Multithematic Geoscience Data Integration for Identification of Mineral Potential Areas in Parts of Central Indian Precambrian Craton

Abstract

Abstract The paper highlights the results of multi-thematic geoscience data integration involving geological, geophysical, geochemical and remote sensing data sets, for an area of 4000 Sq. Km in parts of Precambrian Bastar craton, Chhattisgarh. The present team has been able to identify two discrete mineral potential areas for base metal sulphides, Sn, W and REE in sheared and altered felsic volcanics in Kotra-Bhansula area and for gold in propylitically altered meta basalts in Bhursatola-Khampura area. The dataset utilized during collation and integration includes (i) high resolution aeromagnetic data (ii) 1:50000 geological data covering litho-structural and mineralisation attributes (iii) 1:50 k geochemical data for 61 elements (iv) multispectral ASTER satellite data and its derivative alteration maps. Thematic data and derivative maps were studied and interpreted for evaluation of concerned parameters for estimating their role in mineralisation. The data integration has been implemented in three steps beginning with GIS based spatial modelling using Fuzzy logic method resulting into production of mineral favourability map, followed by detailed field evaluation and characterization of the identified mineral favourability areas. Eventual identification of potential areas was based on synthesis of modelling output, field outcome and laboratory results of analyses carried out on critical samples collected from mineral favourability areas. The identified two mineral potential areas are recommended for further detailed exploration for gold, base metal, Sn, W and REE through surface and sub-surface probing.