SsL-VGMM: A Semisupervised Machine Learning Model of Multisource Data Fusion for Lithology Prediction

In deep mineral exploration, it is difficult to constrain the complex geological structures using a single geophysical method. To tackle the difficulty, integrated geophysical surveys and joint data interpretation are essential. Machine learning (ML) provides more accurate predictions than traditional methods, especially when dealing with complex data from multiple sources or varied statistical distributions. However, a major challenge in using ML for deep mineral exploration is the scarcity and imbalance of labeled samples, mainly due to budget constraints and the complexity of ore deposits. This issue reduces the accuracy of predictive models and introduces bias. Additionally, limited labeling can lead to difficulties in predicting previously undefined classes in training datasets. To address these challenges, we introduce a robust semisupervised ML framework that integrates diverse geophysical and geological datasets to improve model reliability with limited labeled data. Our approach uses a semisupervised ML variational Gaussian mixture model (SsL-VGMM) to handle issues related to insufficient and imbalanced data. We enhanced the model’s predictive capability for unseen data by introducing a novel penalty factor in the ‘cannot-link’ function. Moreover, we employed Bayesian optimization, focusing on the mean-mixture weight, to avoid local optima during model training. Our model demonstrated high accuracy and efficiency, with classification and prediction accuracies of 95.33% and 87.4%, respectively, in numerical and electromagnetic simulation scenarios. Its effectiveness was further validated by locating Pb–Zn–Ag deposits in Inner Mongolia, supported by actual drilling data. This paper highlights the model’s potential in complex mineral exploration and its significant practical and innovative value for deep mineral exploration.