The western region is China’s most important base for the succession of resources and also the primary battleground for China’s strategic initiative to achieve breakthroughs in mineral exploration. The Institute of Mineral Resources, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, under the China Geological Survey, is collaborating with... 11 The research project titled “Comprehensive Information-Based Prediction Method for Major Mineralization Series,” conducted by our institution over nearly a decade in regions including the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and its adjacent areas, Eastern Tianshan, Qin-Qi-Kun, and the Southwest Three Rivers area, has established a systematic theory and methodology for evaluating and predicting mineral resource potential. Furthermore, three software systems with independent intellectual property rights have been developed and refined, and these systems have been implemented in demonstration zones. ( With ) Achieved a major breakthrough in geological exploration and mineral prospecting. The project’s results are... 2014 Received the First Prize in the Annual Geological Survey Achievement Awards.

　　Strengthen research on mineral resource potential evaluation and prediction technologies and their applications, and accelerate exploration of mineral resources in western China. , Of great significance and urgently needed.

　　China’s Western Development Strategy encompasses Xinjiang, Tibet, Qinghai, Ningxia, Shaanxi, Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou, Guangxi, Gansu, and Inner Mongolia. 11 This province and region account for approximately [a certain percentage] of the country's total land area. 70% , population approximately 3 100 million, accounting for only a small fraction of the country's population. 23% The western region is located in high-altitude, cold mountainous areas and Gobi deserts, with sparse population and relatively slow economic development. Overall, the exploration, development, and utilization of mineral resources remain at a low level, and the region faces issues such as small-scale operations, extensive management practices, and serious resource waste. For example, the recovery rates for major minerals in the northwest region are below the national average. 10~20 percentage points. There still exists an imbalance in the degree of resource exploration and development—for instance, provinces and regions located closer to the central part of the country, such as Yunnan, Guangxi, Sichuan, and Shaanxi, have relatively high levels of resource development and exploration, whereas provinces and regions further west, like Xinjiang, Tibet, and Qinghai, remain at lower levels. Accelerating mineral resource exploration in the western region, strengthening research on technologies for assessing and forecasting mineral resource potential and their practical applications, is of great significance and urgently needed for achieving breakthroughs in mineral exploration in China’s western regions.

　　The western region of China spans multiple tectonic metallogenic domains, where geological processes such as terrane accretion, ocean-continent transitions, and crust-mantle interactions are highly complex. This region features unique metallogenic geological conditions and boasts enormous resource potential. ; However, the geological exploration efforts in the major ore-forming belts remain relatively insufficient. It is necessary to organically integrate China’s own established mineralization series theory with comprehensive information-based mineral resource prediction methods, thereby developing distinctive and highly effective prediction theories and technical approaches that can facilitate major breakthroughs in geological prospecting. To this end, the state... “ Fifteen ”、 “ Eleventh Five-Year Plan ” Technological breakthrough / The supporting projects have established two research topics: “Technologies for Evaluating and Demonstrating the Potential of Superior Mineral Resources in Western China” and “Technologies for Evaluating and Applying the Potential of Superior Mineral Resources in the West.” These projects provide long-term, joint funding to carry out comprehensive evaluations and predictions of mineral resource potential as well as exploration and evaluation technologies and demonstration studies in key mineralization belts in western China. The achievement titled “Comprehensive Information-Based Prediction Method for Major Mineralization Series” is a joint research outcome of these two projects.

　　We have achieved numerous innovative results by addressing the challenges in the theory and technical methods for predicting and evaluating the potential of China’s mineral resources.

　　The project team focuses on the theoretical and technical challenges related to the prediction and evaluation of mineral resource potential in areas of China’s western region where geological research is extremely limited. 130 After more than ten years of intensive scientific and technological research, Yu Ren has achieved numerous innovative breakthroughs.

　　First, a set of theoretical and technical methodologies for predicting and evaluating the potential of mineral resources has been established, providing theoretical guidance for mineral exploration in western regions.

　　Guided by three major theoretical frameworks—regional metallogenic geodynamics, metallogenic series, and integrated information-based mineral resource prediction—the project has carried out three key predictive tasks: comprehensive basic mapping of metallogenic series, development of integrated information-based mineral resource prediction models, and quantitative and spatially precise mineral resource targeting. As a result, a regional metallogenic belt has been delineated. ( Including the distant scenic area ) Three categories of prediction results: predicted target areas, predicted resource volumes, and others. The core content of the method includes: establishing prediction models based on deposit types within ore-forming series, and relying on ore-forming series... “ Missing Value Prediction ” and geological anomalies “ Analogical Divergence ” Theoretical prediction and evaluation techniques applicable to exploration area prediction and evaluation. “ Model-driven — Comprehensive Information Positioning — 3D Information Platform Prediction ” Method, “ Comprehensive Spatial Information of Independent Target Layers ” Prediction methods, methods for establishing regional integrated information interpretation models, and methods for compiling base maps for tectonic predictions of regional mineralization series. ; Three-dimensional geological modeling and deep mineral resource prediction methods and technologies under visualization conditions.

　　The methodological system explores and realizes the organic integration of the ore-forming series theory with multi-source information-based prediction in mineral exploration, establishing a mineral model driven by ore-forming series as the linking element. — Regional Tectonic Construction Analysis — The integrated mineral prediction methodology, which combines comprehensive information with quantitative forecasting, innovatively proposes a construction-based predictive map for ore-forming series, prepared through tectonic environment analysis. It also introduces and develops the core technologies of an integrated spatial information prediction approach based on independent target layers, and has developed a digital ore deposit model that enables three-dimensional, stereoscopic prediction—placing it at a leading level domestically.

　　Second, we have upgraded and developed three powerful mineral resource prediction and evaluation software systems with independent intellectual property rights, filling a gap in the field of automated mineral resource prediction and significantly enhancing the level of informationization and automation in China’s mineral resource potential prediction and evaluation.

　　The mineral resource evaluation software has been upgraded. — MRAS System. A digital ore deposit model has been developed, enabling... ES With GIS Combining multi-source mineralization information identification and extraction, automated delineation of prospective areas, automatic selection of exploration target zones, and quantitative estimation of resource reserves, this software system has become a national-level... “ Potential Assessment of Nationally Important Mineral Resources ” One of the specialized prediction and evaluation software designated for major projects, which is used for... 2008 It obtained copyright last year and currently has thousands of software users.

　　We have developed China’s first specialized software for mineral resource exploration and evaluation at large-scale mine-site levels. —MinEsoft The system is specifically designed to serve large-scale mineral exploration. It features functional modules including mineral exploration database management, 3D surface modeling, automated generation of shaded relief maps from massive digital elevation models, and geological body modeling. The system integrates internationally recognized reserve estimation methods such as the geological block method, cross-section method, and geostatistical methods, and enables 3D spatial analysis, 3D gravity and magnetic inversion, and spatial analysis of geochemical exploration data for 3D mineral resource prediction. This software was... 2010 Received copyright in the year, and two patents for key technologies.

　　Upgraded the metal mineral resource evaluation and analysis software. —MORPAS The system has developed two-dimensional empirical mode decomposition and fuzzy evidence-weighted nonlinear mineralization information extraction and integration techniques, enabling the extraction, identification, transformation, and integration of mineralization-related information.

　　Third, it proposed the western region. 4 Several new insights have been gained into the metallogenic processes, metallogenic regularities, and metallogenic series of ore deposits in key metallogenic belts. Multiple ore deposit types have been newly defined, laying a solid theoretical foundation for strategic initiatives aimed at breakthroughs in mineral exploration and for mineral resource prediction. Furthermore, a three-dimensional stereoscopic prediction demonstration has been put into practice.

　　In the Qinqi Kun Formation Metallogenic Domain, in-depth research has divided the geological tectonic evolution since the Phanerozoic into the Archean. — Five developmental stages, including the formation of the Archean cratonic nucleus and continental blocks ; It is pointed out that the Qimantage area is an important part of the Qin-Qi-Kun Central Orogenic Belt. “ Construction joint ”( The interweaving of structural zones in different directions creates zones where large amounts of ore-forming materials accumulate. ); Several ore deposit types within the demonstration zone have been newly defined, including: the Mayuan Mississippi Valley-type lead-zinc deposit, Baigan Lake, and Xiaoliugou skarn. — Quartz-vein-type tungsten ( Tin, molybdenum ) Mineral deposits include magnetite of the sedimentary-metamorphic type from Kuang and Bulenkou, lead-zinc deposits of the hydrothermal sedimentary type from Daijiazhuang and Xialadi, massive sulfide copper-cobalt deposits in the central uplift zone of East Kunlun, and gold deposits of the structural shear-zone type within the Dachang orogenic belt.

　　In the Gangdise metallogenic belt, the study has defined the start and end times of arc formation. ( Early to Middle Jurassic, through the Late Cretaceous ); The oceanic crust of the Yarlung Tsangpo River has been identified as early. — Mesozoic Jurassic Island-Arc Porphyry Copper-Gold Mineralization with Northward Subduction and Consumption ; Panduo has been confirmed. — The Geological Structural Framework and Tectonic Evolution Stages of the Songduo Indochina Fold Belt and the Gangdise Metallogenic Belt ; Identified within the Gangdisi Metallogenic Belt 3 An important mineralization event: the seafloor hydrothermal vent mineralization event associated with the late Paleozoic passive margin rift system, early... — Mineralization Event of Island-Arc Porphyry Copper-Gold Deposits in the Middle Jurassic ( Directly led to the discovery, exploration, and breakthrough at the Xiongcun copper-gold mine. ) Paleocene of the northern belt of the Gangdise metallogenic belt — Eocene and Porphyry — Copper-Molybdenum-Lead-Zinc-Gold-Silver Mineralization Events Associated with Skarn Mineralization ( Typical ore deposits, such as the Jiamu copper polymetallic deposit. )。

　　In the Eastern Tianshan metallogenic belt, a three-dimensional prediction model for the Caixia Mountain lead-zinc deposit was established using 3D predictive theory, guiding deep-level exploration and prospecting efforts. This has set a demonstration for three-dimensional, stereoscopic prediction in mineral exploration and led to the discovery of a new, similarly-type Hongyuan lead-zinc deposit within the same metallogenic belt.

　　Redefined in the key demonstration zone. 58 Ore deposit metallogenic series, 96 A sub-series of mineral deposits. The research findings provide a theoretical basis for summarizing regional metallogenic patterns and guiding regional mineral exploration, and thus hold significant importance.

　　Fourth, a database of typical ore deposits and a database for mineral resource evaluation have been established in the demonstration zone, covering such deposits as the Jiamǎ-style copper polymetallic deposit, the Yamansu-style iron deposit, and the Caixiashan-style lead-zinc deposit. 17 A typical ore deposit has been used to establish a mineralization series prediction model for ore deposits, and a total of [number] have been delineated. 354 The prospective metallogenic areas for important mineral resources such as copper, gold, lead-zinc, iron, and rare earth elements have been scientifically predicted through quantitative estimation, providing a reliable assessment of the resource potential of key minerals in the western region.

　　Fifth, engineering verification has confirmed significant breakthroughs in mineral exploration within the predicted prospective areas or target zones, yielding remarkable exploration results.

　　For example, the project team’s latest research has identified a prospecting approach that highlights the close coexistence of porphyry copper deposits and skarn-type copper-polymetallic deposits within the Gangdise metallogenic belt. Guided by this prospecting approach, it has been predicted that the Jiamu copper-polymetallic deposit holds enormous exploration potential at depth. A new ore deposit model has been established, and borehole verification has confirmed that the Jiamu copper-polymetallic deposit is indeed a porphyry deposit. — Skarn-type copper polymetallic deposit ; Newly submitted (331 + 332 + 333) Copper resource grade 245.4 Ten thousand tons, molybdenum 16.53 Ten thousand tons, gold 83 ton, silver 4918 ton, lead 40.2 Ten thousand tons, zinc 20.4 Ten thousand tons.

　　The three-dimensional prediction was demonstrated at the Caijia Mountain lead-zinc deposit in eastern Tianshan, where deep-seated potential was forecasted. Following an assessment of the mining area... III 、 IV Taking the pulse 2 Drilling verification was conducted in deep target areas, leading to the discovery of a new group of concealed ore veins that are large in scale and exhibit stable vertical extension. In the verification of predicted target areas located within the same structural belt as Cai Xia Shan, a new macro-sized lead-zinc deposit—Hongyuan—was discovered, with thick and substantial ore bodies found at depth. Based on the established exploration model for Huangshan-type copper-nickel deposits, a prospective exploration area for copper and nickel mineralization in Po Bei has been delineated, and drilling verification has yielded significant breakthroughs in mineral exploration.

　　Actively promote the commercialization of scientific and technological achievements to achieve both economic and social benefits. “ Win-win ”

　　During the implementation of this project, we did not merely stay at the stage of theoretical research; rather, we closely integrated industry, academia, and research institutions with production units, applying theory to guide practice.

　　The project team is working closely with production units such as the Sixth Geological Brigade and the First Geological Brigade of the Xinjiang Bureau of Geological and Mineral Exploration and Development, as well as Tibet Huatailong Mining Development Co., Ltd. This collaboration is guided by Researcher Tang Juxing from the Institute of Resources. “ Porphyry + Skarn + Gneiss + Sliding-overthrust structural control model for rock and ore formation ” Based on this foundation, guidance was provided for the deep, thick-skarn-type molybdenum deposit in the Jiamu copper-polymetallic ore field. ( Copper ) Ore body and deep porphyry-type molybdenum ( Copper ) Significant discoveries of ore bodies have been made. Moreover, in exploration breakthroughs at the Caixia Mountain lead-zinc deposit in Xinjiang, the Mayuan lead-zinc deposit in Shaanxi, and the Xiongcun copper-gold deposit in Tibet, the project team has successfully achieved the technological transformation of its research findings, thereby promoting major breakthroughs in geological exploration in western China. These efforts have contributed to the nation’s adjustment of the industrial layout of the mining economy in western regions and have helped drive leapfrog socio-economic development in ethnic minority areas.

　　The project’s delineated prospective areas have successfully attracted social capital investment, significantly enhancing the success rate of geological exploration in the demonstration zones and indirectly generating substantial economic benefits. The three predictive software systems developed by the project are widely used by nearly 2,000 users across various industries nationwide, including geology, coal, nuclear industry, nonferrous metals, metallurgy, and chemical engineering. The comprehensive mineral prediction methodology based on integrated information from ore-forming series has provided theoretical and methodological technical support for national assessments of the potential of key mineral resources, the Exploration Technology Guidance Center of the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Crisis Minerals Office, and other related projects, ensuring the smooth implementation of national and sectoral mineral resource evaluations and exploration programs and yielding significant socio-economic benefits.

　　The project team has also trained a large number of frontline mineral exploration technicians and organized various training courses. 40 On other occasions, the number of participants reached 2000 Number of person-times. Postdoctoral fellows trained. 2 Name, PhD 12 Name, Master’s degree 20 Yu Ming, a talent under the “Hundred, Thousand, and Ten Thousand Talents” program of eight national ministries and commissions. 3 Name: National Advanced Worker 1 Name: Advanced Worker at Provincial or Ministerial Level 2 Name: Xinhua Lian Geological Science and Technology Award, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences 2 Name.