Discussion on the Theories and Practice of Regional Multi-objective Mineral Prediction and Assessment — a Case Study of Mineral Deposits Related to Himalayan Alkali-rich Porphyry in Northwestern Yunnan Province, China

Abstract In order to explore for mineral deposits systematically, the authors propose a new concept of multi-objective mineral prediction and assessment. Based on tasks and requirements of mineral exploration in different stages and at different scales, the authors classified the multi-target mineral prediction and assessment into the following categories, namely: multi-objective mineral prediction and assessment on mineralization areas, ore-forming belts, ore fields, ore deposits, and ore bodies. The first three kinds are jointly named as regional multi-target mineral prediction and assessment. As an example, the authors use the mineral deposits related to Himalayan alkali-rich porphyry systems in northwestern Yunnan Province. Using the theory of “three-component” resource prediction, the authors systematically developed the theories of regional multi-objective mineral prediction and assessment, and practiced the methods. The key problems in multi-objective mineral prediction and assessment are (1) analysis of geo-anomaly caused by minerals, (2) correlative analysis of diversity of mineralization and geologic diversity, (3) the establishment of a spectrum of mineral systems, and (4) research on the model of quantitative multi-objective mineral prediction and assessment.