Fault control on Cu mineralization in the Kerman porphyry copper belt, SE Iran: A fractal analysis

Abstract

The relationship between faults and location of the Porphyry Cu Deposits (PCDs) has been evaluated using the fractal analysis method. In Kerman Porphyry Copper Belt (KPCB), SE Iran, the PCDs are hosted in Miocene porphyry stocks and surrounding volcanic rocks. In KPCB, the trends of the main drainages transecting the porphyry copper deposits, generally allow the distinction between high grade (>0.2% Cu) from low grade (<0.2% Cu) deposits. Comparing the fractal dimension between faults and drainages revealed that the major drainage trend has a high correlation (>82%) with the main fault trends. This result shows that the distribution of the PCDs is controlled by faults. A more accurate assessment of the fractal dimension between spatial distribution of the PCD and fault intersection points (as a point features) shows a variation in coincidence (from 0 to >70%) between these features. Based on this coincidence, KPCB can be subdivided to three subzones. The high correlation subzone shows the maximum values of coincidence between faults and spatial distribution of the PCDs that occurred in Dehaj (~72%), Sarduiyeh, Khaneh Khatun, Pariz and Bardsir (~71%) areas. In these areas, the spatial distribution of the major PCDs in KPCB confirms this coincidence. The medium correlation subzone shows a variation in the coincidence (40–60%) and in the low correlation subzone, coincidence is less than 40%. Our findings indicated that the intermediate and minimum values of coincidence are related to regions with poor/lack of mineralization. This study shows that the high-medium coincidence subzones can be considered as targets in regional exploration programs. Detailed structural analysis in target zones can be a useful tool to indicate the location of the potential Cu mineralization.