New Targets of Potential Mining Interest Using Gravimetric and Satellite Data: Case Study of Hercynian Rehamna Massif, Morocco

Abstract

The known mineralization in the Rehamna Massif is essentially vein type and linked to the presence of granitic bodies and pneumatolytic - hydrothermal fluid circulations. This part of western Moroccan Meseta, belongs to the Hercynian belt, was the seat of enormous mining productions mainly base metals during the 20th century. Subsequently, exploitations are ended with artisanal extractions, in relation to exploration decline. The present work aims to search for new favourable mining targets, using gravimetric and remote sensing data. Gravimetric data allowed us to delineate leucogranitic apexes of shallow depth. Data filtering and processing consist of separation between Regional and Residual fields from Bouguer anomaly, then, calculation of horizontal, vertical and tilt derivatives to get different gravity anomalies. A Satellite image is used to obtain structural lineaments of the study region through directional filters (N0°, N45°, N90°, N135°). These treatments, supported by field investigations, enabled us to discriminate potential areas, suitable for tactical mining exploration.

Unexpected Expansion of Rare-Earth Element Mining Activities in the Myanmar–China Border Region

“…The development of remote sensing technology and sensors has advanced the manner in which mining land surfaces in most areas of the earth's surface can be monitored in a multi-temporal, multi-resolution, and multi-scale manner [12]. Accordingly, many studies have been conducted using satellite remote sensing data to monitor the surface landscape of mining areas in general [18][19][20] and rare earth mines and impacts in particular [9,21]. Mining and restoration assessment indicators (MRAIs) and land surface temperature (LST) of multi-temporal Landsat TM, ETM+, and OLI images were used by Xie et al [9] to monitor the impacts of REE mining and restoration on the environment.…”