Mineral potential mapping for tungsten polymetallic deposits in the Nanling metallogenic belt, South China

Abstract

The Nanling belt in South China has considerable resources of tungsten polymetallic commodities and is one of the most important metallogenic belts in the world. Data-driven weights-of-evidence (WofE) and fuzzy logic models are used to evaluate the tungsten polymetallic potential of the Nanling belt. Initially, seven ore-controlling factors derived from multi-source geospatial datasets (e.g., geological, geochemical, and geophysical) are used for data integration in the two models. Two mineral potential maps are generated that efficiently predicate the locations of the deposits. The WofE map predicate 81% of the deposits within 13.6% of the study area, whereas the fuzzy logic map predicate 81.5% of the deposits within 13% of the area. The predictive maps are syntheses of spatial association rules, which provide better understanding of those factors that control the distribution of mineralization and trigger eventual exploration work in new areas. Subsequently, in order to evaluate the success rate accuracy, the receiver operating characteristic curves and area under the curves (AUCs) for the two potential maps are constructed. The results show that the AUCs for the WofE and fuzzy logic models are 0.775 7 and 0.840 6, respectively. The higher AUC value for the fuzzy logic model implies that it delineate a greater number of favorable areas compared with the WofE model. Overall, the capabilities of both models for correctly classifying areas with existing mineral deposits are satisfactory.

Keywords

weights-of-evidence / fuzzy logic / data integration / mineral potential assessment / receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve

References

Agterberg F P, Bonham-Carter G F, Wright D F. Gaál G, Merriam D F. Statistical Pattern Integration for Mineral Exploration. Computer Applications in Resource Estimation Prediction and Assessment for Metals and Petroleum, 1990 Oxford, New York: Merriam Pergamon Press, 1-21.

Agterberg F P, Bonham-Carter G F, Cheng Q, . Davis J, Herzfeld U C, . Weights-of-Evidence Modeling and Weighted Logistic Regression for Mineral Potential Mapping. Computers in Geology-25 Years of Progress, 1993 New York: Oxford Univ. Press, 13-32.

An P, Moon W M, Rencz A. Application of Fuzzy Set Theory to Integrated Mineral Exploration. Canadian Journal of Exploration Geophysics, 1991, 27(1): 1-11.

An P, Moon W M, Bonham-Carter G F. Uncertainty Management Integration of Exploration Data Using the Belief Function. Natural Resources Research, 1994, 3(1): 60-71.

Bonham-Carter G F, Agterberg F P, Wright D F. Agterberg F P, Bonham-Carter G F. Weights-of-Evidence Modelling: A New Approach to Mapping Mineral Potential. Statistical Applications in the Earth Sciences, 1989, 171-183.

Bonham-Carter G F. Geographic Information Systems for Geoscientists, Modelling with GIS, 1994 New York: Pergamon, 398.

Carranza E J M, Hale M. Geologically Constrained Probabilistic Mapping of Gold Potential, Baguio District, Philippines. Natural Resources Research, 2000, 9(3): 237-253.

Carranza E J M, Hale M. Logistic Regression for Geologically Constrained Mapping of Gold Potential, Baguio District. Phil. Exploration and Mining Geol., 2003, 10(3): 165-175.

Carranza E J M, Hale M. Geologically Constrained Fuzzy Mapping of Gold Mineralization Potential, Baguio District, Philippines. Natural Resources Research, 2001, 10(2): 125-136.

Chen Y, Pei R, Zhang H. Mineral Deposit of Nonferrous Metal and Rare Metal Associated with Mesozoic Granite in the Nanling Region. Bulletin of the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, 1990, 20: 79-85.

Chen P R, Kong X G, Wang Y X, . Pb-Sr Isotopic Dating and Significance of Early Yanshanian Bimodal Volcanic-Intrusive Complex from South Jiangxi Province. Geological Journal of China Universities, 1999, 5: 378-383.

Chen J F, Jahn B M. Crustal Evolution of Southeastern China: Nd and Sr Isotopic Evidence. Tectonophysics, 1998, 284: 101-133.

Cheng Q M, Agterberg F P. Fuzzy Weights-of-Evidence and Its Application in Mineral Potential Mapping. Natural Resources Research, 1999, 8(1): 27-35.

Cheng Q M, Chen Z, Khaled A. Application of Fuzzy Weights-of-Evidence Method in Mineral Resource Assessment for Gold in Zhenyuan District, Yunnan Province, China. Earth Science-Journal of China University of Geosciences, 2007, 32(2): 175-184.

Chi Q, Wang X, Xu S, . Temporal and Spatial Distribution of Tungsten and Tin in South China Continent. Earth Science Frontiers, 2012, 19(3): 70-83.

Chung C F, Fabbri A G. Probabilistic Prediction Models for Landslide Hazard Mapping. Photogramm Eng Remote Sensing, 1999, 65(12): 1389-1399.

Chung C F, Fabbri A G. Validation of Spatial Prediction Models for Landslide Hazard Mapping. Natural Hazards, 2003, 30(3): 451-472.

Harris J R, Wilkinson L, Heather K, . Application of GIS Processing Techniques for Producing Mineral Prospectivity Maps—A Case Study: Mesothermal Au in the Swayze Greenstone Belt, Ontario, Canada. Natural Resources Research, 2001, 10(2): 91-124.

Hsieh P, Chen C, Yang H, . Petrogenesis of the Nanling Mountains Granites from South China: Constraints from Systematic Apatite Geochemistry and Whole-Rock Geochemical and Sr-Nd Isotope Compositions. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 2008, 33: 428-451.

Hu R, Bi X, Jiang G, . Mantle-Derived Noble Gases in Ore-Forming Fluids of the Granite-Related Yaogangxian Tungsten Deposit, Southeastern China. Mineralium Deposita, 2012, 47: 623-632.

Hu R, Zhou M. Multiple Mesozoic Mineralization Events in South China—An Introduction to the Thematic Issue. Mineralium Deposita, 2012, 47: 579-588.

Hua R, Chen P, Zhang W, . Metallogeneses and Their Geodynamic Settings Related to Mesozoic Granitoids in the Nanling Range. Geological Journal of China Universities, 2005, 11(3): 291-304.

Hua R, Zhang W, Li G, . A Preliminary Study on the Features and Geologic Implication of the Accompanying Metal in Tungsten Deposits in the Nanling Region. Geolgocial Journal of China Universities, 2008, 14(4): 527-538.

Hua R, Li G, Zhang W, . A Tentative Discussion on Differences between Large-Scale Tungsten and Tin Mineralizations in South China. Mineral Deposits, 2010, 29(1): 9-23.

Lee S, Dan N T. Probabilistic Landslide Susceptibility Mapping on the Lai Chau Province of Vietnam: Focus on the Relationship between Tectonic Fractures and Landslides. Environmental Geology, 2005, 48(6): 778-787.

Lee S, Pradhan B. Landslide Hazard Mapping at Selangor, Malaysia Using Frequency Ratio and Logistic Regression Models. Landslides, 2007, 4(1): 33-41.

Li B. Synchronization Theory and Tungsten-Polymetallic Mineralization Distribution in the Qianlishan-Qitianling Area, Southern Hunan. Journal of Earth Science, 2011, 22(6): 726-736.

Li X, Chun S, Zhou H, . Jurassic Intraplate Magmatism in Southern Hunan-Eastern Guangxi ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar Dating of Geochemistry, Sr-Nd Isotopes and Implication for the Tectonic Evolution of SE China. Geo. Soc. London Spec. Publ., 2004, 226: 193-215.

Li X, Li W, Li Z. On the Genetic Classification and Tectonic Implications of the Early Yanshanian Granitoids in the Nanling Range, South China. Chinese Science Bulletin, 2007, 52(14): 1873-1885.

Li X, Li W, Wang X, . Role of Mantle-Derived Magma in Genesis of Early Yanshanian Granites in the Nanling Range, South China: In Situ Zircon Hf-O Isotopic Constraints. Science in China Series D: Earth Sciences, 2009, 52: 1262-1278.

Liu B, Chen Y, Fan S, . The Second Ore-Prospecting Space in the Eastern and Central Parts of the Nanling Metallogenic Belt: Evidence from Isotopic Chronology. Geology in China, 2010, 37(4): 1034-1049.

Liu N, Yu C. Analysis of Onset and Development of Ore Formation in Dajishan Tungsten Ore Area, Jiangxi Province, China. Journal of Earth Science, 2011, 22(1): 67-74.

Liu Y, He B, Chen C. Weights of Evidence Modeling for Gold Potential Prediction in Wulonggou, Eastern Kunlun. Journal of China University of Mining & Technology, 2011, 40(2): 298-304.

Liu Y, Xia Q L, Cheng Q M, . Application of Singularity Theory and Logistic Regression Model for Tungsten Polymetallic Potential Mapping. Nonlinear Processes in Geophysics, 2013, 20: 445-453.

Liu Y, Cheng Q M, Xia Q L, . Application of Singularity Analysis for Mineral Potential Identification Using Geochemical Data—A Case Study: Nanling W-Sn-Mo Polymetallic Metallogenic Belt, South China. Journal of Geochemical Exploration, 2013, 134: 61-72.

Liu Y, Cheng Q M, Xia Q L, . Multivariate Analysis of Stream Sediment Data from Nanling Metallogenic Belt, South China. Geochemistry: Exploration, Environment, Analysis, 2014

Lu H Z, Liu Y, Wang C, . Mineralisation and Fluid Inclusion Study of the Shizhuyuan W-Sn-Bi-Mo-F Skarn Deposit, Hunan Province, China. Economic Geology, 2003, 98: 955-974.

Mao J W, Xie G, Guo C, . Large-Scale Tungsten-Tin Mineralization in the Nanling Region South China: Metallogenic Ages and Corresponding Geodynamic Processes. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 2007, 23(10): 2329-2338.

Mao J W, Tan H. The Geological and Geochemical Characterisitics of Shizhuyuan W-Sn-Mo-Bi Polymetalliclic Deposit, in Southern Hunan Province, 1998 Beijing: Geological Publishing House, 34-56.

Mao J W, Xie G, Cheng Y, . Mineral Deposit Models of Mesozoic Ore Deposits in South China. Geological Review, 2009, 55(3): 347-354.

Mao J W, Xie G, Li X, . Mesozoic Large Scale Mineralization and Multiple Lithospheric Extension in South China. Earth Science Frontiers, 2004, 11(1): 45-55.

Mao J W, Chen M, Yu S, . Geological Characteristics of the Qinhang (Or Shihang) Metallogenic Belt in South China and Spatia-Temporal Distribution Regularity of Mineral Deposits. Acta Geologica Sinica, 2011, 85(5): 636-658.

Mao J W, Li H Y, Shimazaki H, . Geology and Metallogeny of the Shizhuyuan Skarn-Greisen Deposit, Hunan Province, China. International Geology Review, 1996, 38: 1020-1039.

Nykanen V, Ojala V J. Spatial Analysis Techniques as Successful Mineral-Potential Mapping Tools for Orogenic Gold Deposits in the Northern Fennoscandian Shield, Finland. Natural Resources Research, 2007, 16(2): 85-92.

Peng J, Zhou M, Hu R, . Precise Molybdenite Re-Os and Mica Ar-Ar Dating of the Mesozoic Yaogangxian Tungsten Deposit, Central Nanling District, South China. Mineralium Deposita, 2006, 41: 661-669.

Pei R, Wang Y, Wang H. Ore-Forming Specialty of the Tectono-Magmatic Zone in Nanling Region and Its Emplacement Dynamics for Metallogenic Series of W-Sn Polymetallic Deposits. Geology in China, 2009, 36(3): 483-489.

Porwal A, Carranza E J M, Hale M. A Hybrid Neuro-Fuzzy Model for Mineral Potential Mapping. Mathematical Geology, 2004, 36(7): 803-826.

Porwal A, Carranza E J M, Hale M. A Hybrid Fuzzy Weights-of-Evidence Model for Mineral Potential Mapping. Natural Resources Research, 2006, 15(1): 1-14.

Porwal A, Carranza E J M. Knowledge-Driven and Data-Driven Fuzzy Models for Predictive Mineral Potential Mapping. Natural Resources Research, 2003, 12(1): 1-25.

Qin B. A Geological Interpretation on the Regional Gravity and Magnetic Anomalies in Nanling Area. Hunan Geology, 1987, 1: 1-15.

Shu L, Deng P, Wang B, . Lithological, Kinematic and Geochronological constraints on the Late Mesozoic Basin-Mountain Evolution in the Zhuguang-Nanxiong Area, South China. Science in China Series D: Earth Sciences, 2004, 47(8): 673-688.

Shu X, Wang X, Tao S, . Trace Elements, U-Pb Ages and Hf Isotopes of Zircons from Mesozoic Granites in the Western Nanling Range, South China: Implications for Petrogenesis and W-Sn Mineralization. Lithos, 2011, 127: 468-482.

Wang X, Qi H, Hu R, . Re-Os Isotopic Chronology of Molybdenites from Hongling Tungsten Deposit of Guangdong Province and Its Geological Significance. Mineral Deposits, 2010, 29(3): 415-426.

Wang L, Hu M, Yang Z, . U-Pb and Re-Os Geochronology and Geodynamic Setting of the Dabaoshan Polymetallic Deposit, Northern Guangdong Province, South China. Ore Geology Review, 2011, 43: 40-49.

Wang D, Chen Y, Chen Z, . Assessment on Mineral Resource in Nanling Region and Suggestion for Further Prospecting. Acta Geologica Sinica, 2007, 81(7): 882-890.

Wang Z, Cheng Q. GIS-Based (W⁺-W⁻) Weight of Evidence Model and Its Application to Gold Resources Assessment in Abitibi, Canada. Journal of China University of Geosciences, 2006, 17(1): 71-78.

Xia Q L, Zhao P D, Zhang S T. Application of Weights of Evidence to Mineral Potential Mapping of Yujiacun Ore Field in Northwest Yunnan Province, China. Journal of China University of Geosciences, 2003, 14(3): 269-273.

Ye Y, Shimazaki H, Shimizu M. Tectono-Magmatic Evolution and Metallogenesis along the Northeast Jiangxi Deep Fault, China. Resource Geology, 1998, 48: 43-50.

Yin J, Kim S J, Lee H K, . K-Ar Ages of Plutonism and Mineralisation at the Shizhuyuan W-Sn-Bi-Mo Deposit, Hunan Province, China. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 2002, 20: 151-155.

Yuan Z, Wu C, Xu L, . The Distribution of Trace Elements in Granitoids in the Nanling Region of China. Chinese Journal of Geochemistry, 1993, 12(3): 193-205.

Zadeh L A. Fuzzy Sets. Information and Control, 1965, 8: 338-353.

Zhang W, Hua R, Wang R, . New Dating of the Dajishan Granite and Related Tungsten Mineralization in Southern Jiangxi. Acta Geologica Sinica, 2006, 80(7): 956-962.

Zhao Z, Bo Z, Zhang B. The Geochemistry Characteristics of Mesozoic Basalts in Hunan Province. Science in China Series D: Earth Sciences, 1998, 28(Suppl.): 7-14.

Zhou X, Sun T, Shen W, . Petrogenesis of Mesozoic Granitoids and Volcanic Rocks in South China: A Response to Tectonic Evolution. Episodes, 2006, 29: 26-33.