The application of the favourable factor correlation method to the mineral resources assessment of the “Dongbeizhai-type” gold deposits in Songpan, Sichuan

The forecast prospects of the 334 mineral resources in the "Dongbeizhai-type" gold deposits in the Songpan region, Sichuan have been delineated in this study with the aid of the favorable factor correlation method on the basis of the metallogenic conditions, geochemical anomalies and mineralization models for the "Dongbeizhai-type" gold deposits. The method may also be involved in the "ore deposit modelling estimation method". The principles may be generalized as follows. Firstly, the quantitative relationship (quantitative predictive model) between mineral resource reserves and geological conditions in one known deposit may be constructed on the basis of the approach to the relationship between the ore-controlling factors (or geological variables) and mineral resources in the given areas. When the geological variables and relevant data obtained from the predicted areas where the geological conditions are similar to those in the predictive model are introduced into the above-mentioned model, we-can estimate the mineral resources in the predicted areas. According to the model, the additional 334-1 and 334-2 mineral resources in the Songpan region may amount to 81 tons and 65.9 tons, respectively.