Fusion of Multispectral Remote-Sensing Data through GIS-Based Overlay Method for Revealing Potential Areas of Hydrothermal Mineral Resources

Abstract

Revealing prospective locations of hydrothermal alteration zones (HAZs) is an important technique for mineral prospecting. In this study, we used multiple criteria inferred from Landsat-8 OLI, Sentinel-2, and ASTER data using a GIS-based weighted overlay multi-criteria decision analysis approach to build a model for the delineating of hydrothermal mineral deposits in the Khnaiguiyah district, Saudi Arabia. The utilized algorithms revealed argillic, phyllic, and propylitic alteration characteristics. The HAZs map resulted in the identification of six zones based on their mineralization potential, providing a basis for potential hydrothermal mineral deposit assessment exploration, which was created by the fusion of mineral bands indicators designated very low, low, moderate, good, very good, and excellent and covers 31.36, 28.22, 20.49, 10.99, 6.35, and 2.59%. Based on their potential for hydrothermal mineral potentiality, the discovered zones match gossans related to sulfide mineral alteration zones, as demonstrated by previous studies.

Fuzzy-logic technique for gold mineralization prospecting using Landsat 9 OLI processing and fieldwork data in the Bibemi goldfield, north Cameroon

“…Satellite imageries could be used to target multiple and new potential areas before conducting detailed and costly fieldwork research [ 1 , 6 , 30 , 35 , 50 , 56 , 62 ]. Moreover, the use of satellite data for remote sensing is a crucial low-cost option for detecting, mapping, and gathering dependable information on potential or prospective areas, and actually, enhanced remote sensing data has been extensively used for identifying and mapping subsurface minerals and structural features in regions of appropriate exposure like detection of hydrothermal alteration zones in tropical and subtropical regions using satellite remote sensing data including Landsat ETM+, Hyperion and PALSAR for gold mineralization [ 37 , 38 , [44] , [45] , [46] , 51 , 56 ].…”

“…Due to its high spatial, spectrum, and radiometric precision, remote sensing-based data is useful for mineral resource explorations. Delineating alteration regions and identifying mineral signatures are among the main goals of this research using satellite imagery [ 1 , 6 , 31 , 35 , 50 , 54 ]. To determine potential mineral reserves sites and alteration areas their quality must be defined [ 2 , 6 , 14 , 35 , 50 , 54 , 57 ].…”

“…Delineating alteration regions and identifying mineral signatures are among the main goals of this research using satellite imagery [ 1 , 6 , 31 , 35 , 50 , 54 ]. To determine potential mineral reserves sites and alteration areas their quality must be defined [ 2 , 6 , 14 , 35 , 50 , 54 , 57 ]. This is because such a process is usually associated with the economic accumulation of metal ores such as copper (Cu), gold (Au), and silver (Ag).…”

“…Landsat 8 and 9 OLI (operational land imager) images have been used to process, assess and map lithological units, structures, and alteration minerals using digital image processing approaches [ 6 , 35 , 50 ]. Furthermore, these processing approaches include false colour composite (FCC), band ratios (BR), principal component analysis (PCA; standard and selective), and spectral angle mapper (SAM).…”

“…Furthermore, these processing approaches include false colour composite (FCC), band ratios (BR), principal component analysis (PCA; standard and selective), and spectral angle mapper (SAM). Using a GIS-based method, such as fuzzy logic, to create mineral prospect maps based on satellite data has indeed become a quick and accurate instrument for finding target regions for mineral exploration [ 1 , 6 , 30 , 56 ], especially during the survey stage. This is due to the fact that using a GIS technique to merge geographically dispersed remote sensing data is an important strategy to mineral discovery because it enables the merging of various data using digital overlay techniques to maximise mineral targets [ 6 , 12 , 30 , 56 ].…”