Exploration with loop-source Semi-Airborne transient electromagnetic method (LSATEM) in the shallow coverage area of East Tianshan, Xinjiang, Northwest China

• The shallow coverage area of the East Tianshan Mountains has great potential for mineralization • The efficiency of SATEM is much higher than that of ground electromagnetic method. • The efficiency of SATEM is much higher than that of ground electromagnetic methodLSATEM is suitable for efficient mineral exploration in shallow coverage areas. • Significantly reduce the duration of field data collection. The East Tianshan region in Xinjiang harbors substantial mineralization potential in its shallowly covered areas. However, the Gobi desert terrain and the presence of shallow salt-alkali crusts pose significant challenges for conventional ground electromagnetic methods. In response, the loop-source semi-airborne transient electromagnetic method (LSATEM) offers a superior alternative. This advanced technique leverages a loop configuration for ground transmission and aerial reception, boasting advantages such as independence from grounding conditions, a substantial magnetic moment, and rapid measurement capabilities. For this study, a representative experimental area within the Huangshan-Jingerquan mineralization belt was selected to conduct an exploration experiment utilizing a rotor-based unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with the loop-source semi-airborne transient electromagnetic system (DK-100). The aim was to ascertain the efficacy of this method in probing the shallowly covered areas of the East Tianshan region. The exploration results clearly reflect the spatial distribution characteristics of the electrical properties in the survey area. Two new anomalies were discovered in the Loop2 and Loop4 survey areas during this survey, both located at the intersection of NE-oriented and nearly NS-oriented faults. It is indicate that The magmatic copper-nickel sulfide ores in Eastern Tianshan are associated with basic and ultrabasic rocks and are closely related to fault structures. These findings indicate good potential for mineralization and warrant further exploration to verify this potential. The exploration experiment underscores the robustness of the LSATEM, highlighting its strong ground transmission magnetic moment, extensive exploration depth, efficient data acquisition, cost-effectiveness, and robust exploration outcomes. This method is well-suited to address the contemporary needs of metal mineral exploration in the shallow coverage areas of East Tianshan.