APPLICATION OF DISCRIMINANT-ANALYSIS TO EVALUATE COMPOSITIONAL CONTROLS OF STRATIFORM MASSIVE SULFIDE DEPOSITS IN CANADA

Multiple discriminant analysis is used to identify systematic variations of Cu, Pb, Zn, Ag, and Au grade values in the Canadian massive sulfide deposits with the three geological parameters of age, environment, and composition of volcanic lithology. The deposits have been separated into three groups on each of the three parameter scales and discriminant functions that separated the three groups on the basis of metal grades were then obtained. The results of the analysis indicated that Pb and Cu are the most significant in indicating specific trends along the three geological parameter scales. Pb grade increases in younger deposits with an increase in the sedimentary character of their environments, or with a more felsic nature to their volcanic rocks. On the other hand, Cu grade increases in deposits that occur in volcanic environments and with a more mafic nature to the volcanic host rocks. The results could have useful applications in mineral exploration. © 1979 Plenum Publishing Corporation.