Prospecting indicators for Zhaojiatun skarn-type zinc-copper-silver polymetallic deposit in Huludao, Liaoning Province

The Zhaojiatun zinc-copper-silver polymetallic deposit in Huludao of Liaoning Province is located on the southwest of Yangjiazhangzi molybdenum deposit within the Yangjiazhangzi-Bajiazi molybdenum polymetallic metallogenic belt. The ore bodies are primarily hosted in the limestone-skarn contact zone and skarn layers, with sphalerite and chalcopyrite as the dominant metallic minerals. The ores exhibit irregular granular, xenomorphic granular textures and banded or disseminated structures. The average grades are 4.27% of Zn and 3.01×10^-6 of Ag for Ore Body Ⅰ, 6.60% Zn and 8.50×10^-6 Ag for Ore Body Ⅱ, and 0.74% Cu and 25.90×10^-6 Ag for Ore Body Ⅲ. Based on the analysis of geological characteristics, it is preliminarily inferred that the Zhaojiatun Zn-Cu-Ag polymetallic deposit is of skarn-type formed by contact metasomatism hydrothermal processes. The skarn zones, mineralized alterations, and geophysical-geochemical anomalies serve as key prospecting indicators in the area. Two prospective metallogenic target areas (No. 1 and No. 2) have been delineated, providing references for further exploration and prospecting efforts in the region.