Structural delination using Satellite data for Lead and Zinc mineral Exploration in South Central part of Cuddapah basin

Abstract

The Cuddapah basin is an assemblage Cuddapah Supergroup of rocks consisting of alternate beds of arenaceous, carbonaceous, and argillaceous rocks with multiple basaltic intrusions occurring as sills parallel to bedding planes of lower successions. The Cuddapah basin is formed over the Archaean Peninsular Gneissic Complex (PGC) in three sub-basins viz., Papaghni, Chitravati, and Nallamalai. The present study is focused on the mineral exploration by structural mapping using satellite image for lead and zinc mineralization around Zangamraju palli and Varikunta through Gollapalli villages, known as z-v belt in Badvel and Proddutur talukas respectively of YSR district. The z-v belt occurs in the south central part of the Cuddapah basin and belongs to highly folded and highly disturbed Nallamalai group of Cumbum formation of the Cuddapah Supergroup. The general strike of the belt is N-S. Zangamrajupalli block lies in the western limb of a major anticline and Gollapalle block on the eastern limb of the basin. Mineral Exploration aided by the satellite data is essentially includes the regional survey for some of the guides of mineralization especially geological, geomorphological, and structural guides. Satellite data form an important source for mapping and detail exploration studies. The detailed exploration study includes mapping of structural controls and delineation of lithounits associated with mineralization. Lead and zinc, which have been categorised under base metals, identified by a succession of lithology, faults, dykes, and alteration data layers. Lead and zinc occur together with other metals like silver and cadmium. Zinc is a silvery blue-grey metal with a comparably low melting and boiling point. Potential areas for base-metal resources were identified ground exploration was carried out. Satellite imagery data plays a crucial role in the identification of structures for minerals exploration. The relatively low and high utility of satellite imagery makes it a technology for explorers.