Prospecting and Characterization of Lithium-Bearing Pegmatites in Araçuaí, Minas Gerais: Integration of Aster Data, Unsupervised Classification, and Spectral-Geochemical Analyses

Objective: To characterize pegmatites in Araçuaí (MG, Brazil) and evaluate the effectiveness of spectral and geochemical analyses in identifying lithium mineralizations. Theoretical Framework: Based on mineral prospecting techniques, with emphasis on spectral signatures of minerals such as spodumene and micas, and ASTER data processing. Method: Rock and soil samples were collected and analyzed through petrography, X-ray fluorescence (S1 TITAN), and reflectance spectroscopy (ASD FieldSpec-3 High-Resolution). ASTER data were processed in QGIS/Python for spectral classification. Results and Discussion: The results obtained revealed [synthesize the main results of the research]. In the discussion section, these results are contextualized in light of the theoretical framework, highlighting the implications and relationships identified. Possible discrepancies and limitations of the study are also considered in this section. Research Implications: The results demonstrated the presence of indicator minerals, such as muscovite, kaolinite, and halloysite, in addition to iron oxides (hematite and goethite). The spectral analysis revealed an absorption pattern suggestive of spodumene, although complementary studies are required for confirmation. The geochemical data indicated anomalous levels of hafnium and rhodium. Originality/Value: The study stands out for combining field spectral analysis, geochemistry, and data processing for lithium. The correlation between spectral signatures and geochemical data advances the understanding of indirect indicators of lithium mineralization, offering an applicable model for future mineral prospecting research.