Magnetic Survey Investigation for the Assessment of Iron Mineralization Potential in the Kheirabad–Sirjan Region, Iran

Project Leader: Dr. Mehdi Mohammadi Vizheh
Client: Vista Madan Artan Co.
Year: 2024

The Kheirabad prospect was investigated using magnetic surveys for iron mineralization exploration. The study area is predominantly covered by sedimentary deposits, including terraces and young alluvial fan deposits. In the northern part of the area, carbonate units (including reefal/orange-colored limestones and dolomites), hematite outcrops, and basaltic lava flows are exposed. The most significant magnetic field variations were observed in these zones.

Magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate values lower than 0.0004 SI for hematite and an average susceptibility of approximately 0.0001 SI for carbonate units (limestones and dolomites). In the vicinity of the hematitic vein, andesitic and basaltic dykes appear to occur at depth along fault zones. The maximum and average magnetic susceptibility values estimated from the inversion model are approximately 0.08 SI and 0.04 SI, respectively. Considering the measured susceptibility values of exposed basaltic lava flows and igneous units (0.005–0.04 SI) as well as the estimated depths, the magnetic anomalies identified in the inversion model are interpreted to be mainly related to volcanic lava flows and igneous units. The results of this investigation indicate the absence of a significant concealed magnetite deposit at depth.

Hematitic iron mineralization, occurring in vein- and layer-like forms, is exposed in the northern part of the prospect, hosted by orange-colored limestones and located close to basaltic lava flows. Therefore, in addition to the planned drilling program for investigating the identified magnetic anomalies, several drill holes have been proposed to evaluate the hematite mineralization potential and assess the possibility of metallic mineralization (mainly sulfide-type mineralization) at deeper stratigraphic levels, thereby supporting the continuation of the exploration program.