of regional mineral exploration in the western Taihang Mountains, and evaluate the gold exploration potential of the area. In addition, it provides a basis for comparative analysis between the Guanyintang and Mapeng gold deposits in the central Taihang Mountains.

Methods Based on a systematic review of the geological characteristics of the Jiuling gold deposit, this study focuses on isotopic analyses of C−H−O, S, and Pb. Moreover, metallogenic processes are interpreted from the perspective of the mantle−branch tectonic metallogenic model.

Results Six pyrite samples exhibit δ³⁴S_v−CDT values ranging from 0.9‰ to 2.4‰. The ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios range from 16.710 to 17.509, with an average of 16.934; ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios range from 15.301 to 15.444, with an average of 15.362; ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios range from 37.272 to 38.017, with an average of 37.623. Six quartz samples yield δ¹⁸O_V−SMOW values of 13‰~14‰ (mean: 13.5‰), δ¹⁸O_H2O values of 2.67‰~3.67‰ (mean: 3.15‰), δD_V−SMOW values of −100.8‰ ~ −85.6‰ (mean: −95.4‰), and δ¹³C_V−PDB values of −23.1‰ ~ −14‰ (mean: −19.2‰).

Conclusions The ore−forming fluids were primarily derived from magmatic water with minor contributions from meteoric water. The ore−forming materials originated mainly from deep sources, with partial involvement of crustal components, showing similarities to the metallogenic characteristics of the Mapeng gold deposits in the Taihang Mountains. From the perspective of the mantle−branch tectonic metallogenic model, the Jiuling gold deposit is interpreted as a post−magmatic hydrothermal deposit controlled by fault structures. The structural belt along the northern margin of the Guanyintang pluton, where the deposit is located, provides both favorable material sources and highly prospective metallogenic space, indicating significant regional gold exploration potential.