Document Type : Original Research Paper

Authors

• mobin saremi ¹
• Abbas Maghsoudi ²
• Reza Ghezelbash ³
• mahyar yousefi ⁴
• Ardeshir Hezarkhani ⁵

¹ Department of Mining Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran

² Faculty of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran

³ Tehran University

⁴ faculty member of Malayer University,

⁵ Amirkabir University of Technology

Abstract

Mineral prospectivity mapping (MPM) is a multi-step and complex process designed to narrow down the target areas for exploratory activities in subsequent stages. To pinpoint promising zones of porphyry copper mineralization in the Varzaghan district, NW Iran, various exploration evidence layers were employed in alignment with the conceptual model of these deposits. These layers encompass fault density, proximity to intrusive rocks, multi-element geochemical anomalies, and distances to phyllic and argillic alterations. The geochemical anomaly maps, recognized as the most effective layers, were generated through staged factor analysis (SFA) and the geochemical mineralization probability index (GMPI). Other layers were weighted using a logistic function, and their values were transformed into 0 -1 interval. Ultimately, to integrate the weighted layers, the fuzzy gamma operator and the geometric average method were applied. The normalized density index and prediction-area (P-A) plot were employed to evaluate the MPM models. The findings indicate that the developed models possess considerable validity and can be effectively utilized for planning future exploration endeavors.

Keywords

• Porphyry copper deposit
• Stream sediment geochemistry
• Staged factor analysis
• Geochemical

Main Subjects

• Exploration