Abstract:The Kuqa foreland basin, located in the northern Tarim basin and part of the Para- Tethys domain, has undergone several marine transgressions during the Paleogene period. Notably, the basin has been marked by the deposition of significant evaporite formations. Extensive research shows that the Kuqa basin transitioned into a stage of potassium precipitation during the middle Eocene and Miocene. Primary potassium minerals, such as sylvite, carnallite, and polyhalite, have been widely observed within the strata. By analyzing the chemical composition of cores and rock debris from well samples, the study identifies at least three potassium- rich layers or potassium- forming layers. These include two layers in the middle and upper Eocene and one layer in the middle and upper Miocene, with potassium ion content reaching up to 3%, in addition, there may be a potash- forming layer in the Pliocene. Building upon previous studies on the Kuqa basins structure, evaporite deposits, salt mineralogy, geochemistry, and salt lake deposition, the authors propose a new model for the tectonic- sedimentary evolution and potassium formation in the Kuqa basin. The paper introduces four divisions of potash metallogenic belts within the basin: the northern Kelasu metallogenic belt, the central Qiuritake metallogenic belt, the southern Shaya tectonic subsidence metallogenic belt, and the eastern Yangxia depression potassium formation area. These divisions provide valuable insights for understanding the distribution of potash deposits in the Kuqa basin, serving as a theoretical and scientific basis for future exploration endeavors.