Research Progress and Prospects of Gas Geochemical Exploration
Li Gaoxin
Chen Xin
Zheng Youye
Gao Shunbao
Lin Chenggui
Xue Zhaolong
Jiang Xiaojia
Abstract：As mineral exploration in China continues to advance,the search for concealed deposits in covered areas has become a crucial future direction.In this paper it systematically reviews the research progress in using gases as prospecting media for mineral exploration in covered terrains.It analyzes the principles,characteristics,sources,and migration mechanisms of mineralization-related gases used in exploration,summarizes the influence of environmental factors on their migration and enrichment.For different types of gases(such as CO2,hydrocarbon gases,sulfur-bearing gases,inert gases Rn and He,and mercury vapor(Hg)),it summarizes their application characteristics and challenges in mineral exploration,highlighting the advantages of multi-gas joint surveys specifically for metallic sulfide deposits.Although gas geochemical methods have demonstrated significant effectiveness in exploration practice,the genetic mechanisms,migration patterns,and influencing factors of various gases require further in-depth research,and the related theoretical framework needs refinement.Concurrently,there is an urgent need to establish a comprehensive system encompassing the detection,identification,tracing,and evaluation of gas geochemical anomalies to enhance the applicability and effectiveness of this method.
Keywords：covered areaexploration of concealed ore depositsmechanism of gas migrationsulfurous gas prospectingproblems and prospectsgeochemistry
Publication Date：2025-11-30
Online Publishing Date：2025-12-15(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：26( 4473-4498 )