Geostatistical approach for elucidating the potential titanium-zirconium placer areas: Evidence from the Transural placer district

Geostatistical analysis of the composition of mineral assemblages of Oligocene sediments in the Mansi and Severnaya Sosva areas of the Transural titanium-zirconium placer district was accomplished by the method of the principal components. High significance of the first principal component and its composition revealed by this analysis suggest the existence of an efficient placer-forming process that can produce commercial concentrations of ore minerals. Interpretation of statistical indicators is given. The results confirm the facies zoning of sediments revealed previously in the Oligocene basin. They show that the paleolittoral and shallow-water zones with a moderate hydrodynamic activity in the depositional environment have the highest potential of titanium-zirconium raw material. Analysis of the mineral potential revealed that the Mansi and Severnaya Sosva areas can accommodate a medium-scale placer deposit.