Geological Study Based on Multispectral and Hyperspectral Remote Sensing: A Case Study of the Mahuaping Beryllium–Tungsten Deposit Area in Shangri-La

Abstract

This study applied Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) multispectral data and ZY1-02D hyperspectral data to map the structural distribution and hydrothermal alteration in the polymetallic ore district in southern Shangri-La City, Yunnan Province, China. The study area hosts several polymetallic deposits, including the Mahuaping tungsten–beryllium deposit, which has significant mineral exploration potential. The deposit type is mainly magmatic–hydrothermal, with average grades of 0.41% WO3 and 0.22% BeO, and substantial reserves, prominently controlled by faults. Based on this, this study employed ASTER data for the visual interpretation of structures through false-color composites combined with DEM data. Additionally, ASTER and ZY1-02D data were processed using the principal component analysis and spectral angle mapper methods to extract anomalies related to tungsten mineralization such as carbonate alteration, sericitization, chloritization, and hematization of the hydrothermal origin. The results indicated that the structural trends in the study area predominantly align in north–south and northeast directions, with alteration anomalies concentrated in the central and fold areas. Our analysis of typical deposits revealed their close association with north–south faults and east–west joints, as well as the enrichment level of alteration anomalies, identifying five high-potential target areas for mineral exploration. Further evaluation involved field validation through the spectral scanning of samples, field verification, and a comparison with known lithology. These assessments confirmed that the spectral curves matched those in the USGS database, the structural interpretations aligned with the field observations (84% accuracy from 25 sampling points, with 21 matching extracted alteration types), and the alteration results corresponded well with the lithological units, indicating high accuracy in alteration extraction. Finally, a comparative discussion highlighted that the results derived from ZY1-02D data were more applicable to the local area. The outcomes of this study can support subsequent mineral exploration efforts, enhancing the sustainability of important mineral resources.