Mineral exploration is a complex and risky process in which all different exploration criterion need to be integrated to obtain the highest favorable area in a region. So far different methods have been proposed to evaluate the favorability of minerals. Multi Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) is one of these methods. In this study AHP, TOPSIS and VIKOR methods were used to determine the potential of Copper mineralization in Dehaj- Kouhpanj area. The region of studied with an area of 7500 km 2 is located between Dehaj and Kouhpanj at the northwest part of Kerman province and is a part of the Kerman Cenozoic Magmatic Arc (KCMA). The region is mostly contained of Volcanic and Sedimentary Rocks. Intrusive Granodiorite masses caused wide alteration in the region followed by porphyry copper mineralization. These alterations were determined by applying band ratio, Principal component analysis, least square fitting and supervised A sample of 2208 stream sediments were collected in order to recognize anomalies related to Copper mineralization in the region by Geological Survey of Iran. Copper was determined in the samples by application of principal component analysis, factor analysis, sample basin catchment and statistical methods. Gravimetic method was used to determine the intrusives units in the region which are related to Granodiorite and primary magma chamber. Radiometic data analysis was used to determine the Potassic and Phyllic alteration in which mineralization occurred. Finally the prepared layers were integrated according to their corresponding weight and conceptual methods of copper mineralization in the region. To do that a group of 10 expertise 5 from National Iranian Copper Industries Company (NICICo) and 5 local professional members were requested to give weights. After recognizing high potential area by AHP method, VIKOR and TOPSIS methods were used to rank the potential of deposits in the region. Results showed that Kader deposit has the highest potential and the best rank for more detailed exploration studies with low risk. VIKOR method was also found a better detector of vein type of mineralization and small deposits. Meanwhile TOPSIS method was better in determining large and porphyry deposits. Results also showed that Kader, Sarcheshmeh, Meiduk, Darrehzar, Kouhpanj and Chahmesi deposits can be considered as the high potential and exploring regions and both methods can be used in determining the most favorable area.
