Vol. 337 No. 9 (2026)

DOI https://doi.org/10.18799/24131830/2026/9/5416

Structural-metasomatic criteria for porphyry copper mineralization based on remote sensing data: a case study of the Peschanka deposit (Western Chukotka)

Relevance. Currently, porphyry copper deposits are the main source of copper. Molybdenum and some precious metals are extracted from them along with copper. This determines high practical interest in modern methods of forecasting and prospecting for porphyry copper deposits. Such methods include the interpretation of remote sensing data. Currently, we know any specific cases of the application of ASTER (Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer) and Landsat remote sensing data in the study of porphyry systems in subtropical and similar climates. The climatic conditions of the Russian Federation vary significantly in the degree of exposure, humidity, and erosion intensity. An analysis of remote sensing data covering known porphyry copper systems in Russia and neighboring regions makes it possible to identify their characteristic features and develop a reference model for various metallogenic units within the landscape-climatic settings typical of the Russian Federation. Aim. To develop structural and metasomatic criteria for porphyry copper mineralization based on remote sensing data. Methods. The study utilized ASTER and Landsat-8/9 satellite imagery. The AsterGDEM (ASTER Global Digital Elevation Model) digital elevation model was also used to identify structural patterns. Artificial color, mineral indices, principal components, continuum removal, and limited energy minimization methods were used to identify wallrock metasomatites. Results. Productive intrusive complexes are structurally controlled by faults longitudinal and transverse to the volcano-plutonic belts. Within the productive complexes, deposits are shown to be confined to the junction zones of subsidence structures and secondary fault structures diagonal to the volcano-plutonic belts. Metasomatic alterations of the Peschanka deposit from the rear to the frontal areas are represented by three zones: phyllic, argillic, and propylitic.

For citation: Seirov F.E., Ananyev Yu.S. Structural-metasomatic criteria for porphyry copper mineralization based on remote sensing data: a case study of the Peschanka deposit (Western Chukotka). Bulletin of the Tomsk Polytechnic University. Geo Assets Engineering, 2026, vol. 337, no. 9, pp. 176–189. http://doi.org/10.18799/24131830/2026/9/5416

Keywords:

Peschanka, Baimskaya zone, porphyry copper deposits, remote sensing methods, structural control, metasomatic zoning, ASTER, Landsat

Authors:

Fedor E. Seirov

Yury S. Ananyev

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