## 5 Results and Discussion
### Potential Exploration Targets and Their Verification  
Three exploration targets were delineated in the research area using statistical methods (Figure 13a) and four using the S-A method (Figure 13b), as shown by the combinatorial anomaly maps (Figure 13). Target I was situated in the Yuka-Dashibei-Luliangshan area at the graph's apex. The area has yielded several deposits, including the Yuka Au deposit and the Luliangshan Cu deposit, which are, respectively, a volcanic massive sulfide deposit (VMS) and quartz vein-type Cu-Au deposit/mineralization. Additionally, significant peacock fossilization and mylonitization have been discovered. Target II was located in the Luofengpo area, where ferrochromite mineralization and several Cu mineralizations have been identified. Target III was situated in the Shuangkoushan area, characterized by various rock mixed areas, such as basaltic slate and ultrabasic rock in Cambrian Ordovician beaches, reflecting a high geological background of Co (Cr, Ni).  
Geological exploration was used to validate the delineated targets. In the target I area, two types of mineralized ore bodies were identified. Firstly, the soil-like Cu mineralization's ore body generally measured 2-8 m in width and 30-100 m in length. The surface was nearly cylindrical, with the drilling control extending well beyond the strike. After oxidation, the ore body turned into brown weathered rock, mainly composed of alum, potassium ferric alum, and secondary quartz. The dominant sulfides were pyrite, chalcopyrite, and pyrite after washing, suggesting the possibility of massive sulfide Cu mineralization in the primary mineralization. Surface alteration of this ore body was not extensive. However, in the upper plate or the same horizon of the same layer, multi-layer ferrosiliceous rocks were produced in the 20-100 m green mud phyllite, forming intermittent interbeds influenced  
Figure 12: Spatial distributions for mineralization-related multi element Cu + Zn + Co anomalies based on the statistical method (**a**,**c**) and the S-A method (**b**,**d**) [35; 36].  
by late ductile deformation. Secondly, the Cu-Au mineralization related to the green mud schist phyllite was found in the upper plate of the soil-like Cu mineralization, occurring in the ductile shear zone. The exposed mineralized bodied had widths ranging from 0.3 to 3 m, determined by field geological observation and spectral analysis. Cu contents ranged from 1500 to 18,000 ppm and Au contents were 2-189 ppm, including visible Au in some sections. All the ore bodies in the Yuka area were found in an Au mineralization fracture zone measuring 1300 m in length and 500 m in width. Nearby, Au-bearing areas with 364 ppm and Cu up to 1500 ppm, larger than the regional background values, indicated good potential for Cu and Au prospecting in the area. Furthermore, multiple occurrences of Cu mineralization (peacock petrification) were found in Target II. Cu mineralization was identified in Luofengpo (Figure 14) using the target obtained by the S-A method in 2017, indicating a high possibility of new Cu deposits in Target II.  
Figure 14: Representative photographs of rocks and Cu mineralization from geochemically anomalous areas in Luofengpo. (**a**) Ultrabasic complex rocks and metamorphic gabbro rocks; (**b**) Cu mineralization; (**c**,**d**) Peacock petrification.  
Figure 13: Spatial distribution maps showing the combined anomalies of Cu, Zn, and Co using statistical methods (**a**) and S-A method (**b**) [35; 36].  
As verified above, more than industrial-grade Cu mineralization clues were found in the delineated target area, which can be used to direct future Cu exploration in this area.