164 2. DATA ANALYSIS AND GEOLOGICAL INTERPRETATIONS In this study, the initial focus was on lithium exploration within the broader battery-element suite (Li, Ni, Co, Ta, V, MnO, MgO, and Al₂O₃). To stabilize the compositional structure of the geochemical dataset and reduce the influence of closure effects, the centered logratio (CLR) transformation was applied to the Li values (Figure 2A). Subsequently, a PCA biplot combined with K-Means clustering was used to evaluate the multi-element relationships and to extract the first-pass geological interpretation of the dataset (Figures 2B and 2C). The clustering results provided a clear geochemical and geological separation of the area. Cluster 0 (red), which contains the highest lithium concentrations with an average of 14.3 ppm, stands out as the most prospective zone. This cluster not only hosts the strongest Li enrichment but also tends to show elevated Ta, Al₂O₃, and MnO. The geochemical behavior of this group is consistent with signatures expected from fertile LCT pegmatite systems, where high Li–Ta–Al assemblages typically indicate evolved, fractionated granitic melts. The presence of elevated Mn further supports late-magmatic or hydrothermal modification. From an exploration perspective, Cluster 0 represents the top-priority domain, and the areas falling into this category are strong candidates for Li-bearing pegmatites such as spodumene, lepidolite, or petalite. Cluster 2 (green) displays moderately high Li values, averaging around 11.5 ppm—lower than Cluster 0 but still enriched relative to background. This cluster often exhibits moderate increases in V, Mn, and in some cases Co, indicating either a geochemical halo around more fractionated pegmatites or host rocks that have interacted with hydrothermal fluids carrying Li-associated elements. These zones are considered medium-priority targets. They warrant follow-up particularly when spatially adjacent to Cluster 0, as they may represent the outer envelopes or partially buried extensions of an LCT system. Cluster 1 (blue) corresponds to the lowest Li concentrations in the dataset (average 11.4 ppm) and is typically characterized by higher MgO and Co contents. This pattern suggests a more mafic or ultramafic lithological influence—potentially greenstones, amphibolites, or serpentinized units. These areas have low potential for hosting Li-fertile pegmatites and therefore represent low-priority exploration zones. Despite their limited relevance to lithium targeting, they provide useful background geochemistry and may still hold interest for Ni–Co pathfinder studies. Overall, the CLR transformation, PCA structure, and clustering outputs collectively provide a robust, first-order geochemical basis for distinguishing prospective LCT-pegmatite signatures from background lithologies and hydrothermal halos, helping refine the subsequent stages of target evaluation.
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