Prediction of Au-Polymetallic Deposits Based on Spatial Multi-Layer Information Fusion by Random Forest Model in the Central Kunlun Area of Xinjiang, China

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on combining intelligent prospecting algorithms, such as random forest, with extensive geological and mineral data for the purpose of quantitatively predicting exploration geochemistry. This approach holds significant importance for enhancing the accuracy of target delineation. The central Kunlun area in Xinjiang possesses highly favorable ore-forming geological conditions, offering excellent prospects for mineral exploration. However, the depletion of shallow deposits coupled with a decade-long gap in geological exploration have presented increasing challenges in the quest to discover substantial metal resources. Consequently, there is now a severe shortage of reserve assets in the region, prompting an urgent need for the implementation of new theories, methods, and technologies in mineral resource investigation and evaluation efforts. The researchers used geological and regional geochemical data to construct a random forest metallogenic discriminant model for predicting the mineralization of gold polymetallic minerals in the central Kunlun area of Xinjiang and delineating the metallogenic target area. Two different sampling methods were compared to quantitatively predict gold polymetallic mineral resources. The results indicate that the selected training samples offer higher prediction accuracy and reliability by fully capturing the complex information of the original data. The random forest model using select training samples has valuable applications in metallogenic prospect prediction and potential division due to its ability to consider the actual exploration cost and identify small areas with high potential and a high proportion of ore. This study significantly improves prediction accuracy, reduces exploration risk, and expands the use of machine learning algorithms in mathematical geology in the central Kunlun area of Xinjiang.