Areas For Mineral Exploration Research Articles

Mineral Potential Mapping for Rare Earth Elements Mineralization with AHP Method in the Kerman–Kashmar Tectonic Zone, Central Iran

Abstract: One of the major strengths of a GIS is the ability to integrate and combine multiple layers of geoscience data for producing mineral potential maps showing favorable areas for mineral exploration. Once the data is prepared properly, the GIS, jointly with other statistical and geostatistical software packages, can be used to manipulate and visualize the data in order to produce a mineral prospectivity map. Many spatial modeling techniques can be employed to produce mineral potential maps. This paper demonstrates a technique to define favorable areas for REE mineralization with AHP technique using geological, geochemical, geophysical, alteration and faults density spatial data in the Kerman-Kashmar Tectonic Zone of central Iran. The AHP is a powerful and flexible multi-criteria decision-making tool for dealing with complex problems where both qualitative and quantitative aspects need to be considered. This approach is knowledge-driven method and can be applied in other areas for conventional use in mineral exploration.

The use of location–allocation techniques for exploration targeting of high place-value industrial minerals: A market-based prospectivity study of the Spanish gypsum resources

Prospectivity mapping is used to define favorable areas for mineral exploration. The location–allocation modeling can help in ranking exploration zones for high-volume low-price industrial minerals. This type of minerals are said to have a high place-value, meaning that they derive much of their value from the fact that extraction points are located close to the demand points. With this aim, a GIS-based location–allocation model of the gypsum resources in Spain is presented in this paper. Results point to the recognition of the most interesting areas that should be investigated and places where new gypsum facilities could be located. Moreover, the model allows evaluation of the relative economic interest of the new areas as compared with the existing ones.Based on this modeling, the geological regions with the greatest potential to place new facilities are located in the northwestern (Cantabrian zone) and north-eastern (easternmost Catalonia) parts of the Iberian Peninsula, with potential market share values higher than 5.25%. Most of the economically interesting gypsum bearing units in these regions are of Mesozoic age, although Neogene deposits of the central part of Catalonia are not ruled out. In addition, the prospectivity analysis map leads to establish an area where the excess of gypsum factories results in a drastic decrease of the market share value within this region (<1.84 %).The maps obtained with this prospectivity analysis help in the area selection and the target identification phases of a mineral exploration. The model could easily be used for other similar high place-value industrial minerals and rocks.

Fuzzy analytical hierarchy process and GIS for predictive Cu porphyry potential mapping: a case study in Ahar–Arasbaran Zone (NW, Iran)

Selection of potential areas for mineral exploration is a complex process and needs many diverse criteria. Combining analytic hierarchy process (AHP) modeling with geographic information system (GIS) provides an effective means for studies of mineral potential mapping evaluation. Fuzzy AHP is an extension of conventional AHP and by using fuzzy theory is obtained the advantage rather AHP method. In this paper to provide, potential mapping for Cu porphyry mineralization used fuzzy AHP and GIS in the Ahar–Arasbaran areas, several criteria, such as geology, geochemical and geophysical data, alteration, and faults were used. Each criterion was evaluated with the aid of fuzzy AHP and mapped by GIS. The method allowed a mixture of quantitative and qualitative information with group decision. The results and its validation demonstrate the acceptable outcomes for copper porphyry exploration.

Quantification of anisotropic scale invariance of geochemical anomalies associated with Sn-Cu mineralization in Gejiu, Yunan Province, China

In order to understand various anisotropic scale invariant systems, two different models are combined into a single method: the scale invariant generator (SIG) model quantifies anisotropies by estimating the generalized scale invariance (GSI) in frequency domain, which is a form of scale transformation in GSI representing how a scaling field is stratified and how it rotates; and the spectrum–area (S–A) model quantifies anisotropies by estimating the anisotropic scaling exponent in 2D frequency domain and decomposes multi-component data into separate patterns based on their distinct anisotropic scaling properties. The application of the combined model of S–A and SIG to stream sediment geochemical data from the Gejiu mineral district has shown that the new method can be used not only for separation of anomaly from background but also for characterization of anisotropic scale invariance properties such as differential compression and rotational scaling. Anomalies obtained by means of the S–A model can be utilized to delineate target areas for mineral exploration. The parameters obtained by means of the SIG model for the decomposed anomalies are useful for characterization of their orientation and compression distributions, which may provide insights to controls on mineralization or anomaly formation.

Remote Sensing Structural Alteration Information Extraction and Ore Prognosis: A Case Study of Laos

The extraction of remote sensing geological anomaly information is one of the important research methods in GARS.In this paper,taking Laos as an example and using such means as geometric rectification,image mosaicking,color composite,space transformation and image enhancement processing to the ETM+ image in the study area,the authors extracted the geological structural information.The interference information was removed by mask technique,and the iron staining and hydroxyl alteration information was extracted by using principal component analysis and threshold segmentation techniques.Five perspective areas for mineral exploration were delineated on the basis of a synthetic analysis of the multi-geoscience information.The results can provide a reference and effective means for accelerating the geological prospecting work in Laos.

Multi-element association analysis of stream sediment geochemistry data for predicting gold deposits in Barramiya gold mine, Eastern Desert, Egypt

The use of traditional statistical methods can provide suitable indicators of geochemical element dispersion, and aids in targeting potential areas for mineral exploration. Analyzes of stream sediments from an ophiolite suite of ophiolitic mélange matrix and metasediments belt are used for regional geochemical prospecting of gold in the Barramiya mining district, Eastern Desert, Egypt. The principal rocks exposed in the study area are Late-Proterozoic volcano-sedimentary sequences intruded by serpentinite, small bodies of Older and Younger Granitoids, all injected by dykes of various compositions. Gold production derived mainly from shear zone with Au-bearing quartz veins hosted by ultramafic schists and serpentinites at fault intersections or along the basal décollement of the major thrusts, especially where granitoid massifs and stocks are common. Orebodies are mainly sulfide-bearing quartz and quartz–carbonate lodes associated with graphite-schist, listvenite and marble exposures, showing signs of structural control expressed in preferable orientation and consistent meso- and microfabrics. The area has two known gold deposits where several chromite mines are present. Auriferous veins are confined along E and ENE fracture systems and zones in a passive tectonic contact between the serpentinites and the metasediments.Results of 425 stream sediment samples from an area of ∼73km2 analyzed for 13 trace elements are presented using simple statistical and R-mode factor methods. The overall sample density achieved by the survey is ∼6samples/km2. Significant variations in background metal contents are recorded near the known mineralized sites. Preliminary visual interpretation of individual spatial distribution patterns of Ag, As, Au, Cu, Mo, Pb, and W show clear-cut relationships with known gold mineralization in the study area. Geochemical patterns of these elements delineate drainage basins with anomalous concentration of elements genetically related to gold mineralization. Gold in analyzed samples ranges from <0.02 to 3.51ppm with average 0.21ppm. Most of the high element concentrations in stream sediments are found in the graphite-schist and serpentinized marble rocks.Application of R-mode factor analysis indicates significant components of the sample composition. These reflect lithological, environmental and mineralization controls. Preparation of factor score map for the association Ag–Au–As–Cu–Zn–Pb–Mo–W enables a more precise delineation of zones of known gold mineralization as well as areas that may contain (on geological grounds) primary gold mineralization. The exploration significance of some anomalies has not been established, but a number of these anomalies may be related to undiscovered mineralization while others may be of no economic significance. Groundwater pH influences the hydromorphic dispersion patterns of Ag, As, and Au in different ways and this requires consideration during data interpretation.

Anomaly identification in soil geochemistry using multifractal interpolation: A case study using the distribution of Cu and Au in soils from the Tongling mining district, Yangtze metallogenic belt, Anhui province, China

Interpolation between existing data points is necessary in order to construct contours and surfaces to determine spatial variations and anomalies within soil geochemical datasets. In this study we focus on the mature Cu and Au Tongling mining district, in Anhui province, eastern China. Copper and Au concentrations in both topsoil (A horizon) and deep soil (C horizon) were used to compare Kriging and multifractal Kriging interpolation methods. In order to separate anomalous samples from background concentrations, anomaly thresholds for Cu and Au soil concentrations were calculated for the Tongling mining district using a scattergram of contoured elemental concentrations versus number of mineral deposits contained in each contour. The anomaly threshold for Cu was 56.23mg·kg−1; a contour constructed for this value contains the majority of the known Cu deposits within the Tongling mining district while also indicating other potentially prospective areas. The calculated threshold value that distinguishes between background and anomalously high concentrations of Au was 2.22μg·kg−1; however, this value is considered less robust than the Cu value due to the lower number of training points, i.e. known Au deposits, within the district. Geochemical anomalies associated with known mineralization are more consistently distinguished with multifractal approaches than when normal Kriging is used, and the deep soil geochemical data produced better results than the topsoil data. In terms of interpolation methods, singularity index and multifractal Krige interpolation approaches were more robust and produced better results than ordinary Kriging. The results indicate that an approach using deep soil sampling and multifractal Krige interpolation may be an effective tool for mineral exploration in areas where the topsoil may be contaminated by anthropogenic activities, such as mature mining districts.

Geological significance of high-resolution magnetic data in the Quesnel terrane, Central British Columbia1This article is one of a series of papers published in this Special Issue on the theme of New insights in Cordilleran Intermontane geoscience: reducing exploration risk in the mountain pine beetle-affected area, British Columbia.2Geological Survey of Canada Contribution No. 20100225.

The ability of airborne sensors to image the magnetic signatures of prospective Quesnel terrane rocks through ubiquitous Quaternary glacial sedimentary cover in central British Columbia helps target new areas for mineral exploration. Newly acquired high-resolution data provide new perspectives on the nature and probable areal distribution of many geological units, revealing detail and information unattainable by conventional geological mapping. In combination with gravity data, these magnetic data indicate the presence of a granitic intrusion and a development of Nicola Group volcanic rocks, both potential hosts for porphyry- and (or) vein-type mineralization, under younger Tertiary volcanic cover. At a finer scale, magnetic patterns and fabrics permit discrimination between volcanic rocks of the Tertiary Chilcotin and Kamloops groups, and detection of subtle compositional and (or) structural variations within the groups. Contacts between volcanic cover and basement rocks and between basement units are more accurately defined, significantly reducing locally the areal extent of volcanic cover and opening up more ground for exploration. The high resolution of features in images of magnetic vertical derivatives reveals the Naver pluton to be more complex than currently mapped, comprising several integral elements, one of which may be a large roof pendant. Internal subdivisions of the Thuya batholith are defined, and annular marginal phases are proposed within two large granodioritic intrusions. Several new intrusions are proposed within the extensive, mainly sedimentary Devonian–Triassic terrain northeast of Kamloops, internal composition variation is suggested for some larger mapped intrusions, and areas underlain by some intrusions are enlarged.

Use of vegetation and soil in mineral exploration in areas of transported overburden, Yilgarn Craton, Western Australia: a contribution towards understanding metal transportation processes

Five sites were selected in the semi-arid northern Yilgarn Craton (Jaguar VHMS Cu-Zn-Ag, Moolart Well Au, Rumour Au, Gossan Hill VHMS Cu-Zn-Au and McGrath North Au deposits) to test the use of vegetation as an exploration sampling medium in areas of transported overburden. A variety of vegetation samples (litter, roots, bark, branch wood and phyllodes) were collected from Mulga ( Acacia aneura ) plants. In addition, the soil from 10–20 cm below surface was sampled and analysed following total, partial and selective digests to investigate any potential chemical signature of bedrock mineralization at surface. At all sites, selective extractions of the &lt;250 μm fraction of soil show either no expression of buried mineralization or, where present, only a weak or ambiguous signature. In contrast, the vegetation survey shows a multi-element signature in different plant organs. Branches show very low anomaly contrasts or none at all. Phyllodes and bark generally show weak to moderate anomaly contrasts. Litter shows the greatest anomaly contrast of all plant material. There is also an enrichment in metals and an expression of the bedrock mineralization with good anomaly contrast in the uppermost soil horizon (0–4 cm) at Jaguar and this may indicate some mixing of litter and soil by bioturbation, and fixing on organic material, and Fe and/or Mn oxides. This contrasts with greater depths (10–20 cm) where no significant metal enrichment appears to have occurred, suggesting that most contained metals were fixed near-surface and do not percolate deeper into the profile. This is possibly due to slow decomposition of litter in arid terrains, with continuous loss of soil and fine litter particles by wind erosion and bush fires. Our data support the hypothesis that vegetation plays an important role in bringing metals to surface in areas with a semi-arid to arid climate and a low water-table.

Multi-element association analysis of stream sediment geochemistry data for predicting gold deposits in south-central Yunnan Province, China

The use of traditional statistical and new methods of spatial analysis can provide suitable indicators of geochemical element dispersion, and aid in targeting potential areas for mineral exploration. A case study involving the analysis of stream sediment geochemistry data from an area in Yunnan province, South China, is presented. The area has two known areas of gold deposits where several mines are present. The study starts with an appraisal of the descriptive statistics of the data. Geological studies were conducted in the study area to obtain a thorough understanding of the regional geology, ore geology of known gold deposits, and mineralization, and to determine the mineral deposit model. Most of the GIS analysis was done using the stream sediment geochemical data. An inverse distance weighting interpolation algorithm was used to convert the point data to continuous surface (grid) maps for each element. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to compress the information to a few maps and to assist in determining multi-element associations. The study revealed that most of the high element concentrations in stream sediments were found in the Ailaoshan metamorphic belt. Gold deposits were found to be associated with ultramafic intrusives within the Ailaoshan metamorphic belt and the ultramafic instrusives are associated with principal component images that represent multi-element associations related to gold mineralization. The first two principal components possibly represent two different types of gold associations and phases of mineralization. The study demonstrates the usefulness of applying PCA to geochemical data to produce maps that reveal different associations useful for gold exploration.

Mineral exploration under cover: Characterizing mineralizing fluid systems

Mineral exploration in areas of little bedrock exposure must increasingly rely on the predictive quality of geological, geochemical and geophysical data. In this contribution analysis of fluid inclusions is used to characterize fluid systems associated with alteration and mineralization in two locations in South Australia. In the Curnamona Province, fluids related to albitization and calc-silicate alteration with associated brecciation evolve from a saline sodic composition to a metalliferous, saline fluid also found associated with sulphide mineralization. The microthermometric distinction of inclusion types is evidence for pressure fluctuation as a cause for breccia formation. In the Central Gawler Craton gold province fluid inclusion studies have characterized the compositional and constrained the physical conditions of mineralizing fluids. Regionally identified low salinity CO 2-bearing fluids at temperatures < 350 °C and pressures < 1.5 kbar indicate a shallow-level orogenic [Groves, D.I., Goldfarb, R.J., Gebre-Mariam, M., Hagemann, S.G., Robert, F., 1998. Orogenic gold Deposits: A proposed classification in the context of their crustal distribution and relationship to other gold deposit types. Ore Geology Reviews, 13, 7–27.] or intrusion-related [Lang, J.R., Baker, T., 2001. Intrusion related gold systems: the present level of understanding. Mineralium Deposita, 36, 477–489.] setting for the mineralization.

Introduction to the Grenville Province: a geological and mineral resources perspective derived from government and academic research initiatives

Canadian society faces a significant decline in the number of active mines and in the discovery rate of base and precious metal deposits. Exploring in the shadows of active and former mines with improved metallogenic models and new technologies is one way to address this problem. Another way is to diversify mineral exploration outside known mining camps and target prospective but underexplored settings and nonconventional mineral deposits. In Canadian terms, diversifying exploration commonly translates into targeting gneissic and granitic terrains where modern geoscience knowledge may be rare or only at reconnaissance scale and where key regional and local indicators and vectors to ore may be missing in the geological record. Though underexplored settings abound in Canada, only one orogen has an aura that discourages exploration: the Grenville Province. Consequently, even though the Grenville Province provides the best model of a deep continental-collision zone so far studied anywhere on Earth and constitutes a microcosm of continental accretion, it remains underexplored, underprospected, undermapped and underestimated. It is thus essential to revisit the mineral potential of the most accessible orogen of the Canadian Shield, search for its missing volcanic belts, reexamine its ore deposits and mineral occurrences, and explore new research avenues using the best remote-sensing device on Earth: human eyes. This special issue captures advances associated with regional field investigations by government that played a special role in opening up frontier areas for mineral exploration. Papers stemming from academia and government–university–industry consortiums investigate further some of the topics covered by these and earlier surveys and others contribute structural and metamorphic insights that will be valuable in future mapping projects. The advances reported here for the Grenville Province may provide impetus to revisit other Grenville-age terrains worldwide, just as metallogenic models developed in other countries have provided the means to look in a different manner at the Grenville orogen for mineral deposits. Collectively all the various approaches presented in this volume help us to revamp our way of looking at the mineral potential of the Grenville orogen.

The effects of seasonal changes, sample site drainage and tree morphology on trace element contents of black spruce ( Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP) crown twigs and outer bark

A positive correlation between soil metal content and plant metal accumulation has been used by biogeochemists to assist mineral exploration in areas of minimal outcrop. Much-needed study of the impact of vegetation sample collection over an extended time-frame, impact of site drainage, as well as the choice of vegetation sample type are presented. Evaluation of seasonal variability, together with measurements of tree water flow-rate (affected by weather conditions) on tree crown metal uptake was also undertaken to ascertain whether this variability could mask the geochemical signatures or whether normalization to weather conditions is needed. Thirty-three elements, including Au, Ag, Ni, Co, Zn and Cu, were studied. Other factors such as tree crown, outer bark and tree appearance were also studied. Black spruce was selected due to its ubiquitous presence in the boreal forest of central Manitoba. The best agreement between the crown twig metal accumulation and tree water uptake was identified for the rare earth elements (REEs) and the essential elements (Ca, K, Mg, Fe, P, Zn), which also exhibited the highest seasonal variation. The content of pH-sensitive elements (Ag, Co, Ni, Rb, Mn, Cu) in black spruce crowns did not display any direct relationship to the tree water uptake. Elements most affected by site drainage conditions include Ag, Co, Ni, Rb, Mn and Cu. These metals were found in substantially larger quantities in crowns of trees growing on well drained sites. Gold concentrations in outer bark samples growing on well drained sites were 12 times lower than the same samples collected from poorly drained sites. Au, Pb, W, Th, Na, Al were found in substantially larger concentrations in thin (up to 4 mm in diameter) compared to thicker twigs. Ag and Ca accumulated preferentially in thick twigs. K, Mg, P, Mn, Zn, Cu, Au, Ag, Rb and W were present in substantially higher concentrations in the crown twigs compared to outer bark. Pb, B, Hf, Th, V and REEs were present in the outer bark at eight to ten times higher concentrations than in crown twigs, and Hf, Na, Sb, Sc and V five times higher. W was not detectable in the outer bark but its content in the twigs was well above the detection limit. Crown morphology, the outer bark appearance and the number of tree transpiring branches had no measurable effect on metal contents in the assessed tree organs.

Modelling lake sediment geochemical distribution using principal component, indicator kriging and multifractal power-spectrum analysis: a case study from Gowganda, Ontario

Combined geostatistical and multifractal power-spectrum modelling of geochemical distributions can provide suitable indicators of metal dispersion, and is capable of analysing complex problems for targeting potential areas for mineral exploration. A case study analysing lake sediment geochemical data for the Gowganda area is presented and development of the methodology for spatial analysis of the data is described. The Gowganda-Cobalt area of northeastern Ontario is a textbook example of Co, Ag-Co vein-type deposit, which by 1984 had yielded one-half billion ounces of Ag. The area is also known for shear-zone-hosted Au mineralization. This paper uses the spatial and geometric distribution of lake sediment data to discriminate geochemical anomalies from background values. The application of two geostatistical techniques (spatial principal component analysis and indicator kriging) allows the estimation of geochemical distributions by utilizing their statistical and spatial properties. The newly developed multifractal power-spectrum method additionally allows for the geochemical distributions to be modelled by their multifractal Fourier-transformed power-spectrum characteristics. Verification of the estimates produced by these techniques has been enabled through spatial analysis of bedrock geology and mineral deposit occurrences in the area.

Application of multi-element relationships in stream sediments to mineral exploration: a case study of Walawe Ganga Basin, Sri Lanka

This study on the application of multi-element relationships in stream sediments to mineral exploration in the Walawe Ganga Basin presents one of the first of its kind in Sri Lanka. In order to determine the nature of these sediments, multi-element analysis of selected grain size (<63 μm, 63–125 μm, 125–177 μm and 177–250 μm) fractions was undertaken. The chemical composition of these fractions were compared with those of the upper continental crust. Some elements, notably Zr, Hf, Th, U, Ce and La, show very high enrichment factors (e.g. 54 for Zr) as compared to the upper crustal abundance. These are presumably associated with heavy minerals such as zircon, rutile and monazite found in abundance in the stream sediments of the Walawe Ganga Basin. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of the geochemical data show that multi-element relationships could be effectively used to delineate target areas for mineral exploration. With the use of PCA, this study reveals that areas with associations of calc-silicate/marble and charnockitic rocks are probable source regions for mineral occurrences, particularly in the axial regions of anticlines.

Spectral characterization of ophiolite lithologies in the Troodos Ophiolite complex of Cyprus and its potential in prospecting for massive sulphide deposits

The island of Cyprus hosts one of the best preserved ophiolite sequences of the world: the Troodos massif. Lithologically the complex comprises a mantle series of ultramafic rocks overlain by gabbros and (plagio)granites. The crustal sequence consists of dyke swarms with two series of pillow lavas at the top known as the lower pillow lava and the upper pillow lava. Massive sulphide deposits, that have for long been exploited in Cyprus, occur at the contact between the lower and upper pillow lava series. This contact is difficult to map in the field. In this paper we explore the possibility of using advanced image processing techniques to discriminate the main lithological units to guide in mineral prospecting. A detailed field-spectral stratigraphic study forms the basis for the selection of potential spectral end-members characterizing the TM image used. It is shown that spectral angle mapping of TM data can provide mineralogical maps that compare favourably with known surface geology and provide insight in potential prosperous areas for mineral exploration when combined with standard hydroxyl and iron oxide mapping ratio images. Our work demonstrates how remote sensing can be used for mineral exploration at a reconnaissance stage in ultramafic terrains.

Delineation of intrinsic geological units

Conventional methods for the estimation of mineral resources potential are broadly subdivided into two groups: subjective models based upon ore genetic theories and objective models based upon multiple geological observations. This paper examines some objective means that brings the two types of model together and jointly utilizes the information from both ore genesis and geological observations in delineation of promising areas for mineral exploration. These promising areas are here referred to as intrinsic geological units. They are so-called because they are not identified directly with respect to mineral deposits, but delineated in terms of some critical genetic factor, a necessary condition for formation of the mineral deposits. Four major steps are involved in this analysis. First, establish the structure of “critical genetic factor-recognition criteria-multiple geodata” for the deposit type of interest. Next, estimate probabilities of occurrence of each of the recognition criteria based upon geological observations. Third, a synthesized probability measure for occurrence of critical genetic factor is determined as an optimum linear combination of the probabilities estimated in the second stage. Finally, intrinsic geological units are delineated by optimally discretizing the probability measure for the critical genetic factor. This estimation procedure is formulated into a three-stage optimization model: logistic regression-quadratic programming-optimum discretization, which is demonstrated with a case study on epithermal Au-Ag mineral deposits in the Walker Lake quadrangle of California and Nevada. In this case study, heat source is selected as the critical genetic factor and it is identified by three selected recognition criteria: Au-Ag mineral occurrence, Tertiary intrusive, and hydrothermal alteration. The intrinsic geological units for epithermal Au-Ag deposits are delineated on the basis of six different preprocessed and integrated geological, geochemical, and geophysical fields.

FORTRAN 77 program for poisson regression

A FORTRAN 77 computer program has been developed for obtaining the maximum likelihood estimates of unknown parameters in the Poisson regression model. The parameters are estimated using the method of scoring which is based on the Taylor series expansion. The Poisson regression is an appropriate model for estimating the number of occurrences of an event as a linear function of several explanatory variables, when the number of the occurrences has Poisson distribution. As an example applied to geoscience data, a Poisson regression model is applied to the number of the occurrences of mineral deposits and to spatially overlapping geological attributes in order to detect favorable areas for mineral exploration. We obtain the maximum likelihood estimates for the Poisson model using this program.

A generalized model for evaluating area-potential in a mineral exploration program

A generalized model for predicting the potential of geographic areas for mineral exploration is developed using computers and mathematical techniques. A cellular approach is adopted and each area is divided into cells; the data base is transformed into a computer processable form by digitizing data over each cell. Control cells are selected from a control area by two a priori subjective models using multiple linear regression and filtering techniques. These control cells are used to develop weighting factors for computer-transformed variables. The evaluation and prediction of cells are made using an evaluation model, wherein products of weighting factors and corresponding transformed variables are added to give a probability score for each cell. In the example analysis, 7.76% of cells are selected as predicted cells and checked for mining in the cell areas by comparing them with a mining data base. Of the total predicted cells, 38.13% are classified as first-order prospects and the remaining predicted cells are classified into second- and third-order prospects. The success of the prediction and the open structure of the model implies a successful, generalized model with capabilities of evaluating large areas and predicting the potential in any exploration program.

A Canadian perspective on the application of satellite remote sensing to regional geobotany

Abstract In recent years, developments in remote sensing and related technologies have led to a resurgence of interest in the concept of geobotany. Interest in these techniques has been particularly keen in Canada since most active mineral exploration areas are vegetation covered. The spatial accuracy and spectral precision of data from remote sensors have improved substantially to the point where reliable and reproducable analysis can be made of vegetation condition and properties as they relate to a variety of geological controls and influences. This paper establishes the distinction between regional or ‘background’ geobotany and spectral or ‘target’ geobotany. It also describes and illustrates with case examples how techniques of regional geobotany can be applied by geologists, in support of mineral exploration activities, within operational constraints.