Cooperative Exploration Model of Coal–Gallium Deposit: A Case Study of the Heidaigou Coal–Gallium Deposit in the Jungar Coalfield, Inner Mongolia, China

Abstract

Gallium (Ga) is a typical scattered trace element that is irreplaceable in strategic sectors such as national defense, wireless communications, new materials, renewable energy, and healthcare. The coal–Ga deposit is an important complement to traditional Ga resources and has become a significant focus for Ga mineral resource exploration. Therefore, there is an urgent need to research the coal–Ga cooperative exploration model from both technical and economic perspectives. Taking the Heidaigou coal–Ga deposit as an example, the enrichment zone of coal–Ga is predominantly situated in the northern part of the exploration area, adjacent to the fault zone. The Ga concentration demonstrates a gradual decline from the north–central region towards the northeast and southeast. Similar vertical Ga distribution patterns are observed in adjacent drillings, with notably higher concentrations in the roof, floor, and parting layers. The cooperative exploration model for coal–Ga deposits is proposed based on the above features. The model employs a comprehensive set of cooperative technical methods, such as remote sensing, geological mapping, seismic exploration, drilling, petrogeochemistry, and well logging. The layout of exploration engineering and the concentration of Ga provide the basis for the estimation of Ga resources. Additionally, the model provides an important scientific basis for the improvement of the strategic coordination ability of Ga mineral resources.

Cooperative Exploration Model of Coal–Lithium Deposit: A Case Study of the Haerwusu Coal–Lithium Deposit in the Jungar Coalfield, Inner Mongolia, Northern China

“…Some scholars have discussed the technology and method of the comprehensive exploration/cooperative exploration of resources in coal-bearing strata. The theoretical frameworks and technical approaches of the cooperative exploration of coal and coal strategic metal resources in coal-bearing strata have been proposed [37][38][39]. According to the metallogenic background, characteristics, and occurrence characteristics of multi-energy minerals in the Ordos Basin, different cooperative exploration areas were identified along with the corresponding cooperative exploration methods [40,41].…”