Use of Thematic Mapper Imagery to Identify Mineralization in the Santa Teresa District,Sonora, Mexico |
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| Abstract: | Integrated multispectral, geologic, mineralogic, and geochemical studies of the Santa Teresa district, Sonora, Mexico, were used to map the lithology and identify zones of alteration characteristic of known gold deposits within the area. Forty sedimenthosted, bulk-mineable, leachable, fine-grained, disseminated gold prospects have been identified. These deposits vary in size and grade from 1.5 million tons of ore averaging up to 2.8 grams Au/ton to less than 2,000 tons of ore averaging less than 1.0 gm Au/ton. A variety of deposit types exist in the district, having the characteristics of hot-spring sinter, skarns, epithermal high-level veins, bonanza silver veins, granite and porphyry-related mineralization, and sedimenthosted disseminated deposits. The latter is presently the most important economically and is characterized by decalcification, silicification, argillic alteration, and anomalous Au, Ag, As, Hg, and Te. Digital image processing techniques were used with Landsat 5 Thematic Mapper data to enhance lithologies and to detect alteration associated with the mineral deposits. Thematic Mapper imagery was combined with field mapping and laboratory analysis into a geographic information system. Pertinent information was integrated in order to produce lithologic and alteration maps for regions of interest within the Santa Teresa district to aid exploration. |
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