RETRACTED: Exploration of the Subsurface Three-Dimensional Structure in Rare Earth Ore Areas Using Electrical Resistivity Tomography: A Case Study in Changting, Fujian, China (Retracted Article)

The development of fracture zones (broken zones) and underground karst rivers in underlying granite can significantly reduce the recovery rate of ion-adsorption-type rare earth ores. Additionally, leaching solutions flowing along unfavorable geological formations can lead to environmental pollution. Therefore, investigating the development of fracture zones (leakage channels) in granite basements is of great significance. In Changting, Fujian, China, several methods have been used in exploration areas (C1 and C2) to study the characteristics of rare ores. This study has focused on the stratigraphic and structural characteristics of the C2 exploration area. Twelve exploration profiles were designed to collect data using electrical resistivity tomography, and a deep electrical structure model of the study area was obtained through inverse calculations. The results indicated that the exploration profiles effectively delineated the thickness of the weathered granite layer and the spatial distribution characteristics of the deep-seated fault structures, which were consistent with the drilling results within the study area. These findings provide important reference materials for the assessment of ion-adsorption-type rare earth ore reserves, blocking leakage channels, and the layout of recovery tunnels.