Geological characteristics and exploration potential of the important deposits in Southeast Asia

The abundant mineral resources in Southeast Asia, especially the tin, copper, nickel, bauxite, chromium and potash resources, have obvious complementarity for China's resources, and hence have aroused much attention among Chinese geologists and mining industries in recent years. Although the exploration and development degree of mineral resources of Southeast Asia is very low, Southeast Asia is likely to be one of the most important metal suppliers and resource bases in the world in the coming years. With the discovery of several world-class mineral deposits, the reopening of a number of old mines and the improvement of exploration techniques, the metallogenic studies and mineral exploration have attracted increasing attention among the international mining communities. In carrying out the idea of "two types of mining markets and two kinds of mineral resources" in China, Southeast Asia will be one of the best choices. Although Southeast Asia is still the frontier area for exploration and mining, the present activity of exploration is very promising. For the purpose of clear understanding of the crust evolution and regional metallogeny, this paper has summarized the geological characteristics and temporal-spatial distribution regularities. Meanwhile, the geological setting, oreforming processes and exploration potential have also been discussed. The purpose of this study is to fill the knowledge gap of our understanding of the metallogeny of Southeast Asia. To better find new mineral deposits in Southeast Asia, we should conduct more detailed researches both on regional metallogeny and on individual mineral deposits.