The exploration potential of Japan

Abstract

This report presents a review and analysis of the relevant geological, metallogenic, metal production and mineral exploration history of northern Tohoku to discuss the exploration potential of the region and Japan. The interpretation is based mainly on empirical and practical arguments, in contrast to the also important petrogenetic and tectonic criteria. The case is made that for the discussion of the mineralization potential of Japan, northern Tohoku serves as a valid proxy. One conclusion is that ignificant exploration on land in Japan for base-and precious-metal deposits, in particular for porphyry copper type systems, stopped too early, before it could have benefitted from key metallogenic developments of the past 25+ years. The full mineralization potential of Japan is excellent and far from being fully realized.