Prospecting and geochemical investigation of promising chromite areas in the northeast of Shahrud; Joghatay-Sabzevar metallogenic belt

Authors

1 Ph.D. Student, Department of Geology, Faculty of Earth Sciences, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

2 کارشناس ارشد مهندسی سنجش از دور دانشگاه صنعتی خواجه نصیرالدین طوسی

3 M.Sc. Geology, College of Science University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

4 Ph.D in Strategic management of passive defence, Supreme National Defence University, Tehran, Iran

5 M.Sc. Geodesy Eng. Islamic Azad University of Shahrood, Faculty of Geodesy and Geomatics Eng, Shahrood, Iran

6 Professor, Department of Geology, Faculty of Earth Sciences, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

Abstract

The Mayamey area (northeast of Shahrud), which forms a part of the Joghatay-Sabzevar zone, hosted Padiform chromite deposits with Harzburgite (ophiolitic) host rock, in which serpentine alteration is strongly spread. In this study, in order to identify the promising areas of chromite mineralization, host rock evidence maps (lithological), serpentine alteration resulting from remote sensing data processing, fault density, geophysics-magnetism, and geochemical of Cr have been used. Then, using the Fuzzy-Gamma function and the gamma value of 0.85, the evidence maps were weighted and fuzzified between 0 and 1 and integrated with each other in the GIS environment. According to the final map of chromite potential, the access roads and geological conditions of 11 areas were determined as exploration targets. Based on the searches, it was found that out of the 11 designated areas, there were three active mines, six promising areas, and two areas without chromite mineralization. The results of XRF analysis of two control samples S4 and S5 showed that the grade of chromite in these areas is 40.02% and 52.44%, respectively, which shows the economic grade of chromite, high accuracy, and the correct method of combining the selected observer maps in this is study. Also, the geochemical study showed that the amounts of MgO, Al2O3, TiO2, Fe2O3, and Cr2O3 are consistent with the accumulation type chromites and the chromites of the study area are rich in Cr and to some extent Fe and poor in Al.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

Abdelkareem, M., Al-Arifi, N. 2021. Synergy of remote sensing data for exploring hydrothermal mineral resources using GIS-based Fuzzy Logic approach. Remote Sensing 13(22), 4492. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs13224492
Adebiyi, L.S., Eluwole, A.B., Fajana, A.O., Salawu, N.B., Falade, S.C., Dopamu, K.O., Alejolowo, E.A., 2022. Integrated geophysical methods for delineating crustal structures and hydrothermal alteration zones for mineral exploration projects in parts of west-central, Nigeria. Modeling Earth Systems and Environment 8(3), 2977-2989. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40808-021-01275-5
Afzal, P., Yusefi, M., Mirzaie, M., Ghadiri-Sufi, E., Ghasemzadeh, S., Daneshvar Saein, L. 2019. Delineation of podiform-type chromite mineralization using geochemical mineralization prospectivity index and staged factor analysis in Balvard area (SE Iran). Journal of Mining and Environment 10(3), 705-715. https://doi.org/10.22044/jme.2019.8107.1678
Agterberg, F.P., 2012. Multifractals and geostatistics. Journal of Geochemical Exploration 122, 113-122. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gexplo.2012.04.001
Baseri, F., Nezafati, N. 2021. Structural and Chemical Controllers of the North and Northwest of Torud Based on Involved Fluid Studies, Structural and Geochemical Analyses. Tehnički Glasnik 15(3), 339-349. https://doi.org/10.31803/tg-20201216121436
Berger, B.R., Ayuso, R.A., Wynn, J.C., Seal, R.R., 2008. Preliminary model of porphyry copper deposits. US geological survey open-file report 1321, 55.
Bonham-Carter, G.F., 1994. Geographic Information Systems for geoscientists modeling with GIS, Computer methods in the geoscientists 13, 398.
Borojerdnia, A., Rozbahani, M.M., Nazarpour, A., Ghanavati, N., Payandeh, K., 2020. Application of exploratory and Spatial Data Analysis (SDA), singularity matrix analysis, and fractal models to delineate background of potentially toxic elements: A case study of Ahvaz, SW Iran. Science of the Total Environment 740, 140103. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140103
Bröcker, M., Omrani, H., Berndt, J., Moslempour, M.E. 2021. Unravelling metamorphic ages of suture zone rocks from the Sabzevar and Makran areas (Iran): Robust age constraints for the larger Arabia–Eurasian collision zone. Journal of Metamorphic Geology 39(9), 1099-1129. https://doi.org/10.1111/jmg.12603
Cheng, Q., 2007. Mapping singularities with stream sediment geochemical data for prediction of undiscovered mineral deposits in Gejiu, Yunnan Province, China. Ore Geology Reviews 32(1-2), 314-324. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2006.10.002
El Janati, M., 2019. Application of remotely sensed ASTER data in detecting alteration hosting Cu, Ag and Au bearing mineralized zones in Taghdout area, Central Anti-Atlas of Morocco. Journal of African Earth Sciences 151, 95-106. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2018.12.002
Eslami, A., Malvoisin, B., Brunet, F., Kananian, A., Bach, W., et al., 2021. Podiform magnetite ore (s) in the Sabzevar ophiolite (NE Iran): oceanic hydrothermal alteration of a chromite deposit. Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology 176(6), 1-23. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00410-021-01799-0
Freitas Suita, M.T.D., Strieder, A.J., 1996. Cr-spinels from Brazilian mafic-ultramafic complexes: metamorphic modifications. International Geology Review 38(3), 245-267. https://doi.org/10.1080/00206819709465333
Garuti, G., Bea, F., Zaccarini, F., Montero, P. 2001. Age, geochemistry and petrogenesis of the ultramafic pipes in the Ivrea Zone, NW Italy. Journal of Petrology 42(2), 433-457. https://doi.org/10.1093/petrology/42.2.433
Ghezelbash, R., Maghsoudi, A., 2018. A hybrid AHP-VIKOR approach for prospectivity modeling of porphyry Cu deposits in the Varzaghan District, NW Iran. Arabian Journal of Geosciences 11(11), 275. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-018-3624-1
Gunn, P.J., Maidment, D., Milligan, P.R., 1997. Interpreting aeromagnetic data in areas of limited outcrop. AGSO Journal of Australian geology and geophysics 17, 175-186.
Hedayat, B., Ahmadi, M.E., Nazerian, H., Shirazi, A., Shirazy, A. 2022. Feasibility of Simultaneous Application of Fuzzy Neural Network and TOPSIS Integrated Method in Potential Mapping of Lead and Zinc Mineralization in Isfahan-Khomein Metallogeny Zone. Open Journal of Geology 12(3), 215-233. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojg.2022.123012
Jafari, MA., Nazarpour, A., Rostami Paydar, G., 2021a. Application of Singularity Index (SI), Fuzzy-Gamma and AHP methods for Pb-Zn Prospecting in the Khondab sheet, Malayer-Isfahan Metallogenic Zone, Iran. Scientific Quarterly Journal of Geosciences 31(4), 79-96. https://doi.org/10.22071/gsj.2021.250481.1848
Jafari, M.A., Nzarpour, A., Kananian, A., 2020. Comparison accuracy of Fuzzy-GAMMA and analytical hierarchy process (AHP) two methods with the potential detection of Cu metal in Malayer-Aligoudarz-Esfahan metallogenic zone. Journal of Advanced Applied Geology 10(3), 314-327. https://doi.org/10.22055/aag.2020.30222.2011
Jafari, M., Amini, M., Nazarpour, A., Golriz, M., 2022. Identification of hidden mineral deposits using airborne magnetic data in the Malayer-Esfahan metallogenic belt (MEMB), Iran. Advanced Applied Geology, 12(3), 502-519. https://doi.org/10.22055/aag.2021.36501.2199
Leblanc, M., Violette, J.F., 1983. Distribution of aluminum-rich and chromium-rich chromite pods in ophiolite peridotites. Economic Geology 78(2), 293-301. https://doi.org/10.2113/gsecongeo.78.2.293
Malaekeh, A., Ghassemi, M.R., Afzal, P., Solgi, A., 2021. Fractal modeling and relationship between thrust faults and carbonate-hosted Pb-Zn mineralization in Alborz Mountains, Northern Iran. Geochemistry 81(4), 125803. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemer.2021.125803
Moghaddasi, S.J., Yazdi, J., 2015. Geology and formation of titaniferous placer deposits in Upper Jogaz Valley area, Fanuj, Sistan and Baluchestan province, Iran. Journal of Economic Geology 7(2), 327-341. https://doi.org/10.22067/econg.v7i2.28197
Najafi, A., Karimpour, M.H. and Ghaderi, M., 2014. Application of fuzzy AHP method to IOCG prospectivity mapping: A case study in Taherabad prospecting area, eastern Iran, International journal of applied earth observation and geoinformation 33, 142-154. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jag.2014.05.003
Nazarpour, A., Paydar, G.R., Mehregan, F., Hejazi, S.J., Jafari, M.A., 2022. Application of geographically weighted regression (GWR) and singularity analysis to identify stream sediment geochemical anomalies, case study, Takab Area, NW Iran. Journal of Geochemical Exploration 235, 106953. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gexplo.2022.106953
Pirajno, F., Cawood, P.A., 2009. Hydrothermal processes and mineral systems (No. 553.7 PIR). Springer/Geological Survey of Western Australia. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-8613-7_11
Prior, Á., Benndorf, J., Mueller, U., 2021. Resource and grade control model updating for underground mining production settings. Mathematical Geosciences 53(4), 757-779. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11004-020-09881-2
Rahmani, F., Mackizadeh, M.A., Noghreyan, M., Marchesi, C., Garrido, C.J., 2020. Petrology and geochemistry of mafic and ultramafic cumulate rocks from the eastern part of the Sabzevar ophiolite (NE Iran): Implications for their petrogenesis and tectonic setting. Geoscience Frontiers 11(6), 2347-2364. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gsf.2020.02.004
Rajabzadeh, M.A., Ghasemkhani, E., Khosravi, A., 2015. Biogeochemical study of chromite bearing zones in Forumad area, Sabzevar ophiolite, Northeastern Iran. Journal of Geochemical Exploration 151, 41-49. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gexplo.2015.01.002
Rajendran, S., Nasir, S., 2014. Hydrothermal altered serpentinized zone and a study of Ni-magnesioferrite–magnetite–awaruite occurrences in Wadi Hibi, Northern Oman Mountain: discrimination through ASTER mapping Ore Geology Reviews 62, 211-226. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2014.03.016
Rouskov, K., Popov, K., Stoykov, S., Yamaguchi, Y., 2005. Some applications of the remote sensing in geology by using of ASTER images. In Scientific Conference “SPACE, ECOLOGY, SAFETY”, pp. 167-173.
Sabins, F.F., 1999. Remote sensing for mineral exploration. Ore Geology Reviews 14, 157-183. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0169-1368(99)00007-4
Soleimani, M., Shokri, B.J., 2016. Intrinsic geological model generation for chromite pods in the Sabzevar ophiolite complex, NE Iran. Ore geology reviews 78, 138-150. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2016.03.013
Solgi, E., Parmah, J., 2015. Analysis and assessment of nickel and chromium pollution in soils around Baghejar Chromite Mine of Sabzevar Ophiolite Belt, Northeastern Iran. Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China 25(7), 2380-2387. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1003-6326(15)63853-5
Taghipour, B., Shabani, S., Somarin, A.K., 2021. Geochemistry of platinum-group elements in the podiform chromitites and associated peridotites of the Nain ophiolites, Central Iran: Implications for geotectonic setting. Acta Geochimica, 1-21.‏ https://doi.org/10.1007/s11631-021-00464-4
Tan, R.R., Aviso, K.B., Huelgas, A.P., Promentilla, M.A.B., 2014. Fuzzy AHP approach to selection problems in process engineering involving quantitative and qualitative aspects. Process Safety and Environmental Protection 92(5), 467-475. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psep.2013.11.005
Ukhurebor, K.E., Aigbe, U.O., Onyancha, R.B., Nwankwo, W., Osibote, O.A., Paumo, H.K., Ama, O.M., Adetunji, C.O., Siloko, I.U., 2021. Effect of hexavalent chromium on the environment and removal techniques: a review. Journal of Environmental Management 280, p.111809. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.111809
Vaziri, A., Nazarpour, A., Ghanavati, N., Babainejad, T., Watts, M.J., 2021. An integrated approach for spatial distribution of potentially toxic elements (Cu, Pb and Zn) in topsoil. Scientific Reports 11(1), 1-16. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-021-00994-z
Xiao, F., Chen, J., Hou, W., Wang, Z., Zhou, Y., Erten, O., 2018. A spatially weighted singularity mapping method applied to identify epithermal Ag and Pb-Zn polymetallic mineralization associated geochemical anomaly in Northwest Zhejiang, China. Journal of Geochemical Exploration 189, 122-137. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gexplo.2017.03.017
Yaghoubpour, A., Hassannejad, A.A., 2006. The spatial distribution of some chromite deposits in Iran, using Fry analysis.
Yang, C., Liu, S.A., Zhang, L., Wang, Z.Z., Liu, P.P., Li, S.G., 2021. Zinc isotope fractionation between Cr-spinel and olivine and its implications for chromite crystallization during magma differentiation. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 313, 277-294. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2021.08.005
Zadeh, L.A., 1965. Fuzzy sets. Information and control 8(3), 338-353. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0019-9958(65)90241-X
Zhang, N., Zhou, K., Du, X., 2017. Application of fuzzy logic and fuzzy AHP to mineral prospectivity mapping of porphyry and hydrothermal vein copper deposits in the Dananhu-Tousuquan island arc, Xinjiang, NW China. Journal of African Earth Sciences 128, 84-96. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2016.12.011
Zuo, R., Wang, J., Chen, G., Yang, M., 2015. Identification of weak anomalies: A multifractal perspective. Journal of Geochemical Exploration 148, 12-24. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gexplo.2014.05.005
Advanced Applied Geology
Volume 13, Issue 2
June 2023
Pages 517-536

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics