Application of exploration geochemistry data to identify anomalies in the plateau region: a case study from the Xiongcun district in the Gangdese metallogenic belt, Tibet, China

This paper describes the discovery of porphyry Cu–Au ore bodies (No. 2 and No. 3) in Xiongcun, Tibet, China, through the investigation of stream sediments, soils and rocks. The study area (Xiongcun), located in the city of Xigaze, has a complex topography due to its complicated geological background. The Xiongcun No. 1 ore body will soon be mined, 15 years after its discovery. However, recent research on stream sediments, soils and rocks around the No. 1 ore body has revealed notable Cu anomalies on the periphery. With the successful application of exploratory geochemistry data in the anomaly locations, the No. 2 and No. 3 ore bodies have been revealed. The ore reserves of the No. 2 and No. 3 ore bodies are estimated to reach 1.64 million tons of Cu, more than 80 tons of Au and 200 tons of Ag. We expect that our findings will not only enhance the understanding of the reanalysis of anomalies surrounding the discovered deposits but also contribute to the evaluation of the ore-prospecting potential of this plateau region.