A mineral system-based hybrid data-rich, knowledge-driven approach was used to produce a series of predictor maps thought to represent critical components of pegmatite-hosted lithium mineralization. Predictor maps were calibrated using a dataset of 138 310 exploration drillholes with harmonized maximum lithium grades. Input datasets were assigned a relative prospectivity value based on their correlation with harmonized drillhole data. Each predictor map was rasterised using a standard 1 km cell size. Predictor maps were combined to form a summary map for each major component of the mineral system, and these were then combined to produce the final image. Fuzzy logic was employed to combine predictor maps into a final prospectivity map. The results of this map correlate well with known Li resources in Western Australia, and highlight areas for further exploration, while considerably reducing the search area of the State.

SOURCE – Lithium pegmatite – raster combined SOURCE

PATHWAY – Lithium pegmatite – raster combined PATHWAY

TRAP – Lithium pegmatite – raster combined TRAP

The Mineral System Tree is the graphical display of a mineral systems analysis showing the link between critical/constituent processes and their recommended targeting features and GIS layers.

 Mineral System Tree: Rare-element pegmatite