67 Fertility (F): The presence of a metal- and fluid-producing source capable of generating mineralizing systems. In porphyry–skarn environments, fertility is commonly associated with specific magmatic suites and their physicochemical characteristics. Geodynamics (G): The large-scale tectonic conditions that trigger and sustain mineralizing processes, including convergent margin evolution, crustal thickening, and lithospheric architecture. Architecture (A): The crustal-scale structural configuration that facilitates fluid migration and focuses mineralizing systems into trap sites. This includes major fault systems, lithological contrasts, and structural intersections. Preservation (P): Post-mineralization tectonic and erosional processes that maintain the integrity and exposure of mineral systems. Figure 1 - Critical elements of a mineral system. Adapted from McCuaig & Hronsky (2014). At the regional scale addressed in this study, Fertility, Geodynamics, and Architecture constitute the primary evaluative dimensions. Preservation is considered implicitly through regional tectonic stability and exposure conditions but is not modeled as an independent predictor due to scale constraints. 1.2. Mineral Systems-Based Prospectivity Approach The relative importance and expression of mineral system elements vary according to deposit type. In porphyry–skarn systems, key permissive factors include magmatic age and composition, lithological associations, structural configuration, and tectonic setting. These elements must converge spatially and temporally to generate an economically significant system. This study applies a process-based prospectivity framework structured around system components, geological processes, and scale dependency, following the approach outlined by McCuaig et al. (2010) and subsequent adaptations for regional targeting. Critical processes (causes) are translated into spatially mappable target elements (consequences), which are then represented by predictor maps derived from geological and structural datasets. Each predictor is weighted conceptually according to its relevance at the working scale. Elements deemed essential at regional scale are prioritized, whereas lower-order controls that operate at deposit scale are excluded to avoid overfitting and conceptual inconsistency.
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