Basement tectonics from LANDSAT imagery in mining exploration

Abstract

The mineral potentials of basement cratonic areas are evaluated on the basis of mechanical analyses of their tectonic framework, obtained from LANDSAT imagery, Tensional release targets are selected through the application of different deformational models and the identification of the stage and type of deformation. Correlation between tensional release zones and epigenetic hypogenic mineralization in different cratonic areas of South America has been successful in several mining exploration programmes.