Prospecting of Ni mineralization using fractal models based on lithogeochemical data in Patang area, Eastern Iran

The aim of this study is to delineate the main Ni geochemical anomalies using concentration–perimeter (C–P) and concentration–number (C–N) fractal modeling based on lithogeochemical data in the Patang area, Eastern Iran. Results obtained by the C–P and C–N fractal modeling revealed that the extreme and high anomalies for Ni are located in the SE and NW parts of the studied area, which is associated with ultrabasic rocks especially peridotite and serpentinized harzburgites with an intensive lisvenitic alteration. Correlation between the main anomalies in the SE part of the area and mineralographical data indicated that there are high Ni values with respect to ore minerals including nickelite and ullmannite. Furthermore, results derived via the C–N fractal modeling revealed that the low intensive anomalies for Ni occur in the central parts of the area. Moreover, the main prospects for Ni are located in the SE and NW parts of the area suggesting that a detailed exploration should be conducted.