Gravity, Magnetic, and Electromagnetic (GME) Geophysical Data Interpretation for Mineral Exploration and Crustal Structure Investigation

A special issue of Minerals (ISSN 2075-163X). This special issue belongs to the section "Mineral Exploration Methods and Applications".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 23 May 2025 | Viewed by 2768

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
School of Geophysics and Information Technology, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
Interests: electromagnetic geophysics; magnetotellurics; mineral exploration; geophysical data interpretation

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Geophysics and Information Technology, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
Interests: electromagnetic geophysics; magnetotellurics; mineral exploration; geophysical data interpretation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Geophysics and Information Technology, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
Interests: potential field geophysics; gravity and magnetic method; mineral exploration; geophysical data processing and interpretation

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Geophysics and Information Technology, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
Interests: underground electromagnetic observations; electromagnetic data processing; subsurface resistivity modeling; lithosphere geoelectrical structures
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue will gather cutting-edge research and innovative methodologies in the field of gravity, magnetic, and electromagnetic (GME) geophysical data interpretation, emphasizing its crucial role in mineral exploration and understanding crustal structures. The focus includes, but is not limited to, advancements in gravity, magnetic, electrical, and electromagnetic methods. We seek submissions that highlight the integration of these geophysical techniques to enhance mineral exploration accuracy and efficiency. Studies that provide new insights into the interpretation of GME geophysical data for mapping geological features, identifying mineral deposits, and understanding tectonic processes are particularly welcome, although contributions in the form of original research articles, reviews, and case studies may cover a broad range of topics, including the following: case studies demonstrating successful applications of GME geophysical methods in mineral exploration, innovative approaches to data processing and interpretation, theoretical advancements in GME geophysical techniques, and submissions exploring the interdisciplinary integration of GME geophysical data with geological and geochemical information to create comprehensive mineralization system models. Your contributions will not only advance the scientific understanding of GME geophysical methods but also provide valuable insights for practical applications in mineral exploration and crustal structure investigation.

Prof. Dr. Sheng Jin
Dr. Letian Zhang
Prof. Dr. Zhaoxi Chen
Dr. Chengliang Xie
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • mineral exploration
  • crustal structure investigation
  • geophysical data interpretation
  • gravity and magnetic method
  • electrical and electromagnetic method

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

19 pages, 16833 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of the Capabilities of Grounded-Wire Source Surface-Borehole Transient Electromagnetic Detection in Complex Geological Settings
by Xianxiang Wang and Wanting Ma
Minerals 2025, 15(4), 429; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15040429 - 20 Apr 2025
Viewed by 48
Abstract
The surface-borehole transient electromagnetic method exhibits significant advantages in identifying deep targets, as its closer distance to subsurface targets results in more pronounced effective anomalies when compared to surface-based techniques. The grounded-wire source TEM demonstrates enhanced capabilities for deep exploration, featuring increased penetration [...] Read more.
The surface-borehole transient electromagnetic method exhibits significant advantages in identifying deep targets, as its closer distance to subsurface targets results in more pronounced effective anomalies when compared to surface-based techniques. The grounded-wire source TEM demonstrates enhanced capabilities for deep exploration, featuring increased penetration depth, enhanced signal response, superior resolution, and minimized volume effects, which render it especially effective for examining intricate deep reservoirs. This study utilizes a time-domain finite-element method with unstructured tetrahedral grids to conduct three-dimensional numerical simulations of grounded-wire source SBTEM in complex terrains, capitalizing on the flexibility and precision of this method for modeling detailed geological structures. A comparative analysis of electromagnetic field responses between conductive and high-resistivity targets indicates that the detection capability of magnetic field components decreases more markedly than that of the vertical electric field Ez as the burial depth of the target increases. The grounded-wire source SBTEM exhibits enhanced sensitivity and better identification capabilities for conductive targets when compared to high-resistivity alternatives. The present research represents a detailed analysis of the impact of complex terrain on the detection capabilities of grounded-wire source SBTEM, utilizing electromagnetic response simulations of typical three-dimensional complex geological models. The results provide robust theoretical backing and empirical evidence for an enhanced understanding of subsurface resource exploration. Full article
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22 pages, 6467 KiB  
Article
Integrated Geophysical Signatures of the Jiaodong Region in China and Their Implications for Deep Architecture and Gold Metallogenic Systems
by Haiyang Kuang, Jiayong Yan, Kun Zhang, Wenlong Tang, Chao Fu, Jiangang Liang, Guoli Zhang and Yuexin You
Minerals 2025, 15(4), 417; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15040417 - 17 Apr 2025
Viewed by 137
Abstract
The Jiaodong region ranks as the world’s third-largest gold metallogenic province, where Late Mesozoic gold mineralization exhibits close genetic connections with cratonic destruction and multi-stage plate tectonic interactions. This study systematically deciphers the deep-seated architecture and metallogenic controls through integrated analysis of gravity, [...] Read more.
The Jiaodong region ranks as the world’s third-largest gold metallogenic province, where Late Mesozoic gold mineralization exhibits close genetic connections with cratonic destruction and multi-stage plate tectonic interactions. This study systematically deciphers the deep-seated architecture and metallogenic controls through integrated analysis of gravity, aeromagnetic, and magnetotelluric datasets. The key findings demonstrate the following: (1) Bouguer gravity anomalies reveal a “two uplifts flanking a central depression” tectonic framework, reflecting superimposed effects from Yangtze Plate subduction and Pacific Plate rollback; (2) zoned aeromagnetic anomalies suggest that the Sanshandao–Jiaojia–Zhaoyuan–Pingdu Metallogenic Belt extends seaward with significant exploration potential; (3) magnetotelluric inversion identifies three lithosphere penetrating conductive zones, confirming the Jiaojia and Zhaoyuan–Pingdu faults as crust mantle fluid conduits, while the Taocun–Jimo fault marks the North China–Sulu Block boundary; and (4) metallogenic materials derive from hybrid sources of deep Yangtze Plate subduction and mantle upwelling, with gold enrichment controlled by intersections of NE-trending faults and EW-oriented basement folds. Integrated geophysical signatures indicate that the northwestern Jiaodong offshore area (north of Sanshandao) holds supergiant gold deposit potential. This research provides critical constraints for the craton destruction type gold mineralization model. Full article
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18 pages, 8412 KiB  
Article
Geophysics and Geochemistry Reveal the Formation Mechanism of the Kahui Geothermal Field in Western Sichuan, China
by Zhilong Liu, Gaofeng Ye, Huan Wang, Hao Dong, Bowen Xu and Huailiang Zhu
Minerals 2025, 15(4), 339; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15040339 - 25 Mar 2025
Viewed by 182
Abstract
This study investigated the formation mechanism of the Kahui Geothermal Field in Western Sichuan, China, using geophysical and geochemical approaches to elucidate its geological structure and geothermal origins. This study employed a combination of 2D and 3D inversion techniques involved in natural electromagnetic [...] Read more.
This study investigated the formation mechanism of the Kahui Geothermal Field in Western Sichuan, China, using geophysical and geochemical approaches to elucidate its geological structure and geothermal origins. This study employed a combination of 2D and 3D inversion techniques involved in natural electromagnetic methods (magnetotelluric, MT, and audio magnetotelluric, AMT) along with the analysis of hydrogeochemical samples to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the geothermal system. Geophysical inversion revealed a three-layer resistivity structure within the upper 2.5 km of the study area. A geological interpretation was conducted on the resistivity structure model, identifying two faults, the Litang Fault and the Kahui Fault. The analysis suggested that the shallow part of the Kahui Geothermal Field is controlled by the Kahui Fault. Hydrochemical analysis showed that the water chemistry of the Kahui Geothermal Field is of the HCO3−Na type, primarily sourced from atmospheric precipitation. The deep heat source of the Kahui Geothermal Field was attributed to the partial melting of the middle crust, driven by the upwelling of mantle fluids. This process provides the necessary thermal energy for the geothermal system. Atmospheric precipitation infiltrates through tectonic fractures, undergoes deep circulation and heating, and interacts with the host rocks. The heated fluids then rise along faults and mix with shallow cold water, ultimately emerging as hot springs. Full article
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19 pages, 5354 KiB  
Article
Geophysical Characteristics of Low-Sulfide Epithermal Gold Mineralized Bodies—A Case Study of the Alinghe Mining Area on the South Bank of the Heilong River in China
by Qichun Yin, Kang Wang, Guili Tan, Yuan Ji, Huaben Yang, Haijiang Chen, Yanhai Sun, Qin Liu and Tong Sun
Minerals 2025, 15(1), 47; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15010047 - 1 Jan 2025
Viewed by 965
Abstract
The inability of geophysical methods to directly detect gold ore bodies remains a hot topic in the realm of gold geophysical exploration. Through the analysis of high-precision magnetic method, resistivity and induced polarization methods with the gradient arrays, electrical resistivity tomography, and well [...] Read more.
The inability of geophysical methods to directly detect gold ore bodies remains a hot topic in the realm of gold geophysical exploration. Through the analysis of high-precision magnetic method, resistivity and induced polarization methods with the gradient arrays, electrical resistivity tomography, and well logging, combined with the discovery of gold mineralization in exploration trenches and boreholes, it has been found that gold mineralization can be classified into two types: terminal and channel. The terminal-type gold mineralization is marked by a buried depth of less than 30 m, accompanied by varying degrees of silicification and pyritization. In contrast, the channel-type of gold mineralization is buried deeper than 30 m and occurs within structural fractures or volcanic breccia mineralized alteration zones. The resistivity difference constitutes a significant geophysical indicator differentiating these two types of gold mineralization. Both types of gold mineralization are located adjacent to IP anomalies, potentially suggesting characteristics of low-sulfur gold mineralization. After comparing several globally typical epithermal gold deposits, we conclude that the findings presented in this paper encapsulate the geophysical traits of an un-eroded, low-sulfidation epithermal gold deposit. These insights offer a valuable reference for the direct detection of similar gold orebodies using geophysical methods. Full article
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17 pages, 7698 KiB  
Article
An Analysis and Interpretation of Magnetic Data of the Qing-Chengzi Deposit in Eastern Liaoning (China) Area: Guide for Structural Identification and Mineral Exploration
by Jianyu Li, Jun Wang, Xiaohong Meng, Yuan Fang, Weichen Li and Shunong Yang
Minerals 2024, 14(12), 1272; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14121272 - 13 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 774
Abstract
Qing-Chengzi (QCZ) is an important silver-gold mining area in the eastern part of the Northeast China Craton. The shallow minerals in this area are almost completely depleted, leading to a demand for exploration to find deeper, concealed deposits. However, due to the rugged [...] Read more.
Qing-Chengzi (QCZ) is an important silver-gold mining area in the eastern part of the Northeast China Craton. The shallow minerals in this area are almost completely depleted, leading to a demand for exploration to find deeper, concealed deposits. However, due to the rugged terrain, few high-precision ground surveys have been executed in this area, resulting in an insufficient understanding of the unexposed ores. To address this issue, this study implemented a high-precision ground magnetic survey to identify faults and potential rocks in this area. To achieve these goals, remanence was analyzed to reduce its adverse effect on processing. Then, lineament enhancement with directional derivatives was conducted on the pre-processed magnetic anomalies to highlight structural features. Based on the results, eight major and twenty-one minor faults were identified, among which three major faults correspond well to the known faults. Most of the major faults run N–S, and the others run NW/NE. Furthermore, 3D inversion was conducted to locate potential rocks. Our inversion results indicate that there are six hidden rocks in the underground, extending from a depth of a few hundred meters to no more than three km. Two of the rocks correspond well to the already mined areas. This study provides support for subsequent exploration in the QCZ area. Full article
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