The Duobaoshan mineralization area in Heilongjiang Province is a key copper–molybdenum–gold polymetallic region in China. Its southeastern Fudiyingzi–Bacheli area, located at the intersection of the NW-trending copper and NE-trending gold belts, exhibits favorable mineralization conditions. Despite over 70 years of placer gold mining and the discovery of one small copper deposit and one gold deposit, the area remains underexplored with significant peripheral exploration potential. This study integrates 1:50,000 geological mapping, high-precision magnetic surveys, phase-induced polarization, and soil geochemistry through multi-source data fusion for comprehensive mineral prediction. Key steps include delineating Cu, Au, and Mo anomalies and analyzing their associations with Zn, Cd, Ag, As, etc.; inferring NE-, NW-, and near-EW-trending linear structures via magnetic boundary enhancement; dividing high/low resistivity zones and identifying nine significant and six weak phase anomalies using phase-induced polarization; establishing a mineralization model based on typical deposits; and delineating four priority exploration targets. These results provide a scientific basis for further exploration in shallow coverage areas.

Mining and analyzing information from multiple sources—such as geophysics and geochemistry—is a key aspect of big data-driven mineral prediction. Clustering, which groups large datasets based on distance metrics, is an essential method in multidimensional data analysis. The Two-Step Clustering (TSC) approach offers advantages by handling both categorical and continuous variables and automatically determining the optimal number of clusters. In this study, we applied the TSC method to mineral prediction in the northeastern margin of the Jiaolai Basin by: (i) converting residual gravity and magnetic anomalies into categorical variables using Ward clustering; and (ii) transforming 13 stream sediment elements into independent continuous variables through factor analysis. The results showed that clustering is sensitive to categorical variables and performs better with fewer categories. When variables share similar distribution characteristics, consistency between geophysical discretization and geochemical boundaries also influences clustering results. In this study, the (3 × 4) and (4 × 4) combinations yielded optimal clustering results. Cluster 3 was identified as a favorable zone for gold deposits due to its moderate gravity, low magnetism, and the enrichment in F1 (Ni–Cu–Zn), F2 (W–Mo–Bi), and F3 (As–Sb), indicating a multi-stage, shallow, hydrothermal mineralization process. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of combining Ward clustering for variable transformation with TSC for the integrated analysis of categorical and numerical data, confirming its value in multi-source data research and its potential for further application.

To explore the deep geological structure of the Dongyang area in Fujian, China, gravity data from the area and its surroundings were collected and processed. Additionally, a high-precision magnetic survey was conducted in the Zhongxian region of this area, with subsequent analysis of the magnetic anomalies. Through the integration of regional geological data, a comprehensive analysis was carried out on the characteristics of gravity–magnetic anomalies and deep geological structures in the Dongyang area. The study indicates that the primary portion of the Dongyang area lies southwest of the expansive circular volcanic structure spanning Dehua to Yongtai. Two significant residual gravity anomalies were identified within the region, interpreted as the Xiaoban-Shuangqishan and Dongyang-Lingtouping residual gravity-positive anomalies. In the Zhongxian region, the magnetic field exhibits complexity with notable amplitude variations. Positive anomalies predominate in the western and northern sectors, while localized positive anomalies are prominent in the eastern region. The central area portrays a circular and disordered mix of positive and negative anomalies. Particularly distinctive are the band-shaped and fan-shaped negative anomalies curving from northeast to southeast through the central region. Various positive and negative anomalies of varying strengths, gradients, and orientations overlay both positive and negative magnetic backgrounds in specific locales. Moreover, the Dongyang area showcases well-developed fault structures, primarily oriented in northeast and northwest directions. Leveraging the regional magnetic attributes in conjunction with regional geological data, 39 faults were deduced in the Zhongxian region of the Dongyang area, delineating three promising mineralization zones.