2625 (ICP-AES) (Al, Ca, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, P, S, Ti and V), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) (Ag, Ba, Be, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Ga, Ge, Hf, Hg, In, Li, Nb, Ni, Pb, Rb, Re, Se, Sn, Sr, Ta, Te, Th, Tl, U, Y, Zn, Zr, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy, Tb, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu) and instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) (As, Au, Br, Fe, Hf, Ir, Na, Sb, Sc, W, La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb, Yb and Lu). Chemical element concentrations were determined using a tight internal and external quality control procedure. 2.3 Statistical analysis A comprehensive database integrating all analytical results, field‑campaign observations, and relevant supporting attributes was compiled for subsequent statistical analysis, following the methodological framework established by Reimann et al. (2008). Element concentrations falling below the instrumental detection limit (IDL) were assigned surrogate values equivalent to one‑half of their respective detection limits to enable robust statistical treatment. Univariate statistical analyses were conducted to characterize the geochemical distribution of individual elements. The variability of elemental concentration values, their distribution patterns, and the presence of multiple populations or outliers were assessed through the computation of several statistical parameters, which are summarized in Table 1. In addition, deviations from normal or log-normal behaviour were evaluated for each element following the approach outlined by Reimann (2005). Spatial distribution maps of the chemical elements were generated using inverse distance weighting interpolation (ID²), allowing for visualization of the main characteristics of their geochemical distributions within the study area. 3. RESULTS Element concentrations were mapped using contour maps based on an 800 × 400 m grid and anisotropic interpolation (N110E). Maps of critical elements (Ex: Cu, Sb, As, Bi, Ba and Mn) show irregular, scattered anomalies, often unrelated to geological structures. These patterns suggest both primary and secondary geochemical dispersion linked to mineralization. Cu is the most significant element in the IPB, reflecting the abundance of Cu-rich sulfide deposits. In the central zone, dominated by the Volcano-Sedimentary Complex, Cu concentrations typically range between 40–60 mg/kg, with scattered anomalies corresponding to known deposits. A prominent Cu anomaly, with values above 56.5 mg/kg, extends through the central IPB and aligns with major deposits such as Rio Tinto, Tharsis, La Zarza, Sotiel, Aguas Teñidas, San Telmo, and Cueva de la Mora. Interestingly, other Cu anomalies occur outside known deposit areas, suggesting new targets of exploration interest (fig. 3A). Elements such as Sb, Bi, As, and Ba frequently appear in the geochemical signature of massive sulfide mineralization in the IPB. Their spatial distribution closely mirrors that of Cu, especially in mineralized zones. Given their economic value as by-products, these elements represent a strategic added value in the exploitation of polymetallic deposits, reinforcing the interest in multi-element geochemical analysis for exploration and resource assessment (fig. 3B, 3C, 3D and 3E). On the other hand, Mn has a different geochemical behavior across the main geological units, however, in general terms it again shows a very erratic distribution controlled by the large amount of manganese mineralization in the IPB (fig. 3F)
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