Utilization of ASTER and OLI data for lithological mapping of Nugrus-Hafafit area,South Eastern Desert of Egypt

Lithological discrimination of Neoproterozoic rocks occupying Nugrus-Hafafit area, South Eastern Desert of Egypt, has been carried out using Operational Land Imager (OLI) and Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) sensors’ imagery data. The applicable processing enhancement techniques include optimum index factor (OIF), band ratioing, principal component analysis (PCA), and minimum noise fraction (MNF) transform. The area comprises varieties of low-grade metamorphosed ophiolitic mélange and island-arc rocks, thrusting over high-grade metamorphic gneissic core complexes, and intruded by syn-, late-, and post-tectonic granitoids. The OLI band ratio 6/7 discriminates clearly the ophiolitic serpentinites-talc-carbonate rocks, while 4/5 ratio image is able to separate between mafic and felsic rocks. Moreover, the ASTER band ratio 6/8 is used to distinguish the amphibole-bearing rocks, including amphibolite and hornblende gneiss. The OLI and ASTER second principal component (PC2) images reflect the contrast spectral behavior of ophiolitic mélange rocks through visible-near-infrared (VNIR) and shortwave (SWIR) regions. The OLI-PC3 shows the ability to delineate the Fe-rich rocks, including amphibolite and metamafics, while ASTER-PC3 is effective for quartz-feldspathic granites and psammitic gneisses. Visual interpretation and integration of processed data with petrography and field investigation resulted in complete differentiation for the different lithologies and creation of a new detailed geological map of Nugrus-Hafafit area.     

ASTER spectral ratioing for lithological mapping in the Arabian–Nubian shield, the Neoproterozoic Wadi Kid area, Sinai, Egypt

The Neoproterozoic Wadi Kid metamorphic belt in southeastern Sinai in Egypt represents a structurally and metamorphically complex assemblage of metasedimentary and metavolcanic rocks folded into a series of ENE–WSW-trending antiforms and synforms. Geological mapping in this region is challenging, primarily due to difficult access, complexity of structures, and lack of resolution and areal integrity of lithological differentiation using conventional mapping techniques. Spectral ratioing of selected bands of Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) data of the area, in synergy with geological field observation, proved effective in resolving geological mapping problems in the region. A new ASTER band-ratio image 4/7-4/6-4/10 is applied successfully for lithological mapping in the Wadi Kid area, showing improvement over previous techniques in detailing the main rock units. These are gneiss and migmatite, amphibolite, volcanogenic sediments with banded iron formation, meta-pelites, talc schist, meta-psammites, meta-acidic volcanics, meta-pyroclastics volcaniclastics, albitites and granitic rocks. Validating the use of the new ASTER band-ratio image relied on both calculating statistical optimum index factor (OIF) and matching interpreted lithological boundaries to field data and previously published geologic maps. The adopted ASTER band-ratio image demonstrates the benefit of using ASTER remote sensing data in lithological mapping of the Wadi Kid area and therefore for lithological mapping in the Arabian–Nubian shield and other arid areas.     

Fuzzy logic mineral potential mapping for copper exploration using multi-disciplinary geo-datasets,a case study in seridune deposit,Iran

This paper describes the application of the knowledge-based fuzzy logic method to integrate various exploratory geo-dataset in order to prepare a mineral prospectivity map (MPM) for copper exploration. Different geophysical layers which are derived from the magnetic and the electrical surveys, along with the ones extracted from the background geology (i.e., lithology, fault and alteration) and geochemical data are incorporated in such process. Seridune copper deposit located in the Kerman province of Iran is the case study to delineate its high potential zones of Cu-bearing mineralization for drilling additional boreholes. Four layers from the magnetic data involving upward continuation, analytic signal, reduced to pole and pseudo gravity are assigned in the multi-disciplinary geo-dataset to locate the intrusive complexes responsible for Cu mineralization. The apparent resistivity, chargeability and sulfide factor layers acquired from geo-electrical data are also included in the final preparation of MPM. Then the normalized weights of seven geophysical, three geological and one geochemical evidential layers as main criteria are determined based upon the knowledge of expert decision makers. Fuzzy operators (i.e., Sum and Gamma) are applied to integrate these exploratory features. To evaluate the performance and applicability of the approach, the productivity of the drilled boreholes (Cu concentration multiplied by ore thickness) are used to validate the produced MPMs. It is shown that an optimum correlation coefficient of 0.86 exists between the MPM values and Cu productivity criterion along drilled boreholes.     

基于ASTER光谱特征的科技廊带岩性填图:以新疆塔什库尔干地区为例

科技廊带填图是以解决关键地质问题为目的填图方式,但部分地区海拔高差大,交通不便,给填图工作造成巨大困难。遥感岩性解译可为填图工作提供重要参考。然而,当前主流的遥感岩性解译方法仍是基于地貌纹理等间接解译标志开展的。相对而言,矿物岩石光谱特征作为最为直接和准确的遥感岩性解译标志却少有实例报道。本文基于ASTER遥感影像和岩石光谱特征分析,对部分地区海拔高差较大的新疆塔什库尔干地区进行岩性解译工作,以检验其适用性。在野外工作对研究区岩性类型进行识别和鉴定的基础上,ASTER光谱分析成果影像可较准确显示区内主要岩性类型的地表出露。其中,ASTER热红外波段比可反映区内中高级变质岩、花岗岩类及碳酸盐岩的整体分布特征;在此基础上,ASTER可见光-近红外及短波红外波段比可准确鉴定与Fe~(3+)、Fe~(2+)-硅酸盐、Al-OH、Mg-OH等成分相关的矿物组成(如绿泥石、白云母及石榴子石等),从而对地表岩性出露进行更为细致的识别和分类。研究结果表明基于ASTER光谱特征的岩性填图方法在新疆、西藏等地区有天然的实用性,既可克服区内海拔高、交通不便等困难,又可准确指示地表关键岩性类型的出露情况,可作为科技廊带填图及地质研究工作的重要手段。     

基于ASTER数据的蛇绿岩组分识别：以德尔尼矿区为例

本文运用高级星载热辐射和反射探测器（ASTER）反射率数据对青海德尔尼蛇绿岩的主要岩石组成和蚀变矿物进行探测.以现有的标准光谱库数据作为参照,采用光谱角制图法来提取感兴趣的岩性和矿物信息,并通过与现有地质图对比,验证结果的精度.实验结果表明,运用ASTER数据和标准的光谱库数据,可较有效地识别蛇绿岩的主要岩性和相关矿物成分,但不同岩性的识别精度不同.     

An integrated approach for groundwater assessment at the Northwestern Coast of Egypt (Ras El Hekma area): case study

Ras El Hekma area was chosen for the present study due to its special conditions; the area lacks water for human and agriculture proposes. This area represents one of the main headlands along the southern Mediterranean coast, where population growth and agricultural activities require the corresponding development of groundwater. The main objective of this paper is to monitor and record data about the current groundwater as well as to have a systematic understanding of the hydrogeological setting in the area of study. Also, one of the study objectives is to identify and assess the factors which affect the groundwater occurrence and quality. This assessment will contribute to groundwater protection. The study area has three aquifers: Holocene, Pleistocene, and Middle Miocene aquifers. The recharge to these aquifers comes from the direct infiltration of rainfall and from the surface runoff. Rock–water interaction and the effect of solution and leaching processes on the mineralization of groundwater are studied using the PHREEQC model. Seawater intrusion contributes effectively to the increase in water salinity. The present study clarifies the relationship between the depth to water, the sea level and salinity of water. The groundwater in the area of study is evaluated for drinking, domestic, livestock and agricultural purposes. The present study suggests some recommendations for developing the groundwater in the study area.     

Pb isotopic ratios and elemental abundances for selective leachates from near-surface till: implications for mineral exploration

Pb isotope ratios obtained from fine-grained fractions ( < 63 and < 2 gmm from near-surface ( < 1 m depth) till surrounding ore deposits show isotopic overprinting from the underlying sulfide mineralization, and provide a new approach to mineral exploration for massive sulfide deposits (VMS) in glaciated terrains.In this study, Pb isotopic measurements, and selective leaching of 6 near-surface till samples down-ice from the Chisel Lake (Manitoba) and Manitouwadge (Ontario) VMS deposits were carried out in order to determine the location and nature of the Pb within till. Elemental abundances from selective leachates for all 6 samples display similar patterns and show that chalcophile elements (Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn), derived predominantly from the underlying VMS deposits, occur as (i) adsorbed/exchangeable metals; (ii) associated with oxyhydrous Fe and Mn; (iii) crystalline Fe oxides, and/or (iv) silicate. Despite the relative proximity of some of the till samples to the VMS deposits, only a very small component of the chalcophile elements is present as sulfide. This result is consistent with those from studies of weathered (oxidized) tills, which show that labile minerals such as sulfides have been completely destroyed and their chemical constituents reprecipitated or scavenged locally by clay-sized phyllosilicates and secondary oxides/hydroxides.Pb isotopic ratios for selective leachates from till samples with VMS-like (anomalous) signatures are similar to those from ore (galena) within the proximal VMS deposits. This indicates that the Pb is of a secondary nature and was probably scavenged and deposited after destruction of original sulfide minerals during till formation. The lack of a predominant sulfide-held Pb component within the selective leachates supports this interpretation. In contrast, Pb isotopic ratios for the same selective leachates from “background” samples are significantly higher and show that the Pb is not derived from proximal VMS deposits but from a more radiogenic source.Till samples were also leached using 2.5 M HCl (ldconventional” leaching). The Pb isotope ratios from the conventional leachates are similar to those obtained from the selective leachates, and show a large difference in Pb isotopic ratios between anomalous and background samples. We propose, therefore, that the conventional leaching rather than selective leaching or complete dissolution of a particular grain-size fraction be adopted for mineral exploration purposes using glacial sediments.The results from this study support the effective use of Pb isotope ratios from near-surface till as an exploration tool despite the weathered nature of the latter. We feel that this represents a more cost-effective technique over traditional geochemical prospecting methods, if used in conjunction with Pb abundance data.     

系列地图批处理自动成图解决方案——以勘查地球化学系列图为例

勘查地球化学系列图是化探地质工作成果的主要载体之一,是探索资源与环境问题的重要资料。在分析勘查地球化学数据的特点、常用图型及批处理自动成图含义的基础上提出了"地图模板+变量"驱动的解决方案,地图模板图记录系列地图间的共性,图系变量库刻画了系列地图间的个性,两者有机结合保证了系列地图批处理自动成图的高效性。采用ArcGIS环境下ArcMap软件与ArcPy脚本开发相结合的方式,阐述了系列地图批处理自动成图的实施过程。     

Integration of ASTER and landsat TM remote sensing data for chromite prospecting and lithological mapping in Neyriz ophiolite zone,south Iran

Chromite deposits in Iran are located in the ophiolite complexes, which have mostly podiform types and irregular in their settings. Exploration for podiform chromite deposits associated with ophiolite complexes has been a challenge for the prospectors due to tectonic disturbance and their distribution patterns. Most of Iranian ophiolitic zones are located in mountainous and inaccessible regions. Remote sensing approach could be applicable tool for choromite prospecting in Iranian ophiolitic zones with intensely rugged topography, where systematic sampling and conventional geological mapping are limited. In this study, Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) and Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) satellite data were used for chromite prospecting and lithological mapping in the Neyriz ophiolitic zone in the south of Iran. Image transformation techniques, namely decorrelation stretch, band ratio and principal component analysis (PCA) were applied to Landsat TM and ASTER data sets for lithological mapping at regional scale. The RGB decorrelated image of Landsat TM spectral bands 7, 5, and 4, and the principal components PC1, PC2 and PC3 image of ASTER SWIR spectral bands efficiently showed the occurrence of major lithological units in the study area at regional scale. The band ratios of 5/3, 5/1, 7/5 applied on ASTER VNIR‐SWIR bands were very useful for discriminating most of rock units in the study area and delineation of the transition zone and mantle harzburgite in the Neyriz ophiolitic complex. Spectral Angle Mapper (SAM) technique was implemented to ASTER VNIR‐SWIR spectral bands for detecting minerals of rock units and especially delineation of the transition zone and mantle harzburgite as potential zones with high chromite mineralization in the Neyriz ophiolitic complex. The integration of information extracted from the image processing algorithms used in this study mapped most of lithological units of the Neyriz ophiolitic complex and identified potential areas of high chromite mineralization (transition zone and mantle harzburgite) for chromite prospecting targets in the future. Furthermore, image processing results were verified by comprehensive fieldwork and laboratory analysis in the study area. Accordingly, result of this investigation indicate that the integration of information extracted from the image processing algorithms using Landsat TM and ASTER data sets could be broadly applicable tool for chromite prospecting and lithological mapping in mountainous and inaccessible regions such Iranian ophiolitic zones.     

Integrated remote sensing and GIS for surface water development. Case study: Ras El Hekma area, northwestern coast of Egypt

The surface water development can help to address the growing demand for water resources and the effects of stormwater flooding on the local environment. The study area was chosen according to its special conditions where it represents one of the main headlands along the southern Mediterranean coast and receives amount of rainfall during the winter season. The main objective of this paper is to monitor and record data about the current surface water status as well as to have a systematic understanding of the water resources base in the study area, and this assessment will contribute in the exploitation of the surface water. The current research is integration between geomorphology, geology, remote sensing, and the applications of geographical information system. The total amount of annual rainfall and surface runoff are estimated (annual rainfall is 23.345 million m³ and surface runoff is 1.167 million m³). On the other hand, the surface runoff which has been resulted from one event (storm) is also estimated to be 483,000 m³/day. The present study introduce some recommendations; the cisterns should be established in the vicinities of the watersheds and on the downstream of the drainage basins to store water before draining to the sea, the dug should be in oolitic limestone to reduce drilling costs, the water reservoirs should be established to store large amount of surface water (from 2,000 to 3,000 m³). Dams are necessary to protect the agriculture activities from any flash hazard which is expected any time.     

Temporal merging of remote sensing data to enhance spectral regolith,lithological and alteration patterns for regional mineral exploration

Remote sensing has been widely used to map geological structure, regolith materials and hydrothermal alteration minerals in different regions of the world, based largely on the spectral characteristics of clay/carbonate and iron oxide minerals. Given that features related to minerals may form very subtle patterns in Landsat imagery, finding suitable methods for enhancing the spectral information due to alteration minerals has been the subject of much research since the satellites were launched. Although multispectral sensors such as Landsat do not have enough spectral resolution to distinguish between specific minerals, effective processing of the data does yield useful images for regional exploration and targeting when combined with a good understanding of the associated landforms. ASTER and various airborne systems can now provide useful, high-resolution mineral information. However, the cost and time taken to acquire and process good resolution spectral data should now be balanced against the enhanced spectral discrimination possible using temporal merging, or data stacking, from the existing Landsat data archive dating back to 1972. One critical characteristic of the spectra related to surface mineral composition is its persistence over time. This study proposes a further enhancement to the data using temporal merging to create images that are both easier to interpret, and more reliable indicators of lithology and alteration. The new approach is to select a large number of scenes, typically separated by two or more years, and to merge the data for each band to give a cumulative spectral signature. The technique of stacking Landsat data to create a new dataset with much greater spectral depth is termed Landsat TM3, or Landsat TM Temporal Merge for Terrain Mapping. This emphasises not only the process used to create the dataset, but also the dominant use to which these data are ideally suited, namely mapping geological and mineral-related terrains.     

Geochemistry and mineral chemistry of lode gold mineralisation, SE Egypt: implications for ore genesis and exploration

Orogenic, lode gold mineralisation in the South Eastern Desert of Egypt is related to quartz veins spatially and temporally associated with conjugate NW- and NE-trending brittle–ductile shear zones. These structures are assumed to be linked to a regional transpression deformation which occurred late in the tectonic evolution of the area. In the Betam deposit, gold is confined to quartz(±carbonate) veins cutting through tectonised metagabbro and metasedimentary rocks in the vicinity of small granite intrusions. The ore bodies contain ubiquitous pyrite and arsenopyrite, in addition to minor disseminated chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite, galena, tetrahedrite and rare gold/electrum. New ore microscopy and electron microprobe studies indicate that most free-milling Au is intimately associated with the late-paragenetic galena–tetrahedrite–chalcopyrite assemblage. An early Fe–As sulphide assemblage, however, shows minor traces of refractory gold. New mineralogical and geochemical data are used to better constrain on possible element dispersions for exploration uses. This study indicates that parameters that most consistently define primary dispersion of gold in the mine area include pervasive silicification, sericite and carbonate alteration. The trace element data of gold lodes reflect a systematic dispersion of gold and certain base metals. Low-cost, extensive exploration programs may use elevated concentrations of Ag, Sb, Cu and Pb as tracers for Au ore zones in the Betam mine area and surroundings.     

Integration of remote sensing data with the field and laboratory investigation for lithological mapping of granitic phases: Kadabora pluton, Eastern Desert, Egypt

In the current study, an integration of Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+), field, and laboratory data have been used for lithological mapping of different granitic phases in the Kadabora area, Eastern Desert, Egypt. Application of enhancement techniques, including a new proposed band ratio combination (ratio 5/3, 3/1, 7/5 in RGB, respectively) and supervised classification images are used in discriminating different granitic phases in the Kadabora pluton from each other and from their environs. The data have been proved with the help of field and geochemical investigations. The results revealed that: (1) the Kadabora granitic pluton could be distinguished into three phases that recognized by field and laboratory investigation including granodiorite (phase I), monzogranite (phase II), and syeno-alkali feldspar granite (phase III). These phases are arranged according to their relative ages while the country rocks include ophiolitic mélange and metagabbro–diorite complex. It is also confirmed that the granitic pluton is invaded by dyke swarms which is trending in N–S direction. Geochemically, results show that the granodiorite is calc-alkaline, I-type and formed under subduction tectonic regime. Monzogranite falls within the alkaline and highly fractionated calc-alkaline granites, whereas syeno-alkali feldspar granite extends into proper alkaline granitoids field. Monzogranite and syeno-alkali feldspar granite belong to the A₂-subtype granite. This A₂-subtype granite was probably formed in an extensional regime, subsequent to subduction which can lead to tensional break-up of the crust (i.e., post-collisional, post-orogenic granites). The monzogranite and the syeno-alkali feldspar granite were probably formed by partial melting of relatively anhydrous lower crust source and/or tonalite to granodiorite is viable alternative to the granulite source.     

Application of ASTER remote sensing data to geological mapping of basement domains in arid regions: a case study from the Central Anti-Atlas,Iguerda inlier,Morocco

Satellite remote sensing is shown to provide critical support for geological and structural mapping in semiarid and arid areas. In this work, Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) data were used to clarify the geological framework of the Precambrian basement of the Iguerda Proterozoic inlier in the Moroccan Central Anti-Atlas. In this study, the interpretation of the processed digital data has been ground truthed with geological field data collected during a reconnaissance-mapping program in the Central Anti-Atlas. The Iguerda inlier offers a deeply eroded Precambrian massif dominated by a Paleoproterozoic basement composed of supracrustal metasedimentary units intruded by various Eburnian granitoids. Impressive mafic dyke swarms mainly of Proterozoic age crosscut this basement. Eburnian basement rocks are unconformably overlain by Lower Ediacaran volcanosedimentary rocks of the Ouarzazate Group and Upper Ediacaran–Lower Cambrian carbonates. The applied ASTER analyses are particularly effective in the lithological differentiation and discrimination of geological units of the Iguerda inlier. The spectral information divergence (SID) classification algorithm coupled with spectral angle mapper and maximum likelihood classification effectively discriminates between metamorphic rocks, granitoid bodies, and carbonate cover. SID classification improves geologic map accuracy with respect to the spatial distribution of plutonic bodies and metamorphic units. In addition, Paleoproterozoic granitoids have been well discriminated into separate distinct suites of porphyritic granites, granodiorites, and peraluminous leucogranite suites. This discrimination was initially identified via remote sensing analysis and later ground truthed in the field. This methodology enhances geological mapping and illustrates the potential of ASTER data to serve as a vital tool in detailed geologic mapping and exploration of well-exposed basement of arid regions, such as the Proterozoic of the Anti-Atlas Mountains of Morocco.     

PFR model and GiT for landslide susceptibility mapping: a case study from Central Alborz, Iran

In northern parts of Iran such as the Alborz Mountain belt, frequent landslides occur due to a combination of climate and geologic conditions with high tectonic activities. This results in millions of dollars of financial damages annually excluding casualties and unrecoverable resources. This paper evaluates the landslide susceptible areas in Central Alborz using the probabilistic frequency ratio (PFR) model and Geo-information Technology (GiT). The landslide location map in this study has been generated based on image elements interpreted from IRS satellite data and field observations. The display, manipulation and analysis have been carried out to evaluate layers such as geology, geomorphology, soil, slope, aspect, land use, distance from faults, lineaments, roads and drainages. The validation group of actual landslides and relative operation curve method has been used to increase the accuracy of the final landslide susceptibility map. The area under the curve evaluates how well the method predicts landslides. The results showed a satisfactory agreement of 91% between prepared susceptibility map and existing data on landslide locations.     

Mapping bedrock lithologies through in situ regolith using retained element ratios: a case study from the Agnew-Lawlers area,Western Australia

Large, high-quality multi-element geochemical datasets are becoming widely available in the exploration industry, and afford excellent opportunities to investigate geochemical processes. A dataset of over 2500 analyses of unweathered and variably weathered mafic and ultramafic rocks for over 50 elements has been collected by Gold Fields Ltd. in the auriferous Agnew-Lawlers area of the eastern Yilgarn Craton of Western Australia. This dataset is used to investigate changes in element abundances and inter-element ratios through varying degrees and styles of weathering in an area of thick regolith characterised by deep in situ weathering. Systematic interrogation of the data, using lithostratigraphic controls derived from regional mapping and geophysics, reveals that a suite of elements, including Ti, Al, Zr, Th, La, Sc and Nb, and to a lesser extent Cr and Ni, behave as essentially immobile components during saprolite formation. In some cases diagnostic element ratios persist into siliceous duricrust. Ratios of these elements are used as reliable discriminants of bedrock type, and delineate features such as cryptic layering within fractionated sills and subtle geochemical variants in a sequence of tholeiitic and komatiitic basalts. Mapping on the basis of discriminant element ratios greatly extends previous trace-element ratio-based schemes for rock type discrimination. The potential to determine several of these elements with adequate precision and accuracy using portable XRF technology opens a potentially useful technique for rapid geochemical bedrock mapping in residual terrains.     

A new linguistic quantifier knowledge-guided OWA approach for mineral prospectivity mapping: a case study of the Bavanat Region,Iran

The main purpose of this study is to introduce a geographic information system (GIS)-based, multi-criteria decision analysis method for selection of favourable environments for Besshi-type volcanic-hosted massive sulphide (VHMS) deposits. The approach integrates two multi-criteria decision methods (analytical hierarchy process and ordered weighted averaging) and theory of fuzzy sets, within a GIS environment, to solve the problem of big suggested areas and missing known ore deposits in favourable environment maps for time and cost reduction. We doubled the fuzzy linguistic variables’ significance as a method to apply the arrange weights that the analytical hierarchy process (AHP)-ordered weighted averaging (OWA) hybrid procedure depends on. Another aim of this work is to assist mineral deposit exploration by modelling existing uncertainty in decision-making. Both AHP and fuzzy logic methods are knowledge-based, and they are affected by decision maker judgments. We used data-driven OWA approach in a hybrid method for solving this problem. We applied a new knowledge-guided OWA approach on data with changing linguistic variables according to the mineral system for VHMS deposits. Additionally, we used a vector-based method combination, which increased the precision of results. Results of knowledge-guided OWA showed that all of the mines and discovered deposits have been predicted with 100% accuracy in half of the size of the suggested area. To summarize, results improved the selection of possible target sites and increased the accuracy of results as well as reducing the time and cost, which will be used for field exploration. Finally, the hybrid methods with a knowledge-guided OWA approach have delivered more reliable results compared to exclusively knowledge-driven or data-driven methods. The study proved that expert knowledge and processed data (information) are critical important keys to exploration, and both of them should be applied in hybrid methods for reaching reliable results in mineral prospectivity mapping.     

Integration multisource data for mineral exploration by using fuzzy logic,case study: Taknar deposit,NE of Iran

The Taknar Zone is located at the northern margin of the eastern Iranian continental microplate, and it is host to the Taknar massive sulfide deposit. This study was conducted to find new exploration targets. We used multiple data sources (e.g., litho-geochemical and magnetic surveys) to produce more effective predictive maps. Principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis methods were used to organize the new information into favorability maps and to determine multi-element correlations. We then employed fuzzy logic modeling to create favorability maps from geochemical and magnetic data. A concentration–area multifractal method was used to evaluate the final integrated favorability map for massive sulfide exploration. Our new map identifies previously unexploited sites in the eastern part of the study area, near the boundary of the Taknar formation, with intrusive and subvolcanic rocks, with potential for mineral exploration. The newly defined targets are attractive because old mined ore bodies are also identified in the favorability map.