The discovery of natural resources remains the main mission of Earth observation satellites, especially in geographical areas that have a very difficult accessibility as those of the Bou Azzer–El Graara inlier (Central Anti-Atlas, Morocco). This work investigates the use of different satellite data, such as Sentinel-2A’s multispectral imagery, in order to direct the prospection program in an efficient manner, saving both time and cost. The image processing methods of Landsat 7, 8, and “Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER)” (30 m/15 m) were used to create methods for Sentinel-2A images (10 m). The red, green, blue (RGB) image 12.8.2, 11/12.11/2.11/8, principal component (PC) 1,2,3(11.12.2), and other new images were the result of principal component analysis (PCA), and classification by the Iterative Self-Organizing Data Analysis Technique (ISODATA) and K-Means allowed realization of a lithological cartography as well as maps of lineaments through directional filters and the ratio of 11/12 for hydrothermal alteration zone mapping. The assembly of lithological, structural, and hydrothermal alteration data gave an idea of the mineralogy of the study area. Validity of the results was tested by comparison with the field data and the geological maps of the studied site (62% for the hydrothermal alteration zone, 81% for the lithological map, and 74% for the structural map).

In the southern part of the Imiter inlier, the early Ediacaran basement of the Saghro Group is crosscut by an important swarm of aplitic and pegmatitic dikes that display an extension of several meters and which can exceed 10 in thickness. They are distributed according to two main directions: NE-SW and NW-SE. Petrographic analysis reveals that the pegmatites and aplite primarily consist of quartz, plagioclase, K-feldspar, muscovite, biotite, allanite, and sphene. The BouTeglimt pegmatites, related to the large BouTeglimt granitic and granodioritic plutons, are exterior pegmatites type, hosted in the metamorphic country rocks. Pegmatite zoning is recognized at two scales: internal zoning, representing variations in mineralogy and texture within individual pegmatite bodies, and regional zoning, characterized by increased mineralogical complexity with distance from the granitic source. Using the ASTER sensor, the study investigated significant clayey, phyllitic, and propylitic alterations of the pegmatites, aplite, and their host rocks in the Imiter mine area. Field investigations and mineralogical characterization highlight four new mineralized zones in base and precious metals. These zones are commonly situated at the peripheries of granites or at the contact between the SG series and the late Ediacaran rocks of the Ouarzazate Group. The mineralization is observed in steeply-dipping veins along major E-W faults parallel to the Imiter fault, as well as in stockwork ore within tuffs, lapilli tuff, rhyolite, and disseminated mineralization within various Ouarzazate Group pyroclastic rocks. The ore mineralogy comprises sulfides and oxide minerals. Furthermore, the muscovite-rich BouTeglimt pegmatite and aplite can be considered an excellent exploration indicators due to their occurrence in fertile granites and rare-element pegmatites. They may hold potential as indicators of tantalum mineralization.

Une évaluation approfondie des géo-ressources du plateau de Lakhssas et du massif d’Ifni a été menée en vue d’optimiser l’implantation de carrières. La méthodologie mise en œuvre repose sur la caractérisation géomécanique des affleurements rocheux, couplée à une analyse spatiale par Système d’Information Géographique (SIG). Un échantillonnage représentatif a permis de réaliser des essais géotechniques en laboratoire. Les résultats ont été classifiés selon les normes (Marocaines et Européenne). L’intégration de ces données au SIG a généré une cartographie géotechnique identifiant cinq classes de potentiel d’exploitation: Haut, Moyen, Bas, Très Bas et Nul. L’analyse spatiale démontre qu’environ 72 % de la zone d’étude affiche un potentiel élevé. Cette approche combinant données de terrain et géomatique offre un outil d’aide à la décision performant pour la gestion durable des ressources extractives et la préservation du patrimoine géologique, constituant un cadre méthodologique rigoureux pour le développement responsable du secteur.