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Analysis of Zoning Pattern of Geochemical Indicators for Targeting of Porphyry-Cu Mineralization: A Pixel-Based Mapping Approach

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Abstract

In this paper, a pixel-based mapping of geochemical anomalies is proposed to avoid estimation errors resulting from using interpolation methods in the modeling of anomalies. The pixel-based method is a discrete field modeling of geochemical landscapes for mapping lithogeochemical anomalies. In this method, the influence area of each composite rock sample is the whole area covered by a pixel where the materials of the sample were taken from. In addition to the pixel-based method, because delineation of mineral exploration target areas using geochemical data is a challenging task, the application of metal zoning concept is demonstrated for vectoring into porphyry mineralization systems. In this regard, different geochemical signatures of the deposit-type sought were mapped in a model. Application of the proposed pixel-based method and the metal zoning concept is a powerful tool for targeting areas with potential for porphyry copper deposits.

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Acknowledgments

Special thanks to Mr. Babaie, head of exploration department of National Iranian Copper Industries Company (NICICO), for some supports. The author thanks Parsolang consulting engineering company, especially Mr. Sahebzamani for supplying necessary material to do this research work. The author thanks Kanazin and Zarnab consulting engineering companies because the field operations were carried out by senior geologists at these companies. The author thanks John Carranza and three anonymous reviewers for their helpful comments.

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  1. Faculty of Engineering, Malayer University, Malayer, 65719-95863, Iran

    Mahyar Yousefi

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Yousefi, M. Analysis of Zoning Pattern of Geochemical Indicators for Targeting of Porphyry-Cu Mineralization: A Pixel-Based Mapping Approach. Nat Resour Res 26, 429–441 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11053-017-9334-7

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