Detection of Laterite Nickel Layer Distribution Based on Correlation of Multispectral Remote Sensing and Magnetic Satellite Data in North Konawe Region, Southeast Sulawesi

Abstract The demand for nickel continues to rise as an essential raw material to produce stainless steel and other metal alloys. Nickel deposits are abundant in Sulawesi Island due to their close association with tectonic plate movements. Therefore, this research aims to detect the distribution of laterite nickel based on the correlation of multispectral remote sensing and magnetic satellite methods in area X, North Konawe, Southeast Sulawesi. The remote sensing analysis utilized Landsat 8 with the combination of 6/5 band ratio to identify iron (Fe) and a 4/7 band ratio to detect quartz-bearing layers. Meanwhile, magnetic satellite data was obtained from The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration website with a total of 314 data. Based on the research results, there is a correlation between the two methods and geological mapping data where the iron (Fe) content in the limonite zone is dominant in the research area. The multispectral remote sensing analysis identified areas with high iron (Fe) content, which were further supported by magnetic satellite data showing magnetic anomalies from −0.312 to 0.178 nT. High anomalies within this range, particularly those between 0.004 and 0.178 nT, are indicative of layers rich in iron (Fe) within the limonite zone, thereby confirming the presence of laterite nickel deposits in the study area.