Indicators of Gold Deposit Near Khartoum, Sudan: Satellite Gravity and Landsat 8 OLI Remote Sensing Data Analysis
[1]
Khalid A. Elsayed Zeinelabdein , Department of Geology, Faculty of Petroleum and Minerals, Al Neelain University, Sudan.
[2]
Eiman A. Mohamed , Remote Sensing and Seismological Sciences Authority, National Centre for Research, Sudan.
This study represents a reconnaissance investigation to elucidate the mineral potentiality of the Sabaloka Inlier. The Sabaloka Inlier is well known by its geological importance to the geologists and earth scientists in general. Many researches were conducted in order to investigate its geological setting and tectonic significance. However, studies concerning the assessment and evaluation of its mineral potentiality are uncommon. Hence, the objectives of the present study are to carry out general prospecting in the area and to search for possible mineral deposits through an integrated analysis of satellite gravity and Landsat 8 OLI data. The major lithological units in the area include granulite, gneisses and migmatites, older granitoids, Sabaloka Igneous Complex, Nubian sediments and superficial deposits. The structural history of the area is complex and reveals several phases of superimposed folding and faulting of different styles. The relative gravity highs within the study area are caused by the Seleitat younger granite ring and other shallow intrusion in NE the area. Quartz veins and felsite dykes that came in the later stages of the igneous activity may qualify the area prospective with respect to gold deposits. Standard colour composites of Landsat 8 OLI image clearly discriminated a large number of quartz veins and felsite dykes in the northwestern portion of the area. Band ratioing technique disclosed the presence of alteration zones displayed in yellow to yellowish orange in the mineral composite and in neon red to yellowish brown in the hydrothermal composite. These zones are mainly located in the central and northwestern parts of the area. The majority of the lineaments are parallel to the Keraf Shear Zone. Shearing criteria can be detected from the satellite image as well as from rock outcrops. The study area may represent a new mining district due to the shearing affected most of the rocks. The geochemical analysis proved the existence of gold in the area, though the determined values are unsatisfactorily low. This necessitates detailed ground survey to be carried out in order to fully recognize the mineralpotentiality of the area.
Sabaloka Inlier, Gold Deposits, Landsat 8 OLI Images, Satellite Gravity
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