Integrated Remote Sensing for Geological and Mineralogical Mapping of Pb-Zn Deposits: A Case Study of Jbel Bou Dahar Region Using Multi-Sensor Imagery

Abstract

This research applies remote sensing methodologies for the first time to comprehensively explore the geological and mineralogical characteristics of the Jbel Bou Dahar region. An integrated approach with multi-sensor satellite images, including ASTER, Landsat-8, and Sentinel-2 was applied with the aim to discriminate the different lithological units in the study area. We implemented a suite of well-established image processing techniques, including Band Ratios, Principal Component Analysis, and Spectral Angle Mapper, to successfully identify, classify, and map the spatial distribution of carbonate minerals, OH-bearing minerals, and iron oxide minerals. Due to its high spectral resolution in the short-wave infrared region (SWIR), the ASTER sensor provided the most accurate results for mapping carbonate and OH-bearing minerals compared to the Sentinel-2 and Landsat-8 sensors. Conversely, Sentinel-2 offers high spectral and spatial resolution in visible and near-infrared (VNIR) corresponding to the regions where iron oxide minerals exhibit their characteristic absorption peaks. The results confirm the advantages of remote sensing technologies in the geological and mineralogical exploration of the study area and the importance of selecting the appropriate sensors for specific mapping objectives.