Utility of landsat data in mineral exploration — a case study from Orissa, India

Abstract

The utility of Landsat data in geosciences has been established beyond doubt. In this paper utility of Landsat data in mineral exploration has been highlighted. The geologic and geomorphic interpretation of Landsat data brought out two very significant and characteristic features in scene 152-046 in the southern part of Orissa. One was distinct tonal anomaly and other was occurance of flat planated surface devoid of vegetation and drainage on top of hills. This when checked on ground at Gandhmardan was found to be bauxite bearing lateritic plateau. When this known information was extrapolated over other regions in scenes 151-046 and 152-046, all other bauxitic — lateritic plateaus were picked up very easily on Landsat imagery. The information was further extrapolated in the southern scene No.152-047 where without doing much detailed geologic and geomorphic interpretation almost all other bauxitic — lateritic bodies occuring in the region were picked up. This proves the utility of Landsat data in mineral exploration. Moreover delineation of extent of such bodies could be done very accurately on Landsat imagery thus saving considerable time in the exploration programme.