Exploration
Sepideh Ghasemi; Ali Imamalipur; Samaneh Barak
Abstract
This investigation centers on the Qarah Tappeh copper deposit, situated in the northern region of West Azerbaijan province, approximately 15 kilometers northeast of Maku city. The primary objective of the study is to comprehensively examine the study area through the analysis of 253 lithogeochemical ...
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This investigation centers on the Qarah Tappeh copper deposit, situated in the northern region of West Azerbaijan province, approximately 15 kilometers northeast of Maku city. The primary objective of the study is to comprehensively examine the study area through the analysis of 253 lithogeochemical samples, and assessing reserves utilizing ordinary kriging, guided by subsurface data obtained from 14 boreholes totaling 909.2 meters. The concentration–volume (C–V) multifractal modeling approach was employed to estimate the deposit's reserve. The findings of this research project indicate an estimated 988,604 tons of the deposit with an average grade of 0.14%. Through the analysis of log–log plots within the C–V relationship, threshold values signifying various copper (Cu) concentrations were identified. These plots revealed a pronounced power-law correlation between Cu concentrations and their corresponding volumes, with arrows denoting four specific threshold values. Utilizing this analytical methodology, mineralized zones were classified into five distinct categories: high (>0.42%), above-average (0.35-0.42%), average (0.27-0.35%), below-average (0.14-0.27%), and low (<0.14%) mineralized zones.
H. Shahriari; M. Honarmand; S. Mirzaei; A. Saffari
Abstract
This research work aims to discuss the methodology of using the drone-based data in the initial steps of the exploration program for the dimension stone deposits. A high-resolution imaging is performed by a low-cost commercial drone at the Emperador marble quarry, Kerman province, Iran. A ground resolution ...
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This research work aims to discuss the methodology of using the drone-based data in the initial steps of the exploration program for the dimension stone deposits. A high-resolution imaging is performed by a low-cost commercial drone at the Emperador marble quarry, Kerman province, Iran. A ground resolution of 3 cm/pix is achieved by imaging at an altitude of 70 m in order to ensure the precise lithological and structural mapping. An accuracy of less than 5 cm is promised for the 3D photogrammetric products. Hence, the flight is performed with an 80% front and a 70% lateral image overlap. Furthermore, 18 ground control points (GCPs) are used in order to meet the required accuracy. Photogrammetric processing is done by the Agisoft PhotoScan software. The geology map is prepared through the visual geo-interpretation of the orthophoto image. The faults and fractures are delineated using the high-resolution orthophoto and hill-shade model in the ArcGIS software. Accordingly, the density map of fractures is produced, and the deposit is divided into five structural zones. The 3D deposit model with an accuracy of 2.8 cm is reconstructed based on the digital elevation model (DEM). A primary block model is generated using the 3D deposit model in the Datamine software in order to determine the resource for each structural zone. Finally, considering the amount of resource and situation of fractures, the priority of exploration for developing activities and appropriate methods is defined for each structural zone. The research work results have convinced us to include drone-based imagery in the initial steps of dimension stone exploration to consume the time and cost of the operation.