Sediment-hosted/orogenic gold mineral systems exploration using PALSAR remote sensing data in Peninsular Malaysia

Abstract

The Bentong-Raub Suture Zone (BRSZ) is genetically related to the sediment-hosted/orogenic gold deposits associated with the major lineaments and form-lines in the Central Gold Belt of Peninsular Malaysia. In this investigation, the Phased Array type L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (PALSAR) satellite remote sensing data were used to analyse major geological structures in Peninsular Malaysia and provide detailed characterization of lineaments and form-lines in the BRSZ, as well as its implications for sediment-hosted/orogenic gold exploration in tropical environments. The pervasive array of N-S faults in the study area and surrounding terrain is mainly linked to the N-S trending of the BRSZ Suture Zone. N-S striking lineaments are often cut by younger NE-SW and NW-SE-trending lineaments. Three generations of folding event have been discerned from remote sensing structural analysis. Gold mineralized trends lineaments are associated with the intersection of N-S, NE-SW, NNW-SSE and ESE-WNW faults and curvilinear features in shearing and alteration zones. Compressional tectonics structures such as NW-SE trending thrust, ENE-WSW oriented faults in mylonite and phyllite, recumbent folds and asymmetric anticlines in argillite are high potential zones for gold prospecting.