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Research Progress of Geophysical Exploration in Karatungk Mine in Northern

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Vol.34, No.3 EARTHQUAKE RESEARCH IN CHINA September,2020

ERC (2020)34
Doi:10. 19743 / j.cnki.0891 - 4176. 202003004
Citation: DU Peixiao, LI Yang, WEI Mengyi, HAN Chunming, ZHAO Liang, WU Jing.
Research Progress of Geophysical Exploration in Karatungk Mine in Northern Xinjiang, China
[ J] . Earthquake Research in China, 2020, 34(3) : 311 - 327.

Research Progress of Geophysical Exploration in Karatungk

Mine in Northern Xinjiang, China1
DU Peixiao1, 2) , LI Yang1, 2) , WEI Mengyi1, 2) , HAN Chunming3) ,
ZHAO Liang1, 2) and WU Jing1)∗
1) State Key Laboratory of Lithospheric Evolution, Institute of Geology and Geophysics,
Chinese Academy of Sciences,Beijing 100029, China
2) College of Earth Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049,
China
3) Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese
Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100029, China

Karatungk Mine in northern Xinjiang, China, which is a large-scale magmatic Cu-Ni

sulfide mine in the Central Asian orogenic belt, has a long history of mining. The mine
is located at the merging belt between Altay orogenic belt and Junggar Basin, and has
strong tectonic activities. In recent years, mining source detection has become an
important target for mineral exploration due to the difficulties in ore body exploitation.
In this paper, we systematically summarize the achievements of the geophysical
explorations in Karatungk Mine from various aspects, including tectonic backgrounds
of the mine, dynamic mechanisms, geophysical characteristics and scientific challenges
in the future. Because of the restrictions of observation density and analysis methods,
the fine geometrical structure of the mine cannot be completely characterized yet.
Therefore, in order to obtain the high-resolution structure and detailed spatial
distribution of orebodies, researchers should focus on combining multiple geophysical
methods, developing high-resolution imaging methods, and improving petro physical
experiments in the future.

Key words: Xinjiang; Karatungk Mine; Geophysical exploration; Detailed shallow

crustal structure

　 INTRODUCTION

　 　 Karatungk Mine, located in the southern margin of Altay orogenic belt in the north of
1
Received on April 28 th , 2020; revised on May 13 th , 2020. This research is sponsored by the National Key
R&D Programs of China ( 2017YFC0601206) , State Key Laboratory of Lithospheric Evolution, Institute of
Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (11731210) .
∗Corresponding author.
　312 DU Peixiao et al. Research Progress of Geophysical Exploration in Karatungk Mine in Northern Xinjiang, China No.3

Xinjiang, China, is a large-scale Cu-Ni sulfide mine in the Central Asia orogenic belt ( Li
Gangzhu et al., 2011). In 2005, the deposit reserve of the mine was predicted to exceed 1. 24
million tons ( Gong Ying et al., 2005), suggesting that it plays a vital role in China̓s
economic development ( Han Chunming et al., 2006; Wang Jianzhong, 2010). The total
amount of Cu and Ni nonferrous metals has been proved to be over 940 000 tons since the first
geological exploration was conducted in 1980 (Lv Linsu et al., 2007). At present, the mining
work in this area is mainly related to three large ore-hosting intrusions, with the mining depth
up to 800 m underground ( Qin Kezhang et al., 2014). Previous studies indicate that the
surface of Karatungk Mine is mostly mafic rock mass, and no large-scale ultramafic rock
mass has been observed. They suggest that a large-scale ultramafic rock mass may exist in the
deep part of the mine (below 800 m in depth) (Qin Kezhang et al., 2014).
To date, it is rather difficult to discover rich mineral resources in the shallow part (0 -
800 m) of Karatungk Mine with the large-scale exploitation. As a result, searching for deep
concealed deposits is a major challenge, and it is hard to satisfy the forthcoming exploration
needs if we only apply traditional geological exploration methods. Considering that the Cu-
Ni sulfide orebodies have significant differences in physical properties compared with the
surrounding rocks, such as density, magnetic susceptibility, geophysical exploration
methods, such as gravity and magnetic exploration, magneto telluric sounding, reflection
seismic exploration and surface-hole transient electromagnetic method, have been
increasingly implemented in mining work ( Malehmir A. et al., 2012; Ferguson I. J. et al.,
2016) . With the expansion from surface to underground drilling, the research progress of
mines has been promoted, and the understanding of Karatungk Cu-Ni sulfide mine has been
improved.
The purpose of this paper is to summarize the main research progress of geophysical
exploration in Karatungk Mine in recent years. Geological structure background of the mine,
the application of geophysical prospecting, such as gravity, magnetic, electric and seismic
exploration in the mine and the existing research progress are introduced in this paper.
Additionally, we discuss the restrictions of geophysical methods used in recent years in
Karatungk Mine, and introduce the geophysical studies we are working on.
1　 INTRODUCTION OF THE STRUCTURE AND METALLOGENIC SETTING OF
KARATUNGK MINE

1. 1　 Tectonic Settings and Seismicity

　 　 Karatungk Mine is located at the northern part of the Central Asian orogenic belt, the
northern margin of the Junggar Plate as well as the eastern part of the Saerbulak-
Sasekebasitao synclinorium ( Tong Tiegang et al., 2004; Zhou Jianyong et al., 2016) . The
Junggar Massif is bounded by the deep Ertix-Maynebo fault ( Fig.1( a) ) and it borders with
the Altay Caledonian orogenic belt to the north. The tectonic structure of the mine includes
a series of complex folds and thrust faults with a major strike in NW, and sub-strikes in
NE, NNW, and EW directions ( Qin Kezhang et al., 2014) .
Fig.1 shows the major lithology and deposition distribution in Karatungk Mine. The
outcropping strata in this area mainly include Devonian, Carboniferous, part of Ordovician,
Jurassic, Tertiary and Quaternary. Nanmingshui Formation of Lower Carboniferous is the
major stratum in the aforementioned mine, which is the host rock of mafic rock mass. The
No.3 DU Peixiao et al. Research Progress of Geophysical Exploration in Karatungk Mine in Northern Xinjiang, China 　313

lithology consists of carbonaceous sedimentary tuffs, argillaceous slate with sedimentary

tuffs, and coarse-grained tuffs in gravels, etc. ( Yu Xu, 2008) .

Figure 1 　 ( a ) Geographical location of the Karatungk Mine ( Modified from Han

Chunming et al., 2007 ) ; ( b ) Geological map of Karatungk orefield showing the
distribution of mafic intrusions ( Referenced from Qin Kezhang et al., 2014) ; ( c) The
distribution of magnetic anomalies and gravity anomalies in Karatungk Mine and
　 　 　 　 its adjacent areas ( Referenced from Qin Kezhang et al., 2014)
The tectonic activity in the mine is the intensely active, and the magmatic activity in the
vicinity of the mine is also strong. There are three periods in the history of rock intrusion:
diorite from early to middle Hercynian, gabbro from middle to late Hercynian, and
plagiogranite from early Yanshan, of which the ore-hosting intrusions in Karatungk Mine are
primarily magma products from the middle to late Hercynian ( Wang Runmin et al., 1993).
Rock mass group in the mine is composed of 13 mafic-ultramafic ore-hosting intrusions Y1 -
Y11 ( Fig. 1( b)), G21 and G22 ( Fig. 1( c)), respectively ( Qin Kezhang et al., 2014).
　314 DU Peixiao et al. Research Progress of Geophysical Exploration in Karatungk Mine in Northern Xinjiang, China No.3

Except for the northwestern end of Y1, Y4 and Y6 - Y11 ore-hosting intrusions ( hereinafter
called Y1, Y4 and Y6-Y11) that are exposed to the surface, other ore-hosting intrusions are
all buried underground ( Mao Jingwen et al., 2008). The existing geological prospecting
studies focus mainly on Y1-Y3, and limited investigations on Y6-Y11 are conducted.
The main sulfide orebodies in Karatungk Mine are pentlandite, pyrrhotite and
chalcopyrite according to the available data. There are significant differences in rock physical
properties in orebodies, ore-hosting intrusions and surrounding rocks. More specifically,
compared with surrounding rocks, Cu-Ni sulfide orebodies have relatively higher magnetism,
density, polaribility and lower resistivity, which are known as ‘three higher-s and one lower’
geophysical anomalies (Deng Zhenqiu,1990; Xiao Qibin et al., 2005; Shao Xinglai et al.,
2012; Qin Kezhang et al., 2014). Yang Yongqiang et al. (1998) indicate that the density and
magnetism of rock mass increase with the increase of orebody host in intrusions, and the
magnetism of mineralized rock is obviously higher than that of non-mineralized rock based on
the analysis of Y1 (Yang Yongqiang et al., 1998; Jia Nati, 2013). Table 1 shows that Y1 has
the largest scale and highest degree of mineralization with almost all rock mineralized,
followed by the Y2 and Y3 ore-hosting intrusions (hereafter called Y2 and Y3) with different
degrees of mineralization. These three ore-hosting intrusions are main mineral resources
previously observed in Karatungk Mine.
On August 11 th , 1931, a M8. 0 earthquake occured in Fuyun, Northern Xinjiang,
resulting in extensive and severe damage as well as permanent ground deformation in Fuyun
and Qinghe areas ( Yang Zhang et al., 1980) . Karatungk Mine is located between Fuyun
and Qinghe, indicating that the surrounding area of the mine is a tectonically and seismically
active area. According to the seismic catalogue provided by the China Earthquake Networks
Center, the main seismicity statistics around the mine in recent 10 years (2008 - 2019) are
as follows:1 794 earthquakes ≤M1. 0, 42 earthquakes ≤M3. 0, and the greatest earthquake
is M4. 7. The seismicity information indicate that it is tectonically active while the ability of
seismicity detection is limited in this area.
1. 2　 Metallogenic Dynamic Mechanism
　 　 Researchers hold different views on the metallogenic dynamic mechanism of Karatungk
Mine ( Fig.2) . Some researchers suggest that plate subduction may be the possible reason
for mineralization ( Han Chunming et al., 2007; Sillitoe R. H., 1997) . It is commonly
acknowledged that plate subduction can lead to mantle melting, and the mantle wedge may
then generate highly oxidized magma during the local melting process of subduction. Such
process may further destabilize the mantle sulfide, thus releasing and transporting copper
and gold to the upper crust where they are subsequently mineralized under the following arc-
shaped magmatism ( Fig.2( a) ) . However, some people argue that the metallogenic belt is
formed by continental collision ( Chen Yanjing, 2013) . They indicate that the subducting
plate in this process may raise the temperature and pressure, followed by a list of successive
processes, including hypabyssal intrusion, metamorphism, and melting. Under the
compression and extension transformation system of collision orogeny, the decompression
and temperature rising will generate large-scale mineralization ( Fig. 2 ( b) ) . In addition,
some researchers consider that the metallogenic deposits are related to mantle plumes,
indicating that there is a geochemical correlation between mafic-ultramafic rocks in the
eastern Tianshan, Beishan and Tarim Basin basalts. Meanwhile, the ages of their formation
No.3 DU Peixiao et al. Research Progress of Geophysical Exploration in Karatungk Mine in Northern Xinjiang, China 　315

are all 280 Ma, meaning that the continental flood basalts are mostly originated from mantle
plume ( Fig.2 ( c) ) , Wang Denghong et al., 2007; Qin Kezhang et al., 2011, 2012) .
Furthermore, the upwelling of thermal materials to the shallow crust caused by mantle
plume is the main metallogenic mechanism in Karatungk Mine ( Qin Kezhang et al., 2014) .
The Cu-Ni sulfide orebodies in Karatungk Mine is taken for a high magnesium tholeiitic
magma originating from the depleted asthenosphere mantle and lithosphere mantle ( Zhang
Zhaochong et al., 2003; Jiang Changyi et al., 2009) . And the orebodies are considered as
the products of upwelling, emplacement, differentiation and crystallization in the context of
post-orogenic extension in Early Permian ( Han Baofu et al., 2004; Zhang Zuoheng et al.,
2008; Han Chunming et al., 2006 ) , during which the local contamination of crustal
materials occurred ( Tang Zhongli et al., 2006) .

Figure 2　 Background of metallogenic dynamics of ore deposits ( Modified from Sillitoe

R.H., 1997; Hou Zengqian et al., 2011; Xiao Wenjiao et al., 2010) .

Table 1　 Basic characteristics of mafic-ultramafic intrusions in the Karatungk ore district

( Referenced from Qin Kezhang et al., 2014) .
Rock Scope Rock type and Mineralization
Shape Ore type
mass ( km 2 ) metallogenic scale scale
Olivine norite;
Irregular Gabbronorite; Biotite
Y1 0. 1 Disseminated, dense Large scale
lenticular hornblende norite;
Gabbro
Concealed Mainly
Gabbronorite; Medium-large
Y2 rock mass 0. 3 disseminated, then
Leucogabbro; Diorite scale
lenticular massive
Concealed Mainly disseminated,
Gabbronorite; Bojite;
Y3 rock mass 0. 4 then patchy, massive Medium scale
Diorite
lenticular and veinlet
Gabbro; Leucogabbro;
Y4 Lenticle 0. 01 Gabbro-diorite;Quartz unmineralized
diorite
Norite; Gabbro; Slight
Y5 Venation 0. 03
Diabase mineralization
Irregular Gabbro; Diabase-
Y6 0. 04 Star point Small scale
vein porphyrite
(to be continued)
　316 DU Peixiao et al. Research Progress of Geophysical Exploration in Karatungk Mine in Northern Xinjiang, China No.3

Table 1
Mainly disseminated,
Irregular Gabbro; Norite; followed by patchy,
Y7 0. 03 Small scale
branch vein Diabase-gabbro veinlet and a small
amount of massive

Mainly earthy and

Norite; Diabase- vein ore, with a small
Y8 Lenticle 0. 01 Small scale
porphyrite; Leucogabbro amount of
disseminated

Gabbro; Diabase- Mainly disseminated,

Multiple Small-medium
Y9 0. 1 gabbro; Diabase- then veinlet, massive
branch vein scale
porphyrite; Leucogabbro and patchy
Concealed
Y10/ Y11 Diabase-gabbro unmineralized
rock mass
Concealed Gabbro; Gabbro- Localized
G21/ G22 1. 2
rock mass diorite; Diorite mineralization

　 　 The primary controversy is whether the genesis of the deposit is in asthenosphere and /
or lithosphere, while the characterization of the fine structure in the crust is rare.

2 　 RESEARCH PROGRESS OF GEOPHYSICAL EXPLORATION IN

KARATUNGK MINE
　 　 Geophysical exploration methods are more sensitive to changes in the physical
properties of rocks and are therefore often used in mineral exploration ( Dentith M. et al.,
2014) . Geophysical methods play a crucial role in the exploration of magmatic Cu-Ni
sulfide orebody ( Dowsett J.S., 1967; Watts A., 1997) . The tectonic movements associated
with the magmatic Cu-Ni sulfide mineralization may cause changes in the surrounding
geophysical field, resulting in difference in the geophysical properties between the minerals
and the surrounding rocks. This provides a theoretical basis for geophysical exploration in
the prospecting work.
Magmatic Cu-Ni sulfide orebodies usually include pentlandite, pyrrhotite and
chalcopyrite, which have anomalies in many physical properties compared with the
surrounding rocks ( King A., 2007) . The orebodies usually show higher density, higher
magnetic properties, higher polarizability and lower resistivity compared with the
surrounding rocks, expressing in ‘ three higher-s and one lower’ geophysical characteristics.
For the existing geophysical characteristics, scholars have used the ‘ Gravity-Magnetic-
Electric-Seismic’ geophysical method for decades to carry out many studies on Karatungk
Cu-Ni mine in Xinjiang, and have obtained a series of geophysical achievements ( Qin
Kezhang et al., 2014 ) . Based on previous studies, we will analyze the geophysical
exploration methods used in Karatungk Cu-Ni mine nowadays, and discuss the principles
and applications of each method in the prospecting work.
2. 1　 Gravity Exploration
　 　 Gravity exploration, one of the important methods for geophysical prospecting, can
infer the geological composition or mineral distribution of the survey area by measuring the
No.3 DU Peixiao et al. Research Progress of Geophysical Exploration in Karatungk Mine in Northern Xinjiang, China 　317

gravity anomaly caused by underground density unevenness ( Dentith M. et al., 2014; Ren
Li et al., 2013) . As shown in Table 2, the density can well distinguish sulfide minerals and
ore-hosting intrusions ( King A., 2007) , in which the average density of typical sulfide
minerals ( such as pentlandite, pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite and magnetite) is above 4. 0 g / cm 3
and the average density of ore-hosting intrusions is relatively small, most of which are
below 3. 2 g / cm 3 ( King A., 2007; Yao Zhuosen et al., 2014) . The difference in density
between sulfide minerals and ore-hosting intrusions is considered the main reason of high
gravity anomalies in sulfide minerals. Therefore, gravity exploration can delineate the Cu-Ni
orebodies by directly measuring the response of the high gravity anomaly caused by the
density difference between the orebodies and the ore-hosting intrusions.
Table 2 　 The Ni-Cu-Sulfide Ore Mineral and Host rock Magnetic Susceptibilities,
Densities and Electrical Resistivity ( Referenced from Telford W.M. et al., 1991; King A.,
2007; Yao Zhuosen et al., 2014) .
Magnetic susceptibility
Physical properties Density(g / cm3 ) Resistivity(Ω·m)
(103 )

Petromineral type range average range average range average

4. 5-
Pyrrhotite 1-6 000 1500 4. 65 (6-160)×10-6 10-5
4. 8

Pentlandite <1 4. 8 (1-11)×10-6 5×10-6

Sulfide / Oxide 4. 1-
Chalcopyrite 0. 7 4. 2 (1. 5-90)×10-4 5×10-4
4. 3

1200- 4. 9- 5×10-5 -
Magnetite 6000 5. 12
19200 5. 2 5. 7×103
0. 04- 2. 3- 4. 5×103 -
Felsic rock 8 2. 61
520000 3. 11 1. 3×106
Ore-hosting 2. 09-
Mafic rock 0. 5-122 25 2. 79 103 -106
rock 3. 17
2. 78- 3×103 -
Ultramafic rock 90-200 150 3. 15
3. 37 6. 5×103
Carbon-bearing 10-4 -5×
formation 10-3
others
Topsoil covering
0-0. 036 1-1 000
layer

Geophysical prospecting brigade of Xinjiang Geological Bureau of Geological Ministry

discovered two gravity anomalies at the east of Y1 in 1980, the length of which are about
1 400 - 1 600 m and the width of which are about 300 - 400 m. Although the amplitude of
anomalies is relatively small, drilling and exploration results show that the local gravity
anomalies are two medium-sized hidden deposits ( Zhang Jian et al., 1989; Xiong
Guangchu et al., 1996; Deng Zhenqiu et al., 1997 ) . Wang̓s groups from Chang̓an
University performed a vertical second derivation of Bouguer gravity anomaly to identify 48
gravity anomalies in the mine in 2012. Most of the gravity anomalies ( i.e. Y26, Y1 - Y9,
G21 and G22) have a good correspondence with known intrusions ( Qin Kezhang et al.,
　318 DU Peixiao et al. Research Progress of Geophysical Exploration in Karatungk Mine in Northern Xinjiang, China No.3

2014 ) . Shao̓s group from Xinjiang Geology and Mineral Technology Development
Company performs forward modeling of gravity anomaly, and their results show that after
removing the existing intrusions and orebodies, residual gravity anomalies still remain ( Qin
Kezhang et al., 2014) , such as Y2 -Y5, Y7 -Y9, G21 and G22 anomalies. Zhou Yaoming
et al. (2014) also conduct gravity anomaly measurement of the G21 anomaly zone in the
mine. Through analysis of the comprehensive anomalous characteristics of gravity and
magnetism, it is concluded that the comprehensive anomalies of G21 - 1 and M21 - 4 and
those of G21 - 3, G21 - 4 and M21 - 3 have the same characteristics. G21 - 2, M21 - 1,
M21 - 2 are anomalies with different sources of gravity and magnetism. Drilling analysis of
high gravity anomaly G21 - 2 suggests that the subsequent exploration should focus on the
northeast part of G21 - 2 with high gravity.
Although gravity exploration has obtained many achievements, there are still several
challenges in actual mining work. For example, high iron content in the rock can lead to a
large density ( King A., 2007; Yao Zhuosen et al., 2014) , which in turn manifests as a
high gravity anomaly. Also low ore content in ore-hosting intrusions cannot help to obtain
high gravity anomalies. Considering the multiple solutions in the inversion, gravity
exploration has many interference factors and limitations in the prospecting work, and thus
could not meet the requirements for better prospecting.
2. 2　 Magnetic Exploration
　 　 Magnetic exploration is a geophysical prospecting method that infers the geological
structure, mineral resources, or the distribution law of other detected objects by observing
and analyzing magnetic anomalies caused by the magnetic differences of rocks, orebodies,
or other detected objects ( Yi Qiutian et al., 2015) . It can be inferred from Table 2 that the
main mineral pyrrhotite in Cu-Ni orebodies has a higher magnetic susceptibility, and the
higher its content, the stronger the magnetism of Cu-Ni orebodies ( Shao Xinglai, 2012;
Yang Yongqiang et al., 1998; Jia Nati, 2013) . Surrounding rocks in the mine are mainly
rocks with weak magnetism such as sedimentary tuff, mudstone, muddy slate and sandstone
( Yu Xu, 2008 ) . The remarkable high magnetic anomaly ( Qin Kezhang et al., 2014 )
makes magnetic exploration an effective way in prospecting research.
The 4 th Geological Brigade of Xinjiang Geological Bureau observed obvious magnetic
anomalies near the ZK13 hole, which was proved to be a large hidden sulfide Cu-Ni
orebody, and named as No.1 ore-hosting intrusions in 1979 ( Zhang Jian et al., 1989; Deng
Zhenqiu et al., 1997 ) . Zhang Jian et al. ( 1989 ) observe a magnetic anomaly group
consisting of four small anomalies in the G2 area, and find that there are two industrial
orebodies and one diorite body after drilling three of them. Their results point out that the
combination of magnetic and geochemical exploration can better prospect the orebodies in
shallower depth. If the burial depth of orebodies is larger, the excitation polarization method
can be used to evaluate the anomaly. Zhou Yaoming et al. (2014) conduct a 1 ∶ 5000 high-
precision magnetic measurement of the G21 anomaly zone on the periphery of Karatungk
Cu-Ni mine, and discover that the magnetic anomaly and gravity anomaly of the G21
anomaly zone correspond to wells. Drilling exploration indicates that the comprehensive
anomalies of G21 - 1 and M21 - 4 and that of G21 - 3, G21 - 4 and M21 - 3 are not associated
with ore-hosting intrusions, which are instead caused by high-density, high-magnetism
debris tuff. The high-gravity anomaly of G21 - 2 is a response of ore-hosting intrusions. Due
No.3 DU Peixiao et al. Research Progress of Geophysical Exploration in Karatungk Mine in Northern Xinjiang, China 　319

to the weak magnetic properties of the overburden and quartz diorite in the upper part of the
ore-hosting intrusions, this high-gravity anomaly only presents a low magnetism ( Zhou
Yaoming et al., 2014) .
In the actual mining work, we often encounter the phenomenon where the magnetic
anomaly of the orebodies and ore-hosting intrusions are usually weak due to its small size
and ore content, resulting in some limitations in prospecting work.
2. 3　 Electrical Exploration
　 　 Electrical exploration can determine the location of orebodies through differences in
physical properties such as electrical conductivity, dielectric properties, and electrochemical
properties between rocks ( Cai Zhengbo, 2012 ) . When the electrical properties of
underground rock layers and orebodies change in the horizontal and vertical directions, the
spatial distribution of electromagnetic fields observed on the ground also changes
correspondingly. According to the abnormal characteristics of the spatial distribution of
electromagnetic fields ( including size, location, shape, burial depth and physical
parameters, etc.) , it can be inferred whether there are geological structures or orebodies
( Yu Hehai, 2009) . Table 2 shows that the resistivity of sulfide minerals and ore-hosting
intrusions differ by 8 to 9 orders of magnitude, so measuring the electrical conductivity of
rocks can effectively determine the content of sulfide minerals ( King A., 2007) . From the
application of resistivity profiling to electromagnetic sounding, electrical exploration has
made numerous achievements in research and prospecting of Cu-Ni sulfide mine, especially
the recently widely used exploration work represented by the transient electromagnetic
method ( Qin Kezhang et al., 2014) .
Zhang Zhaojing ( 1996 ) utilizes the pulsed transient electromagnetic method, the
induced electricity in the well, the deep charging method to obtain satisfactory results,
which extract the structural form of hidden ore-hosting intrusions and delineate orebodies in
the deep part of Karatungk Cu-Ni mine. They believe that there is no high-resistance rock
layer between the Y1 and Y2 ore-hosting intrusions, and they are almost connected in one
low-resistance tectonic zone. The speculation that massive ore-hosting intrusions may exist
in the west of Y2 is verified by a 10 m thick extra-rich massive orebody drilled by the
ZK238 borehole in Line 3 ( Zhang Zhaojing, 1996) . This work also measure the negative
anomaly with a large amplitude near the 150 m depth of the ZK17 borehole using the pulsed
electromagnetic method in the well. This anomaly basically coincides with the orebody
delineated by the actual mining work ( Zhang Zhaojing, 1996) . In addition, Xu Zhenchao
(2003) conducts transient electromagnetic measurements on ground-well zero azimuth of
the ZK17 borehole, and indicate that there is a wide range of anomalous bodies with high
amplitudes near the depth of 150 m. Later they find a sulfide orebody nearly 20 m thick at
that depth ( Xu Zhenchao, 2003 ) . Based on the horizontal distribution of minerals
determined by gravity and magnetic data, Zhou Yaoming et al. (2014) clearly outline the
occurrence of high-resistance bodies in obtained profiles by using transient electromagnetic
sounding method, and it is consistent with the actual spatial shape of the rock mass ( Zhou
Yaoming et al., 2014) .
Compared with gravity and magnetic methods, electrical exploration is more flexible
and effective in prospecting work, but is still affected by several interference factors. Due to
the presence of carbon-bearing strata in the surrounding rocks of Karatung combined with a
　320 DU Peixiao et al. Research Progress of Geophysical Exploration in Karatungk Mine in Northern Xinjiang, China No.3

close resistivity range to that of Cu-Ni sulfide orebodies, when using electrical survey
methods such as resistivity profile, electromagnetic sounding and transient electromagnetic,
the low-resistance part of the exploration results cannot be accurately interpreted. It is
difficult to distinguish the sulfide orebody from the carbon-bearing formation. Meanwhile,
due to its limited exploration depth, electrical exploration is not ideal for deeper metal
deposits.
2. 4　 Seismic Exploration Using Artificial Source
　 　 Artificial-source seismic exploration refers to the geophysical exploration method for
inferring the nature and morphology of underground rock layers by observing and analyzing
the propagation of elastic waves generated by artificial sources, namely seismic waves,
through the difference in elasticity and density of underground media ( Lu Jimeng et al.,
2009) . Rational use of artificial-source seismic exploration methods can obtain a clearer
underground rock structure and lithological boundary, including the physical characteristics
of rock density and seismic operation rate. Although gravity, magnetic and electrical
methods are able to detect the deep non-ferrous metal deposits, seismic exploration has a
significant advantage in resolution. Especially, when single gravity and magnetic anomalies
occur, the use of shallow seismic methods to detect bedrock fluctuations can help us study
anomalies in detail ( Zhang Jian et al., 1989) .
Zhou Jianyong et al. (2016) conduct seismic numerical simulation and high-precision
seismic reflection research to explore the deep resources of Karatungk Cu-Ni mine. The
profile of line 95 shows that the difference in wave impedance between mineralized gabbro
and surrounding rocks is larger than that of diorite, so it is easier to identify strong
reflections on seismic profiles. They also suggest that an anomaly in the wave amplitude of
the 95-line profile has a good correspondence with both the magnetic anomaly of the
Bouguer gravity anomaly in the survey area and the first vertical derivative of the anomalous
magnetic polarization method. In detail, they initially design a borehole, drill at CDP3386
and then find ore-hosting intrusions with a large thickness within the depths of 686 - 840 m
and 1 060 - 1 140 m, which are consistent with the interpretation of the profile in Line 95
( Zhou Jianyong et al., 2016) . Liu Jianxun et al. (2017) take advantage of the technique of
seismic exploration and drilling and propose that there are massive mafic intrusions in the
deep part of Y3 and Y5. After drilling, gabbro and diorite with a thickness of about 478 m
are found under the Y5 ore-hosting intrusions, and their results are partially verified.
Although the artificial-source seismic exploration has improved the detection depth and
resolution of orebodies, several restrictions still exist. Previous studies indicate that only
when the orebodies are large enough and gently inclined, can the orebodies and ore-hosting
intrusions easily be detected and reflected by seismic waves and then be effectively
identified. However, it tends to cause the seismic wave energy to propagate downward,
making the orebodies difficult to be identified due to the steep-dip distribution in the deep
part near the Y2 in Karatungk Cu-Ni mine ( Qin Kezhang et al., 2014) . Particularly, when
orebodies are small, the reflection characteristics in obtained profiles are not easy to be
identified, thus the resolution of this method within the capable explorative depth still needs
to be improved by more precise instruments and the combination with other methods in order
to obtain more accurate interpretation.
No.3 DU Peixiao et al. Research Progress of Geophysical Exploration in Karatungk Mine in Northern Xinjiang, China 　321

2. 5　 Ambient Noise Tomography Based on a Dense Seismic Array

　 　 The short-period dense seismic arrays developed in recent years aim to take advantage
of smaller station spacing for the purpose of revealing the detailed crustal structure based on
ambient noise tomography, which is also the technique we conduct in Karatungk Mine
( Fig.3) . The weak noise signal in a certain directions may be received by two stations
aligning along the directions, and the two stations retain the consistency of the signal from
specific field source by calculating cross-correlation functions of the records from the two
stations and stacking them multiple times, we can extract valid signals in this direction
( Weaver R. L., 2005 ) . Then, based on the assumption of diffusion field and the
relationship between the cross-correlation functions and the empirical Green functions,
information during the seismic wave propagating between the two stations can be obtained,
and the underground velocity structure can be retrieved. The resolution of this method
depends on the station spacing and the frequency range of surface wave signals in the study
area. Therefore, to obtain detailed shallow crustal velocity structures, dense seismic arrays
and high-frequency surface wave signals can effectively improve the resolution ( Lin Fanchi
et al., 2013) . Different from the traditional techniques in seismology which are dependent
on seismic events, this method overcomes the problem of uneven temporal and spatial
distribution of earthquakes. When calculating the cross-correlation function between station
pairs, all stations can be regarded as effective sources, and continuous ambient noise can
also be used as effective signals. As thus, this method is suitable for Karatungk Cu-Ni mine
with weak seismicity ( Fig.3) .
As a methodological attempt, we deploy a two-dimensional dense array ( KMA )
containing 100 short period seismometers in Karatungk Cu-Ni mine from June 2018 to
August 2018. The full aperture of KMA is ~ 12 km in length and ~ 3 km in width, and with
an average station spacing of ~ 0. 5 km. The yellow circles in Fig.3 are the seismic activities
occurred from January 2000 to July 2019 in the vicinity of the mine. It can be seen that only
a handful of seismic events are recorded in the area. At present, we have obtained the
velocity structure at a depth of 1. 3 km underground in the mine. The horizontal resolution is
about 1. 1 km, and the vertical resolution is about 0. 1 km in the shallow part. The shallow
velocity structure corresponds well with the distribution of the known ore-hosting intrusions.
In the following process, it is necessary to increase the constraints on the depth deeper than
1 km.

3　 CURRENT UNDERSTANDING AND DEFICIENCY

　 　 Karatungk Cu-Ni sulfide orebodies are geophysically characterized by higher

magnetism, higher density, higher polaribility and lower resistivity, which are known as
‘ three higher-s and one lower̓ geophysical anomalies. The density and magnetism of mafic
ore-hosting intrusions may increase with the increase of mineralization. Therefore, the
combination of gravity and magnetic methods is the most important means of exploration.
The gravity anomaly corresponds well to the rock location in the mine. Furthermore, the
residual gravity anomalies of large ore-hosting intrusions with higher mineralization are
higher, and the anomalies with weak intensity should be verified by borehole data. Obvious
magnetic anomalies in a single magnetic exploration often indicate the existence of Cu-Ni
orebodies. The characteristics of magnetic anomalies with smaller intensity should be
　322 DU Peixiao et al. Research Progress of Geophysical Exploration in Karatungk Mine in Northern Xinjiang, China No.3

Figure 3　 Distribution of short-term dense seismic arrays in the

Karatungk Cu-Ni mine
Black triangles represent KMA, white areas are ore-hosting
intrusions in the mine, and yellow circles indicate seismicity
around Karatungk Mine (2000-01 - 2019-07)

evaluated by the combination of magnetic exploration, geochemical exploration, and

inducing polarization methods according to different depths. The combined exploration of
gravity and magnetic can effectively delineate the outline of the anomalies in the mine.
However, they are easily disturbed by the high density and high magnetic crystal clastic tuff.
Besides, the strong magnetism of anomalies can easily be concealed by the quartz diorite in
the overburden of ore-hosting intrusions, which may affect the observations.
The application of electromagnetic prospecting and artificial-source seismic exploration
has greatly enhanced the exploration depth, and both of them can collect the information of
ore-hosting intrusions in depth. Electromagnetic method can be used to distinguish the
connection between ore-hosting intrusions and massive orebodies, delineate the anomaly
with higher amplitude, and further determine its depth for verification work, which can
effectively obtain the depth information of ore-hosting intrusions. In practical work, through
the combination of gravity and magnetic methods, the distribution of ore-hosting intrusions
can be clearly depicted. Artificial-source seismic exploration can accurately delineate the
obvious difference of wave impedance, and infer the ore-hosting intrusions by combining
with the magnetic anomaly of the first vertical derivative of Bouguer gravity anomaly and
polar magnetic anomaly.
Through the progress of geophysical exploration, it is known that combining multiple
No.3 DU Peixiao et al. Research Progress of Geophysical Exploration in Karatungk Mine in Northern Xinjiang, China 　323

explorations of gravity, magnetic, electric and artificial-source seismic exploration can

effectively delineate the anomalous bodies compared with the single method. However, in
the actual exploration, there are more interference factors in mines, and the gravity and
magnetic survey is often affected by bedrock upheaval and depression so that the original
high gravity and magnetic anomaly of the ore-hosting intrusions are suppressed and difficult
to be observed. Both gravity and magnetic explorations rely on the comprehensive response
of anomalies on the surface caused by the difference of density and magnetic susceptibility
among orebodies, ore-hosting intrusions and surrounding rocks. They cannot directly
distinguish the lithology of abnormal bodies. Therefore, when the content of orebodies in
ore-hosting intrusions is too few to be detected, and there are also interference factors of
high density and high magnetic susceptibility, some errors may occur in gravity and
magnetic measurement consequently. Due to the low wave impedance in the electrical
prospecting results of the widespread carbonaceous strata near the surface, which is
consistent with Cu-Ni orebodies, it is difficult to interpret the obtained results. In addition to
the massive orebodies and the Y1 - Y3, the majority of ore-hosting intrusions are small in
size, making it difficult to observe the obvious reflection phenomenon in the sections when
researchers carry out artificial-source seismic explorations. Some studies have shown that Y2
is steeply inclined in the deep part ( Qin Kezhang et al., 2014) , which may easily lead to
the downward propagation of seismic wave energy. At the same time, the comprehensive
geophysical detection method cannot achieve the fusion of multiple physical attributes, but
only the unity of the tomography at present. The physical properties of the same rock sample
cannot be accurately located and put into practice, suggesting the deficiency of the
petrophysical experiments. For example, only few comprehensive experiments with multiple
methods have been performed for the same rock sample, and only when the petrophysical
bridge is completed can we really achieve the integration of multiple physical properties.
To sum up, due to the great changes in the physical properties of surrounding rocks and
carbonaceous strata in the mine, the orebodies cannot accurately reflect the characteristics of
“ three higher-s and one lower ” . The effectiveness and accuracy of deep prospecting by
“ gravity-magnetic-electric-seismic” and other exploration methods need to be improved. At
present, the maximum mining depth in Karatungk Mine is about 850 m ( Qin Kezhang et
al., 2014) . Further prospecting targets will focus on concealed orebodies in deeper part.
Although seismic reflection has a larger exploration depth, the structural resolution in
detectable depth is still far from the expected threshold, and there is some interference in
interpretation of obtained profiles. Therefore, how to eliminate the interference factors and
improve the exploration resolution is the key problem needing to be solved in the following
geophysical research.

4　 CONCLUSION AND PROSPECTS

　 　 Karatungk Mine is the largest Cu-Ni sulfide mine in Xinjiang, China, which has rich
mineral resources and high output. After decades of continuous mining, it is urgent to
explore deep mineral resources. In recent years, a variety of geophysical explorations have
been applied to explore resources and study structures in the mine, but plenty of
interferences and uncertainties are still exist in the practical work and need to be eliminated.
Meanwhile, the shallow crustal structure of the mine cannot be described in detail at
　324 DU Peixiao et al. Research Progress of Geophysical Exploration in Karatungk Mine in Northern Xinjiang, China No.3

present, which also restricts our understanding of the spatial distribution of orebodies, the
exploitation of mineral resources, and the metallogenic mechanism of the mine.
In order to obtain the high-resolution structure and detailed spatial distribution of
orebodies, researchers may focus on combining multiple geophysical methods together,
developing high-resolution imaging methods, and improving petro-physical experiments in
the future. Also, it is significant for investigating the physical properties of underground
materials in the mine. At the same time, the potential geodynamic mechanisms of
mineralization in Karatungk Mine can be obtained by combining petrology, mineralogy,
early geological data and geochemical research results. In this way, a vital reference can be
provided to serve as a guide for further prospecting studies in the mine.
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About the Author
DU Peixiao, born in 1995, currently studying for a master̓s degree. Her mainly research
interest is ambient noise tomography. E-mail: dupeixiao17@ mails.ucas.ac.cn
Corresponding author: WU Jing, born in 1977, is an associate professor at Institute of
Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. She ̓ s mainly engaged in seismic
anisotropy, earthquake detection and research on fault zone structure. E-mail: wujing_js@ mail.
iggcas.ac.cn

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