Method for mineral exploration based on mineralization potential

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of mineral exploration, and discloses a sea-land integrated mineral exploration method based on metallogenic potential. The method comprises receiving an exploration instruction for a target area containing a sea-land entity; starting a synchronous data collection process to collect marine and terrestrial exploration data respectively; processing the data to generate marine and terrestrial metallogenic indication parameters; inputting the two types of parameters into a unified potential evaluation framework for coupled operation to obtain coupled metallogenic potential parameters; and generating an exploration scheme according to the parameters. Through synchronous acquisition and integrated coupled calculation of sea-land data, the present application realizes effective fusion of sea-land metallogenic information, solves the problem of data fragmentation and non-uniform evaluation standards in traditional methods, and thus improves the accuracy of overall metallogenic potential evaluation and the efficiency of exploration decision-making in the sea-land transition area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of mineral exploration technology, specifically to an integrated onshore and offshore mineral exploration method based on mineralization potential. Background Technology

[0002] In current mineral resource exploration practices, for areas spanning coastlines, the marine and terrestrial portions are typically treated as independent exploration targets. For marine geographical entities, shipborne geophysical surveys and seabed sampling are the primary methods; for terrestrial geographical entities, geological mapping and surface geophysical and geochemical exploration are employed. These two exploration systems operate independently in terms of data acquisition time, standards, equipment, and post-processing workflows, resulting in two separate data streams and information silos.

[0003] This separate operational model makes it difficult to align marine and terrestrial exploration data in terms of temporal and spatial benchmarks, and differences exist in data formats and processing standards. In the mineralization potential assessment stage, existing technologies also lack effective evaluation models that integrate indicator parameters from different sources and types on land and in the marine environment. Marine and terrestrial mineralization potential analyses often employ different evaluation systems and standards, resulting in fragmented conclusions that cannot be effectively compared and integrated on a unified scale, making it difficult to form a unified and objective understanding of the overall mineralization potential of the marine-terrestrial transition zone or related areas.

[0004] Breaking down the technological barriers between marine and terrestrial exploration and achieving seamless collaboration and integration across the entire process from data acquisition to potential assessment is a key challenge. This requires developing a new method that can coordinate the synchronous acquisition of marine and terrestrial data and effectively fuse and uniformly calculate and evaluate heterogeneous parameters from both sides. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an integrated marine and onshore mineral exploration method based on mineralization potential, in order to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a method for integrated onshore and offshore mineral exploration based on mineralization potential, the method comprising:

[0007] Receive exploration instructions for a target area, wherein the target area is divided into marine geographic entities and terrestrial geographic entities;

[0008] In response to the exploration command, a synchronous data collection process is initiated to collect exploration data for the marine geographic entity and the terrestrial geographic entity, respectively.

[0009] The exploration data collected for the marine geographic entities is processed to generate marine mineralization indicator parameters;

[0010] The exploration data collected for the aforementioned terrestrial geographic entities is processed to generate terrestrial mineralization indicator parameters;

[0011] The marine mineralization indicator parameters and the terrestrial mineralization indicator parameters are input into a unified potential evaluation framework for coupling calculation to obtain coupled mineralization potential parameters for the target area.

[0012] Based on the coupled mineralization potential parameters, a subsequent exploration action plan is generated.

[0013] Preferably, the specific steps for initiating a synchronous data collection process and collecting exploration data for the marine geographic entities and the terrestrial geographic entities respectively include:

[0014] A marine detection array is configured for the marine geographic entity. The marine detection array moves along a predetermined profile path and simultaneously collects marine geological properties, marine physical field information, and marine material composition information.

[0015] A ground detection network is configured for the land geographic entity. The ground detection network is deployed according to a set grid node and simultaneously collects land geological attributes, land physical field information and land material composition information.

[0016] During its movement, the marine detection array records the seabed rock type in the marine geological properties in real time, measures the seabed gravity field strength and seabed magnetic field strength in the marine physical field information in real time, and obtains the metal content of seabed sediments in the marine material composition information in real time.

[0017] At the deployment nodes, the ground detection network simultaneously records the surface rock type in the land geological attributes, simultaneously measures the surface gravity field strength and surface magnetic field strength in the land physical field information, and simultaneously acquires the soil metal content in the land material composition information.

[0018] Preferably, the specific steps for processing exploration data collected for the marine geographic entity to generate marine mineralization indicator parameters include:

[0019] Lithological interpretation of the aforementioned seafloor rock categories was performed to identify seafloor target lithological assemblages related to mineralization;

[0020] The intensity characteristics of the seabed gravity field and the seabed magnetic field are analyzed to extract the features of the seabed gravity gradient and the seabed magnetic gradient.

[0021] The metal content of the seabed sediments was statistically analyzed, and the enrichment coefficient of seabed metal elements was calculated.

[0022] Based on the aforementioned seabed target lithological combination, a marine lithological favorableness index is constructed;

[0023] By integrating the seabed gravity gradient characteristics, the seabed magnetic gradient characteristics, and the seabed metal element enrichment coefficients, marine geophysical and chemical correlation indicators are generated.

[0024] The marine lithological favorability index and the marine geophysical and chemical correlation index are weighted and calculated to obtain the marine mineralization indicator parameters.

[0025] Preferably, the specific steps for processing exploration data collected for the aforementioned terrestrial geographic entities to generate terrestrial metallogenic indicator parameters include:

[0026] The surface rock types are lithologically identified to delineate terrestrial target lithological combinations related to mineralization;

[0027] Anomaly field separation is performed on the surface gravity field strength and the surface magnetic field strength to extract the residual terrestrial gravity anomaly and the residual terrestrial magnetic anomaly.

[0028] Spatial interpolation of the soil metal content was performed to generate isosurfaces of terrestrial metal element concentrations;

[0029] Based on the lithological combination of the land target, calculate the land lithological combination score;

[0030] By combining the aforementioned terrestrial gravity residual anomaly, the terrestrial magnetic residual anomaly, and the terrestrial metallic element concentration isosurface, a terrestrial geophysical and chemical composite index is generated.

[0031] The terrestrial lithological composite score is fused with the terrestrial geophysical and chemical composite index to obtain the terrestrial mineralization indicator parameters.

[0032] Preferably, the step of interpreting the seafloor rock types and identifying seafloor target lithological assemblages related to mineralization includes:

[0033] Establish a knowledge base that corresponds known metallogenic systems to seafloor rock types;

[0034] The collected seabed rock categories are matched with the corresponding knowledge base for pattern matching;

[0035] When a match is found that conforms to a volcanic sedimentary rock sequence or a hydrothermal alteration rock suite, the location of the successfully matched seafloor rock is marked as the associated lithology.

[0036] The set of all marked associated lithologies and their spatial distributions is defined as the seabed target lithology assemblage.

[0037] Preferably, the step of performing field strength feature analysis on the seabed gravity field strength and the seabed magnetic field strength to extract the seabed gravity gradient and seabed magnetic gradient features includes:

[0038] The seabed gravity field intensity data is gridded to form seabed gravity field intensity grid data;

[0039] The seabed magnetic field strength data is gridded to form seabed magnetic field strength grid data;

[0040] By applying the directional derivative operator to the seabed gravity field intensity grid data, the transverse seabed gravity gradient and the vertical seabed gravity gradient are calculated.

[0041] By applying the directional derivative operator to the seabed magnetic field strength grid data, the transverse and vertical seabed magnetic gradients are calculated.

[0042] Preferably, the step of spatially interpolating the soil metal content to generate terrestrial metal element concentration isosurfaces includes:

[0043] The grid nodes of the ground detection network are used as control points, and the soil metal content on them is used as the control point value.

[0044] The Kriging interpolation method was used to estimate the soil metal content at unsampled locations within a continuous spatial range of the terrestrial geographic entity.

[0045] Connect all points with the same estimated soil metal content to form the terrestrial metal element concentration isosurface.

[0046] Preferably, the specific steps for inputting the marine mineralization indicator parameters and the terrestrial mineralization indicator parameters into a unified potential evaluation framework for coupling calculation to obtain coupled mineralization potential parameters for the target area include:

[0047] The unified potential assessment framework includes a land-sea boundary transition model;

[0048] The marine mineralization indicator parameters are spatially extended along the edge of the marine geographic entity near the land-sea boundary transition model to generate marine side extension parameters.

[0049] The land mineralization indicator parameters are spatially extended along the edge of the land geographic entity near the land-sea boundary transition model to generate land-side extension parameters.

[0050] Within the transition zone defined by the land-sea boundary transition model, the continuity measure between the ocean-side extension parameters and the land-side extension parameters is calculated;

[0051] Based on the aforementioned continuity measure, the marine mineralization indicator parameters and the terrestrial mineralization indicator parameters are normalized and calibrated to bring them to the same scale.

[0052] The calibrated marine mineralization indicator parameters are spatially superimposed with the terrestrial mineralization indicator parameters, and the weighted sum of each spatial unit is calculated. The weighted sum is the coupled mineralization potential parameter.

[0053] Preferably, the specific steps for generating a subsequent exploration action plan based on the coupled mineralization potential parameters include:

[0054] Set graded potential threshold values, which include high potential threshold, medium potential threshold and low potential threshold;

[0055] Compare the coupled mineralization potential parameters with the graded potential threshold values;

[0056] When the coupled mineralization potential parameter of a certain spatial unit exceeds the high potential threshold, a detailed exploration plan including detailed exploration and verification drilling is generated for the corresponding spatial unit.

[0057] When the coupled mineralization potential parameter of a certain spatial unit is between the medium potential threshold and the high potential threshold, a key exploration scheme including encrypted sampling and profile measurement is generated for the corresponding spatial unit.

[0058] When the coupled mineralization potential parameter of a certain spatial unit is lower than the medium potential threshold, a routine survey plan to maintain basic monitoring is generated for the corresponding spatial unit.

[0059] Preferably, after generating a detailed exploration plan for the corresponding spatial unit, including detailed exploration and verification drilling, the method further includes the following steps:

[0060] In the marine geographic entity section, the detailed exploration plan drives the deployment of a high-resolution seafloor seismic detection system and a deep-sea drilling platform to implement fine imaging and deep sampling of the lithological assemblage of seafloor targets.

[0061] In the terrestrial geographic entity section, the detailed exploration plan drives the deployment of a high-power induced polarization measurement system and a core drilling rig to conduct deep structural exploration and borehole verification of the lithological assemblage of terrestrial targets;

[0062] The system simultaneously collects new data from the high-resolution seabed seismic detection system, the deep-sea drilling platform, the high-power induced polarization measurement system, and the core drilling rig, and feeds the new data back to the corresponding data source in the synchronous data collection process, thus initiating a new round of mineral potential calculation and exploration scheme generation process.

[0063] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0064] By implementing a synchronized data collection process, coordinated data collection is conducted on both the marine and land portions of the target area upon receiving exploration instructions. Specifically, this technology employs unified scheduling instructions and time bases to coordinate the operations of marine exploration vessels and land exploration teams, ensuring that both complete data collection within the same or overlapping time windows, according to predetermined spatial grids or profiles. This approach ensures that subsequently generated marine and land mineralization indicator parameters have comparable temporal and spatial foundations, eliminating fundamental biases caused by asynchronous data collection and inconsistent standards, thus creating the preconditions for direct correlation and comparison of marine and land data.

[0065] A unified potential evaluation framework is constructed and coupled computations are performed. This technique takes separately generated marine and terrestrial mineralization indicator parameters as inputs and performs comprehensive calculations on a common mathematical model or algorithm platform. The framework defines the coupling relationship and weights between marine and terrestrial parameters, and integrates the two types of parameters through multi-source information fusion algorithms, such as spatial overlay analysis based on geographic information systems and numerical model calculations. This approach directly produces a single coupled mineralization potential parameter. This parameter is no longer a simple parallel or subjective combination of marine and terrestrial potentials, but rather an objective, comprehensive quantitative indicator reflecting the correlation between marine and terrestrial geological processes. This enables the assessment of the overall mineralization potential across marine-terrestrial boundary regions to move from qualitative description to quantitative calculation. Attached Figure Description

[0066] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of the integrated onshore and offshore mineral exploration method based on mineralization potential described in this invention.

[0067] Figure 2 A flowchart for generating marine mineralization indicator parameters;

[0068] Figure 3 A flowchart for generating terrestrial mineralization indicator parameters;

[0069] Figure 4 A composite data chart for analyzing mineralization potential parameters;

[0070] Figure 5 This is a bar chart showing the resource allocation ratios corresponding to mineral exploration plans. Detailed Implementation

[0071] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0072] Please see Figure 1This invention provides a method for integrated marine and terrestrial mineral exploration based on mineralization potential. The method includes: receiving an exploration command for a target area, which is explicitly divided into two spatial categories in the analysis: marine geographic entities and terrestrial geographic entities. In response to the exploration command, the system initiates a synchronous data collection process, which collects exploration data for both marine and terrestrial geographic entities in parallel. The system processes the exploration data collected for marine geographic entities separately to generate marine mineralization indicator parameters, and simultaneously processes the exploration data collected for terrestrial geographic entities to generate terrestrial mineralization indicator parameters. The generated marine and terrestrial mineralization indicator parameters are input into a pre-constructed unified potential evaluation framework for coupling calculations to obtain coupled mineralization potential parameters that comprehensively reflect the mineralization prospects of the entire target area. Based on the calculated coupled mineralization potential parameters, an exploration action plan to guide subsequent work is automatically generated.

[0073] In one embodiment of the invention, a marine detection array is configured for marine geographic entities. This array moves along a predetermined profile path and simultaneously collects various types of exploration data during its movement, including marine geological attributes, marine physical field information, and marine material composition information. Simultaneously, a ground detection network is configured for terrestrial geographic entities. This network is deployed according to a set grid of nodes, and simultaneously collects terrestrial geological attributes, terrestrial physical field information, and terrestrial material composition information at each node. As the marine detection array moves along the predetermined profile path, the system records in real time the types of seabed rocks in the collected marine geological attributes, measures in real time the seabed gravity field strength and seabed magnetic field strength in the collected marine physical field information, and obtains in real time the metal content of seabed sediments in the collected marine material composition information. At each node of the ground detection network, the system simultaneously records the types of surface rocks in the collected terrestrial geological attributes, simultaneously measures the surface gravity field strength and surface magnetic field strength in the collected terrestrial physical field information, and simultaneously obtains the soil metal content in the collected terrestrial material composition information.

[0074] In practice, the exploration of marine geographic entities is achieved by configuring marine detection arrays. These arrays move along one or more pre-planned profile paths, simultaneously collecting three types of exploration data: marine geological attributes, marine physical field information, and marine material composition information. The exploration of terrestrial geographic entities is achieved by configuring ground-based detection networks. These networks are deployed according to a pre-defined grid node scheme, and at each node, they simultaneously collect three types of exploration data: terrestrial geological attributes, terrestrial physical field information, and terrestrial material composition information. As the marine detection array moves along the predetermined profile paths, it records the types of seabed rocks in the marine geological attributes, measures the seabed gravity field strength and magnetic field strength in the marine physical field information, and acquires the metal content of seabed sediments in the marine material composition information. At the designated grid node locations, the ground-based detection network simultaneously records the types of surface rocks in the terrestrial geological attributes, measures the surface gravity field strength and magnetic field strength in the terrestrial physical field information, and acquires the soil metal content in the terrestrial material composition information.

[0075] In some embodiments, the predetermined profile path of the marine detection array is defined by a path planning function to ensure coverage of key areas of marine geographic entities. The path planning function is expressed as a mapping relationship between the position coordinates of the marine detection array and movement parameters, and is expressed by the formula:

[0076]

[0077] in: Indicates the normalized time parameter The planar coordinates of the underwater detection array. and It is a coordinate function of the predetermined profile path, with normalized time parameters. The value ranges from 0 to 1, corresponding to the entire process of the marine exploration array moving along a complete predetermined profile path. The marine exploration array moves according to the path planning function and synchronously triggers data acquisition actions. In some embodiments, the ground exploration network is configured with a regular grid or an adaptive grid pattern. The spacing between grid nodes is determined according to the exploration accuracy requirements. Each grid node serves as an independent data acquisition station. All grid nodes of the ground exploration network start data acquisition under a unified time reference, achieving time synchronization with the moving data acquisition of the marine exploration array.

[0078] Optionally, the marine exploration array is carried by a towed platform or an autonomous underwater vehicle. The sensors on the array include seabed rock type identification sensors, seabed gravity field strength measuring instruments, seabed magnetic field strength measuring instruments, and seabed sediment metal content analyzers. As the array moves along a predetermined profile path, the various sensors operate at a fixed sampling frequency or in event-triggered mode, continuously generating raw data streams of marine geological properties, marine physical field information, and marine material composition information. Optionally, the ground-based exploration network consists of fixed observation stations or mobile measurement vehicles. The instruments deployed in the network include surface rock type identification equipment, surface gravity field strength measuring devices, surface magnetic field strength measuring devices, and soil metal content collectors. After the grid nodes are deployed, all instruments synchronously start measurements according to preset instructions, acquiring discrete datasets of terrestrial geological properties, terrestrial physical field information, and terrestrial material composition information either once or periodically.

[0079] It is understandable that the synchronization of data acquisition by the marine exploration array and the ground-based exploration network nodes is coordinated by a central controller. The central controller sends synchronization acquisition commands to both the marine exploration array and the ground-based exploration network. Data acquired by the marine exploration array at each location along the predetermined profile path is stamped with both timestamps and location stamps, as is data acquired by the ground-based exploration network at each grid node. These timestamps and location stamps are used for subsequent data alignment and fusion processing. Similarly, it is understandable that real-time recording of seabed rock types relies on acoustic or optical seabed imaging technology; real-time measurement of seabed gravity field strength is achieved through shipborne or seabed-based gravimeters; real-time measurement of seabed magnetic field strength uses marine magnetometers; and real-time acquisition of seabed sediment metal content is based on on-site X-ray fluorescence analysis or post-sampling laboratory analysis. Synchronous recording of surface rock types relies on field geological surveys and remote sensing interpretation; synchronous measurement of surface gravity field strength uses terrestrial gravimeters; synchronous measurement of surface magnetic field strength uses terrestrial magnetometers; and synchronous acquisition of soil metal content is completed through soil sampling and chemical analysis.

[0080] In one embodiment of the present invention, see [reference] Figure 2The process involves interpreting the lithology of collected seabed rock types. First, a knowledge base is established to correspond known mineralization systems to seabed rock types. Then, the collected seabed rock type data is matched against this knowledge base. When a match is found that conforms to a volcanic sedimentary rock sequence or hydrothermal alteration suite, or other rock types closely related to mineralization, the location of the successfully matched seabed rock is marked as an associated lithology. Finally, all marked associated lithologies and their spatial distributions are defined as seabed target lithology combinations. Based on the identified seabed target lithology combinations, a marine lithological favorability index is constructed. The collected seabed gravity field intensity and seabed magnetic field intensity are analyzed for field strength characteristics. First, the seabed gravity field intensity data is gridded to form seabed gravity field intensity grid data, and similarly, the seabed magnetic field intensity data is gridded to form seabed magnetic field intensity grid data. Then, directional derivative operators are applied to the seabed gravity field intensity grid data to calculate the lateral and vertical seabed gravity gradients; directional derivative operators are applied to the seabed magnetic field intensity grid data to calculate the lateral and vertical seabed magnetic gradients. The metal content of the obtained seabed sediments was statistically analyzed, and the enrichment coefficients of seabed metal elements were calculated. The extracted seabed gravity gradient characteristics, seabed magnetic gradient characteristics, and the calculated seabed metal element enrichment coefficients were integrated to generate marine geophysical and chemical correlation indicators. The constructed marine lithological favorability index was then weighted with the generated marine geophysical and chemical correlation indicators to obtain the final marine mineralization indicator parameters.

[0081] In practice, the first step in processing exploration data collected for marine geographic entities is to interpret the lithology of seafloor rock categories. The lithology interpretation step establishes a knowledge base that corresponds to known mineralization systems and seafloor rock types. The knowledge base stores the mapping relationship between verified deposit types and their host rocks in historical exploration projects. The collected seafloor rock category data is then matched with the corresponding knowledge base. The pattern matching process calculates the similarity between the seafloor rock category data and various lithology combination patterns in the corresponding knowledge base. When the similarity exceeds a set threshold and a rock type combination that matches a volcanic sedimentary rock sequence or hydrothermal alteration suite is found, the system marks the spatial location of the successfully matched seafloor rock as the associated lithology. All marked associated lithologies and their spatial distribution sets are defined as seafloor target lithology combinations. Based on the seafloor target lithology combinations, a marine lithology favorability index is constructed. Field strength characteristics of the seabed gravity field and magnetic field strength were analyzed. The analysis process involved inputting seabed gravity field strength data into a gridded algorithm to generate a gridded data set for both gravity and magnetic field strength. A directional derivative operator was applied to the gravity field strength grid to calculate the lateral and vertical seabed gravity gradients, and the same applied to the magnetic field strength grid to calculate the lateral and vertical seabed magnetic gradients. Metal content in seabed sediments was statistically analyzed. The ratio of the average value of each metal element to the background value was calculated as the enrichment coefficient for the metal elements in the seabed.

[0082] In some embodiments, marine geophysical and chemical correlation indicators are generated by integrating seafloor gravity gradient characteristics, seafloor magnetic gradient characteristics, and seafloor metallic element enrichment coefficients. The generation of these indicators is achieved through a multi-source information fusion function, which linearly or nonlinearly combines the extracted gradient features with the calculated enrichment coefficients. In some embodiments, marine lithological favorability indicators and marine geophysical and chemical correlation indicators are weighted to obtain marine mineralization indicator parameters. The weighting process assigns different weight coefficients to the marine lithological favorability indicators and marine geophysical and chemical correlation indicators to reflect their relative importance in mineralization prediction. The formula is expressed as follows:

[0083]

[0084] in: This represents the final calculated marine mineralization indicator parameters. The numerical value representing the favorableness of marine lithology. Values ​​representing marine geophysical and chemical correlation indicators. It is an index of marine lithological favorableness. The weighting coefficients, Marine geophysical and chemical correlation indicators Weighting coefficients, weighting coefficients and satisfy conditions.

[0085] Optionally, establishing a knowledge base corresponding to known mineralization systems and seafloor rock types relies on training historical data using domain expert rules or machine learning models. Patterns in this knowledge base include, but are not limited to, the association between massive sulfide deposits and volcanic sedimentary rock sequences, and the association between seafloor hydrothermal deposits and hydrothermal alteration suites. It is understood that calculating the enrichment coefficients of seafloor metallic elements requires pre-determining regional geochemical background values, derived from global or regional sediment geochemical databases. The content statistics step calculates the seafloor metallic element enrichment coefficients for various mineralization elements such as copper, lead, zinc, gold, and silver. It is also understood that the construction of marine lithological favorability indicators is based on the spatial distribution range of target seafloor lithological assemblages, the complexity of the lithological assemblages, and their consistency with known mineralization models, which are then quantified and assigned values. The generation of marine geophysical and chemical correlation indicators integrates density interface information reflected by seafloor gravity gradient characteristics, magnetic body boundary information reflected by seafloor magnetic gradient characteristics, and surface geochemical anomaly information reflected by seafloor metallic element enrichment coefficients.

[0086] In one embodiment of the present invention, see [reference] Figure 3 The process involves lithological identification of collected surface rocks to delineate terrestrial target lithological assemblages related to mineralization. Anomaly separation is performed on the collected surface gravity and magnetic field intensities to extract terrestrial residual gravity and magnetic residual anomalies. Spatial interpolation is performed on the acquired soil metal content, using grid nodes of the ground detection network as control points and the soil metal content measured at those nodes as control point values. Kriging interpolation is used to estimate the soil metal content at all unsampled locations within a continuous spatial range of the terrestrial geographic entity. Subsequently, spatial points with the same soil metal content estimate are connected to form terrestrial metal element concentration isosurfaces. Based on the delineated terrestrial target lithological assemblages, terrestrial lithological assemblage scores are calculated. A terrestrial geophysical and chemical composite index is generated by combining the extracted terrestrial residual gravity and magnetic residual anomalies with the generated terrestrial metal element concentration isosurfaces. The calculated terrestrial lithological assemblage scores are then fused with the generated terrestrial geophysical and chemical composite index to obtain the final terrestrial mineralization indicator parameters.

[0087] In practice, the processing of exploration data collected for terrestrial geographic entities begins with lithological identification of surface rocks. This identification step categorizes and names surface rocks based on mineral composition and structural characteristics. By comparing regional stratigraphic columns with known mineral deposit geological models, the target lithological assemblages related to mineralization are delineated. For example, in the terrestrial portion of a coastal area, the coexistence of granite bodies and contact zone skarn is delineated as the target lithological assemblage. Next, anomaly field separation is performed on the surface gravity field and surface magnetic field intensity. This anomaly field separation step uses trend analysis or frequency filtering methods to remove the regional background field from the raw field data, extracting terrestrial gravity residual anomalies reflecting local density inhomogeneities and terrestrial magnetic residual anomalies reflecting local magnetic bodies. Spatial interpolation of soil metal content is performed. The spatial interpolation step uses the grid nodes of the ground detection network as control points and the measured soil metal content at the grid nodes as control point values. The Kriging interpolation method is used to estimate the soil metal content of all unsampled locations within a continuous spatial range of the terrestrial geographic entity. The Kriging interpolation method describes the spatial autocorrelation of soil metal content based on the variogram model. All spatial points with the same soil metal content estimate are connected to form a terrestrial metal element concentration isosurface. For example, a continuous copper element concentration distribution isosurface map is generated from discrete soil sampling point data.

[0088] In some embodiments, a terrestrial lithological assemblage score is calculated based on the delineated terrestrial target lithological assemblage. The terrestrial lithological assemblage score is quantitatively assigned based on factors such as the scale of the lithological assemblage, its matching degree with known metallogenic models, and alteration intensity. In some embodiments, a terrestrial geophysical and chemical composite index is generated by integrating terrestrial gravity residual anomalies, terrestrial magnetic residual anomalies, and terrestrial metallic element concentration isosurfaces. The generation of the terrestrial geophysical and chemical composite index is achieved through an information fusion model. The information fusion model comprehensively quantifies the spatial agreement between the amplitude of terrestrial gravity residual anomalies, the morphology of terrestrial magnetic residual anomalies, and the concentration centers of terrestrial metallic element concentration isosurfaces. The formula is expressed as:

[0089]

[0090] in: Represents the generated terrestrial geophysical and chemical composite index, Represents residual gravity anomaly data on land. Represents residual magnetic anomaly data on land. Represents isosurface data of terrestrial metallic element concentrations. This represents a multivariate information fusion function, which maps multiple input variables into a comprehensive index.

[0091] Optionally, the lithology identification step can be completed by combining the lithological interpretation map of remote sensing imagery with the identification results of hand specimens from field geological surveys. The delineation results of the lithological assemblage of terrestrial targets are represented in polygon form on the digital geological map. Optionally, the generation process of terrestrial metal element concentration isosurfaces can use different interpolation parameters, including the search radius and the variogram model type. The search radius determines the range of control points used in the calculation when estimating the value of unsampled points, and the variogram model type includes spherical models, exponential models, or Gaussian models.

[0092] It is understandable that extracting terrestrial gravity residual anomalies and terrestrial magnetic residual anomalies can effectively suppress the influence of regional fields, thereby highlighting anomaly information related to local mineralization bodies or structures. It is also understandable that fusing terrestrial lithological composite scores with terrestrial geophysical and chemical composite indices yields terrestrial metallogenic indicator parameters. This fusing calculation employs weighted summation or multiple regression methods, ensuring that the terrestrial metallogenic indicator parameters simultaneously contain multi-source geological, geophysical, and geochemical information.

[0093] In one embodiment of the present invention, marine metallogenic indicator parameters and terrestrial metallogenic indicator parameters are input into a unified potential evaluation framework for coupling calculation. This unified potential evaluation framework includes a model defining the land-sea boundary transition zone, i.e., a land-sea boundary transition model. The marine metallogenic indicator parameters are spatially extended along the edge of the marine geographic entity near the edge of the land-sea boundary transition model to generate marine-side extension parameters. Simultaneously, the terrestrial metallogenic indicator parameters are spatially extended along the edge of the terrestrial geographic entity near the edge of the land-sea boundary transition model to generate terrestrial-side extension parameters. Within the spatial range of the transition zone defined by the land-sea boundary transition model, the continuity measure between the marine-side extension parameters and the terrestrial-side extension parameters is calculated. Based on the calculated continuity measure, the original marine and terrestrial metallogenic indicator parameters are normalized and calibrated to ensure they are under the same dimension and numerical scale. The calibrated marine and terrestrial metallogenic indicator parameters are spatially superimposed, and the weighted sum of the two parameters within each spatial unit is calculated. This weighted sum is the coupled metallogenic potential parameter for the entire target area.

[0094] In practical implementation, marine and terrestrial metallogenic indicator parameters are input into a unified potential evaluation framework for coupled computation to obtain coupled metallogenic potential parameters for the target area. This unified framework includes a model defining the land-sea boundary transition zone near the coastline. Specifically, marine metallogenic indicator parameters are spatially extended along the edge of the marine geographic entity near the land-sea boundary transition model. This spatial extension processing employs trend extrapolation or kriging co-interpolation methods, utilizing the known spatial variation patterns of marine metallogenic indicator parameters within the marine geographic entity to predict parameters outside the boundary, generating marine-side extension parameters. Similarly, terrestrial metallogenic indicator parameters are spatially extended along the edge of the terrestrial geographic entity near the land-sea boundary transition model. This spatial extension processing uses the same or different extrapolation algorithms as the marine-side extension, utilizing the known spatial variation patterns of terrestrial metallogenic indicator parameters within the terrestrial geographic entity to predict parameters outside the boundary, generating terrestrial-side extension parameters.

[0095] In some embodiments, a continuity measure of the marine-side extension parameters and the terrestrial-side extension parameters is calculated within the transition zone defined by the marine-continent boundary transition model. This continuity measure quantifies the smoothness and trend consistency of the changes in the marine-side and terrestrial extension parameters within the transition zone. In some embodiments, the marine and terrestrial metallogenic indicator parameters are normalized and calibrated based on the continuity measure, placing them on the same numerical scale. The normalization process maps the original values ​​of the marine and terrestrial metallogenic indicator parameters to the range of 0 to 1. The calibration process adjusts the mapping function according to the continuity measure to ensure that the numerical levels of the marine and terrestrial parameters are comparable near the transition zone.

[0096] The calibrated marine mineralization indicator parameters are spatially overlaid with terrestrial mineralization indicator parameters. The weighted sum of each spatial cell is calculated, and this weighted sum represents the coupled mineralization potential parameter. The spatial overlay process is performed on a unified geographic grid, with each grid cell corresponding to one marine mineralization indicator parameter value and one terrestrial mineralization indicator parameter value. In specific implementation, the coupled mineralization potential parameter... The calculation formula is expressed as follows:

[0097]

[0098] in: The parameter representing the final coupled mineralization potential of a spatial unit. This represents the calibrated marine mineralization indicator parameter values ​​within this spatial unit. This represents the calibrated terrestrial mineralization indicator parameter values ​​within this spatial unit. This is the ocean weighting coefficient, and its value depends on the location attribute of the spatial unit within the target area. It is the corresponding land weighting coefficient.

[0099] Optionally, the calculation range for marine and terrestrial extension parameters is typically set within a buffer zone extending a certain distance seaward and landward from the sea-land boundary transition model. The width of the buffer zone is set according to the continuity of the geological structure. Optionally, the weighted sum calculation of spatial units can assign fixed weights to marine and terrestrial metallogenic indicator parameters, or it can assign dynamically changing weights based on the distance of the spatial unit from the coastline.

[0100] It is understandable that the land-sea boundary transition model is one that defines weight coefficients. How can a function model that varies with spatial location be applied within marine geographic entities? A value of 1 indicates that the entity is located within a land geographic entity. A value of 0 indicates that the land-sea boundary transition zone is defined by the model. The value smoothly transitions from 1 to 0. It can be understood that the purpose of normalizing and calibrating marine and terrestrial metallogenic indicator parameters is to eliminate system differences caused by different data sources, processing methods, and units, so that marine and terrestrial metallogenic indicator parameters can be directly and effectively weighted and fused.

[0101] Referring to Table 1, a simplified example containing five spatial units (AEs) is shown to illustrate the weighting coefficients of spatial units with different location attributes. The values ​​of the parameters and the calculation process of the coupled mineralization potential parameters are described. Spatial units A and B are located inside marine geographic entities, spatial units D and E are located inside terrestrial geographic entities, and spatial unit C is located within the transition zone defined by the marine-terrestrial boundary transition model.

[0102] Table 1: Calculation Table of Coupling Mineralization Potential Parameters for Different Spatial Units

[0103]

[0104] See Figure 4 This is a composite data chart analyzing mineralization potential parameters. Its core purpose is to compare the mineralization parameters and coupled mineralization potential of different spatial units, making it a professional data visualization chart in the field of mineral exploration. Marine mineralization parameters are high, terrestrial parameters are low, and the coupled mineralization potential is close to that of marine parameters; conversely, terrestrial mineralization parameters are high, marine parameters are low, and the coupled mineralization potential is close to that of terrestrial parameters. This chart intuitively illustrates the operational logic of the "integrated marine-terrestrial mineralization potential coupling model": the mineralization potential of different regions is determined by the mineralization parameters of the corresponding dominant region, while the transition zone integrates parameters from both marine and terrestrial areas, providing data support for subsequent exploration schemes (exploration strategies corresponding to high / medium / low potential).

[0105] In one embodiment of the present invention, a subsequent exploration action plan is generated based on the calculated coupled mineralization potential parameters. A set of graded potential threshold values ​​is pre-defined, including a high-potential threshold, a medium-potential threshold, and a low-potential threshold. The coupled mineralization potential parameters of each spatial unit within the target area are compared with these graded potential threshold values. When the coupled mineralization potential parameters of a spatial unit exceed the set high-potential threshold, a detailed exploration plan is generated for the corresponding spatial unit, which includes detailed exploration and verification drilling. When the coupled mineralization potential parameters of a spatial unit are between the medium-potential and high-potential thresholds, a key exploration plan is generated for the corresponding spatial unit, which includes intensive sampling and profile measurement. When the coupled mineralization potential parameters of a spatial unit are below the medium-potential threshold, a routine survey plan is generated for the corresponding spatial unit, the main content of which is to maintain basic monitoring. After generating a detailed exploration plan including detailed exploration and verification drilling for high-potential units, further exploration actions are performed. For the marine geographic entities within the target area, this detailed exploration plan drives the deployment of a high-resolution seafloor seismic detection system and a deep-sea drilling platform to perform detailed imaging and deep sampling of the seafloor target lithological assemblage. For the terrestrial geographic entities within the target area, this detailed exploration plan drives the deployment of a high-power induced polarization (IP) measurement system and a core drilling rig to perform deep structural exploration and borehole verification of the terrestrial target lithological assemblage. Simultaneously, new data from the high-resolution seafloor seismic detection system, deep-sea drilling platform, high-power IPV measurement system, and core drilling rig are retrieved and fed back to the corresponding data sources in the synchronous data collection process, thereby initiating a new round of mineralization potential calculation and exploration plan generation.

[0106] In practice, setting graded potential thresholds is a prerequisite for generating subsequent exploration action plans. These thresholds include high-potential, medium-potential, and low-potential thresholds, determined based on historical exploration statistics or the regional metallogenic geological background of the target area. In practice, the coupled metallogenic potential parameters of each spatial unit within the target area are compared with the graded potential thresholds. This comparison determines the relationship between the coupled metallogenic potential parameter value of each spatial unit and the high, medium, and low potential thresholds. When the coupled metallogenic potential parameter of a spatial unit exceeds the high-potential threshold, a detailed exploration plan, including detailed exploration and verification drilling, is generated for the corresponding spatial unit. When the coupled metallogenic potential parameter of a spatial unit is between the medium and high potential thresholds, a focused exploration plan, including intensified sampling and profiling, is generated for the corresponding spatial unit. When the coupled metallogenic potential parameter of a spatial unit is below the medium-potential threshold, a routine survey plan to maintain basic monitoring is generated for the corresponding spatial unit. After generating a detailed exploration plan for the corresponding spatial unit, which includes detailed exploration and verification drilling, further exploration actions are performed.

[0107] In some embodiments, for the marine geographic entities of the target area, a detailed exploration plan drives the deployment of a high-resolution seafloor seismic detection system and a deep-sea drilling platform. The high-resolution seafloor seismic detection system performs detailed imaging of the seafloor target lithological assemblage, and the deep-sea drilling platform performs deep sampling of the seafloor target lithological assemblage. In some embodiments, for the terrestrial geographic entities of the target area, a detailed exploration plan drives the deployment of a high-power induced polarization (IP) measurement system and a core drilling rig. The high-power IPV measurement system performs deep structural exploration of the terrestrial target lithological assemblage, and the core drilling rig performs borehole verification of the terrestrial target lithological assemblage.

[0108] Simultaneously, new data from high-resolution seafloor seismic detection systems, deep-sea drilling platforms, high-power induced polarization (IPC) measurement systems, and core drilling rigs are collected. This new data includes seafloor seismic profile data, deep-sea core sample analysis data, IPC profile data, and terrestrial borehole core logging data. The new data is fed back to the corresponding data source in the synchronous data collection process, initiating a new round of mineralization potential calculation and exploration scheme generation. This new calculation process uses the new data as input to update marine or terrestrial mineralization indicator parameters, thereby updating coupled mineralization potential parameters and subsequent exploration action plans.

[0109] Optionally, the threshold value for graded potential can be set using either an absolute threshold method or a relative percentage method. The absolute threshold method sets a fixed numerical threshold based on the statistical values ​​of known mineralization potential parameters of the deposit. The relative percentage method sorts the coupled mineralization potential parameters of all spatial units within the target area and divides them into high, medium, and low potential ranges according to percentage. Conventional survey schemes may include periodic geochemical sampling and retesting, ground magnetic scanning, or updates to remote sensing geological interpretation. It can be understood that deploying high-resolution seafloor seismic detection systems and deep-sea drilling platforms is a direct verification method for high-potential marine areas, aiming to obtain direct evidence and physical samples of deep geological structures. It can also be understood that deploying high-power induced polarization measurement systems and core drilling rigs is a method for in-depth exploration of high-potential terrestrial areas, aiming to reveal the electrical characteristics of ore bodies and implement engineering verification. The formula is:

[0110]

[0111] in: This represents the suggested high-potential threshold value obtained from calculation. This represents the average value of the mineralization potential parameters coupled to all spatial units within the target area. The standard deviation of the mineralization potential parameters of all spatial units coupled within the target area. It is a positive coefficient set according to the exploration risk preference.

[0112] See Figure 5 This is a bar chart showing the resource allocation ratios for different mineral exploration schemes, illustrating the proportion of marine and land resource inputs under various exploration schemes. It's a visualization chart within the field of mineral exploration resource planning. The chart demonstrates the correlation between "metallogenic potential level" and "resource allocation intensity": the higher the potential level, the higher the proportion of marine and land resource inputs. This aligns with the resource optimization strategy of "focusing on high-potential areas" in mineral exploration, while also reflecting the tendency for land resource allocation to be slightly higher than marine allocation across all schemes. By quantifying the resource proportions corresponding to different exploration schemes, the chart clarifies the resource allocation logic of "high input in high-potential areas (detailed exploration) and low input in low-potential areas (routine survey)," thus avoiding resource misallocation.

[0113] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0114] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for integrated onshore and offshore mineral exploration based on mineralization potential, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Receive exploration instructions for a target area, wherein the target area is divided into marine geographic entities and terrestrial geographic entities; In response to the exploration command, a synchronous data collection process is initiated to collect exploration data for the marine geographic entity and the terrestrial geographic entity, respectively. The exploration data collected for the marine geographic entities is processed to generate marine mineralization indicator parameters; The exploration data collected for the aforementioned terrestrial geographic entities is processed to generate terrestrial mineralization indicator parameters; The marine mineralization indicator parameters and the terrestrial mineralization indicator parameters are input into a unified potential evaluation framework for coupling calculation to obtain coupled mineralization potential parameters for the target area. Based on the coupled mineralization potential parameters, a subsequent exploration action plan is generated.

2. The method for integrated onshore and offshore mineral exploration based on mineralization potential according to claim 1, characterized in that, The specific steps for initiating a synchronous data collection process and collecting exploration data for the marine geographic entities and the terrestrial geographic entities respectively include: A marine detection array is configured for the marine geographic entity. The marine detection array moves along a predetermined profile path and simultaneously collects marine geological properties, marine physical field information, and marine material composition information. A ground detection network is configured for the land geographic entity. The ground detection network is deployed according to a set grid node and simultaneously collects land geological attributes, land physical field information and land material composition information. During its movement, the marine detection array records the seabed rock type in the marine geological properties in real time, measures the seabed gravity field strength and seabed magnetic field strength in the marine physical field information in real time, and obtains the metal content of seabed sediments in the marine material composition information in real time. At the deployment nodes, the ground detection network simultaneously records the surface rock type in the land geological attributes, simultaneously measures the surface gravity field strength and surface magnetic field strength in the land physical field information, and simultaneously acquires the soil metal content in the land material composition information.

3. The method for integrated onshore and offshore mineral exploration based on mineralization potential according to claim 2, characterized in that, The specific steps for processing exploration data collected for the aforementioned marine geographic entities to generate marine metallogenic indicator parameters include: Lithological interpretation of the aforementioned seafloor rock categories was performed to identify seafloor target lithological assemblages related to mineralization; The intensity characteristics of the seabed gravity field and the seabed magnetic field are analyzed to extract the features of the seabed gravity gradient and the seabed magnetic gradient. The metal content of the seabed sediments was statistically analyzed, and the enrichment coefficient of seabed metal elements was calculated. Based on the aforementioned seabed target lithological combination, a marine lithological favorableness index is constructed; By integrating the seabed gravity gradient characteristics, the seabed magnetic gradient characteristics, and the seabed metal element enrichment coefficients, marine geophysical and chemical correlation indicators are generated. The marine lithological favorability index and the marine geophysical and chemical correlation index are weighted and calculated to obtain the marine mineralization indicator parameters.

4. The method for integrated onshore and offshore mineral exploration based on mineralization potential according to claim 2, characterized in that, The specific steps for processing exploration data collected from the aforementioned terrestrial geographic entities to generate terrestrial metallogenic indicator parameters include: The lithological classification of the surface rocks is performed to delineate the lithological combinations of terrestrial targets related to mineralization; Anomaly field separation is performed on the surface gravity field strength and the surface magnetic field strength to extract the residual terrestrial gravity anomaly and the residual terrestrial magnetic anomaly. Spatial interpolation of the soil metal content was performed to generate isosurfaces of terrestrial metal element concentrations; Based on the aforementioned lithological combination of the land target, calculate the land lithological combination score; By combining the aforementioned residual gravity anomaly, the aforementioned residual magnetic anomaly, and the aforementioned isosurface of terrestrial metal element concentration, a terrestrial geophysical and chemical composite index is generated. The terrestrial lithological composite score is fused with the terrestrial geophysical and chemical composite index to obtain the terrestrial mineralization indicator parameters.

5. The method for integrated onshore and offshore mineral exploration based on mineralization potential according to claim 3, characterized in that, The steps of interpreting the lithological types of seafloor rocks to identify mineralization-related seafloor target lithological assemblages include: Establish a knowledge base that corresponds known metallogenic systems to seafloor rock types; The collected seabed rock categories are matched with the corresponding knowledge base for pattern matching; When a match is found that conforms to a volcanic sedimentary rock sequence or a hydrothermal alteration rock suite, the location of the successfully matched seafloor rock is marked as the associated lithology. The set of all marked associated lithologies and their spatial distributions is defined as the seabed target lithology assemblage.

6. The method for integrated onshore and offshore mineral exploration based on mineralization potential according to claim 3, characterized in that, The steps for analyzing the field strength characteristics of the seabed gravitational field strength and the seabed magnetic field strength, and extracting the features of the seabed gravity gradient and the seabed magnetic gradient include: The seabed gravity field intensity data is gridded to form seabed gravity field intensity grid data; The seabed magnetic field strength data is gridded to form seabed magnetic field strength grid data; By applying the directional derivative operator to the seabed gravity field intensity grid data, the transverse seabed gravity gradient and the vertical seabed gravity gradient are calculated. By applying the directional derivative operator to the seabed magnetic field strength grid data, the transverse and vertical seabed magnetic gradients are calculated.

7. The method for integrated onshore and offshore mineral exploration based on mineralization potential according to claim 4, characterized in that, The steps of spatially interpolating the soil metal content to generate terrestrial metal element concentration isosurfaces include: The grid nodes of the ground detection network are used as control points, and the soil metal content on them is used as the control point value. The Kriging interpolation method was used to estimate the soil metal content at unsampled locations within a continuous spatial range of the terrestrial geographic entity. Connect all points with the same estimated soil metal content to form the terrestrial metal element concentration isosurface.

8. The method for integrated onshore and offshore mineral exploration based on mineralization potential according to claim 1, characterized in that, The specific steps for inputting the marine mineralization indicator parameters and the terrestrial mineralization indicator parameters into a unified potential evaluation framework for coupling calculation to obtain coupled mineralization potential parameters for the target area include: The unified potential assessment framework includes a land-sea boundary transition model; The marine mineralization indicator parameters are spatially extended along the edge of the marine geographic entity near the land-sea boundary transition model to generate marine side extension parameters. The land mineralization indicator parameters are spatially extended along the edge of the land geographic entity near the land-sea boundary transition model to generate land-side extension parameters. Within the transition zone defined by the land-sea boundary transition model, the continuity measure between the ocean-side extension parameters and the land-side extension parameters is calculated; Based on the aforementioned continuity measure, the marine mineralization indicator parameters and the terrestrial mineralization indicator parameters are normalized and calibrated to bring them to the same scale. The calibrated marine mineralization indicator parameters are spatially superimposed with the terrestrial mineralization indicator parameters, and the weighted sum of each spatial unit is calculated. The weighted sum is the coupled mineralization potential parameter.

9. The method for integrated onshore and offshore mineral exploration based on mineralization potential according to claim 8, characterized in that, Based on the coupled mineralization potential parameters, the specific steps for generating a subsequent exploration action plan include: Set graded potential threshold values, which include high potential threshold, medium potential threshold and low potential threshold; Compare the coupled mineralization potential parameters with the graded potential threshold values; When the coupled mineralization potential parameter of a certain spatial unit exceeds the high potential threshold, a detailed exploration plan including detailed exploration and verification drilling is generated for the corresponding spatial unit. When the coupled mineralization potential parameter of a certain spatial unit is between the medium potential threshold and the high potential threshold, a key exploration scheme including encrypted sampling and profile measurement is generated for the corresponding spatial unit. When the coupled mineralization potential parameter of a certain spatial unit is lower than the medium potential threshold, a routine survey plan to maintain basic monitoring is generated for the corresponding spatial unit.

10. The method for integrated onshore and offshore mineral exploration based on mineralization potential according to claim 9, characterized in that, After generating a detailed exploration plan for the corresponding spatial unit, including detailed exploration and verification drilling, the following steps are also included: In the marine geographic entity section, the detailed exploration plan drives the deployment of a high-resolution seafloor seismic detection system and a deep-sea drilling platform to implement fine imaging and deep sampling of the lithological assemblage of seafloor targets. In the terrestrial geographic entity section, the detailed exploration plan drives the deployment of a high-power induced polarization measurement system and a core drilling rig to conduct deep structural exploration and borehole verification of the lithological assemblage of terrestrial targets; The system simultaneously collects new data from the high-resolution seabed seismic detection system, the deep-sea drilling platform, the high-power induced polarization measurement system, and the core drilling rig, and feeds the new data back to the corresponding data source in the synchronous data collection process, thus initiating a new round of mineral potential calculation and exploration scheme generation process.

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