Multi-method machine learning techniques in gold pathfinder elements prediction in central parts of Tanzania using stream sediment geochemical data

Abstract

Prediction models using machine learning techniques have proven to be a reliable technique in mineral explo ration. A combination of these techniques is very robust and reliable in exploration targeting and much dependable as an approach in greenfield. In this study, multi-machine learning methods: random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), and artificial neural network (ANN) were employed to conduct a data-driven gold (Au) prospectivity modelling in the Central parts of the Tanzania Craton (TC). A total of 166 samples with Au concentrations from stream sediment samples were considered. Based on the modeling results, the RF model demonstrates superior prediction accuracy compared to the SVM (MSE of 0.89) and ANN models (MSE of 1.21), achieving an MSE of less than 0.82. In terms of overall predictive performance and efficiency, the RF model outperforms other ML models deployed in this research. Therefore, it is deemed the suitable model for gold (Au) prediction in the TC catchments. According to the geological interpretation derived from the model, anomalies in arsenic (As), nickel (Ni), and tungsten (W) now emerge as significant predictors in the quest for gold. This implies that the association of As–Ni–W are potential pathfinder elements in the exploration of gold in the central part of the TC.