Multifractal modelling-based mapping and identification of geochemical anomalies associated with Cu and Au mineralisation in the NW Junggar area of northern Xinjiang Province, China

• Improved singularity mapping using a piecewise linear fit method.
• An integrated approach identified a number of anomalies within the study area.
• Ground-truthing of the anomalies led to the discovery of some mineralized occurrences.

The NW Junggar area is located within the north of Xinjiang Province, China, and hosts several recently discovered hydrothermal copper and gold deposits. The presence of these deposits and the relatively unexplored nature of this area means that the NW Junggar region can be considered highly prospective. This study focuses on the identification of mineralisation-related As, Cu and Au soil geochemistry anomalies within the area using a combined singularity mapping, multifractal kriging and spectrum–area (S–A) fractal modelling approach. The approach utilises an optimised version of the singularity mapping technique and outlines details of the use of a S–A fractal modelling approach for the precise identification of individual geochemical anomalies. This modelling and anomaly identification was ground-truthed by field reconnaissance, leading to the identification of mineralisation associated with anomalies determined using fractal and multifractal modelling in the study area. This successful ground-truthing, and the identification of mineralised areas using the techniques outlined here, indicate that this approach could be a useful tool in further geochemcial exploration and research, both in the NW Junggar area and in other areas that host similar Cu and Au deposits.