Base-metal exploration by using remote sensing, geological, geophysical, and geochemical datasets with clues from ancient mining: A comprehensive review on Aravalli-Delhi Fold Belt, Rajasthan, India

Abstract

Base metal deposits are present in different continents with evidences of their mining activities during ancient times as mentioned in the historical literature. Aravalli – Delhi Fold Belt (ADFB) in Rajasthan, India is having numerous base metal prospects where ancient mining signages are recorded. Modern-day mining has commenced taking clues from these evidences. Present-day techniques such as remote sensing, geological mapping, geophysical survey, geochemical survey, and exploration/drilling are utilized for the identification of surficial ancient mining features and identification of the mineralized zones. These techniques utilize their unique criteria to get an idea of the mineral association. The integration of all the unique characteristics of modern techniques with the help of weighted overlay analysis, fuzzy logic, multi-criteria overlay analysis, etc. helps to identify the mineral potential zones from the ancient working sites. Their integrated results provide the surficial as well as sub-surficial information of the region that gives a better revelation about the region and helps in decision-making towards the mineralization status of the region. World-over surficial ancient features have been recorded in exploratory sites for base metals, and the case histories where integrated techniques were used for mineral exploration are discussed. Zawar – Dungarpur belt also has the potential for base metals therefore, the boolean approach, weighted overlay, and multi-criteria overlay analysis were performed using remote sensing, structural, and geochemical datasets. The integrated results showed that the head zone and southern broader part near Keekawat have the potential for base metals.