Discovery and implications for ore prospecting of gravitational gliding structures in the Lutang coal-based graphite mining area, Hunan Province, China

Authors

• XIAO Jincheng, Geophysics and Geochemistry Survery Institute of Hunan Province, Changsha 410114, ChinaFollow
• LU Jiang, Geophysics and Geochemistry Survery Institute of Hunan Province, Changsha 410114, China
• LIU Zhiyu, Geophysics and Geochemistry Survery Institute of Hunan Province, Changsha 410114, China
• ZHU Linying, Geophysics and Geochemistry Survery Institute of Hunan Province, Changsha 410114, China
• XIAO Haibin, Geophysics and Geochemistry Survery Institute of Hunan Province, Changsha 410114, China
• LI Long, Geophysics and Geochemistry Survery Institute of Hunan Province, Changsha 410114, China
• XIAO Jing, Hunan Resources and Environment Research Institute Co., Ltd., Changsha 410114, China

Abstract

Background Data from previous exploration and studies indicate that the Lutang coal-based graphite mining area in Hunan Province falls within the Lutang-Shatian synclinorium in terms of tectonic location, with coal-bearing strata dominated by the upper member of the Upper Permian Longtan Formation. Influenced by the intrusion of granites, coal seams adjacent to the Qitianling pluton on the eastern flank of the mining area have undergone contact metamorphism, forming coal-based graphite. Previous exploration results suggest that the Qitianling pluton has a maximum burial depth measured at an elevation of 0 m or less. However, with constant underground exposure in mines, previous insights into the structures and ore layer distribution in the mining area have largely changed, failing to meet the current production demands. Methods This study developed a new understanding of structural traces in the mining area through in-depth mining of available geological data. Using a range of methods, including surface reconnaissance, logging of mine roadways, sample collection and tests, and mapping, this study investigated the geometric, kinematic, and dynamic characteristics of gravitational gliding structures in the mining area. Through a series of analyses and comprehensive examinations, it proposed innovative inferences and insights regarding gravitational gliding structures in the mining area. Results and Conclusions Inferences reveal that a gravitational gliding structure (F₁) sliding from east to west occurs on the eastern flank of the mining area. The overlying system of F₁ is a synclinorium confirmed through years of exploration and development, while its underlying system is the concealed area of the Lutang-Shatian synclinorium. The concealed area hosts large-scale coal-based graphite deposits, representing a gap in previous exploration and studies. The ore prospecting and exploration efforts in 2024 provide more definite insights into the structural characteristics of F₁, the concealed area of the Lutang-Shatian synclinorium, and the ore-hosting properties of the synclinorium. The results reveal that F₁ is a gravitational gliding structure that resembles a klippe in the planar view and appears as a spoon with an end lifted on the cross-section. The concealed area emerges as an asymmetric tight syncline with a steep western limb and a gentle eastern limb, where thick, numerous, and high-quality coal-based graphite deposits show maximum burial depths exceeding an elevation of −400 m. Overall, this study presents a summary of the developmental characteristics of the Lutang gravitational gliding structure, corrects the structural distribution patterns in southern Hunan, and analyzes mechanisms underlying the formation of the gliding structure. Furthermore, it establishes spoon-shaped ore-controlling styles of gravitational gliding structures and predicts the resources of coal-based graphite in the concealed area. The novel insights obtained in this study provide a valuable guide for geological prospecting while also holding great strategic significance for the exploration and development of mines in their depletion periods.

Keywords

Lutang, coal-based graphite mining area, gravitational gliding structure, discovery, concealed area, large-scale coal-derived graphite deposit

DOI

10.12363/issn.1001-1986.25.08.0596

Recommended Citation

XIAO Jincheng, LU Jiang, LIU Zhiyu, et al. (2026) "Discovery and implications for ore prospecting of gravitational gliding structures in the Lutang coal-based graphite mining area, Hunan Province, China," Coal Geology & Exploration: Vol. 54: Iss. 7, Article 2.
DOI: 10.12363/issn.1001-1986.25.08.0596
Available at: https://cge.researchcommons.org/journal/vol54/iss7/2

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