APPLICATION OF REMOTE SENSING DATA FUSION ON ASTER AND SENTINEL-2 DATA FOR CRITICAL MINERAL EXPLORATION IN MOUNTAIN PASS, CALIFORNIA

This study aims to investigate the use of fused Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) and Sentinel-2 data for critical mineral exploration in Mountain Pass, California. The region is known for its significant reserves of rare earth elements (REE), which are critical for numerous high-tech industries. However, conventional exploration methods have efficiency, cost, and environmental impact limitations. We used an image fusion method integrating spectral and spatial of ASTER and Sentinel-2 multispectral data. ASTER's Visible to near-infrared and short-wave infrared bands capture unique spectral signatures of hydrothermally altered minerals, while Sentinel-2's high temporal resolution facilitates discriminating gossans and weathered areas in better detail as well as sulfate and oxide minerals. The fusion of these datasets, further enhanced by machine learning algorithms, can improve the detection and mapping of REE deposits host rocks. The principal component analysis (PCA) and support vector machine (SVM) were used for data reduction and classification, respectively. The effectiveness of the proposed method was evaluated using ground-truth data from field samples and geological maps. Preliminary results indicate improved identification and delineation of hydrothermal mineralization zones compared to standalone ASTER or Sentinel-2 analyses. The proposed method also demonstrated the potential for identifying unknown mineral occurrences, which could significantly contribute to prospective exploration. This research provides a new perspective on applying remote sensing technology in critical mineral exploration. It could aid the way we explore critical minerals, advancing our scientific understanding and the sustainability and efficiency of mineral resource management. The method proposed in this research has broad application and potential for use in other areas where similar geology exists.