Pei Rongfu believes that in the future, the mining industry must not only develop a market economy and stimulate the initiative of mining enterprises, but also rely on national policy support to achieve an effective integration of scientists and entrepreneurs—namely, the integration of industry, academia, and research, as well as the integration of government and industry.

　　Pei Rongfu, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, 1948 Graduated from the Department of Earth Sciences at Tsinghua University and is dedicated to mineral engineering exploration and scientific research. 70 For many years, I have led numerous major mineral exploration projects as well as verification and comparative studies on geological exploration of ore deposits and mine exploitation both domestically and internationally, and innovatively proposed... “ Dual-control theory ” and “ Reasonable domain ” The solid mineral exploration model provides well-founded scientific support for guiding geological work and has been internationally cited.

　　To borrow the words of Pei Rongfu, “ Prospecting relies on intelligence. ” The development of the gold mining industry also requires... “ Intelligence ” Support. In response to the pressing challenges of mining development under market economic conditions, Pei Rongfu proposed four scientific and technological simulations aimed at ensuring rational mineral exploration and the sustainable development of mineral resources. These simulations can address a range of issues throughout the entire lifecycle of mining—from exploration and development to operation and sustainable development—in a commercial environment.

　　Pei Rongfu believes that in the future, the mining industry must not only develop a market economy and stimulate the initiative of mining enterprises, but also rely on national policy support to achieve an effective integration of scientists and entrepreneurs—namely, the integration of industry, academia, and research, as well as the integration of government and industry.

　　Broaden approaches to gold exploration.

　　China Gold News: Currently, the grade of China’s proven gold ore resources continues to decline, while the depth of mining operations keeps increasing. As an expert in ore deposit geology and mineral exploration, how do you view China’s gold exploration efforts and the current state of its gold resources?

　　Pei Rongfu: China’s gold ore resources don’t have as high a grade as those in other countries, but the total amount of gold reserves is not lagging behind. However, we must step up geological exploration efforts to ensure the sustainability of our gold reserves.

　　In the early days of the founding of New China, China’s geological work was still severely underdeveloped. The state attached great importance to geological work, and we geologists were hailed as the backbone of the nation’s industrial development. “ Vanguard ”。

　　At that time, we did not advocate for gold mining; instead, we placed greater emphasis on geological exploration for mineral resources—such as iron and copper—that were urgently needed to strengthen industrial development. This was because gold was then considered useful only for decoration, symbolizing superficial splendor and glory. As a result, China’s gold exploration efforts fell relatively behind from that point onward.

　　Later, the country recognized the importance of gold and discovered that it served as a hard currency, enabling the acquisition of various mineral resources needed for national development. Consequently, the country began to vigorously develop gold mining. As a result, geological work on gold mines in our country started relatively late.

　　China Gold News: Right now, where do you think the breakthrough lies in strengthening gold exploration efforts? Or, put another way, how can we find gold deposits more effectively and quickly?

　　Pei Rongfu: China doesn't have a diverse enough variety of gold deposit types; most are associated gold deposits. When exploring for gold deposits, we shouldn't focus solely on a single type of deposit but rather look for the entire mineralization series and its associated combinations.

　　A group of ore deposits that share a causal relationship is referred to as an ore-forming series. Within the same ore-forming setting, ore deposits with different genetic origins can also be combined; I call such combinations ore-forming series complexes. For example, quartz-vein gold deposits and altered-rock gold deposits associated with tectonically-magmatic rocks all form on the basis of greenstone belts. If gold deposits are discovered within a greenstone belt, these three types—quartz-vein gold deposits, altered-rock gold deposits, and those formed in greenstone belts—constitute a greenstone-belt-type gold ore-forming series complex.

　　In this way, within the same tectonic setting, in addition to quartz-vein gold deposits and altered-rock gold deposits, there are also greenstone belt gold deposits. Although these gold deposits have different genetic origins, they all formed within the same geological context.

　　If our way of thinking changes, we might just happen to find gold deposits in the greenstone belt.

　　China Gold News: The approach to gold exploration should be broadened, adopting a new mindset that focuses on ore-forming series and their combinations. So, besides continuing to explore quartz veins and altered-rock-type gold deposits, what are the prospects for gold exploration within greenstone belts?

　　Pei Rongfu: Both quartz-vein gold deposits and altered-rock gold deposits are associated with magmatic rocks; however, these magmatic rocks are all found within greenstone belts. Therefore, I believe it is necessary to search for greenstone-type gold deposits within the Jiaodong Group’s greenstone belt. As early as... 20 Earlier this year, Academician Tu Guangchi proposed that quartz veins and altered-rock-type gold deposits belong to the broad category of greenstone belt-type gold deposits.

　　Greenstone-type gold deposits are hosted within metamorphic rock sequences. When granitic rocks intrude into these sequences, the deposits transform into altered-rock-type gold deposits, and subsequently evolve into quartz-vein-type gold deposits. In essence, altered-rock-type, quartz-vein-type, and greenstone-type gold deposits should be considered part of the same ore-forming series. Whether it’s the Jiaodong gold deposits in Shandong or the Yu-Xi gold deposits in Henan, both should be classified as broadly defined greenstone-type gold deposits.

　　Currently, the world’s largest greenstone belt-type gold deposits are found in locations such as Kalgoorlie and Golden Mile in Australia, as well as Hemlo in Canada. A greenstone belt-type gold deposit has also been discovered in Jilin Province, China. —— Jiapi Gou Gold Mine.

　　Currently, Shandong already has quartz-vein-type gold deposits, such as the Linglong Gold Mine, as well as altered-rock-type gold deposits, such as the Jiaojia Gold Mine. Therefore, the next step is to further explore greenstone belt-type gold deposits.

　　Similarly, in Jiapigou, following the academic approach of ore-forming series and associations, it is also possible to explore quartz-vein-type gold deposits and altered-rock-type gold deposits.

　　Designate large-scale - Location of the ultra-large gold deposit

　　China Gold Daily: You study large-scale... - For many years in the field of ultra-large ore deposits, I’ve also mentioned that we should study large-scale deposits worldwide. - Discovering patterns in the occurrence of ultra-large ore deposits and striving to identify large-scale deposits domestically. - Super-large mine. According to your forecast, China is most likely to discover large-scale mines. - Where are the regions with super-large gold deposits, and why?

　　Pei Rongfu: Northwest Hebei - The Liaodong Mining Agglomeration Area, also known as the Mining Convergence Area, includes northwestern Hebei, eastern Hebei, and southeastern Liaoning; the Jiaodong Coastal Region within the Shandong Peninsula Mining Agglomeration Area; and Sichuan, Gansu, and Shaanxi. - The Sichuan-Gansu-Shaanxi and Xiaoqinling regions within the Qinling Mining Cluster; Hunan, Hubei, and Guangxi. - The Suwan region and the western Zhejiang region within the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River mining concentration area; Yunnan, Guizhou, and Guangxi. - The Dian-Qian-Gui region within the Nanling Mining Concentration Area; the Sanjiang region within the Sanjiang Mining Concentration Area; and the Heilongjiang River basin within the Heilongjiang Mining Concentration Area—all have the potential to yield large-scale deposits. - Super-large gold deposit.

　　This is because the ultra-large accumulation of metallic minerals forms the material basis for the formation of superlarge ore deposits and is closely associated with the high-density distribution of these deposits. With a few exceptions, such as Bayan Obo, most of China’s superlarge ore deposits are closely coexisting with smaller and larger deposits of the same type, collectively forming mineralized clusters or concentration zones of ore deposits.

　　Therefore, by analyzing the patterns of mineral deposits (or occurrences) in ore-concentrating regions and making an initial selection, we can then integrate geological, geophysical, and geochemical exploration results to predict the occurrence of super-large-scale mineral deposits.

　　In the above-mentioned prospective area, within the vast background region, there are multiple concentrated zones of high- and intermediate-grade mineralization, with the high-grade zones overlapping and nested within the intermediate-grade zones. These high-grade zones and their surrounding areas, characterized by such nested relationships, hold the best exploration potential and are indicative of large-scale deposits. - The preferred area for the location of ultra-large ore deposits.

　　China Gold News: What are the mineralization patterns of gold deposits in China?

　　Pei Rongfu: Mineral concentration zones of various types are generally arranged and distributed along two main directions—northeast and northwest. At the intersections of these zones, the extent of mineral concentration zones increases, indicating the significant influence of the Cenozoic Pacific Plate and Indian Ocean Plate tectonic systems on the final localization of gold deposits in China.

　　Low-grade mineralization zones typically appear as discrete spots within the western Tethyan tectonic domain, whereas mid- to high-grade mineralization zones occur as continuous areas in the central and eastern regions, reflecting differences in the gold mineralization history between western China and its central and eastern parts. It is possible that, in terms of mineralization stages, ore-bearing strata, and evolutionary timing, the western region is less complex than the eastern region. Within the concentrated zones of mineralization in the east, it is relatively easier to identify new outcrops of the same type of ore deposit. Compared to the east, the western region holds greater potential for deep-seated mineralization, though discovering new ore deposits there is also more challenging.

　　In the eastern area characterized by areal density, the mineralization of gold deposits (or occurrences) is constrained by the same regional ore-controlling factors and thus exhibits considerable similarity. In the western area marked by point-like density, the mineralized occurrences are dominated by a single ore-forming factor, resulting in greater variability.

　　Propose four theories of scientific and technological simulation.

　　China Gold News: During your research career over the past several years, what has been your most satisfying scientific achievement?

　　Pei Rongfu: The four scientific and technological simulations I proposed for mineral resource development are as follows: First, rational exploration. “ Dual-control theory, reasonable domain ” Simulation; second, simulation of the risk investment decision-support system for mineral exploration; third, simulation of mine development at different scales and the determination of optimal production lifespans; fourth, sustainable development in the mining industry. 5R Circular economy simulation.

　　This addresses the challenges faced throughout the entire lifecycle of the mining industry—from exploration and development to operations and sustainable development—and represents the findings I’ve distilled from my research in ore deposit geology and exploration geology.

　　China Gold News: Have these four scientific and technological simulations been effectively applied in practice?

　　Pei Rongfu: Currently, we are proposing a new mechanism for mineral exploration: public welfare takes the lead, enterprises follow suit, funds provide the link, comprehensive exploration is carried out, and rapid breakthroughs are achieved—thus mobilizing enterprises to play their part.

　　The practical application of four scientific and technological simulations begins with mining venture capital, which should be guided by scientifically simulated risk-investment decision-making. Similarly, the buying and selling of exploration rights also require solid theoretical support. Yet today, both the venture capital market and the mining rights market fail to fully adhere to these theoretical principles.

　　China Gold News: Combined with your rational exploration “ Dual-control theory, reasonable domain ” Simulation—how do you think we can achieve a reasonable exploration?

　　Pei Rongfu: Although mineral exploration primarily relies on whether the technical conditions for mineral development are feasible and whether the economic benefits are significant, it must be based on the four-tier classification system encompassing metallogenic provinces. “ scene ”、 “ field ”、 “ phase ”、 “ Bed ” (geological background) “ scene ” Mineral control “ field ” Mineralizing fluid “ phase ” , in position “ Bed ” ) Based on a thorough study of coupling degrees and accurate, reliable geological assessments of reserves. In other words, only by scientifically grasping the objective laws governing the entire mineralization process at different levels can we achieve rational mineral exploration.

　　I believe that mineral exploration and evaluation are guided by three principles: First, it is essential to grasp the objective laws governing the entire process—from ore formation to exploration activities; second, exploration must be conducted within a hierarchical framework of ore-forming processes and technologies. —— The dual-control factors ensuring the feasibility of economic conditions serve as a reasonable evaluation criterion; third, the market-oriented nature of venture capital and its specific policy requirements are used as the benchmark for evaluating mineral exploration.

　　Reasonable exploration “ Dual-control theory, reasonable domain “ Simulation emphasizes that after a mineral deposit has been explored (in detail) and meets the requirements for mine construction, the construction process itself must also be adjusted—based on new geological, technical, and economic information emerging during infrastructure development—to adopt a phased construction approach. - Infrastructure - Completed - Deploy upon commissioning, with particular emphasis on the depth of geological studies for infrastructure and adjustment technologies. - The significant importance of feasible economic conditions.

　　This simulation serves as a benchmark for evaluating the reasonableness of any mineral exploration outcome, and plays an important guiding role in systematically steering the development of contemporary commercial mineral exploration.

　　China Gold News: What path should China’s gold mining industry take for sustainable development in the future?

　　Pei Rongfu: We must both develop the market economy and stimulate the initiative and autonomy of mining enterprises, while also relying on national policies—such as adopting new mineral exploration mechanisms that prioritize public welfare first, followed by commercial development, with funding links, integrated exploration efforts, and rapid breakthroughs.

　　How can mining enterprises obtain funding? How should the value of their geological work be assessed? These questions call for guidance from scientific simulation theory. The four scientific and technological simulations can serve as crucial theoretical frameworks for steering the future sustainable development of the mining industry.

　　Finally, ensuring the sustainable development of the mining industry also requires thorough implementation. 5R Circular economy, specifically the principle of reduction ( Reduce ), low investment, high returns; comprehensive utilization ( Reuse ); waste recycling ( Recycle ); re-discover the mine ( Rediscovery ); Reclamation ( Reclamation ), protect the environment.