Geological characteristics,ore-controlling factors and prospecting orientation of the Taochong iron deposit in Anhui province

Located in the northeastern part of the Tongling-Fanchang iron-copper district of the metallogenic belt in the middle–lower reaches of the Yangtze River,East China,Taochong iron deposit is a typical strata-bound skarn iron deposit.The proven reserve in Taochong iron deposit is almost exhausted.Therefore,the exploration of concealed ore bodies in the Taochong area is urgent.Based on a systematic geological investigation and previous data,a detailed study has been carried out on the geological characteristics and ore-controlling factors of the Taochong iron deposit then potential to depth and in surroundings of the deposit is discussed.The result shows that skarns and iron ore bodies are closely associated with each other occurring between the Lower Permian Qixia and Middle Carboniferous Huanglong limestone with sharp contact.Taochong iron deposit is a coupling product of magmatism,strata and structure of which magmatism provided source of ore material and heat,interformation fracture ore fluid channel and argillaceous limestone of Qixia Formation,sandy shale of Wutong Formation and secondary fold the closed ore-hosting space.Taochong iron deposit and the surroundings are both potential for further prospecting,especially the locations where the interlayer gliding fault and the secondary S-shaped folds are coexisted and angle of the rwo wings is about 90°.