Controls of Multi-stage Tectonic Evolution on Gold Mineralization in Western Guangdong, South China

Abstract Western Guangdong, situated in the southern segment of the Qin-Hang metallogenic belt (South China), hosts significant gold deposits associated with deep fault intersections and intense magmatic, metamorphic and tectonic activities, making it highly prospective for mineral exploration. Previous studies focused on metallogenic geochemistry and granite structures, but systematic research on structural controls and tectonic evolution governing gold emplacement remains limited. This work analyzes Paleozoic-Mesozoic outcrops through structural mapping, geometric-kinematic analysis of deformation styles, and orientation statistics to reconstruct polyphase tectonic evolution. Four major events are identified: (a) Early Paleozoic NW-SE compression (dip directions of 258°-350° & 90°-190°), (b) Triassic NE-SW compression (dip directions of 133°-266° & 4°-66°), (c) Jurassic NW-SE compression (dip directions of 123°-174° & 295°-325°), and (d) Cretaceous NW-SE extension (dip directions of 90°-160° & 280°-331°). The four major tectonic events provide a robust framework for predicting favorable gold exploration targets in the region, and underscores the critical importance of understanding regional tectonic evolution in metallogenic studies.