Geological Characteristic and Prospecting Direction of Primary Diamond Deposits in the Wafangdian Area, Liaoning Province

The Wafangdian area in southern Liaoning Province represents a critical primary diamond producing region in China. Since the initial discovery of kimberlite in 1971, the diamond exploration in this region has continued uninterrupted. As of the current date, more than 100 kimberlite bodies have been discovered, contributing more than 50% of national diamond resources. Advanced understanding of ore-controlling factors recently revealed a concealed diamond ore segment of the pipe No.50, displaced by nappe structures at 300 m depth within 1 km of the operational kimberlite pipe No.50. Through systematic analysis of exploration data and research achievements, it has been concluded that the kimberlite bodies in Wafangdian area, Liaoning Province exhibit clustered distribution patterns with characteristic "structural control on geometry-emplacement". Syn-mineralization fault systems dictate original distribution and morphology, whereas post-mineralization nappe structures principally determine current configurations. Spatial correlations exist between kimberlite occurrence and structural basins. Diamonds in this region occur in kimberlite bodies, pipes and dikes, with those from pipes demonstrating larger crystals and superior quality compared to those from dikes. Key prospecting indicators include indicator mineral anomalies in stream sediments, dense joint zones, and geomagnetic anomalies. The study suggests significant potential for discovering concealed deposits, particularly in the eastern flank of known kimberlite bodies (for identifying nappe-disrupted concealed orebody) and the tectonic basins south of Langgu Arc (for locating concealed kimberlite bodies).