Differential evolution (DE) is a stochastic optimization technique that imitates the evolution process in nature. This paper uses an improved adaptive differential evolution to solve gravity inversion with multiplicative regularization. Compared with additive regularization, the advantage of multiplicative regularization is that it does not require the regularization parameter in the search process. The contributions in this paper mainly focus on two aspects: accelerating the convergence speed of adaptive DE and balancing the effect of model and data misfits in the objective function. The effectiveness of the proposed inversion method is verified by synthetic and field cases. For the synthetic cases, it is concluded that, based on the obtained results and analysis, the presented DE method is superior and competitive with its original version. Additionally, the designed parameter adaptation for multiplicative regularization is useful for trading off the effect of data and model misfits. For the field cases, two successful applications from China were conducted, and the obtained density source distributions were in accordance with those obtained from drilling wells. The synthetic and practical examples demonstrate that high-quality inversion results can be obtained using improved adaptive differential evolution and multiplicative regularization.

Understanding the characteristics of lead–zinc mine occurrences and mastering effective investigative techniques are paramount in modern ore prospecting. This research focuses on the forested region of Yichun city in China, with a specific emphasis on the strategic mineral resource of a lead–zinc mine. The study examines the distribution patterns of this mineral and employs advanced aeromagnetic exploration methods. Firstly, we analyzed the geological structure and features of the region by leveraging the latest high-precision aeromagnetic data collected using dynamic delta wing technology. This analysis was complemented by an assessment of the geological conditions of the research area, existing lead–zinc deposits, ground magnetic surveys, and verification studies. With the goal of establishing a meaningful correlation between aeromagnetic anomalies and lead–zinc deposits, we employed various potential field conversion techniques, including the reduction to the pole, vertical derivatives, upward continuation, and residual anomaly analysis techniques. Secondly, we investigated the metallogenic sites within this region and provided a comprehensive summary of the metallogenic circumstances and characteristics related to aeromagnetic prospecting. Thirdly, we employed human–computer interaction fitting inversion techniques to predict the potential for lead–zinc mine prospecting in areas exhibiting aeromagnetic anomalies. The study underscores the significance of high-amplitude and large-scale aeromagnetic anomalies in the study area. Furthermore, we examined the interplay between intrusive rocks, strata, and structural elements within the region to identify favorable conditions for lead–zinc mineralization. As a result of our analysis and discussions, a location was predicted where a lead–zinc mine may exist. The research methodology outlined in this article provides valuable insights for future lead–zinc mine exploration efforts in areas characterized by similar geological conditions.

The southeastern Yunnan region in the southwestern Nanpanjiang Basin is one of the most important manganese enrichment zones in China. Manganese mineralization is mainly confined to marine mud–sand–carbonate interbeds of the Middle Triassic Ladinian Falang Formation (T₂f), which contains several medium to large deposits such as Dounan, Baixian, and Yanzijiao. However, the geological processes that control manganese mineralization in this region remain insufficiently understood. Understanding the tectonic evolution of the basin is therefore essential to unravel the mechanisms of Middle Triassic metallogenesis. This study investigates how rift-related tectonic activity influences manganese ore formation. This study integrates global gravity and magnetic field models (WGM2012, EMAG2v3), audio-frequency magnetotelluric (AMT) profiles, and regional geological data to investigate ore-controlling structures. A distinct gravity low–magnetic high belt is delineated along the basin axis, indicating lithospheric thinning and enhanced mantle-derived heat flow. Structural interpretation reveals a rift system with a checkerboard pattern formed by intersecting NE-trending major faults and NW-trending secondary faults. Four hydrothermal plume centers are identified at these fault intersections. AMT profiles show that manganese ore bodies correspond to stable low-resistivity zones, suggesting fluid-rich, hydrothermally altered horizons. These findings demonstrate a strong spatial coupling between hydrothermal activity and mineralization. This study provides the first identification of the internal rift architecture within the Nanpanjiang Basin. The basin-scale rift–graben system exerts first-order control on sedimentation and manganese metallogenesis, supporting a trinity model of tectonic control, hydrothermal fluid transport, and sedimentary enrichment. These insights not only improve our understanding of rift-related manganese formation in southeastern Yunnan but also offer a methodological framework applicable to similar rift basins worldwide.