ABSTRACT
Reflectance spectroscopy and ASTER data have proven their capabilities for remote mineralogical mapping and ore exploration. In this context, a new methodology based on the use of ASD hyperspectral spectroscopy and ASTER multispectral data is proposed for the exploration of phosphates in a specific geological and abruptly topographical context in Tunisia. The contribution of this study consists in mapping sedimentary phosphates in the Chaketma mine site in the Centre West of Tunisia using all ASTER VNIR, SWIR and TIR data. Resulting maps from the processing of ASTER data using MF method highlighted already delimited phosphate perspectives as well as other no prospected phosphate outcrops. XRD analysis results as well as ASD hyperspectral spectra were used for the validation purposes. Given the abrupt landscape of the site, the contribution of this approach is well highlighted. Moreover, these results allow to better mark out phosphates and minimize the impact of their exploitation on environment.
