New Insights into the Pulang Porphyry Copper Deposit in Southwest China: Indication of Alteration Minerals Detected Using ASTER and WorldView-3 Data

Qi Chen,Jiaxi Zhou,Xin Zhao,Zhifang Zhao,Min Zeng,Jisheng Xia,Tao Sun

doi:10.3390/rs13142798

Abstract

The Pulang porphyry copper deposit (PCD), one of the main potential areas for copper resource exploration in China, exhibits typical porphyry alteration zoning. However, further investigation of the indicative significance of alteration minerals, additional insight into metallogenic characteristics, and prospecting guidelines continue to be challenging. In this study, ASTER and WorldView-3 data were used to map hydrothermal alteration minerals by employing band ratios, principal component analysis, and spectrum-area techniques; and subsequently, the indication significance of alteration minerals was studied in-depth. The following new insights into the metallogenic structure and spatial distribution of alteration zoning in Pulang PCD were obtained and verified. (1) A new NE trending normal fault, passing through the northeast of Pulang PCD, was discovered. (2) Two mineralization alteration centers, exhibiting alteration zoning characteristics of potassic-silicified, phyllic, and propylitic zones from the inside to the outside, were observed on both sides of the fault. (3) At the junction of the redivided potassic-silicification and phyllic zones, favorable prospecting potential areas were delineated. This study shows that the spectral/multi-sensor satellite data are valuable and cost-effective tools for the preliminary stages of porphyry copper exploration in inaccessible and remote areas around the world.

Highlights

Porphyry copper deposits (PCDs), one of the most significant copper resources worldwide, produce nearly three-quarters of the world’s copper [1]
Through in-depth analysis of the alteration minerals extracted by ASTER and WV-3 in-depth of the minerals extracted by ASTER
(1) A new NE-trending normal fault passing through the northeast of Pulang PCD was

Summary

Introduction

Porphyry copper deposits (PCDs), one of the most significant copper resources worldwide, produce nearly three-quarters of the world’s copper [1]. PCDs are extensive in scale, feature entirely uniform mineralization, comprise shallow intrusions, and are suitable for large-scale mining. Many scholars consider these deposit types to be significant [2]. The Pulang porphyry copper deposit (PCD) is one of the main potential areas for copper resource exploration in China. They feature typical “porphyry” alteration zoning that comprises the potassic-silicification, phyllic, and propylitization zones from the center to the outward sections [2,3,4]. Comprehensible spatial distribution patterns of the potassic-silicification and phyllic zones are important indicators for mineral exploration [1].

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Discussion

Conclusion