Application of remotely sensed ASTER data in detecting alteration hosting Cu, Ag and Au bearing mineralized zones in Taghdout area, Central Anti-Atlas of Morocco

We conduct a remote sensing investigation to identify alteration zones hosting Cu, Au and Ag mineralization in the Taghdout area, Anti-Atlas. Mineralization occurs in Neoproterozoic rocks exposed along east-trending faults associated with the Major Accident Fault. Remote sensing is applied to delineate Neoproterozoic rocks including ophiolitic suites of the ophiolitic Complex and volcanosedimentary units of the Ouarzazate Group. Band ratios, principle component analysis and filter algorithms identify hydrothermal alteration zones containing ferric iron oxide, ferrous iron oxide, chlorite and carbonate. Phyllic, argillic, propylitic and silicic hypogene alteration zones host Cu, Ag, Au, Mn and Fe ore deposits. Remote sensing analysis identifies the spatial distribution of these ore zones and highlights regional structures that concentrate mineralizing hydrothermal alteration fluid flow. Ground truth verification demonstrates that ASTER provides reliable identification of hydrothermally altered rock units. Image analysis is a robust tool for targeting ore deposits in similar desert terrain ophiolitic complexes.