Electrical structure model and metallogenic background of the Mujicun porphyry copper deposit

JianHua HU, BingZhang REN, Gang WANG, Huan LIU, HongBing AN, Yue ZHANG, Chong ZHANG, Gang XU, Xiong LIU

Prog Geophy ›› 2026, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (5) : 2468-2478.

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Prog Geophy ›› 2026, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (5) : 2468-2478. DOI: 10.6038/pg2026KK0050

Electrical structure model and metallogenic background of the Mujicun porphyry copper deposit

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Abstract

To clarify the deep electrical structure of the Mujicun porphyry copper deposit in the northern Taihang Mountains, explore its coupling with the "source-transport-storage" processes of the mineralization system, and further advance the understanding of the deep background of porphyry copper deposits within the North China Craton, this study carried out two-dimensional inversion using the nonlinear conjugate gradient algorithm, based on 13 Magnetotelluric (MT) stations traversing the Mujicun ore concentration area. An electrical model down to a depth of approximately 40 km was constructed. The model clearly reveals two sets of high-conductivity channels extending into the middle-lower crust, along with a NNE-trending fault system that controls these electrical features; both are interpreted as conduits for deep ore-bearing fluids. Additionally, the model identifies a mineralization source zone or a remnant magma chamber at a depth of about 25 km. The obtained electrical structure finely delineates the spatial architecture of the mineralization system, indicating that this "channel-reservoir" coupling system was governed by the reactivation of the Taihangshan deep fault zone under a Late Mesozoic extensional setting, accompanied by magma emplacement. It thus stands as a typical example of crust-mantle interaction and mineralization during the destruction of the North China Craton.

Key words

Mujicun / Porphyry copper deposit / Mineralization system / Electrical structure / Taihang mountain

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JianHua HU , BingZhang REN , Gang WANG , et al . Electrical structure model and metallogenic background of the Mujicun porphyry copper deposit[J]. Progress in Geophysics. 2026, 41(5): 2468-2478 https://doi.org/10.6038/pg2026KK0050

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