Abstract:
This study integrates geology with remote sensing techniques to establish geological structures and their associated
economic mineralization in the rocks of Mwitika-Makongo area. The objective of this study was to map
hydrothermally altered zones from Landsat 8/OLI of the study area and validate the results with geological mapping.
The remote sensing methods included; band combinations, band ratios and lineament extraction. Geological
methods consisted of, field mapping and geochemical analysis. The integrated techniques resulted in lithological
discrimination of hydrothermally altered zones. Geological field mapping and geochemical investigations led to the
interpretation of some iron mineralization in hydrothermally altered zones, especially around Kalima Kathei. It also
led to the conclusion that lineaments control drainage patterns in the area. Chemical analysis using X-Ray
fluorescence, for mineralized samples followed by Pearson correction matrix of the chemical data gave a strong
correlation between Fe2O3
, TiO2
and P2O5
indicating that their mode of delivery in the area could be similar, with a
likely source from hydrothermal fluids in the area. These results confirmed the findings from remote sensing studies
on hydrothermal alteration. It was therefore concluded that integration of remote sensing techniques and geological
field mapping provide a tool for delineating economic mineralization in Neoproterozoic rocks.
