Mineral exploration is the process of finding commercially viable concentrations of minerals to mine. It involves a range of activities aimed at discovering new mineral deposits, evaluating the potential of existing deposits, and determining the feasibility of mining these resources.

Geological exploration for mineral resources (Geological mapping) using Remote Sensing (RS) methods - non-traditional exploration for indirect presence of mineral resources based on satellite, aerial, and UAV sensors in a wide electromagnetic spectrum.

Images are collected either through optical sensors or radar sensors with synthetic aperture. Optical sensors measure spectral data of sunlight reflected from the Earth's surface. Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) sensors can detect electromagnetic data by transmitting microwave radiation and receiving backscattered waves from the Earth's surface.

Remote sensing images are used for indirect exploration of valuable mineral deposits in two key ways:

• Mapping and analyzing the geology, faults, and fractures of the ore deposit.
• Identification of hydrothermally altered rocks based on their spectral characteristics.

Mapping hydrothermal alteration minerals and structural lines, for example, using multi-spectral images from satellites like Landsat 8 (or Aster), provides valuable information for mineral exploration. For instance, gold mineralization occurs as quartz veins and stringers associated with hydrothermal alteration halos. Faults are interpreted as pathways for mineralizing fluids, where the interaction between host rocks and hydrothermal fluids causes variations in composition. Detecting these features using RS methods is a key indicator for targeting new prospective areas of orogenic gold mineralization. For example, remote sensing image processing methods such as band combinations, band ratios, and principal component analysis (PCA) have been applied to visible, near-infrared, and short-wave infrared ranges from Landsat 8 satellite.

Indirect support for main traditional prospecting activities on mineral resources by reducing significant investments in geological exploration. In such conditions, the implementation of innovative and cost-effective methods, such as remote sensing, becomes particularly relevant.

Remote Sensing is a valuable tool for geologists, providing relevant information while saving time and resources. It is best suited for locating high-value mineral deposits, such as diamonds and gold. Although remote sensing cannot precisely pinpoint the location of large ore bodies, the data obtained from it can be used to narrow down prospects through other means in smaller areas.

In the last 10-15 years, there has been a significant technological breakthrough in terms of improving the quality and availability of satellite imagery. This has led to a reevaluation of traditional approaches to mineral resource forecasting.

Global experience in using Remote Sensing methods has proven their effectiveness in locating copper-porphyry, gold, and other deposits in countries like Iran, Argentina, China, USA, Canada, and more. Across the world, the preparatory stage of geological exploration includes Remote Sensing methods, but Russia is currently lagging behind. Free satellite images from ASTER, Landsat ETM+, Landsat-8, and recently made publicly accessible, have been successfully utilized in the field of geology.

The introduction of commercial satellite imagery from Worldview-3 (8 SWIR 3.7m + 8 MS 1.24m + PAN 0.31m) has significantly improved the efficiency of preliminary geological exploration or the refinement of previously explored deposits.

Mineral exploration is a task that geologists must approach with the maximum possible information. Rare metals and valuable minerals can easily be overlooked, and the process of their discovery involves costly risks.

In general, remote sensing is used in geological exploration to accomplish the following tasks:

• Mapping of deposits and host rocks.
• Lithological mapping.
• Structural mapping.
• Exploration of mineral deposits.
• Study of the geology of the surrounding environment.
• Study of geobotany.
• Mapping and monitoring of sedimentary deposits.
• Mapping and monitoring of potential hazards.
• Monitoring of deformation and displacement of the earth's surface in mineral deposits.

• Remote Sensing is a valuable tool in mineral exploration (geological mapping) due to its ability to save time and money while providing useful information. It is best suited for detecting valuable commodities such as diamonds and gold, which are becoming increasingly difficult to find. Although remote sensing methods may not precisely identify the location of large deposits, the data collected from sensors can be used to narrow down field investigations to smaller areas.
• Remote Sensing tools are beneficial for risk reduction and prioritization in exploration projects. Expensive operations like drilling and fieldwork can be conducted after collecting and analyzing geospatial data.
• The ability to synthesize different forms of data is a significant achievement in mineral exploration (geological mapping). Known drilling results can be integrated with topographic maps, aerial imagery, structural maps, and ore content information. Data synthesis can significantly enhance the accuracy and efficiency of exploration programs.

The application of Remote Sensing methods allows for a drastic reduction in the cost of geological exploration by conducting comprehensive research of extensive territories, often inaccessible for traditional exploration methods due to various reasons.

In combination with traditional methods (geological, geophysical, geochemical, etc.), Remote Sensing methods allow for a more objective understanding of the structure of the lithosphere, geological processes, the effectiveness of prospecting deposits, and the analysis of the environmental impact.

The application of Remote Sensing methods significantly reduces the cost of mineral exploration (geological mapping):

• It reduces financial and time expenses for ground exploration and the use of equipment and personnel.
• Geological exploration reaches a qualitatively new level.
• High speed of obtaining information: from 1-2 days to several weeks.
• High accuracy of information: space images document specific locations at specific times.
• Significantly broader coverage: Remote Sensing allows for simultaneous imaging of large areas with high accuracy, exploration of inaccessible regions and sites, localization of exploration, and simultaneous observations in different areas.
• No need to be bound by national or other borders; no special permits required.

The use of remote sensing methods and tools reduces the risk of implementing geological exploration projects, helping to establish the priority of exploration of different areas based on their prospects. After completing such works, more expensive exploration methods, such as geophysical surveys (including magnetic surveys, electrical surveys, and magnetometry), are used.

The ability to synthesize various data types has been a tremendous step forward in geological exploration. For example, geophysical results can be combined with topographic maps, aerial imagery, structural maps, and information on the content of valuable components, such as gold. Data synthesis significantly enhances the accuracy and efficiency of exploration work.