The exploration of metallic deposits using satellite image processing in the Parwan-Panjshir area, Afghanistan

Abstract

The unique tectonic features have resulted in diverse metallic and non-metallic mineralization in Afghanistan. Hence, this paper focused on the development of exploration and mining geology data in Afghanistan. The study area is located in the western Hindu Kush tract and on the northern verge of the Harirud-Panjshir fault, Afghanistan, that mainly associates with the western Hindu Kush and Badakhshan plutonic belts. The rock units include crystalline limestones and diabase formed during the Paleozoic era and Triassic period. The aim of this study was to employ Remote Sensing (RS) methods by using the Landsat-8 satellite and ASTER sensor to spot iron and copper mineralization zones in the Parwan-Panjshir area. Therefore, Band Composition, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and Band Ratio were applied to the identification of iron oxide minerals. The detected area provided by satellite images analysis had very good compliance with the results of field studies. Furthermore, the Fe – Cu – (Au) skarn mineralization was observed during field surveys. Magnetite (Hematite), Chalcopyrite (Malachite and Azurite), and pyrite mineralization have resulted from the injection of various diabase subvolcanic into carbonate units. Also, high heat flow has caused widespread marble formation in the area. The results were supported by microscopic and geochemical studies.