Concentration–Number (C–N) fractal method has been used for determining and separating mineralization phases based on surface lithogeochemical Au, Ag, Cu, Pb, Zn, As and Sb data in the Zehabad epithermal deposit, NW Iran. Five mineralization phases are demonstrated by multifractal modeling for the mentioned elements correlating with geological studies. The extreme phase of Au mineralization is higher than 7.9 ppm, which is correlated with hematite deposition in silicic veins and veinlets, whereas Ag (˃79.43 ppm), Cu (˃15.85%), Pb (˃63.1%), Zn (˃11.2%) extreme phases are associated with the main stage sulfidation phases. The results show that Au, Cu, Pb, Zn and Ag have two different mineralization trends based on the multifractal nature in this area. These trends are presented based on oxidic and sulfidic mineralization. According to mineralogical studies, the main stages of mineralization include: 1) formation of chalcopyrite ± sphalerite in silicic veins in sulfidic trend; 2) deposition of native gold and specular hematite in silicic veins in response to boilling, in oxidic trend; 3) next phase of fluid penetration and replacing chalcopyrite by galena, sphalerite and tetrahedrite-tennantite in the sulfide veins, in sulfic trend. Neighbouring copper and silver are due to the formation of tetrahedrite-tennantite solid solution. The obtained results show a positive correlation between mineralization phases and the faults present at the deposit. Moreover, mineralization phases of these elements demonstrate a good correlation with silicification and silicic veins and veinlets. Manuscript profile

The aim of this study was to identify various sulfidic mineralized zones in the Ghare-Tappeh Cu deposit (NW Iran) based on geo-electrical data including induced polarization (IP) and resistivity (RS) using the concentration-volume (C-V) and number-size (N-S) fractal models. The fractal models were used to separate high and moderate sulfidic zones from low sulfidic zones and barren wall rocks. Both the N-S and C-V fractal models confirm that there is a high sulfidic mineralized zone in the NW part of the studied area. Moreover, the application of multifractal modeling based on the geo-electrical data is considered to be a proper approach for delineation of various mineralized zones at depth for optimization of mineral exploration operations. Finally, the results can be useful for proposing grid drilling in a detailed exploration stage. Manuscript profile

The Behabad region is located within a tectono–sedimentary zone in southeast Yazd province, Central Iran. The tectonic activities have deformed and faulted the Mesozoic and Quaternary formations in this area. The faults in Kuhbanan and Behabad have played a key role in the evolution of geological events, mineralization, and the formation of Behabad–Kuhbanan horst. These faults have separated the Posht-e-Badam block from the Tabas block and the Behabad zone from the Abdoghi–Ravar tectonic zone, respectively. Remote-sensing techniques and field observations show that the Pb–Zn veins share similar trends with the structures. The compressional system induced by the activities of the Behabad-1 and 2 fault systems have caused the formation of thrusts, drag, and sigmoidal folds, the North Behabad horst, and shear zones containing Pb–Zn mineralization. The Mississippi Valley-type (MVT) deposits and strata band mineralization types are present in the study area. In terms of the temporal phase controller, it is consistent with the tectonic-magmatic model of the Late Paleozoic–Triassic period; in terms of the spatial controller, mineralization is situated in the tectonic–metallogeny province of Central Iran and the ore deposits that mainly follow the geometry of the thrust faults’ crushed zones. The thrust fault that drives the dolomite unit over the limestone is the main cause of the ore solutions migration. According to the MVT mineralization and the correlation between structures and mineralization, the sulfide deposits can be potentially found at the base of the Permo–Triassic units in the studied area. There are several active and non-active Zn–Pb mines such as Abheydar, Rikalaghi, and Tapesorkh. Manuscript profile

Logistics in upstream oil industry is a critical task as rigs need consistent support for ongoing production. In this paper, a multi-period, multi-product and multi-hub routing and scheduling model is presented for offshore logistics problem. As rigs can be served in specific time intervals, time windows constraints are considered in the proposed model. Despite classic VRP models, vessels are not forced to return hubs at the end of duty days. Also, a vessel may leave and return back to hubs several times during the planning horizon. Moreover, the model determines which vessels are applied in each day. In other words, a vessel may be applied in some days and be inactive in other days of planning horizon. To develop a compromise model, fueling issue is considered in the model. As a rig can be supplied by different vessels in real world cases, the proposed model is split delivery. Based on these challenges and contributions, this research deploys an integrated optimization of routing and scheduling of vessels for offshore logistics. This paper deals with a combinatorial optimization model which is NP-hard. Hence, Genetic Algorithm is applied as the solution approach. The average gap between objective functions of GAMS and GA is only 1.18 percent while saving CPU time in GA is much more than GAMS (about 78.16 percent on average). The results confirm the applicability and efficiency of the GA. Manuscript profile