New Insights into the Pulang Porphyry Copper Deposit in Southwest China: Indication of Alteration Minerals Detected Using ASTER and WorldView-3 Data

The Pulang porphyry copper deposit (PCD), one of the main potential areas for resource exploration in China, exhibits typical alteration zoning. However, further investigation indicative significance minerals, additional insight into metallogenic characteristics, and prospecting guidelines continue to be challenging. In this study, ASTER WorldView-3 data were used map hydrothermal minerals by employing band ratios, principal component analysis, spectrum-area techniques; subsequently, indication was studied in-depth. following new insights structure spatial distribution zoning PCD obtained verified. (1) A NE trending normal fault, passing through northeast PCD, discovered. (2) Two mineralization centers, exhibiting characteristics potassic-silicified, phyllic, propylitic zones from inside outside, observed on both sides fault. (3) At junction redivided potassic-silicification phyllic zones, favorable delineated. This study shows that spectral/multi-sensor satellite are valuable cost-effective tools preliminary stages inaccessible remote around world.