Deriving geologic information from satellite remote sensing for mineral exploration in a semi-arid environment: The Troodos Massif, Cyprus

The mineral exploration industry requires new cost-effective techniques to aid in locating the world's remaining mineral deposits not found by traditional exploration methods. Changing environmental, economic and social realities have altered the resource sector's demands for new technologies and methodologies, and reduced the time allowable to implement scientific innovation into operational practice. This thesis develops a satellite remote sensing information extraction methodology which can address the needs of, and the challenges facing, the mineral exploration industry. An approach based on visual interpretation of digitally enhanced imagery was evaluated within the context of an operational project model and a technology transfer perspective. Such a perspective includes building applications which produce acceptable results that are feasible to implement using available levels of technology as defined by the operational reality of the user. The Troodos Massif in Cyprus, was chosen as the site for this study as it is a classic mineral deposit rich in volcanogenic base metal sulphides in a semi-arid environment, and there was identified industrial interest in adopting remote sensing capabilities to a mineral exploration program in this region. The results demonstrate that, for this specific case studied, remote sensing can successfully (from the operational user's perspective) provide information which improves the traditional mineral emplacement model, and that the transfer of applications development to industry can be facilitated by the adoption of systematic project planning.