Mapping and litho‐geophysical classification of potential mining areas by spatial remote sensing and helicopter‐borne gamma‐ray spectrometry (Tikirt, Anti‐Atlas, Morocco)

Abstract

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.