Characterization of potential mineralization in Afghanistan: four permissive areas identified using imaging spectroscopy data
Open-File Report
2014-1071
Prepared in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Defense Task Force for Business and Stability Operations and the Afghanistan Geological Survey
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Abstract
As part of the U.S. Geological Survey and Department of Defense Task Force for Business and Stability Operations natural resources revitalization activities in Afghanistan, four permissive areas for mineralization, Bamyan 1, Farah 1, Ghazni 1, and Ghazni 2, have been identified using imaging spectroscopy data. To support economic development, the areas of potential mineralization were selected on the occurrence of selected mineral assemblages mapped using the HyMap™ data (kaolinite, jarosite, hydrated silica, chlorite, epidote, iron-bearing carbonate, buddingtonite, dickite, and alunite) that may be indicative of past mineralization processes in areas with limited or no previous mineral resource studies. Approximately 30 sites were initially determined to be candidates for areas of potential mineralization. Additional criteria and material used to refine the selection and prioritization process included existing geologic maps, Landsat Thematic Mapper data, and published literature. The HyMapTM data were interpreted in the context of the regional geologic and tectonic setting and used the presence of alteration mineral assemblages to identify areas with the potential for undiscovered mineral resources. Further field-sampling, mapping, and supporting geochemical analyses are necessary to fully substantiate and verify the specific deposit types in the four areas of potential mineralization.
Study Area
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | Characterization of potential mineralization in Afghanistan: four permissive areas identified using imaging spectroscopy data |
| Series title | Open-File Report |
| Series number | 2014-1071 |
| DOI | 10.3133/ofr20141071 |
| Year Published | 2014 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey |
| Publisher location | Reston, VA |
| Contributing office(s) | Crustal Geophysics and Geochemistry Science Center |
| Description | vi, 67 p. |
| Country | Afghanistan |
| State | Bamyan;Farah;Ghazni |
| Datum | World Geodetic System 1984 |
| Projection | Transverse Mercator projection |
| Scale | 100000 |
| Online Only (Y/N) | Y |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |