Utilization of Landsat-8 Imagery and Aeromagnetic Data for Deciphering Alteration Zones and Structures: Implications for Mineral Exploration in the Southeastern Desert of Egypt

Abstract

Remote-sensing (RS) and aeromagnetic data implemented notable information for mineralization potentiality detection of ore deposits within Al-Allaqi region of the southeastern Desert of Egypt. Several approaches of remote-sensing and aeromagnetic data were implemented. Results of band ratios (BR) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) practicing Landsat-8 successfully imaging the hydrothermally altered zones and the structures outlined by lithologic contacts, faults, and porphyry features (dyke-like structures). Lineaments well extracted using aeromagnetic datasets. CET system method was applied for generating a heat map of the structural complexity. Likewise, the CET Porphyry Analysis system was performed to extract the likely near-circular porphyry features that revealing a probable site of mineralization and to validate the remote sensing observations. Integrated outcomes showed that areas of highly complex structures, density (fractures/faults) are consistent with the detected hydrothermally altered areas that are rivaled with mining zones in Al-Allaqi region of the Southeastern Desert of Egypt. This approach can be broadly appropriate to other divisions of the Southeastern Desert of Egypt for mineral prospecting.