Application of magnetic data and satellite spectral imaging in identifying gold mineralization zones and its associated subsurface structures at Fawakheir-Attala area, Central Eastern Desert, Egypt

• Published in: Environmental earth sciences Vol. 83; no. 17; p. 500
• Main Authors: Saleh, Ahmed, Gabr, Safwat S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01.09.2024; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Aerial surveys; Aeromagnetic surveys; Biogeosciences; Crystalline rocks; Deserts; Diorite; Earth and Environmental Science; Earth Sciences; Egypt; Environmental Science and Engineering; Fault detection; Fault lines; Faults; Formations; Geochemistry; Geological mapping; Geological surveys; Geology; Gold; Gold mines & mining; Hydrology/Water Resources; Hydrothermal alteration; Magnetic data; Magnetic methods; Magnetic properties; Magnetic surveys; magnetism; Mineralization; Original Article; Phanerozoic; Phanerozoic eon; Precambrian; Precambrian time; quartz; Remote control; Remote sensing; Remote sensing techniques; Rocks; Sandstone; satellites; Sensing techniques; Shear zone; Structural properties (geology); Surveys; Terrestrial Pollution; Volcanic rocks; Eastern Desert; Egypt; Aeromagnetic method; Mineralization zones; Remote sensing technique; Eastern desert; Lineaments; Egypt
• ISSN: 1866-6280; 1866-6299
• DOI: 10.1007/s12665-024-11776-y

The Fawakheir-Attala gold mining zone in Egypt’s Central Eastern Desert features a diverse range of rock formations, including Precambrian crystalline rocks and Phanerozoic sedimentary formations. These formations encompass gneisses, metavolcanics, metasediments, a metagabbro-diorite complex, Dokhan volcanic rocks, and granitic rocks, alongside lower and upper Nubia sandstones. Faults and shear zones are pivotal in controlling gold mineralization within the area, indicative of substantial mineral wealth. This study aimed to map subsurface structural characteristics and investigate gold mineralization zones using aerial magnetic data and ASTER remote sensing, the latter of which played a crucial role in highlighting the surface exposure of alteration zones. Geological surveys combined with remote sensing techniques were employed to identify rock types and mineralization zones, while magnetic methods, including aeromagnetic surveys and ground-based studies, were used to reveal underlying structural properties and fault systems. Analysis of aeromagnetic data revealed a large mineralization zone running from the Fawakhir Gold mine through the Attala Gold mine in a NW–SE direction. Various structural trends and faults, including NW–SE, NE–SW, E–W, and N–S directions, were identified, strongly associated with hydrothermal alteration zones and gold mineralization. Shallow basement relief was observed in the eastern and central regions, contrasting with deeper formations and greater relief in the western section. Land magnetic surveys were utilized to identify new areas for gold mineralization, with geochemical analysis confirming gold content in quartz veins and host rocks. The integration of magnetic and remote sensing techniques effectively highlighted alteration zones indicative of potential mineralization, which could have a subsurface continuation, aiding in the identification of gold occurrences connected to faults, lineaments, and mineralization zones.