Document Type : Original Research Paper
Authors
1 Department of mining engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
2 Department of Petroleum and Mining Engineering, S.T.C, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
10.22044/jme.2025.16830.3300
Abstract
Geochemical zoning is a key concept in exploration geochemistry. It provides an effective means of predicting the erosion level of mineralization, distinguishing supra-ore from sub-ore halos, and identifying concealed ore bodies. While classical geochemical zoning methods have been widely applied for decades, this study introduces an enhanced three-dimensional geochemical zoning model specifically tailored for the Sungun porphyry deposit, based on geochemical data obtained from 264 drill cores comprising a total of 33,368 rock samples. The model is constructed using ratios of factors derived from Staged Factor Analysis (SFA) of ore-related major (Cu and Mo) and minor (Cd, Mn, Pb, Zn, and Ag) elements, and further refined through fractal modeling for classification. Fractal modeling method (C-V) clearly shows four distinct populations and three breakpoints, which to supergene (0.9–1.4%), hypogene (0.6–0.9%), and oxidized zones (0.1–0.6%). The application of the method to the Sungun porphyry system reveals a strong spatial correlation between the zoning index, copper grade distribution, and alteration patterns. SFA effectively separates supra-ore and sub-ore elements, while fractal modeling improves the robustness of zoning classification. Integration of the developed 3D zoning index with copper grade models reveals a clear structural relationship among alteration, geochemical ratios, and copper distribution. The proposed approach enhances the resolution of porphyry deposit zoning, offering improved targeting accuracy and reduced risk in deep drilling exploration.
Keywords
- Enhanced geochemical zoning index
- Staged Factor Analysis (SFA)
- Fractal modeling
- 3D modeling
- Sungun deposit
Main Subjects
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