Biogeochemical fractal characteristics of trace elements in the Shizhuyuan polymetallic mining area and their significance for prospecting

Shizhuyuan is a world-class W–Sn supergiant polymetallic deposit, with a large area of potential mineralization around it. Samples were taken of Dicranopteris dichotoma, which is widely distributed in the Shizhuyuan mining area. Biogeochemical and Number–Size fractal methods were used to evaluate the biogeochemical characteristics of trace elements in the samples and the feasibility of indicating subsurface mineral deposits. The results reveal that D. dichotoma not only has strong uptake of the active state of metal elements (Zn, Mo, Cd, Sn, etc.) in the soil, but also show the geochemical anomalies of Zn, Fe, Tl, Ag, Pb, U, As, Bi, Cd, Mo and Sn in the study area. The Number–Size fractal method can effectively identify the concentration populations of biogeochemical target elements and obtain convincing anomaly thresholds. Analysis of the metal content of D. dichotoma is an effective tool for biogeochemical exploration of Pb–Zn–U hydrothermal deposits in the study area. Zinc as well as U are target elements, and Tl appears to be an effective pathfinder element for Pb–Zn–U mineralization. In addition, 260–340 m of Line 3# and 1100–1200 m of Line 8# are the key areas for future exploration of Pb–Zn–U hydrothermal deposits. © 2023 The Author(s).