The Mangyahedong gold deposit—recently discovered in the Qimantage segment of the East Kunlun orogenic belt—is a high-priority exploration target. Key unknowns include its mineralization age, the sources of sulfur and gold, and the tectonic–magmatic–hydrothermal controls on formation. These gaps have hindered genetic classification and stage-specific research. We addressed them through integrated petrography, TIMA mineral mapping, in situ LA-ICP-MS analysis of pyrite from three mineralization stages, and U-Pb dating of hydrothermal apatite spatially and temporally linked to the main sulfide-precipitation event. The stages are: (I) early sericite–quartz alteration; (II) main ore stage—carbonate–chlorite–sulfide + native gold; and (III) late calcite–pyrite veins. Pyrite zoning shows that early pyrite cores are enriched in As and Au. In contrast, the main-stage pyrite has As-poor cores, with As, Au, and Co progressively enriched toward the rims. This zoning pattern indicates evolving fluid redox conditions and metal complexation during ore deposition. A ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb age of 406 ± 13 Ma from apatite in gold-bearing quartz–sulfide veins constrains gold deposition to the Late Silurian–Early Devonian transition. Age, texture, and geochemistry collectively support a regional metamorphic–deformational origin, consistent with the orogenic gold model. Isotopic and elemental data point to the Qimantage Group volcanic rocks as the dominant source of ore-forming elements—indicating strong potential for discovery along strike and at depth.

To address the challenges of immature theories and technologies for ecological restoration in high-altitude mining areas, this study focuses on the Jiangcang mining area at an altitude of 3850 m, aiming to develop an effective and comprehensive ecological restoration model. Through on-site investigation and diagnosis, a site-specific approach was adopted, incorporating topography restoration following natural terrain, on-site screening of mine waste for cover soil materials, soil improvement with bulk blending fertilizer, mixed sowing of native grass species, slope stability analysis using Bishop’s method, and environmental monitoring. The results showed that the restored area reached 9303 mu. The soil structure and holding capacity of coal gangue and waste soil were effectively improved, and the artificial soil exhibited good fertility. Vegetation coverage exceeded 90%, outperforming that of the surrounding natural grassland. Surface water quality met the Grade II standard, and all slope safety factors exceeded 1.20, indicating that potential geological hazards were significantly eliminated. These findings suggest that this integrated ecological restoration model successfully restored ecosystem functions in the mining area, providing a replicable and scalable “Jiangcang model” for addressing ecological restoration challenges in high-altitude mining regions, with substantial ecological, social, and economic benefits.