3D-GIS Analysis for Mineral Resources Exploration in Luanchuan, China

Three-dimensional (3D) geological modeling is an important method for understanding geological structures and exploring for mineral deposits. This paper presents 3D visualization and spatial analysis methodology for molybdenum polymetallic resources exploration by integrating geological, geophysical, and geochemical data to identify high potential targets for mineralization at depth in Luanchuan district. The research results show prospective targets in Luanchuan district can be derived by three methods: ① Jurassic pluton can be applied to recognize prospective targets of skarn-Mo deposit on basis of metallogenic genesis and exploration model by 3D buffer analysis using 3D geological model of Luanchuan district, ② Geoscience data (geological, geophysical, and geochemical data) can be applied to integrate and identify all potential targets of granite porphyry-skarn deposits by non-linear mathematical modeling in 3D space, and ③ gravity and magnetic data inversion and fusion additional metallogenic knowledge can be used to identify concealed orebody at depth of large porphyry Mo deposit, and the bottom of the large Mo deposit generally has higher Mo grade and alteration belt which is associated with concealed ore-bearing Jurassic granite porphyry objects/veins. Therefore, 3D geological model of Luanchuan district using geoscience data and metallogenic genesis knowledge can be applied to delineate complex geological events including stratum, fault, structure, intrusive rocks, and alteration belt, and it can be used to identify prospective targets at depth in district-scale exploration.