A Review of High‐Grade Skarn Iron Deposits in the Qihe‐Yucheng District, North China Craton

ABSTRACT The Qihe‐Yucheng region in Shandong Province, situated within the North China Craton (NCC), has become a prominent exploration frontier following the discovery of numerous high‐grade skarn‐type iron deposits. Current documented reserves exceed 117 million tons of high‐grade iron ore, primarily concentrated in the Litun, Dazhang, and Guodian districts. The orebodies are predominantly localized along contact zones between Paleozoic strata and Mesozoic intrusions, with subsidiary mineralization occurring within carbonate‐clastic horizons and intra‐intrusive fracture systems. Geochronological data constrain the mineralization to ~130 Ma, coinciding with a period of lithospheric thinning and extensional tectonics in the NCC. Integrated studies of ore‐forming intrusions, fluid inclusions, and isotopic tracers reveal that the metallic components were largely sourced from deep‐seated magmatic systems. Mineral exploration in the area primarily involves interpreting geophysical anomalies to infer the location of ore bodies, which are then verified through drilling operations to delineate the deposits. An analysis of the geophysical anomalies and the degree of ore body control in the area indicates that there remains significant potential for further mineral discovery. This study synthesizes the geological characteristics, metallogenic framework, and exploration methodologies of the Qihe‐Yucheng iron deposits, while highlighting recent advancements in prospecting techniques and predictive models. The findings provide critical guidance for future exploration targeting skarn‐type iron mineralization in the NCC.