Identification of Lithium-Bearing Pegmatite Dikes Based on WorldView-3 Data: A Case Study of the Shaligou Area in Western Altyn

Shaligou, located in the southwestern Altyn Mountains, is a newly discovered lithium-bearing pegmatite deposit that is driving increased exploration in the region. However, the challenging environmental conditions of the Altyn Mountains pose challenges for the exploration of lithium-bearing pegmatites. Consequently, remote sensing technology has emerged as an effective exploration tool. In this study, the spectral data of typical samples were collected to establish a spectral library of rocks and minerals in the study area capable of serving as a foundation for remote sensing analysis. Firstly, ASTER data were utilized successfully for lithological interpretation of the area. Secondly, high-resolution WorldView-3 data with a spatial resolution of 0.31 m were used to establish interpretation criteria for pegmatite dikes. Ground validation results were highly consistent with the remote sensing interpretations, confirming that the use of WorldView-3 data significantly enhances the accuracy of lithium-bearing pegmatite dike identification, providing valuable guidance for further exploration.