Predictive assessment of metallogenic signatures using the DataBase Querying (DBQ) method: A European application

As part of the European-Peruvian ION4RAW project (Horizon 2020 framework programme European Commission), which aims at developing mineral-processing technology to recover selected by-products (e.g., Te, Bi, Co, Re, Mo, Pt, Sb, Ge, Se, In) from primary Cu-Ag-Au deposits, we assessed a geographical inventory elements. However, not all elements economic interest today have been systematically assayed and/or studied in past, and existing databases commonly are incomplete 2022 viewpoint. The DataBase Querying (DBQ) geostatistical mineral prospectivity method helps address this gap between potential occurrences ‘piecemeal’ historical inventories. In addition ‘classical’ application DBQ method, developed new approach. This is based on assessment more global predictive metallogenic-signature aspects VMS, orogenic, epithermal), by clustering known occur various metallogenic families, using ArcGIS software. Development continental scale allowed identifying several areas great Europe for exploration targeted by-products. It also assessing favourability occurrence commodities that ‘by-products’ their parageneses were, until recently, rarely reported geochemical studies.