Geological Characteristics, Ore-controlling Factors and Prospecting Criteria of Lateritic Gold Deposits

Lateritic gold deposits are gradually being taken seriously geological exploration workers as an important gold deposit type. Based on the results of previous studies, combined the field exploration work of Nawudong gold deposit in Laos and characteristics of typical lateritic gold at home and broad, this paper expound in detail the geological characteristics of lateritic gold deposit and ore-controlling factors, point out prospecting criteria. According to the structural characteristics of the weathered crust profile and the relationship with the primary deposits, lateritic gold deposits are mainly divided into two types:residual type and transfer type. The weathering crust profile has obvious vertical zoning, and the ore bodies are mainly produced in hard (iron) crust, variegated clay layer, reticulated clay layer and gravel-bearing sub-clay layer in the form of layer, layer-like, and lens. Laterite gold deposits are usually controlled by structure, paleoclimate, hydrogeology and landform. The geochemical anomaly, gold-rich geological body or gold ore body range and the nearby red earth layer, the iron belt in the red earth weathering crust profile are important prospecting indicators for lateritic gold deposits.