Remote Sensing Technique for Capturing and Exploration of Mineral Deposit Sites in Gumushane Metallogenic Province, NE Turkey

Abstract

This study examines the determination and confirmation of mineral deposits in the Gumushane Province,Turkey. Rather than using classical techniques, Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System GIS technologies are applied for this purpose. Mineral alteration traces on the ground are characteristic indicators of ore below the surface. These traces can be determined using RS techniques. The Crosta technique is one of the most important RS image analysis methods used for the determination of mineral alterations. The technique has shown particular usefulness around mine areas, which are rich in ore deposits and show hydrothermal alterations. Therefore, four separate mine fields covering a total area of 718 km(2) in the southern part of Gumushane, which is rich in iron oxides, hydroxides and hydrothermal alteration, were chosen. The Crosta technique was applied to the satellite image of each area to explore the regional alterations. The determined locations could be confirmed as alteration areas. Within these four regions, some other locations showing similar alteration patterns were also determined using the Crosta technique. These locations represent good candidates for mineral exploration.