The West Junggar region in Xinjiang, NW China, hosts more than 100 gold deposits, most of which are shallow and nearing depletion. To assess deep mineralization potential, we integrated in situ sulfur isotope geochemistry with audio-frequency magnetotelluric (AMT) surveys at three representative deposits (Hatu, Baogutu, and Baogutu XI). Sulfide δ34S values (0.46–4.16‰) indicate a deep magmatic–hydrothermal source. Petrophysical measurements reveal systematic resistivity contrasts that correlate with sulfide content. AMT surveys effectively delineate low-resistivity anomalies corresponding to mineralized zones, with persistent anomalies extending beneath known orebodies and along fault belts. These anomalies display two distinct geometric patterns: steeply dipping faults with en echelon fractures (Hatu) and S-shaped dip-transition zones (Baogutu and Baogutu XI), both reflecting structural controls on mineralization. The identified anomalies define probable mineralized zones at depth, suggesting significant undiscovered potential. This integrated geochemical and geophysical evidence provides compelling targets for deep exploration in the West Junggar region.
Pan et al. (Thu,) studied this question.