Identification of Hydro thermal Alteration Minerals for Exploring of Porphyry Copper Deposit Using Aster Data, Reko Diq Chagai, Pakistan

Abstract

Use of conventional field methods to assess remote areas for exploration is costly, labor and time intensive. To remotely identify potential mineralized zones this study tests and utilizes ASTER satellite data for digital processes in Baluchistan. Digital image processing is an effective tool in mineral identification and exploration globally. To explore and exploit full potential of the deposit and new prospects, Pakistan is making use of modern technology through remote sensing investigations of the mineral rich terrain. The current study focusses on Reqo Diq Copper Deposit of Baluchistan. Reqo Diq is a high mineralized zone rich in porphyry copper deposits. To study the potential of this deposit information was selected through reduction in spectral dimension of ASTER VNIR and SWIR data. Data was obtained using 3 techniques, i.e. PCA, BR and MNF for enhancing the feature of interest in the study area. This study will review the digital image processing in mineral exploration for zones of interest, considering the opportunities and shortcomings of the existing and modern technology. Emphasis is placed on deriving mineral indicators such as identification of areas of hydrothermally altered rocks/ zones, that are naturally associated with copper deposits. Distinctive shortwave infrared (SWIR) properties of the ASTER data can be used for new porphyry copper mineralization and discriminations were made at larger scale in study area. Results infer that integration of image processing techniques can work as an effective tool for obtaining time-efficient, detailed and reliable information in different stages of porphyry copper exploration. The results from present study can work as a resource in assisting geologists in future exploration of new unassessed porphyry copper deposits before in-depth site investigations which is a costly process. Subsequently image processing techniques can produce favorable indications about potential sites of potential mineral prospects.