REMOTE SENSING AND GIS TECHNIQUES APPLIED TO EPITHERMAL MINERALIZATION IN THE SIERRA MADRE OCCIDENTAL, CHIHUAHUA, MEXICO

The Sierra Madre region is rich in mineralized deposits, but it is hard to access because of the rugged area. Remote Sensing and GIS applications can help in mineral exploration projects and to describe part of the regional structural analysis. The aim is to carry out the study of linear, curvilinear, arcuate, and circular features. Independent data exists locating mines and mineral occurrences and there are 10 gold and silver operator mines in this region. It is of interest to know the relationship between lineament intersections, caldera features, and the location of potential mineral occurrences. Four thousand four hundred forty-five lineaments are observed and digitized manually by directional filters, and 26031 lineaments are extracted automatically from the satellite images. Remote sensing has successfully identified 34 First Order Lineaments (greater than 15 km in length), which help identified horsts, grabens, and potential lateral faults. The contrast in results between First and Third-order (less than 3 km) are interpreted to represent predominately early versus late tectonic events. Remote sensing has successfully helped to identify the 17 new calderas, verified ten old ones and we are in disagreement on one. Mineral occurrences and mines are generally but not exclusively associated with caldera rims and internal fracture, and faults. A positive correlation exists between First Order Lineaments and occurrences. These results can be helpful for mineral exploration.