MAPPING OF THE MINERAL POTENTIAL OF THE KOLDAR MASSIF USING A COMPREHENSIVE SET OF GEOPHYSICAL AND REMOTE SENSING DATA

Abstract

A methodology was proposed to delineate prospective areas of the Koldar granitoid intrusion using an integrated approach that combines the use of geophysical fields, delineation of alteration zones and fragmentation of the study area using satellite data. To extract useful information and improve interpretation, the geophysical fields were transformed using a full horizontal derivative slope filter, which removed the regional background from the gravimetric and magnetic fields while highlighting the geological and structural features of the study area. Based on spectral analysis of ASTER optical satellites were mapped zones of alteration, which are an important process in geology as they accompany mineralization of minerals such as gold, copper, silver and others. Lineament analysis allowed to identify zones with increased permeability, which is also one of the factors of ore formation. With the help of the above described complex was generated with the help of geoinformation systems map of mineral prospectivity, which highlighted two large areas, the first is located in the western part of the Koldar massif, and the second in the north-western part of the massif. The reliability of the obtained map was analyzed with already known ore deposits, which showed a high level of correspondence. Thus, the developed map of potential for mineralization can serve as a useful guide in selecting areas for further exploration for ore minerals. The resulting data on mineral alteration zones and potential deposits will play a key role in future studies aimed at evaluating the prospectivity of various regions of Kazakhstan. These techniques will be important for solving other geological problems such as determining lithologic features, structural lineaments and identifying alteration zones.