Relationship between satellite-based tectonic lineament-surface temperature and antimony and iron mineralisation on the southern margin of the Nigde Massif (central Anatolia, Turkey)

Recently, remote sensing studies have been crucial for investigating mineralisation, geothermal areas, and water resources. This study gathered lineament and surface temperature data for the Palaeozoic-middle Eocene-aged rocks on the southern margin of the polyphase-deformed Nigde Massif and the rocks covering these units, from satellite images and field studies. Additionally, the study created a surface temperature map of the area using satellite images. The study analysed the relationship between the satellite-based tectonic lines, the surface temperature map, and the faults, fractures, antimony, and iron minerals identified in the field. The analysis revealed a strong correlation between lineaments, surface temperature maps, and antimony and iron mineralisation. In particular, mineralisation was detected in areas where tectonic lineaments formed by faults and fractures densely concentrate and in areas where the surface temperatures are high. This relationship will make significant contributions to ore exploration and the identification of potential mining areas. Furthermore, foliation planes and highly fractured and faulted structures also proved to be important areas for mineralisation. Lineaments and surface temperature maps will be beneficial for identifying other potential mineralisation areas.