Application of Airborne Electromagnetics and Magnetics for Mineral Exploration in the Baishiquan–Hongliujing Area, Northwest China

Airborne electromagnetics is an effective and efficient exploration tool in shallow mineral exploration for its high efficiency and low cost. In 2016, airborne electromagnetic and airborne magnetic surveys have been carried out at the border of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and Gansu Province, the Northwest China. With an integrated system, the airborne electromagnetics and airborne magnetic data were collected simultaneously by AreoTEM-IV system from Aeroquest International Limited in Vancouver, BC, Canada, and the CS3 Cesium Vapor magnetometer from Scintrex in Concord, ON, Canada. About 3149 line-km of both data with 250 m line space were acquired. After data processing, the comprehensive analysis and interpretation of resistivity and magnetic anomalies has been carried out to infer lithological structure and outline the potential ore deposits. Verified by the ground surveys, seven outlined anomalies are consistent with the known ore sites, and one new gold deposit and several mineralization clues were found. The prospective reserves of gold are expected to exceed 10 tons. Besides, some prospecting target areas were outlined as the possible locations of copper–nickel deposits. The successful case shows the airborne magnetic data accords with geological structures, and the airborne electromagnetic method is effective in finding metal mineral resources, which can help to quickly identify potential ore targets with no surface outcrop.