Integrated Geophysical and Remote Sensing Analysis for Identifying Mineralization Potential in Wadi Queih, Central Eastern Desert, Egypt

Abstract

The integration of aeromagnetic, gamma-ray spectrometric, and remote sensing approaches was used to delineate structural configurations and identify potential mineralization sites in the Wadi Queih area, Eastern Desert, Egypt. Focusing on weathered Precambrian terrains, this study establishes a predictive, multitier exploration model for the Wadi Queih area (Eastern Desert, Egypt) by integrating aeromagnetic, gamma-ray spectrometric, and Landsat-9 OLI-2 datasets. Rather than analyzing these datasets in isolation, the novel contribution of this integrated approach lies in its ability to map the complete genetic path of mineralization—bridging subsurface structural conduits, surface hydrothermal alteration, and radioelements. Subsurface structural configurations mapped via magnetic tilt derivative (TDR) and analytic signal (AS) filters were revealed. The main finding is that the dominant NW–SE structural trend is consistent with regional tectonic structures associated with Red Sea rifting. By co-registering these deep structures with surface mineralogical mapping from Landsat-9 OLI-2 (processed using PCA, band ratios, and Spectral Angle Mapper), we demonstrate a direct structural control on hydrothermal alteration zones. Specifically, these fault zones align with intense hydroxyl and iron oxide alterations, while the Spectral Angle Mapper successfully identified serpentinite-hosted magnesite and chromite extensions. Airborne gamma-ray spectrometry validated these targets, mapping localized potassium enrichment along fault-controlled alteration zones and identifying strata-bound uranium enrichment within the phosphorogenic Duwi and Tarif Formations. The convergence of these three independent datasets provides a self-validating targeting framework that significantly reduces exploration risk compared to traditional single-dataset analyses. Ultimately, this integrated, multidisciplinary approach provides a robust and highly generalizable exploration framework for complex Precambrian terrains globally.