Landsat-7 and ASTER remote sensing satellite imagery for identification of iron skarn mineralization in metamorphic regions

Abstract

The use of satellite remote sensing imagery for mineral exploration is a fast and low-cost approach for indicating high potential zones. Exploration of iron skarn mineralization in metamorphic regions is challenging during the fieldwork campaign. In this study, Landsat-7 and Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) satellite imagery were used for mapping alteration zones and geological structures associated with iron skarn mineralization in the Galali region, NW, Iran. Band ratio and Directed Principal Component Analysis (DPCA) and Automatic Lineament Extraction methods were applied to Landsat-7 data. Relative Absorption Band Depth (RBD) and Constrained Energy Minimization (CEM) algorithms were implemented to ASTER data. Fieldwork and laboratory analysis were conducted to verify the remote sensing results. Results indicate that propylitic alteration zone and intersection of N–S and NW–SE and curvilinear features are typically associated with iron skarn mineralization and some high potential zones are identified for future exploration projects.