Three-dimensional prospectivity mapping of skarn-type mineralization in the southern Taebaek area, Korea

The integration of three-dimensional (3D) exploration data is important for targeting deep-seated mineral deposits. This paper presents a methodology for 3D mineral prospectivity modeling at the regional scale based on a knowledge-driven method. A mineral prospectivity map of skarn-type mineralization was developed for the southern region of the Taebaek basin in Korea. Criteria generated using the skarn mineral system concept and 3D exploration maps were extracted from the 3D geological model, and then were assigned weights and scores using expert knowledge. The prospectivity map was prepared using a multiclass index overlay method, in which 3D exploration criteria were integrated for the study area. The prospectivity model was quantitatively validated by comparisons with 46 ore body voxels from drill holes in six known historical skarn-type deposits. The success rate for the prospectivity model was 89.04%. This high value appears to reflect the importance of the weighting and scoring process used for the exploration criteria. It is believed that the proposed approach provides a valuable guide to the identification of new deposit-scale, deep-seated exploration target zones.