Semi-Automatic Image Processing System of Aeromagnetic Data for Structural and Mining Investigations (Case of Bou Azzer Inlier, Central Anti-Atlas, Morocco)

Abstract

Numerical analysis of geophysical data to uncover Precambrian belts and probably to enclose mineral deposits is becoming once more communal in mining activity. The method is founded on typifying zones branded to comprehend deposits and looking for analogous areas. The proposed work outlines a semi-automatic image processing system for the structural and mining investigation of the Bou Azzer inlier, which varies from preceding approaches as it is centered only on aeromagnetic data. The aeromagnetic signature of what seem to be geologically expressive features are pursued within the aeromagnetic items. Cobalt and associated mineralizations in the Bou Azzer inlier are recognized to arise nearby main crustal discontinuities revealing as significant shear zones, which turn act as drains for mineralizing fluids. Mineralization occurs in sectors of structural complexity beside the shear zones. Developing towards the semi-automatic uncovering of such regions, the furthermost prospective extents are those everywhere inferred structural complexity occurs next to the regions of magnetic discontinuity. The proposed method is mainly based on the approach developed by the center for exploration targeting. The study was led by means of aeromagnetic data from the Bou Azzer inlier, which is considered one of the most productive and prospective regions for minerals and base metal mineralization in Morocco. The combined results obtained from geological and geophysical data prove that prospective areas have a dominant trend of NNE-SSW, NW-SE, NNW-SSE, E-W, and NE-SW directions. The CET Grid and Porphyry Analyses show that the probable porphyry mineral deposit locations mainly concentrated in the center of inlier, the Foum Zguid dyke, and northern and eastern part, which correspond to the Bou Azzer ophiolitic complex and platform deposits of the Lower Neoproterozoic Tachdamt-Bleïda.

Keywords

• geophysics
• aeromagnetic survey
• Bou Azzer inlier
• structural and mining investigations
• CET grid and porphyry analysis
• Central Anti-Atlas