Integrated remote sensing and geophysical data for delineating the radioactive mineralization bearing-alteration zones, El-Missikat and El-Erediya areas, Central Eastern Desert, Egypt

Relying exclusively on singular evidence nowadays is mostly insufficient for accurately identifying mineralized zones, particularly those hosting radioactive mineralizations. It is well-established that the integration of datasets leads to more reliable outcomes, particularly in the detection of potential mineralization deposits and the accurate discrimination of heterogeneous lithological units. Here, we combined multisource datasets like remote sensing data from Sentinel-2 and hyperspectral PRISMA with airborne geophysical data, encompassing magnetic and radiometric information. This study aims to meticulously investigate and map hydrothermal alteration zones associated with radioactive (uranium) mineralizations within the El-Missikat and El-Erediya regions. To accomplish this objective, satellite imagery underwent meticulous processing through a suite of techniques, including False Color Composites, Principal Component Analysis, Independent Component Analysis, Minimum Noise Fraction, and Band Ratios. Our study meticulously delineated the hydrothermal alteration zones associated with uranium deposition, including hematitization, epidotization, sericitization, and kaolinization. Furthermore, airborne geophysical findings provided insights into the spatial distribution of radioelements. In addition, the aeromagnetic findings highlighted the intricate structures that control mineralizations by depicting their depths via applying Tilt derivative (TD), Euler deconvolution (ED), and also distinctive mineralization sites through Center for exploration targeting (CET) grid analysis. Also, radiometric K/eTh ratio coupled with ternary composite maps of aeroradiometric data demarcated zones displaying potassic alteration that are associated with younger granitoids, proficiently differentiated radioactive mineralized zones, and different rock units, respectively. This integration is augmented through detailed fieldwork, petrographic analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The latter confirmed the U-Th-REE-Nb-bearing minerals such as zirconolite, euxenite-(Y) (polycrase-Y), and plumbo-pyrochlore (Pb-pyrochlore). Thus, we strongly advocate for the synergistic integration of remote sensing and geophysical datasets in future investigations to further refine mineral exploration strategies. • The synergistic integration of Sentinel-2 and PRISMA satellite data has delivered unprecedented insights into the complex and nuanced differentiation of rock formations within the study area. • A wide spectrum of hydrothermal alteration zones, encompassing argillic, phyllic, and propylitic types, has been successfully identified, meticulously mapped, and rigorously validated through comparing it with previous studies. • Geophysical investigations played a critical role in this study, serving as a cornerstone for identifying, characterizing, and delineating distinct rock units. These studies also provided invaluable insights into the structural controls and directional trends governing the distribution of radioactive mineralizations. A particularly significant finding was the predominance of a northwestern (NW) orientation, which emerged as the dominant trend for mineralization. • Rigorous field studies and precise microscopic analyses were meticulously conducted. These investigations yielded unequivocal confirmation of our results, shedding light on the nuanced relationship between radioactive mineralizations and diverse alteration zones. • This intricate connection was vividly portrayed through thorough microscopic examinations of samples procured from shear zones bolstered by SEM-EDX analysis for added validation. • The synergizing of multisource datasets, including remote sensing data from Sentinel-2 and hyperspectral PRISMA, alongside airborne geophysical data—encompassing both magnetic and radiometric information—significantly enhances the reliability and accuracy of detecting potential mineral deposits and discriminating between heterogeneous lithological units.