Fuzzy outranking approach: A knowledge-driven method for mineral prospectivity mapping

This paper describes the application of a new multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) technique called fuzzy outranking to map prospectivity for porphyry CuMo deposits. Various raster-based evidential layers involving geological, geophysical, and geochemical geo-data sets are integrated for mineral prospectivity mapping (MPM). In a case study, 13 layers of the Now Chun deposit located in the Kerman province of Iran are used to explore the region of interest. The outputs are validated using 21 boreholes drilled in this area. Comparison of the output prospectivity map with concentrations of Cu and Mo in the boreholes indicates that the fuzzy outranking MCDM is a useful tool for MPM. The proposed method shows a high performance for MPM thereby reducing the cost of exploratory drilling in the study area.

► A new knowledge-driven approach is proposed. ► Various geo-data sets are used. ► Porphyry copper deposit prospectivity map shows acceptable results. ► The proposed approach can be applied to variety evidential layers.