ORIGINAL RESEARCH article

Front. Earth Sci., 30 July 2024

Sec. Economic Geology

Volume 12 - 2024 | https://doi.org/10.3389/feart.2024.1347243

Porosity–permeability characteristics and mineralization–alteration zones of the Maoping germanium-rich lead–zinc deposit in SW China

  • JW

    Jianbiao Wu

  • RH

    Runsheng Han *

  • YZ

    Yan Zhang

  • PW

    Peng Wu

  • HG

    Hongsheng Gong

  • LW

    Lei Wang

  • GC

    Gong Cheng

  • XL

    Xiaodong Li

  • YY

    Yixuan Yang

  • YM

    Yaya Mi

  • Kunming University of Science and Technology, Geological Survey Center for Nonferrous Metals Resources, Southwest Institute of Geological Survey, Kunming, China

Abstract

The Maoping superlarge germanium-rich lead–zinc deposit is a typical nonmagmatic hydrothermal deposit that is structurally controlled in the Sichuan–Yunnan–Guizhou lead–zinc polymetallic metallogenic area. The orebodies are distributed in several formations. This paper is based on large-scale alteration mapping combined with porosity and permeability measurements. We delineated the mineralization–alteration zones of different ore-bearing formations, explored the geological significance of porosity and permeability, and proposed prospecting directions. The research results indicate that during the mineralization period, the ore-forming metal fluids migrated from the deep part of the SSW region to the shallow part of the NNE region along the ore-guiding structure (Maoping Fault). Through the ore distribution structure, depressurization boiling occurred in the open space of the NE-trending interlayered sinistral compressive–torsional faults in several ore-bearing formations, resulting in fluid precipitation and the formation of different brecciated hot-melt dolomite lead–zinc mineralization zones. From the orebody to the wallrock, the C2w Formation and D3zg Formation are divided into four different mineralization–alteration zones. Tectonic activity affects the properties, migration, and precipitation of fluids, thereby controlling the alteration characteristics generated during fluid migration and thus changing the porosity and permeability. The porosity and permeability of strata on the NW flank of the anticline are greater than those of strata on the SE flank. On the NW flank, the greater the degree of mineralization–alteration is, the greater the porosity and permeability are, and the porosity of the orebody is lower than that during dolomitization. Finally, we believe that the NW flank of the anticline is an important area for prospecting. The pyrite + striped altered dolomite zone (Zones II–III) in the C2w limestone and the pyrite + strong dolomite zone (Zones II–III) in the D3zg dolomite are important prospecting indicators.

1 Introduction

In the next 2 decades, human consumption of base metals, such as lead, zinc and copper, will exceed the total production of these metals in human history (; Hoggard et al., 2020). To date, nearly 300 germanium-rich lead–zinc (silver) deposits (occurrences) have been discovered in the Sichuan–Yunnan–Guizhou lead–zinc polymetallic metallogenic area in China. These lead–zinc deposits have produced more than 20 million tons of lead and zinc, and the deposits are exceptionally high grade and rich in associated germanium and silver (; ). This area is the largest lead–zinc industrial base and the world’s primary germanium production base (). With the long-term depletion of shallow mineral resources, there is a need for better targeted exploration to help improve research on deeply buried deposits and find deep mineral resources to maintain the supply of base metals for humankind.

Previous studies on mineralization–alteration zones have provided an important basis for the discovery of several deposits and orebodies in the Sichuan–Yunnan–Guizhou lead–zinc polymetallic metallogenic area (Wen et al., 2014; ; Zhao et al., 2016). The Maoping superlarge germanium-rich lead–zinc deposit is a typical deposit in the Sichuan–Yunnan–Guizhou lead–zinc polymetallic metallogenic area and is controlled by structure and favorable lithological associations (Han et al., 2019; ; Wu et al., 2023), and orebodies occur in several ore-bearing formations (). Moreover, the mineralization–alteration characteristics and zoning patterns vary among different ore-bearing formations. This seriously restricts the prediction and positioning of deep hidden orebodies in different ore-bearing formations of this deposit and even this type of deposit.

In this study, a large-scale alteration mapping method is used to conduct detailed mapping and sampling on four ore blocks, nine planes, and several profiles of the Maoping lead–zinc deposit. The mineralization–alteration type, strength, mineral combination, structure, and other characteristics are analyzed, and the mineralization–alteration zones are identified. The porosity and permeability characteristics of 106 rocks (minerals) in different mineralization–alteration zones on the two flanks of the Maomaoshan anticline are analyzed. The geological significance of the porosity and permeability and proposed prospecting directions are explored. This study provides a theoretical basis for the deep exploration of other similar hydrothermal deposits.

2 Geological setting

The Maoping superlarge germanium-rich lead–zinc deposit is a typical superlarge CNHT lead–zinc deposit in the Sichuan–Yunnan–Guizhou lead–zinc polymetallic metallogenic area on the southwestern margin of the Yangtze block (Figure 1) (Yan et al., 2003; ; ; Wu et al., 2020). The deposit is located at the intersection of the NE-trending Huize–Niujie oblique thrust–strike-slip fault–fold belt, the SN-trending Qujing–Zhaotong concealed fault zone, and the NW-trending Ziyun–Yadu deep fault zone (Figure 2) (Wang et al., 2004; Han et al., 2019). The deposit is mainly controlled by the NE-trending Maoping compressive–torsional fault (the names of these sequential transformation structural planes indicate that their mechanical properties are mainly composed of compressional structures and, secondarily, torsional structures) and the Maomaoshan anticline in its hanging wall (Figure 3). The main structures in the deposit area are NE-trending, NW-trending and N–S-trending structures, with the NE-trending interlayered sinistral compressive–torsional fault dominating (Figure 3). The deposit area is mainly composed of Devonian, Carboniferous, and Permian carbonate–clastic rock series, which are mostly in parallel unconformable or conformable contact. The orebodies mainly occur in the grayish-white–dark gray fine–medium crystalline dolomite of the upper Devonian Zaige Formation (D3zg), the light flesh-red or grayish-white massive fine crystalline dolomitic limestone of the lower Carboniferous Baizuo Formation (C1b), and the light gray–dark gray medium-to thick-layered dolomitic limestone of the upper Carboniferous Weining Formation (C2w) (Figures 3, 4). The magmatic rocks are mainly in the upper Permian Basalt Formation. The deposit is composed of the No. I, II, III and VI orebodies in the ore block to the east of the Luoze River and the Shuilu, Qiancengdong and Hongjianshan ore blocks to the west of the Luoze River (Figure 3). The orebodies are mainly lenticular, vein-like and stratiform-like. The main ore minerals are galena, sphalerite and pyrite, etc., and the gangue minerals are dolomite, calcite, minor quartz and barite, etc. The ore structures are compact, massive, disseminated, vein-like, veinlet-like, massive and stellate, and the ore textures are mainly granular and metasomatic. The main types of wallrock alteration include pyritization, ferritization, dolomitization, calcification and silicification.

FIGURE 1

; ; Wu et al., 2020). 1—Proterozoic basement; 2—Fault/Main boundary fault; 3—Suture zone; 4—Triassic granitoids; 5—Gold deposit; 6—Realgar deposit; 7—Stibnite deposit; 8—Tin deposit; 9—Mercury deposit; 10—Lead–zinc deposit.

FIGURE 2

FIGURE 3

FIGURE 4

3 Materials and methods

In this study, a large-scale alteration mapping method was used to conduct detailed mapping and systematically determine the mineralization–alteration zoning characteristics within different ore-bearing strata of the deposit. On the basis of the systematic study of mineralization–alteration characteristics (Table 1), the porosity and permeability of representative rocks were analyzed. The rock samples for the porosity and permeability study were collected from the NW and SE flanks of the Maomaoshan anticline, and they were collected from the surface of the mining area and the mining tunnels to obtain a total of 106 pieces. Among them, 58 fresh samples were collected from different lithological formations on the surface. A total of 48 samples from the tunnel were collected from the 32–33+first line of 670 m of the H8 orebody in the Hexi Hongjianshan ore block, the 34+first line of 610 m of the H8 orebody in the Hexi Hongjianshan ore block, the 18th line of the 755 m of the Q1 orebody in the Hexi Qiancengdong ore block, the second line of the 670 m of the S1 orebody in the Hexi Shuilu ore block, the 116th line of the 760 m of the I-7 orebody in the Hedong ore block, the 98+first line of the 683 m of the I-6 orebody in the Hedong ore block, the 92nd line of the 670 m in the Hedong ore block, the 96–112nd line of the 610 m of the I-6 orebody in the Hedong ore block, the stope of the 490 m of the I-8 orebody in the Hedong ore block, the stope of the 430 m of the I-8 orebody in the Hedong ore block, the 90–96th lines of the 370 m of the I-8 orebody in the Hedong ore block, and the 98–104th lines of the 310 m of the I-8 orebody in the Hedong ore block. The samples were tested for porosity and permeability by using a QKY-2 gas porosity tester and a STY-2 gas permeability tester at the China University of Petroleum (Beijing). The former had a measurement accuracy of 0.5%, while the latter had a relative error of less than 5%. Nitrogen was used as the working medium in the experiment, and the test was repeated five times. The average value was taken as the result for porosity or permeability (Table 2).

TABLE 1

PositionOrebodyElevation (m)CharacteristicMineralization–alteration zones
Zone IZone IIZone IIIZone IV
Hexi Hongjianshan ore blockH13670Mineralization–alterationmassive lead–zinc ore zonelead–zinc ore vein + pyrite vein zonestriped altered dolomite zonegray thick layered dolomitic limestone zone
Mineralsgalena + sphalerite + pyritegalena + sphalerite + pyritedolomite
Ore frameworkeuhedral, subhedral–xenomorphic granularxenomorphic granularxenomorphic granular
Ore structuremassivevein + mottledstriped
Alterationstrongerstrongerstrongweak
H8610Mineralization–alterationmassive lead–zinc ore zonelead–zinc veinlet +pyrite vein zonestriped altered dolomite + calcite veinlet zonegray‒white thick-layered dolomitic limestone zone
Mineralsgalena + sphaleritegalena + sphalerite + pyritedolomite + calcitedolomite + calcite
Ore frameworkeuhedral, subhedral–xenomorphic granularsubhedral–xenomorphic granularxenomorphic granularsubhedral–xenomorphic
Ore structuremassiveveinlet + vein + mottledstriped + veinletveinlet + veinlet
Alterationstrongerstrongerstrongweak
Hexi Qiancengdong ore blockQ1755Mineralization–alterationvein lead–zinc zonespotted pyrite + striped altered dolomite zonestriped altered dolomite zonegray thick layered dolomitic limestone zone
Mineralsgalena + sphaleritepyrite + dolomitedolomitedolomite + calcite
Ore frameworkeuhedral–subhedral granularsubhedral–xenomorphic granularxenomorphic granularsubhedral–xenomorphic
Ore structureveinspotted + stripedstripedveinlet + veinlet
Alterationstrongerstrongerstrongweak
Hexi Shuilu ore blockS1670Mineralization–alterationmassive lead–zinc ore zonelead–zinc veinlet + pyrite veinlet + striped altered dolomite zonespotted pyrite + striped altered dolomite zonegray thick layered dolomitic limestone zone
Mineralsgalena + sphaleritegalena + sphalerite + pyrite + dolomitepyrite + dolomitedolomite + calcite
Ore frameworkeuhedral, subhedral–xenomorphic granularsubhedral–xenomorphic granularxenomorphic granularsubhedral–xenomorphic
Ore structuremassiveveinlet + disseminated + stripedspotted + stripedveinlet + veinlet
Alterationstrongerstrongerstrongweak
Hedong ore blockI–7760Mineralization–alterationmassive lead–zinc ore zonevein lead–zinc + pyrite vein zonespotted pyrite + dolomite vein zonegray fine–medium crystalline fragmented dolomite zone
Mineralsgalena + sphaleritegalena + sphalerite + pyritepyrite + dolomite + calcitedolomite + calcite
Ore frameworkeuhedral–subhedral granularsubhedral–xenomorphic granularxenomorphic granularxenomorphic granular
Ore structuremassiveveinspotted + vein+ veinveinlet + veinlet
Alterationstrongerstrongerstrongweaker
I–6683Mineralization–alterationmassive lead–zinc ore + massive pyrite zonelead–zinc vein + pyrite vein zonespotted pyrite + dolomite vein zonelight-gray–gray‒white fine–medium crystalline fragmented dolomite zone
Mineralsgalena + sphalerite + pyritegalena + sphalerite + pyritepyrite + dolomite + calcitecalcite + dolomite
Ore frameworkeuhedral–subhedral granularsubhedral–xenomorphic granularxenomorphic granularxenomorphic granular
Ore structuremassiveveinspotted + vein + veinveinlet + mottled
Alterationstrongerstrongstrongweaker
I–8430Mineralization–alterationmassive lead–zinc ore + massive pyrite zonelead–zinc vein + massive pyrite zonespotted pyrite + stockwork dolomite zonegray‒white fine–medium crystalline fragmented dolomite zone
Mineralsgalena + sphalerite + pyritegalena + sphalerite + pyritepyrite + dolomite + calcitedolomite + calcite
Ore frameworkeuhedral–subhedral granularsubhedral–xenomorphic granularxenomorphic granularxenomorphic granular
Ore structuremassivevein + massivespotted + stockwork + stockworkveinlet + veinlet
Alterationstrongerstrongerstrongweaker

Typical characteristics of the mineralization–alteration zones of different orebodies in the NW flank of the anticline.

TABLE 2

AnticlineProfileNumberFormationLithologyCharacteristic of mineralization–alterationDiameter (cm)Length (cm)Volume (mL)Input pressure (Kpa)Flow (mL/min)Porosity (%)Permeability (×10−3 um2)
NW flankThe 32–33+1st line of 670 m of the H8 orebody in the Hexi Hongjianshan ore blockkhwr–112C2wgray fine–medium crystalline dolomitic limestonemottled dolomite, a few fractures, fracture widths of 0.1–0.2 mm2.5132.9740.527301.724.83.570.640610773
khwr–114C2wgray fine crystalline limestonea few vein dolomites, vein widths of 0.1–0.2 mm2.5025.0110.4633123.351.880.139413601
The 34+1st line of 610 m of the H8 orebody in the Hexi Hongjianshan ore blockkhwr–121C2wgray‒white striped altered dolomitemany fractures, with widths of 0.1–0.2 mm2.5184.5070.838300.685.63.733.357080661
khwr–122C2wgray fine–medium crystalline dolomitic limestonemany vein coarse crystalline altered dolomite, vein widths of 1–10 mm2.5084.3931.061311.7267.84.899.738586815
khwr–123–1C2wgray‒white striped altered dolomitemedium vein lead–zinc, vein widths of 0.2–0.3 mm, a few fractures, fracture widths of 0.1–0.2 mm2.4744.9630.423301.646.81.782.082603347
khwr–123–2C2wgray‒white striped altered dolomitea few lead–zinc veins, vein widths of 0.1–0.2 mm, a few fractures, fracture widths of 0.1–0.2 mm2.5052.6040.317301.122.72.470.518339656
khwr–125C2wgray fine–medium crystalline dolomitic limestonemany vein coarse crystalline altered dolomite, vein widths of 1–10 mm2.5023.5410.67431215.13.870.444057091
The 18th line of the 755 m of the Q1 orebody in the Hexi Qiancengdong ore blockkhwr–97C2wgray fine–medium crystalline dolomitic limestonemottled dolomite, a few pyrite veins, vein widths of 2–4 mm2.5083.6720.4533060.1952.50.006104795
khwr–98C2wgray medium–coarse crystalline dolomitic limestonespotted dolomite, spotted diameter of ∼2 mm, a few fractures, fracture widths of 0.1–0.2 mm2.5393.240.741305.12.94.520.078532151
khwr–99C2wgray‒white striped altered dolomitespotted pyrite, a few fractures, fracture widths of 0.1–0.2 mm2.5044.4490.6353051.342.90.051257277
khwr–100C2wgray‒white striped altered dolomitemottled, medium vein lead–zinc, mottled diameter of ∼10 mm, vein widths of 0.5–2 mm2.5082.4170.304304.40.162.550.003324776
khwr–101C2wgray fine–medium crystalline dolomitic limestonemedium vein dolomite, vein widths of 0.5–2 mm2.4785.0120.426306.82.611.760.113770033
khwr–102C2wgray fine–medium crystalline dolomitic limestonea few vein dolomites, vein widths of 0.1–0.2 mm2.54.0970.521312.10.32.590.010218684
khwr–103C2wgray‒white striped altered dolomite2.4771.8020.417300.70.334.80.005344397
The 2nd line of the 670 m of the S1 orebody in the Hexi Shuilu ore blockkhwr–141C2wgray‒white fine crystalline limestonemedium fractures, fracture widths of 0.2–0.5 mm2.5024.3610.5623111062.623.858859369
khwr–143C2wgray‒white fine–medium crystalline dolomitic limestonea few vein dolomites, vein widths of 0.2–0.5 mm, a few fractures, fracture widths of 0.1–0.2 mm2.5012.3930.368304.12.53.130.051803484
khwr–145C2wgray‒white medium–coarse crystalline dolomitic limestonespotted dolomite, pyrite, spotted diameter of ∼5 mm, a few fractures, fracture widths of 0.1–0.2 mm2.4424.6741.137301.60.455.190.019356451
khwr–147C2wgray‒white fine–medium crystalline dolomitic limestonemedium vein dolomite, vein widths of 2–5 mm, many fractures, fracture widths of 0.1–0.2 mm2.4733.7090.523302.48.62.930.285030043
The 116th line of the 760 m of the I-7 orebody in the Hedong ore blockkhwr–42D3zg3–2gray‒white medium–coarse crystalline dolomitea few lead–zinc veins, calcite, vein widths of 10–15 mm2.5033.4740.652310.80.3453.810.010007273
khwr–43D3zg3–2massive pyrite ore2.5024.9990.591312.10.262.410.010788713
khwr–45D3zg3–2gray‒white medium–coarse crystalline dolomitedisseminated pyrite2.5062.130.399311.60.293.80.005124101
khwr–46D3zg3–2gray‒white medium–coarse crystalline dolomitemottled lead–zinc, mottled diameter of ∼50 mm, a few fractures, fracture widths of 0.1–0.2 mm2.5032.9960.441311.80.432.990.010701505
-The 98+1st line of the 683 m of the I-6 orebody in the Hedong ore blockkhwr–51D3zg3–2gray‒white fine–medium crystalline dolomite2.5064.9850.4513120.091.830.003714121
khwr–52D3zg3–2massive pyrite orea few fractures, fracture widths of 0.1–0.2 mm2.52.0591.019311.168.510.081.178650735
khwr–53D3zg3–2massive lead–zinc orea few fractures, fracture widths of 1–2 mm2.54.0460.57311.3261.72.878.839368463
khwr–54–1D3zg3–2gray‒white coarse crystalline dolomitemottled dolomite, stockwork pyrite, vein widths of 2–5 mm, a few fractures, fracture widths of 1–2 mm2.4993.3180.794310.7154.24.884.287857634
khwr–54–2D3zg3–2gray‒white fine–medium crystalline dolomitemottled dolomite2.5044.9930.41312.10.0881.670.003641358
khwr–56D3zg3–2gray‒white fine–medium crystalline dolomitemottled calcite2.5033.5060.494311.50.192.860.005542033
khwr–57D3zg3–2gray‒white brecciated dolomiteadhesive stockwork calcite, vein widths of 1–5 mm2.5044.9871.00531.49.174.097.850477067
The 92nd line of the 670 m in the Hedong ore blockkhwr–61D3zg3–2dark gray fine crystalline dolomitea few fractures, fracture widths of 0.5–1 mm2.5234.1230.407308.20.921.970.031592771
khwr–64D3zg3–2gray fine–medium crystalline dolomitespotted dolomite, spotted diameter of ∼5 mm, rice-grain texture2.54.981.054310.70.134.310.005421317
khwr–65D3zg3–2gray fine–medium crystalline dolomitea few vein dolomites, vein widths of 0.3–0.5 mm, fractures in vertical core2.5013.4750.48311.80.192.810.00549335
khwr–68D3zg3–2gray‒white fine–medium crystalline dolomitea few vein dolomites, vein widths of 1–2 mm, fractures in vertical core2.5023.2970.344309.80.152.120.004153962
khwr–70D3zg3–2gray‒white fine–medium crystalline dolomite2.5044.9930.342311.50.1951.390.008093807
The 96–112nd line of the 610 m of the I-6 orebody in the Hedong ore blockkhwr–71D3zg3–2gray fine crystalline dolomitea few vein calcites, vein widths of 0.1–2 mm2.4994.9910.455312.40.331.860.013683236
khwr–72D3zg3–2gray fine crystalline dolomitemedium vein calcite, vein widths of 1–10 mm2.5054.9790.503312.60.82.050.032899664
khwr–73D3zg3–2gray fine crystalline dolomite2.5014.3970.543312.20.132.510.004746107
khwr–76D3zg3–2gray‒white fine–medium crystalline dolomiteStockwork calcite, vein widths of 0.2–5 mm2.5032.6830.76311.6274.35.756.119656209
The stope of the 490 m of the I-8 orebody in the Hedong ore blockkhwr–83D3zg3–2gray fine crystalline dolomitea few fractures, fracture widths of 0.1–0.2 mm2.5273.4860.443309.292.540.259138707
khwr–85D3zg3–2gray fine crystalline dolomiteStockwork dolomite, vein widths of 1–5 mm2.4984.0690.699305.7504.93.517.68385095
The stope of the 430 m of the I-8 orebody in the Hedong ore blockkhwr–31D3zg3–2gray‒white fine crystalline dolomitea few fractures, fracture widths of 0.1–0.5 mm2.5042.8530.306307.20.82.180.019399858
khwr–32D3zg3–2massive pyrite ore2.5022.9390.813311.36.645.630.162653985
khwr–33D3zg3–2massive lead–zinc orehole development, hole width of ∼2 mm2.5022.6391.013310.654.97.811.211916955
The 90–96th line of the 370 m of the I-8 orebody in the Hedong ore blockkhwr–22D3zg3–2gray‒white fine crystalline dolomitemedium fractures, fracture widths of 0.1–0.2 mm2.4512.5020.277308.593.32.342.056971567
khwr–23D3zg3–2gray‒white fine–medium crystalline dolomitea few fractures, fracture widths of 0.1–0.2 mm2.4762.7510.447320.71.243.380.027679793
khwr–25D3zg3–2gray‒white coarse crystalline dolomitea few fractures, fracture widths of 0.1–0.2 mm2.5042.6910.588318.60.524.430.011219772
The 98–104th line of the 310 m of the I-8 orebody in the Hedong ore blockkhwr–2D3zg3–2gray‒white medium–coarse crystalline dolomitea few vein dolomites, vein widths of 1–2 mm2.4993.1420.8193120.625.310.016217201
khwr–4D3zg3–2gray‒white medium–coarse crystalline dolomitemottled pyrite, a few vein dolomites, vein widths of 1–3 mm2.4984.240.774312.40.963.730.033843248
khwr–12D3zg3–2gray‒white coarse crystalline dolomitespotted dolomite, spotted diameter of ∼2 mm, a few dolomite veins, vein widths of 1–2 mm2.5221.960.578307.71.035.90.01687138
SurfaceHX–115P2q+mgray fine crystalline limestonemottled, medium vein calcite, mottled diameter of ∼10 mm, vein widths of 0.2–2 mm2.5045.0050.558311.60.532.260.022040099
HX–116P2q+mgray fine crystalline limestone2.4984.9760.3693120.161.510.006633245
HD–114P2q+mdark gray fine crystalline limestonevein coarse crystalline dolomite, vein widths of 5–6 mm, medium vein calcite, vein widths of 1–3 mm2.4984.9940.891310.215.23.640.63831948
HD–115P2q+mdark gray fine crystalline limestone2.54.9990.363310.40.191.480.007965992
HX–112C2w1–3gray‒white fine crystalline dolomitic limestone2.4965.0030.3363100.141.370.005905384
HX–113C2w2gray‒white fine crystalline dolomitic limestonea few fractures, fracture widths of 0.2–1 mm2.550.507311.40.482.070.02002533
HX–114C2w2gray‒white coarse crystalline dolomite2.49950.459312.20.1551.870.006445168
HD–108C2w1–2gray‒yellow medium–coarse crystalline dolomitemany fractures, fracture widths of 0.5–1 mm, fractures filled with yellow‒brown iron-rich mud material2.4974.9881.475310.53.456.040.144599861
HD–109C2w1–1gray‒white fine crystalline dolomitic limestonespotted dolomite, spotted diameter of ∼2 mm, a few dolomite veins, vein widths of 0.5–1 mm2.49950.333103.651.340.15350026
HD–110C2w1–3gray‒white fine crystalline dolomitic limestone2.4995.0050.2923100.0851.190.003578238
HD–111C2w1–3gray‒white fine crystalline dolomitic limestonemottled dolomite2.4975.0060.6093100.1582.490.006663304
HD–112C2w2gray‒white fine crystalline dolomitic limestone2.4974.9990.3153100.1051.290.004421953
HD–113C2w2gray‒white fine crystalline dolomitic limestone2.4955.0020.321310.30.161.310.006742633
HX–9C1d1dark gray sparite limestone2.54.9940.246305.60.0810.003435215
HX–10C1d1gray‒white quartz sandstonestockwork fractures, fracture widths of 0.5–1 mm, fractures filled with yellow‒brown iron-rich mud material2.5033.3080.987303.83176.079.080088277
HX–11C1d2dark gray fine crystalline limestonea few fractures, fracture widths of 0.2–0.5 mm2.5024.0580.723304.78.253.630.288755333
HX–108C1d1gray fine crystalline limestone2.4985.0060.411307.70.131.670.005543663
HX–109C1d2gray fine crystalline limestonestockwork calcite, vein widths of 0.1–5 mm2.551.021308.80.974.160.041014095
HX–110C1d3gray‒white fine crystalline limestone2.4994.9860.483300.60.131.970.005726312
HX–111C1bgray‒white dolomitic limestone2.5074.9940.462308.80.171.870.007139375
HX–101D3zg3–1gray‒white fine crystalline dolomitehole development, hole width of ∼1 mm, a few fractures, fracture widths of 1–2 mm, fractures filled with yellow‒brown iron-rich mud material2.4954.9980.4304.90.251.640.010826281
HX–102D3zg3–1gray‒white fine crystalline dolomitemedium fractures, fracture widths of 1–2 mm2.54.9860.654304.456.12.672.420226284
HX–103D3zg3–1gray‒white medium–coarse crystalline dolomitehole development, hole diameter of ∼1 mm, a few calcite veins, vein widths of 0.5–1 mm2.4993.160.64304.314.64.130.399719941
HX–104D3zg3–1gray brecciated dolomiteadhesive stockwork calcite, vein widths of 2–5 mm2.5014.9931.164305.52.744.750.117599884
HX–105D3zg3–1gray‒white fine crystalline dolomitehole development, hole diameter of ∼2 mm, medium fractures, fracture widths of 0.5–1 mm2.4954.9870.609305.40.852.50.036632468
HX–106D3zg3–2light-gray coarse crystalline dolomitemottled calcite, hole development, hole diameter of ∼2 mm, many fractures, fracture widths of 1–2 mm, fractures filled with yellow‒brown iron-rich mud material2.4975.0030.764304.6233.120.996981802
HX–1D3zg3–2gray‒white medium–coarse crystalline dolomitehole development, hole diameter of ∼2 mm, a few fractures, fracture widths of 0.5–1 mm2.5064.0570.784302.50.293.920.010232829
HX–2D3zg3–2gray fine crystalline dolomite2.5034.9920.269305.10.071.090.003005251
HX–3D3zg3–2gray fine crystalline dolomitehole development, hole diameter of ∼10 mm, holes filled with yellow‒brown iron-rich mud material, medium fractures, fracture widths of 5–6 mm, fractures filled with yellow‒brown iron-rich mud material2.5024.9880.708304.30.252.890.010778051
HX–4–5D3zg3–2gray‒white fine crystalline dolomitemany vein coarse crystalline dolomites, vein widths of 5–6 mm, hole development, hole diameter of ∼10 mm, holes filled with yellow‒brown iron-rich mud material2.5024.9751.467305.30.1860.007699577
HX–4–4D3zg3–2gray‒white fine crystalline dolomite2.5014.9950.586305.10.082.390.003442136
HX–4–1D3zg3–2gray‒white fine crystalline dolomite2.5025.0070.538305.50.092.180.003870505
HX–4–2D3zg3–2gray‒white fine crystalline dolomitea few vein coarse crystalline dolomites, vein widths of 5–6 mm, hole development, hole diameter of ∼5 mm, holes filled with yellow‒brown iron-rich mud material2.5074.9980.902305.40.223.650.009411509
HX–4–3D3zg3–2gray‒white fine crystalline dolomite2.54.9930.404305.80.11.650.004288679
HX–6D3zg3–3gray‒white fine crystalline dolomite2.5064.9850.575305.50.082.340.003414406
HX–7D3zg3–3gray‒white medium–coarse crystalline dolomitea few fractures, fracture widths of 1–2 mm2.5054.9950.877305.213.560.04286698
HX–8D3zg3–3gray‒white medium–coarse crystalline dolomitehole development, hole diameters of 1–2 mm, a few fractures, fracture widths of 0.1–0.2 mm2.5024.9860.916304.90.93.740.03866378
SE flankSurfaceHD–1P2q+mgray fine crystalline limestone2.4955.0010.225307.20.10.920.004281453
HD–2P2q+mgray fine crystalline limestone2.4985.0030.261312.40.11.060.004159733
HD–3C2w2gray fine crystalline limestone2.49750.222312.20.0850.910.003540111
HD–4C2w2gray fine crystalline limestone2.54.9970.274312.80.081.120.003311688
HD–5C2w2gray fine crystalline limestone2.4985.0030.295311.90.091.20.003753371
HD–6C2w2red‒brown brecciated limestoneadhesive mottled yellow–brown iron-rich mud material2.5054.9890.8833120.093.590.00372007
HD–8C2w1–3gray fine crystalline limestonea few fractures, fracture widths of 0.1–1 mm, fractures in vertical core, yellow‒brown iron-rich mud filling2.5055.0040.4893120.141.980.005804174
HD–9C2w1–3gray fine crystalline limestone2.5012.4940.293120.2952.370.006115073
HD–11C2w1–2gray fine crystalline limestonea few vein coarse crystalline dolomites, vein widths of 1–2 mm2.53.8840.6653100.1873.490.006104071
HD–13C2w1–2gray fine crystalline limestone2.5014.990.314309.30.11.280.004205538
HD–15C2w1–1gray‒white, red‒brown coarse crystalline dolomitea few fractures, fracture widths of 1–2 mm2.54.9931.5673112.756.390.114803691
HD–16C1bred‒brown coarse crystalline dolomitevein calcite, vein widths of 2–6 mm2.5024.9840.847310.60.853.450.035437093
HD–17C1bgray‒white, red‒brown brecciated limestoneadhesive red‒brown iron-rich mud material2.5034.9941.1933100.244.860.010048861
HD–19C1d3gray brecciated limestoneadhesive mottled yellow‒brown iron-rich mud material, medium vein coarse crystalline dolomite, vein widths of 5–6 mm2.4984.9851.14310.50.1264.660.005273637
HD–101D3zg3–3gray brecciated dolomitehole development, hole diameter of ∼1 mm, stockwork dolomite, vein widths of 1–5 mm2.4984.9850.9243100.863.780.036087559
HD–102D3zg3–3gray fine crystalline dolomite2.5014.9970.636311.60.232.590.009572206
HD–103D3zg3–3gray brecciated dolomitehole development, hole diameter of ∼2 mm, stockwork dolomite, vein widths of 3–5 mm2.4984.9870.8863100.343.630.014272898
HD–104D3zg3–2gray fine crystalline dolomite2.4994.9960.5143090.1732.10.007307319
HD–105D3zg3–1gray brecciated dolomitehole development, hole diameter of ∼2 mm, medium vein dolomite, vein widths of 1–5 mm2.5044.991.184308.917.24.820.723114436

Porosity and permeability results for different positions, different ore-bearing formations, and different alteration zones.

4 Results

4.1 Characteristics and zones of mineralization–alteration

The mineralization of the Maoping lead–zinc deposit is mainly that of galena and sphalerite. The wallrock alteration type is relatively simple, and the intensity changes and zoning are obvious. These mainly include pyritization, (iron) dolomitization and calcification. The main alteration characteristics are as follows (Figures 57).

FIGURE 5

FIGURE 6

FIGURE 7

Pyritization: Pyritization is mainly distributed in the dolomite, calcite, joints and faults near the ore in massive structures, disseminated structures, masses, veins, and veinlets, and pyrite is also common in the orebodies. The intensity of pyritization is related to its distance from the orebody. The pyritization near the orebodies is strong, and the pyritization far from the orebodies gradually weakens. In addition, the pyritization is also related to elevation, and deep pyritization is obviously stronger than shallow pyritization.

Dolomitization: Due to the influence of hydrothermal activity, the original dolomite limestone or dolomite is recrystallized, resulting in a significant increase in porosity, which is beneficial for hydrothermal activity and mineralization, thus leading to the formation of altered dolomite. Dolomite is mainly found in striped structures, veins, masses, veinlets, and irregular structures; is mainly distributed on the sides of orebodies and the sides of interlayer faults; and has a semi-idiomorphic granular framework. The particle sizes are 0.2–1 mm, and the color is diverse—mainly white, gray–white, beige, and flesh red; in addition, corrosion holes and crystal cavities have developed. Dolomitization is more evident in the C2w dolomitic limestone, where it appears as a stripe; the D3zg dolomite mainly appears in a rice-grain-type form, with the presence of long-axis parallel interlayer faults.

Calcification: Calcification is present mainly in the forms of stockwork, veins, masses, and veinlets, and it is present mainly on the sides of interlayer faults and on the sides of orebodies in dolomitic limestone and dolomite.

Based on the composition, structure, framework, and strength of the altered rocks, combined with their spatial relationships with orebodies, the mineralization–alteration zones were delineated. From the orebodies to the wallrocks in the hanging wall, the mineralization–alteration zones of the C2w Formation exhibit the following order: massive lead–zinc ore zone (I) → lead–zinc ore vein + pyrite vein zone + striped altered dolomite (Zone II) → striped altered dolomite zone (Zone III) → gray thick-layered dolomitic limestone zone (Zone IV). The mineralization–alteration zones of the D3zg Formation exhibit the following order: massive lead–zinc ore + massive pyrite zone (Zone I) → lead–zinc ore vein + pyrite vein zone (Zone II) → spotted pyrite + dolomite vein zone (Zone III) → gray–white fine–medium crystalline dolomite zone (Zone IV). The detailed features and descriptions are shown in Figures 57; Table 1.

4.2 Porosity and permeability results for the two flanks of the anticline

For all the measured rock samples, the overall porosity and permeability changed greatly; the porosities ranged from 0.91% to 10.08%, and the permeabilities ranged from 0.003005251 – 17.68385095 × 10−3 μm2 (Table 2).

The porosity–permeability scatter plot shows a positive correlation between the two flanks, and the slope (R) is 0.28827 ± 0.06658 (Figure 8).

FIGURE 8

The porosity of 1%–10.08% in the NW flank was greater than that of 0.91%–6.39% in the SE flank. The median value of the NW flank (2.74%) was greater than that of the SE flank (2.59%) (Figure 8).

The permeability of 0.003005251 – 17.68385095 × 10−3 μm2 in the NW flank was greater than that of 0.003311688 – 0.723114436 × 10−3 μm2 in the SE flank. In addition, the median value of the NW flank (0.01938 × 10−3 μm2) was greater than that of the SE flank (0.0061 × 10−3 μm2) (Figure 8).

4.3 Porosity and permeability results for the NW flank of the anticline

The porosities and permeabilities of rocks with different degrees of mineralization–alteration in the two main ore-bearing formations (C2w and D3zg) on the NW flank of the anticline were analyzed (Figure 9).

FIGURE 9

The porosity results show that in the C2w Formation, the percentage of unaltered rock (1.19%–2.62%; median value: 1.87%) is the lowest, followed by the orebody (1.78%–2.90%; median value: 2.51%), and the highest percentage of dolomitized rock (2.93%–5.19%; median value: 3.87%). The porosity results show that in the D3zg Formation, the percentage of unaltered rock (1.09%–2.39%; median value: 1.83%) is the lowest, followed by dolomitized rock (3.12%–5.90%; median value: 4.31%), and the highest percentage of orebody rock (2.87%–10.08%; median value: 5.26%).

The permeability results show that for both the C2w and D3zg Formations, the permeability also decreases with decreasing erosion. In the C2w Formation, the median values of strong alteration, moderate alteration, weak alteration, and no alteration are 3.608, 0.219, 0.036 and 0.006, respectively; in the D3zg Formation, the median values of strong alteration, moderate alteration, weak alteration, and no alteration are 4.288, 0.259, 0.017 and 0.005, respectively.

5 Discussion

5.1 The geological significance of porosity and permeability

The fault in this study is a complex four-dimensional tectonic unit composed of a fault surface and tectonite, and its tectonic deformation and fluid flow characteristics evolve over time Wibberley and Shipton. (2010). Tectonics are not only the dominant factor controlling the coupling relationship between geological bodies but also the main driving force for fluid migration; various tectonic features, such as faults, fractures, and breccia zones, provide channels for fluid migration in the subsurface (Zhai, 1996). These features can also enhance permeability, hydraulic conductivity, and hydrothermal flow, thereby increasing the mineralization potential of favorable sedimentary locations (; ; ). The degree of rock fragmentation, permeability, local porosity and fluid flux are different in different parts where tectonic deformation occurs (such as bends and branches of fracture zones), which leads to different mineralization types and mineralization intensities (; Zhang, 2017).

Fluids can control the deformation process of rocks and even alter the deformation mechanism of rocks through physical changes or chemical reactions, such as hydrolysis weakening and reducing the friction coefficient between mineral particles Wintsch et al. (1995). The dissolution and precipitation of minerals during water‒rock reactions can cause changes in fluid composition and affect rock properties (Wawrzyniec, 1999). The properties of the fluid are the main factors controlling microprocesses, such as the generation of cementitious materials, pore characteristics, and mineral precipitation in the host rock (Wu et al., 2015). Carbonate minerals not only metasomatically fill pores but also dolomitize and recrystallize in limestone and dolomite (), forming medium–coarse-grained altered dolomite, allomorphic granular mineral particles at the microscale, and calcite veins, dolomite veins, and pyrite veins, thus increasing the porosity and permeability.

Tectonic action affects the properties, migration, and precipitation of fluids, thereby controlling the alteration characteristics generated during fluid migration and changing the porosity and permeability. Different types and degrees of alteration have different porosities and permeabilities (Figures 8, 9).

Research has shown that, overall, the NW flank of the Maomaoshan anticline has greater porosities and permeabilities than the SE flank (Figure 8). The strata in the NW flank of the Maomaoshan anticline are steeply inclined and inverted (with dip angles of 55°–85°), while those in the SE flank are gently inclined (with dip angles of 20°–35°). The orebody in this deposit is controlled by interlayer faults. Under the action of tectonic forces, when the local principal compressive stress directions on both flanks are consistent, the strata in the NW flank have a large dip angle, and the compressive surface of the NW flank exhibits mainly compressive stress, as well as shear resistance. The strata in the SE flank have a small dip angle, and the compressive surface of the SE flank exhibits mainly shear resistance, followed by tensile resistance. When relative sliding occurs in interlayer faults, they are affected not only by the principal compressive stress but also by the gravity of the rock or the block itself. Both the NW flank and SE flank interlayer faults are known to have experienced relative motion. For the same rock formation, the compressive strength is generally greater than the shear strength, making it more prone to shear deformation. Therefore, the SE flank can achieve only the minimum force required for shear resistance before relative sliding occurs, resulting in compressional–torsional faulting and stress release. The NW flank achieves not only the minimum force required for shear resistance but also the minimum force required for rock compression resistance. Not only does relative sliding occur, but it also causes damage to the rock, forming an open space. This is more conducive to fluid “penetration”.

Therefore, the NW flank of the anticline is more conducive to mineralization.

5.2 Metallogenic patterns and prospecting directions

During the mineralization period, the ore-forming fluid migrated upward along the main ore-guiding structure (NE-trending Maoping sinistral compressive–torsional fault) and generally migrated from deep in the SSW region to shallow in the NNE region. Through the ore distribution structure (SN-trending Luozehe sinistral torsional fault, NE-trending Maomaoshan compound overturned anticline, NNW-trending sinistral torsional–extensional fault, and NE-trending subsequent compressional–torsional fault), the fluid reached the NE-trending interlayered sinistral compressive–torsional faults (Figure 10) (Wu et al., 2023), and hydrothermal “penetration” metasomatism occurred.

FIGURE 10

). 1—Integrated contact; 2—Parallel unconformity contact; 3—Compressive fault; 4—Tensile fault; 5—Torsional fault; 6—Inferred fault; 7—Anticline; 8—Coal-bearing; 9—Formation code; 10—Known orebodies; 11—Predicting orebody; 12—Denuded orebody; 13—Dolomitization and its cemented limestone breccia; 14—Ore-forming metals fluids; 15—Reducing fluids; 16—Argillaceous and sandy clastic rock; 17—zone I; 18—zone II; 19—zone III; 20—zone IV.

Due to the effect of the overlying clastic rock barrier, when deep-source fluids rich in Pb2+, Zn2+, and Ge2+ and other cations and basin fluids rich in reduced sulfur entered the expansion space, boiling decompression occurred in the overlying host carbonate bed under the barrier layer, and the pH increased, resulting in mineral precipitation. The medium–coarse-grained altered dolomite that formed in the early stage of fluid interaction was conducive to further water–rock interactions between the fluid and the surrounding rock, leading to the precipitation of lead and zinc minerals (acid generation) and the mutual promotion of wallrock alteration (acid consumption) (Zhang et al., 2016; ; ; Zhang et al., 2019), thus forming a zone of brecciated hot-solution dolomite lead–zinc mineralization (Figure 10).

The striped altered dolomite zone (Zones II–III) in the C2w limestone and the pyritization + strong dolomitization zone (Zones II–III) in the D3zg dolomite are important prospecting indicators.

6 Conclusion

From the orebodies to the wallrocks in the hanging wall, the mineralization–alteration zones of the C2w Formation range from the massive lead–zinc ore zone (I) → lead–zinc ore veinlet + pyrite vein zone (Zone II) → spotted pyrite + striped altered dolomite zone (Zone III) → calcite veinlet + gray thick-layered dolomitic limestone zone (Zone IV). The mineralization–alteration zones of the D3zg Formation range from the massive lead–zinc ore + massive pyrite zone (Zone I) → lead–zinc ore vein + pyrite vein zone (Zone II) → spotted pyrite + calcite stockwork/vein zone (Zone III) → calcite veinlet + masses of dolomite + gray–white cataclastic medium–coarse dolomite zone (Zone IV).

The porosity and permeability of the NW flank of the anticline are greater than those of the SE flank. On the NW flank, the greater the degree of mineralization–alteration is, the greater the porosity and permeability are, and the porosity of the orebody is lower than that during dolomitization. Tectonic activity affects the properties, migration, and precipitation of fluids, thereby controlling the alteration characteristics generated during fluid migration and changing the porosity and permeability.

During the mineralization period, the ore-forming metal fluids migrated from the deep part of the SSW region to the shallow part of the NNE region along the ore-guiding structure (Maoping Fault). Through the ore distribution structure, depressurization boiling occurred in the open space of the NE-trending interlayer sinistral compressive–torsional faults in several ore-bearing formations, resulting in fluid precipitation and the formation of different lead–zinc mineralization zones in brecciated hot-melt dolomite.

The NW flank of the Maomaoshan anticline is an important prospecting area. The pyrite + striped altered dolomite zone (Zones II–III) in the C2w limestone and the pyrite + strong dolomite zone (Zones II–III) in the D3zg dolomite are important prospecting indicators.

Statements

Data availability statement

The original contributions presented in the study are included in the article/Supplementary Material, further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding author.

Author contributions

JW: Conceptualization, Formal Analysis, Investigation, Methodology, Software, Validation, Visualization, Writing–original draft, Writing–review and editing. RH: Conceptualization, Data curation, Funding acquisition, Investigation, Methodology, Project administration, Resources, Supervision, Validation, Writing–review and editing. YZ: Formal Analysis, Investigation, Project administration, Resources, Writing–review and editing. PW: Formal Analysis, Investigation, Methodology, Resources, Writing–review and editing. HG: Formal Analysis, Investigation, Methodology, Writing–review and editing. LW: Formal Analysis, Investigation, Writing–review and editing. GC: Investigation, Writing–review and editing. XL: Investigation, Writing–review and editing. YY: Investigation, Writing–review and editing. YM: Investigation, Writing–review and editing.

Funding

The author(s) declare that financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. This work was financed jointly by National Natural Science Foundation of China (42172086, U1133602), Yunnan Major Scientific and Technological Projects (grant no. 202202AG050014), Key Projects of School–Enterprise Cooperation (2020CHYCDZB08), Yunnan Mineral Resources Prediction and Evaluation Engineering Research Center (2011), and Yunnan Provincial Geological Process and Mineral Resources Innovation Team (2012).

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Publisher’s note

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

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Summary

Keywords

porosity and permeability, mineralization-alteration zones, metallogenic patterns, prospecting directions, Maoping superlarge germanium-rich lead-zinc deposit, Sichuan-Yunnan-Guizhou lead-zinc polymetallic metallogenic area

Citation

Wu J, Han R, Zhang Y, Wu P, Gong H, Wang L, Cheng G, Li X, Yang Y and Mi Y (2024) Porosity–permeability characteristics and mineralization–alteration zones of the Maoping germanium-rich lead–zinc deposit in SW China. Front. Earth Sci. 12:1347243. doi: 10.3389/feart.2024.1347243

Received

30 November 2023

Accepted

24 June 2024

Published

30 July 2024

Volume

12 - 2024

Edited by

Ryan Mathur, Juniata College, United States

Reviewed by

Liang Qiu, China University of Geosciences, China

Hua-Wen Cao, Chengdu University of Technology, China

Updates

Copyright

*Correspondence: Runsheng Han,

Disclaimer

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

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