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Critical metal enrichment in coal-bearing strata of the eastern Ordos Basin: A geophysical and geochemical study

Yi Yang1 ,  Jingtao Zhao2* ,  Suzhen Shi1 ,  Wanli Gao1
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1 College of Geoscience and Survey Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing, China
2 College of Water Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
JSE 2026, 35(2), 025520130 https://doi.org/10.36922/JSE025520130
Submitted: 24 December 2025 | Revised: 10 February 2026 | Accepted: 13 February 2026 | Published: 27 March 2026
© 2026 by the Author(s). This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ )
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Abstract

Coal-bearing strata hold significant potential for critical metal resources. This study investigates their enrichment mechanisms in the eastern Ordos Basin using an integrated geophysical-geochemical approach. We combine seismic impedance inversion, tectonic evolution, and log facies interpretation with geochemical data (total organic carbon, sulfur, vitrinite reflectance, trace/rare earth elements) to reconstruct the sedimentary-tectonic-hydrogeological evolution. Results show notable enrichment of zirconium, chromium (Cr), nickel, and hafnium. Seismic facies indicate that deltaic distributary channels and tidal sandbars were primary conduits for metal-bearing fluids. The Taiyuan Formation was deposited in a warm-humid, freshwater-influenced tidal delta-barrier island system under reducing conditions, enabling initial metal sequestration via sulfidation and organic complexation. Reconstruction of tectonic evolution confirms that Yanshanian tectono-thermal events associated with the Zijinshan pluton generated fault networks that channeled hydrothermal fluids, driving secondary metal enrichment. Groundwater circulation, controlled by sedimentary facies and fractures, further regulates metal remobilization. A focused study on Cr delineates a three-stage enrichment model: source weathering, sedimentary reduction, and tectonic-hydrothermal activation. This work establishes a structure–sedimentation–groundwater coupled joint ore-controlling model, underscoring the value of integrated geophysical and geochemical methods for exploring critical metals in coal-bearing strata.

Keywords
Coal measures
Critical metals
Seismic impedance inversion
Enrichment mechanisms
Sedimentary facies
Tectonic-thermal evolution
Groundwater circulation
Funding
This study is supported by the Science Fund for Creative Research Groups of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 42321002).
Conflict of interest
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
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Journal of Seismic Exploration, Print ISSN: 0963-0651, Published by AccScience Publishing
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