Eigen vector based analysis of Landsat OLI principal components and constrained energy minimization maps for discriminating iron enriched zones in banded iron formation (BIF) in Sidhi, Madhya Pradesh

Abstract

In this study, we have used visible near infrared (VNIR) and shortwave infrared (SWIR) spectral bands of the Operational Land Imager (OLI) sensor of Landsat 8 satellite to delineate promising areas for iron exploration in the parts of Madhya Pradesh, India. OLI bands resampled laboratory reflectance spectra of Banded Iron Formation (BIF) were used as the reference to identify OLI spectral bands suitable in recording spectral features of Iron bearing minerals. Subsequently, BIFs were delineated in the principal component (PC) image prepared using those PC bands; which had opposite Eigen vector loading for the spectral bands; which recorded absorption minima and shoulder of the spectral feature of iron. Within the BIF, iron enriched zones were identified by integrating constrained energy minimization (CEM) maps of BIF, hematite and limonite-goethite. Integrated CEM map delineating iron enrichment zones was validated in the field based on measured Fe values of samples using X-ray Fluorescence Instrument.

Keywords:

• Landsat OLI
• constrained energy minimization
• eigen vector iron enrichment
• principal component image
• X-ray fluorescence data

Acknowledgements

Authors are grateful to Director, NRSC and Chief Managing Director, NMDC Ltd for their support to carry out the collaborative projects.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).