The Discovery and Significance of Permian Emishan Basalt Formation and Rare Earth Enrichment Layer in Central Guizhou

During the implementation of the "1∶50,000 Geological Survey of the Xifeng Mining Area in Guizhou" project, the Emei Mountain Basalt Formation and rare earth mineralization sites was newly identified by the author in the Qishan region, situated to the west of Xifeng. Extensive profiling and channel sampling were conducted on the strata near the bottom false conformity of the overlying Longtan Formation. Subsequently, the rare earth elements and total rare earth oxides in the collected samples were analyzed. The results indicate that the lower section exhibits a mineable thickness of 1 m, with a weighted average of 0.29% and a mineralization coefficient of 3.63. The central section has a mineable thickness of 1.4 m, a total rare earth oxide content of 0.09%, and a mineralization coefficient of 1.125. The upper section features a mineable thickness of 1 m, a weighted average of 0.09%, and a mineralization coefficient of 1.125. All these sections warrant further investigation, with the lower 1 m section showing the greatest potential. This discovery not only broadens the exploration scope for basalt weathering crusts but also provides a direction for prospecting similar mineral resources in central Guizhou. Furthermore, it offers a valuable case study and research subject for investigating epigenetic/secondary mineralization within the Emeishan Large Igneous Province.