Prospection for economic mineralization using PRISMA satellite hyperspectral remote sensing imagery: an example from central East Greenland

Abstract

The PRISMA hyperspectral imaging satellite of the Italian Space Agency records in the 0.4-2.5 μm wavelength region at a spatial resolution of 30 m. This study used the PRISMA hyperspectral imagery to characterize an extensive hydrothermal alteration system in the Kap Simpson igneous complex in central East Greenland. The prospection for economic mineralization in the study area has been in the focus of the activities of several mineral exploration companies. The PRISMA data were analyzed using the Adaptive Coherence Estimator. The hyperspectral imagery mapped the spatial distribution of several alteration minerals. The hyperspectral data identified widespread iron stained zones consisting of limonite and jarosite. All these zones constitute prospection targets for the localization of economic mineralization of molybdenum, rare earth elements, gold, silver, and base metals. The study indicates the applicability of PRISMA imagery for the prospection of economic mineralization. The results should also be useful for the evaluation of the PRISMA hyperspectral imagery in geoenvironmental applications.