Guoxiang Chi

• Economic geology
• Uranium deposits
• Mineralization hydrodynamics
• Geofluids
• Fluid inclusions

Expertise and areas of study

Dr. Guoxiang Chi's expertise is mainly in the field of fluid geochemistry and hydrodynamics in relation to metallic mineralization and hydrocarbon accumulation, with emphasis on application of fluid-inclusion, stable isotope, and numerical modeling techniques.

His current research topics include: 1) Hydrodynamic linkage between shallow and deep-seated geologic processes and its control on mineralization; 2) Uranium mineralization systems in various environments, especially in sedimentary basins; 3) Au, Cu, Pb, and Zn mineralization systems in sedimentary, orogenic and magmatic-hydrothermal environments; 4) Diagenetic studies of sedimentary rocks, with emphasis on reservoir characterization and hydrocarbon migration and charging history.

Prior to joining the University of Regina, Dr. Chi worked as a Research Scientist at the Geological Survey of Canada (1996-2002), Research Associate at INRE-Georesources (1996), and Post-doctoral Fellow at the Geological Survey of Canada (1994-1995) and University of Quebec at Chicoutimi (1992-1993).

Dr. Chi is Associate Editor of "Ore Geology Reviews" and "Acta Geologica Sinica", and Editorial Board Member of "Journal of Earth Science" and "Geotectonica et Metallogenia", and has served as Associate Editor of "Bulletin of Canadian Petroleum Geology", Guest Editor for special issues of "Geoscience Frontiers", "Ore Geology Reviews", and "Geofluids".

Courses taught

Geol 307 (former Geol 471; Geochemistry): Geochemical principles and application in solving geological problems and geochemical exploration.

Geol 313 (Igneous Petrology): Classification and genesis of igneous rocks. Introduction to the common igneous rock suites and associations. Study of hand specimens and thin sections. 

Geol 470 (Mineral Deposits): Geologic characteristics & genesis of major types of mineral deposits and basic concepts of mineral exploration.

Geol 476 (former Geol 371; Principles of Groundwater Flow): Principles of groundwater flow, properties of aquifers, groundwater geology, regional groundwater flow.

Geol 314 (Sedimentology): Classification, genesis and petrology of sedimentary rocks. Sedimentary processes and environments.

Geol 396 (Geology Field Course – I): Geological study in an area of sedimentary rocks.

Geol 414 (Geology of Siliciclastic Rocks): Depositional models using modern sedimentary analogues to interpret ancient environments and application in sequence stratigraphy.

Geol 496 (Geology Field Course – II): Geological study and mapping in the Flin Flon greenstone belt.

Geol 874 (Geology of Fluids): Geochemistry and hydrodynamics of basinal fluids, and their application in diagenesis, mineralization, and hydrocarbon migration.

Geol 800 (Fluid Inclusions): Principles and application of fluid inclusion analyses.

Geol 870 (Recent advances in Geochemistry): Advanced geochemistry in hydrothermal ore-forming systems and diagenetic environments.

Geol 880 (Selected Topics in Geology - Metallogeny): Characteristics, genesis, and geochemistry of selected types of mineral deposits including MVT, Orogenic Gold, VMS, base metals inb sedimentary basins, Uranium in sedimentary basins.

Selected recent publications

Chi, G., Steele-MacInnis, M., 2024. Fluid Inclusion Studies. Elsevier, 412 p.

Zu, B., Zhang, H., Chi, G., Wang, R., Seltmann, R., Williams-Jones, A.E., Pak, N., Xue, C., 2024. Generation of Cu-Au skarn mineralization by mafic magma recharge: Insights from the Bozymchak deposit in the Chatkal-Kurama region, Kyrgyzstan, West Tianshan. GSA Bulletin. https://doi.org/10.1130/B37808.1.

Wang, Y., Chi, G., Ferguson, D., McKee, K., Anderson, M., Robbins, J., 2024. Geochemical modeling of U-Ni-Co-As transport and deposition in acidic basinal brines: implications for unconformity-related U-(Ni-Co-As) mineralization in the Athabasca Basin (Canada). Chemical Geology 670 (2024) 122456.

Yan, Q., Chi, G., Wang, H., Liu, B., Zhang, W., 2024. Formation of a granite-related Sn–Pb–Zn–(Ag) deposit from three discrete mineralization events around a common magmatic-hydrothermal center over a span of ~45 Myrs at Changpu, eastern Guangdong, South China. GSA Bulletin. https://doi.org/10.1130/B37696.1.

Yan, Q., Chi, G., Wang, H., Chen, C., Zhou, K., Liu, M., 2024.Sediment-derived granites as the precursor of rare-metal pegmatites in the Paleo-Tethys tectonic zone – evidence from the Bailongshan Li- Rb-Be pegmatite ore field and factors controlling mineralization. Mineralium Deposita, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00126-024-01311-1

Li, B, Xu, D., Bai, D., Chi, G., He, H., Shao, Y., Deng, T., Dai, J., Zou, S., Chen, J., 2024. Dual mineralization in the intracontinental Jiangnan Orogen, South China: Evidence from textures and in-situ trace elements and oxygen analysis of quartz from the Woxi Au-Sb-W deposit. Ore Geology Reviews 171 (2024) 106172

Ferguson, D., Chi, G., Normand, C., Mercadier, J., Wang, Y., McKee, K., Anderson, M., Robbins, J., 2024. Relationship between U and Ni-Co-As mineralization in the Midwest polymetallic U deposit, Athabasca Basin (Canada) – constraints from mineralogical, geochemical, and fluid inclusion studies. Mineralium Deposita. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00126-024-01304-0

Hu, T., Liu, L., Chi, G., Robbins, L.J., Zhou, W., 2024. Coexistence of Algoma- and Superior-type BIFs in back-arc systems: Evidence from Xincai, North China Craton. Ore Geology Reviews 171 (2024) 106165.

Wang, Z., Wang, Y., Chi, G., Peng, E., Li, H., Zou, S., Xu, D., Deng, T., Yu, M., 2024. Cobalt remobilization during tectonic–hydrothermal overprinting: A case from the Tuolugou Co(–Au) deposit in East Kunlun Orogenic Belt, China. Ore Geology Reviews 170 (2024) 106149.

Su, H., Jiang, S., Chi, G., Sheng, T., Yin, Y., Liu, Y., 2024. Formation of the giant Luiswishi Cu-Co deposit in the Central African Copperbelt by Neoproterozoic syn-sedimentary-diagenetic processes overprinted by Pan-African orogenic mineralization events. Precambrian Research 402 (2024) 107299.

Hu, T., Liu, L., Chi, G., Robbins, L.J., Liu, H., Zhou, W., Santosh, M., Yu, Z., Kang, S., Hou, Q., Yang, X., 2024. Geodynamic regime of the southeastern North China Craton before the Tectono-Magmatic Lull: evidence from ca. 2510 Ma and 2430 Ma igneous rocks in the Xuhuai micro-block. International Geology Review 66: 2079-2102. DOI: 10.1080/00206814.2023.2272178.

Wang, Y., Chi, G., 2023. Coupling of thermal convection and basin-basement fluid mixing is critical for the formation of unconformity-related uranium deposits: Insights from reactive transport modeling. Chemical Geology 641: 121764.

Young, N., Chi, G., Liu, Y., Song, H., 2023. Graphite does not function as a direct reducing agent for unconformity-related uranium mineralization – evidence from the graphitic metapelite-hosted Gryphon uranium deposit, northern Saskatchewan, Canada. Ore and Energy Resource Geology 15 (2023) 100028.

Rabiei, M., Chi, G., Potter, E.G., Petts, D.C., Wang, F., Feng, R., 2023. Spatial variations in fluid composition along structures hosting unconformity-related uranium deposits in the Athabasca Basin, Canada: implications for ore-controlling factors. Mineralium Deposita, v. 58, p. 1075–1099. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00126-023-01171-1

Deng, T., Chi, G., Williams-Jones, A.E., Li, Z., *Wang, Y., Xu, D., Wang, Z., 2023. Re-evaluation of equilibrium relationships involving U6+/U4+ and Fe3+/Fe2+ in hydrothermal fluids and their implications for U mineralization. Chemical Geology, 625 (2023) 121432, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemgeo.2023.121432

Xu, D., Yu, D., Wang, Z., Li, B., Chi, G., Zhou, Y., Zou, S., Deng, T., Zhang, S., Wang, X., 2022. Zircon U-Pb and muscovite 40Ar/39Ar dating of Pb-Zn-(Cu) polymetallic deposits in northeastern Hunan Province, Jiangnan Orogen: Evidence for large-scale mineralization in South China at ca. 150–120 Ma. Ore Geology Reviews 150 (2022) 105200. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2022.105200

Poh, J., Eldursi, K., Ledru, P., Yamato, P., Chi, G., Benedicto, A., 2022. Role of hydrothermal circulation along and above inherited basement structures relating to unconformity-related uranium mineralization. Geofluids, Volume 2022, Article ID 9131289, 20 pages, https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/9131289

Wang, Y., Wang, Z., Chi, G., Lu, A., Xu, D., Huang, Z., Zou, S., Deng, T., Peng, E., Long, Y., 2022. Mechanisms of Ni-Co enrichment in paleo-karstic bauxite deposits: an example from the Maochang deposit, Guizhou Province, SW China. Chemical Geology 613 (2022) 121161. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemgeo.2022.121161

Feng, Y., Chi, G., Deng, C., Xiao, B. 2022. Ore-forming fluid evolution of a porphyry Cu-Mo deposit coexisting with porphyry Mo systems in a post-collisional setting, Xiaokelehe, NE China. Ore Geology Reviews 149 (2022) 105061. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2022.105061

Dai, J., Xu, D., Chi, G., Li, Z., Deng, T., Zhang, J., Li, B. 2022. Origin of the Woxi orogenic Au-Sb-W deposit, west Jiangnan Orogen, South China: Constraints from apatite and wolframite U-Pb dating and pyrite in-situ S-Pb isotopic signatures. Ore Geology Reviews 150 (2022) 105134. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2022.105134

Mount, S., Potter, E.G., Yang, Z., Fayek, M., Powell, J.W., Chi, G., Rizo, H. 2022. Formation of the high-grade Triple R uranium deposit revealed by Fe and S isotopes in pyrite. Geochemistry: Exploration, Environment, Analysis, geochem2021-023. https://doi.org/10.1144/geochem2021-023

Chi, G., Potter, E.G., Petts, D.C., Jackson, S., Chu, H. 2022. LA-ICP-MS mapping of barren sandstone from the Proterozoic Athabasca Basin (Canada) - footprint of U- and REE-rich basinal fluids. Minerals 2022, 12, 733. https://doi.org/10.3390/min12060733

Song, H., Chi, G., Wang, K., Li, Z., Bethune, K.M., Potter, E.G., Liu, Y. 2022. The role of graphite in the formation of unconformity-related uranium deposits of the Athabasca Basin, Canada: a case study of Raman spectroscopy of graphite from the world-class Phoenix uranium deposit. American Mineralogists, v. 107, p. 2128-2142. https://doi.org/10.2138/am-2022-8158

Zhao, X., Xue, C., Zu, B., Seltmann, R., Chi, G., Dolgopolova, A., Andersen, J.C. Ø., Pak, N., Ivleva, E. 2022. Geology and genesis of the Unkurtash intrusion-related gold deposit, Tien Shan, Kyrgyzstan. Economic Geology, v. 117, p. 1073–1103.

Yi, L., Li, Q., Lu, A., Gu, X., Chi, G. 2022. Determination of Fe2+ /Fe3+ ratios of magnetite using different methods: A case study from the Qimantag metallogenic belt. Acta Geologica Sinica, v. 96, p. 2135-2147.

Deng, T., Chi, G., Zhang, X., Li, Z., Xu, D., Li, S., Du, P., Shang, P., Zou, S., Zhou, W., Xu, K., Hai, Y., Ma, W., Ding, Z. 2022. Mass transfer during hematitization and implications for uranium mineralization in the Zoujiashan deposit, Xiangshan volcanic basin. Journal of Earth Science, v. 33, p. 422-434. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12583-021-1479-y

Chi, G., Xu, D., Xue, C., Li, Z., Ledru, P., Deng, T., Wang, Y., Song, H. 2022. Hydrodynamic links between shallow and deep mineralization systems and implications for deep mineral exploration. Acta Geologica Sinica, v. 96(1), p. 1 – 25. DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.14903.

Potter, E.G., Kelley, C.J., Davis, W.J., Chi, G., Jiang, S.-Y., Rabiei, M., McEwan, B.J. 2022. Fluids sources in basement-hosted unconformity-uranium ore systems: tourmaline chemistry and boron isotopes from the Patterson Lake corridor deposits, Canada. Geochemistry: Exploration, Environment, Analysis, v. 22, geochem2021-037. https://doi.org/10.1144/geochem2021-037

Abudukeyumu, A., Song, H., Chi, G., Li, Q., Zhang, C., 2022. Quaternary uranium mineralization in the Qaidam Basin, northern Tibetan Plateau: Insights from petrographic and C-O isotopic evidence. Ore Geology Reviews 140 (2022) 104628. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2021.104628

Yan, Q., Wang, H., Chi, G., Zhou, K., Hu, H. 2022. Recognition of a 600-km-long Late Triassic rare-metal (Li–Rb–Be–Nb–Ta) pegmatite belt in the Western Kunlun orogenic belt, western China. Economic Geology, v. 117, p. 213–236.

Li, Q., Song, H., Chi, G., Zhang, G., Xu, Z., 2021. Genesis of visible gold in pyrite in the Zhaoxian gold deposit, Jiaodong gold province, China: constraints from EBSD micro-structural and LA-ICP-MS elemental analyses. Ore Geology Reviews, OREGEO 104591, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2021.104591

Cheng, W., Peng, Y., Su, J., Chi, G., Li, G., Lv, P. 2021. Geology, geochemistry and genesis of Keyue: A newly discovered Pb-Zn-Sb-Ag polymetallic deposit associated with magmatic center in Southern Tibet, China. Ore Geology Reviews 139 (2021) 104546, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2021.104546

Ma, W., Deng, T., Xu, D., Chi, G., Li, Z., Zhou, Y., Dong, G., Wang, Z., Zou, S., Qian, Q., Guo, S. 2021. Geological and geochemical characteristics of hydrothermal alteration in the Wangu deposit in the central Jiangnan Orogenic Belt and implications for gold mineralization, Ore Geology Reviews (2021), doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2021.104479

Wang, Y., Chi, G., Li, Z., Bosman, S. 2021. Large-scale thermal convection in sedimentary basins revealed by coupled quartz cementation-dissolution distribution pattern and reactive transport modeling – a case study of the Proterozoic Athabasca Basin (Canada). Earth and Planetary Science Letters 574 (2021) 117168. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2021.117168

Rabiei, M., Chi, G., Potter, E.G., Tschirhart, V., MacKay, C., Frostad, S., McElroy, R., Ashley, R., McEwan, B. 2021. Fluid evolution along the Patterson Lake corridor in the southwestern Athabasca Basin: constraints from fluid inclusions and implications for unconformity-related uranium mineralization. Geochemistry: Exploration, Environment, Analysis, v. 20, geochem2020-029. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1144/geochem2020-029

Chi, G., Diamond, L., Lu, H.-Z., Lai, J., Chu, H. 2021. Common problems and pitfalls in fluid inclusion study: a review and discussion. Minerals 2021, 11, 7. https://dx.doi.org/10.3390/min11010007

Xu, D., Chi, G., Nie, F., Fayek, M., Hu, R. 2021. Diversity of uranium deposits in China – introduction to the Special Issue. Ore Geology Reviews. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2020.103944

Chu, H., Chi, G., Xue, C. 2020. Quantification of solute composition in H2O-NaCl -CaCl2 solutions using cryogenic 2D Raman mapping. Minerals 2020, 10, 1043; https://doi:10.3390/min10111043

Yan, Q., Wang, H., Chi, G. 2020. Pulsed magmatic fluid releasing in the formation of the Taoxihu Sn polymetallic deposit, Eastern Guangdong, SE China: evidence from fluid inclusions, cassiterite U–Pb geochronology, and stable isotopes. Ore Geology Reviews 126 (2020) 103724, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2020.103724

Li, Z., Chi, G., Bethune, K.M., Eldursi, K., Quirt, D., Ledru, P., Thomas, D. 2020. Interplay between thermal convection and compressional fault reactivation in the formation of unconformity-related uranium deposits. Mineralium Deposita. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00126-020-01011-6.

Deng, T., Xu, D., Chi, G., Wang, Z., Chen, G., Zhou, Y., Li, Z., Ye, T., Yu, D. 2020. Caledonian (Early Paleozoic) veins overprinted by Yanshanian (Late Mesozoic) gold mineralization in the Jiangnan Orogen: A case study on gold deposits in northeastern Hunan, South China. Ore Geology Reviews, 124 (2020) 103586, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2020.103586

Eldursi, K., Chi, G., Bethune, K.M., Li, Z., Ledru, P., Quirt, D. 2020. New insights from 2- and 3-D numerical modeling on fluid flow mechanisms and geological factors responsible for the formation of the world-class Cigar Lake uranium deposit, eastern Athabasca Basin, Canada. Mineralium Deposita. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00126-020-00979-5

Song, H., Chi, G., Zhang, C., Xu, D., Xu, Z., Fang, G., Zhang, G. 2020. Uranium enrichment in the Lala Cu-Fe deposit, Kangdian region, China: a new case of uranium mineralization associated with an IOCG system. Ore Geology Reviews, v. 121 (2020) 103463, p. 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2020.103463

Chi, G., Ashton, K., Deng, T., Xu, D., Li, Z., Song, H., Liang, R., Kennicott, J. 2020. Comparison of granite-related uranium deposits in the Beaverlodge district (Canada) and South China – a common control of mineralization by coupled shallow and deep-seated geologic processes in an extensional setting. Ore Geology Reviews, v. 117 (2020) 103319, p. 1-17. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2020.103319

Li, Y., Zhang, C., Chi, G., Duo, J., Li, Z., Song, H. 2020. Black and red alterations associated with the Baimadong uranium deposit (Guizhou, China): geological and geochemical characteristics and genetic relationships with uranium mineralization. Ore Geology Reviews, v. 111 (2019) 102981, p. 1-17. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2019.102981

Yuan, L., Chi, G., Wang, M., Li, Z., Xu, D., Deng, T., Geng, J., Hu, M., Zhang, L. 2019. Characteristics of REEs and trace elements in scheelite from the Zhuxi W deposit, South China: implications for the ore-forming conditions and processes. Ore Geology Reviews, v. 109, p. 585-597. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2019.05.003

Chi, G., Chu, H., Petts, D., Potter, E., Jackson, S., Williams-Jones, A.E. 2019. Uranium-rich diagenetic fluids provide the key to unconformity-related uranium mineralization in the Athabasca Basin. Scientific Reports, (2019) 9: 5530, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-42032-0

Song, H., Ni, S., Chi, G., Zhang, C., Hou, M., Liu, H., Wang, G. 2019. Systematic variations of H-O-C isotopes in different alteration zones of sandstone-hosted uranium deposits in the southern margin of the Yili Basin (Xinjiang, China): a review and implications for the ore-forming mechanisms. Ore Geology Reviews, v. 107, p. 615-628. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2019.03.004

Chi, G., Li., Z., Chu, H., Bethune, K.M., Quirt, D.H., Ledru, P., Normand, C., Card, C., Bosman, S., Davis, W.J., Potter, E.G. 2018. A shallow-burial mineralization model for the unconformity-related uranium deposits in the Athabasca Basin. Economic Geology, v. 113, p. 1209-1217. https://doi:10.5382/econgeo.2018.4588

Wang, K., Chi, G., Bethune, K.M., Li, Z., Blamey, N., Card, C., Potter, E.G., Liu, Y. 2018. Fluid P-T-X characteristics and evidence for boiling in the formation of the Phoenix uranium deposit (Athabasca Basin, Canada): implications for unconformity-related uranium mineralization mechanisms. Ore Geology Reviews, v. 101, p. 122-142. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2018.07.010

Li, Z., Chi, G., Bethune, K.M., Eldursi, K., Quirt, D., Ledru, P., Gudmundson, G. 2018. Numerical simulation of strain localization and its relationship to formation of the Sue unconformity-related uranium deposits, eastern Athabasca Basin, Canada. Ore Geology Reviews, v. 101, p. 17-31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2018.07.004

Chi, G., Blamey, N.J.F., Rabiei, M., Normand, N. 2018. Hydrothermal REE (xenotime) mineralization at Maw Zone, Athabasca Basin, Canada, and its relationship with unconformity-related uranium deposits – A reply. Economic Geology, v. 113, p. 998-999. https://doi:10.5382/econgeo.113.4.dis04

Long, Y., Chi, G., Liu, J., Zhang, D., Song, H. 2018. Uranium enrichment in a paleo-karstic bauxite deposit, Yunfeng, SW China: mineralogy, geochemistry, transport – deposition mechanisms and significance for uranium exploration. Journal of Geochemical Exploration, v. 190, p. 424-435. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gexplo.2018.04.010

Li, Z., Chi, G., Bethune, K.M., Eldursi, K., Thomas, D., Quirt, D., Ledru, P. 2018. Synchronous egress and ingress fluid flow related to compressional reactivation of basement faults: the Phoenix and Gryphon uranium deposits, southeastern Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, Canada. Mineralium Deposita, v. 53, p. 277-292. https://doi:10.1007/s00126-017-0737-5

Chi, G., Xue, C., Sun, X., Luo, P., Song, H., Li, S., Zeng, R. 2017. Formation of a giant Zn-Pb deposit from hot brines injecting into a shallow oil-gas reservoir in sandstones, Jinding, southwestern China. Terra Nova, v. 29, p. 312-320. https://doi:10.1111/ter.12279

Rabiei, M., Chi, G., Normand, C., Davis, W.J., Fayek, M., Blamey, N. 2017. Hydrothermal REE (xenotime) mineralization at Maw Zone, Athabasca Basin, Canada, and its relationship with unconformity-related uranium deposits. Economic Geology, v. 112, p. 1483-1507. https://doi:10.5382/econgeo.2017.4518

Li, X., Chi, G., Zhou, Y., Deng, T., Zhang, J. 2017. Oxygen fugacity of Yanshanian granites in South China and implications for metallogeny. Ore Geology Reviews, v. 88, p. 690-701. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2017.02.002

Li, Z., Chi, G., Bethune, K.M., Thomas, D., Zaluski, G. 2017. Structural controls on fluid flow during compressional reactivation of basement faults: insights from numerical modeling for the formation of unconformity-related uranium deposits in the Athabasca Basin, Canada. Economic Geology, v. 112, p. 451-466. https://doi:0361-0128/17/4476/451-16

Chi, G., Haid, T., Quirt, D., Fayek, M., Blamey, N., Chu, H. 2017. Petrography, fluid inclusion analysis and geochronology of the End uranium deposit, Kiggavik, Nunavut, Canada. Mineralium Deposita, v. 52, p. 211-232. Free copy: https://rdcu.be/52RF

Liang, R., Chi, G., Ashton, K., Blamey, N., Fayek, M. 2017. Fluid compositions and P-T conditions of vein-type uranium mineralization in the Beaverlodge uranium district, northern Saskatchewan, Canada. Ore Geology Reviews, v. 80, p. 460-483.