Mineral Exploration in Mawat Region, Kurdistan-Iraq, Based on Satellite Data and Terrain Prospection

Abstract

The main goal of the presented exploration was to estimate potential for mineralization in the Mawat ophiolitic massif in Kurdistan, Iraq. The aim of the study was to explore existing copper mineralization and assessor elements gold, platinoids and chromium. Geological exploration detected two types of Cu occurrence a) secondary Cu carbonates (malachite) and b) Cu sulfides (chalcopyrite-pyrite). The Mawat region is mostly built of ultrabasic and basic rocks: peridotites, gabbros, serpentinites and basalts which are heavily deformed, with faults mostly oriented NNW-SSE, and NE-SW. The first phase of exploration comprised digital processing of ASTER and QuickBird satellite images, with appropriate geometrical and radiometric corrections and transformation into coordinate system. Color composite images were produced in different scales. They served to define lithological composition, tectonic settings, location of the points of interest etc. The field work was designed to check satellite data in situ, with focus on perspective rock formations, which might host copper mineralization, and other elements. The host rocks of the ore occurrences are primarily gabbros and metagabbros intersected by diabase dykes, epidote and quartz veins. Secondary mineralization is the product of surficial weathering and it is represented by malachite and limonite. The geophysical survey was very useful in the detection of area with elevated induced polarization and low resistivity. Three perspective areas have been selected for detailed explorations: Waraz, Mirava-Chenara and Konjirin-Kuradawi. The concentration of copper varies highly in very wide ranges; the maximum measured concentration of Cu was determined in Waraz area 6.7%. Some rock samples also show concentration of gold from 0.36 to 2.59 ppm Au. Keywords: Mawat ophiolitic massif, geologic-geophysical explorations, copper mineralization, Kurdistan-Iraq