Magnetic–geological synthesis for enhanced gold exploration in the South Meatiq region, Egypt

Abstract Gold exploration is a strategically significant sector, particularly for resource-dependent economies. As near-surface reserves become depleted, exploration increasingly targets deeper crustal levels, requiring advanced and cost-effective techniques. High-resolution aeromagnetic surveys have proven especially valuable for such purposes, offering efficient acquisition of critical subsurface data, particularly in remote or rugged terrains where conventional methods face limitations. This study employs an integrated geoscientific approach to evaluate the gold mineralization potential of the South Meatiq region, Eastern Desert, Egypt. High-resolution aeromagnetic data were combined with ASTER and Landsat-8 remote sensing imagery and supported by detailed geological field investigations. The aim was to refine subsurface geological interpretations and identify structural and lithological settings conducive to gold deposition. Analytical techniques included vertical and horizontal derivatives, total magnetic intensity transformations, three-dimensional Euler deconvolution, normalised source strength, tilt angle analysis, and magnetic inversion. Ground-truthing involved rock sampling, structural measurements, petrographic studies, preliminary geochemical assays, and thin-section microscopy. Magnetic transformation filters highlighted several anomalous zones indicative of potential mineralization. Field observations and sampling confirmed the presence of gold-bearing quartz veins reported in previous studies and identified additional prospective zones. Petrographic and reconnaissance geochemical data further substantiated mineralization in the area, while providing new insights into the tectonic and lithological controls governing ore deposition. Findings of this study show that Serpentinized soapstone southeast of Fawakheir, representing the westernmost extension of the South Meatiq serpentinite belt, contain gold concentrations ranging from 0.3 to 9.5 ppm. As carbonation progressed, magnesite was destroyed and magnetic susceptibility decreased. Examination of magnetic inversion profiles indicates that zones exhibiting listvenite are most prospective for gold mineralization and should be prioritized for future detailed exploration in the area.