HyMap imagery for copper and manganese prospecting in the east of Ameln valley shear zone (Kerdous inlier, western Anti-Atlas, Morocco)

Hydrothermal Alteration Features Enhancement and Mapping Using High-Resolution Hyperspectral Data

“…Within the Ultimate conglomerates and quartzites lithological units, three distinct sites exhibit favorable conditions for conducting mineral exploration campaigns, which is verified by utilizing hyperspectral survey techniques [8]. The close spatial association between the NE-SW and NW-SE lineaments and alteration zones highlighted an important tectonic control of mineralization in the study area [8]. The alteration minerals in the study area include muscovite, dolomite, pyrophyllite, illite, haematite, kaolinite, and montmorillonite.…”

“…In the eastern region of Kerdous, historical mining operations are evident through the presence of the disused Manganese Idikel mine. Within the Ultimate conglomerates and quartzites lithological units, three distinct sites exhibit favorable conditions for conducting mineral exploration campaigns, which is verified by utilizing hyperspectral survey techniques [8]. The close spatial association between the NE-SW and NW-SE lineaments and alteration zones highlighted an important tectonic control of mineralization in the study area [8].…”

“…The minimum wavelength mapping results exhibit the high abundance of the Al-OH alteration in the Ultimate conglomerate lithological unit, as highlighted in a purple color, while this alteration is absent in the carbonates units (Figure 2). The high alteration minerals abundance is related essentially to argillic and phyllic alterations [8]. Additionally, Fe 2+ /Fe 3+ alterations were mapped in blue tones in gneisses and some parts of Ultimate conglomerates units.…”

“…The alteration minerals in the study area include muscovite, dolomite, pyrophyllite, illite, haematite, kaolinite, and montmorillonite. Hydrothermal alteration potentially related to paleo-relief occurrence includes the silicification, sericitization, and dolomitization of the host rocks (for additional details, see [8]).…”

“…Additionally, Al-OH is mapped by dividing the sum of band 101 (2094 nm) and 111 (2268 nm) by band 108 (2217 nm). The enhancement of Mg-Fe-OH/CO 3 alteration minerals can be performed by dividing the sum of Band 111 (2268 nm) and 120 (2414 nm) by band 114 (2318 nm) [8,15]. This capability is grounded in the distinctive absorption features exhibited by these minerals [1].…”