Objective The Ke’eryin lithium ore field in Sichuan is one of the most significant pegmatite−type lithium mineralization zones within the Songpan−Ganzi orogenic belt, situated within the Markam dome. However, the tectonic control exerted by this dome on the emplacement of pegmatite (ore) veins remains unclear, which somewhat limits understanding of the ore−hosting patterns in this region. This paper aims to explore the relationship between the dome structure in the Ke’eryin ore field and the formation of pegmatite−type lithium deposits, providing guidance for the exploration of pegmatite−type lithium resources in the region.

Methods Comprehensive field geological investigations and structural analyses were conducted to examine the dome structure and the distribution characteristics of pegmatite veins in typical deposits in the Ke'eryin area.

Results The investigation into the deformation characteristics of the dome structure reveals that the dome has underwent four phases of deformation. The first phase is early regional contractional deformation. The second phase involves the development of the Ke'eryin ductile detachment zone. The third phase includes the formation of outward−slipping detachments and tensional fractures, and the fourth stage represents late superimposed deformation. Analysis of the occurrence characteristics of pegmatite veins indicates that the distribution of these veins in typical deposit is likely related to the uplift of concealed bodies rather than the outcropped portions of the dome core.

Conclusions Based on regional tectonic evolution, it is suggested that the first stage of dome deformation is related to bi−directional compressional collision during the early orogenic stage, while the development of the detachment zone in the second stage was a key factor in uplifting the dome core. The tensional fractures formed during the third stage serve as the primary ore−hosting structures for the pegmatite veins in this region. In the fourth stage, the development of Cenozoic thrust faults preserved the mantle of the dome in the southeastern part of the ore field, protecting large to super−large lithium deposits from significant denudation. The granite and overlying Triassic strata in the Ke'eryin ore field can be regarded as the main dome system, while locally concealed granite stocks and overlying strata form sub−dome systems that controled the occurrence of pegmatite (ore) veins in typical lithium deposits. Based on the ore−controlling characteristics of domes, this paper further points out that the core material source, the ore−hosting space in the mantle, and the spatial zoning effect of pegmatites are the three key factors influencing and controlling the dome mineralization system in the Ke'eryin area. For the geological exploration of pegmatite−type lithium deposits, it is particularly important to identify and analyze these three elements within sub−dome systems. The above innovative ideas have been successfully applied and demonstrated in lithium deposits (areas) such as Jiada, and Gaorang, providing a reference for further improving the exploration efficiency of pegmatite type lithium resources in plateau areas characterized by deep cutting and thick coverage.