Integrated Prospectivity Mapping for Copper Mineralization in the Koldar Massif, Kazakhstan
Talgarbayeva D. Vilayev A. Serikbayeva E. Orynbassarova E. Ahmadi H. Saurykov Z. Sydyk N. Bermukhanova A. Iskakov B.
August 2025Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)
Minerals
2025#15Issue 8
This study developed a copper mineral prospectivity map for the Koldar massif, Kazakhstan, using an integrated approach combining geophysical and satellite methods. A strong spatialgenetic link was identified between faults and hydrothermal mineralization, with faults acting as key conduits for ore-bearing fluids. Lineament analysis and density mapping confirmed the high permeability of the Koldar massif, indicating its structural prospectivity. Hyperspectral and multispectral data (ASTER, PRISMA, WorldView-3) were applied for detailed mapping of hydrothermal alteration (phyllic, propylitic, argillic zones), which are critical for discovering porphyry copper deposits. In particular, WorldView-3 imagery facilitated the identification of new prospective zones. The transformation of magnetic and gravity data successfully delineated geological features and structural boundaries, confirming the fractured nature of the massif, a key structural factor for mineralization. The resulting map of prospective zones, created by normalizing and integrating four evidential layers (lineament density, PRISMA-derived hydrothermal alteration, magnetic, and gravity anomalies), is thoroughly validated, successfully outlining the known Aktogay, Aidarly, and Kyzylkiya deposits. Furthermore, new, previously underestimated prospective areas were identified. This work fills a significant knowledge gap concerning the Koldar massif, which had not been extensively studied using satellite methods previously. The key advantage of this research lies in its comprehensive approach and the successful application of high-quality hyperspectral imagery for mapping new prospective zones, offering a cost-effective and efficient alternative to traditional ground-based investigations.
copper mineralization , deposit prediction , geophysics , hydrothermal alteration , hyperspectral data , Kazakhstan , Koldar massif , lineaments , remote sensing , Worldview-3
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Institute of Ionosphere, Almaty, 050020, Kazakhstan
Geomatics Innovation Center, Satbayev University, Almaty, 050013, Kazakhstan
Department of Geological Engineering and Exploration of Mines, Faculty of Geology and Mines, Kabul Polytechnic University, Kabul, 1001, Afghanistan
Department of Water Resources, Wood Rodgers, Inc., Orange, 92866, CA, United States
Department of Geological Survey, Search and Exploration of Mineral Deposits, Geology and Oil-Gas Business Institute, Satbayev University, Almaty, 050013, Kazakhstan
Department of Geophysics and Seismology, Satbayev University, Almaty, 050013, Kazakhstan
Institute of Ionosphere
Geomatics Innovation Center
Department of Geological Engineering and Exploration of Mines
Department of Water Resources
Department of Geological Survey
Department of Geophysics and Seismology
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