Research on GIS-based 3D prospectivity mapping and a case study of Jiama copper-Polymetallic deposit in Tibet, China

Abstract

This paper reports a deposit-scale GIS-based 3D mineral potential assessment for Jiama copper-Polymetallic deposit area in Tibet, China. The assessment is achieved through the combined use of a metallogenic model, and 3D geological, geochemical modelling and Prospectivity modelling. In this contribution, ametallogenic model for the Jiama deposit and a 3D modelling flow chartare used to construct multiple 3D layers of volumetric and triangular mesh models to represent geology, geochemistry and ore-controlling features in the study area. GIS-based 3D weights-of-evidence analysis is used to quantify and target the subsurface Prospectivity forCu(-Mo) ore-bodies in the area, which defined three prospective deep-seated exploration targets. This contribution ends with a discussion on the potential fluid flow pathways based on the 3D zonation of major geochemical elements and their ratios, such asZn / Pb ratios. The discussion confirms the GIS-based 3D quantitative assessment of the Prospectivity of the Jiama copper-Polymetallic deposit.