A predictive GIS model for mapping potential gold and base metal mineralization in Takab area, Iran
The 1785km2 Takab area of northwest Iran is a region of high mineral potential but difficult access for which an innovative exploration approach is required. Interpretation of aeromagnetic, Landsat TM, geological and mineral occurrence data are used to recognize a combination of mapped geological features, spectral characteristics, and magnetic signatures that could be associated with epithermal gold, arsenic, antimony, and base metal deposits near Takab. Geological data such as permeable, reactive host rocks, surface igneous rocks, and structures are integrated with interpretations of remotely sensed data of hydrothermal alteration and subsurface igneous heat sources. Four binary maps representing diagnostic deposit recognition criteria were combined in a weights-of-evidence model, which uses the spatial distribution of 19 known mineral occurrences to calculate a final map of further gold and base metal potential in the Takab area.
magnetic signatures sediment-hosted gold deposits hydrothermal alteration mapping structural mapping spatial modelling weights-of-evidence analysis