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Novel Methods and Applications for Mineral Exploration, Volume III
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Novel Methods and Applications for Mineral Exploration, Volume III

A special issue of Minerals (ISSN 2075-163X). This special issue belongs to the section "Mineral Exploration Methods and Applications".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 July 2025 | Viewed by 3041

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Paul Alexandre

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Geology, Brandon University, John R. Brodie Science Centre, 270 18th Street, Brandon, MB R7A 6A9, Canada
Interests: mineral chemistry; ore mineralogy; sulfide minerals; metallogeny; geochemistry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The first two volumes of the Special Issue of Minerals, "Novel Methods and Applications for Mineral Exploration", were very successful, mostly due to providing a pertinent insight into the current state of mineral exploration, the latest technological developments in the field, and into the future directions exploration methodology might take. It can be observed that the main avenues of progress in mineral exploration are the availability of novel computing capabilities (e.g., machine learning, artificial intelligence, “big data”), which mostly benefit geophysics, and novel analytical methodologies (e.g., laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, increased portability, and automation of data collection and interpretation; Alexandre 2023).

Given the current extraordinary acceleration in the development of exploration theory and practice, driven no doubt by the continuously increasing demand for critical minerals, there is an evident need for another instalment of this Special Issue. In order to capture the latest, most exciting, and most significant developments in the field of mineral exploration, we invite submissions to a third volume on this topic. We will welcome pertinent and thought-provoking manuscripts that cover the broadest range of technological and theoretical developments in mineral exploration, including, but not limited to, geophysics, geochemistry, and computational technology. Manuscripts covering an extensive array of deposit types, commodities, and geographic regions will be considered.

Dr. Paul Alexandre
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Minerals is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • mineral exploration
  • economic geology
  • exploration methodology
  • geochemical exploration
  • geophysical exploration
  • novel exploration techniques
  • modern exploration techniques

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

31 pages, 34129 KiB  
Article
Prediction of Buried Cobalt-Bearing Arsenides Using Ionic Leach Geochemistry in the Bou Azzer-El Graara Inlier (Central Anti-Atlas, Morocco): Implications for Mineral Exploration
by Yassine Lmahfoudi, Houssa Ouali, Said Ilmen, Zaineb Hajjar, Ali El-Masoudy, Russell Birrell, Laurent Sapor, Mohamed Zouhair and Lhou Maacha
Minerals 2025, 15(7), 676; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15070676 - 24 Jun 2025
Viewed by 360
Abstract
The Aghbar-Bou Azzer East mining district (ABED) is located between the Bou Azzer East and Aghbar deposits. It is an area of approximately 7 km long towards ENE–WSW and 2 km wide towards N–S. In this barren area, volcano-sedimentary rocks are attributed to [...] Read more.
The Aghbar-Bou Azzer East mining district (ABED) is located between the Bou Azzer East and Aghbar deposits. It is an area of approximately 7 km long towards ENE–WSW and 2 km wide towards N–S. In this barren area, volcano-sedimentary rocks are attributed to the Ouarzazate group outcrop (Ediacarian age): they are composed of volcanic rocks (ignimbrite, andesite, rhyolite, dacite, etc.) covered by the Adoudou detritic formation in angular unconformity. Given the absence of serpentinite outcrops, exploration investigation in this area has been very limited. This paper aims to use ionic leach geochemistry (on samples of soil) to detect the presence of Co-bearing arsenides above hidden ore deposits in this unexplored area of the Bou Azzer inlier. In addition, a detailed structural analysis allowed the identification of four families of faults and fractures with or without filling. Three directional major fault systems of several kilometers in length and variable orientation in both the Cryogenian basement and the Ediacaran cover have been identified: (i) ENE–WSW, (ii) NE–SW, and (iii) NW–SE. Several geochemical anomalies for Co, As, Ni, Ag, and Cu are aligned along three main directions, including NE–SW, NW–SE, and ENE–WSW. They are particularly well-defined in the western zone but are only minor in the central and eastern zones. Some of these anomalies correlate with the primary structural features observed in the studied area. These trends are consistent with those known under mining exploitation in nearby ore deposits, supporting the potential for similar mineralization in the ABED. Based on structural analysis and ionic leach geochemistry, drilling programs were conducted in the study area, confirming the continuity of serpentinites at depth beneath the Ediacaran cover and the presence of Co–Fe-bearing arsenide ores. This validates the ionic geochemistry technique as a reliable method for exploring buried ore deposits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Methods and Applications for Mineral Exploration, Volume III)
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18 pages, 6276 KiB  
Article
Geochemical Survey of Stream Sediments and Stream Water for Ion-Adsorption Type Rare Earth Deposits (IAREDs): A Pilot Study in Jiaping IARED, Guangxi, South China
by Junhong Liu, Zhixuan Han, Chunfang Dong, Xiaocheng Wei and Yingnan Chen
Minerals 2025, 15(6), 642; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15060642 - 13 Jun 2025
Viewed by 316
Abstract
Rare earth elements (REEs) are critical mineral resources that play a pivotal role in modern technology and industry. Currently, the global supply of light rare earth elements (LREEs) remains adequate. However, the supply of heavy rare earth elements (HREEs) is associated with substantial [...] Read more.
Rare earth elements (REEs) are critical mineral resources that play a pivotal role in modern technology and industry. Currently, the global supply of light rare earth elements (LREEs) remains adequate. However, the supply of heavy rare earth elements (HREEs) is associated with substantial risks due to their limited availability. Ion-adsorption type rare earth deposits (IAREDs), which represent the predominant source of HREEs, have become a focal point for exploration activities, with a notable increase in global interest in recent years. This study systematically collected stream sediments and stream water samples from the Jiaping IARED in Guangxi, as well as from adjacent granitic and carbonate background areas, to investigate the exploration significance of geochemical surveys for IAREDs. Additionally, mineralized soil layers, non-mineralized soil layers, and bedrock samples from the weathering crust of the Jiaping deposit were analyzed. The results indicate that stream sediments originating from the Jiaping IARED and granite-hosted background regions display substantially elevated REE concentrations relative to those from carbonate-hosted background areas. Moreover, δEu values in stream sediments can serve as an effective indicator for differentiating weathering products derived from granitic and carbonate lithologies. Within the mining area, three coarse-grained fractions of stream sediments (i.e., +20 mesh, 20–60 mesh, and 60–150 mesh) exhibit REE concentrations comparable to those observed in both granite-hosted and carbonate-hosted background regions. However, the HREEs content in the finer -150-mesh stream sediments from Jiaping IARED is markedly higher than that in the two background regions. The (La/Sm)N versus (La/Yb)N ratios of -150-mesh stream sediments in the Jiaping IARED may reflect the mixing processes involving HREE-enriched ore layer, non-mineralized layer, and LREE-enriched ore layer. This observation implies that fine-grained (-150-mesh) stream sediments can partially inherit the REE characteristics of mineralized layers within IAREDs. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations indicate that the enrichment of REEs in fine-grained stream sediments primarily originates from REE-rich accessory minerals derived from parent rocks and mineralized weathering crusts. A comparative analysis reveals that the concentrations of REEs in stream water collected during the rainy season are significantly higher than those collected during the dry season. Moreover, the levels of REEs, especially HREE, in stream water from the Jiaping IARED substantially exceed those in background areas. Collectively, these findings suggest that the geochemical signatures of REEs in rainy season stream water possess diagnostic potential for identifying IAREDs. In conclusion, the integrated application of geochemical surveys of stream water and -150-mesh stream sediments can effectively delineate exploration targets for IAREDs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Methods and Applications for Mineral Exploration, Volume III)
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17 pages, 3769 KiB  
Article
Self-Aware Joint Inversion of Multidisciplinary Geophysical Data in Mineral Exploration Using Hyperparameter Self-Adjustment: A Preliminary Study
by Paolo Dell’Aversana
Minerals 2025, 15(6), 623; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15060623 - 9 Jun 2025
Viewed by 288
Abstract
This paper introduces a novel methodology for subsurface characterization in mineral exploration, through the simultaneous joint inversion of seismic and geoelectrical data. By combining complementary information provided by multidisciplinary geophysical data, the joint inversion yields a more accurate and consistent representation of subsurface [...] Read more.
This paper introduces a novel methodology for subsurface characterization in mineral exploration, through the simultaneous joint inversion of seismic and geoelectrical data. By combining complementary information provided by multidisciplinary geophysical data, the joint inversion yields a more accurate and consistent representation of subsurface properties. Furthermore, the joint inversion algorithm is empowered by dynamic hyperparameter self-adjustment. Hyperparameters are settings or configuration values that control the behavior of the inversion algorithm but are not directly learned from the data. Examples include regularization weights, coupling parameters, learning rates (if using gradient-based methods), and number of iterations. In traditional approaches, these values must be manually selected or tuned, often through trial and error, which is time-consuming and may lead to suboptimal results. Instead, in the approach here introduced, a self-adaptive mechanism monitors the evolution of the cost function and optimization performance, automatically tuning hyperparameters to enhance convergence toward an optimal (global) solution. For the purposes of this preliminary study, the method is tested on synthetic 2D geophysical scenarios featuring resistivity and seismic velocity anomalies representative of potential mineral targets. Results show the effectiveness of the approach in accurately identifying these subsurface anomalies. Finally, we show that this joint inversion technique holds significant promise for mineral exploration, particularly in detecting geological features such as ore bodies and mineralized zones, which can manifest as contrasts in seismic velocity and resistivity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Methods and Applications for Mineral Exploration, Volume III)
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22 pages, 6486 KiB  
Article
Delineating Geochemical Anomalies Based on the Methods of Principal Component Analysis, Multifractal Model, and Singularity Model: A Case Study of Soil Geochemical Survey in the Hongyahuo Area, Qinghai Province
by Yingnan Chen, Yongsheng Liu, Peng Guo, Sitong Chen and Zhixuan Han
Minerals 2025, 15(6), 585; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15060585 - 30 May 2025
Viewed by 305
Abstract
To efficiently delineate mineral-induced geochemical anomalies within the Hongyahuo area, principal component analysis (PCA), S-A multifractal modeling, and singularity modeling were employed to examine multi-element datasets derived from 641 soil samples collected from natural gully systems. The isometric log-ratio (ilr) transformation was implemented [...] Read more.
To efficiently delineate mineral-induced geochemical anomalies within the Hongyahuo area, principal component analysis (PCA), S-A multifractal modeling, and singularity modeling were employed to examine multi-element datasets derived from 641 soil samples collected from natural gully systems. The isometric log-ratio (ilr) transformation was implemented in conjunction with histogram and quantile-quantile plot analysis to assess and compare the multivariate statistical properties of elemental data across three formats—original, logarithmic, and ilr-transformed. The findings demonstrate the following: (1) following ilr transformation, the issue of data closure was resolved, resulting in elemental distributions more closely approximating normality; (2) PCA revealed two distinguishable elemental associations: PC1 corresponds to the Cu-Fe-Mn-Ni-Pb-Zn group, indicative of a medium- to high-temperature hydrothermal mineralization assemblage associated with Cu-Pb-Zn polymetallic mineralization linked to magmatic intrusion and fracture systems, signifying overprinted copper polymetallic mineralization events; PC2 reflects the Au-As-Sb elemental combination, associated with low-temperature hydrothermal processes indicative of Au-Sb mineralization; (3) the decomposition of the S-A model indicated that low-background and high-anomaly zones for PC1 are primarily situated within andesitic units, where nearby intermediate to felsic intrusions and structural fracture zones have likely served as sources for Cu-polymetallic mineralization; (4) the spatial distribution of the singularity index suggested that anomalous regions characterized by a PC1 singularity index α < 2 were relatively confined, offering strategic implications for mineral exploration targeting; and (5) when integrated with regional metallogenic background, three prospecting targets were identified, leading to the subsequent discovery of two copper ore bodies through anomaly validation. Therefore, this integrative analytical framework is demonstrated to be a robust approach for delineating geochemical anomalies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Methods and Applications for Mineral Exploration, Volume III)
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24 pages, 13891 KiB  
Article
Fertility of Gabbroic Intrusions in the Paleoproterozoic Lynn Lake Greenstone Belt, Manitoba, Canada: Insights from Field Relationships, Geochemical and Metallogenic Characteristics
by Xue-Ming Yang
Minerals 2025, 15(5), 448; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15050448 - 26 Apr 2025
Viewed by 516
Abstract
Magmatic nickel–copper–platinum group element (PGE) deposits hosted in mafic–ultramafic intrusions within volcanic arc systems are highly attractive targets for mineral exploration, yet their genesis remains poorly understood. This study investigates metagabbroic intrusions in the Paleoproterozoic Lynn Lake greenstone belt of the Trans-Hudson Orogen [...] Read more.
Magmatic nickel–copper–platinum group element (PGE) deposits hosted in mafic–ultramafic intrusions within volcanic arc systems are highly attractive targets for mineral exploration, yet their genesis remains poorly understood. This study investigates metagabbroic intrusions in the Paleoproterozoic Lynn Lake greenstone belt of the Trans-Hudson Orogen to identify the key factors, in the original gabbros, that control the formation of magmatic Ni-Cu-PGE deposits in volcanic arc systems. By examining the field relationships, geochemical and sulfur and oxygen stable isotope compositions, mineralogy, and structural fabrics, this study aims to explain why some intrusions host mineralization (e.g., Lynn Lake and Fraser Lake intrusions), whereas others remain barren (e.g., Ralph Lake, Cartwright Lake, and Snake Lake intrusions). Although both the fertile and barren gabbroic, likewise original, intrusions exhibit metaluminous, tholeiitic to calc-alkaline affinity with volcanic arc geochemical signatures, they differ significantly in shape, ranging from vertical and tube-like to tabular forms, reflecting distinct geological settings and magma dynamics. The gabbroic rocks of fertile intrusions exhibit erratic trace element profiles, lower (Nb/Th)N and higher (Cu/Zr)N ratios, as well as a larger range of δ34S values than those in barren intrusions. Key factors influencing Ni-Cu-PGE mineralization include the degree of partial melting of the mantle, early sulfide segregation, and crustal contamination, particularly from volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits. These processes likely triggered sulfide saturation in the mafic magmas. Geochemical proxies, such as PGE concentrations and sulfur and oxygen stable isotopes, provide critical insights into these controlling factors. The results of this study enhance our understanding of the metallogenic processes responsible for the formation of magmatic Ni-Cu-PGE deposits in the gabbroic intrusions emplaced in an extensional setting due to slab rollback, during the geological evolution of the Lynn Lake greenstone belt, offering valuable guidance for mineral exploration efforts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Methods and Applications for Mineral Exploration, Volume III)
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13 pages, 33523 KiB  
Article
Mapping Sulphide Mineralization in the Hawiah Area Using Transient Electromagnetic Methods
by Panagiotis Kirmizakis, Abid Khogali, Konstantinos Chavanidis, Timothy Eatwell, Tomos Bryan and Pantelis Soupios
Minerals 2025, 15(2), 186; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15020186 - 17 Feb 2025
Viewed by 703
Abstract
The Arabian–Nubian Shield (ANS) hosts numerous volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) deposits formed in submarine volcanic settings and enriched by hydrothermal processes, making it a critical region for mineral exploration due to the types of deposits it hosts and its geological complexity. The Wadi [...] Read more.
The Arabian–Nubian Shield (ANS) hosts numerous volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) deposits formed in submarine volcanic settings and enriched by hydrothermal processes, making it a critical region for mineral exploration due to the types of deposits it hosts and its geological complexity. The Wadi Bidah Mineral Belt (WBMB), located within the Arabian Shield, contains over 30 polymetallic VMS occurrences associated with an island arc system active between 950 and 800 million years ago. Despite its mineral potential, the WBMB still needs to be explored, with limited geophysical studies to support resource evaluation. This study focuses on the Hawiah area, a prominent VMS site within the WBMB, to delineate subsurface mineralization using transient electromagnetic (TEM) methods. TEM surveys were conducted to characterize the conductivity structure and identify potential zones of sulphide mineralization. Data were processed and inverted to generate 1D, 2D, and 3D resistivity models, providing critical insights into the depth, geometry, and continuity of the mineralized zones based on the final 3D resistivity distribution. The results revealed distinct conductive (very low resistivity) anomalies, correlating with known surface gossans and inferred sulphide-rich layers, and extended these features into the subsurface. The integration of TEM results with geological and geochemical data highlights the effectiveness of this approach in detecting and mapping concealed mineral deposits in complex geological environments. This study advances the understanding of VMS systems in the WBMB and demonstrates the potential of TEM surveys as a key tool for mineral exploration in the Arabian Shield. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Methods and Applications for Mineral Exploration, Volume III)
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