Ground Magnetic Survey and Remote Sensing for Structural Framework Analysis and hydrothermal alteration of copper mineralization in the Izeroualen Area, Western High Atlas, Morocco

The Izeroualen area, located in the Western High Atlas, stands out as one of the most promising sectors for the exploration of strategic metals, particularly copper and barite. In the context of a growing global demand for these resources, predicting of new targets and identifying high-potential mining zones are of primary importance. This study highlights the contribution of integrating geological data, remote sensing, and ground magnetic surveys identifying relevant exploration targets. The analysis of ASTER and Sentinel-2 satellite imagery enabled the delineation of distinct hydrothermal alteration zones, while also contributing to a detailed litho-structural mapping of the region. The results revealed the presence of mineralized structures exposed at the surface. Copper mineralization, associated with iron oxides, occurs mainly as quartz, calcite, and barite veins, oriented predominantly NE-SW to ENE-WSW, in alignment with the major faults. A clear correlation was observed between the hydrothermal alteration zones and NE-SW-oriented faults. The geophysical survey, based on the magnetic method, revealed several anomalies associated with geological discontinuities, interpreted as brecciated strike-slip faults or mineralized structures dipping northwest, following NE-SW and E-W trends. The findings of this study represent a valuable resource for mineral exploration, providing strategic information for both prospectors and advanced research programs focusing on the mineral potential of the Western High Atlas. The comparison between remote sensing data and geological and geophysical mapping reveals a strong correlation between mineralization and NE-SW-oriented faults, suggesting that the Hercynian and Alpine orogenies have a significant influence on this mineralization.