Contribution of GIS in Mineral Exploration through Mineralization Distribution Characterization: Application to The Sétifien/Hodna Massifs and The Eastern Saharan Atlas (NE Algeria)

The characterization of the relationship between mineralization and their geological environment by analysis and processing of multi-criteria geoscience data has been the subject of numerous studies around the world [1-6]. Permanent explorations associated with the different direct/indirect techniques have largely contributed to the knowledge of the associations susceptible of precisely defining these mineral poles and to the creation of large volumes of data that can help in their localization [7-12]The advent of new information technologies, mainly geomatics (Remote Sensing and GIS) has contributed strongly to the processing of these data and in acquiring further knowledge about these depositional centers. In the Hodna/Setifian and Eastern Saharan Atlas region, several Pb-Zn-Fe-Ba (Cu, Hg, F, Sr) mineral deposits and indices have been discovered, the majority of which have been subjected to direct exploitation since the 1940s giving rise to important amounts of data. The cartographic representation of these mineralization’s displays a direct spatial trend between the mineralization and large tectonic accidents. The regional metallogenic framework remains relatively unknown. The different types of mineralization have been the subject of several metallogenic, geochemical and structural studies, however data and interpretations are mainly at the local scale and linked to the deposits themselves. These mineralizations generally show a spatial relationship with the major surface tectonic accidents that would have controlled the circulation of hydrothermal fluids responsible for the emplacement of the mineralization.

The amount of data on these mineral deposits and occurrences found in these regions is the result of numerous geological and depositional studies [13-32] that haven’t undergone any digital processing capable of bringing out and/or in new approaches and additional results to better characterize these mineral resources. Inputting and structuring data into a spatial database facilitates geoprocessing and numerical weighting which can confirm and/or invalidate the potential spatial relationship to be studied. The work carried out on these mineral associations and on the cartographic location of the principal deposits and mineral indices makes it possible to present several hypotheses, on the basis of a simple cartographic reading:

Their proximity to large geological structures (diapirs, collapse grabens, anticlinal structures...

Their location near or on major tectonic accidents

Their location with respect to sedimentary basins and lithostratigraphic sets.

To answer these questions regarding the potential relationship between geological structures and mineral deposits, the use of new spatial techniques (GIS) and the application of geostatistical methods (multivariate analysis: geological/depositional, topographical, geochemical and geophysical, interpolation, calculation of spatial indices, ...) makes it possible to specify the distribution properties of the Setifian/Hodna and Eastern Saharan Atlas mineralization. A geostatistical study using a classical interpolation (kriging) method has been adopted to evaluate the spatial distribution of Pb, Zn, Cu and Fe concentrations (%). These interpolation maps are then compared to the different geological and geophysical maps to identify main axes and "structural trends" controlling the mineralization process.

The study area is located in the north-eastern part of Algeria at the edge of the nappes front to the north, limited to the south to the Algerian-Tunisian border by the NE-SW chains of the Aurès mountains and Nemencha mountains. The persistence of tectonic actions on the Tellian domain and the eastern Saharan Atlas has caused the subsidence of large areas and the creation of narrow and discontinuous depressions (example: Hodna depression, Timgad Basin, Morsott graben, etc.). This region consists mainly of Mesozoic sedimentary rocks, with locally dispersed intrusions of diapiric rocks (Figure1). Two large structural sets can be distinguished:

Figure 1:Simplified and georeferenced geological map of northeastern Algeria.

To the north-west, the Setifien/Hodna Mountains consisting mainly of Mesozoic and Tertiary autochthonous formations, affected by several tectonic phases. These regions show mainly NE-SW folded structures related to a late Eocene compressive event. To the south, in the Belezma Mountains, the Belezma Anticline began to form at the base of the Upper Eocene, then evolved into an overlapping Miocene (intra-Tortonian) [33].

The Atlas domain corresponds to the structures located south of the North Atlas accident, intensely folded at the end of the Middle Eocene. The diapiric structures are numerous and can influence locally the sedimentary and structural evolution of the sedimentary cover. In the Khenchela region, diapiric movements allow the development of the santonian reefs [16,34]. In the "diapirs zone", these phenomena are important and are found interrupting the Upper Cretaceous and Tertiary formations [25,28,32,35,36].

The domain of Aurès-Nemencha generally represents the meridional limit of the eastern Saharan Atlas and is affected by a strong Cretaceous subsidence, more pronounced in the Jurassic in the Ould Naïls Mountains [17]. This area is characterized by large folds of direction N50°-N60°, limited to the south by the long chain of Djebel Rheliss. The latter forms a discontinuous garland of E-W direction hills, clearly spilled towards the North and covering the Miocene formations or the Pliocene base [16,19].

At the tectonic scale, the faults that affect this region are NW-SE/NNW-SSE, NE-SW, E-W, and rarely ENE-WSW and NS. NW-SE and NNW-SSE-oriented faults which usually result in dextral strike-slips or normal faults [14,19-21,30-32].

There are several small deposits and mineralized indices in the northeastern part of Algeria (Figure 2), whose paragenesis, typology and method of emplacement vary from one region to another, depending on the geological context and tectonics. In Setifian/Hodna and the eastern Saharan Atlas, these deposits are globally epigenetic of "MVT" type, Mississippi Valley Type [37-40]. The mineralized bodies are in filonian form, in lenticular clusters, and in stratabound principally NE-SE, NW-SE, and E-W oriented [28,30-32]. Mineralization is mainly encased in the Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous formations (Hauterivian, Barremian and Albo-Aptian). In the Sétifien, the most economical deposit is that of Boukhdéma, composed of a mineral association of essentially sphalerite, galena and pyrite, in the form of "stratabound" [30]. In Hodna, the economic deposits are located in the region of Ain Azel which contains several stratiform deposits of Pb-Zn, of which the most important are Ain Kahla, Kherzet Youcef and Chabet El Hamra, Abiane, Z'Dim, Braou, Dra Sfa and Sekkaken. The mineralization is essentially composed of galena and sphalerite, locally associated with pyrite, smithsonite, cerusite and hydrozincite.

Figure 2:Main deposits and mineralized indices of Eastern Algeria.

Towards the south, in the Belezma Mountains, there are several Pb-Zn deposits, notably that of Merouana, encased in the dolomitic bar of the Upper Aptian, in the form of cracks fillings of various directions [30]. The mineralization is mainly translated by sphalerite and incidentally pyrite and galena associated with white dolomite. In the south-east, in Batna Mounts, the recent works of the ORGM (1992 to 1998), put into evidence a rather interesting Pb-Zn mineralization in the Aïn Bougda region. The mineralization is encased in the dolomitic limestone of the Aptian, in the form of lenticular "stratabound" bodies that extend for 6 to 30m. Mineralization consists mainly of marcasite, pyrite, melnicovite, sphalerite and galena. It is presented under the form of open space filling material and in cement breccias which are probably of hydraulic origins [30]. In the Aurès Mounts, there are several Ba-Pb-Zn (Hg) deposits, mainly encased in the carbonated Cretaceous and Miocene formations. There are two principal deposits, first the Ichmoul deposit, essentially made of barite and galena, in the form of lenticular clusters of E-W direction. To these minerals, disseminated red sphalerite is associated with black shales rich in organic matter [31]. Towards the NE, the mineralization of Aïn Mimoun are translated by a filonian field mainly of barite, galena and gray copper, which are largely outcropping at the hinge and the NW side of the Khenchela anticlines (Djebel Aïdel). The mineralized veins are associated with normal NE-SW, NW-SE and E-W fractures. They are hosted in calcaro-dolomitic and sandstone albo-aptian levels. In the eastern Saharan Atlas and in the Algerian-Tunisian areas, there are several deposits of lead, zinc and iron, mostly controlled by diapiric areas along NE-SW axes. Among the most important are El Ouenza, Boukhadra, El Ouasta, Mesloula, M'Zeita and Boudjaber. All these deposits are epigenetic [28,30-32]. They belong to the same paleogeographic domain of carbonate platform with reefal trend; only the El Ouasta deposit belongs to the domain of the Tunisian furrow which sinks to the north under allochtonous lands.

In order to build the spatial database necessary for this study, we used geological supports based on the 1,500,000 geological map of the Alpine chain and the Algerian-Tunisian borders [41] and the 1,200,000 geological maps of Khenchela, Tebessa and Batna [42]. Geological data have been input, digitized and georeferenced using ArcGIS 10.4.1 software. Aeromagnetic and gravimetric maps reinterpreted and processed using the Oasis software, respectively based on the data of the American firm Aero Service Limited (1971-1974), with a measurement step of 150 feet (approximately 46m) and on the basis of gravimetric data by [26] have been used for the characterization of structural phenomena. Gravimetric inversion of the residual anomaly (3D) was designed with Geosoft's Earth modeling technology without constraints and a density contrast model was defined for the study area. For topographic data, we used the Advanced Spacebone Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) DTM, which is a Digital Elevation Model (DEM). It covers our study area with a resolution of 1 second of arc or about 30 meters in GeoTiff format under WGS84 projection.

Cartography and GIS

Under ArcGIS 10.4 software, numerical data for topography, geology, and deposition have been structured in multi-layers that represent different information plans or sets. These superimposed thematic layers allow us to acquire a set of homogeneous vector objects with the same type of spatial data, organized into different feature classes, feature datasets, object classes (Object class or tables), as well as raster files. Attributes are stored in the attribute table of a feature class. The latter represents classes of entities having topological relations and that can be used to group together entity classes belonging to the same theme. All feature classes belonging to the same feature dataset are stored with the same spatial reference (datum, projection, domains, etc.). The tables consist of a set of fields and records, in the form of columns. They can be related or joined to tables or feature classes in the same Geodatabase. Geophysical maps are managed as a set of different raster files in a catalog (ArcCatalog). The geophysical lineaments have been integrated into ArcMap, in vector format. For each component, the spatial references (system of geographical coordinates) are subjected to System of projection (GCS_Nord_Sahara_1959), Ellipsoïde (D_Nord_Sahara_1959), meridian of origin (Greenwich), angular Unit (degree). The geological support was carried out on the basis of the 1,500,000 geological map of the eastern Alpine range and the Algerian-Tunisian borders [41] for the northern part. The southern part was drawn up on the basis of geological cartography done on the 1,200,000 Khenchela, Tebessa and Batna maps [42].

Figure 3:Numerical terrain model DTM ASTER of Hodna/Setif region and the Eastern Saharan Atlas. The yellow dots represent the location of the main Pb-Zn-Fe-Ba (Cu, Hg, F, Sr) deposits and mineralized indices.

Figure 4:Elevation bands map of Hodna/Setif region and the Eastern Saharan Atlas. The yellow dots represent the location of the main Pb-Zn-Fe-Ba (Cu, Hg, F, Sr) deposits and mineralized indices.

Figure 5:Diagram showing the distribution of the mineralized deposits and indices according to altitudes.

Figure 6:Slope Map of Hodna/Setif region and the Eastern Saharan Atlas. The yellow dots represent the location of the main Pb-Zn-Fe-Ba (Cu, Hg, F, Sr) deposits and mineralized indices.

An ASTER Numerical Terrain Model from the study area was produced using USGS data, compatible with ArcMap ESRI and ArcGIS Explorer. A relief image of the ASTER DTM composed of linear features of 30 meters resolution was developed reflecting the reliefs and irregularities of the surface of this region (Figure 3). From the digital terrain model, the map of elevation bands was produced allowing us to visualize the distribution of the mineralized deposits according to the altitudes (Figure 4 & 5). In addition, we produced a slope map that provides insight into the location of mineralized deposits as a function of slope (Figure 6).

Geophysical data analysis

The integration of geophysical data provides a better understanding of the spatial relationships between mineralization, lithologic/structural units, and faults [43-48]. The geophysical maps produced using the "GEOSOFT" software were introduced in "Raster" format with a Tiff extension in ArcGIS. Structural discontinuities were interpreted directly in GIS (ArcGIS 10.4), using magnetic and gravimetric data from the American firm Aero Service Limited (1971-1974) and [26] respectively. The interpretation of the geophysical discontinuities was done by zone taking into account the structural style of the geological map. The total magnetic field data has a measurement step of 150 feet, or about 46m. They were first filtered with the GEOSOFT software in different layers with the MAGMAP option (Figure 7). The gravimetric inversion of the residual anomaly (3D) was made with GEOSOFT's Earth modeling technology without constraint and a density contrast model was defined for the study area. The "GEOSOFT" model was used to reverse the residual anomaly. The underground model of the study area was divided into small rectangular cells of 1000X1000X500m (X, Y and Z) dimensions. (Figure 8) shows the surface projection of the density contrast distribution, obtained by 3D inversion.

Figure 7:First horizontal derivative of the total magnetic field, fault network and structural discontinuities (black) and localizations of the main indices and mineralized deposits with Pb-Zn-Fe-Ba (Cu, Hg, F, Sr) (yellow dots). A) Eastern Saharan Atlas. B) Diapirs zone. C) Hodna and Setifian Region.

Figure 8:Interpretation of the gravimetric map’s density contrast by 3D inversion a) Sétifien, Belezma Mountains and Batna Mountains. b) Diapirs zone. The yellow dots represent the location of the main Pb-Zn-Fe-Ba (Cu, Hg, F, Sr) deposits.

The analysis of gravimetric data shows the presence of a broad sedimentary cover. In the central part, linear structures (anticlines NE-SW) give values oscillating between -40 and -55 milligales. NW-SE linear gravity gravity ditches or troughs give values between -60 and -75 milligals. The interpretation of density contrast maps, obtained by 3D inversion, shows numerous geophysical lineaments, mainly in the N135° to N170° and N40° to N60° directions. These tecto-lineaments have mean lengths varying between 12 and 120km. They do not show any apparent movement, but on the surface, the same directions are represented by strike-slips or normal faults. The more or less circular blue anomalies probably reflect the diapiric structures, or graben. The other density contrasts reflect linear geological structures (mainly N50° anticlines).

Geostatistical approach to mineral foci

Figure 9:Ordinary kriging interpolation maps of Pb-Zn-Cu-Fe chemical elements of Hodna/Setifian and Eastern Saharan Atlas.

The geostatistical analysis of the geochemical data consists of producing interpolation maps by ordinary Kriging of the Pb-Zn-Cu-Fe chemical elements (%) in order to measure the potential depositional focis’ regional spatial extent (Figure 9). The applied interpolation technique represents a wide range of applications in geoscience studies [49-51]. It provides a better linear estimate of a regionalized variable that can be used for synthesis analytic work and spatial modeling in mineral exploration. The interpolation maps used in this study are constructed to identify the "structural trends" of Pb-Zn-Cu-Fe chemical elements in percentage. The geochemical data were run and analyzed on 900 points for which the x-y coordinates (UTM WGS 84 ellipsoid) were calculated with reference to the location of deposits and mineralized indices. The concentrations of Pb-Zn-Cu-Fe (%) in the database were processed in ArcInfo and merged with the spatial database in the GIS. Interpolation maps show different colors that represent different varaibility intervals of Pb-Zn-Cu-Fe (%).

Collected results allow the proposition of scenarios susceptible of pin pointing adequate precision on the behavior and the spatial distribution of the deposits and mineralized indices of Sétifien/Hodna and Eastern Saharan Atlas. Produced maps show preferential linear trends in mineralization, comparable to regional structural directions (anticlines, synclines, sedimentary basins, diapiric structures, and grabens) and regional faults. In the Sétifien/Hodna, a large part of the deposits and mineralized indices (Abiane, Ain EL Kahla, Chabet el Hamra, Kharset Youcef and Gouzi) are located near or along the NW-SE/EW faults, clearly visible on the aeromagnetic and gravimetric maps. In the eastern Saharan Atlas, mineralized deposits are preferentially located along or near the NE-SW and NW-SE tecto-lineaments, at the edges of subsident sedimentary basins, generally at the anticline hinges (Merouana, Ichmoul and Ain Mimoum), or at the edge (Ain Bougda deposit) in the carbonate formations of the lower Cretaceous. In the diapiric zone, mineralized deposits are generally located on the edges of diapiric structures and grabens (Kef Rekhma, M'khiriga, Boudjaber, Hamimmat deposits), sometimes near NE-SW and NW-SE accident zones (deposits of Mesloula, Es Souabaa). On a regional scale, these tectonic accidents would probably have controlled the emplacement of the mineralized deposits. According to Herkat [17], these tectonic accidents probably controlled the evolution of atlastic sedimentary basins in a tilted block system.

The combination of mineralization with geomorphological data (ASTER DEM, slope map, elevation bands map) clearly shows a distribution of mineralization in the depressions margins, characterized by tectonic and/or sedimentary subsidences. They are located on the foothills, following a general alignment from west to east, following the general shape of the relief. The majority of the deposits occupy slopes varying between 3 and 12% and an altitude between 1000 and 1200m. The deposits south of the Hodna Basin have an altitude of 700m. These orientations were also confirmed by the interpolation of Pb-Zn-Cu-Fe (%) contents map. These show contours with high concentrations of Pb-Zn (±Cu) located along predominantly NE-SW and NW-SE zones. The highest values in Fe are essentially in a large area expanding NE and NW. These results suggest two main linear trends: NE-SW and NW-SE. These linear trends are similar to the directions of the main geophysical tecto-lineaments controlling mineralization. Thus, from this combined geoscience data, the analysis of the distribution of mineralized deposits and indices shows that the mineralization is guided by linear and structural trends in the margins of sedimentary basins: In the Setifian/Hodna, the spatial distribution of the mineralization is along NW-SE/EW axes, probably controlled by tecto-lineaments of the same direction 2) - In the Eastern Saharan Atlas, it is a distribution following deformation corridors of NE-SW/NW-SE orientation.

The processing of geological and geological data supplemented by geophysical and geostatistical analysis (interpolation maps of Pb-Zn-Cu-Fe contents) in a geographic information system made it possible to specify the main geological environments and to identify structural trends (axes) controlling the mineralization of Sétifien/Hodna and the eastern Saharan Atlas. The mineralized deposits are preferentially located in the margins of the subsidence basins, near the accidents zones of the substrate [52]. The latter probably represent the underlying engine that has favored the circulation of mineralized fluids. In the Sétifian/Hodna, geophysical analysis shows that these same deposits are located near or along tecto-lineaments mainly of NW-SE/E-W orientation. In the eastern Saharan Atlas, mineralization appears to be controlled by NE-SW and NW-SE directional tecto-lineaments. Interpolation maps obtained from the geostatistical analysis (ordinary kriging) of Pb-Zn-Cu-Fe concentrations (%) show strong similarities. These axial trends (NE-SW/NW-SE) reflect the deformation corridors that have controlled the emplacement of mineralized deposits in these areas and may represent potential targets for mineral exploration.

The team wishes to thank the ORGM for having accepted to supply archival documents indispensable for this research.

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