An Integrated Geospatial Framework for Geological and Remote Sensing Analysis in Rare Metal Exploration: Eastern Kazakhstan
Abstract
Rare metal exploration increasingly relies on the integration of heterogeneous geological datasets and advanced analytical methods to improve the efficiency and reliability of mineral prospecting. This study presents the development of a web-based Geographic Information System, Geospatial Information System for Optimized Rare Metal Exploration in Eastern Kazakhstan (GISORMEK), using the central part of the Kalba–Narym rare-metal belt (Eastern Kazakhstan) as a case study. A comprehensive geospatial database was developed through the digitization of archival geological maps and the integration of geological, geochemical, tectonic, geophysical, geomorphological, and mineral occurrence datasets. To complement historical mapping data, Landsat-8 multispectral imagery was incorporated to improve lithological discrimination and identify hydrothermal alteration zones. Two remote sensing techniques were applied: Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for lithological mapping and enhancement of geological features, and band ratio (BR) analysis for the calculation of geological spectral indices, including the iron oxide index and the hydroxyl-bearing (Al–OH) mineral index. The resulting spectral indices were subsequently integrated to generate a predictive hydrothermal alteration map. GISORMEK integrates historical and contemporary datasets within a unified web-GIS framework, ensuring spatial consistency, reproducibility, and accessibility. The proposed framework enhances the interpretation of the mineralization potential of the Kalba–Narym region and provides geospatial platform for supporting rare metal exploration and future mineral prospectivity assessments.