Mineral Resource Assessment Research Articles

ИНТЕГРАЦИЯ КАЗАХСТАНСКОГО КОДЕКСА ПУБЛИЧНОЙ ОТЧЕТНОСТИ KAZRC ДЛЯ ОЦЕНКИ РЕСУРСОВ МЕСТОРОЖДЕНИЙ АККАРГИНСКОГО РУДНОГО ПОЛЯ

The presented article covers the issues of transition of geological reporting from GKZ standards to international KAZRC standards, in relation to gold reserves of deposits of the Akkarga ore field. The fundamental differences in calculating reserves using the old and new systems, introduced from 2024, are considered. When carrying out the study, a brief description of the deposit, the methodology of the geological exploration work, and the technology of mining and processing of ores for rapid and visual data analysis were considered. A classification of ore reserves was given according to the previously used GKZ system and the new KAZRC system. The criteria for the international classification of resources and the criteria for the classification of reserves (GKZ) are analyzed and described in detail. In order to show the difference between these two systems, reserves were calculated and the mineral resources of the Akkarga ore field deposits were assessed. The results of calculating reserves showed that depending on the method used, the amount of ore and metal differs significantly. New methods for data verification are also described. Procedures are described that ensure the quality, accuracy, reliability and transparency of analytical information. New approaches to visualization and interpretation of the obtained results of quality control of geological exploration are also presented. Modifying factors are considered, including mining, technological, metallurgical, infrastructural, economic, marketing, environmental, social and administrative aspects of the Akkarginskoye deposit, used in international KAZRC standards, in the classification and assessment of mineral resources. They have shown their effectiveness in assessing risks for subsoil users. All this as a whole gives us an idea and understanding of the differences in the approaches used in assessing mineral reserves and resources.

Cadmium: a global assessment of mineral resources, extraction, and indicators of mine toxicity potential

Cadmium: a global assessment of mineral resources, extraction, and indicators of mine toxicity potential

Geospatial Mapping and Detection of Ferrous, Iron Oxides, and Clay Minerals in District Mohmand, Pakistan

The study focuses on the utilization of remote sensing techniques to effectively identify and detect ferrous,iron oxides, and clay minerals in Mohmand district, Pakistan, using LANDSAT 8 multispectral images. This studyfocuses on the increasing demand and importance of these minerals in mining and commercial activities. Mineralexploration in Mohmand district, utilizing remote sensing technology to identify mineral compositions using the bandratio is done. This technique allows for a more focused and precise approach to exploration and extraction techniques.Cloud-free LANDSAT 8 images with minimal vegetation cover were utilized for the analysis. The band ratio approachwas utilized to identify areas exhibiting diverse mineral compositions. The study highlights the effectiveness of thesuggested methodology in mapping and detecting ferrous, iron oxides, and clay minerals, indicating the significantpotential of remote sensing for mineral exploration. The results highlight the importance of developing distributionmaps to support more efficient methods for mining and mineral exploration. The study contributes to a more focusedand efficient assessment of mineral resources and extraction techniques in the Mohmand district and similar geologicalterrains, offering stakeholders a valuable tool for informed decision-making in mineral exploration and exploitationefforts.

An Aeromagnetic Compensation Strategy for Large UAVs

Aeromagnetic surveys are widely used in geological exploration, mineral resource assessment, environmental monitoring, military reconnaissance, and other areas. It is necessary to perform magnetic compensation for interference in these fields. In recent years, large unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been more suitable for magnetic detection missions because of the greater loads they can carry. This article proposes some methods for the magnetic compensation of large multiload UAVs. Because of the interference of the large platform and instrument noise, the standard deviations (stds) of the compensation data used in this paper are larger. At the beginning of this article, using the traditional T-L model, we avoid the shortcomings of the anti-magnetic interference ability of triaxial magnetic gate magnetometers. The direction cosine information is obtained by using an inertial navigation system, the global positioning system, and a triaxial magnetic gate magnetometer. Then, we increase the amplitude of the maneuvers in the compensation process; this reduces the multicollinearity problems in the compensation matrix to a certain extent, but it also results in greater magnetic field interference. Lastly, we employ the method of Lasso regularization Newton iteration (LRNM). Compared to the traditional methods of least squares (LS) and singular value decomposition (SVD), LRNM provides improvements of 34% and 27%, respectively. In summary, this series of schemes can be used to perform effective compensation for large multi-load UAVs and improve the actual use of large UAVs, making them more accurate in the measurement of aeromagnetic survey data.

Optimization of machine learning algorithms for remote alteration mapping

World-class large to sub-economic small porphyry copper deposits (PCDs) are primarily found in the Kerman Cenozoic Magmatic Arc (KCMA) which is a fascinating area for geological remote sensing investigationsbecause of its well-exposed rocks and roughly vegetated surfaces. Remote hydrothermal alteration mapping is a critical component of mineral exploration and resource assessment, vital for identifying PCDs. This study explored the application of ML techniques, such as quadratic discriminant analysis (QDA), cosine K-nearest neighbor (CKNN), and bagging decision tree (BDT), in remote hydrothermal alteration mapping. Moreover, the study highlights the transformative impact of optimization methods such as grid search (GS), random search (RS), Bayesian optimization (BO), and principal component analysis (PCA) methods in fine-tuning these algorithms to achieve superior results. These algorithms were found accurate and helpful in identifying PCD-related argillic, phyllic, propylitic, and iron oxide/hydroxide alteration-type zones based on field observations, petrographic studies, and XRD analysis. This research revealed evidence for widespread phyllic and silicic alteration zones, as well as confined argillic and iron oxide/hydroxide zones surrounded by wider regions of propylitic alteration. As the field of ML continues to advance, the future holds promise for even more refined and innovative approaches to hydrothermal alteration mapping. This study underscores the pivotal role that optimized ML algorithms play in revolutionizing mineral exploration practices and paving the way for a more sustainable and responsible resource assessment industry.

МЕТОДИЧНІ ПІДХОДИ ВИЗНАЧЕННЯ ТА ОЦІНКИ РЕСУРСНОГО ПОТЕНЦІАЛУ КРИТИЧНОЇ МІНЕРАЛЬНОЇ СИРОВИНИ УКРАЇНИ

Industrial and technological interest in critical (strategic) mineral raw materials, given their natural scarcity, is of key importance in the global economy. A country's (or region's) supply of raw materials is a factor of economic security, autonomy and an insurance against global crises. Global and regional analytical researches on the mineral resource assessment in the context of circular and resource efficient (low-carbon) economy development have revealed a number of problematic issues related to different methodological approaches to the assessment, classification, accounting and management of critical mineral raw materials (CRM). The standardization of such approaches for economically related regions is the way to create reliable critical mineral raw material supply chains and ensure sustainable economic development. In order to complete the outlined tasks, a wide range of studies has been used, including general scientific and special methods of scientific and applied research. In addition to general theoretical methods of analysis, statistics and systematization, a complex of methods of geological and technical-economic study of mineral raw materials has been used to achieve the set goal and complete specified tasks. Authors have attempted to define the concept of critical mineral raw materials by using basic criteria and methodical approaches of the United Nations Framework Classification (UNFC). Various classification systems used for the assessment and management of critical mineral raw materials have been considered. Practical experience of the UNFC application during the assessment of CRM resource potential in Ukraine (excluding hydrocarbons and groundwater) based on the list of the European Union has been presented. Considering the current state of the mineral raw material resource base of Ukraine, authors have suggested methodological tools for bringing the State Balance into compliance with the integrated systematic accounting in accordance with the UNFC. The analysis of the State Balance of Ukraine using the UNFC approaches has revealed primary prospects for the mineral and raw material base development, which are related to potential and perspective projects on 22 elements from the EU list of critical mineral raw materials. Ukraine possesses all the prerequisites to participate in European Union programs designed to create sustainable models of supply chains for various resources for the transition to closed-cycle zero waste consumption.

Unveiling the mineral resources and structural patterns in the Middle Benue Trough: a comprehensive exploration using airborne magnetic and radiometric data

The Middle Benue Trough (MBT) in Northcentral Nigeria is a geologically significant area with vast mineral resource potential. Employing airborne magnetic and radiometric data, this study utilized the Centre for Exploration Targeting on enhanced total magnetic intensity data to reveal geologic structures, lithological units and mineralization zones. Lineaments predominantly trended in NE-SW direction, with noteworthy orientations in NNE-SSW and E-W. Radiometric anomalies correlated with distinct lithological units, pinpointing granitic gneiss, alluvium, shale, siltstone and sandstone. A magnetically concentrated and potassium-rich area indicated potential polymetallic-magnetic mineralization. The 2D model illustrated igneous intrusions influencing prevalent geologic structures, such as sediment baking and doming. Thorough analysis, including source parameter imaging, standard Euler deconvolution and 2D forward modelling, revealed sediment thicknesses below 1500 m. This research enhances understanding of the MBT’s geological features, offering valuable insights for mineral exploration and resource assessment in the region.

ПРАКТИЧНЕ ЗАСТОСУВАННЯ МЕТОДИКИ ПЕРЕВЕДЕННЯ ТА ЗІСТАВЛЕННЯ РІЗНИХ КЛАСИФІКАЦІЙНИХ СИСТЕМ ОЦІНЮВАННЯ МІНЕРАЛЬНИХ РЕСУРСІВ НА ПРИКЛАДІ ВІТЧИЗНЯНИХ РОДОВИЩ ГРАФІТУ ТА МІДІ

Background. The analysis of practical application of comparison results by groups of classification features of mineral raw material assessment systems has applied and methodological significance. Methodological approaches to the harmonization (conversion) of various classification systems allow us to update the State Subsoil Fund of Ukraine according to criteria of the United Nations Framework Classification for Resources and identify promising investment directions at various stages of subsoil use. Methods. Considering the experience and results of the state expertise of geological and economic assessment materials for graphite and copper reserves and resources, a wide range of studies, which includes general scientific and special methods of scientific and applied research, has been conducted. In addition to general theoretical methods of analysis, statistics and systematization, a set of methods of geological and commercial characteristics of graphite and copper deposits has been used to achieve the goal. Results. The analysis of reserves and resources categories of the most widespread classification systems, which have a reliable bridging and harmonization, has been conducted. Harmonization (conversion) and comparison of different classification systems for the assessment of mineral resources has been performed for domestic graphite and copper deposits based on the European Union list of critical mineral raw materials. Research results suggest the development of a unified classification system for stakeholders (state, investor, society) in order to make decisions in the field of resource management at all levels. Conclusions. Presented methodological studies on the development of unified approaches to the assessment of reserves and resources accounted for by the State Balance provide an opportunity to determine the investment potential of undeveloped subsoil areas at the initial stages. Suggested mechanism for bringing the undistributed subsoil fund into compliance includes the harmonization of reserves, which are accounted for, with different classification systems according to three UNFC criteria: determination of the degree of geological knowledge (G-axis); the degree of feasibility study (F-axis); and commercial significance (E-axis).

A mining industry overview of cobalt in Finland: exploration, deposits and utilization

Finland has a significant role in the European Union cobalt supply, with the largest known cobalt resources and only cobalt-producing mines in Europe. In addition, Finland is a globally significant producer of refined cobalt. However, Finland, along with the rest of Europe, is strongly dependent on cobalt imports. Recycled cobalt covers a small fraction of the country's demand, as well as that of the rest of Europe. Most of the cobalt deposits in Finland can be grouped into five genetic types (± subtypes). The orthomagmatic and Outokumpu types have been among the most important sources of cobalt in Finland. The Talvivaara type hosts the largest known cobalt resource in Europe, mostly in the Terrafame Sotkamo deposit. The most common cobalt minerals in the Finnish deposits are sulfides, and to a lesser extent sulfarsenides. These are concentrated by froth flotation, and the concentrates treated in Finnish cobalt refineries. An exception to this is the Terrafame Sotkamo mine, where bio-heap leaching technology is utilized for metal recovery, and metalliferous liquid is processed to battery-grade chemicals. Assessment of undiscovered mineral resources, prospectivity modelling, the exploration history and recent discoveries highlight the exploration potential for several types of Co-enriched mineral deposits in Finland. Thematic collection: This article is part of the energy-critical metals for a low carbon transition collection available at: https://www.lyellcollection.org/topic/collections/critical-metals

Mineral resource assessment through geostatistical analysis in a phosphate deposit

Purpose. The selection of an appropriate variographic model is crucial in geostatistics to obtain accurate estimates of mineral reserves. The aim of this work is to develop a reserve estimation tool using a geostatistical approach. Methodology. The geostatistical approach is based on selecting the most representative variographic models for the studied variables. The model selection is done by applying a cross-validation procedure leave-one-out (LOOCV). LOOCV is a resampling technique used in statistical analysis and machine learning to estimate the generalization error of a model and compare the performance of different models. The studied variables are then estimated using ordinary kriging. Findings. The application of the proposed approach has resulted in satisfactory results in terms of dispersion of grades and thicknesses of mineralized layers in a phosphate deposit. To evaluate the quality of the adjustment models obtained, efficiency factors such as Nash-Sutcliffe, and RMSE (Root Mean Square Error), were employed. These factors provide quantitative measures of the agreement between the observed and predicted values. The NSE (Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency) and RMSE (root mean square error) values of 0.572 and 6.599, respectively, indicate a better fit and greater accuracy of the adjustment models. The accuracy and efficiency criteria of the studied variables have acceptable values, with a mean square error (MSE) of 1.54 · 10-7. Originality. The combination of the least squares and LOOCV methods in the geostatistical analysis leads to improved estimation precision, greater reliability in representing the spatial variability of the parameters, and enhanced confidence in the validity of the adjustment models. Practical value. The development of a computer code for this geostatistical approach provides a practical tool for decision-makers to use in the management and exploitation of mining sites. Overall, this study has contributed to the advancement of geostatistical techniques and their application in the mining industry.

Remote Sensing for Lithology Mapping in Vegetation-Covered Regions: Methods, Challenges, and Opportunities

Remote sensing (RS) technology has significantly contributed to geological exploration and mineral resource assessment. However, its effective application in vegetated areas encounters various challenges. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities associated with RS-based lithological identification in vegetated regions which includes the extensively reviewed prior research concerning the identification of lithology in vegetated regions, encompassing the utilized remote sensing data sources, and classification methodologies. Moreover, it offers a comprehensive overview of the application of remote sensing techniques in the domain of lithological mapping. Notably, hyperspectral RS and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) have emerged as prominent tools in lithological identification. In addition, this paper addresses the limitations inherent in RS technology, including issues related to vegetation cover and terrain effects, which significantly impact the accuracy of lithological mapping. To propel further advancements in the field, the paper proposes promising avenues for future research and development. These include the integration of multi-source data to improve classification accuracy and the exploration of novel RS techniques and algorithms. In summary, this paper presents valuable insights and recommendations for advancing the study of RS-based lithological identification in vegetated areas.

Geomorphology of the Cook Islands, tropical South Pacific Ocean

ABSTRACT We use the 2021 GEBCO grid to interpret the seabed geomorphology within the Cook Islands and adjacent areas. A complex geological history dating back to 125 Ma is manifested in a range of geoforms. These include abyssal plains, plateaux, volcanic and tectonic rises, seamount-knolls and chains and troughs, as well as fault zones. A Main Map at 1:3,000,000 scale is presented with example cross-sections, with 1:10,000,000 scale inset maps of bathymetry, mineral occurrences (the Cook Islands has a major polymetallic nodule resource), feature names and regional setting. We expect these map products to be of value to stakeholders interested in exploration and mineral resource assessment, marine habitat management, and the general make-up of this small island large ocean country.

3D modeling for mineral resource assessment of fluorite ore and its industrial application in Jbel Tirremi, northeast Morocco

3D modeling for mineral resource assessment of fluorite ore and its industrial application in Jbel Tirremi, northeast Morocco

ЕКОЛОГІЧНІ ТА СОЦІАЛЬНІ РИЗИКИ В МІЖНАРОДНИХ ТА ВІТЧИЗНЯНИХ СИСТЕМАХ ОЦІНКИ МІНЕРАЛЬНИХ РЕСУРСІВ

It was defined that the ecological and social risks became key in the implementation of mining projects from the stage of geological study through development till mining operation. The main components of these risks are fixed over the past years, which are related to the problems of water resources management, the processes of decarbonization of production, the reduction of the negative impact on climate change, the environmental friendliness of production and the emissions volumes that are directly or indirectly related to mining enterprises, etc. A comparison of domestic and international standards for the assessment of mineral reserves and resources was carried out according to the basic features of classification with the determination of social and environmental assessment factors. The features of the Classification of Mineral Reserves and Resources of the State Subsoil Fund, the UN Framework Classification, the PRMS Petroleum Resources Management System, the International Reporting Standards of the CRIRSCO Mineral Resources Committee are analyzed and compared in order to find features that allow determining the social and environmental risks of mining projects. The presence of these direct features in the classification systems indicates the orientation of the assessment standards to the comprehensive assessment of projects as such meeting the goals of sustainable development. The social and ecological viability of subsurface and natural resource projects is used as a direct feature only in the UN Framework Classification, while its inclusion took place in 2009 in the part of social factors, and in 2019 – in the part of environmental factors. This classification is considered as a tool for the effective management of national resources, necessary for the realization of the goals of sustainable development, which enables all stakeholders to find a common understanding of the development of resources and territories, to compare projects in different types of resources and subsoil use. In other international standards, as well as in the domestic classification of the State Fund of Subsoil, socio-ecological criteria are taken into account indirectly, which is one of the key areas of development of these mineral resource assessment systems. Such development can take place in two directions: the inclusion of social and ecological criteria directly as basic features, while this is possible both in the form of complex parameters and individual classes/subclasses; use and improvement of existing methods of resource and reserves valuation, taking into account the environmental and social risks of the implementation of subsoil use projects.

Quantitative resource assessment of hydrothermal gold deposits based on 3D geological modeling and improved volume method: Application in the Jiaodong gold Province, Eastern China

Quantitative assessment of deep mineral resources is important for the mineral exploration decisions of governments and companies. Complex structural controls make the volume method difficult to apply to hydrothermal gold deposits. Quantitative assessment of Au resources in hydrothermal goldfields remains a challenging task. Here we proposed a quantitative assessment approach for hydrothermal gold deposits via an improved volume method combined with 3D geology modeling. A highly reliable 3D model of ore-controlling structure was first constructed to obtain the spatial association between Au mineralization and structure. On this basis, we made an optimal quantitative estimation of the ore-bearing ratio and similarity index, which are the most critical parameters in the volume method, before evaluating gold resources. Specifically, (1) an ore-bearing ratio prediction model was established by support vector machine based on measured data and 3D models, which was further applied in predicting the ore-bearing ratio of the evaluation area at depth and peripherals; (2) the calculation of the similarity index was improved by novelly using the Mahalanobis distance of the regional geochemical data with regard to the similar geochemical anomalies of gold mineralization in adjacent space. This proposed method was applied to quantitatively assess the gold resources in the Jiaojia and Dayingezhuang goldfields in the Jiaodong gold province, China, where gold deposits show significant structure controls on mineralization. The results of gold grade prediction are statistically significantly correlated to measured values by the Wilcoxon signed rank test, showing the model for gold grade prediction can be extensible in the deep parts. Our approach produced similarity indices for the model and evaluation areas at Jiaojia and Dayingezhuang that accurately reflected the geology complex. The above lines suggest that the proposed approach can be used to estimate the gold resources of Jiaodong. Potential gold resources in the Jiaojia and Dayingezhuang districts were estimated to be 1221.82 t and 254.95 t.

Elemental inheritance evaluation for geochemical elements in soil of the Daliangshan area, China

The inheritance and migration characters of different elements in the soil profile can serve agriculture, environmental protection, mineral exploration and other related research fields. These characters are mainly determined by the various geochemical behaviours of different elements. However, the elemental behaviours for the same element might vary wildly due to various local physical, chemical and biological environments, because the transformation of rock to soil includes rock-weathering and pedogenic processes. Here, we propose a framework for evaluating the elemental inheritance and migration characters from the underlying rocks or C horizons during local rock-weathering and pedogenic processes. In this framework, random forest regression was used to evaluate the importance of controlling factors, i.e. parent material or rock, climate, vegetation and topography, for individual elements during both processes. Further hierarchical clustering analysis was used to group elements into three inheritance categories according to their controlling factors. The framework was then applied in the Daliangshan area. Finally, we give some suggestions on the assessment of mineral resources, environment and agriculture according to the elemental inheritance categories in the Daliangshan area. This methodological approach can be applied to other localalities. Thematic collection: This article is part of the Applications of Innovations in Geochemical Data Analysis collection available at: https://www.lyellcollection.org/topic/collections/applications-of-innovations-in-geochemical-data-analysis Supplementary material: The original data and average feature importance for 5000 simulations are available at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.6274315

Airborne geophysics and remote sensing of an Nimas-Khadra area, southern Arabian shield: New insights into structural framework and mineral occurrences

The Shwas-Tayyah and Khadra belts belonging to the Asir terrane include potential mineralization zones, hosted in intensely deformed Precambrian basement rocks. Analysis of geophysical aeromagnetic data and satellite images, constrained by field data, highlights the deep hierarchy and structuring of the An Nimas-Khadra area in its regional litho-structural setting and geodynamic evolution. The N-S and NNE-SSW major trends, with other E-W, NE-SW and NW-SE minor directions, were identified. The Tarj, Ibran, and Junaynah close to N-S oriented master shear zones, delimit and cross the Al Lith-Bidah, Shwas-Tayyah and Khadra belts; they characterize the Asir composite terrane. Structural and kinematic models were highlighted, showing the control of intense deformations on the basement structures. The deep-seated faults are linked to wide tectonic movements induced by regional E-W to ENE-WSW contractional orogenic episodes. The tectonics induced genesis of the accreted terrane rocks with differentiated belts and shear zones. The resulted structures seem to be in accordance with the Riedel model that includes conjugate movements of right-lateral strike slip faults and right-oblique reverse faults.Correlation of geophysical and geochemical analyses is a crucial technique used for better assessment and valorization of mineral resources. The spatial association between the interpreted lineament patterns and mineralization rates testifies the tectonic deformations-mineral deposits relationship. The AHP-based MCDM statistical support model highlights the mining interest areas. The MCDM allows further spatial statistical evaluation and reveals new prospective metal occurrences in the Shwas-Tayyah and Khadra belts. N-S and NNE-SSW lineament networks show the highest mineralization rates, suggesting their priority for more detailed prospections. The metallic mineral deposits have to be related to prominent steeply dipping and brittle-ductile shear zones.

Экономическая оценка минеральных ресурсов Арктической зоны региона с учетом экологического фактора

The aim of the study was the economic assessment of promising mineral resources of the Arctic zone. The objectives of the work included the assessment and ranking of deposits and occurences of minerals in the Arctic regions of the republic according to the degree of investment attractiveness for the formation of programs for the development of the mineral resource base of the region, taking into account environmental restrictions. As a result of the study, an economic assessment of the mineral resource potential of the Arctic zone of the Komi Republic was carried out, a new methodological approach to assessing the mineral resource base of the region was proposed, which allows to identify promising types of raw materials with the possibility of involving them in industrial development.

Porphyry Copper: Revisiting Mineral Resource Assessment Predictions for the Andes

A mineral resource assessment of porphyry copper deposits in the Andes Mountains of South America was done in 2005 in cooperation with geological surveys in South America. The study identified 590 million metric tons (Mt) of copper in identified resources. Continued exploration and development in the region over a 15-year period provide an opportunity to compare the predicted assessment results with new discoveries and resource growth in previously known deposits. The 2005 assessment estimated that 145 undiscovered deposits could contain a mean of 750 Mt of copper. The actual number of deposits increased (2005 to 2020) from 69 to 120 and the amount of identified copper resources increased from 590 Mt to 1600 Mt. Although most of the new deposits and copper resources are concentrated in Miocene-Pliocene and Eocene-Oligocene mineral belts, new deposits have been discovered in Jurassic and Cretaceous mineral belts. Resource growth in porphyry copper deposits known in the Andes in 2005 (1100 Mt copper) exceeds copper resources in new discoveries since 2005 (490 Mt copper) by a factor of 2.

Developments in Quantitative Assessment and Modeling of Mineral Resource Potential: An Overview

The special issue entitled “Developments in Quantitative Assessment and Modeling of Mineral Resource Potential” is composed of 17 papers that cover a diverse range of approaches to mineral resource assessment, including mainly multivariate statistical analysis, fractal and multifractal modeling, geostatistical modeling, machine learning, mathematical morphology and 3D mineral exploration. This introductory article first provides an overview of the developments and existing methods in quantitative assessment of mineral resources. Then, brief introductions of each of the 17 papers are provided. These papers can be grouped into three themes: (1) multifractal theory for mineral resource assessment; (2) machine learning for mineral prospectivity mapping; and (3) GIS-based 3D modeling for mineral exploration. The 17 papers either proposed novel methods or demonstrated innovative applications of existing methods.