An integrated ASTER-based approach for mapping carbonatite and iron oxide-apatite deposits

Mapping of carbonatites and related mineral deposits has occupied prominent place in resource exploration programs given their potential to host valuable concentrations critical metals such as rare earth elements niobium. Based on spectral characteristics most indicative minerals for these rocks, a mapping approach was developed using Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) data. The combination band rationing outcomes with components from the principal component analysis minimum noise fraction techniques highlighted targeted excellent prospective zone representing ? 0.2% total investigated area. This successfully applied Gleibat Lafhouda complex rapidly delineate iron oxide-apatite ore outcrops. Results were validated through field observations in-situ geochemical portable X-ray fluorescence analyzer. Field data have also served training perform supervised classification, allowing further improvement results.