Introduction of the theory and method of prospecting prediction of metallogenic geological body

Based on the essential theories of geochemistry, mineralogy, structural geology, and economic geology, supported by the practices and research achievements of 230 mineral explorations at the deep and adjacent areas of mining districts and 129 typical mineral deposits, with the thought of combining the endopathic causes(elementary geochemistry characteristics)and exopathic causes(different types of geologic process)of mineralization, this paper proposes new concepts innovatively, called metallogenic geological body, metallogenic structural plane, metallogenic characteristics, and so on.Metallogenic geological body is the carrier of ore-forming geological processes that form the main minerals(with industrial value)and determine the spatial location of the main ore-forming stage.It is divided into five types of metallogenic geological bodies formed by sedimentation, volcanism, magmatism, metamorphism, and large-scale deformation.Metallogenic structural plane is the spatial location of ore-body occurrence, including structural interface, lithology interface, and physicochemical transition interface.Metallogenic characteristics can directly indicate the location of ore bodies and have special significance for prospecting and prediction.According to the new proposed metallogenic geologic process, main deposit types in China are redistricted.The geologic features of these deposit types are summarized.Geological models for prospecting and prediction of metallogenic geological body, metallogenic structural plane, and metallogenic characteristics(also known as the "Trinity" prospecting and prediction geological model)are constructed, reflecting the ore-body occurrence location of these different deposit types.Moreover, working procedures of prospecting and prediction of metallogenic geological body are put forward.The prospecting and prediction theory and method of metallogenic geological body is important guiding significance for mineral deposit research, prospecting prediction, and mineral exploration.