A prediction model for important mineral resources in China

Prediction models for mineral resources provide an analytical foundation and method to express the results of resource evaluations. The project China National Mineral Resources Assessment Initiative was conducted during 2006-2013, with the aim to determine the location, quantity, and quality of 25 important mineral resources occurring at depths of < 1 km. There are currently 80 integrated prediction models on the scale of III-level metallogenic belts in use across China. The Huangshaping Pb-Zn polymetallic deposit, Hunan province, China, is used as a case study to establish methods and processes for developing a mineral resource prediction model that would be used for exploration targeting. The construction of prediction models requires the development of a classification scheme for the proposed prediction method appropriate for the prediction area. An initial metallogenic model is quantitatively transformed to a prospecting model, and then a prediction model. The incorporation of additional methodology, analysis of a comprehensive geological database, and correlation of asymmetric information between the well-explored typical deposit area and regional prediction area, yield an integrated prediction model. This paper also discusses the prediction modeling theory, and presents 12 models used for mineral assessments.