Geology of the Xiaopenhu-Laxongco gold placer belt in Qiangtang, northern Xizang

A chain of gold placer deposits or ore spots have been recognized in Qiangtang, northern Xizang, constituting an EW-trending gold placer belt. The present paper deals, in details, with the regional geological settings,bedrock geology, geomorphology, Quaternary geology, and genetic types of ore deposits referenced to the information about other gold placer deposits in northern Xizang. The source rocks consist mostly of the pre-Devonian Amugang Group and Carboniferous volcanic rocks. The unconformities formed during geologic times are characteristic of the accumulation areas of the gold-bearing material bounded by the lower palaeoweathering crust and upper clastic rocks, which may be directly developed and/or reworked in situ into gold deposits. The central uplifts and their flanks and EW-trending Carboniferous strata are believed to be highly prospective.