Volume 8, Issue 3 (2-2009)
Abstract
The data gathered from implemented investigations provides enormous information yet if not organized properly, they would not yeild useful and credible results. GIS cannot only organize the mineral potential-related information, but also integrate different datasets and produce quickly and precisely-required mineral potential maps. It also supports the spatial decision-making process. Here, we have used GIS to produce the mineral potential map of Sonajil porphyrtic copper prospect to determine sufficient drilling localities. The utilized layers include rock type, alteration, mineralization indicators, anomaly zone of Chargeability and Apparent resistivity, anomaly of Copper, Molybdenum and gold. After information preparation, Factor maps were weighted and integrated in the inference network and mineral potential map was prepared. Using Fuzzy logic operators in inference network can eliminate defects in other models and provide more flexible integration of factor maps. With respect to prepared mineral potential map, most probable mineral potential zones of porphyrtic copper are located in two north-east and south-west parts of studied area. Eventually, the degree of correlation between mineral potential maps and those operated exploration boreholes has been estimated for two different classes, 90.91% and 83.33%. Regarding to the resulted mineral potential map, some new promising drilling localities have been suggested. Comparison of the high potential points indicated by our mineral potential maps with those previous drilled boreholes reveals about 85% miscorrelation. In other words, if the present proposed methodology had been performed before drilling operation, about 600,000$ could have been saved in this stage.
