Metallogenic model and prospecting direction of the Xiarihamu Ni-Cu sulfide deposit in East Kunlun area

Based on a study of the metallogenic characteristics and condition as well as mechanism of the Xiarihamu Cu-Ni sulfide deposit, the authors summed up the metallogenic model of the Xiarihamu Ni-Cu sulfide deposit. The authors hold that Xiarihamu magma group was located in eastern Kunlun island arc magma zone, and that the collisional extension environment constituted the basic con-dition for the formation of the Xiarihamu superlarge Cu-Ni sulfide deposit during the Late Silurian-Early Devonian period. That constituted the prerequisite for the formation of the deposit and the key to the mineralization and the separation of sulfides as well as ore pulp injection. The crustal contamination of S played a very important role in forming Ni orebody. The orebodies are spatially controlled by faults. The metallogenic process of the Xiarihamu deposit can be divided into three stages, i.e., olivine and orthopyroxene metallogenic period, chalcopyrite and pentlandite metallogenic period, annabergite malachite and supergene oxidation stage. It is also pointed out that the regional key prospecting target is the central Kunlun magma arc zone, the area between Ⅰand Ⅲ rock bodies is the most favorable places for deep verification, and the Laningzaohuo anomaly in the periphery is an important target area for verification.