A New Approach To Map Host Rock For Gold Exploration In The Rio Das Velhas Greenstone Belt, Quadrilátero Ferrível, Minas Gerais, Brazil

An empirical modeling approach was used to locate zones that are favorable for gold mineralization in Rio das Velhas Greenstone Belt, Quadrilátero Ferrífero (QF). A known spatial coincidence exists between banded iron formation (BIF) host lithology, structures and mineralogy type that are indicative of gold. Quantitative relationships between airborne geophysical and geological data sets with known gold occurrences were determined using probability ratio analysis. Spatial associations between geophysical data and host lithology were combined to produce predictive models to explore for Archean oxide-BIF-hosted deposits. This approach has shown great capability for linking geological and geophysical interpretation. The results of this modeling map areas of exposed and subsurface geologic units that are important to gold exploration in the area.