The use of fractals to the development of mineral favorability maps: the example of iron oxide copper gold deposits of Carajás (Pará State)

• Grant number: 15/11186-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: August 01, 2015
• End date: July 31, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Geosciences - Geology
• Agreement: Coordination of Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES)
• Principal Investigator: Carlos Roberto de Souza Filho
• Grantee: Paulo Miguel Haddad Martim
• Host Institution: Instituto de Geociências (IG). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

In recent decades several authors hypothesized that the spatial distribution of mineral deposits has fractal properties of self-similarity and scale invariance. Based on this hypothesis, this project will investigate whether location and microscopic scale features provide relevant information for defining the regional mineralization controls and to improve prediction of the location of new deposits. This research is relevant because regional information in unexplored regions are quite incomplete. In a scenario where there are scattered occurrences, detailed studies such as the one proposed here can be used to produce a refined model for the mineralization control. To test that hypothesis, an area with abundant availability of data was chosen: the Iron Oxide-Copper-Gold deposits of Carajás (Para State). Research will be conducted through the integration of new mineralogical and geochemical data of microscopic scale and new structural data of local scale. Existing regional geological and geophysical information will be integrated into the model for the control of mineralization here prepared. With the aid of a geographic information system we will generate mineral favorability maps, commonly used to improve the focus of exploration work. Mineral exploration is an expensive activity, time consuming and risky, and also fundamental to the well-being of society. These results can contribute to significantly reduce the risks and costs of exploration, both in well-known areas, as those little explored in Brazil. (AU)

Scientific publications

(4)

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

HADDAD-MARTIM, PAULO MIGUEL; DE SOUZA FILHO, CARLOS ROBERTO; CARRANZA, EMMANUEL JOHN M.. Spatial analysis of mineral deposit distribution: A review of methods and implications for structural controls on iron oxide-copper-gold mineralization in Carajas, Brazil. ORE GEOLOGY REVIEWS, v. 81, n. 1, p. 230-244, MAR 2017. (15/11186-3)

HADDAD-MARTIM, PAULO MIGUEL; CARRANZA, EMMANUEL JOHN M.; DE SOUZA FILHOL, CARLOS ROBERTO. The Fractal Nature of Structural Controls on Ore Formation: The Case of the Iron Oxide Copper-Gold Deposits in the Carajas Mineral Province, Brazilian Amazon. ECONOMIC GEOLOGY, v. 113, n. 7, p. 1499-1524, NOV 2018. (15/11186-3)

CARRANZA, EMMANUEL JOHN M.; DE SOUZA FILHO, CARLOS ROBERTO; HADDAD-MARTIM, PAULO MIGUEL; NAGAYOSHI, KATSUTA; SHIMIZU, ICHIKO. Macro-scale ore-controlling faults revealed by micro-geochemical anomalies. SCIENTIFIC REPORTS, v. 9, MAR 13 2019. (15/11186-3)

HADDAD-MARTIM, PAULO MIGUEL; DE SOUZA FILHO, CARLOS ROBERTO; CARRANZA, EMMANUEL JOHN M.. Spatial analysis of mineral deposit distribution: A review of methods and implications for structural controls on iron oxide-copper-gold mineralization in Carajas, Brazil. ORE GEOLOGY REVIEWS, v. 81, p. 15-pg., 2017-03-01. (15/11186-3)

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

MARTIM, Paulo Miguel Haddad. Fractals and implications for mineral favorability maps: the example of iron oxide-copper-gold deposits from Carajás (PA). 2017. Master's Dissertation - Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Instituto de Geociências Campinas, SP.