The application of singular-value decomposition (SVD) and geochemical blocks methods to the prospecting in southern Huanggang-Ganzhu'ermiao metallogenic belt

Based on the 1:200000 geochemical exploration data of southern Huanggang- Ganzhu’ermiao metallogenic belt, the authors employed the singular- value decomposition technique and geochemical blocks methods to extract geochemical synthetic anomalies and assess the Sn and Zn mineralizing potential. The conclusions drawn by the authors are as follows: (1) The intersections of structures in different directions and the area where structure truncates the geochemical anomalies or the superimposed area of anomalies in different directions are favorable positions for Mo, Sn, W, Cu, Pb, Zn prospecting. (2) Most of the deposits in the study area have a close spatial relationship with the Permian strata, especially the contact zone between the Permian strata and the rock mass or the contact zone between the Permian strata and strata of other epochs with well-developed faults. (3) A Sn geochemical block, a regional anomaly and eight local anomalies as well as a zinc geochemical block, a regional anomaly and seven local anomalies were delineated. With 1 000 m as the thickness of the block, the total potential mineral resource of Sn is 211.92 million tons, and the potential mineral resource of Zn is 146.42 million tons in the study area. (4) By analyzing the structures of the geochemical blocks and anomalies, three first-order Sn prospective areas, four second-order Sn prospective areas and two third-order Sn prospective areas, along with three first-order Zn prospective areas, two second-order Zn prospectiveareas and two third-order Zn prospective areas, were delineated according to the metallogenic conditions.