The reconnaissance of mineral resources through aster data-based image processing, interpreting and ground inspection in the Jiafushaersu area, West Junggar, China

Abstract

Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) data covering the Jiafushaersu area in Xinjiang were used for mapping lithology and hydrothermal alteration. The study area situates at a potential mineralization zone in relation to small hypabyssal granodiorite or quartz monzonite intrusions along the margin of granitoid batholiths of Darbut foot wall. The false colour composition of bands 521 and the first three principal component analyses (PCA1, PCA2, PCA3) in RGB identify the lithological units and discriminate the small intrusions very well from the adjacent granitoid batholiths. PCA and spectral angle mapper (SAM) algorithm were employed to discriminate alteration minerals. The results indicate that the hydroxyl-bearing or ferric and less commonly carbonate types show good correlation with the quartz monzonite porphyry and aplite. Field verification led to finding of the Jiafushaersu molybdenum mineralization. The lithological and geochemical features imply that the molybdenum mineralization is close to the porphyry type. This study further verified that the foot wall of the Darbut suture could have served as a more important metallogenic district for the porphyry copper and molybdenum deposits. It is concluded that the ASTER data-based methods can be used as a powerful tool for small intrusion-type mineral resources targeting.