Major breakthrough in copper exploration in the Baogutu porphyry copper deposit, western Junggar, Xinjiang, and its significance

Abstract：Volcanic-hosted gold and ophiolite-hosted chromite were previously the focus of long-term exploration and research in the Toli ore belt, western Junggar, Xinjiang. In 2001-2004, a major breakthrough was made in copper exploration in the Baogutu area. The Baogutu copper deposit is closely related to Hercynian granodiorite porphyry. The ore has a simple metallic mineral composition and finely disseminated and veinlet-disseminated structures. The ore grade is low, the mineralization is homogeneous and the alteration assemblage and zoning are pronounced. According to the above-mentioned features, the deposit belongs to a typical porphyry copper-molybdenum deposit. The discovery of the Baogutu porphyry copper deposit is the first-ever discovery of a copper deposit in western Junggar. It proves that the Balkhash porphyry copper belt of Kazakhstan extends eastward into the Junggar area of China, which has great significance for advancing mineral exploration in this new prospect area.