Modeling remote-sensing and geophysical data to delineate the favorable mineralization localities at Semna area, Central Eastern Desert, Egypt

Abstract

Semna area is located within the Golden Triangle district in the Central Eastern Desert of Egypt. The study maintains using multisource datasets of remote sensing, aero-spectrometry, aero-magnetic, and field investigations for unraveling the ambiguities associated with the alteration zones at the targeted area. Three remote sensing mapping techniques including; constrained energy minimization, linear spectral unmixing, and mineral indices, were adopted to delineate the alteration zones. The γ-ray spectrometry data of K (%), K/eTh, K/eU, and F-parameter enabled mapping the potassium-enriched localities as indication on possible potassic alteration zones. The surface and subsurface linear structural features were delineated from the digital elevation model and aero-magnetic data, respectively. The outcomes of all the implemented datasets were integrated using GIS overlay modeling, producing an integrated mineralization favorability/potentiality map. Eighteen localities with high potential for mineralization were highlighted. A field study was conducted to the investigated area during which, several alteration indicators were observed, including quartz veins, iron oxides staining, kaolinite, malachite, carbonate, and muscovite (sericite) alteration indicator minerals.