Structures control gold mineralization in the western Allaqi shear belt of Egypt from high-precision geophysical and remote sensing datasets

Abstract

This study employs Remote Sensing, advanced aeromagnetic edge detectors, and fieldwork to map structural features influencing mineralization in Egypt's western Allaqi shear belt. Four edge detectors were tested on synthetic models; the hyperbolic tangent function and a novel edge detector were most effective at delineating edges and lineaments. These were applied to RTP aeromagnetic data to identify shallow and deep structures. The belt features an E-W striking, steeply north-dipping foliation (S1), overturned and recumbent folds (F1), and shear zones from serpentinite emplacement over volcaniclastic metasediments and metavolcanics. Thrust planes have been deformed by D2 folds with west-plunging hinges and steeply dipping cleavages oriented NE and ENE. D3 deformation turned east-west and northwest-trending folds into north-trending ones due to shearing, giving the region a N-trending fold pattern. D4 caused northeast-trending folds from shear zones; D5 formed faults in ENE-WSW, NE-SW, and N-S directions. D4 structures control gold deposits in WASB, with S4 foliation, NE-trending folds, and shearing. Haimur Au deposits align with main shearing; Um Ashira Au intersects rocks; Hariari Au trends ENE. Landsat-8 bands identified minerals like ferrous and ferric oxides, hydroxyl alterations, and chlorite zones. Higher lineament density links to increased fracturing and mineralization. Two maps highlight ore-rich areas. Combining data improves understanding of tectonic evolution and mineralization, enhancing exploration in complex terrains.