Lineament assessment of Aynak copper mine using remote sensing approach

Abstract

This research developed a new approach to extract the lineaments using Landsat, QuickBird and ALOS PALSAR satellite remotely sensed data in Aynak copper mine which is located in Kabul tectonic block and the Tethyan Copper Belt of Afghanistan. Lineaments and trench directions are not relatively studied in the study area which will bring obstacles in exploration and extraction of the mine. This research aims to extract the lineaments for studying the better trench direction in the study area. Lineaments such as faults and joints are extremely important structures that not only show the surface structure but also give us important knowledge about the subsurface of the earth. Afghanistan is a part of the Alpine-Himalayan orogenic belt which suffers from high tectonic movements in some areas, especially north-eastern and central parts which leads to the occurrence of different lineaments and unconformities. Lineaments can be surveyed and mapped using field geological survey or using satellite remotely sensed data. Satellite remote sensing data costs less and takes less time compare to field geological survey for lineament extraction. This research used Landsat 8 natural color with 2, 3, 4 band composition, QuickBird 1m resolution, and ALOS PALSAR 12.5 m satellite imagery to detect and map the lineaments in the Aynak copper mine area in Afghanistan. Geomatica software was used for lineament extraction using the Manual technique. Then the rose diagrams of the lineaments were plotted using Polar Plots extension of ArcGIS. Next, the rose diagrams derived from the two mentioned lineament extraction techniques were compared and evaluated. Global Mapper software was used for the extraction of lineaments using Visual technique and to map the rivers and ridges in the Aynak area of interest for validation of the results. Finally, the best orientation for trenches in Aynak copper mine was derived. This study found that faults and joints in the study area have a NE-SW trend and directions. This study will contribute to a better understanding of the trench direction and mineral exploration in Aynak copper mine.