The mapping of hydrothermal alteration zones associated with mineralization is of paramount importance in searching for metal deposits. For this purpose, targeting alteration zones by analyzing airborne geophysical and satellite imagery provides accurate and reliable results. In the Kelâat M’Gouna inlier, located in the Saghro Massif of the Moroccan Anti Atlas, natural gamma-ray spectrometry and ASTER satellite data were used to map hydrothermal alteration zones. Natural gamma-ray spectrometry data were processed to produce maps of Potassium (K in %), Uranium (eU in ppm), Thorium (eTh in ppm) and ratios of K/eTh and K/eU. In addition, four-band ratios were computed, on ASTER data, to map the distribution of clay minerals, phyllitic minerals, propylitic minerals, and iron oxides. The combined results obtained from geophysical and satellite data were further exploited by fuzzy logic modelling using the Geographic Information System (GIS) to generate a mineral prospectivity map. Seven hydrothermal alteration zones likely to be favorable for mineralization have been identified. They show a spatial correlation with (i) known surface prospects and mineral occurrences, (ii) the granite-encasing contact zone, and (iii) the fault zones (Sidi Flah and Tagmout faults). This research therefore provides important information on the prospecting of mineral potential in the study area.

The current investigation concern Tiouit region in order to perceive potential mining zones. Remote sensing data were the main component to process. In order to spot geochemical anomalies associated with the target zones, multispectral ASTER data, gamma-ray spectrometry, and stream sediment data were used. Crosta and SAM applications granted to map a spatial distribution of propylitic, phyllic, clay, and ferruginous alteration zones. The normalized ratios let the delineation of potassic alteration zones, including the Tiouit gold mine characterized by an intense alteration in the Ikniwn granodiorite. Thus, the potassic alteration zones are consistently co-located with the tectonic structures materialized by strong fracturing densities. The stream sediment geochemical investigation revealed that the cited areas have an important potential of mineralization, with high concentrations of As (136 g/t), Cu (91 g/t), Pb (141 g/t), Zn (392 g/t), Ag (3 g/t), Mo (11 g/t), Mn (0.2 g/t), and Fe (10.63 %).

The primary focus of this study is to explore the potential mineral areas. Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer images and radiometric data were combined in the Tikirt region to map hydrothermal alteration zones associated with mineralized deposits. Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer images were analysed using band ratios, principal component analysis and a fuzzy logic model to discover argillic, phyllic, propylitic and iron oxide alterations and to generate a mineral prospectivity map. In addition, mono‐element maps of radiometric elements (K in %, eU in ppm, eTh in ppm) and their behaviour in the ternary image have been elaborated to determine the concentrations of radiometric elements and the variation of radiometric character along the exposed terrains. The F parameter was calculated to target high potassium concentration areas associated with hydrothermal alteration zones. Combining the two methods highlighted four hydrothermal alteration zones considered very promising from a mining point of view. These zones are generally linked to the magma bodies affected by normal faults and exhibit a clear spatial correlation with mineral occurrences.