Application of Analytic Hierarchy Process in Mineral Prospecting Prediction Based on an Integrated Geology-Aerogeophysics-Geochemistry Model

Abstract

Determining mineral prospecting targets is crucial for mineral prediction and evaluation. In this study, an evaluation index system for solid mineral exploration and metallogenic target assessment was established using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) for the Naoniushan area (China). Furthermore, an integrated model combining geology–aerogeophysics–geochemistry was developed for copper, lead, zinc, silver, and other polymetallic deposits. The information content of each index in the model was reasonably assigned, and the mineral prospecting targets in the central and southern parts of the Daxinganling were recommended. By focusing on the copper polymetallic mineral prospecting target in the Naoniushan area, this paper demonstrates that the AHP method can comprehensively consider various influencing factors and their interactions, realize a reasonable division of the optimal mineral prospecting target, and reflect the key factors affecting the mineral prospecting target to a certain extent. Importantly, this approach reduces the influence of human subjective factors, and the optimization results are objective and scientifically grounded.