Geochemical mineralization probability index (GMPI): A new approach to generate enhanced stream sediment geochemical evidential map for increasing probability of success in mineral potential mapping

Integration of stream sediment geochemical data with other types of mineral exploration data, especially in knowledge-driven mineral potential mapping (MPM), is a challenging issue. In this regard, multivariate analyses (e.g., factor analysis) are generally used to extract significant anomalous geochemical signature of the mineral deposit-type sought. In this study, we used stepwise factor analysis to generate a geochemical mineralization probability index (GMPI) through a new approach to create stream sediment geochemical evidential maps. GMPI is a weight that can be mapped, and hence, can be used as an evidential map in MPM. Using stepwise factor analysis enhances recognition of anomalous geochemical signatures, increases geochemical anomaly intensity and increases the percentage of the total explained variability of data. With the GMPI, we developed a new data-driven fuzzification technique for (a) effective assignment of weights to stream sediment geochemical anomaly classes, and (b) improving the prediction rate of mineral potential maps and consequently increasing exploration success. Furthermore, the predictive capacity of each stream sediment geochemical sample for prospecting the deposit-type sought upstream of its location can be evaluated individually using GMPI. In addition, the GMPI can be used efficiently in knowledge-driven MPM as a new exploratory data analysis tool to generate a weighted evidential map in less explored areas. In this paper, we successfully demonstrated the application of GMPI to generate a reliable geochemical evidential map for porphyry-Cu potential mapping in an area in Kerman province, southeast of Iran. © 2012 Elsevier B.V.