Application of remote sensing technology in prospecting and exploration of porphyry copper-gold deposits in Mina Pirquitas, Northwest Argentina

The copper-gold polymetallic metallogenic belt in northwestern Argentina is the main component of the Andean metallogenic belt in South America. This metallogenic belt mainly develops porphyry copper-gold deposits and is the main distribution area of copper-gold polymetallic mineral resources in Argentina. This paper focuses on the Minapiquitas region of Jujuy Province in northwestern Argentina, using ETM+ satellite images as the data source, to carry out remote sensing interpretation of annular structures, rhombus structures, deep faults and broken zones; based on Aster remote sensing image data information extraction and analysis of mineralization alteration anomalies by imaging spectroscopy and principal component analysis. The results show that the anomalous area of aluminum-hydroxy-type altered minerals and iron-stained altered minerals is relatively consistent with the main ore-controlling structures, and it is considered that this area has favorable metallogenic conditions. On this basis, combined with the metallogenic geological conditions of porphyry deposits, a remote sensing geological prospecting model was established in this area, and important prospecting areas were divided. This method has a good prospecting effect and plays an important guiding role in the prospecting and investigation work in northwestern Argentina.